There's a skinny dog in a dirty parking lot.
And he doesn't bite, but he begs.
And he knows what's true so if you are, he'll follow you
if you're headed home all the way.
So we let him finish every dinner plate,
and we watched his tail saying "thanks, thanks, thanks."
And we tried to name him, but he ran away
once he knew his freedom was at stake.
It's the same old shit, so it's how you deal with it.
it's the glove that fits that you wear.
So when the wind blows strong, I put a few more layers on,
and I tell myself I don't care.
I might make a phone call to a better man.
To ask the questions that I have.
Like how did I get started? And where's it gonna end?
why should I treat a traitor like a friend?
-Bright Eyes "Stray Dog Freedom"
I really enjoy this song. At least the lyrics.
Freedom is a weird thing. It's a cool concept, I suppose. In a world of chance no one can be truly free because nothing is in control.
But it's odd how strongly people desire personal independence or at least the concept that they are in the driver seat, that they are in control, that they have the road map to the soul. Maybe it's a healthy thing, that is, to believe in tomorrow, to believe in the past, to believe that you are free to do anything. It's an empowering feeling, to think you know. Maybe it's more satisfying to think you know one thing: yourself. Perhaps your only true freedom is to think and to wonder and to not have a care, but just to know yourself. There is nothing that can stop that. There is no way of anything stopping you think or the way in which you do. That is your only true freedom I suppose. Though, people can impose.
There is a balance between the body and the soul somewhere, maybe. But if you fall victim to chance and die tomorrow, do you not want to die in a good mood? Maybe freedom isn't about accomplishments in the social world, or any actions for that matter. Maybe freedom is about letting your mind wander into the depths of your soul, into the stars of your dreams, into anything and everything.
Maybe it's about not being a slave, but that's not what I mean. A slave and a king have the very same freedom of thought. It's important thing to remember.
Of course maybe the point of this is a simple lesson: If you find a stray dog don't name it.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Progress
Is there really such a thing as progress? Sure there are advancements in science, technology, medicine, etc. But do these things really change the world for the better? Can you change the world for the better? Can the world be changed at all? Who defines what better is? Who can truly define progress?
If the universe was created by chaos won't it some day return? Is progress even a rational concept in regards to the universe? What is progress?
If I were Socrates I would ask someone, so I did. Wikipedia defines it as, "In history, progress is the idea of an advance that occurs within the limits of mankind's collective morality and knowledge of its respective environment." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_(history)). And I know people say that Wikipedia is not a good source, but as Socrates would say; no one knows anything, "I know I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing." Basically, no one is a good source.
So what does it mean when people speak of progress? Social progress? What does that even mean? That certain morals are endorsed? Who decides what morals are right? What is right? What is wrong? No one knows these answers, though they may believe they do, yet we strive for this idea of progression. This notion that we can make the world a better place, whatever that means.
Look at our nation, we find ourselves in war in order to spread democracy. Who are we to say that's progress? Seems quite hypocritical because a lot of people are dying... for an idea. Progress? I think not.
Am I preaching anarchy? Let's return the world to is natural state, back to chaos, back to a time that has not been tainted by civilization, back to a time where all humans had was nothing. Nothing but themselves. No, I'm not preaching anarchy. I'm not preaching anything. I don't know anything. You don't know anything. Yet, we pretend to. We pretend that we know what we are doing. That we are making progress. But can we? Are we? On any macroscopic scale can we achieve progress, some sort of sustainable order? Is that done by instillation of culture, value systems, social classes, etc? And is that possible to achieve with so many different cultures, with so many different people, with so much chaos?
Progress on any scale seems to be unattainable simply because we are victims of chance, victims of fate, victims to disorder and entropy.
So what is the purpose of life? Some people say they have that answer and some say they do not and most seem not to care but are simply there for the ride. Well, maybe that's all it is, a journey back to chaos. Back to elements.
If we can have no control of the universe than what can we control? If as Socrates says, "The unexamined life is not worth living" than maybe that can be our answer. To strive for self-dependence, self-worth, self-contentment, to just live with ourselves and be happy. Maybe life is to be happy. Perhaps the only real progress that can be made is in within ourselves. Epicurus writes, "It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself. "
So we march on in a crazy world with the wind at our backs, our faces, our cheeks, blowing its breath anywhere at any time and all the time. Many strive for progress. But you can wonder what that's really all about, is it really about anything? Or is simply competition for resources, for power, for nothing? Maybe progress is only as real as we make it. In that case, make your progress internal. Make happiness. Make wonder. Make ideas. Make progress.
If the universe was created by chaos won't it some day return? Is progress even a rational concept in regards to the universe? What is progress?
If I were Socrates I would ask someone, so I did. Wikipedia defines it as, "In history, progress is the idea of an advance that occurs within the limits of mankind's collective morality and knowledge of its respective environment." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Progress_(history)). And I know people say that Wikipedia is not a good source, but as Socrates would say; no one knows anything, "I know I am intelligent because I know that I know nothing." Basically, no one is a good source.
So what does it mean when people speak of progress? Social progress? What does that even mean? That certain morals are endorsed? Who decides what morals are right? What is right? What is wrong? No one knows these answers, though they may believe they do, yet we strive for this idea of progression. This notion that we can make the world a better place, whatever that means.
Look at our nation, we find ourselves in war in order to spread democracy. Who are we to say that's progress? Seems quite hypocritical because a lot of people are dying... for an idea. Progress? I think not.
Am I preaching anarchy? Let's return the world to is natural state, back to chaos, back to a time that has not been tainted by civilization, back to a time where all humans had was nothing. Nothing but themselves. No, I'm not preaching anarchy. I'm not preaching anything. I don't know anything. You don't know anything. Yet, we pretend to. We pretend that we know what we are doing. That we are making progress. But can we? Are we? On any macroscopic scale can we achieve progress, some sort of sustainable order? Is that done by instillation of culture, value systems, social classes, etc? And is that possible to achieve with so many different cultures, with so many different people, with so much chaos?
Progress on any scale seems to be unattainable simply because we are victims of chance, victims of fate, victims to disorder and entropy.
So what is the purpose of life? Some people say they have that answer and some say they do not and most seem not to care but are simply there for the ride. Well, maybe that's all it is, a journey back to chaos. Back to elements.
If we can have no control of the universe than what can we control? If as Socrates says, "The unexamined life is not worth living" than maybe that can be our answer. To strive for self-dependence, self-worth, self-contentment, to just live with ourselves and be happy. Maybe life is to be happy. Perhaps the only real progress that can be made is in within ourselves. Epicurus writes, "It is folly for a man to pray to the gods for that which he has the power to obtain by himself. "
So we march on in a crazy world with the wind at our backs, our faces, our cheeks, blowing its breath anywhere at any time and all the time. Many strive for progress. But you can wonder what that's really all about, is it really about anything? Or is simply competition for resources, for power, for nothing? Maybe progress is only as real as we make it. In that case, make your progress internal. Make happiness. Make wonder. Make ideas. Make progress.
"Everyone now knows how to find the meaning of life within himself.
But mankind wasn't always so lucky. Less than a century ago men and women did not have easy access to the puzzle boxes within them.
They could not name even one of the fifty-three portals to the soul.
Gimcrack religions were big business.
Mankind, ignorant of the truths that lie within every human being, looked outward -- pushed ever outward. What mankind hoped to learn in its outward push was who was actually in charge of all creation, and what all creation was all about.
Mankind flung its advance agents ever outward, ever outward. Eventually it flung them out into space, into the colorless, tasteless, weightless sea of outwardness without end.
It flung them like stones.
These unhappy agents found what had already been found in abundance on Earth -- a nightmare of meaninglessness without end. The bounties of space, of infinite outwardness, were three: empty heroics, low comedy, and pointless death.
Outwardness lost, at last, its imagined attractions.
Only inwardness remained to be explored.
Only the human soul remained terra incognita.
This was the beginning of goodness and wisdom.
What were people like in olden times, with their souls as yet unexplored?"
-Kurt Vonnegut, The Sirens of TitansThursday, September 17, 2009
Questions and Inquiries
So recently my neighbor decided to purchase a wind chime. A very large wind chime in fact. The thick brass bars cling and clang and produce a deep clutter of sounds when the winds blow. Normally I enjoy the comforting sounds of the earth's breath. However, this wind chime is a nuisance.
I have a cat now, a kitten really, and it loves to walk on my keyboard. The sounds that its paws make as it struts across the keys become a terrible mess of notes, that is unpleasing to the ear to say the least. But it's a cute cat. You can't get annoyed by its naive mischief. No, you really enjoy it. But when that wind chime starts singing; I see no beauty, no charm, not one faint breath of enjoyment or appreciation. I hate it.
The worst part is that my neighbor has positioned it right outside my window and I hear its constant whining throughout my day.
So what do I do? Surely my neighbor has some sort of affection for his annoying lawn toy. Can I tell him to remove it? Or simply move it? And what of those repercussions? Would he get offended? Or would he tell me that my band is a nuisance that he puts up with it?
Well, I guess in some sort of way I'm being selfish. I do make a lot of noise myself. So who am I to complain? I suppose I'll just have to get used to that cringe, when a hard wind blows.
I have a cat now, a kitten really, and it loves to walk on my keyboard. The sounds that its paws make as it struts across the keys become a terrible mess of notes, that is unpleasing to the ear to say the least. But it's a cute cat. You can't get annoyed by its naive mischief. No, you really enjoy it. But when that wind chime starts singing; I see no beauty, no charm, not one faint breath of enjoyment or appreciation. I hate it.
The worst part is that my neighbor has positioned it right outside my window and I hear its constant whining throughout my day.
So what do I do? Surely my neighbor has some sort of affection for his annoying lawn toy. Can I tell him to remove it? Or simply move it? And what of those repercussions? Would he get offended? Or would he tell me that my band is a nuisance that he puts up with it?
Well, I guess in some sort of way I'm being selfish. I do make a lot of noise myself. So who am I to complain? I suppose I'll just have to get used to that cringe, when a hard wind blows.
Friday, September 11, 2009
I Got the Cafeteria Blues
So, you come to college and buy a meal plan and life is good, there are bagels and pizzas and mashed potatoes everywhere. But soon you realize that you just need some diversity in your diet. Something new besides the same pizza, the same sandwiches, the same dinner specials. I feel your pain and I might be able to help.
It's easy to order food online now especially with such sites as CampusFood.com. But c'mon, we are college kids, we are poor, we can't always afford their delivery fees plus the delivery tip. A five dollar sandwich can soon turn into a nine or ten dollar endeavor. So instead try a few local places that are cheap, fast, and close to campus.
An obvious first recommendation would be "Linda's Cart" a great lunch truck located outside Rosenburger. Linda is great and so is her reasonably priced food. The only downside is that she gets alot of business and you may encounter a line. Is it worth it? Yes, her breakfast is cheap and delicious.
Another place near campus is "New China Gourmet" located a block up from Glasser Hall. The food is cheap but for chinese food its not bad but not the greatest. If your craving chinese food, this might be your place.
Ofcourse there is Five Star Deli, also known as Park's, depending on who you speak to. Its located on chester between Osol Hall and the PTC. They make decent deli sandwiches and good breakfast. It's also a small gorcery store, so if you need milk or sugar they can help you out.
For pizza "The Best House Pizzaria" located at 43rd and Baltimore is a good choice. They have a great deal; two slices of pizza and a small beverage for four dollars.
If you cross the street you can grab an overpriced coffee at "The Green Line Cafe" but be prepared to be mobbed by bearded psedo-intellectual hipsters reading books such as, The Reason Why Meat Will End The World, Tofu Rules.
If you're in the mood for a walk, to 47th and Kingsessing, the "Salt and Pepper Deli" is a good choice for cheap specials. They have a cheeseburger special for three dollars that's well worth the trip.
And lastly, my favorite place, is "Lee's Deli" which is located on 47th and Baltimore. The food is cheap, good, and Mr. Lee is a great guy. I recommend the Broccoli/Spinach Cheese steak, its delicious. Also his breakfast specials are fantastic.
So get out of Wilson and go explore the cheap local food places of West Philadelphia. Believe me, you'll be happy you did.
It's easy to order food online now especially with such sites as CampusFood.com. But c'mon, we are college kids, we are poor, we can't always afford their delivery fees plus the delivery tip. A five dollar sandwich can soon turn into a nine or ten dollar endeavor. So instead try a few local places that are cheap, fast, and close to campus.
An obvious first recommendation would be "Linda's Cart" a great lunch truck located outside Rosenburger. Linda is great and so is her reasonably priced food. The only downside is that she gets alot of business and you may encounter a line. Is it worth it? Yes, her breakfast is cheap and delicious.
Another place near campus is "New China Gourmet" located a block up from Glasser Hall. The food is cheap but for chinese food its not bad but not the greatest. If your craving chinese food, this might be your place.
Ofcourse there is Five Star Deli, also known as Park's, depending on who you speak to. Its located on chester between Osol Hall and the PTC. They make decent deli sandwiches and good breakfast. It's also a small gorcery store, so if you need milk or sugar they can help you out.
For pizza "The Best House Pizzaria" located at 43rd and Baltimore is a good choice. They have a great deal; two slices of pizza and a small beverage for four dollars.
If you cross the street you can grab an overpriced coffee at "The Green Line Cafe" but be prepared to be mobbed by bearded psedo-intellectual hipsters reading books such as, The Reason Why Meat Will End The World, Tofu Rules.
If you're in the mood for a walk, to 47th and Kingsessing, the "Salt and Pepper Deli" is a good choice for cheap specials. They have a cheeseburger special for three dollars that's well worth the trip.
And lastly, my favorite place, is "Lee's Deli" which is located on 47th and Baltimore. The food is cheap, good, and Mr. Lee is a great guy. I recommend the Broccoli/Spinach Cheese steak, its delicious. Also his breakfast specials are fantastic.
So get out of Wilson and go explore the cheap local food places of West Philadelphia. Believe me, you'll be happy you did.
Thinking of a DVD? Maybe I Can Help
"The Mist" (aka Stephan King's The Mist) has hit the DVD shelves; but is it worth a buy or simply a rental?
The movie is a stereotypical monster flick (which is a breath of fresh air in the midst of all the 3D gore-tastical murder movies released lately) where people trapped in a grocery store are terrorized by -- you guessed it, a mist. The characters are flat and seem only to be there as means of obvious plot devices. The CGI is OK at best but fortunately not abused. So what makes this worthy of a buy or even a rental? Well, there are a few things.
What I particularly enjoyed about the movie was the balance of turmoil it depicts. The chaos of the mist soon becomes as menacing and dangerous as the rising tension inside the store amongst the refugees.
Inside the store is a group of citizens that would depict a stereotypical small vacation town: beer drinking mechanics, nerdy store clerks, loudmouth religous activists, school teachers, moms, dads, children, and the occasional vacationers who are artists and lawyers. As the myriad of these cardboard characters begin to deal with the situation the struggle for power and control, you realize that this movie is not about the creepy crawlers outside the store. No, it's tale about humans: the power of religion, the struggle for life, and the notion that cronyism is a far too powerful force.
"The Mist" wasn't terrible. Part of me enjoyed it for the return of outlandish monster movies. Another part for a horror movie trying to use human friction to create tension instead of a deranged knife-weilding maniac. It's a movie for you if want a little more out of a horror movie than cheap thrills. What would you do if you thought that you could live or die at any moment? Plan an escape? Drink? Pray? "The Mist" asks you that question.
2.75/5
The movie is a stereotypical monster flick (which is a breath of fresh air in the midst of all the 3D gore-tastical murder movies released lately) where people trapped in a grocery store are terrorized by -- you guessed it, a mist. The characters are flat and seem only to be there as means of obvious plot devices. The CGI is OK at best but fortunately not abused. So what makes this worthy of a buy or even a rental? Well, there are a few things.
What I particularly enjoyed about the movie was the balance of turmoil it depicts. The chaos of the mist soon becomes as menacing and dangerous as the rising tension inside the store amongst the refugees.
Inside the store is a group of citizens that would depict a stereotypical small vacation town: beer drinking mechanics, nerdy store clerks, loudmouth religous activists, school teachers, moms, dads, children, and the occasional vacationers who are artists and lawyers. As the myriad of these cardboard characters begin to deal with the situation the struggle for power and control, you realize that this movie is not about the creepy crawlers outside the store. No, it's tale about humans: the power of religion, the struggle for life, and the notion that cronyism is a far too powerful force.
"The Mist" wasn't terrible. Part of me enjoyed it for the return of outlandish monster movies. Another part for a horror movie trying to use human friction to create tension instead of a deranged knife-weilding maniac. It's a movie for you if want a little more out of a horror movie than cheap thrills. What would you do if you thought that you could live or die at any moment? Plan an escape? Drink? Pray? "The Mist" asks you that question.
2.75/5
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Story Ideas
Who would I have dinner with? Good question. I mean, throughout history there has been numerous influential people that have changed the face of human history. But why would I want to have dinner with Napoleon? I don't speak French plus I don't have high chairs. If I invited Gandhi would he even eat? What about Caligula? Would he invite a horse to dinner? I mean what if I also invited Kobayashi, I'm sure he's hungry enough to eat that very same horse.
No, I would not invite any of these historic people. I'm not multilingual or very well cultured and I have no idea what would I serve to meet the needs of their vastly diversified dietary habits.
However, I do have some people in mind: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Warren Zevon, my Grandparents, Jerry Garcia, and maybe some supermodel (let's say Morgan Freeman).
I'm sure dinner would be awkward. But I know one thing quite well, I would invite Jesus so he can provide us with free wine.
No, I would not invite any of these historic people. I'm not multilingual or very well cultured and I have no idea what would I serve to meet the needs of their vastly diversified dietary habits.
However, I do have some people in mind: Bob Dylan, Neil Young, Warren Zevon, my Grandparents, Jerry Garcia, and maybe some supermodel (let's say Morgan Freeman).
I'm sure dinner would be awkward. But I know one thing quite well, I would invite Jesus so he can provide us with free wine.
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