A warning: The following blog entry is my opinion and has no real basis in reality. It is my point of view. I do not wish to persuade or insult, only to observe.
I love children. I've spent years working in daycares and kid's camps, and loved my jobs. Be it volunteering or paid service, those shinning innocent eyes and impish expressions light up my world. So I suppose it is purely selfish motivation that wants them to be alive. Read More »
The philisophical rights of Americans are as follows: Live, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness. But how far do these rights extend?
Take, for example, Life. If Americans have the right to life, then do they have the right to be given that which is neccessary to live? Food, water and shelter. Thousands of Americans go without one of these life-neccessitites for an indefinite amount of time. They're homeless. Read More »
On my computer, I don't use a generic 'net browser and I don't use a generic word processor. Below are links to:
Firefox
http://download-firefox.org/
Many of you have heard of and are possibly using Firefox. Good for you! Hardly any popups, no worries about viruses, and this cute little 'tab' option. Firefox has made my life infinitely better. And at the cost of nothing! Read More »
I wrote this into an essay from half a year ago. The essay was written because of the cause; there was no class or anything. I wrote it for me. Anyway, I find this interesting, and thought I would share.
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Before a conversation is even started, though, the comprehension of one's topic must manifest mentally. It does this in one of two ways. First is the mechanic thought (or mechanic response). The mechanic thought is based off of previous experiences, and is a way of thinking or acting directly based off earlier organic behaviors. All use of socially defined symbols are mechanic thought, as are all repeated sayings, jokes, retorts, insults, etc. Read More »
We live in a social environment that fosters and endorses the ideas of consumerism, the individual's rights, superficial beauty and dominance. Like it or not, that is what this society breeds in each one of us. And we all grow up secretly believing that we are the most beautiful, with the most power, and should have the most. The best means of combating such sentiments is schooling, which doesn't always (or often!) work to change these ideals. They are so embedded in our culture that it is difficult to re-educate another set of morals into young adults.
Some triumph over these strange cultural mores; some find their way in the world without forever searching to be the prettiest, most powerful, and richest. Some don't. In fact, many don't.
I believe in good and evil.
The evil in our bodies is the natural human tendancy to a personality rank with fatty and stupid greed. The good is what disciplines the evil. Good is intelligence and self-control, manifesting in kindness. Simple enough?
Our society, which endorses the pretty/powerful/rich combo, tends to breed the evil in people. Those who are good, and fight against it, are overcome quickly by the savage nature of evil. It is their intelligence that keeps them afloat in this vicious capitalist world.
So, what is the Piper trying to play?
Success in our culture is measured by the amount of evil one is willing to put into one's work. A lack of success, even though it may equate to happiness, is seen as unsuccessful. Read More »
Modern communication is a marvelous thing. With the click of a mouse, we can instantly send a letter halfway across the world via e-mail. With the swirl of a dial, the voices of DJ's miles from us can be heard via radio. And with the touch of a button, a call can be made from anyplace on the earth to any other place, given both parties have cell-phones.
But with the rise of communications technologies comes the distribution of communications areas. Which is all well and dandy, until communications are happening everywhere at once. Like the woman who can't find time on her own to talk to her sister, so does it (VERY LOUDLY) at the supermarket on her cell phone. Or people who blab while driving and cause accidents.
So, what's the Piper trying to play, here?
Shut up and wake up! Life is going on around us, and we're so caught up in our cellular lives that we can't even see it. The more people become digitized, the less in reality (and thus real, themselves) they are. There's a big beautiful world out there. Hang up and check it out! Read More »
The day has finally come.
Today, the last bit of concrete seals the Yangtzee River shut and begins the life of the Three Gorges Dam. It also brings a new life for the million Chinese citizens displaced by the flooding. And a new set of worries for the Chinese government.
The Three Gorges brings with it a flood of natural troubles. Environmentalists and scientists agree that the water in Three Gorges brings a high risk of carrying disease to the population if the Yangtzee doesn't flow. The gigantic dam (largest in the world) also provides an excellent terrorist target. And then there's just the idea that this man-made lake has, "swallowed $A33 billion and counting, 630 square kilometres of farmland, two cities, 11 counties, 116 towns and 1200 villages," according to theage.com. The dam also carries a risk of triggering earthquakes, since it is placed over a siesmically sentitive area. Read More »
I'm currently reading The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, because I didn't enjoy it in high-school. Upon the second reading, I've found it much more enlightening, and indeed very insightful. Just a few quotes from the first 3/4 of the book:
Reserving judgements is a matter of infinite hope. (Nick)
"Now, don't think my opinion on these matters is final, just because I'm stronger and more of a man than you are." (Tom) Read More »
