As the new year approaches and the unwitting start of a new decade rolls around on the calender, it seems appropriate that the major event in the week before the end is an attempted and failed terrorist attack. An incompetent flunkie failed to blow himself up on Christmas day and once again the panic is raised. New regulations are thrown about without thought and the idea that safety is more important than liberty is flying around conversations much more lightly than it should. This panic is the defining characteristic of the past decade, and it frightens me much more than terrorism ever has.
On one of the national news shows last night they did a piece on the full body scans that have been proposed as mandatory and are in use at several major airports throughout the US. These scans show what amounts to a nude image of the person being scanned to the monitor. The person being interviewed said that this tech would have been able to spot the bomb that the most recent bomber used when other methods failed. And then claimed that acceptance of an invasion of privacy like this was the way to handle it. While it might be true that it could have spotted the bomb, acceptance of a violation of personal privacy is never the proper way for a modern society to cope. Freedom and liberty must be the first considerations. And to have a life size nude picture broadcast against your will is a violation that shouldn't be accepted. Yeah, the choice to show yourself like that should be allowed and not condemned at all, but to be forced to against your will is akin to rape. Why not make everyone just fly naked? It would be much more fun.
The other argument that has been voiced loudly recently is to adopt the more direct profiling system that Israel uses. The argument is pure effectiveness. Israel openly profiles, openly bans and searches people without cause except the profile, and they have not had a successful hijacking in nearly 30 years. I cannot argue against the effectiveness of the policy. But liberty and justice for all was not what Israel was founded on. It is what the United States is all about. Israel has let the terrorist win by sacrificing the freedoms of a modern society in order to maintain safety. It makes the country paranoid and leads to a list of human rights violations and half the population of the area being completely disenfranchised and a cycle of violence that continues on and on. We are supposed to be better than this. We are supposed to be the shining example of freedom and hope and liberty and justice for the world to aspire to. A country founded on reason and thought, not panic and fear. When we sacrifice these ideals then it is the same as letting the terrorists win.
The thing is, the bombing attempt could have been prevented by people just doing their jobs now. He was on terror watch lists, which should have flagged him. He was known to have attended terror training camps which should have had him under surveillance. His own father called the US embassy and said that his son should not be allowed to fly. Good police work, people doing their jobs, and following up leads that weren't obtained by any violations of privacy rights should have stopped this man. The question should be why didn't it? Is it a sign that we need more people working for security? Is it a sign that the people who are working security need to do their jobs better? Is it part of a plot to make Obama look like a weak liberal pussy? Ok, yeah the last is a bit facetious but still, the point stands. We as a society, as citizens, must ask these questions and not get caught up in the panic that is so easy to be swept up in. We must find solutions that fit with our laws, our national constitution, and the idea that perfection is obtainable.
Alright, those are my ramblings. Leave some love or leave some hate. The next one might be a last 10 years in review type blog that is extremely emo and laughable for most of you. But hey, it's my blog and I can write what I want to.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Meeting Neil Gaiman
Would have written this sooner, but the experience took a couple of days to settle in. It was amazing.
Have to start by setting the ambiance. Going to Atlanta, a fog set in, the kind that we never see around here. Middle of the afternoon, the clouds seemed to touch the ground, a gray blanket that wrapped goosebumps around your arms. A picturesque fog that belonged across the pond, not in Georgia. It never rained until much later, but the fog stuck around. Waiting out in it for the couple of hours before the doors opened just heightened the anticipation. We waited behind a girl who was knitting a Doctor Who scarf, and another girl who I swear I lived in the same dorm as in college.
The doors finally opened and the crowd filed in and filled a large auditorium in no time at all. They even opened up an overflow room with a live feed of Gaiman talking. The place was packed and the anticipation heavy.
Then finally, the introduction was made, with the amazement at the audience for a 'children's author's audience' and Gaiman came out. He made jokes about the weather, then took a book from a kid in the audience, and did a reading from "Odd and the Frost Giants." First off, wow. I'd seen films of him reading, but it doesn't prepare you. He reads so wonderfully well. Made me want to go out and buy audiobooks just becuase he reads most of his own. Hypnotic, colourful, and had this 30 year old hanging on the edge of his seat like he was 3. Secondly, he takes Norse mythology and turns it into children's books. If that isn't beautiful, I don't know what is.
After reading a couple of chapters, he answered audience questions. Mostly regarding "Coraline," "The Graveyard Book," and "Odd". Though the meaning of life did come up, and he answered in a way that was possibly better than the standard 42. The question that stands out though was about "Coraline." He was asked where he got the idea for the button eyes. His honest answer was that he couldn't remember, but that whenever he finally got his rectangular, box shaped time machine, before flitting off through time and space having all sorts of adventures, he would go back to around 1991 and ask himself if he had thought of the button eyes yet. Then would tell himself to remember when he did because that would be the most popular question in the future. Yeah, it's much funnier listening to him tell it. The other question that stands out was also about "Coraline" and the answer involved asking at his local bookstore about "gothic horror for 5 year olds," the looks that brought about, and the decision to write his own.
Following the Q&A session, he read a chapter from "The Graveyard Book." It was the chapter where Bod goes and asks the poet for advice. If you've got a copy, go look it up and imagine the enthusiasm that Gaiman read it with. It was wonderful to listen to. The fact that it was one of my favorite scenes in the book was just icing on the cake.
After the second reading, the signing began. They let the families with children go first, and then did the rest by rows. It went smoothly, or at least the first part did. We were sitting in the second and third rows, respectively and were in the first group of rows called. The line was moving quite quickly, but there were enough people there that he was probably signing all night. Talking to him was amazing, even though I almost stumbled over my tongue and sounded like an even bigger fool than normal. My brother gave him an engraving he had done for a project of Morpheus and Daniel, which got sincere praise and left him still walking on clouds. Hell, when we left, all three of us were giddy as schoolgirls.
It was a wonderful experience. Neil Gaiman has no right to be as amazing a person as he is. That much talent wrapped up in a nice guy. If you're not reading his stuff, go find some now. If you are, then yes, he is as awesome as he seems.
Have to start by setting the ambiance. Going to Atlanta, a fog set in, the kind that we never see around here. Middle of the afternoon, the clouds seemed to touch the ground, a gray blanket that wrapped goosebumps around your arms. A picturesque fog that belonged across the pond, not in Georgia. It never rained until much later, but the fog stuck around. Waiting out in it for the couple of hours before the doors opened just heightened the anticipation. We waited behind a girl who was knitting a Doctor Who scarf, and another girl who I swear I lived in the same dorm as in college.
The doors finally opened and the crowd filed in and filled a large auditorium in no time at all. They even opened up an overflow room with a live feed of Gaiman talking. The place was packed and the anticipation heavy.
Then finally, the introduction was made, with the amazement at the audience for a 'children's author's audience' and Gaiman came out. He made jokes about the weather, then took a book from a kid in the audience, and did a reading from "Odd and the Frost Giants." First off, wow. I'd seen films of him reading, but it doesn't prepare you. He reads so wonderfully well. Made me want to go out and buy audiobooks just becuase he reads most of his own. Hypnotic, colourful, and had this 30 year old hanging on the edge of his seat like he was 3. Secondly, he takes Norse mythology and turns it into children's books. If that isn't beautiful, I don't know what is.
After reading a couple of chapters, he answered audience questions. Mostly regarding "Coraline," "The Graveyard Book," and "Odd". Though the meaning of life did come up, and he answered in a way that was possibly better than the standard 42. The question that stands out though was about "Coraline." He was asked where he got the idea for the button eyes. His honest answer was that he couldn't remember, but that whenever he finally got his rectangular, box shaped time machine, before flitting off through time and space having all sorts of adventures, he would go back to around 1991 and ask himself if he had thought of the button eyes yet. Then would tell himself to remember when he did because that would be the most popular question in the future. Yeah, it's much funnier listening to him tell it. The other question that stands out was also about "Coraline" and the answer involved asking at his local bookstore about "gothic horror for 5 year olds," the looks that brought about, and the decision to write his own.
Following the Q&A session, he read a chapter from "The Graveyard Book." It was the chapter where Bod goes and asks the poet for advice. If you've got a copy, go look it up and imagine the enthusiasm that Gaiman read it with. It was wonderful to listen to. The fact that it was one of my favorite scenes in the book was just icing on the cake.
After the second reading, the signing began. They let the families with children go first, and then did the rest by rows. It went smoothly, or at least the first part did. We were sitting in the second and third rows, respectively and were in the first group of rows called. The line was moving quite quickly, but there were enough people there that he was probably signing all night. Talking to him was amazing, even though I almost stumbled over my tongue and sounded like an even bigger fool than normal. My brother gave him an engraving he had done for a project of Morpheus and Daniel, which got sincere praise and left him still walking on clouds. Hell, when we left, all three of us were giddy as schoolgirls.
It was a wonderful experience. Neil Gaiman has no right to be as amazing a person as he is. That much talent wrapped up in a nice guy. If you're not reading his stuff, go find some now. If you are, then yes, he is as awesome as he seems.
Monday, November 9, 2009
It was 20 years ago today...
Monday marked the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin wall. It's one of those events that I can remember watching unfold and being amazed at. Even more than Tienanmen square. The wall was such a symbol of oppression, of the opposition of what America stood for. It had a feeling like the pyramids, of permanence and menace that was unmatched. A place where taking one step over a line would get you shot.
Now it is barely a memory for those who live in Berlin. A nightmare for the older generations, most of whom have already passed. What lessons have we learned? Not many it seems. Just a reminder of how old some of us are.
Now it is barely a memory for those who live in Berlin. A nightmare for the older generations, most of whom have already passed. What lessons have we learned? Not many it seems. Just a reminder of how old some of us are.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Thoughts on off year elections and Fort Hood
Trying to get back into the habit of writing while a topic is relevant. Might take some time and some getting used to, but here it goes. This past Tuesday, in a "shocking" reversal from last year, several important elections went to Republican candidates. The media and the Left seemed to be surprised at this turn out, and the Right has seen it as furthering their agenda. Both sides are going to the wrong conclusions. The situation would be humorous if it wasn't such serious business. Heads must remain level, and the conclusions must be drawn in small steps.
Let's start with the Left's reaction. They have tried to play it off as nothing, but the way they say things reveals their true feelings. They are scared that after finally regaining control of congress and the white house that they will lose it even quicker. They will move to abandon principles that seem to raise the public ire, and what little spine they had left will vanish. The Left suffers from a major disbelief that the center of the country is more to the right than it actually is. They were elected on a platform of ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and on health care reform. And they have fallen through, seen as dragging their feet, and as a complete failure. Instead of focusing on their principles, standing for something, they sell out the principles that they were elected on. Democrats in congress fight among themselves like rats over the last scrap of cheese in amaze. And then they try to compromise in the best traditions of republican government, but compromise is impossible when one side is unwilling to move. The Right simply opposes anything the Left puts forth and the Left refuses to take the initiative and push something through in line with what the people actually want. The half assed health care reform that is being put forth is worse than not doing anything. Make radical changes, that is what you were elected for. Don't be scared of it because someone like Glen Beck is against it. Contrary to what he wants to believe, he is not representative of the majority of America. There is not a "silent majority" that opposes everything you are doing. You just have to have the backbone to do something.
The Right on the other hand is claiming a victory for their principles. There is no evidence of that what so ever. But there has been a backlash against the Democrats which they have been able to capitalize on in a very very small way. The petty infighting and ineffectiveness of the Left in congress and across the country has done more to harm the Left than anything the Right has ever done. Just they understand enough of how to capitalize on their opponents mistakes. The Right is much better at seeming effective, which is what swayed votes their way this time. If the Left could make something happen, something that is felt on the streets, something that is for the good of the country and the world, then that would squelch the backlash.
Now for the much touchier subject, the shootings at Fort Hood. It is a tragedy of grave proportions. But it should not be used as a lynch pin for more racism. The fact is the man who did the shooting was an doctor and a major, educated and a career army officer. An American citizen who had served his country for years. No evidence that I have heard is anywhere near proof that he was a Muslim extremist, sleeper agent, or anything of the like. He was an army man who lost it. That is what the focus should be on. The lives that were lost are heartbreaking. But the backlash that will follow in public perception and extremist media is a disgrace to everything that those in the military supposedly fight for.
Let's start with the Left's reaction. They have tried to play it off as nothing, but the way they say things reveals their true feelings. They are scared that after finally regaining control of congress and the white house that they will lose it even quicker. They will move to abandon principles that seem to raise the public ire, and what little spine they had left will vanish. The Left suffers from a major disbelief that the center of the country is more to the right than it actually is. They were elected on a platform of ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and on health care reform. And they have fallen through, seen as dragging their feet, and as a complete failure. Instead of focusing on their principles, standing for something, they sell out the principles that they were elected on. Democrats in congress fight among themselves like rats over the last scrap of cheese in amaze. And then they try to compromise in the best traditions of republican government, but compromise is impossible when one side is unwilling to move. The Right simply opposes anything the Left puts forth and the Left refuses to take the initiative and push something through in line with what the people actually want. The half assed health care reform that is being put forth is worse than not doing anything. Make radical changes, that is what you were elected for. Don't be scared of it because someone like Glen Beck is against it. Contrary to what he wants to believe, he is not representative of the majority of America. There is not a "silent majority" that opposes everything you are doing. You just have to have the backbone to do something.
The Right on the other hand is claiming a victory for their principles. There is no evidence of that what so ever. But there has been a backlash against the Democrats which they have been able to capitalize on in a very very small way. The petty infighting and ineffectiveness of the Left in congress and across the country has done more to harm the Left than anything the Right has ever done. Just they understand enough of how to capitalize on their opponents mistakes. The Right is much better at seeming effective, which is what swayed votes their way this time. If the Left could make something happen, something that is felt on the streets, something that is for the good of the country and the world, then that would squelch the backlash.
Now for the much touchier subject, the shootings at Fort Hood. It is a tragedy of grave proportions. But it should not be used as a lynch pin for more racism. The fact is the man who did the shooting was an doctor and a major, educated and a career army officer. An American citizen who had served his country for years. No evidence that I have heard is anywhere near proof that he was a Muslim extremist, sleeper agent, or anything of the like. He was an army man who lost it. That is what the focus should be on. The lives that were lost are heartbreaking. But the backlash that will follow in public perception and extremist media is a disgrace to everything that those in the military supposedly fight for.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Epistemophobia
The title means fear of knowledge. I actually had to look it up, though the roots should have made it obvious. Epistemology is the branch of philosophy that deals with the study of knowledge, what can be known, what can be learned, and the extent of knowledge. It was never my favorite branch of philosophy, but the root words are the same. The reason I didn't enjoy epistemology was because I could not stand the idea that there were limits on what people can know. There are limits to what science can reveal, but like metaphysics, epistemology seems to belong more in the realm of science. When knowledge is seen to be limited, then limits are placed on humanity's ability to better itself. Knowledge of something does not mean action.
But after that slight devolution, I return to the main topic of this blog, the fear of knowledge. This is the third or fourth time I've tried to write about this subject, hopefully this one won't get ruined, lost or interrupted. The fear of knowledge is the root of every other problem that faces this country. Both the left and the right face a stark fear of learning that paralyzes both. The fear of learning and knowledge comes from different angles, and about completely different subjects, the root of the problem is still ignorance and fear. The changes in the education system contribute to this problem by not encouraging expansion of learning, but rather a narrow set of standards that must be adhered to. Teaching in preparation for multiple choice tests does not lead to students learning, it may lead to higher test scores, but not to students actually learning. When schools don't teach, the colleges are forced to either dumb down their curriculum, or start by teaching things that students should already have learned. This leads to a retardation and the dumbing down of college degrees.
The right wing fears science. They hide behind religion and foolish notions that denying science makes it untrue. Right wingers and their followers use blind faith to mask a fear that they have of their world view being wrong. They grow in power and their fear dominates their thought. They use ignorance as a basis for power. Occasionally one will try to doctor belief up in the mask of science, but they are completely lacking in any credibility when it comes to this. Evolution is their biggest fear, followed by physics, astronomy, and anything that challenges their extremely narrow world view.
The other area where right wing thought fails is economics. Libertarians who aren't afraid of science, like most right wingers, hide behind free market economics as the fix all for problems of all sorts. Their problem comes when they seek to deny the knowledge that Smith's free market was based on a false assumption. The founding principle of the free market is that people will act in their own best interest. As society has advanced, this has become less and less true. They may act in what they think is their own best interest, but in modern society that has developed into actions based on greed. The bank collapses of the past year, the stock market crashes, everything points not to acting from thought out, long term self interest, but from short term greed. There is a major denial in this from so many directions that I can't even begin to name them all. But that is what facts show, to deny this knowledge is equivalent to denying that the sun rises every morning.
From the left the most obvious fear is the fear that Democrats are seen as having of firearms. So much fear is spread by left wingers who see them as the root of evil and their proliferation as a sign of nothing good. A lot of these people have never handled a gun, I would bet even that many have never seen one up close. Yet they are struck by an irrational fear of something they know very very little about. And instead of promoting a course of knowledge, they prefer to fear monger and try to ban a constitutionally protected right. This fear is pure foolishness, at least as much as the right wing denying evolution. The right doesn't do much to correct this problem though, they hide behind racism and the idea of privileged knowledge which is just as bad as ignorance. The much more educated approach would be admitting that first people are going to own guns. It's a part of the fabric of America. That people need to be educated on the proper handling of firearms and that that should be as ingrained as the right to bear arms. And that education should be extended to all, so that none may claim naiveté.
Societies live and fall by the limits they put on things. Rome fell because they failed to acknowledge their dealings with the "barbarians" made the barbarians stronger and more educated. The Dark Ages gave light to the Renaissance when people dared challenge orthodoxy. The Enlightenment was an extension of this denial of belief with reason. The world stands at a crossroads now. Education and knowledge could propel humanity to great heights, or fear of knowledge and the unknown can haul the world back into a distopia of ignorance and inequality unequaled in history.
There are those that would say that I'm a foolish optimist for hoping that humanity could embrace knowledge when ignorance is easier. It could be true, but I would rather be optimistic about this than right and cynical. Hope in the greatness of humanity is the anchor I tie myself to. It's to much nicer than the alternative. I might be guilty of the same thing I accuse others of, denying knowledge that is evident, but the jury is still out on this one.
But after that slight devolution, I return to the main topic of this blog, the fear of knowledge. This is the third or fourth time I've tried to write about this subject, hopefully this one won't get ruined, lost or interrupted. The fear of knowledge is the root of every other problem that faces this country. Both the left and the right face a stark fear of learning that paralyzes both. The fear of learning and knowledge comes from different angles, and about completely different subjects, the root of the problem is still ignorance and fear. The changes in the education system contribute to this problem by not encouraging expansion of learning, but rather a narrow set of standards that must be adhered to. Teaching in preparation for multiple choice tests does not lead to students learning, it may lead to higher test scores, but not to students actually learning. When schools don't teach, the colleges are forced to either dumb down their curriculum, or start by teaching things that students should already have learned. This leads to a retardation and the dumbing down of college degrees.
The right wing fears science. They hide behind religion and foolish notions that denying science makes it untrue. Right wingers and their followers use blind faith to mask a fear that they have of their world view being wrong. They grow in power and their fear dominates their thought. They use ignorance as a basis for power. Occasionally one will try to doctor belief up in the mask of science, but they are completely lacking in any credibility when it comes to this. Evolution is their biggest fear, followed by physics, astronomy, and anything that challenges their extremely narrow world view.
The other area where right wing thought fails is economics. Libertarians who aren't afraid of science, like most right wingers, hide behind free market economics as the fix all for problems of all sorts. Their problem comes when they seek to deny the knowledge that Smith's free market was based on a false assumption. The founding principle of the free market is that people will act in their own best interest. As society has advanced, this has become less and less true. They may act in what they think is their own best interest, but in modern society that has developed into actions based on greed. The bank collapses of the past year, the stock market crashes, everything points not to acting from thought out, long term self interest, but from short term greed. There is a major denial in this from so many directions that I can't even begin to name them all. But that is what facts show, to deny this knowledge is equivalent to denying that the sun rises every morning.
From the left the most obvious fear is the fear that Democrats are seen as having of firearms. So much fear is spread by left wingers who see them as the root of evil and their proliferation as a sign of nothing good. A lot of these people have never handled a gun, I would bet even that many have never seen one up close. Yet they are struck by an irrational fear of something they know very very little about. And instead of promoting a course of knowledge, they prefer to fear monger and try to ban a constitutionally protected right. This fear is pure foolishness, at least as much as the right wing denying evolution. The right doesn't do much to correct this problem though, they hide behind racism and the idea of privileged knowledge which is just as bad as ignorance. The much more educated approach would be admitting that first people are going to own guns. It's a part of the fabric of America. That people need to be educated on the proper handling of firearms and that that should be as ingrained as the right to bear arms. And that education should be extended to all, so that none may claim naiveté.
Societies live and fall by the limits they put on things. Rome fell because they failed to acknowledge their dealings with the "barbarians" made the barbarians stronger and more educated. The Dark Ages gave light to the Renaissance when people dared challenge orthodoxy. The Enlightenment was an extension of this denial of belief with reason. The world stands at a crossroads now. Education and knowledge could propel humanity to great heights, or fear of knowledge and the unknown can haul the world back into a distopia of ignorance and inequality unequaled in history.
There are those that would say that I'm a foolish optimist for hoping that humanity could embrace knowledge when ignorance is easier. It could be true, but I would rather be optimistic about this than right and cynical. Hope in the greatness of humanity is the anchor I tie myself to. It's to much nicer than the alternative. I might be guilty of the same thing I accuse others of, denying knowledge that is evident, but the jury is still out on this one.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Book Review: An Echo in the Bone
Alright, trying to figure out where to start on this one really. Just wow. How to review without spoiling and giving away anything...and still not sound like a blathering idiot. Maybe the simplest thing to do would be to say that this is my favorite book in the series since Dragonfly in Amber? It is amazing and kept me on my toes the whole time. There were some parts that were foreseeable, but that's to be expected when dealing with historical events. But the parts of the personal interactiong of characters, could see the conflict coming, but most of the time she took it in a different direction that was expected.
There were some parts, especially near the end that did seem a bit forced. Characters seemed a bit pushed into holes they didn't quite fit in, and some of the relationship stuff seemed a bit soap operaish. But this is a very very minor complaint. The rest of the book was amazing. The research that Gabaldon puts in is beyond words fantastic. So much historical accuracy, but told in ways that make it nailbiting and fun beyond words to read.
It was a bit hard to follow at first as well. Alot of skiping around, people in different places, at different times, and the same time, working in the same direction. And alot of perviously minor characters from several books ago coming back with new importance. But I will admit, this could just be because it has been a while since I've read the series, and that could just be a personal thing. But the way that Gabaldon does the jumping around in this book is much more fluid than when she was doing it in Voyager. It just seemed less random, and not as cliched as some parts of Voyager.
Alright, not sure I can go on much more without sounding completely idiotic. Go read this book. I loved it. After a bit of a slump in the last book, Gabaldon is back on form in this one.
There were some parts, especially near the end that did seem a bit forced. Characters seemed a bit pushed into holes they didn't quite fit in, and some of the relationship stuff seemed a bit soap operaish. But this is a very very minor complaint. The rest of the book was amazing. The research that Gabaldon puts in is beyond words fantastic. So much historical accuracy, but told in ways that make it nailbiting and fun beyond words to read.
It was a bit hard to follow at first as well. Alot of skiping around, people in different places, at different times, and the same time, working in the same direction. And alot of perviously minor characters from several books ago coming back with new importance. But I will admit, this could just be because it has been a while since I've read the series, and that could just be a personal thing. But the way that Gabaldon does the jumping around in this book is much more fluid than when she was doing it in Voyager. It just seemed less random, and not as cliched as some parts of Voyager.
Alright, not sure I can go on much more without sounding completely idiotic. Go read this book. I loved it. After a bit of a slump in the last book, Gabaldon is back on form in this one.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Thoughts from after the rains
With the weather here lately, my thoughts have lingered on the power of water, floods, and the terror they hold. Until now, floods of this magnitude were something that happened elsewhere. I mean, yeah, occasionally a river would overflow, back up, spill over, whatever you want to call it. But serious flooding had never crossed most people's minds. The weather of the past two weeks has shown just how damaging they can be in a modern society. Major cities struggling with containment, houses destroyed, lives lost and there was nothing that could be done to stop it.
New Orleans after Katrina was even worse. A major US city, one of the busiest port cities in the nation nearly wiped from the map. The aftermath was a fools errand, but the destructive capacity of water was shown in full force. Arguments have been made about global warming, how much of an impact mankind has on the weather, and what not. But those are topics for a later blog. This one has a slightly more positive slant.
In the aftermath of such flooding, it makes me wonder how mankind ever survived to begin with. And it fills me with pride in being human. Imagine the first settlements that later developed into cities that humans began to make. All around rivers with fertile flood plains. Those first real signs of mankind's potential in a zone that the dangers were known. The people who settled there knew that their lives depended on the river and its cycles. They lived every day knowing that the rivers should flow by normally, except at the times of year when it was supposed to flood. They charted, the observed, and they used logic to draw wonderfully skilled and accurate conclusions about their world that amaze even us.
That's one of the things that really pisses me off about people that try to say the pyramids and all the other great monuments of ancient history were built by aliens. The people that lived then were no dumber than we are today. They didn't have the technology that modern man has, but they had all the brain power to accomplish great feats. How does Stonehenge align so perfectly with the sky? Because the people who built it lives depended on knowledge of the world around them. They charted everything they could to make their lives easier, and those beautiful observations drove them to record it. And their religions gave rise to ceremonies around the symbols, trying to exercise some control over a world that they could observe and think about and draw conclusions over, but that their control was limited.
But that is another topic for another time. The fact that they understood the cycles came not from any mystic connection with Nature, but from the realization that their lives hung on a very thin balance. They could see the cycles, follow them, but at any point freak storms could send the river swelling, and those civilizations could have been wiped away. Mankind could have vanished in a torrent. It is no wonder that flood myths are so wide spread. They come from the knowledge that everything that made us who we are could be taken away for no reason at all, completely randomly.
It is a wonder that we have survived as long as we have. The fact that we did learn to control our envirornment so is a testimate to what people can do when we put our minds to things. When we dare to dream and take the risk to reach our full potential. That belief in mankind, in humanity, in a drive to do great things is what is lacking so often in the modern consciousness.
You know, I'm sure the ideas were much clearer in my head than my fingers have decided to put them out on here. If you think I'm a rambling fool, then leave a comment, if you think something else, also, feel free to comment.
New Orleans after Katrina was even worse. A major US city, one of the busiest port cities in the nation nearly wiped from the map. The aftermath was a fools errand, but the destructive capacity of water was shown in full force. Arguments have been made about global warming, how much of an impact mankind has on the weather, and what not. But those are topics for a later blog. This one has a slightly more positive slant.
In the aftermath of such flooding, it makes me wonder how mankind ever survived to begin with. And it fills me with pride in being human. Imagine the first settlements that later developed into cities that humans began to make. All around rivers with fertile flood plains. Those first real signs of mankind's potential in a zone that the dangers were known. The people who settled there knew that their lives depended on the river and its cycles. They lived every day knowing that the rivers should flow by normally, except at the times of year when it was supposed to flood. They charted, the observed, and they used logic to draw wonderfully skilled and accurate conclusions about their world that amaze even us.
That's one of the things that really pisses me off about people that try to say the pyramids and all the other great monuments of ancient history were built by aliens. The people that lived then were no dumber than we are today. They didn't have the technology that modern man has, but they had all the brain power to accomplish great feats. How does Stonehenge align so perfectly with the sky? Because the people who built it lives depended on knowledge of the world around them. They charted everything they could to make their lives easier, and those beautiful observations drove them to record it. And their religions gave rise to ceremonies around the symbols, trying to exercise some control over a world that they could observe and think about and draw conclusions over, but that their control was limited.
But that is another topic for another time. The fact that they understood the cycles came not from any mystic connection with Nature, but from the realization that their lives hung on a very thin balance. They could see the cycles, follow them, but at any point freak storms could send the river swelling, and those civilizations could have been wiped away. Mankind could have vanished in a torrent. It is no wonder that flood myths are so wide spread. They come from the knowledge that everything that made us who we are could be taken away for no reason at all, completely randomly.
It is a wonder that we have survived as long as we have. The fact that we did learn to control our envirornment so is a testimate to what people can do when we put our minds to things. When we dare to dream and take the risk to reach our full potential. That belief in mankind, in humanity, in a drive to do great things is what is lacking so often in the modern consciousness.
You know, I'm sure the ideas were much clearer in my head than my fingers have decided to put them out on here. If you think I'm a rambling fool, then leave a comment, if you think something else, also, feel free to comment.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A revelation on Revelations
After much thought about a subject that should be an easy answer, a realization dawned on me about a subject that has absolutely no relevance to anything to do with the first subject. The first subject is more than slightly personal and quite boring, so won't be talked about here. But the second subject is much more interesting and earth shattering. I have finally figured out the popularity of both Biblical and non religious doomsday prophecy.
It's a subject that has always fascinated me mainly because I couldn't understand why anyone would want the world to end. Given where I am from, it's a popular subject and people are all about the saving before the end times. As much as people try to wrap it up in a message of hope, it has always come off like the largest load of bullshit in the world. The popularity of the "Left Behind" series, pseudo-documentaries on Armageddon, 2012, televangelists preaching the end is near...it all rang as completely meaningless drivel of the highest class, to be laughed at but never taken seriously. The fact that so many people do made me shake my head and gave me a ton of laughter. But now that things have clicked, I am more disgusted about the subject than I have been about anything in a long time.
Yesterday, I realized that the appeal is in complete apathy. A total lack of caring about the future. It hit me like a kick in the balls and I wondered why I had never seen it before. It's the perfect justification for greed, slovenly practices, and a complete lack of caring about tomorrow, about the future of the planet, and about the next ten generations. People convince themselves that the end is just around the corner, so there is no need to do anything to help the world, to contribute, to think ahead in a positive manner. It is such a radical idea for me because it is so far away from the way I think about things, from the way anyone who is sane and has half a brain should think about things.
Yes, I'm well aware of the history, that every generation for at least the past 2000 years has thought that they were in the last generation to survive. These were normally very local, very confined systems of belief that died out with the death of those preaching it. They have always been wrong, but yet the belief persisted. But with today's wide spread ease of communication, more and more people are roped in, and the message is pounded in from angles that have never been available before. Even those who aren't religious have their own pseudo scientific classification of belief about a coming apocalypse and are pumping those fake facts for all that they are worth. And due to the growing popularity of these beliefs, very few people are standing up and calling it the bullshit that it is. And this disgusts me. How the hell can people be so lazy, so greedy, so narrow minded that they can't see the future for all the bright possibilities it holds? For all my cynicism, I do have the highest belief in mankind. Not because of any divine providence, or mistaken belief that we are the highest possible rung on the evolutionary ladder. But because we do have sentience, the ability to think and effect the world around us.
The world needs long term thinkers. It needs people to speak up, to press the idea that today's actions will have effects 100 years from now, hell, 500 or 1,000 years from now, just like events from our past shape who we are today. That we are responsible for our time on this planet even more so than in the past. We have a duty to ourselves, to our posterity, to do what is best based on given data, on facts, on reason. Not to act on the short term lunacy which we are so easily taken by. We hold more power to change the world, for better or for worse, than at any time in the past. Actions must be thought through for the future, for possible impacts, for the things that we can see and those we can't. We must be willing to alter our ways of doing things, our thought processes, our lives and our actions for what could be. People need not be afraid of change, of ideas being turned on their heads, of abandoning beliefs that have no logic behind them at all.
Am I arguing for a total abandonment of religious thought? No way. It is a fundamental part of humanity to make up stories, to believe odd things, to try and make sense of our place in the world. Ethics, religion, morality, creativity all need a place any future that I would want to live in. That is what so many "skeptics" and "rationalists" refuse to see. They get stuck in their own narrow view of things and cling to certain principles that have no more basis in fact than most religions.
And that is why I take refuge in science fiction. Good scifi can highlight the wonderful dreams of humanity as well as it's darkest nightmares. It serves to inspire and to warn in a way that no other form of literature or other media can. Star Trek is probably the most well known example of bright and shiny sci-fi. It shows mankind as what it could be, in its highest form, reaching for the starts, reaching for beyond. And that is the message that is lost from every other facet of life today. There are few Jeffersons, Paines, or Rousseaus any more, whose ideas of hope and prosperity swept through the world three centuries ago. Politicians thing small, leaders think small, and that makes citizens think small. Religious leaders that once served to provide hope, preach despair and offer solace only in the coming end. Philosophers find the most dismal views of humanity to be the most proper, wrapping themselves in relativism and 'science based' metaphysics. Only in sci-fi do we get the sweeping, hopeful, bright vision of humanity that religion and philosophy has provided in the past.
Yes, I am probably a romantic and a fool for ever believing this. But I would rather be such than be a naysayer. To wrap myself in simple human greed is to sell out imagination and hope and is for fools who can't see further than their next desire. To believe that the world will end without any reason and to base all action on getting prepared for that is the behavior of an idiot. To plan for, to change, to adapt, to dream and to hope in the highest is the proper action for a well meaning human being.
It's a subject that has always fascinated me mainly because I couldn't understand why anyone would want the world to end. Given where I am from, it's a popular subject and people are all about the saving before the end times. As much as people try to wrap it up in a message of hope, it has always come off like the largest load of bullshit in the world. The popularity of the "Left Behind" series, pseudo-documentaries on Armageddon, 2012, televangelists preaching the end is near...it all rang as completely meaningless drivel of the highest class, to be laughed at but never taken seriously. The fact that so many people do made me shake my head and gave me a ton of laughter. But now that things have clicked, I am more disgusted about the subject than I have been about anything in a long time.
Yesterday, I realized that the appeal is in complete apathy. A total lack of caring about the future. It hit me like a kick in the balls and I wondered why I had never seen it before. It's the perfect justification for greed, slovenly practices, and a complete lack of caring about tomorrow, about the future of the planet, and about the next ten generations. People convince themselves that the end is just around the corner, so there is no need to do anything to help the world, to contribute, to think ahead in a positive manner. It is such a radical idea for me because it is so far away from the way I think about things, from the way anyone who is sane and has half a brain should think about things.
Yes, I'm well aware of the history, that every generation for at least the past 2000 years has thought that they were in the last generation to survive. These were normally very local, very confined systems of belief that died out with the death of those preaching it. They have always been wrong, but yet the belief persisted. But with today's wide spread ease of communication, more and more people are roped in, and the message is pounded in from angles that have never been available before. Even those who aren't religious have their own pseudo scientific classification of belief about a coming apocalypse and are pumping those fake facts for all that they are worth. And due to the growing popularity of these beliefs, very few people are standing up and calling it the bullshit that it is. And this disgusts me. How the hell can people be so lazy, so greedy, so narrow minded that they can't see the future for all the bright possibilities it holds? For all my cynicism, I do have the highest belief in mankind. Not because of any divine providence, or mistaken belief that we are the highest possible rung on the evolutionary ladder. But because we do have sentience, the ability to think and effect the world around us.
The world needs long term thinkers. It needs people to speak up, to press the idea that today's actions will have effects 100 years from now, hell, 500 or 1,000 years from now, just like events from our past shape who we are today. That we are responsible for our time on this planet even more so than in the past. We have a duty to ourselves, to our posterity, to do what is best based on given data, on facts, on reason. Not to act on the short term lunacy which we are so easily taken by. We hold more power to change the world, for better or for worse, than at any time in the past. Actions must be thought through for the future, for possible impacts, for the things that we can see and those we can't. We must be willing to alter our ways of doing things, our thought processes, our lives and our actions for what could be. People need not be afraid of change, of ideas being turned on their heads, of abandoning beliefs that have no logic behind them at all.
Am I arguing for a total abandonment of religious thought? No way. It is a fundamental part of humanity to make up stories, to believe odd things, to try and make sense of our place in the world. Ethics, religion, morality, creativity all need a place any future that I would want to live in. That is what so many "skeptics" and "rationalists" refuse to see. They get stuck in their own narrow view of things and cling to certain principles that have no more basis in fact than most religions.
And that is why I take refuge in science fiction. Good scifi can highlight the wonderful dreams of humanity as well as it's darkest nightmares. It serves to inspire and to warn in a way that no other form of literature or other media can. Star Trek is probably the most well known example of bright and shiny sci-fi. It shows mankind as what it could be, in its highest form, reaching for the starts, reaching for beyond. And that is the message that is lost from every other facet of life today. There are few Jeffersons, Paines, or Rousseaus any more, whose ideas of hope and prosperity swept through the world three centuries ago. Politicians thing small, leaders think small, and that makes citizens think small. Religious leaders that once served to provide hope, preach despair and offer solace only in the coming end. Philosophers find the most dismal views of humanity to be the most proper, wrapping themselves in relativism and 'science based' metaphysics. Only in sci-fi do we get the sweeping, hopeful, bright vision of humanity that religion and philosophy has provided in the past.
Yes, I am probably a romantic and a fool for ever believing this. But I would rather be such than be a naysayer. To wrap myself in simple human greed is to sell out imagination and hope and is for fools who can't see further than their next desire. To believe that the world will end without any reason and to base all action on getting prepared for that is the behavior of an idiot. To plan for, to change, to adapt, to dream and to hope in the highest is the proper action for a well meaning human being.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Book Review: Sandman: Book of Dreams
Alright, it's been a while since I've written anything like this, but here we go, book review combined with soul searching. Fun stuff no? Book of Dreams is a companion volume to Neil Gaiman's Sandman comic series. It's a collection of short stories by various authors about Morpheus and the other Endless. It's an amazing read that really fucked with my dreams. Both those sleeping and awake.
Certain stories stand out in both style and disturbance. The first story is a well written little dream of love. Light and playful, with just a hint of the depth that is to follow. Dreams of lost loves and those unrequited haunt me this time of year. The story made me face some of those feelings and although it wasn't my favorite or the best written of the collection, it did bring a smile to my face, bittersweet as it may be.
The best two stories were also a couple of the most disturbing and most uplifting. "Seven Nights in Slumberland" is about a boy's quest to fulfill desire, both his and others. The path the child follows is amazingly moving and quite detailed, the hero's quest in microchasm. In his journey through his own dreams, the child meets all of the Endless minus the missing one. Each shows him something different, each testing the resolve that one may have. Death being of course the most beautiful, light hearted opinion availible. And in this journy the author captures the essence of Gaiman's characters in a way that no other author I have ever read has. The quest is full of challenges, of despair, of choice, and of a child discovering what it is they really want. The universality of the story is moving and it's extremly well told.
The other story that stands out for its creepily wonderful value is called "The Writer's Child." It center's around a young girl and her teddy bear and her family. I really dont' know how to describe it without coming off as a total sicko, but it's extremly touching and moving and just jaw dropping story. But the part I really enjoyed was a reference back to one issue of Sandman where it mentions that poets often mistake Morpheus for Apollo, and the price that is paid for certain strokes of genius. The line of responsibility is drawn and care is given and when must boons be asked. It's just a really beautiful story and I dare anyone to not be disturbed or have at least one messed up dream after reading.
Yeah, not really sure if any of this makes sense at all, but I can hope that it does. Go out and get this book if you have read and enjoyed Sandman. And if you haven't read Sandman, then go out and find a copy of it now. It will change the way you see comic books forever.
But the main thing I wanted to say in this blog is the amazing skill that these authors have in exploring the dark corners of the mind and the messed up dreams and Sandman inspires. I mean, it really messed with my dreams in ways that nothing ever has before. But I was never able to draw anything useful, anything more from the dreams. I bow to those who can. The artists, the writers, those who are so much braver than I am.
Certain stories stand out in both style and disturbance. The first story is a well written little dream of love. Light and playful, with just a hint of the depth that is to follow. Dreams of lost loves and those unrequited haunt me this time of year. The story made me face some of those feelings and although it wasn't my favorite or the best written of the collection, it did bring a smile to my face, bittersweet as it may be.
The best two stories were also a couple of the most disturbing and most uplifting. "Seven Nights in Slumberland" is about a boy's quest to fulfill desire, both his and others. The path the child follows is amazingly moving and quite detailed, the hero's quest in microchasm. In his journey through his own dreams, the child meets all of the Endless minus the missing one. Each shows him something different, each testing the resolve that one may have. Death being of course the most beautiful, light hearted opinion availible. And in this journy the author captures the essence of Gaiman's characters in a way that no other author I have ever read has. The quest is full of challenges, of despair, of choice, and of a child discovering what it is they really want. The universality of the story is moving and it's extremly well told.
The other story that stands out for its creepily wonderful value is called "The Writer's Child." It center's around a young girl and her teddy bear and her family. I really dont' know how to describe it without coming off as a total sicko, but it's extremly touching and moving and just jaw dropping story. But the part I really enjoyed was a reference back to one issue of Sandman where it mentions that poets often mistake Morpheus for Apollo, and the price that is paid for certain strokes of genius. The line of responsibility is drawn and care is given and when must boons be asked. It's just a really beautiful story and I dare anyone to not be disturbed or have at least one messed up dream after reading.
Yeah, not really sure if any of this makes sense at all, but I can hope that it does. Go out and get this book if you have read and enjoyed Sandman. And if you haven't read Sandman, then go out and find a copy of it now. It will change the way you see comic books forever.
But the main thing I wanted to say in this blog is the amazing skill that these authors have in exploring the dark corners of the mind and the messed up dreams and Sandman inspires. I mean, it really messed with my dreams in ways that nothing ever has before. But I was never able to draw anything useful, anything more from the dreams. I bow to those who can. The artists, the writers, those who are so much braver than I am.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
DragonCon 2009
Having survived a rough 4 days of con, I am back home and awake tonight. It was a rough and wonderful weekend that had its high points higher than any highs, and the low points were lower than I've ever been before. Lessons were learned and things probably could have gone better, but they could have been worse as well.
Highlights first...got to meet someone I have been chatting with online for many many years now. It was great to finally get to see them face to face. Just hope they'll still want to talk to me now.
I got most of the autographs that I wanted. Most of whom were authors. Diana Gabaldon was an amazing person. Wonderful speaker, gracious, friendly, and happy to sign and talk and pose for pictures. Really enjoyed the reading that she gave from her new book. Also had artwork for the upcoming Outlander graphic novel. There were some amazingly beautiful works in there. Some of the style I didn't like, but it was a definate femine appeal to it, as opposed to most comic art. And no, I wasn't the only guy in the panel, there were a couple of more. Not many though. Charline Harris was nice, if a little frazzeled by the end of the line, which is where I was. She was supposed to cut off at 100 people, but ended up stopping somewhere above 200. Long wait in line, but worth it. Also got Malcolm McDowell's autograph, and he just seemed really cool. Was happy to talk and take pictures. Very cool guy. Probably still going to have the nightmares about him though.
Hanging out and the costumes were great this year. Still get amazed sometimes at the work, detail, and effort that people put into things. It just makes me wish that I had the talent for it. My own meager attempt at making a costume this year turned out not working well. But there were some amazing ones to look at. Took a ton of pics that I will get uploaded as soon as possible.
Made it into Adam Savage's panel on Sunday. That was great. Very interesting topic to begin with, highlighted by his appearance. He was just as funny and crazy as he seems on Mythbusters. Wish that he had been there for more than just a couple of hours. He would have been interesting to see more of.
Even I worked on my people skills some. Talking to people, generally being nice, forcing myself out of my shell some...yeah it was interesting. Most of the times the attempts at being quick and witty came off as lamer than a one legged goose. But occasionally got some wonderful conversations in with some amazingly interesting people. Large range of backgrounds and identies at the Con. Would love to see an actual study done on it scientifically.
Now lowlights...mostly focusing on bits of stupidity preformed by me. Before I even left on Friday, I kicked a box and broke my little toe. It ended up swelling in the boots that I was wearing, which weren't that comfortable to begin with. So definatly going to walk with a limp with that on top of the standard Con feet abuse. Learned a lesson about trying to rehydrate with burbon....I wouldn't recomend it. Missed Arc Attack again this year. I want to see the damn singing Tesla Coils!!! Maybe next year I won't try rehydrating on burbon before their show. lol
That pretty much covers everything. Was a stressed, painful, most relaxing fun weekend of the year. My only regret is that I didn't start going earlier in my life. Wish I had learned the value of fun when I was suposed to be having fun. Hope it's not too late to start some things. Looking forward to next year already.
Highlights first...got to meet someone I have been chatting with online for many many years now. It was great to finally get to see them face to face. Just hope they'll still want to talk to me now.
I got most of the autographs that I wanted. Most of whom were authors. Diana Gabaldon was an amazing person. Wonderful speaker, gracious, friendly, and happy to sign and talk and pose for pictures. Really enjoyed the reading that she gave from her new book. Also had artwork for the upcoming Outlander graphic novel. There were some amazingly beautiful works in there. Some of the style I didn't like, but it was a definate femine appeal to it, as opposed to most comic art. And no, I wasn't the only guy in the panel, there were a couple of more. Not many though. Charline Harris was nice, if a little frazzeled by the end of the line, which is where I was. She was supposed to cut off at 100 people, but ended up stopping somewhere above 200. Long wait in line, but worth it. Also got Malcolm McDowell's autograph, and he just seemed really cool. Was happy to talk and take pictures. Very cool guy. Probably still going to have the nightmares about him though.
Hanging out and the costumes were great this year. Still get amazed sometimes at the work, detail, and effort that people put into things. It just makes me wish that I had the talent for it. My own meager attempt at making a costume this year turned out not working well. But there were some amazing ones to look at. Took a ton of pics that I will get uploaded as soon as possible.
Made it into Adam Savage's panel on Sunday. That was great. Very interesting topic to begin with, highlighted by his appearance. He was just as funny and crazy as he seems on Mythbusters. Wish that he had been there for more than just a couple of hours. He would have been interesting to see more of.
Even I worked on my people skills some. Talking to people, generally being nice, forcing myself out of my shell some...yeah it was interesting. Most of the times the attempts at being quick and witty came off as lamer than a one legged goose. But occasionally got some wonderful conversations in with some amazingly interesting people. Large range of backgrounds and identies at the Con. Would love to see an actual study done on it scientifically.
Now lowlights...mostly focusing on bits of stupidity preformed by me. Before I even left on Friday, I kicked a box and broke my little toe. It ended up swelling in the boots that I was wearing, which weren't that comfortable to begin with. So definatly going to walk with a limp with that on top of the standard Con feet abuse. Learned a lesson about trying to rehydrate with burbon....I wouldn't recomend it. Missed Arc Attack again this year. I want to see the damn singing Tesla Coils!!! Maybe next year I won't try rehydrating on burbon before their show. lol
That pretty much covers everything. Was a stressed, painful, most relaxing fun weekend of the year. My only regret is that I didn't start going earlier in my life. Wish I had learned the value of fun when I was suposed to be having fun. Hope it's not too late to start some things. Looking forward to next year already.
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