*snort*

Oh, yeah.

I do have a blog.

It's funny, since I last posted this the average beam of light has traveled about 1,305,895,947,048 kilometers. Time flies.

In that space of time I've made huge repairs in my attitude, gotten promoted twice at work, found the woman of my dreams and got married on July 11 of last year. There is of course a direct relationship between the first part and the rest.

There are so many things I've learned I don't know where to begin.

Hopefully I will remember this place and share a few of them in detail. Most of the lessons are pretty obvious but there's a huge gulf between knowing something is true and taking the leap to embrace it.

I Hate Democrats and Republicans

Yeah, you know this one is gonna be good, but hear me out.

I've spent the better part of the past two hours reading various politic 'discussions' concerning major issues like the performance of our last Congress and the war in Iraq. The one thing that jumps out at me is how worthless and meaningless the discussions are. This has led me to an important discovery. People who adhere to one side or the other are blind.

It is so easy to blame Bush for the war in Iraq. He certainly did accept bad intelligence (or outright lies, if you prefer) to make this implausible invasion take place. He has changed his story on why he invaded. He didn't wait for the military to be fully prepared to essentially rule two countries simultaneously. He did his very best to disillusion the rest of the world, making us fight more-or-less on our own. So yes, this man is an incompetent Commander-in-Chief and has all the charisma of a sofa, but he is just one party, not the only one at fault.

Congress also shoulders some of the blame. In fact, I would say our legistlative branch has done so poor a job that they make Bush seem good by comparison. They have sucked on all fronts. They didn't show up for work, they stuffed their pockets, they allowed us to be buried in titanic deficits, they have gleefully sold the lives of our friends and family, and they have ceded power to the executive constantly. Their negligence and greed deserves prosecution. Some have suggested they be tried for treason. I agree with that assertion. Let most of them face death for their greed. They'll all get off the hook with the parties pulling strings, but at least some of the masks with be torn.

There is a third group I will talk about here. This last group bears the majority of the blame. They are the ones who made this possible. Their ignorance and laziness has brought a once-great country to its knees. They are the reason that freedom might vanish from America. These shameful people are known as United States Citizens.

They tuned-in while propoganda played out on network tv. They were the fools who either believed the rhetoric about Iraq or felt it was flawed logic and watched the war happen anyway. They are the self-important people who even now argue about these matters. Almost none of them know the office number of their Congressperson or their Senator. Most don't know what bills that person has voted for or against. They don't know who is in the Supreme Court. All they know is Bush and 'Condy' and a handful of other names. They have feelings, but few real opinions and they don't even know how to tell the two apart. The vast ignorance of these people has allowed a nation founded on Freedom and Justice to launch preventative wars against countries that just might be interested in attacking our allies.

I am one of these people, and chances are you are, too. I don't know about you, but I am ashamed to have disgraced my country.

Unarmed Groom Shot Before Wedding

First, the article:

http://www.cnn.com/2006/US/11/27/nyc.shooting.ap/index.html.

I wonder how the police are trained to use lethal force. Are they to fire when there is clear and present danger or just when something that might be a danger crops up? Going past all the other allegations, we have one man shot to death and another in critical condition. These men were not armed.

Assuming the best case for justice, the use of deadly force was correct. The car these men were in did strike an undercover officer and another car. However, fifty shots was not just excessive but recklessly stupid.

The officers' shots struck the men's car 21 times. They also hit nearby homes and shattered windows at a train station, though no residents were injured.

This sloppy, careless shooting put everyone within range of police weapons in danger. Police officers have to be held to a higher standard. Their behavior was idiotic. The police are supposed to protect bystanders, yet they were the greater danger to life and limb. Even if deadly force was justified (which in this case is not completely unlikely) shooting like Rambo was not.

This time the officers got rather lucky. They didn't murder an innocent bystander. Should we really just let that slide, however? A long suspension is the very minimum they deserve. Losing those badges just might be a fair punishment as well. If nothing is done, we will see more police officers act out their favorite scenes from action movies on our streets.

Though this may seem a cruel thing to say, I'm pretty lucky to be white. My odds are better that they won't shoot me so quickly.

That's all from the podium.

Cats

Well, today I'm not going to rant**. I'm going to shift gears.

For the past year or so, I've been considering getting myself a pet. More precisely, a cat. I'm not sure they are really pets. It's more like having a small, furry, cute, and purring roommate who relies on you, but is not going to be a slave to your whims.

I started out this voyage without much information, just enjoying some time with the cats my friends and family have owned. More recently, when things got serious, I purchased a few books and have learned a great deal.

One thing I've learned is that I should act on feelings and morals, rather than just 'espouse' them. For those reading at home, espousing means to think its a neat idea, but to be too lazy to actually do it.

Okay, so there is a bit of quasi-ranting!

Anyhow, with one book I've learned a great deal about cats, and after seeing a pair of kittens at the humane society, I applied for adoption. I'll find out in about 90 minutes if I'm approved or not. I can't imagine why I wouldn't be, but here's hoping it all goes well!

As one might expect, I've started preparing my home. Lots of cleaning had to be done, and more remains. It's time to get socket covers, things to keep cabinets shut, and make sure all things at low levels are safe for cat play. Since they are about two months old, everything will look like a toy to them.

The basics were purchased last night. A litter box, a litter scooper, two carriers, four porcelain bowls for food/water (many cats are allergic to plastic), a laser pointer (cats reportedly love these), a bit of catnip (which may or may not have the desired attraction until they are 5-6 months old), and a scratching post.

Tonight I am going to get some litter, some science diet food, and a pair of collars that are the right size for cats. I also want another two small litter boxes and another litter scooper.

As you can tell, I take this act of adoption seriously. I'm the minority that I hope becomes the majority someday soon. We value life. Not just human life, but all life. We aren't irresonsible stewards of the world that we are the masters of. Unfortunately the majority is reckless, selfish, and lazy.

Yes, more ranting!

What truly scares me and amuses others is that I've put more thought and care into adopting cats than many people do with children. I'm even looking at cat insurance, and have made sure that the life insurance I carry provides enough money to care for them for life. These are acts that some consider bizarre but I consider not only normal, but mandatory when you are taking on the awesome responsibility of a parent or owner. This commitment is different in many ways from raising a child, but it is not a short one. Cats have the potential to live for twenty years or longer. The amount of attention they need at any time varies, but it is unreasonable to expect to give them less than a half hour of undivided attention in exercise/play every day, in addition to the other times you spend together (petting, grooming, brushing teeth, clipping nails), maintaining their litter box(es), taking them to the vet, and feeding them.

You should stay abreast of developments in veterinary care as well, as well as observe your cat very carefully to ensure proper health and record all changes, no matter how small. This is not a small commitment.

Would some consider me crazy to consider all this in advance? Probably. Would I consider them foolish for not thinking of all of these things? Absolutely.

No matter one's religion or political affiliation, as humans we have the responsibility to take care of the planet that we've damaged. Our rampant over-population and reckless handling of wildlife puts us in a deep moral debt to every other species on the planet. It is time we start acting in an ethical manner, rather than consuming all we encounter and transforming most of the world into a condo.

Humanity has a lot to learn.

** I'm actually going to rant just about as much as normal.

Super Mice

Found something amusing out there in the internet world today..

www.wired.com/news/medtech/0,1286,68962,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_1

Pretty crazy stuff in there! Mice that regrow limbs, regenerate organs, and heal without scarring. This is a must read for those who are interested in the possibility of immortality. Now that would be an earth-shattering discovery.

We certainly couldn't breed like rabbits anymore!

It's a good article, and the findings might change the world we live in. Or they might just fade into the background. Only time will tell.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World

There are some times when I wonder how much people have changed.

I would agree that some changes are inevitable. Technology changes the way we live, religion and culture evolve, and transportation allows us to move about in ways we never did before.

However, how much has the human animal really changed? We are still a fundamentally greedy, violent race. Humanity has in its repertoire the capacity to create beauty and exhibit some of the most foul and reprehensible behavior. We are at war with our animal nature and instincts every day.

I prefer to think of humanity in fair terms. I acknowledge that my species has engaged in hideous acts, putting millions to death in the name of racial purity, to acquire resources, and even in supposed self-defense. However, we have also produced the Mona Lisa, Starry Night, the David, Les Miserables, The Tale of Genji, the telegraph, the microprocessor, and the Polio vaccine.

Perhaps most importantly, humanity has advanced a concept that is curious. We have invented (or being divinely inspired, if you prefer) a system of morals. We have an almost inherent interest in being kind. We feel good when we help others. These more altruistic emotions are constantly at war with the primitive in each of us.

I myself wrestle with negativity and hate every day. Still, that fight is mine to win or lose. Nobody else can do it for me.

Getting back to my point here, I would argue that humans in general have not changed nearly as much as we are led to believe. The difference between the man laughing at Fear Factor from the comfort of his couch and the man whooping and cheering at the slaughter of criminals in the Colloseum is a small step.

It is up to every one of us to recognize and fight this battle every day. History repeats itself because it is easier to give in. It's easier to react than to hold back and really measure your words. It is also wrong to follow these primal urges.

The main lesson of the day is to fight your battles. Carve out a life in what you have been given. We are absolutely responsible for how we feel, and feelings can be wrong.

And that's all from the podium.

Bush to Fellow Republicans: Sorry, My Bad

After being narrowly raped across the country, President Bush has essentially admitted defeat. For a full transcript of his remarks, check out www.cnn.com/2006/POLITICS/11/08/bush.transcript/index.html.

There are some interesting comments among the usual rhetoric. Here are some tidbits (the italics are mine to separate my opionions from the quotes):

I'm obviously disappointed with the outcome of the election and, as the head of the Republican Party, I share a large part of the responsibility.

That's pretty reassuring. Of course, being a second term man and a party man, this is what we'd expect. Still, at the very worst one has to admit that the President is pretending to take responsibility.

The message yesterday was clear: The American people want their leaders in Washington to set aside partisan differences, conduct ourselves in an ethical manner, and work together to address the challenges facing our nation.

The democrats made huge leaps yesterday, the republicans therefore lost. So if the message yesterday was clear as President Bush states, it means that republicans stand for partisan differences, conduct themselves in an unethical manner, and do not work together to address the challenges facing our nation.

Do you think he really meant to imply that? I doubt it. I am far left of President Bush, though I do not necessarily love democrats by any means. Honestly this lands me a bit left of middle. I think yesterday was a clear message that says: we intensely dislike the President. This candidate has an R by their name. The President has an R by his name. Game over.

My main annoyance is that the label is still more important than the candidate in many of these races. It seems like you could have two dogs run, one with a little sweater that has an R knit into it and the other with a D, and it would land about the same as with real people.

They'd probably crush the independent, even if she were the only human!! Plus there'd likely be a scandal when she noted that she's running against a pair of total bitches.

Getting back somewhere near to the point, I think the next six months will show whether the democratic party is worth anything or not. We have just delivered the first blow to the most corrupt, lazy, despicable, and worthless congresses in the history of our nation. If congress doesn't start making their 180 degree change now, we may see a new kind of election in two years.

One thing I find fascinating is how a wide margin in these elections is 53 to 46 percent. Most are 50 to 47, or 51 to 48, etc. With margins this close, there is a concern building in my mind. The closer the two numbers are, the greater number of people disenfranchised.

Yes, they were able to vote, but in the end, their vote did not result in a victory. With that loss, they can potentially be ignored. The only saving grace is that the close ratios make those people on the fence much more important and likely to get some attention. Those far from the middle, however, are blown-off entirely.

In congress, this disenfrachising isn't necessarily a concern. In presidential elections, it's a real mess. I have not sat down to do the math, but my guess is that in close races (like say, the last election) approximately 40 percent of voters might as well have never cast a ballot.

This may not concern a reader, but it should. Did your vote count? Don't you think it should?

It may be premature, but I'd suggest that the electoral collect needs some serious work.

That's all from the podium.

The Central Skill

In a relatively brief time on this planet I have been able to find one of the most critical human skills. This fundamental capability is not unique to humans, but those who wish to have talent in any sphere must exhibit it.

So what is this talent?

It's the ability to pay attention. Without this skill, one's talents are wasted. It is indirectly taught in every single subject in school and in every moment of life. We have platitudes that celebrate it and artists that stun us with their ability to pay attention to things that others are incapable of noticing.

In today's society, this ability has eroded to amazing levels. Nothing can surprise, nothing can shock or offend. While I might turn to various studies made on the effects of things like television or movie violence, I have difficulty citing these. The names of such coalitions makes their biases clear. For my purpose, it is not the result of such productions that matters, but that they exist and there are relatively few outcries.

I admit that I haven't found a good origin point for this short desensitizing process, but my gut instinct is to point at the fifties and sixties. The Vietnam War naturally brought a lot of hard images home. I believe the mass media, more than any war, has created this desensitizing process. It's impossible to deny that the television has been the greatest vehicle of shocking images. Of course it has now been beaten firmly by the internet, where one can quite easily get their hands on just about anything. Pornography and other 'extreme' media are more easily obtained than ever before.

This is of course not to say that desensitizing is new. In the past, exectuions and cruelties only occasionally matched today were quite common. Genocide is not new, nor is the mutilation of certain members of our own species, nor is the concept of shocking entertainment new. However, it still strikes me as important to acknowledge the way the mass media has changed the human mind.

As one might expect, a sort of evolution has taken place. Companies early-on realized that things which shock or offend draw amazing ratings. Of course, something too shocking or offensive will cause disaster, as government and popular forces move against the audacious company. I believe this situation has encouraged a society with an amazingly short attention span. What is hot today will be completely tame tomorrow.

The mind-blowing growth of the internet has crushed television in the expansion of desensitizing media. From barnyard fun to drugs that turn you into a super sex machine, our email boxes are a testament to the gathering storm.

So if what I suggest is accepted, what can one do? Are we all to bow to the pressures and focus only briefly on whatever images are thrown in front of us? I know for many humans, this is likely the way it is.

To avoid this loss of life in the daze of parading imagery, one should exercise their mind daily. In a society obsessed with the physical, the thought of exercising the brain might seem secondary. It is at least as important as getting those buns of steel and in my opinion more rewarding.

Pay attention to something every day. At least twenty minutes a day should be spent really focusing on something. My personal favorites are all artistic. Singing, writing poetry, reading, and drawing are all included. These acts in themselves can be done with little effect, so care is required. Like one exercising with too low a weight, the brain may not be engaged. If one finds this happening, they should stop and change things. Record reactions and thoughts as you read, change forms as you write, or consider alternate characters or scenarios, in music, feel the emotion and energy of every note.

And that's all from the podium today.