Alright, I've got a treat for the readers of this blog, and for people who like indie game development. My buddy Rav (see ravuya in the links section) wants to up the number of downloads he's getting for a little game he's made, named CSRPG2 (Computer Science Role Playing Game 2). This is not a joke, and this is not a drill. The game is fun, and this was not something made in a hackneyed RPGMaker. This is the real deal.
For Mac Monkeys
For Windows Slaves
If you like it, tell your friends about it. Rav's got ideas for the game industry, but he can't go anywhere if nobody ever sees his stuff. Even if you're not a big gamer, you might get a kick out of this.
Notice: This game is intended for an older audience. It involves alcohol, drugs, and turn based combat. Children should not download CSRPG2 without their parent's permission. Neither myself nor Rav support the consumption of controlled substances, or extreme amounts of liquor. In short, you are responsible for your own beliefs and actions, so act accordingly.
EDIT: Looks like Rav's website will be down for a while. His RAID controller "exploded." Further updates later, it's supposed to be up and functional in the morning. I don't know if this will affect downloads or not, but keep your fingers crossed.
Another EDIT: Looks like Ravuya is back online.
Thursday, April 28, 2005
Hazy Day for the King of Geese
This isn't a photoshop filter. I was experimenting with physical ways to alter the ways digital pictures turn out, and this is by far one of the best.
Wednesday, April 27, 2005
Blogosphere Down
Don't touch that "Next Blog" button.
Stay the fuck away from that thing if you want to stay in the sane space of this messed up cyber-realm. Out of boredom, I've just finished a round tour of the blogosphere, and I must say that it is not what the neocons said it was.
I really don't see "Generic Online Viagra" raising a ruckus about the Gomery Inquiry.
I don't see "Jane Doe's Random Blog #33" critisizing Bush about his recent support for DeLay.
How can the Blogosphere ever get in an uproar, when 1/3 of it is interested only in pr0n and male enhancement, another 1/3 is interested only in "ZOMG, Jilly is fucking Tammi's BOYFRIEND, ROFLMAO!" and the final 1/3 is so politically biased that getting an even-keeled round table discussion with all of them would be similar to having Hitler and Stalin arm-wrestle at a fanboy convention.
On occassion, you might come across some really good Blogs, which is not unusual, as the Law of Averages works, even here. If you are a blogger, I would strongly advise you to make a blogroll for your readers to follow. I only link the highest quality, regularly updated blogs, so if you're clicking something on this site, IMHO, it's a good read (if perhaps, only for select audiences).
On a side note, I'm going for an interview tommorrow to see whether or not I have the right stuff to be the News Editor at the college newspaper for next year. I know, it sounds pretty mickey mouse, but it's a paying position, and it's in my field. I don't know if I'm up for the whole competitive business when I get out of college though... maybe I'll go dig for a position in some place non-profit or government oriented.
Stay the fuck away from that thing if you want to stay in the sane space of this messed up cyber-realm. Out of boredom, I've just finished a round tour of the blogosphere, and I must say that it is not what the neocons said it was.
I really don't see "Generic Online Viagra" raising a ruckus about the Gomery Inquiry.
I don't see "Jane Doe's Random Blog #33" critisizing Bush about his recent support for DeLay.
How can the Blogosphere ever get in an uproar, when 1/3 of it is interested only in pr0n and male enhancement, another 1/3 is interested only in "ZOMG, Jilly is fucking Tammi's BOYFRIEND, ROFLMAO!" and the final 1/3 is so politically biased that getting an even-keeled round table discussion with all of them would be similar to having Hitler and Stalin arm-wrestle at a fanboy convention.
On occassion, you might come across some really good Blogs, which is not unusual, as the Law of Averages works, even here. If you are a blogger, I would strongly advise you to make a blogroll for your readers to follow. I only link the highest quality, regularly updated blogs, so if you're clicking something on this site, IMHO, it's a good read (if perhaps, only for select audiences).
On a side note, I'm going for an interview tommorrow to see whether or not I have the right stuff to be the News Editor at the college newspaper for next year. I know, it sounds pretty mickey mouse, but it's a paying position, and it's in my field. I don't know if I'm up for the whole competitive business when I get out of college though... maybe I'll go dig for a position in some place non-profit or government oriented.
Climate Change
Here in Calgary, climate change is a way of life. I'm not talking about global warming, but rather the fact that we went from a balmy 20ºC, to a chilly 3ºC. Sunny skies have been consumed wholesale by skittering grey clouds and blustery winds. What happened? The Jetstream swung south, bringing with it a deep low pressure centre, and a shitload of cold air, delivered straight from the arctic.
I'm just trying to think if there's any important anniversaries coming up. So far, I'm drawing a blank. Having just finished my classes for the summer, I've been looking for something to celebrate, but alas. I'll be sitting in my basement, drinking wine like it was water, and laughing until I cry. Why? Because I've got nothing to celebrate.
Maybe I'll go look for a job, or call up my old High School. They might want me to come in and lecture for a few classes.
I'm just trying to think if there's any important anniversaries coming up. So far, I'm drawing a blank. Having just finished my classes for the summer, I've been looking for something to celebrate, but alas. I'll be sitting in my basement, drinking wine like it was water, and laughing until I cry. Why? Because I've got nothing to celebrate.
Maybe I'll go look for a job, or call up my old High School. They might want me to come in and lecture for a few classes.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Electoral Frog
I'm going to be the last one to beat this dead horse, and deliver a coup de gras.
The Canadian Election, which is going to be called any blinking second now, will be a rather simple affair.
The Liberals will lose, and if they lose by a large enough margin, Paul Martin will be sent, bags in tow, from the Liberal party leadership. The Conservative Party, led by Stephen Harper, will get a minority. I know it will be a minority, because Quebec currently doesn't want to have anything to do with Harper's Conservatives. Quebec will vote almost exclusively BQ. The Western provinces will be almost entirely Conservative, and the remainder will be NDP, with perhaps a smattering of Green party reps. Should the Conservatives lose this election, Stephen Harper will be joining Paul Martin on the curb-side.
Alright? This is very likely how this election will turn out. It's almost a sure thing that Canada will be divided during and after the impeding election... I guess it's only fair, after we ridiculed the United States for being divided by their President. Karma works that way, I guess.
I am, quite frankly at this time, apathetic towards casting my ballot. Every goddamned party in this nation is pandering itself to an age demographic that is almost twice as old as I am, and they could frankly care less whether I even vote in this election. This is ironic, because while parties like the NDP and Greens are out canvassing the target audience, that very same audience is ignoring them. They are already decided on the two mainstreamers, Conservatives and Liberals. If the leader of a political party got up on a podium and actually spoke to us of the younger crowd, we're a dragon waiting to be awakened.
We could put the stomps on all the democratic processes to date, if only somebody would care to talk to us before we got old and apathetic towards the democratic system, from their lack of interest in us.
The Canadian Election, which is going to be called any blinking second now, will be a rather simple affair.
The Liberals will lose, and if they lose by a large enough margin, Paul Martin will be sent, bags in tow, from the Liberal party leadership. The Conservative Party, led by Stephen Harper, will get a minority. I know it will be a minority, because Quebec currently doesn't want to have anything to do with Harper's Conservatives. Quebec will vote almost exclusively BQ. The Western provinces will be almost entirely Conservative, and the remainder will be NDP, with perhaps a smattering of Green party reps. Should the Conservatives lose this election, Stephen Harper will be joining Paul Martin on the curb-side.
Alright? This is very likely how this election will turn out. It's almost a sure thing that Canada will be divided during and after the impeding election... I guess it's only fair, after we ridiculed the United States for being divided by their President. Karma works that way, I guess.
I am, quite frankly at this time, apathetic towards casting my ballot. Every goddamned party in this nation is pandering itself to an age demographic that is almost twice as old as I am, and they could frankly care less whether I even vote in this election. This is ironic, because while parties like the NDP and Greens are out canvassing the target audience, that very same audience is ignoring them. They are already decided on the two mainstreamers, Conservatives and Liberals. If the leader of a political party got up on a podium and actually spoke to us of the younger crowd, we're a dragon waiting to be awakened.
We could put the stomps on all the democratic processes to date, if only somebody would care to talk to us before we got old and apathetic towards the democratic system, from their lack of interest in us.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
We don't fight the good fight
We don't fight the good fight. We just fight.
I can't get through a day without someone trying to get confrontational. If I get up in the morning, there is family, who are likely bored and spoiling for a shouting match. Going out on the town, there's always some drunk or idiot looking to file spittle in my face. At school we're told day in and day out that our choice of profession is competetive, and cutthroat.
Such is the culture of capitalism, and self-reward I guess. Our North-American culture has gone into a full circle-jerk system, where people get ahead, and make innovations to get ahead. There's no real advancement, everything ends up coming back to the #1 most important person. I can remember reading about times of enlightenment when men and women innovated because it was the hip thing to do, not for some cheap profit or fame. I remember reading wars where soldiers went to right horrific wrongs, and had a purpose. Now, it's just an international pissing contest.
We don't fight to achieve anything anymore, we just fight to satisfy ourselves, our pride, our egos. There's no honour either, if we have to kill our brothers and sisters, skewer them on pikes, and salt their graves to get enough money to buy bread, we'd do it. And we wouldn't stop there either, we would find better and faster ways of doing it, speeding up the depravity, and reducing the contact with it to numb ourselves from reality.
I guess, we live in a culture with bloody hands, and we're using those hands to cram every last erge of wealth into our bodies. I can hardly wait to see the day when our children in Kindergarten will be taught to never share, and never trust their fellow peers, for they are all bloodthirsty monsters.
I can see, thousands of years in the future, the descendants of our culture will look back at us, much like we look back on our colonial ancestors, and wonder...
What the fuck was wrong with them?
I can't get through a day without someone trying to get confrontational. If I get up in the morning, there is family, who are likely bored and spoiling for a shouting match. Going out on the town, there's always some drunk or idiot looking to file spittle in my face. At school we're told day in and day out that our choice of profession is competetive, and cutthroat.
Such is the culture of capitalism, and self-reward I guess. Our North-American culture has gone into a full circle-jerk system, where people get ahead, and make innovations to get ahead. There's no real advancement, everything ends up coming back to the #1 most important person. I can remember reading about times of enlightenment when men and women innovated because it was the hip thing to do, not for some cheap profit or fame. I remember reading wars where soldiers went to right horrific wrongs, and had a purpose. Now, it's just an international pissing contest.
We don't fight to achieve anything anymore, we just fight to satisfy ourselves, our pride, our egos. There's no honour either, if we have to kill our brothers and sisters, skewer them on pikes, and salt their graves to get enough money to buy bread, we'd do it. And we wouldn't stop there either, we would find better and faster ways of doing it, speeding up the depravity, and reducing the contact with it to numb ourselves from reality.
I guess, we live in a culture with bloody hands, and we're using those hands to cram every last erge of wealth into our bodies. I can hardly wait to see the day when our children in Kindergarten will be taught to never share, and never trust their fellow peers, for they are all bloodthirsty monsters.
I can see, thousands of years in the future, the descendants of our culture will look back at us, much like we look back on our colonial ancestors, and wonder...
What the fuck was wrong with them?
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Moderately New Stuff
I've put some MNS up on the side of the blog. Had to chuck a bunch of old blogs and stuff, because nobody was updating them anymore. Instead, I've got a fresh new list of blogs that I read regularly, and some online comics below that. Now, I'm not responsible for who says what on the blogs I link to, nor am I responsible for the content on the comics. I'm also a poor beggar, so if you're going to start suing people, keep looking.
Otherwise, enjoy. If you regularly read this blog, and think you want me to link you , fire me an e-mail. Those of you who were familiar with Mr. Good's site know the procedure. It's a shame he took it down. We had a community going there, and it's all gone now.
Otherwise, enjoy. If you regularly read this blog, and think you want me to link you , fire me an e-mail. Those of you who were familiar with Mr. Good's site know the procedure. It's a shame he took it down. We had a community going there, and it's all gone now.
Tuesday, April 19, 2005
Chapter 61
Rants all aside, this is business.
I've picked up on the book I was writing again, shoving out whatever damned aphonia had seized my brain over the last three or four months. I've completed a chapter and a half, now finding myself on Chapter 61, at some 550 pages, last tally. The miracle (or cursed) thing about this book is the first draft has been entirely hand-written.
It was started as a two-man project waaaay back in Grade 9 (I'm in College now), with me and a then good friend of mine, when we got bored of everything and decided that writing a joint story would be a good idea. Well, he's since moved on to "better" things like drugs, booze, and womanizing, so I've taken the book on as my own personal burden, and my own personal demon to exorcize (there have been some bad memories associated with this book). So far, it's looking good.
I've been rusty for a while, but the more I turn my brain over, the more horsepower it puts out, so I'm putting my nose back to the page. For anyone looking to start writing a full-length novel (anything above 700 pages, like what this is going to be when it's done), please, listen to my advice:
1) Type the bastard. Don't handwrite, don't start it handwriting. Take notes, but do not write the damn thing by hand unless you really have no other choice. Editing and revision is 100x easier on computer, rather than with erasor and pencil.
2) Use fresh, original ideas. Incorporating yourself into other people's adventures is not only legal if you change the wording, but it makes you look like a better creator than you are. And besides, it gets boring after a while. So if you're thinking about writing something, make sure it's original. Sleep on it if you have to, to let it develop and ferment. Like I said, take notes. Bold the ideas you like, cross out the ones that are either impossible or poorly developed.
3) Don't give up on it. If you don't like something, or you don't like where your story is going. Finish the damn thing anyway. You can always go back and edit it, or you can choose to be disgustingly zealous in your editing for the second draft. A lot of stories change through each iteration, so don't be afraid if it's not good the first time.
4) Don't listen to outsiders. Write for yourself, and if people like it, they will read it (even if they don't like it, they'll have to read it to find out they don't like it, so you get teh win either way). Never listen to criticism on content unless its from your editor. The only thing anyone has a right to criticize while you are writing is grammar and clarity. If something doesn't make sense, sure change it. But don't chuck one of your characters because your friends say they don't like them because "they're annoying."
5) Don't make a bulletproof protagonist. Unless there is something horribly tragic about them being completely immortal, whilst others suffer, etc etc etc. Nobody hates a book about a demi-god, sent to wipe away the scourge of evil forever. People love characters that are human and fallible. People really love characters that become familiar and almost close to the reader. If you want a primer on how to make a living, breathing character, I recommend you read some of Terry Goodkind's work, primarily the Wizard's First Rule, his first book in the Sword of Truth series. There is nothing wrong in learning craft from other writers, just don't copy their work, or else everyone will come and beat down your door.
*6) Make a place for you to write that's peaceful and condusive to your mindframe. Where you write can have a profound effect on how well your writing turns out. If you want to write about life in a medieval prison, find yourself a crappy flashlight, and lock yourself in the coldroom of your basement, writing by the poor light of the flashlight. You will be able to get the mood down to a "t" if you really want. Just don't forget to come out for warmth and food and other things like that.
*7) Experience things. Good writers can draw amazing things from their imaginations. Great writers can couple their imaginations with real experiences they've had. Something is all the more believable when it sounds like the reader has actually been there, and can describe, in detail what it looks like, smells like, feels like, etc.
(*) Optional rules. I've met a few really good writers that ignore these two, and if you can, by all means, do so. I just find that not having a nest to write, and being ignorant about the world tend to diminish the quality of my writing.
Well, this may be one of my last posts this week. Thanks for reading. I'm going to get back to writing now, and I hope many of you decide to do the same in the near future.
I've picked up on the book I was writing again, shoving out whatever damned aphonia had seized my brain over the last three or four months. I've completed a chapter and a half, now finding myself on Chapter 61, at some 550 pages, last tally. The miracle (or cursed) thing about this book is the first draft has been entirely hand-written.
It was started as a two-man project waaaay back in Grade 9 (I'm in College now), with me and a then good friend of mine, when we got bored of everything and decided that writing a joint story would be a good idea. Well, he's since moved on to "better" things like drugs, booze, and womanizing, so I've taken the book on as my own personal burden, and my own personal demon to exorcize (there have been some bad memories associated with this book). So far, it's looking good.
I've been rusty for a while, but the more I turn my brain over, the more horsepower it puts out, so I'm putting my nose back to the page. For anyone looking to start writing a full-length novel (anything above 700 pages, like what this is going to be when it's done), please, listen to my advice:
1) Type the bastard. Don't handwrite, don't start it handwriting. Take notes, but do not write the damn thing by hand unless you really have no other choice. Editing and revision is 100x easier on computer, rather than with erasor and pencil.
2) Use fresh, original ideas. Incorporating yourself into other people's adventures is not only legal if you change the wording, but it makes you look like a better creator than you are. And besides, it gets boring after a while. So if you're thinking about writing something, make sure it's original. Sleep on it if you have to, to let it develop and ferment. Like I said, take notes. Bold the ideas you like, cross out the ones that are either impossible or poorly developed.
3) Don't give up on it. If you don't like something, or you don't like where your story is going. Finish the damn thing anyway. You can always go back and edit it, or you can choose to be disgustingly zealous in your editing for the second draft. A lot of stories change through each iteration, so don't be afraid if it's not good the first time.
4) Don't listen to outsiders. Write for yourself, and if people like it, they will read it (even if they don't like it, they'll have to read it to find out they don't like it, so you get teh win either way). Never listen to criticism on content unless its from your editor. The only thing anyone has a right to criticize while you are writing is grammar and clarity. If something doesn't make sense, sure change it. But don't chuck one of your characters because your friends say they don't like them because "they're annoying."
5) Don't make a bulletproof protagonist. Unless there is something horribly tragic about them being completely immortal, whilst others suffer, etc etc etc. Nobody hates a book about a demi-god, sent to wipe away the scourge of evil forever. People love characters that are human and fallible. People really love characters that become familiar and almost close to the reader. If you want a primer on how to make a living, breathing character, I recommend you read some of Terry Goodkind's work, primarily the Wizard's First Rule, his first book in the Sword of Truth series. There is nothing wrong in learning craft from other writers, just don't copy their work, or else everyone will come and beat down your door.
*6) Make a place for you to write that's peaceful and condusive to your mindframe. Where you write can have a profound effect on how well your writing turns out. If you want to write about life in a medieval prison, find yourself a crappy flashlight, and lock yourself in the coldroom of your basement, writing by the poor light of the flashlight. You will be able to get the mood down to a "t" if you really want. Just don't forget to come out for warmth and food and other things like that.
*7) Experience things. Good writers can draw amazing things from their imaginations. Great writers can couple their imaginations with real experiences they've had. Something is all the more believable when it sounds like the reader has actually been there, and can describe, in detail what it looks like, smells like, feels like, etc.
(*) Optional rules. I've met a few really good writers that ignore these two, and if you can, by all means, do so. I just find that not having a nest to write, and being ignorant about the world tend to diminish the quality of my writing.
Well, this may be one of my last posts this week. Thanks for reading. I'm going to get back to writing now, and I hope many of you decide to do the same in the near future.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Religion Confused
According to statistics and my own personal belief, there is absolutely no way I can be past of the Christian majority in North America. In other words, according to my sources, I'm a Buddhist who doesn't practice Buddhism. Not that that's here or there, I was just rather shocked and taken aback, having never been painted with that kind of brush before.
However, if I had to choice over no choice, which religion to take, it would probably be Buddhism. I've always thought of it as sort of a monastic religion, following an ascetic code etc. etc. etc.
Apparently, that's not the case. The belief system and values of Buddhism are deeper than I had thought (woe be to me, shielded in Christian North America).
You can check out what being a Buddhist means here.
Now, I'm not saying that I'm going to sit cross-legged and meditate with the insence glowing. Quite the contrary, I've got assignments out of the ying-yang, so I'm going to virtuously apply myself to those and get them out of the way.
Perhaps the only truth of the matter is that I learn a little from all religions, and Buddhism is one of the only tolerant religions to do the same.
However, if I had to choice over no choice, which religion to take, it would probably be Buddhism. I've always thought of it as sort of a monastic religion, following an ascetic code etc. etc. etc.
Apparently, that's not the case. The belief system and values of Buddhism are deeper than I had thought (woe be to me, shielded in Christian North America).
You can check out what being a Buddhist means here.
Now, I'm not saying that I'm going to sit cross-legged and meditate with the insence glowing. Quite the contrary, I've got assignments out of the ying-yang, so I'm going to virtuously apply myself to those and get them out of the way.
Perhaps the only truth of the matter is that I learn a little from all religions, and Buddhism is one of the only tolerant religions to do the same.
Sunday, April 17, 2005
Good People
People of any form of decency are a rare breed these days. We cherish them so much that we refuse to waste them in positions like government, business, and religion. Good people are rarely heard from, because most of what they do is taken for granted, or largely misunderstood (truth; slandered by those who don't think they're good).
Their counterparts, the devious, the lying, the manipulative, the bigots, and the haters, are plenty in number. Indeed, you can turn over just about any rock, and there will come a scumbag to pander and pawn off you. Incidentally, many of these people reach high positions of government, church, and corporation, so we are forced to deal with their grand ideas, inane (and often hateful) beliefs, and ultimately, their damaging legacies.
Is humanity taking a step forward these days?
As long as its okay to: attack before they attack us, to sell people cheap, patent nature, detain and torture, shock and awe, pillage for oil, espouse hatred, "defend" tradition, deny rights, and above all, lie or justify it...
No.
We aren't going anywhere fast.
Their counterparts, the devious, the lying, the manipulative, the bigots, and the haters, are plenty in number. Indeed, you can turn over just about any rock, and there will come a scumbag to pander and pawn off you. Incidentally, many of these people reach high positions of government, church, and corporation, so we are forced to deal with their grand ideas, inane (and often hateful) beliefs, and ultimately, their damaging legacies.
Is humanity taking a step forward these days?
As long as its okay to: attack before they attack us, to sell people cheap, patent nature, detain and torture, shock and awe, pillage for oil, espouse hatred, "defend" tradition, deny rights, and above all, lie or justify it...
No.
We aren't going anywhere fast.
Friday, April 15, 2005
Did somebody say pictures?
I've been putting it off for too long, so here they are. Some pictures from my camera, over the last month. Nothing too spectacular (I have to save those for school), but expect some really high-quality stuff this summer when I'm working for myself.
This shot was from April 1st, we had just gotten a freak snowstorm.
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Identify
Every believes, deep down, there's something inside of them that sums up who they are, and what they believe in. It's usually an animal (see, Wolf, and Tiger), or some kind of fantasy creature (see, Unicorn, and Dragon).
Most people identify with this symbology, because it means something to them. It's like looking in a mirror and seeing what you want to see, and having what you see, look back at you. Well, quite simply, there are some people who don't identify with anything. They don't believe their worth creating an image for. Some people think so little of themselves, that they identify with monsters. They think they are monsters at heart, and they hide from themselves and from others to keep them safe.
Well, even monsters can do good. Somebody could think that they're the incarnation of Cthulu himself, but that doesn't matter if you're willing to put your time, your energy, and ultimately yourself on the line for others... your friends, your family... doesn't matter.
I should know... when I dream at night, I'm not human. I'm a monster, and a particularly horrible one at that. And I guess that's what makes me too human.
Most people identify with this symbology, because it means something to them. It's like looking in a mirror and seeing what you want to see, and having what you see, look back at you. Well, quite simply, there are some people who don't identify with anything. They don't believe their worth creating an image for. Some people think so little of themselves, that they identify with monsters. They think they are monsters at heart, and they hide from themselves and from others to keep them safe.
Well, even monsters can do good. Somebody could think that they're the incarnation of Cthulu himself, but that doesn't matter if you're willing to put your time, your energy, and ultimately yourself on the line for others... your friends, your family... doesn't matter.
I should know... when I dream at night, I'm not human. I'm a monster, and a particularly horrible one at that. And I guess that's what makes me too human.
Monday, April 11, 2005
A Path
You've travelled a long distance to get to where you are now. You've fought hard, sometime with your life, to make it to the crossroads you see now. The wind, as the sole announcer of your arrival, tells the forest around you that you have arrived, and all at once, the trees sigh in relief.
But, your journey is not over yet. The forest is yet still dark, and one more crossroads forks in front of you. Your philosophy of taking the path less travelled has failed you this time, for each path is equally beaten, each path has witnessed no more, and no fewer stories than the other. Wherever you go, it has been done before... or has it?
Down the right, you see the trail slope upward and sharply disappear around a bend. No matter how you crane your neck, you cannot see where it leads.
Down the left, the trail meanders before suddenly plummeting down a hill and out of view. Much as before, no matter how hard you try, you cannot see where the trail goes.
You must choose wisely now. Everything rests on your shoulders, as had all your choices before now, but you know this time, that if you choose wrong, everything will not be okay. You will not have the familiarity and welcomeness of friends and family to catch you should you choose wrong. Your journey will end prematurely.
You are equipped with a coin, your only currency, carved with a face and an arrow. You are also equipped with a stout, but dull blade. Capable as a tool, but not much else. Besides the clothes on your back, all your belongings have been accounted.
What will you do? Which path will you take, should you choose to take a path at all?
Everything you do is your own action. Comment, and let me know what you would actually do, and I will have an answer for you... on whether you chose the correct path.
But, your journey is not over yet. The forest is yet still dark, and one more crossroads forks in front of you. Your philosophy of taking the path less travelled has failed you this time, for each path is equally beaten, each path has witnessed no more, and no fewer stories than the other. Wherever you go, it has been done before... or has it?
Down the right, you see the trail slope upward and sharply disappear around a bend. No matter how you crane your neck, you cannot see where it leads.
Down the left, the trail meanders before suddenly plummeting down a hill and out of view. Much as before, no matter how hard you try, you cannot see where the trail goes.
You must choose wisely now. Everything rests on your shoulders, as had all your choices before now, but you know this time, that if you choose wrong, everything will not be okay. You will not have the familiarity and welcomeness of friends and family to catch you should you choose wrong. Your journey will end prematurely.
You are equipped with a coin, your only currency, carved with a face and an arrow. You are also equipped with a stout, but dull blade. Capable as a tool, but not much else. Besides the clothes on your back, all your belongings have been accounted.
What will you do? Which path will you take, should you choose to take a path at all?
Everything you do is your own action. Comment, and let me know what you would actually do, and I will have an answer for you... on whether you chose the correct path.
Between a Man and his Object
I was watching the news this morning, and a priestly gentleman summed up the Bible's role in modern society quite eloquently. In his word, "the bible's role as a guideline for modern marriage is completely wrong."
He went on to cite, that in biblical times, the "Union between a man and woman," that conservatives seem bent on preserving didn't exist. Women weren't seen as people, but rather as objects, to be bartered for dowry, etc. We have come great strides since then (or committed great blashphemy, depending on how you look at it), women are now not only people, but they are expected to be treated equally to men.
And now the Canadian government is poised to redefine marriage to include same-sex marriage. This must be a double-entendre for hardline conservatives, since the "traditional" definition of marriage has already been long gone. Now, not only are they getting rid of opposite-gender-only marriage, they might even toss men out of their "traditional" position as lords and masters of the matrimony. That must really bite for those who were hoping to cling to the last vestige of masculine power over the household.
Newsflash: Get with the times guys. If you're looking to "protect" the "tradition," at least try to learn what it is that you are protecting. Before now, there was no legislation in Canada that said it was illegal for two men, or two women to get married. Some people just took it upon themselves to judge whether or not two homosexuals ought to be married... so in a sense, the tradition that people are trying to protect is only as old as the same-sex marriage debate.
On a similar note, if the Liberals get kicked out of power, and the Conservatives take the helm and "protect the tradition," I'm going ask if the Conservative Party will be putting their children up for sale any time soon. They likely won't know what I'm talking about, which is exactly the problem.
On a side note, there's a bishop in Calgary who's been publicizing that Canada should control homosexuals because they "erode the fundamentals of family life."
He doesn't believe that's a hateful claim, and believes he's protected by Freedom of Speech in Canada. Honestly, that's slander, and if I called him a "pasty Nazi Bigot," like some protesters did, that would likely land me a hefty fine. However, I'm more than content to leave him be. Unlike many "devout" Christians, I believe that everyone will get what's coming to them, whether it be good or bad.
He went on to cite, that in biblical times, the "Union between a man and woman," that conservatives seem bent on preserving didn't exist. Women weren't seen as people, but rather as objects, to be bartered for dowry, etc. We have come great strides since then (or committed great blashphemy, depending on how you look at it), women are now not only people, but they are expected to be treated equally to men.
And now the Canadian government is poised to redefine marriage to include same-sex marriage. This must be a double-entendre for hardline conservatives, since the "traditional" definition of marriage has already been long gone. Now, not only are they getting rid of opposite-gender-only marriage, they might even toss men out of their "traditional" position as lords and masters of the matrimony. That must really bite for those who were hoping to cling to the last vestige of masculine power over the household.
Newsflash: Get with the times guys. If you're looking to "protect" the "tradition," at least try to learn what it is that you are protecting. Before now, there was no legislation in Canada that said it was illegal for two men, or two women to get married. Some people just took it upon themselves to judge whether or not two homosexuals ought to be married... so in a sense, the tradition that people are trying to protect is only as old as the same-sex marriage debate.
On a similar note, if the Liberals get kicked out of power, and the Conservatives take the helm and "protect the tradition," I'm going ask if the Conservative Party will be putting their children up for sale any time soon. They likely won't know what I'm talking about, which is exactly the problem.
On a side note, there's a bishop in Calgary who's been publicizing that Canada should control homosexuals because they "erode the fundamentals of family life."
He doesn't believe that's a hateful claim, and believes he's protected by Freedom of Speech in Canada. Honestly, that's slander, and if I called him a "pasty Nazi Bigot," like some protesters did, that would likely land me a hefty fine. However, I'm more than content to leave him be. Unlike many "devout" Christians, I believe that everyone will get what's coming to them, whether it be good or bad.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
How's the Bittersweet Taste?
I don't like it.
Dance fools, dance on your host's grave.
Sing songs around the burning camp-fire,
learn from example how to behave,
and hope to God this doesn't happen to you.
Roast some marshmallows,
look up high,
the stars that dance and dare,
up in that sapphire sky.
Yeah, I'll have none of it. I'm only going to taste the hard flavor of money, I'm going to sell your kids out, and I'm going to make you foot the bill.
Dance fools, dance on your host's grave.
Sing songs around the burning camp-fire,
learn from example how to behave,
and hope to God this doesn't happen to you.
Roast some marshmallows,
look up high,
the stars that dance and dare,
up in that sapphire sky.
Yeah, I'll have none of it. I'm only going to taste the hard flavor of money, I'm going to sell your kids out, and I'm going to make you foot the bill.
Saturday, April 09, 2005
Bad Day?
I wish. Week 3 of the hell saga, rolling on through like some kind of steamroller. I've had good news, but it's nothing compared to the bad. Largely, I've spend the last 12 or so hours, cooped up inside my house. I want to get out, but there's no place to go, and nothing to do. On top of that, everything in its ambiance seems to be working against me. I went out to ride my bike, and got frustrated after about an hour. In the park by my house, it's a headwind, both ways. Damnable valley draws air down it's sides and in, creating a very annoying 360 degree wind that never gusts, never blows, it's just a constant, resisting force to everything in the valley.
All my college buddies are out boosting their egos with booze and nooky, I can understand some of the frustration with the male gender by how they behave, but the ladies seem to like it so I'll keep quiet... at least until their bragging grates me the wrong way... again.
Matt Good apparently had a wrench thrown at one of his band members during his performance, nigh 24 hours ago, and he somehow thinks that it's this generations fault. Well, it is, and I'm sure if he ever met me in person he'd think back to that Day of the Wrench, even though I was neither there, nor in the possession of any wrenches, or wrench-like objects. I enjoy his music and his commentary on US foreign policy. Honestly, if it wasn't for Mr. Good, I wouldn't likely be so into Canadian music, or any music for that matter. However, he, like everyone else who seems to out-age me by at least 10 years, seems to like painting everyone my age, hell, everyone in my generation with the same brush.
We aren't all beer swilling, tool-box-toting, foul-mouthing, moshing, idiots. I don't even like the taste of beer. I have never used a wrench on anything except nuts and bolts. I swear, but in moderation, I've never moshed, and I swear on my honour that I'm educated.
Not that Good has ever pointed at me specifically and said "You there, from Generation X-Box," but his recent comments from the concert seem to hit me on a personal level, and it hurts. Probably not as much as a wrench, but it hurts. I've grown up having to deal with the stigma of being a teen, and it shows that even somebody who's fighting music and word to bloodshed and tyranny isn't immune to the tendency to paint with a wide brush.
So I guess I understand why it irks him that his media protrayal is misrepresented as an "asshole". Same problem, different crowd.
All my college buddies are out boosting their egos with booze and nooky, I can understand some of the frustration with the male gender by how they behave, but the ladies seem to like it so I'll keep quiet... at least until their bragging grates me the wrong way... again.
Matt Good apparently had a wrench thrown at one of his band members during his performance, nigh 24 hours ago, and he somehow thinks that it's this generations fault. Well, it is, and I'm sure if he ever met me in person he'd think back to that Day of the Wrench, even though I was neither there, nor in the possession of any wrenches, or wrench-like objects. I enjoy his music and his commentary on US foreign policy. Honestly, if it wasn't for Mr. Good, I wouldn't likely be so into Canadian music, or any music for that matter. However, he, like everyone else who seems to out-age me by at least 10 years, seems to like painting everyone my age, hell, everyone in my generation with the same brush.
We aren't all beer swilling, tool-box-toting, foul-mouthing, moshing, idiots. I don't even like the taste of beer. I have never used a wrench on anything except nuts and bolts. I swear, but in moderation, I've never moshed, and I swear on my honour that I'm educated.
Not that Good has ever pointed at me specifically and said "You there, from Generation X-Box," but his recent comments from the concert seem to hit me on a personal level, and it hurts. Probably not as much as a wrench, but it hurts. I've grown up having to deal with the stigma of being a teen, and it shows that even somebody who's fighting music and word to bloodshed and tyranny isn't immune to the tendency to paint with a wide brush.
So I guess I understand why it irks him that his media protrayal is misrepresented as an "asshole". Same problem, different crowd.
Friday, April 08, 2005
Rebellion
I'm going to have to suffer you all with a double entendre today. Rebellion what I'm listening to, and it's also what I feel like doing. Seriously, next time you're at the music store and are looking for something with a different feel and flavour, check out Funeral by The Arcade Fire. Arcade Fire has to be the hottest new band in Canada that I've actually heard... and I mean they are hot. You can find the music video for Rebellion (Lies), my fave song, at their fansite, here.
Now, as to the rebel part, I'm going out to shoot some pictures this weekend, so expect a pretty nice dump on Monday.
I've been rolling an idea around in my head recently, and the more I think about it, the more appealing it gets. Single person blogs are great for personal ideas... but what about a team blog? Hell, I could be the founder of the anti-PNAC or something like that. I was thinking about getting some blog-mates from the blogosphere involved... I think something new and exciting like this is just what we need to pick up where our languising brains and hearts have left off. Leave a comment if you think a team-blog for commentary would be a good idea.
Now, as to the rebel part, I'm going out to shoot some pictures this weekend, so expect a pretty nice dump on Monday.
I've been rolling an idea around in my head recently, and the more I think about it, the more appealing it gets. Single person blogs are great for personal ideas... but what about a team blog? Hell, I could be the founder of the anti-PNAC or something like that. I was thinking about getting some blog-mates from the blogosphere involved... I think something new and exciting like this is just what we need to pick up where our languising brains and hearts have left off. Leave a comment if you think a team-blog for commentary would be a good idea.
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Sometimes I wish I were.
It drives me nuts, just when things start working, and I can effect results, I get stonewalled by some condesending fool.
Some people don't seem to understand that by "trying to help" me, they're getting in my way. I have things to do... and these aren't things that I want to do, these are things that need to be done.
Being a twat and telling me what you think I should know or do, is just a surefire way to get me so furious that I'm forced to leave. Yes, I'm passive that way. I won't plunge into a conflict if it can be avoided. Some people call me chicken for it... but it beats having somebody sent home in a matchbox, which would be really unfortunate. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I wish I was just like everyone else, and I could break a few ribs and everyone would say "hey, he was angry, let him be."
But people are hypocritical like that. They get this crazy idea that I'm some quiet intellectual type. I'm actually a B- student who's biting his tongue... and that's not me blushing, that's me flushed with rage.
Some people don't seem to understand that by "trying to help" me, they're getting in my way. I have things to do... and these aren't things that I want to do, these are things that need to be done.
Being a twat and telling me what you think I should know or do, is just a surefire way to get me so furious that I'm forced to leave. Yes, I'm passive that way. I won't plunge into a conflict if it can be avoided. Some people call me chicken for it... but it beats having somebody sent home in a matchbox, which would be really unfortunate. Don't get me wrong, sometimes I wish I was just like everyone else, and I could break a few ribs and everyone would say "hey, he was angry, let him be."
But people are hypocritical like that. They get this crazy idea that I'm some quiet intellectual type. I'm actually a B- student who's biting his tongue... and that's not me blushing, that's me flushed with rage.
Tuesday, April 05, 2005
Media Circus
The media has been rather detestable lately. Starting with the Schiavo fiasco, they've now migrated to the Pope. It's like a travelling circus, complete with clowns and buffoons. We knew the pope was dead awhile ago, and now we must still put up with the fact that the "World is Praying..." Praying praying praying...
There is other news out there. How many people know that Abu Ghraib got blasted into? The answer is: not enough. Iraq, Darfur, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Chechnya... the Ukraine. They've all been left behind because the watchdogs of the media found a new tree to bark up; a new car to chase.
I guess the directive of the media is to go where the money is... and since it's a competitive market, where one goes, they all must follow... but geez, where is the common sense? At least one of the major media corporation in Canada, or the US should have had the sense to ditch the dead pontiff when the news was old. Those who need to know, know already. Let them grieve, you don't need to carnivalize the death of a leader. It's not like he was *gasp* assassinated.
Given that I might be working for one of these so-called news agencies in the coming years, it should be noted that I should be guarding what I say... but I figure honesty is the best policy.
C'mon now and laugh with me.
Cause no one else is.
There is other news out there. How many people know that Abu Ghraib got blasted into? The answer is: not enough. Iraq, Darfur, Afghanistan, Iran, Russia, Chechnya... the Ukraine. They've all been left behind because the watchdogs of the media found a new tree to bark up; a new car to chase.
I guess the directive of the media is to go where the money is... and since it's a competitive market, where one goes, they all must follow... but geez, where is the common sense? At least one of the major media corporation in Canada, or the US should have had the sense to ditch the dead pontiff when the news was old. Those who need to know, know already. Let them grieve, you don't need to carnivalize the death of a leader. It's not like he was *gasp* assassinated.
Given that I might be working for one of these so-called news agencies in the coming years, it should be noted that I should be guarding what I say... but I figure honesty is the best policy.
C'mon now and laugh with me.
Cause no one else is.
Monday, April 04, 2005
The View Westward
Something out of a dream of mine.
The weather this week was great. I can't believe I actually got out to shoot some pictures. I didn't feel so bad once I got into the car and started driving... maybe I'll do it more often. It must be something for the neighbors to see; guy takes car, for upwards of four to five hours at a time, returns home exhausted but satisfied.
To tell you the truth, I think my parents are thinking one day I'll take the car and never come back.
And you know what? That wouldn't be so bad, now would it?
Spring Break!?
I've fallen short of reading material in the blogosphere. It must be spring break, because all the college/university blogs have fallen short of their weekly updates. I'm going mad here!! Any minute now I'll start hitting up neo-con blogs, and learning a thing or two on how to be a jaded, heartless, for-profit mogul.
Is it the doom of Raine, the quasi-Schizo blogger?
I wouldn't know, I'm not the one you should be asking about that.
Is it the doom of Raine, the quasi-Schizo blogger?
I wouldn't know, I'm not the one you should be asking about that.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Why Violence Solves Problems
Most rational people believe that we can reason through even the most difficult of situations, and before I get too carried away, I think they're right. If everyone was rational, we would be able to have a round-table democratic discussion about how to solve our problems.
However, such is not the case. A very very large portion of the world's population is indeed not rational. In fact, their ability to orderly thought is so impeded that their frustrations quickly give way to violence. I mean, seriously, when something's not going your way, your first instinct is to beat the snot out of the problem then, right?
The problem starts when good, law-abiding, decent people come in conflict with said violenteers. While good people are more than willing to sit and talk things through, the other party will only listen to the extent that their incredibly short patience will allow... and then its out with the cannons.
Violence, it seems, is the only effective means at dealing with people who only know violence. Trying to talk calmly to a man who is waving a hand-cannon in the air is only cause to get shot, so many believe that the only other alternative is to shoot him yourself. And thus, problem solved, right?
Sadly, if it gets to the point where somebody believe that violence is the only way out, then the conflict is likely already too far gone. The problem has already reached its climax when people throw the gloves off and prepare for a scuffle, because at that point, there is almost absolutely no point in talking things through.
So how does this make things work? By removing one of the parties that is causing the conflict, the conflict is ended. We see it in school-yards, on the streets, in law, and on the international stage. War is fought to remove one aspect of the equation.
This does not end conflict though. It just ends the conflict. In order for the world to continue surviving, nations, and people have to embrace the fact that beating the snot out of the problem doesn't work. Pretty soon, there'll only be one kid left on the playground, one car left on the street, one person left in court, and one nation left on the map.
Thinking and talking not only kills less people than guns and brass knuckles, it's also a helluva lot cheaper.
I speak this lesson, but that doesn't mean I'm the model to follow for it.
However, such is not the case. A very very large portion of the world's population is indeed not rational. In fact, their ability to orderly thought is so impeded that their frustrations quickly give way to violence. I mean, seriously, when something's not going your way, your first instinct is to beat the snot out of the problem then, right?
The problem starts when good, law-abiding, decent people come in conflict with said violenteers. While good people are more than willing to sit and talk things through, the other party will only listen to the extent that their incredibly short patience will allow... and then its out with the cannons.
Violence, it seems, is the only effective means at dealing with people who only know violence. Trying to talk calmly to a man who is waving a hand-cannon in the air is only cause to get shot, so many believe that the only other alternative is to shoot him yourself. And thus, problem solved, right?
Sadly, if it gets to the point where somebody believe that violence is the only way out, then the conflict is likely already too far gone. The problem has already reached its climax when people throw the gloves off and prepare for a scuffle, because at that point, there is almost absolutely no point in talking things through.
So how does this make things work? By removing one of the parties that is causing the conflict, the conflict is ended. We see it in school-yards, on the streets, in law, and on the international stage. War is fought to remove one aspect of the equation.
This does not end conflict though. It just ends the conflict. In order for the world to continue surviving, nations, and people have to embrace the fact that beating the snot out of the problem doesn't work. Pretty soon, there'll only be one kid left on the playground, one car left on the street, one person left in court, and one nation left on the map.
Thinking and talking not only kills less people than guns and brass knuckles, it's also a helluva lot cheaper.
I speak this lesson, but that doesn't mean I'm the model to follow for it.
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