you have been given the choice to turn yourself into the most physically attractive person in the world. do you do it?
worth noting however, is that your actual physical make-up does not change. what you are in effect doing, is making every other individual in the world less attractive than you currently are, thus placing you at the top of the hottie heap.
does this change your answer?
Sep 12, 2007
Sep 11, 2007
the cheese stands alone
a lot of us seem to be entering our mini-mid life crisis phases. people getting married wonder whether it's smart to be getting married. people not getting married wonder why nobody wants to marry them. it's all terribly confusing, and frankly when you step back for some perspective, it's all incredibly humorous.
today we will focus on an endangered species: the single.
much like the northern right whale, single people are becoming an increasingly rare breed. as their numbers decrease, these poor creatures are forced to seek out others of their ilk, forming small isolated packs. complicating matters, poachers and married couples often prey on these pods for the sake of the ever controversial sport of matchmaking. indeed, protesters continue to rally the canadian government to shutdown the aboriginal tradition of "clubbing" that takes place almost weekly in most major urban centers. many animal rights activists have condemned the ritual as "tiring and over priced".
unlike the related but thriving "involved" species of singles, "non-involved" singles tend to spend most of their time griping about their lack of numbers, drinking alone, and generally manifesting various incarnations of narcissism about whether or not they are actually too good for anybody they currently know or have known in their lives. conversely, some scientists argue this erratic behavior is actually the cause of many single individual's problems. this theory continues to be debated as evidence is thusfar inconclusive.
currently, a body of research is building that indicates a direct correlation between the dwindling number of singles, and what federal wild life experts have coined "intimacy and commitment issues"; a disease that often leaves singles defenseless against and unable to adapt to the rugged environment of their natural dating scenes.
non-involved singles can often be identified in the wild by their looks of indifference in group outings, cynicism about life in general, and a propensity for temporary platonic bonds with other non-involved singles.
experts are unsure if the rapid decline in the single population is a natural and cyclical phenomenon, or attributable to changes in climate and ecological systems due to pollution, greenhouse gasses, and existential boredom.
if you would like to donate to the cause of S.O.S., please send a cheque with your monetary contribution to the S.O.S. fund at:
Save Our Singles
p.o. box 12854
m2k 2a2
toronto, ontario, canada.
for more information about singles, refer to resources at your local warhammer store, adult video rental location, or gentlemens club at 11am.
today we will focus on an endangered species: the single.
much like the northern right whale, single people are becoming an increasingly rare breed. as their numbers decrease, these poor creatures are forced to seek out others of their ilk, forming small isolated packs. complicating matters, poachers and married couples often prey on these pods for the sake of the ever controversial sport of matchmaking. indeed, protesters continue to rally the canadian government to shutdown the aboriginal tradition of "clubbing" that takes place almost weekly in most major urban centers. many animal rights activists have condemned the ritual as "tiring and over priced".
unlike the related but thriving "involved" species of singles, "non-involved" singles tend to spend most of their time griping about their lack of numbers, drinking alone, and generally manifesting various incarnations of narcissism about whether or not they are actually too good for anybody they currently know or have known in their lives. conversely, some scientists argue this erratic behavior is actually the cause of many single individual's problems. this theory continues to be debated as evidence is thusfar inconclusive.
currently, a body of research is building that indicates a direct correlation between the dwindling number of singles, and what federal wild life experts have coined "intimacy and commitment issues"; a disease that often leaves singles defenseless against and unable to adapt to the rugged environment of their natural dating scenes.
non-involved singles can often be identified in the wild by their looks of indifference in group outings, cynicism about life in general, and a propensity for temporary platonic bonds with other non-involved singles.
experts are unsure if the rapid decline in the single population is a natural and cyclical phenomenon, or attributable to changes in climate and ecological systems due to pollution, greenhouse gasses, and existential boredom.
if you would like to donate to the cause of S.O.S., please send a cheque with your monetary contribution to the S.O.S. fund at:
Save Our Singles
p.o. box 12854
m2k 2a2
toronto, ontario, canada.
for more information about singles, refer to resources at your local warhammer store, adult video rental location, or gentlemens club at 11am.
Sep 5, 2007
something else
if there is one thing i wish we had gotten to do in new york, it would have been to attend a US Open match. one of the random danish guys i met in the hostel was talking about how he went to watch a federer match, and now as i watch him shrug off the best that andy roddick has to throw at him, i want to witness him live even more.
it's pretty fortunate that i've been around to see some great athletes in their prime. gretzky, jordan, woods and federer, that's pretty ridiculous. i'm proud of the fact that i will one day be able to say i saw these guys doing their thing.
some might argue federer isn't the best tennis player ever. but watching him play, it's not so much the fact that he wins so much: it's how he wins that's impressive. the dude is a tennis robot. it's unbelievable.
i also must admit that watching tennis so much this year has given me a somewhat greater appreciation for the sport. there's a beauty about individual competition that i can only parallel to boxing, where in one match you have nobody but yourself to hide behind. it's not like team sports where you can have an off night and still contribute -- in tennis, you have to bring it consistently, every night.
other random notes:
- venus williams has lost a tremendous amount of weight. she now looks borderline attractive.
- i've said it before but i'll say it again: roger federer's girlfriend is really not that special. he could definitely do better.
- tennis is perhaps the only sport where what you wear while you play is arguably just as important as how well you play. it's the closesting thing the sporting world has to a fashion runway.
- i miss new york.
*edit scoop jackson bit my post.
how does this guy get famous simply by writing in the most hyperbolic fashion he can imagine? how many things can possibly be the best thing ever when comparing apples to oranges?
nobody has ever stolen my ideas so blatantly in the history of story stealing.
ever.
it's pretty fortunate that i've been around to see some great athletes in their prime. gretzky, jordan, woods and federer, that's pretty ridiculous. i'm proud of the fact that i will one day be able to say i saw these guys doing their thing.
some might argue federer isn't the best tennis player ever. but watching him play, it's not so much the fact that he wins so much: it's how he wins that's impressive. the dude is a tennis robot. it's unbelievable.
i also must admit that watching tennis so much this year has given me a somewhat greater appreciation for the sport. there's a beauty about individual competition that i can only parallel to boxing, where in one match you have nobody but yourself to hide behind. it's not like team sports where you can have an off night and still contribute -- in tennis, you have to bring it consistently, every night.
other random notes:
- venus williams has lost a tremendous amount of weight. she now looks borderline attractive.
- i've said it before but i'll say it again: roger federer's girlfriend is really not that special. he could definitely do better.
- tennis is perhaps the only sport where what you wear while you play is arguably just as important as how well you play. it's the closesting thing the sporting world has to a fashion runway.
- i miss new york.
*edit scoop jackson bit my post.
how does this guy get famous simply by writing in the most hyperbolic fashion he can imagine? how many things can possibly be the best thing ever when comparing apples to oranges?
nobody has ever stolen my ideas so blatantly in the history of story stealing.
ever.
Sep 4, 2007
Aug 29, 2007
our kids don't stand a chance
seriously. i sometimes get very concerned about the world we're sending the little ones into.
they stand absolutely zero chance against today's advertising and corporate trend makers. the whole idea of cultural and ideological appropriation is so intertwined with post-modern thinking that in this new world, where modernity has become just another aphorism that comes prepackaged with a matching clothing line and accessories, musical tastes and political values, where do we even begin to delineate cultural dissolution from cultural creation? and all things considered, is the fact that these ideas are now arguably one and the same actually the true definition of our generation?
has the last line been crossed? has independent thinking itself been co-opted?
they're trying.
www.nikelegacy.com is an online community set up by nike to gauge trends, opinions, and general interests. cool hunting, trend setting, early adapters -- these are the people marketeers and companies are sitting on and watching.
but this website man, it just looks at the feedback loop and says "fuck it. this takes too long." nike legacy is a "social community" for those interested in nike basketball. it combines every resource into one place, and allows for interaction where instead of taking surveys and focus groups to task, it simply puts a blank screen in front of kids and asks "what do you want us to sell you?".
as a marketer, i would say it's genius. as a consumer, it scares the shit out of me.
exhibit a. would be the websites first activity for new members: take a picture of your closet and send it to nike, including details of everything you own in said picture.
and you know what? teens are glad to do it. they take pride in showing off their shiny material goods, paid for by overwhelmed parents or minimum wage jobs -- or both.
now, don't get me wrong. anyone who knows me will know that i am unabashedly a nike fan. but when the intrusion becomes so blatant, so bold; even i can't help but feel dirty.
i'm not against capitalism. to be honest, i kind of laugh at the idea of hipsters who refuse to support major corporations but will then drop $200 on pants made by a smaller clothing brand, which in turn is likely prospering off a subcultural niche being propagated by one of many said corporations the person is trying to avoid.
i love money. but even moreso, i love the idea that money is the result of chasing things you have a passion for that are not....well...just money. this is what makes our world interesting. and when capitalism begins to exist outside a free market and enter into the realm of hyper-consumption, one can't help but wonder where our priorities got misplaced, and how to fix things.
i'm probably sounding an awful lot like a communist. but i swear i'm not. i'm not trying to be partisan, or pretentious (well, ok, maybe a little), or hell, even personal.
all i'm venting about is the bigger picture: what does it even mean to be an individual anymore?
and most importantly, what will we tell our kids when they ask us?
they stand absolutely zero chance against today's advertising and corporate trend makers. the whole idea of cultural and ideological appropriation is so intertwined with post-modern thinking that in this new world, where modernity has become just another aphorism that comes prepackaged with a matching clothing line and accessories, musical tastes and political values, where do we even begin to delineate cultural dissolution from cultural creation? and all things considered, is the fact that these ideas are now arguably one and the same actually the true definition of our generation?
has the last line been crossed? has independent thinking itself been co-opted?
they're trying.
www.nikelegacy.com is an online community set up by nike to gauge trends, opinions, and general interests. cool hunting, trend setting, early adapters -- these are the people marketeers and companies are sitting on and watching.
but this website man, it just looks at the feedback loop and says "fuck it. this takes too long." nike legacy is a "social community" for those interested in nike basketball. it combines every resource into one place, and allows for interaction where instead of taking surveys and focus groups to task, it simply puts a blank screen in front of kids and asks "what do you want us to sell you?".
as a marketer, i would say it's genius. as a consumer, it scares the shit out of me.
exhibit a. would be the websites first activity for new members: take a picture of your closet and send it to nike, including details of everything you own in said picture.
and you know what? teens are glad to do it. they take pride in showing off their shiny material goods, paid for by overwhelmed parents or minimum wage jobs -- or both.
now, don't get me wrong. anyone who knows me will know that i am unabashedly a nike fan. but when the intrusion becomes so blatant, so bold; even i can't help but feel dirty.
i'm not against capitalism. to be honest, i kind of laugh at the idea of hipsters who refuse to support major corporations but will then drop $200 on pants made by a smaller clothing brand, which in turn is likely prospering off a subcultural niche being propagated by one of many said corporations the person is trying to avoid.
i love money. but even moreso, i love the idea that money is the result of chasing things you have a passion for that are not....well...just money. this is what makes our world interesting. and when capitalism begins to exist outside a free market and enter into the realm of hyper-consumption, one can't help but wonder where our priorities got misplaced, and how to fix things.
i'm probably sounding an awful lot like a communist. but i swear i'm not. i'm not trying to be partisan, or pretentious (well, ok, maybe a little), or hell, even personal.
all i'm venting about is the bigger picture: what does it even mean to be an individual anymore?
and most importantly, what will we tell our kids when they ask us?
Aug 28, 2007
maybe, maybe not
so increasingly, i find everyone just wants to play softball.
i've been playing for a lot of summers now, and it's always a good time. i mean, you get to enjoy the weather, run around a bit, and spend the day hanging out with good friends. what's not to like?
but it seems recently, people have started to go softball CRAZY. so many of the same people i played with in church league are now playing softball at least 3-4 times a week, every week during the summer. now, i'm not saying this is a bad thing. i am merely saying that as much as i like the sport, there has definitely been a noticeable surge in the games popularity (particularly amongst asians) over the last couple years, and it continues to grow.
i mean, even at my church, we went from having just 1 team, to 3, to 4 teams this year, with enough numbers realistically to field 5 teams if we had the resources.
what's up with this? i think it's great kids are getting into it (although personally, i'd have my own kids play hardball instead) but, where the heck did this come from?
actually, what i think really makes me envious is that people don't show this kind of interest in basketball. if i had people to play basketball with 3-4 times a week, i'd be in much better shape.
i find it comes in fads amongst us asians. it used to be dragonboat, but that is starting to wane. now softball is peaking, but you can already see that the next thing coming up is going to be ultimate, and kind of along with that golf.
hmm.... now that i type it out, i suppose it makes sense, since those sports go from the most exerting down to the least...
dammit. i guess i should invest in some golf clubs....
i've been playing for a lot of summers now, and it's always a good time. i mean, you get to enjoy the weather, run around a bit, and spend the day hanging out with good friends. what's not to like?
but it seems recently, people have started to go softball CRAZY. so many of the same people i played with in church league are now playing softball at least 3-4 times a week, every week during the summer. now, i'm not saying this is a bad thing. i am merely saying that as much as i like the sport, there has definitely been a noticeable surge in the games popularity (particularly amongst asians) over the last couple years, and it continues to grow.
i mean, even at my church, we went from having just 1 team, to 3, to 4 teams this year, with enough numbers realistically to field 5 teams if we had the resources.
what's up with this? i think it's great kids are getting into it (although personally, i'd have my own kids play hardball instead) but, where the heck did this come from?
actually, what i think really makes me envious is that people don't show this kind of interest in basketball. if i had people to play basketball with 3-4 times a week, i'd be in much better shape.
i find it comes in fads amongst us asians. it used to be dragonboat, but that is starting to wane. now softball is peaking, but you can already see that the next thing coming up is going to be ultimate, and kind of along with that golf.
hmm.... now that i type it out, i suppose it makes sense, since those sports go from the most exerting down to the least...
dammit. i guess i should invest in some golf clubs....
Aug 26, 2007
like an onion
new york can't come soon enough. finally bit the bullet and bought tickets to see the yanks play the red sox in their final regular season game of the year.
it's going to be amazing. plus i'll get to say i saw a yanks/sox game in the house that ruth built, before they tear the shrine down and put up the new yankee stadium.
still; for the price i paid, this better be the most exciting baseball experience of my life.
it's going to be amazing. plus i'll get to say i saw a yanks/sox game in the house that ruth built, before they tear the shrine down and put up the new yankee stadium.
still; for the price i paid, this better be the most exciting baseball experience of my life.
Aug 24, 2007
bill walton is on crack
// i heart samuel dalembert. slammin' sammy was doing his best tim duncan impression against venezuela last night, dropping a few crunch time buckets and clutch free throws. on top of that, he was swatting shots and protecting the paint as if leo rautins threatened to send him back to haiti if we didn't win. big boy finished with 18-8, and 5 blocks. not too shabby//
//consider this: steve nash is holding himself out of international play mainly to save his body for the grueling NBA season. if the suns do in fact go all the way this year, is nash then more inclined to play for canada if we make it to beijing? if magloire decides to get off his lazy ass for the chance at an olympic medal, can you imagine a canadian starting lineup of magloire, dalembert, brown, english, and nash? not exactly the most feared lineup in the world, but at least it'd be fun to watch some real talent wearing the colours. at the very least, we'd have to be considered a darkhorse for a medal merely for having nash. i mean, dude took a team with sherman hamilton and todd mccullough to a 5-2 record in sydney. just one more reason to root for the suns//
//speaking of our boy sherm, i would love to meet the programming director of raptors tv. has anyone actually ever watched X's and O's? and i'm paying a monthly premium for this channel? yikes//
//quote of the day: "take that hugo chavez!" -- tony kornhesier during PTI, in regards to the beatdown the united states put on venezuela in their FIBA tourny opener two nights ago. of even more interest is that after the U.S. made the venezuelans look like the washington generals, team opec came out tonight and looked like a bunch of all-stars against canada. to put things in perspective, we had no answer for the offensive force that is hector romero. we're going to get massacred on saturday. i can't wait to watch carl english being checked by kobe. poor kid's probably having nightmares even as i type this//
//i wonder if celine dion will be at the game on saturday. i hope not. if anything that would only motivate the americans to crush us more//
//on a personal note, i was blasting feist in my car yesterday and pulled up at a light next to a dodge caravan with what i can only describe as a prototypical canadian soccer mom at the wheel. she quickly turned to look at me, and flashed a huge grin with two thumbs up, as she proceeded to bob her head in her seat. needless to say, i turned the music down, and quietly sped away as soon as the light turned green//
//consider this: steve nash is holding himself out of international play mainly to save his body for the grueling NBA season. if the suns do in fact go all the way this year, is nash then more inclined to play for canada if we make it to beijing? if magloire decides to get off his lazy ass for the chance at an olympic medal, can you imagine a canadian starting lineup of magloire, dalembert, brown, english, and nash? not exactly the most feared lineup in the world, but at least it'd be fun to watch some real talent wearing the colours. at the very least, we'd have to be considered a darkhorse for a medal merely for having nash. i mean, dude took a team with sherman hamilton and todd mccullough to a 5-2 record in sydney. just one more reason to root for the suns//
//speaking of our boy sherm, i would love to meet the programming director of raptors tv. has anyone actually ever watched X's and O's? and i'm paying a monthly premium for this channel? yikes//
//quote of the day: "take that hugo chavez!" -- tony kornhesier during PTI, in regards to the beatdown the united states put on venezuela in their FIBA tourny opener two nights ago. of even more interest is that after the U.S. made the venezuelans look like the washington generals, team opec came out tonight and looked like a bunch of all-stars against canada. to put things in perspective, we had no answer for the offensive force that is hector romero. we're going to get massacred on saturday. i can't wait to watch carl english being checked by kobe. poor kid's probably having nightmares even as i type this//
//i wonder if celine dion will be at the game on saturday. i hope not. if anything that would only motivate the americans to crush us more//
//on a personal note, i was blasting feist in my car yesterday and pulled up at a light next to a dodge caravan with what i can only describe as a prototypical canadian soccer mom at the wheel. she quickly turned to look at me, and flashed a huge grin with two thumbs up, as she proceeded to bob her head in her seat. needless to say, i turned the music down, and quietly sped away as soon as the light turned green//
Aug 20, 2007
only because herb asked
here's one of those updating my life with current event posts that i rarely if ever partake in.
this weekend, i went to vanex's jack and jill, organized brilliantly by the leung family and crew (that would be us). it went off without a hitch, and fun was had by all while enjoying company, celebrating the couple of the hour (and hours continually onward until september 22nd), and doing some salsa dancing. lots of fun, no stories to tell, except that one where brian was macking girls. i bore no witness to said macking, but he has promised to repeat it next time we go clubbing with even greater results. i am giddy with anticipation.
today me and a small gaggle of gals took in finals sunday at the rogers cup. justine henin won it all again this year, and we learned several things from our first live tennis match, including the zeal of serbian tennis fans, as well as the importance of sunblock.
speaking of which, upon inspection when i got home, the right side of my body is definitively and quite obviously more tan than the left side.
to further sate herb's appetite for news from the homeland, i will update him regarding the five juicest pieces of gossip currently making the rounds:
5) wendy has a friend that we officially refer to now as date-rape. it is the rare occasion where that term can be used, and despite its absurdly inappropriate nature, we generally all just laugh because we actually understand who we're talking about.
4) western has turned brian into a pimp. why that never happened to us, i do not know.
3) the current hottest topics of conversation are: weddings, engagement rings, and things to wear to weddings (in that order).
2) somebody has a crush on cammie
1) that somebody is herb
this weekend, i went to vanex's jack and jill, organized brilliantly by the leung family and crew (that would be us). it went off without a hitch, and fun was had by all while enjoying company, celebrating the couple of the hour (and hours continually onward until september 22nd), and doing some salsa dancing. lots of fun, no stories to tell, except that one where brian was macking girls. i bore no witness to said macking, but he has promised to repeat it next time we go clubbing with even greater results. i am giddy with anticipation.
today me and a small gaggle of gals took in finals sunday at the rogers cup. justine henin won it all again this year, and we learned several things from our first live tennis match, including the zeal of serbian tennis fans, as well as the importance of sunblock.
speaking of which, upon inspection when i got home, the right side of my body is definitively and quite obviously more tan than the left side.to further sate herb's appetite for news from the homeland, i will update him regarding the five juicest pieces of gossip currently making the rounds:
5) wendy has a friend that we officially refer to now as date-rape. it is the rare occasion where that term can be used, and despite its absurdly inappropriate nature, we generally all just laugh because we actually understand who we're talking about.
4) western has turned brian into a pimp. why that never happened to us, i do not know.
3) the current hottest topics of conversation are: weddings, engagement rings, and things to wear to weddings (in that order).
2) somebody has a crush on cammie
1) that somebody is herb
Aug 17, 2007
unison
i'm probably going to look back at this summer in three months and really regret how i spent my time and money.
until then -- lets party like it's 1989.
until then -- lets party like it's 1989.
Aug 14, 2007
a brief window
can you imagine how liberating life would be if we had no concept of time?
fascinating.
fascinating.
Aug 10, 2007
Bill Simmons is wise
In this day and age, what even constitutes cheating? I don't know the exact rules for the era in which women dress like hookers, shrug off one-night stands and dance by grinding their butts against the groins of various strangers at dark nightclubs. So what's cheating in this universe?A threesome with two of their boyfriend's best friends? Sleeping with their boyfriend's brother or dad? I give up. Just know that I'm sending my daughter to high school in a suit of armor every day.what a well articulated man that Simmons is.
Aug 8, 2007
a movie script ending
it's funny what can happen in a couple months; how perspective can change so drastically, for better or for worse.
is it possible for a person to change who they are over one single summer?
is it possible for a person to change who they are over one single summer?
Aug 3, 2007
what could have been...
is it worth it to throw sensibility to the wind sometimes and just enjoy where life leads you despite your better judgment concerning long-term ramifications? i mean, is there much to be said for the meaning and value of living in each "now" moment and just being confidant that whatever the consequences you'll be able to handle them? after all, if we don't live for the now, than why live at all?
conversely, is sacrificing the short term excitement for long term stability and practicality really a bad investment? is protecting your own interests -- even at the expense of someone else -- and curtailing some immediate gratification in lieu of the "big picture" really ever unwise?
is it silly to live life hoping to make every decision wisely? is it worth living life that way? am i romanticizing spontaneity?
is it ignorant to think that the above two scenarios are necessarily mutually exclusive? am i asking too many questions?
...probably.
conversely, is sacrificing the short term excitement for long term stability and practicality really a bad investment? is protecting your own interests -- even at the expense of someone else -- and curtailing some immediate gratification in lieu of the "big picture" really ever unwise?
is it silly to live life hoping to make every decision wisely? is it worth living life that way? am i romanticizing spontaneity?
is it ignorant to think that the above two scenarios are necessarily mutually exclusive? am i asking too many questions?
...probably.
Jul 24, 2007
songs for the deaf
are transit shelter advertisements for programs to help the illiterate hilarious, or cruel?
i have yet to decide on the matter.
i have yet to decide on the matter.
Jul 23, 2007
new york run by the swiss
Toronto sucks.
now, i'm not saying i don't love it here. i do. i absolutely adore all that our city has to offer, and i wish upon wishes that we can continue to improve towards being a truly international city that the world can view as a leader culturally, economically, socially as well as architecturally.
that said, we as citizens just don't care enough.
you know the reason New York is such a successful city? because people love it. it even says so on their tshirts.
the general feeling amongst Torontonians i find, is not so much love, as it is a general fondness. and man, that just isn't enough.
it would be awesome if we had a waterfront. if we had better mass transit. if we have beautification and leading edge design as part of our civic mandate.
but these things don't just happen on the will of a few politicos and a general public that nods and says "yea, that would be nice", then goes back to pimping their facebook pages.
and i say this not so much as a call to arms, but merely as an observation. Toronto will probably not achieve the status of New York, or even a Chicago, because in Canada, we're alright with being mediocre.
in business, in sports, in life -- if we're ok, we're good enough. Canadians don't seek to be the best. to be able to gloat from the top of the mountain.
all this potential in this country, and this city. seemingly squandered.
now, i'm not saying i don't love it here. i do. i absolutely adore all that our city has to offer, and i wish upon wishes that we can continue to improve towards being a truly international city that the world can view as a leader culturally, economically, socially as well as architecturally.
that said, we as citizens just don't care enough.
you know the reason New York is such a successful city? because people love it. it even says so on their tshirts.
the general feeling amongst Torontonians i find, is not so much love, as it is a general fondness. and man, that just isn't enough.
it would be awesome if we had a waterfront. if we had better mass transit. if we have beautification and leading edge design as part of our civic mandate.
but these things don't just happen on the will of a few politicos and a general public that nods and says "yea, that would be nice", then goes back to pimping their facebook pages.
and i say this not so much as a call to arms, but merely as an observation. Toronto will probably not achieve the status of New York, or even a Chicago, because in Canada, we're alright with being mediocre.
in business, in sports, in life -- if we're ok, we're good enough. Canadians don't seek to be the best. to be able to gloat from the top of the mountain.
all this potential in this country, and this city. seemingly squandered.
Jul 18, 2007
the more things change...
forty-two days later.
why is it that whenever you're in school, the summer months always seems so formative and life changing, whereas when you're an unemployed hobo, it's the winter months that really get you thinking?
curious.
anyways, people probably knew i'd be back, so here it is if anyone bothers to come 'round these parts anymore. blog readers are of but two catagories: the fickle, and the bored.
i suspect the fickle won't find this for a while, while the bored will be here ... by morning.
what i've realized in my short time as a honda prelude owner: there are a lot of us out there.
back when i drove a VW, i felt like i was part of a subculture that was just slightly askew of the mainstream, despite the fact that....well....there are a crapload of VW's out there.
but there aren't NEARLY as many '98 passat's out there as there are '98 preludes. i mean, goodness. i see my exact car driving beside me at least once a day. it's kind of like buying a tshirt, then going to school and realizing everybody is rocking the same shirt as you. uncool dude. uncool.
when i get a real job, i am so buying a motorcycle.
with streamers on the handlebars.
why is it that whenever you're in school, the summer months always seems so formative and life changing, whereas when you're an unemployed hobo, it's the winter months that really get you thinking?
curious.
anyways, people probably knew i'd be back, so here it is if anyone bothers to come 'round these parts anymore. blog readers are of but two catagories: the fickle, and the bored.
i suspect the fickle won't find this for a while, while the bored will be here ... by morning.
what i've realized in my short time as a honda prelude owner: there are a lot of us out there.
back when i drove a VW, i felt like i was part of a subculture that was just slightly askew of the mainstream, despite the fact that....well....there are a crapload of VW's out there.
but there aren't NEARLY as many '98 passat's out there as there are '98 preludes. i mean, goodness. i see my exact car driving beside me at least once a day. it's kind of like buying a tshirt, then going to school and realizing everybody is rocking the same shirt as you. uncool dude. uncool.
when i get a real job, i am so buying a motorcycle.
with streamers on the handlebars.
Jun 7, 2007
false media
fine. i will allow you to read my archives if you are truly that bored at work.
i know *I* find them amusing.
i know *I* find them amusing.
Jun 4, 2007
struck dumb
i would say....
saturday looks good to me
+
camera obscura
+
the triangles
+
the oneders (yes, those oneders)
= Lucky Soul.
i feel like i should be wearing a cardigan sharing a malt in a diner with my high school sweetheart while listening to this song.
either that, or breaking out into cool post-grease musical dance moves or something.
saturday looks good to me
+
camera obscura
+
the triangles
+
the oneders (yes, those oneders)
= Lucky Soul.
i feel like i should be wearing a cardigan sharing a malt in a diner with my high school sweetheart while listening to this song.
either that, or breaking out into cool post-grease musical dance moves or something.
May 30, 2007
May 29, 2007
let it die
if the yankees are supposedly mired in a hopeless talespin, what does that say about the jays?
we're only 1 game ahead of them.
if the yankees are terrible this year, the jays are just quietly trying to avoid being noticed....
we're only 1 game ahead of them.
if the yankees are terrible this year, the jays are just quietly trying to avoid being noticed....
May 28, 2007
no one needs to know
a well deserved sleeping in.
feist was incredible on saturday, she put on one of the better shows i've ever seen at massey hall. she's powered by personality, and her music is definitely just an extension of that at her show. it's pretty crazy to see. all around an amazingly talented girl.
feist was incredible on saturday, she put on one of the better shows i've ever seen at massey hall. she's powered by personality, and her music is definitely just an extension of that at her show. it's pretty crazy to see. all around an amazingly talented girl.
May 24, 2007
falling slowly
you know what makes me feel old?
realizing that we are no longer the young, cool generation of softball kids at church, hahaha
we are officially the old team.
we also do not have a kickass websites that has stats, profiles, a blog, and....RSS feeds? what? justin's a nerd, hahahaha
check out the david's mighty men site. i am in awe.
realizing that we are no longer the young, cool generation of softball kids at church, hahaha
we are officially the old team.
we also do not have a kickass websites that has stats, profiles, a blog, and....RSS feeds? what? justin's a nerd, hahahaha
check out the david's mighty men site. i am in awe.
May 23, 2007
people get ready
portland and seattle 1 and 2? so who's willing to bet against Nike signing both oden and durant before the month is over? nobody? yea, i wouldn't either.
why is it everybody thinks that taking the best player available is the same thing as saying take kevin durant first overall? has it occurred to anybody that oden might actually be the best player in the draft? just a thought.
finally, can people please stop making the michael joran draft analogy? please? everybody says that it's ridiculous to pass on the next MJ, and that we all should have learned our lesson in '84
what i personally have learned since '84 (a tumultuous terrible twos for me, i remember it fondly) is that a dominant center ALWAYS pans out.
i don't care how many big man busts there have been, if you roll the dice on a talented dominant big and win, that equals championships. rolling the dice on talented wings is just as, if not more risky these days (name someone who's done what MJ did. what? nobody? curious....) plus even when they do pan out, it never guarantees rings (see tmac, vc, dirk, kg even, etc etc...)
in other words, greg oden is going to portland. no question about it, barring some sort of unforeseen deal breaker. at this point, i could make a cliched jailblazer joke. but i'm better than that, so you should be too.
.....
and for those of you who remember my NBA draft = dating analogy, i'm going to break this year's crop down into laywomans terms for the ladies.
greg oden is the professional student who is relatively well balanced in everything and is certainly going to be a rich ass dude who makes the world a better place, as well a dedicated family man. he might even end AIDS somehow, through either doing research or ridiculously generous philanthropy. hell, perhaps through both.
kevin durant is a performing artist who's about to make it huge. he's enourmously talented, and is capable of both winning a grammy and an oscar without people rolling their eyes. just enormous potential for greatness. and he's not even fake about it, he just happens to be really good at stuff in a way that seems almost unfair.
see, the difference between real life and the NBA now, is that even if kevin durant DOES end up winning a grammy, an oscar, a VIBE lifetime achievement award, and the nobel peace prize, he might still not necessary win a championship if he's on a crappy team, or surrounded by incompetent organizations. (see kevin garnett).
however, i just realized after typing out that comparison that most people would choose durant in a heartbeat.
i guess my analogy is somewhat flawed. dammit. back to the drawing board.
why is it everybody thinks that taking the best player available is the same thing as saying take kevin durant first overall? has it occurred to anybody that oden might actually be the best player in the draft? just a thought.
finally, can people please stop making the michael joran draft analogy? please? everybody says that it's ridiculous to pass on the next MJ, and that we all should have learned our lesson in '84
what i personally have learned since '84 (a tumultuous terrible twos for me, i remember it fondly) is that a dominant center ALWAYS pans out.
i don't care how many big man busts there have been, if you roll the dice on a talented dominant big and win, that equals championships. rolling the dice on talented wings is just as, if not more risky these days (name someone who's done what MJ did. what? nobody? curious....) plus even when they do pan out, it never guarantees rings (see tmac, vc, dirk, kg even, etc etc...)
in other words, greg oden is going to portland. no question about it, barring some sort of unforeseen deal breaker. at this point, i could make a cliched jailblazer joke. but i'm better than that, so you should be too.
.....
and for those of you who remember my NBA draft = dating analogy, i'm going to break this year's crop down into laywomans terms for the ladies.
greg oden is the professional student who is relatively well balanced in everything and is certainly going to be a rich ass dude who makes the world a better place, as well a dedicated family man. he might even end AIDS somehow, through either doing research or ridiculously generous philanthropy. hell, perhaps through both.
kevin durant is a performing artist who's about to make it huge. he's enourmously talented, and is capable of both winning a grammy and an oscar without people rolling their eyes. just enormous potential for greatness. and he's not even fake about it, he just happens to be really good at stuff in a way that seems almost unfair.
see, the difference between real life and the NBA now, is that even if kevin durant DOES end up winning a grammy, an oscar, a VIBE lifetime achievement award, and the nobel peace prize, he might still not necessary win a championship if he's on a crappy team, or surrounded by incompetent organizations. (see kevin garnett).
however, i just realized after typing out that comparison that most people would choose durant in a heartbeat.
i guess my analogy is somewhat flawed. dammit. back to the drawing board.
May 20, 2007
dull flame of desire
June 25 - The Fiery Furnaces
July 1st - Harbourfront festival
July 14 - Mirah
Sept 8 - Vfest
July 1st - Harbourfront festival
July 14 - Mirah
Sept 8 - Vfest
May 17, 2007
jazz crabs
fox renews 24 for two more season.
am i the only one who is already jaded by jack bauer's endless string of day-to-end-all-days?
someone please put this poor man out his misery.
no one deserves to have this many bad days in one lifetime.
can you imagine the stress of knowing that every year, you're guaranteed to have to save the world at some point? how could you ever garner the courage to get out of bed? I'd be debilitated by fear every morning I woke up. even the day's you don't have to save the world, i doubt he enjoys. all he probably can think about is "one day down. 364 more to days to worry about...."
poor guy.
am i the only one who is already jaded by jack bauer's endless string of day-to-end-all-days?
someone please put this poor man out his misery.
no one deserves to have this many bad days in one lifetime.
can you imagine the stress of knowing that every year, you're guaranteed to have to save the world at some point? how could you ever garner the courage to get out of bed? I'd be debilitated by fear every morning I woke up. even the day's you don't have to save the world, i doubt he enjoys. all he probably can think about is "one day down. 364 more to days to worry about...."
poor guy.
May 16, 2007
the resurrection
thoughts:
- stephen jackson must be a schizo or something. how can someone be so crazy one minute, and seem so genuinely sane the next? it's mind boggling. he essentially clotheslines dee brown, goes nuts for a technical foul complaining, and then the second the game ends he runs up to jerry sloan and hugs him. what? the real-life equivalent would be if someone beating the snot out of you for insulting his shoes, then taking you to the hospital and waiting until you're stitched up before taking you out for a drink as if nothing ever happened. just completely nuts.
- the suspensions to amare and diaw are probably the most controversial i can remember in recent memory. it's hard to swallow, really. by the letter of the law there is little doubt they made their call. but there should always be exceptions.
the frustrating part of the decision is not merely that it was unbelievably draconian, but the decision favours the team that committed the crime! truehoop points out the warped logical end of this decision.
then again, if it's must see TV the NBA wanted, they certainly have it now (debately, they had it before anyways with the intensity we've seen so far). let it be known though, if the suns manage to win game 5, they will win this year's championship. it's undeniable; as certain as paris hilton complaining to her prison guards about unstylish bedsheets.
- wearing a steve nash jersey actually produces a noticeable increase in pressure while playing basketball. as if i have to justify why i'm wearing it to a bunch of random dudes.
also, i keep forgetting to yell hibachi when i hit game winners.....i can't wait until gil's healthy
- i think i need to hang out with guys more. all my life i've pretty much been socially surrounded by a gaggle of girls. which to some may be a pimps life.
but at this stage, i think i need some guy love.
come find me fellas. i want a hug.
- stephen jackson must be a schizo or something. how can someone be so crazy one minute, and seem so genuinely sane the next? it's mind boggling. he essentially clotheslines dee brown, goes nuts for a technical foul complaining, and then the second the game ends he runs up to jerry sloan and hugs him. what? the real-life equivalent would be if someone beating the snot out of you for insulting his shoes, then taking you to the hospital and waiting until you're stitched up before taking you out for a drink as if nothing ever happened. just completely nuts.
- the suspensions to amare and diaw are probably the most controversial i can remember in recent memory. it's hard to swallow, really. by the letter of the law there is little doubt they made their call. but there should always be exceptions.
the frustrating part of the decision is not merely that it was unbelievably draconian, but the decision favours the team that committed the crime! truehoop points out the warped logical end of this decision.
A TrueHoop reader emailed a great point -- by this logic, if James Jones had noticed that Duncan and Bowen had wandered on the court in the second quarter, he should have immediately decked Francisco Elson. There's your altercation. Mr. Commissioner! Presumably Jones, Duncan, and Bowen would have all been suspended for Game 5 -- a big win for Phoenix.i wonder if the assistant coaches for phoenix are in trouble for this one -- it's their responsibility to keep their players on the bench in situations just like these. a travesty really.
then again, if it's must see TV the NBA wanted, they certainly have it now (debately, they had it before anyways with the intensity we've seen so far). let it be known though, if the suns manage to win game 5, they will win this year's championship. it's undeniable; as certain as paris hilton complaining to her prison guards about unstylish bedsheets.
- wearing a steve nash jersey actually produces a noticeable increase in pressure while playing basketball. as if i have to justify why i'm wearing it to a bunch of random dudes.
also, i keep forgetting to yell hibachi when i hit game winners.....i can't wait until gil's healthy
- i think i need to hang out with guys more. all my life i've pretty much been socially surrounded by a gaggle of girls. which to some may be a pimps life.
but at this stage, i think i need some guy love.
come find me fellas. i want a hug.
May 15, 2007
no such thing
for those who know me well, they can only imagine my elation today.
and a big thank you to Winners, without whom none of this could have been made possible. security database breach be damned, i still love you.
behold, perhaps the only material object in the world that i have consistantly longed to own over the past decade or so:
and a big thank you to Winners, without whom none of this could have been made possible. security database breach be damned, i still love you.
behold, perhaps the only material object in the world that i have consistantly longed to own over the past decade or so:
May 14, 2007
she don't have to know
does anyone have spare bookends that they don't need anymore? i'll gladly take them off your hands.
and milk crates?
and spray paint?
yea, i'll take those too. shoot me an email.
and milk crates?
and spray paint?
yea, i'll take those too. shoot me an email.
May 10, 2007
May 9, 2007
Phrases like "rare talent" are thrown around all the time these days, but this compilation makes painfully clear just how unique and valuable this music is. Smith's visionary qualities were not terribly flashy or transgressive, and his great musical gifts were not those of innovation. Instead, he steadily and quietly wrote, honed, and recorded a body of beautifully executed, deeply moving records not quite like any others. Consider him the patron saint of hobbyists, a talented and dedicated craftsman with a tireless love of the creative process.i normally hate pitchfork. but this summation by matt lemay in his review of 'new moon' is as succinctly as anyone could have put it, so good on him.
we miss ya elliott.
with the window open, i can hear the train going by in the middle of the night.
like some distant thunder, it wafts to my bed through the darkness, the sound coming from nowhere, but quickly becoming so natural you begin to think it had always been there before.
as the rumble recedes, and eventually pitter patters away into the dark from which it came, the sudden silence is startling. the quiet of the night is new again, the peace of the darkness undisturbed, reminding me that there is still much to wonder about outside my picturesque three-pane window.
lights pierce the darkness, a part of my everyday sights.
but there are stories behind those lights. behind the faces who placed those lights. and the minds who created those lights.
everything has a story. every face, every tree, every mailbox, every traffic light.
our world is full of stories.
so maybe we're just here to listen.
like some distant thunder, it wafts to my bed through the darkness, the sound coming from nowhere, but quickly becoming so natural you begin to think it had always been there before.
as the rumble recedes, and eventually pitter patters away into the dark from which it came, the sudden silence is startling. the quiet of the night is new again, the peace of the darkness undisturbed, reminding me that there is still much to wonder about outside my picturesque three-pane window.
lights pierce the darkness, a part of my everyday sights.
but there are stories behind those lights. behind the faces who placed those lights. and the minds who created those lights.
everything has a story. every face, every tree, every mailbox, every traffic light.
our world is full of stories.
so maybe we're just here to listen.
May 8, 2007
balaclava
it's amazing what 25 and sunny can do for ones disposition.
i immediately went from content to happy when i opened my front door. awesome.
i immediately went from content to happy when i opened my front door. awesome.
May 7, 2007
anthem for a seventeen year-old girl
ouch.The conditions of discipleship given to us by our Lord in verses 26, 27, and 33 mean that the men and women He is going to use in His mighty building enterprises are those in whom He has done everything. "If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple " (Luke 14:26 ). This verse teaches us that the only men and women our Lord will use in His building enterprises are those who love Him personally, passionately, and with great devotion— those who have a love for Him that goes far beyond any of the closest relationships on earth. The conditions are strict, but they are glorious.
All that we build is going to be inspected by God. When God inspects us with His searching and refining fire, will He detect that we have built enterprises of our own on the foundation of Jesus? (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 ). We are living in a time of tremendous enterprises, a time when we are trying to work for God, and that is where the trap is. Profoundly speaking, we can never work for God. Jesus, as the Master Builder, takes us over so that He may direct and control us completely for His enterprises and His building plans; and no one has any right to demand where he will be put to work.
May 6, 2007
May 4, 2007
wow.
spiderman 3 is really....really bad.
i've never laughed so much at a movie that wasn't particularly trying to be funny.
moreover, i haven't seen people literally walk out of a movie -- least yet a hugely hyped 12:10am premier showing -- in a very very long time.
quote of the night:
guy walking out the door with 20 minutes left in the movie yells to decidedly impatient and by this point extremely sarcastic crowd: "this was fucking terrible"
*crowd breaks into applause and laughter*
yikes.
spiderman 3 is really....really bad.
i've never laughed so much at a movie that wasn't particularly trying to be funny.
moreover, i haven't seen people literally walk out of a movie -- least yet a hugely hyped 12:10am premier showing -- in a very very long time.
quote of the night:
guy walking out the door with 20 minutes left in the movie yells to decidedly impatient and by this point extremely sarcastic crowd: "this was fucking terrible"
*crowd breaks into applause and laughter*
yikes.
May 1, 2007
Apr 27, 2007
(this is) the dream of evan and chan
first order of business: compile a list of things to accomplish this summer.
second order of business: accomplish said list.
done and done. man, i'm good at planning stuff.
i have a feeling this summer is going to be pretty eclectic. amongst other things, i'd like to:
- build furniture
- read more
- join hoopdome
- practice writing
- go to new york
- start a t-shirt silk screening business
- supe up my car
- go to more concerts
- write a short film
same old...same old.
second order of business: accomplish said list.
done and done. man, i'm good at planning stuff.
i have a feeling this summer is going to be pretty eclectic. amongst other things, i'd like to:
- build furniture
- read more
- join hoopdome
- practice writing
- go to new york
- start a t-shirt silk screening business
- supe up my car
- go to more concerts
- write a short film
same old...same old.
Apr 26, 2007
umbrella
the irony of being sad about leaving school, when all year long i was tired of having to go there.
but hey, it's over, and there's much love about an incredibly tight knit class. parting ways in body, but still united in spirit.
or some shit like that, i dunno. i'm not good at this sentimental stuff.
but hey, it's over, and there's much love about an incredibly tight knit class. parting ways in body, but still united in spirit.
or some shit like that, i dunno. i'm not good at this sentimental stuff.
Apr 25, 2007
knocked up
i really wish i was good at singing. while i'm at it, i guess i'd also like to wish for a new pair of basketball shoes. oh well, one thing at a time.
not sure what to do with myself now that school is pretty much over. i should probably like....be productive. easier said than done.
on the bright side, everyone officially has the ok to make plans any day or night and i will be interested and up for doing something.
in fact, please come hang out with me, hahaha
not sure what to do with myself now that school is pretty much over. i should probably like....be productive. easier said than done.
on the bright side, everyone officially has the ok to make plans any day or night and i will be interested and up for doing something.
in fact, please come hang out with me, hahaha
Apr 21, 2007
mcfearless
guilty pleasure #106: watching 'a league of their own' at 2:40am when i should be writing.
i just really enjoy this movie. every time it's on tv, i always end up watching the entire thing.
i just really enjoy this movie. every time it's on tv, i always end up watching the entire thing.
Apr 20, 2007
for the windows in paradise, for the fatherless in ypsilanti
ah, late night blog posts. the arena of depressing self-reflection and waxing philosophical about retrospectives on life, love, and the open jumper you probably shouldn't have passed up.
man, my body isn't what it used to be. nagging injuries are really starting to pile up: bruised/pulled achilles heel, pinched nerve in shoulder/neck, jammed index finger. my body refuses to fix itself.
i got over my wisdom teeth in one day, and even the most painful injuries i've ever suffered during sports, i've been able to drag myself back into the game a few minutes later and be completely healed no more than a week from then.
but now.....now my crickity bones doth protest the abuse.
you know, everyone is strange in their own way. but it has not escaped my attention that some of us are just stranger than others.
and sometimes....i wonder why?
man, my body isn't what it used to be. nagging injuries are really starting to pile up: bruised/pulled achilles heel, pinched nerve in shoulder/neck, jammed index finger. my body refuses to fix itself.
i got over my wisdom teeth in one day, and even the most painful injuries i've ever suffered during sports, i've been able to drag myself back into the game a few minutes later and be completely healed no more than a week from then.
but now.....now my crickity bones doth protest the abuse.
you know, everyone is strange in their own way. but it has not escaped my attention that some of us are just stranger than others.
and sometimes....i wonder why?
Apr 18, 2007
cosima
ramblins:
1) you know how CNN is always useful DURING breaking news stories, but days later of non-stop 24hr coverage, you begin to be resentful about being forced to watch the same videos and same fear mongering graphics, stats and decks over and over? yea, i'm at that point. it's like if someone forced me to listen to "Say it ain't so" on repeat 800 times straight. amazing song, but it just takes all the poignancy and meaning out of it. you're telling me nothing else is going on in the world now that 33 students died? nothing else newsworthy is happening right now at all?
this is like when Anna Nicole-Smith died. except not as funny.
2) i cannot tell a lie: Gustavo Chacin is the ugliest player in all of major league baseball. this is probably the best photo of him i could find.
and that list of sad-sack mugs includes Randy Johnson when he was still sporting a mullet.
i feel bad taking a shot at Gustavo. what a game he threw against the bosox last night. he's a good kid, but unfortunately, he looks like the lovechild of mr. clean and mr. potato head. just....unfortunate.
3) I like to parallel the final two weeks of school before summer as to the WNBA finals.
nobody cares, nobody wants to be there, and a little bit of frontal nudity would make everything that much more interesting, yet simultaneously, horrific.
2 more weeks.
i think i'm going to make it my goal next year to not fail any classes.
my standards for my education are officially so low, i have to dig up to hit rock bottom.
man, if being self-depreciating was an olympic event, i would so finish like......
actually, i suppose the only way that analogy would make any sense is if i said i'd finish dead last.
i'm blowing my own mind here by zinging myself. i think it's time for bed.....
1) you know how CNN is always useful DURING breaking news stories, but days later of non-stop 24hr coverage, you begin to be resentful about being forced to watch the same videos and same fear mongering graphics, stats and decks over and over? yea, i'm at that point. it's like if someone forced me to listen to "Say it ain't so" on repeat 800 times straight. amazing song, but it just takes all the poignancy and meaning out of it. you're telling me nothing else is going on in the world now that 33 students died? nothing else newsworthy is happening right now at all?
this is like when Anna Nicole-Smith died. except not as funny.
2) i cannot tell a lie: Gustavo Chacin is the ugliest player in all of major league baseball. this is probably the best photo of him i could find.
and that list of sad-sack mugs includes Randy Johnson when he was still sporting a mullet.
i feel bad taking a shot at Gustavo. what a game he threw against the bosox last night. he's a good kid, but unfortunately, he looks like the lovechild of mr. clean and mr. potato head. just....unfortunate.
3) I like to parallel the final two weeks of school before summer as to the WNBA finals.
nobody cares, nobody wants to be there, and a little bit of frontal nudity would make everything that much more interesting, yet simultaneously, horrific.
2 more weeks.
i think i'm going to make it my goal next year to not fail any classes.
my standards for my education are officially so low, i have to dig up to hit rock bottom.
man, if being self-depreciating was an olympic event, i would so finish like......
actually, i suppose the only way that analogy would make any sense is if i said i'd finish dead last.
i'm blowing my own mind here by zinging myself. i think it's time for bed.....
Apr 16, 2007
came to the rescue
Burn your bridges behind you, and stand committed to God by an act of your own will.
bearing witness to history, and appreciating it while it happens, is often difficult. in our generation, we have been both blessed and cursed by incidents of significance: when the berlin wall fell. when nelson mandela was freed. the personal computer. the advent of the internet. sept 11, 2001. and to a lesser extent, virginia tech, 2007.
we've seen a lot of "first ever's", "last ever's" and generally some most auspicious moments in our times.
as a Christian. as a journalist. as a person with a social burden on my heart, reconciling my place in the world is difficult.
as i'm inundated with media coverage of yet another violent tragedy, reading details on the internet, hearing witness accounts on the television, all while having this worship music playing on repeat on my computer, i can't help but feel the sometimes inherent ironies of my identity.
as i read an article in the newest Macleans (which has undergone perhaps one of the greatest transformations in Canadian magazine history in my opinion) that deals with the increasing relevance religion is playing in our world, as i attempt to come to grips with personal issues regarding my life and my career and my future, the prioritizing and identification of my faith continues to leave me at a loss for answers.
the quote i started with is from today's Utmost. how does one stand committed to God by an act of personal will? it seems like a catch22 that the more we are called to obey, and homogenize, and lay down our lives, the more is demanded of us to fight, and struggle, and choose God consciously in every facet.
a lot of people talk to me about Christianity, and how it's an acceptance of doctrine, and that it's just a bunch of rules.
maybe to some people, this is true. but to me, if religion is to have any purpose at all in my life, that definition is -- and must be -- absolute bullshit.
my faith is the driving reason i am trying to be different. because as much as i refuse to settle for the religious status quo, i feel in this world my personal responsibility is meant for more than the standard 9-5.
that's perfect for some.
it's wrong for me.
but wherever i'm meant to be, i feel like all the idiosyncrasies of my faith, my personality, and my professionalism, will serve me well.
acting of my own will is different from talking though.
perhaps that's the most frustrating part of all -- figuring out how to act on all my gut feelings and making them more than mere words.
but where faith leads some blindly, i feel it's leading me purposefully.
so take that for what it's worth, i guess.
Apr 13, 2007
some loud thunder
i like when you're all stressed about stuff, and then things all work out in the end.
actually, i find if you put enough effort into things, this happens more often than not. which would probably explain why it's such a new experience to me. maybe i'll give this "sustained effort" thing some more consideration. well, until i get lazy again.
some things never change.
i've really decided that i enjoy working on magazines. enough that if someone told me i'd be doing that in some capacity for the rest of my life, i think i'd be ok with that, provided it affords me the opportunity to do some of that work and tell some of those stories while traveling around the world. this is essentially my dream, and always has been.....circle the globe, telling stories about the world to people back home. be it in print or online, but at the very least some sort of written form.
every day that passes, i feel more and more like it's less of a pipe dream, and more of a possibility of i were really to want it enough, and be willing to put in the work.
and surprisingly, for once....i really think i am.
look, a happy post!
actually, i find if you put enough effort into things, this happens more often than not. which would probably explain why it's such a new experience to me. maybe i'll give this "sustained effort" thing some more consideration. well, until i get lazy again.
some things never change.
i've really decided that i enjoy working on magazines. enough that if someone told me i'd be doing that in some capacity for the rest of my life, i think i'd be ok with that, provided it affords me the opportunity to do some of that work and tell some of those stories while traveling around the world. this is essentially my dream, and always has been.....circle the globe, telling stories about the world to people back home. be it in print or online, but at the very least some sort of written form.
every day that passes, i feel more and more like it's less of a pipe dream, and more of a possibility of i were really to want it enough, and be willing to put in the work.
and surprisingly, for once....i really think i am.
look, a happy post!
Apr 10, 2007
for agent 13
i'm lacking in coherent thought, but I feel like there's some sort of God post in me trying to get out. i just don't know what to say exactly, so a ranting i will go...
the hardest part for me is always trying to figure out the balance between what i am capable of and/or responsible for, and what i am suppose to depend on God for.
because frankly, I feel like sometimes i don't depend on God for anything. and inevitably, things will fall apart. which is not exactly rocket science -- i mean, perspective on a half-full glass does not validate a religion.
moreover, there are times i feel my religious principles and ideals are actually holding me back. over-complicating my decision making process, and guilt tripping myself more than i necessarily should be about things.
but the truth is, although i have these lapses of doubt....and really, when things don't go the way we like, doubt will always creep in, it's human nature. but when i do have these lapses, i can't deny that despite all the questions, i have found that my personal determination to change things is ultimately a futile course of action.
i have been successful in changing my life in many ways, but this has always only sated the deeper reasons for those changes insofar as i move on to newer, different, and (debateably) greater challenges.
and sure, maybe that's what life's about. challenges. climbing mountains, one after another.
someone told me once they considered any sort of alternative -- to be content in life -- settling. and although at the time, i disagreed, when i think about it, she was probably right.
being content with life really is settling. which is exactly why God implores us not to worry too much about life. we could chase happiness for 100 years, hoping only to be content with our lives when we die, and it would probably still be settling to some extent.
ambition should be prioritized, and for me, that just means trying my hardest to not settle spiritually. all the other stuff...literally, stuff.....it's really starting to just all be the same -- pointless.
frankly, sometimes i see myself as some kind of masochist. so why do i do it? what's keeping me here? why do i stick around and insist on all this faith-in-God bullshit to carry me through?
is it a crutch?
i can't answer that. all i know is the most perfect periods i've ever understood, the most fulfilled i've ever been, the most joyful experiences of my life, have all come when i am most in touch with God.
not necessarily when i'm just struggling, but really, just when i'm being critical of all the other stuff in my life and seeking answers to cliches.
the answers are usually there. you just have to know where to look.
and for me....well...even though i want to believe otherwise, i know where my answers lay. getting to the point where i can recieve them and understand them regularly? well....that's just a whole 'nother story....
the hardest part for me is always trying to figure out the balance between what i am capable of and/or responsible for, and what i am suppose to depend on God for.
because frankly, I feel like sometimes i don't depend on God for anything. and inevitably, things will fall apart. which is not exactly rocket science -- i mean, perspective on a half-full glass does not validate a religion.
moreover, there are times i feel my religious principles and ideals are actually holding me back. over-complicating my decision making process, and guilt tripping myself more than i necessarily should be about things.
but the truth is, although i have these lapses of doubt....and really, when things don't go the way we like, doubt will always creep in, it's human nature. but when i do have these lapses, i can't deny that despite all the questions, i have found that my personal determination to change things is ultimately a futile course of action.
i have been successful in changing my life in many ways, but this has always only sated the deeper reasons for those changes insofar as i move on to newer, different, and (debateably) greater challenges.
and sure, maybe that's what life's about. challenges. climbing mountains, one after another.
someone told me once they considered any sort of alternative -- to be content in life -- settling. and although at the time, i disagreed, when i think about it, she was probably right.
being content with life really is settling. which is exactly why God implores us not to worry too much about life. we could chase happiness for 100 years, hoping only to be content with our lives when we die, and it would probably still be settling to some extent.
ambition should be prioritized, and for me, that just means trying my hardest to not settle spiritually. all the other stuff...literally, stuff.....it's really starting to just all be the same -- pointless.
frankly, sometimes i see myself as some kind of masochist. so why do i do it? what's keeping me here? why do i stick around and insist on all this faith-in-God bullshit to carry me through?
is it a crutch?
i can't answer that. all i know is the most perfect periods i've ever understood, the most fulfilled i've ever been, the most joyful experiences of my life, have all come when i am most in touch with God.
not necessarily when i'm just struggling, but really, just when i'm being critical of all the other stuff in my life and seeking answers to cliches.
the answers are usually there. you just have to know where to look.
and for me....well...even though i want to believe otherwise, i know where my answers lay. getting to the point where i can recieve them and understand them regularly? well....that's just a whole 'nother story....
Apr 9, 2007
this one's gonna bruise
man, i steamed these bbq pork buns, but i left them so long that the paper wrapping thing at the bottom turned all soggy, and i forgot it was even there, and i ate the paper and just realized it now.
you know your day has a high potential for crappiness when....
had myself a pretty interesting easter weekend. lots to figure out still, but trying to trust God with everything i do. whatever that means, because really, i don't know.
there's this thin line where i sometimes worry i'm repeating high school all over again, and i'm going to turn around and walk away from church because i feel like i'm just going through motions.
life is cyclical.
and i really need to understand what it means to learn from my past, and to learn from my mistakes. because frankly, i don't think i'm strong enough to repeat them again.
you know your day has a high potential for crappiness when....
had myself a pretty interesting easter weekend. lots to figure out still, but trying to trust God with everything i do. whatever that means, because really, i don't know.
there's this thin line where i sometimes worry i'm repeating high school all over again, and i'm going to turn around and walk away from church because i feel like i'm just going through motions.
life is cyclical.
and i really need to understand what it means to learn from my past, and to learn from my mistakes. because frankly, i don't think i'm strong enough to repeat them again.
Apr 3, 2007
get innocuous
i won something from tim horton's FINALLY. i had yet to win a donut, or coffee, or anything, until i finally was rewarded during a wonderful 2am conversation the other night.
speaking of which, i'm incredibly grateful to be blessed with understanding and supportive friends. really, thanks guys. i'm trying especially hard not to take anything in my life for granted lately.
things are shaping up to be pretty fun this week. i'm considering quitting work more and more with every passing day....but then i realize that i'd be so very very poor. even moreso than i currently am.
speaking of which, i'm incredibly grateful to be blessed with understanding and supportive friends. really, thanks guys. i'm trying especially hard not to take anything in my life for granted lately.
things are shaping up to be pretty fun this week. i'm considering quitting work more and more with every passing day....but then i realize that i'd be so very very poor. even moreso than i currently am.
Mar 28, 2007
Mar 27, 2007
spitting venom
the new modest mouse? the band's kickin' it old school (well, relative to their own sound) with a johnny marr edge. it's good stuff, the whole album is, really.
'dashboard' is a great summer song, and an awful catchy first single. i can see it being just as huge as 'float on' was for them a few summers ago.
but the real gem here is 'spitting venom', 8+ minutes of classic marr guitar laced in perfect doses with some of the best west-coast indie rock modest mouse has ever made. if one song told marr and the band that their little experiment was going to work -- this was it. featuring all the hooks, strained quirky harmonies, and diabetic melodies that modest mouse craft so well, but this song pulls it off while sounding infinitely more mature than the band ever has. and the results are....awesome.
it takes you on a journey, as any great song should, and the understated use of horns as the lush arrangements and layers build are the cherry on top.
nice. very nice.
in other news, i need to sleep earlier.
also, i'm planning on planning a trip to the bar sometime next week, perhaps after multisport. yay or nay? i crave some catching up people, lets work together on this project i will title "not forgetting simon exists".
'dashboard' is a great summer song, and an awful catchy first single. i can see it being just as huge as 'float on' was for them a few summers ago.
but the real gem here is 'spitting venom', 8+ minutes of classic marr guitar laced in perfect doses with some of the best west-coast indie rock modest mouse has ever made. if one song told marr and the band that their little experiment was going to work -- this was it. featuring all the hooks, strained quirky harmonies, and diabetic melodies that modest mouse craft so well, but this song pulls it off while sounding infinitely more mature than the band ever has. and the results are....awesome.
it takes you on a journey, as any great song should, and the understated use of horns as the lush arrangements and layers build are the cherry on top.
nice. very nice.
in other news, i need to sleep earlier.
also, i'm planning on planning a trip to the bar sometime next week, perhaps after multisport. yay or nay? i crave some catching up people, lets work together on this project i will title "not forgetting simon exists".
Mar 22, 2007
agent zero's latest blog post on NBA.com is one of the most insightful basketball ramblings i've read all year. definitely worth a great read, especially if you follow the game, and love the game.
just another reason why i'm really starting to love the guy. he's right behind steve nash in my fanbook.
just another reason why i'm really starting to love the guy. he's right behind steve nash in my fanbook.
march into the sea
i'm using this huge, giant, ridiculously oversized computer monitor right now that's plugged into my laptop.
i don't want to give it back. this thing is....awesome.
anyone see the new gilbert arenas commercial? the "impossible is 0" one?
youtube it. it's an awesome commercial if you like gil.
i don't want to give it back. this thing is....awesome.
anyone see the new gilbert arenas commercial? the "impossible is 0" one?
youtube it. it's an awesome commercial if you like gil.
Mar 20, 2007
incomplete
i just watched stranger than fiction.
A SEA FOAM FENDER STRAT!!!
that's my dream guitar! i wanted to buy a sea foam strat but couldn't afford it, so i got the white dano.
stranger than fiction indeeeeed. i wonder if this means someone is writing a book about my life.
i bet it'd be a pretty stupid book.
A SEA FOAM FENDER STRAT!!!
that's my dream guitar! i wanted to buy a sea foam strat but couldn't afford it, so i got the white dano.
stranger than fiction indeeeeed. i wonder if this means someone is writing a book about my life.
i bet it'd be a pretty stupid book.
Mar 13, 2007
i need a friend with a boat
i've been told my recent lack of appearances are starting to push me into the fringe of our little socialsphere. well now, that's just unkind.
busy busy, but i'm trying to make time for people, i swear to god. my best friend right now is definitely....my car. and the soothing voices of CBC radio shows.
so it would appear that despite the protestation and snarky remarks about people who get into relationships then disappear from their friends lives, i have clearly become one of those people, hahaha
not that i have any regrets; nor would i conclude any causes should be directly shouldered by my lovely better half (or as facebook calls her, my "significant other") that i could not arguably rationalize as equal parts due to work and school responsibilities.
i am, however, willing to concede that truly, i have become that which i at one time mocked.
naturally, i remain pragmatic and optimistic about the situation. i have but a month of school left, after which i hope to reconnect with people who i am essentially ignoring right now.
in the meantime however, this is a most general and impersonal attempt at an apology for my utter self-alienation. at least the irony is not lost on me, non?
keep sending me emails to stuff. at least then i'll know what i'm missing when i'm missing it.
and no, that was not sarcasm.
and neither was that.
now bed time. the favourite, most cherished part of the my day....
busy busy, but i'm trying to make time for people, i swear to god. my best friend right now is definitely....my car. and the soothing voices of CBC radio shows.
so it would appear that despite the protestation and snarky remarks about people who get into relationships then disappear from their friends lives, i have clearly become one of those people, hahaha
not that i have any regrets; nor would i conclude any causes should be directly shouldered by my lovely better half (or as facebook calls her, my "significant other") that i could not arguably rationalize as equal parts due to work and school responsibilities.
i am, however, willing to concede that truly, i have become that which i at one time mocked.
naturally, i remain pragmatic and optimistic about the situation. i have but a month of school left, after which i hope to reconnect with people who i am essentially ignoring right now.
in the meantime however, this is a most general and impersonal attempt at an apology for my utter self-alienation. at least the irony is not lost on me, non?
keep sending me emails to stuff. at least then i'll know what i'm missing when i'm missing it.
and no, that was not sarcasm.
and neither was that.
now bed time. the favourite, most cherished part of the my day....
Mar 9, 2007
for agent 13
we can run all we want, but sometimes you just can't outrun the truth.
it's kind of funny. being purposely vague is like, just this thing i do.
i can't explain it, naturally.
it's kind of funny. being purposely vague is like, just this thing i do.
i can't explain it, naturally.
Mar 8, 2007
Mar 2, 2007
national anthem of nowhere
Raptors reaching new heights.
As the Toronto Raptors continue their unexpected success atop the NBA’s Atlantic division, the optimism surrounding the team is at an unfamiliar high.
Not since their mid-90’s playoff run to the Eastern Conference finals have fans and observers been so keen to see what lies ahead for the young basketball team.
Sporting the leagues third best winning percentage since the all-star break behind such perennial powerhouses as
The seven-foot Italian has quickly proven draft night critics wrong, developing faster than perhaps even the Raptors expected. Bargnani, averaging 11 points and nearly 4 rebounds per game, has quickly become a valuable contributor to the surging team off the bench.
Witnessing the ball movement, unselfishness, and rapid development of their prized rookie, one cannot help but wonder what could have changed so drastically in
When Raptors GM Bryan Colangelo arrived in the city a year ago, his vision was to build a team that many coined “Phoenix North”.
Colangelo acquired players that fit the
As the games wore on however, the Raptors eventually realized that running the floor was in fact not their greatest advantage. Rather, it was their players.
With all-star Chris Bosh and Bargnani both comfortable on the perimeter, the Raptors have begun to move the ball in their half-court offense, daring opponents to double Bosh in the low post and leave one of his teammates open. This is particularly frustrating because almost every player on the Raptors roster has a solid outside jumper, and is capable of making it should they receive that pass from Bosh.
Moreover, Bosh and Bargnani have been creating mismatch nightmares for opposing defenses, running a high-post screen and roll with point guards TJ Ford and Jose Calderon. Defenders are forced to step out on the speedy guards, creating space for either of the Raptor big men to roll to the net and receive the pass, or pop out and shoot an 18 foot jumper.
Although almost every team in the NBA utilizes this same play, the Raptors have been able to make it their bread-and-butter offensive set. And the reason the
In their point guard platoon, the Raptors have two pass-first point guards with high basketball IQ’s. This is a necessity in an effective screen and roll, and a vast upgrade over the shoot-first mentality of ex-starting point guard Mike James.
Most importantly however, Bosh and Bargnani have developed a comfort level with their guards, setting solid screen and making good decisions that usually result in the ball being in their hands, and an uncontested look at the rim.
The results have been astounding, as the Ford and Calderon combination is averaging nearly 12 assists per game, Bosh (23 ppg) is having a career year in scoring, and Bargnani is now a leading candidate for rookie of the year honours.
However, the most curious aspect of the Raptors rise is not their current winning record, or even the emergence of Bosh and Bargnani to the cusp of superstardom.
Indeed, the most fascinating aspect about
7 footers who are comfortable putting the ball on the floor, shooting off the dribble, and stepping outside to shoot the three are rare. 7 footers who do all that while also rebounding, contesting shots at the rim, get their teammates involved, and play tough in the post however, are nearly impossible to find – and
A team built around a pair of such versatile big men has never been assembled, and so there is little precedence for where the Raptors may go from here.
Historically, dominant centers and guards have ruled the NBA. With a new generation of ball-handling forwards however, the mold created by Kevin Garnett, and expanded by European imports such as Dirk Nowitzki, continues to evolve.
With do-it-all giants such as
The recent emphasis on skill brought on by the
It is fitting then, that the small ball era Bryan Colangelo started in the desert, will grow (literally) and take its next step here in
Feb 26, 2007
this fire
it's awful white outside. and i don't mean that as some overarching social commentary on race relations. i mean it's snowing a lot.
i'm wearing a long sleeve shirt under my hoodie. i have my hood on my head, and i'm wearing a pair of those really thin wool gloves that the lady cashiers use at the local chinese supermarket.
the thermometer in my room reads 14 degrees Celsius. uncool. uncool.
anyways, i've decided to start lugging my laptop around the house and working in other corners, hoping to perhaps kickstart my productivity. first stop, my big red chair.
also, i start my two week today, where i will drink nothing but water. if i don't make it till the weekend, know that i loved you all.
i'm wearing a long sleeve shirt under my hoodie. i have my hood on my head, and i'm wearing a pair of those really thin wool gloves that the lady cashiers use at the local chinese supermarket.
the thermometer in my room reads 14 degrees Celsius. uncool. uncool.
anyways, i've decided to start lugging my laptop around the house and working in other corners, hoping to perhaps kickstart my productivity. first stop, my big red chair.
also, i start my two week today, where i will drink nothing but water. if i don't make it till the weekend, know that i loved you all.
Feb 15, 2007
black wave
there's a herd of deer living in my backyard. they all seem to be does or fawns, i have yet to see a buck.
i've counted as many as 8, and usually they just hang around my house, or eat the bushes in my backyard. last night when i came home, all 8 of them were eating the shrubs in-between our neighbours and our front yards.
it's so odd. when you get close, they kind of just all freeze and state directly at you. i mean, it seems that they're pretty accustomed to human presence since they don't run away at noise or anything. i drove up, parked in my garage and walked to my door, and they just kept eating.
well, eating and staring. it's kind of spooky. but kind of.....cool.
anyways, it's only odd because they're don't seem to be just visiting. i've been seeing them almost every other day for the past couple of weeks. and they're SO close. i mean, sometimes i wake up in the morning and look at the window, and i swear they're peering in at me wondering what i'm up to. or i'll be watching tv in the basement and look out the window, and theres 3 of them just chillin by the bbq.
i feel like i live in Nara.
i've counted as many as 8, and usually they just hang around my house, or eat the bushes in my backyard. last night when i came home, all 8 of them were eating the shrubs in-between our neighbours and our front yards.
it's so odd. when you get close, they kind of just all freeze and state directly at you. i mean, it seems that they're pretty accustomed to human presence since they don't run away at noise or anything. i drove up, parked in my garage and walked to my door, and they just kept eating.
well, eating and staring. it's kind of spooky. but kind of.....cool.
anyways, it's only odd because they're don't seem to be just visiting. i've been seeing them almost every other day for the past couple of weeks. and they're SO close. i mean, sometimes i wake up in the morning and look at the window, and i swear they're peering in at me wondering what i'm up to. or i'll be watching tv in the basement and look out the window, and theres 3 of them just chillin by the bbq.
i feel like i live in Nara.
Feb 12, 2007
intervention
things just gotta get done sometimes, y'know?
the biggest mistake is thinking i have to do it all alone. that life is some sort of burden for me to bear.
letting it go not by giving up, but by embracing it all as a testament to how amazing He is.
knowing when to say thanks, instead of "i got this"
learning to be humble, and learning that humbleness is what really makes you stronger in the end.
the biggest mistake is thinking i have to do it all alone. that life is some sort of burden for me to bear.
letting it go not by giving up, but by embracing it all as a testament to how amazing He is.
knowing when to say thanks, instead of "i got this"
learning to be humble, and learning that humbleness is what really makes you stronger in the end.
Feb 9, 2007
cool breeze on the rocks
anyone see that clip of pairs figure skater Jessica Dube getting kicked in the mouth by her partner? all i can say is.....ouch. i just hope for dude's sake that they aren't one of those pairs that are dating too. imagine trying to get out of the dog house on that one.
"i'm sorry i kicked you in the face with my skate and caused severe lacerations sweetie....have you lost weight? you look great...."
anyways, the weekend rant:
i want to build my own furniture.
ok, i guess that isn't really a rant, but you know....a guy's gotta have goals.
"i'm sorry i kicked you in the face with my skate and caused severe lacerations sweetie....have you lost weight? you look great...."
anyways, the weekend rant:
i want to build my own furniture.
ok, i guess that isn't really a rant, but you know....a guy's gotta have goals.
Feb 7, 2007
suffer for fashion
change freaks me out man.
i just realized that the past year has been ridiculous. my life a year ago is absolutely unrecognizable compared to my life now. i was moseying along just fine until i became aware of how much my life has actually changed.
now i'm all freaked out and unsure of things.
stupid brain. i should stop thinking while i'm ahead. oh well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
amusing parent anecdote #51
*Simon finishes a cell phone conversation towards the end of dinner*
mom: who was that?
me: a friend, he was asking for restaurant suggestions for valentines day dates
dad: it depends on his budget
me: i think he's aiming for around $50 per person
dad: that's not very much....that's like a normal meal. he should just go to a chinese restaurant
me: i think he's looking for something a little more romantic....
dad: valentines day is stupid anyways. it's such a waste of money. just go to swiss chalet.
me: uh....ok
mom: when we were dating, all your dad did was come over and eat free meals at my house.
me: smooth dad, smooth. any other keen dating tips for me?
dad: what? it's not about money. me and mom used to eat cheap food all the time, it's about memories, not money
mom: i don't remember any of those meals...
*about ten seconds of awkward silence*
dad: tell carmen to come over and eat with us for valentines day.
me: uh....i'm going to pass
dad: you should take her to a chinese restaurant
me: uhhh.....
dad: or swiss chalet
me: i have to go now.....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
you know what the kicker to this story is? guess what we were eating for dinner at the time?
yup. swiss chalet.
i just realized that the past year has been ridiculous. my life a year ago is absolutely unrecognizable compared to my life now. i was moseying along just fine until i became aware of how much my life has actually changed.
now i'm all freaked out and unsure of things.
stupid brain. i should stop thinking while i'm ahead. oh well.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
amusing parent anecdote #51
*Simon finishes a cell phone conversation towards the end of dinner*
mom: who was that?
me: a friend, he was asking for restaurant suggestions for valentines day dates
dad: it depends on his budget
me: i think he's aiming for around $50 per person
dad: that's not very much....that's like a normal meal. he should just go to a chinese restaurant
me: i think he's looking for something a little more romantic....
dad: valentines day is stupid anyways. it's such a waste of money. just go to swiss chalet.
me: uh....ok
mom: when we were dating, all your dad did was come over and eat free meals at my house.
me: smooth dad, smooth. any other keen dating tips for me?
dad: what? it's not about money. me and mom used to eat cheap food all the time, it's about memories, not money
mom: i don't remember any of those meals...
*about ten seconds of awkward silence*
dad: tell carmen to come over and eat with us for valentines day.
me: uh....i'm going to pass
dad: you should take her to a chinese restaurant
me: uhhh.....
dad: or swiss chalet
me: i have to go now.....
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
you know what the kicker to this story is? guess what we were eating for dinner at the time?
yup. swiss chalet.
Feb 1, 2007
warning
oh boston.
you are officially the most uncool american city, and the laughingstock of pretty much the entire world.
bravo, squares. bravo.
you are officially the most uncool american city, and the laughingstock of pretty much the entire world.
bravo, squares. bravo.
Jan 31, 2007
we/fall/down
sometimes, we can forget who we are.
i found my parting gift from ACF and popped it in tonight on a whim. although undergrad was a mere two years prior, it feels like an eternity ago. how quickly have i forgotten what i learned at ACF, losing track of the love that surrounded us there.
i always did regret my time at western, in that i never gave ACF my all. i always held back, socially, spiritually; my commitment was not there, nor was my undivided heart. my friends were amazing, and the fellowship was an inspiration and community that i cannot describe adequately in words. if i could go back and do it all over again, i would embrace ACF much, much more.
but God always gives us second chances. and the lessons learned in my past will not go unheeded.
the hardest part isn't not knowing what's next.
it's knowing full well what you are capable of, and holding yourself to those expectations and responsibilities. to not run away from who you know you are, or what God has in store for you, and especially who you know you could be. even if that means working harder, or sacrificing, or committing to things that you would rather not commit to because that might make your responsibilities that much more tangible.
growing up is such a strange phrase. i mean, we're in our mid twenties and most of us have full-time jobs already. we're grown ups. but at the same time, we still have so much more to learn -- hell, i plan on growing up until the day i kick the bucket. we'll never stop growing as people.
but some steps are bigger than others. but you gotta take one, before you can take the next -- regardless of how scary those steps may seem.
i found my parting gift from ACF and popped it in tonight on a whim. although undergrad was a mere two years prior, it feels like an eternity ago. how quickly have i forgotten what i learned at ACF, losing track of the love that surrounded us there.
i always did regret my time at western, in that i never gave ACF my all. i always held back, socially, spiritually; my commitment was not there, nor was my undivided heart. my friends were amazing, and the fellowship was an inspiration and community that i cannot describe adequately in words. if i could go back and do it all over again, i would embrace ACF much, much more.
but God always gives us second chances. and the lessons learned in my past will not go unheeded.
the hardest part isn't not knowing what's next.
it's knowing full well what you are capable of, and holding yourself to those expectations and responsibilities. to not run away from who you know you are, or what God has in store for you, and especially who you know you could be. even if that means working harder, or sacrificing, or committing to things that you would rather not commit to because that might make your responsibilities that much more tangible.
growing up is such a strange phrase. i mean, we're in our mid twenties and most of us have full-time jobs already. we're grown ups. but at the same time, we still have so much more to learn -- hell, i plan on growing up until the day i kick the bucket. we'll never stop growing as people.
but some steps are bigger than others. but you gotta take one, before you can take the next -- regardless of how scary those steps may seem.
Jan 26, 2007
waiting for the 7:18
it's 14 degrees Celsius in my bedroom.
i'm cold.
and in perhaps the news of the day:
Caffeinated Doughnuts!
i'm cold.
and in perhaps the news of the day:
Caffeinated Doughnuts!
Jan 22, 2007
lovestoned//ithinksheknows
yes, i enjoy this song way more than i should. i'm not ashamed to say it.
you know that scene in Big where tom hanks goes back to the fortune telling machine and wants to be a kid again?
that's like....exactly how i'm feeling this past week.
come onnnnn non-busy days ahead!
you know that scene in Big where tom hanks goes back to the fortune telling machine and wants to be a kid again?
that's like....exactly how i'm feeling this past week.
come onnnnn non-busy days ahead!
Jan 18, 2007
Jan 15, 2007
ride
there is absolutely not a bone in my body that has come to grips with what the next 4-5 months are going to be like.
no a one.
i just want to shut it down man. this....this ain't right.
no a one.
i just want to shut it down man. this....this ain't right.
Jan 10, 2007
Jan 7, 2007
youshouldbehatedhere
i should be asleep, but i'm up comparing my new koss-ksc75's to my senn hd477's. they're actually pretty close. it's almost a crapshoot at this point, i'm debating just using them to listen to different genre's of music. the fact that i have these portable suckers for my mp3 player now is icing on the cake though. it honestly is the best $20 i've spent in many many moons.
it's funny how happy a pair of $20 headphones makes me. i feel like i accomplished something, as if i'm starting my own little budget audiophile headphone collection. anyways, now that i'm done nerding it up, i'm going back to my music.
it's gonna be one of those long, pensive, quiet nights where i give my last.fm charts a much needed workout.
i'll be tired tomorrow.
it'll be worth it.
it's funny how happy a pair of $20 headphones makes me. i feel like i accomplished something, as if i'm starting my own little budget audiophile headphone collection. anyways, now that i'm done nerding it up, i'm going back to my music.
it's gonna be one of those long, pensive, quiet nights where i give my last.fm charts a much needed workout.
i'll be tired tomorrow.
it'll be worth it.
Jan 4, 2007
Dec 30, 2006
wait for you
facebook finally.
i feel so dirty. honestly though, i looked at it and there's too many things to click on. too many groups to join, too many steps to go through. i don't get the appeal. on the bright side, now i feel less left out with all my school friends since they're all alllllways on it, with inside jokes and stuff.
this is like how i held out on MSN for 5 years. i always cave. i'm so ashamed.
i feel so dirty. honestly though, i looked at it and there's too many things to click on. too many groups to join, too many steps to go through. i don't get the appeal. on the bright side, now i feel less left out with all my school friends since they're all alllllways on it, with inside jokes and stuff.
this is like how i held out on MSN for 5 years. i always cave. i'm so ashamed.
Dec 25, 2006
Dec 22, 2006
sawdustanddiamonds
my freestyle rapping career ran into a little stumble today. my audience had a tough time deciphering my sick rhymes. maybe i'm too ahead of the curve, ahead of the times (i rhyme even when i don't mean to. i'm awesome). maybe the game ain't ready for me. maybe.....maybe.....
ever feel good, but yet not good, because all that goodness seem everyday to be held together tenuously by a thin and straining thread? yea, that's how i feel these days.
i wish i weren't so cynical. i mean, sure, i wouldn't have my dry and charming sense of comic wit, but seriously -- it's tiring being cynical all the time. i wish i could just have a little faith once in a while, just put my brain into cruise control and hope for the best, instead of over analyzing everything and expecting the worst.
i'm like one of those guys who is scared of planes coming out of the sky and killing him. actually, i just realized someone told me they legitimately feared that once. i guess we're all in this crazy world together sometimes.
ever feel good, but yet not good, because all that goodness seem everyday to be held together tenuously by a thin and straining thread? yea, that's how i feel these days.
i wish i weren't so cynical. i mean, sure, i wouldn't have my dry and charming sense of comic wit, but seriously -- it's tiring being cynical all the time. i wish i could just have a little faith once in a while, just put my brain into cruise control and hope for the best, instead of over analyzing everything and expecting the worst.
i'm like one of those guys who is scared of planes coming out of the sky and killing him. actually, i just realized someone told me they legitimately feared that once. i guess we're all in this crazy world together sometimes.
Dec 19, 2006
have a little faith
some things are worth staying up for. friends around the world, but still near and dear.
dcsy says:
i'm smitten
dcsy says:
smmmmitttttten
nomiS. says:
are you saying that actually
nomiS. says:
or just for the sake of saying it?
dcsy says:
yeah i am hahaha
nomiS. says:
words that end in "mitten" are generally cute
nomiS. says:
like, kitten
dcsy says:
or itten
nomiS. says:
oh yea
nomiS. says:
kmitten
dcsy says:
kmitten
nomiS. says:
whoa
nomiS. says:
actually, i guess there are only 3 words that end in itten
nomiS. says:
but they all seem cute
nomiS. says:
so you're smitten huh?
dcsy says:
cute soft and furry
dcsy says:
im not smitten
nomiS. says:
that's quite the quote
nomiS. says:
hahaahha
dcsy says:
i was just saying it for the sound of it
nomiS. says:
you can't take it back
nomiS. says:
i have it archived for future reference. (thank you, MSN)
dcsy says:
i hate u
dcsy says:
archive that one
nomiS. says:
dcsy says:
i'm smitten
dcsy says:
smmmmitttttten
dcsy says:
i really hate u
Dec 18, 2006
lovestoned
i think i should start sleeping and waking up earlier. i seem unrested when i wake up in the....afternoon....
i don't understand the big deal about the rumble in MSG last week. we're all just a bunch of racists. tie domi can punch a heckler in the face while tom cheek eggs him on from the box, roger clemens can throw a heavy piece of splintered wood at someone, and it's news, but not any sort of negative reflection on the game.
but a fight breaks out because of competitive spirits in basketball, and everyone assumes black people are thugs. like...what? i don't understand how todd bertuzi or marty macsorley could not have a long term impact in peoples minds for hockey, but for some reason fist fights are a black eye on the public image of a sport, turning into an event that is hard to let go or forget.
like, come on mainstream america, be a little less subtle about your deep rooted discrimination at least. i'm just waiting for the guys at CNNSI to blurt out....."while we're at it, oj was guilty, rosa parks should have stayed at the back, and martin luther king junior was a hate monger. also, uncle ben makes crappy rice."
i don't understand the big deal about the rumble in MSG last week. we're all just a bunch of racists. tie domi can punch a heckler in the face while tom cheek eggs him on from the box, roger clemens can throw a heavy piece of splintered wood at someone, and it's news, but not any sort of negative reflection on the game.
but a fight breaks out because of competitive spirits in basketball, and everyone assumes black people are thugs. like...what? i don't understand how todd bertuzi or marty macsorley could not have a long term impact in peoples minds for hockey, but for some reason fist fights are a black eye on the public image of a sport, turning into an event that is hard to let go or forget.
like, come on mainstream america, be a little less subtle about your deep rooted discrimination at least. i'm just waiting for the guys at CNNSI to blurt out....."while we're at it, oj was guilty, rosa parks should have stayed at the back, and martin luther king junior was a hate monger. also, uncle ben makes crappy rice."
Dec 14, 2006
chinese new year
www.willitblend.com
we use a blendtec at work to make cold drinks.
the scientist guy is just hilarious though. the shots of him just smiling are worth the price of admission. which is....free.
we use a blendtec at work to make cold drinks.
the scientist guy is just hilarious though. the shots of him just smiling are worth the price of admission. which is....free.
Dec 11, 2006
Dec 10, 2006
holidays and saturdays
the song title for this post is eerily apt. i suppose it could be even more appropriate if i was already on holidays, but enh. close enough.
life moves on.
things i can no longer do in my house:
- walk around in just my boxers
- shower and use the toilet with the door open
- blast music at 1am
- drink like a fish
- play guitar at 2am
on the bright side, my parents have been home for less than a full day and my fridge is already stocked with orange juice and soya milk.
it's nice to have some constants in life.
life moves on.
things i can no longer do in my house:
- walk around in just my boxers
- shower and use the toilet with the door open
- blast music at 1am
- drink like a fish
- play guitar at 2am
on the bright side, my parents have been home for less than a full day and my fridge is already stocked with orange juice and soya milk.
it's nice to have some constants in life.
Dec 6, 2006
l o o k a t u s n o w
a great story about dwayne wade. we lose track of the fact that athletes are human beings, who more often than not have overcome a million-to-one odds to reach where they are.
SI's Sportsman of the Year
SI's Sportsman of the Year
Dec 5, 2006
o h m y g o d
"Sometimes I can not forgive
and these days mercy cuts so deep,
If the world was how it should be, maybe I could get some sleep.
While I lay, I'd dream we're better, scales were gone and faces lighter,
When we wake we hate our brother, we still move to hurt each other,
Sometimes I can close my eyes and all the fear the keeps me silent,
Falls below my heavy breathing, what makes me so badly bent?
We all have a chance to murder, we all feel the need through wonder.
We still want to be reminded that the pain is worth the plunder.
Sometimes when I lose my grip, I wonder what to make of heaven,
All the times I thought to reach up, all the times I had to give up.
Babies underneath their beds, in hospitals that cannot treat them.
All the wounds that money causes, all the comforts of cathedrals,
All the cries of thirsty children, this is our inheritance,
All the rage of watching mothers, this is our greatest offense
Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God."
and these days mercy cuts so deep,
If the world was how it should be, maybe I could get some sleep.
While I lay, I'd dream we're better, scales were gone and faces lighter,
When we wake we hate our brother, we still move to hurt each other,
Sometimes I can close my eyes and all the fear the keeps me silent,
Falls below my heavy breathing, what makes me so badly bent?
We all have a chance to murder, we all feel the need through wonder.
We still want to be reminded that the pain is worth the plunder.
Sometimes when I lose my grip, I wonder what to make of heaven,
All the times I thought to reach up, all the times I had to give up.
Babies underneath their beds, in hospitals that cannot treat them.
All the wounds that money causes, all the comforts of cathedrals,
All the cries of thirsty children, this is our inheritance,
All the rage of watching mothers, this is our greatest offense
Oh my God, Oh my God, Oh my God."
and the snow made it perfect.
as it turns out, the second i even heeded the voice of the cynical side, it was over. i realized i was no longer content because i was content. and the fact that i knew i was soon going to have to move from my contented spot immediately made me discontented.
we. people. i. am such a fool. always thinking its whats in the picture that matters -- that means anything in the long run. when really, it's irrelevant.
the work, the accolades, the great situations, the perfect people, the fortunate happenstances.
it all comes up short when the din dies down, and you start to really think about it. when that cynical voice starts to question, and pushes you to want more -- to consume more, desire more, think that more will help you feel what you need to feel.
and really -- what you needed was not a feeling.
it was meaning.
a meaning that was here all along.
a meaning that never left you in the first place.
a meaning for which i am thankful beyond words.
Dec 4, 2006
t h e e x e c u t i o n o f a l l t h i n g s
i feel completely content.
the cynical side of me is screaming that this can't last.
the cynical side of me is screaming that this can't last.
Nov 30, 2006
s t a r t h e r e
i wonder sometimes if i'm actually not that busy, but rather just manage my time horribly.
i think this is about 80% the case, while 20% is that i really am pretty busy.
then again, if this was true, i probably wouldn't know how busy i really was anyways, so i would have no way to accurately gauge.
damn you time management. damn you. at least i didn't double book anything this week. i hate when that happens.
i think this is about 80% the case, while 20% is that i really am pretty busy.
then again, if this was true, i probably wouldn't know how busy i really was anyways, so i would have no way to accurately gauge.
damn you time management. damn you. at least i didn't double book anything this week. i hate when that happens.
Nov 22, 2006
h e a v e n
i went ahead and brought my coffeemaker down into my room yesterday, then set it to brew a fresh pot when my alarm clock was set to go off.
i'm such an addict it's not even funny anymore.
on the brightside, i think i finally found an alarm that's going to work for me.
open my eyes, drink a mug of coffee, and now it's barely 10:30am and i've been awake for an hour, but i feel ready to destroy the day, hahahaha
man, at this rate i'm going to be drinking 10 coffee's a day.
current count: 2
i'm such an addict it's not even funny anymore.
on the brightside, i think i finally found an alarm that's going to work for me.
open my eyes, drink a mug of coffee, and now it's barely 10:30am and i've been awake for an hour, but i feel ready to destroy the day, hahahaha
man, at this rate i'm going to be drinking 10 coffee's a day.
current count: 2
Nov 20, 2006
s u n d a y m o r n i n g
it's funny how perspective can change so quickly. we think our eyes are open already, but in a matter of days -- or hours even, everything we thought made sense seems stupid and petty.
funny. but ultimately....humbling.
funny. but ultimately....humbling.
Nov 16, 2006
fists up
i'm supremely disappointed in the CRTC that this station will not be airing in Canada.
i'm not saying al jazeera is the saviour of the free-press, or inferring that they are somehow "better" than any other news station. but the fact is, they are based in, and have a foothold in the area of the world where the most pertinent and important news today is developing. they have information bbc world or cnn may not have. they have sources those stations may not have. and most of all, they have a presence in the culture of the middle east that cannot be ignored.
the opening was pretty lame (especially the botched breaking news bulletin. somebody clearly missed a cue). and really, i know you just started, but the opening story of your network is.....yourselves? yikes. don't let all that western screaming get to your heads or anything now....
they probably won't change the way we get our news. but al jazeera may challenge not just how our established media reports stories, but rather what news is defined as, and why.
i'm not saying al jazeera is the saviour of the free-press, or inferring that they are somehow "better" than any other news station. but the fact is, they are based in, and have a foothold in the area of the world where the most pertinent and important news today is developing. they have information bbc world or cnn may not have. they have sources those stations may not have. and most of all, they have a presence in the culture of the middle east that cannot be ignored.
the opening was pretty lame (especially the botched breaking news bulletin. somebody clearly missed a cue). and really, i know you just started, but the opening story of your network is.....yourselves? yikes. don't let all that western screaming get to your heads or anything now....
they probably won't change the way we get our news. but al jazeera may challenge not just how our established media reports stories, but rather what news is defined as, and why.
Nov 15, 2006
rootless tree
is there a precedence for keeping or deleting pictures of exes? i mean, it's one thing if you don't throw away print photos. it's understandable to me that you just keep all your photos that have been printed because memories are meant to be remembered.
digital photos however seem to pose a more complicated scenario. i mean, if a girl is looking through your photos and you have old pictures of your ex, i think it's safe to assume she'll understand.
but if a girl is looking through your digital pictures on your computer and you still have like, entire folders of stupid random pictures of your ex, doesn't that seem a bit....uh....i dunno.....uncool?
personally, i think the digital medium makes them more expendable, simply because most of those pictures were probably not very good anyways because they were taken loosey-goosey.
i dunno, for some reason it just seems like digital photos should be deleted, but printed ones are ok. it's almost like prints get grandfather claused whenever you meet a new girl, because she understands the nostalgia associated with paper photos.
i'm curious what opinions the ladies have on both sides of the ledger.
digital photos however seem to pose a more complicated scenario. i mean, if a girl is looking through your photos and you have old pictures of your ex, i think it's safe to assume she'll understand.
but if a girl is looking through your digital pictures on your computer and you still have like, entire folders of stupid random pictures of your ex, doesn't that seem a bit....uh....i dunno.....uncool?
personally, i think the digital medium makes them more expendable, simply because most of those pictures were probably not very good anyways because they were taken loosey-goosey.
i dunno, for some reason it just seems like digital photos should be deleted, but printed ones are ok. it's almost like prints get grandfather claused whenever you meet a new girl, because she understands the nostalgia associated with paper photos.
i'm curious what opinions the ladies have on both sides of the ledger.
mount washington
nothing scares me like old people driving expensive cars. especially when you look over and it looks like they can barely keep themselves awake until the light turns green.
like.....honestly. scary stuff.
in other news, i'm still awake and it's 2:30am and i think i'm starting to develop an alcohol dependency.
this is not gooooood........
....mainly because i can't afford to be an alcoholic.
i can't believe this is even late for me now. this used to be like, prime-time.
man, i'm getting old.
like.....honestly. scary stuff.
in other news, i'm still awake and it's 2:30am and i think i'm starting to develop an alcohol dependency.
this is not gooooood........
....mainly because i can't afford to be an alcoholic.
i can't believe this is even late for me now. this used to be like, prime-time.
man, i'm getting old.
Nov 13, 2006
Nov 8, 2006
the perfect crime 2
i apologize if i depressed anyone (cammie) with my bitterness after losing. i don't blame anyone but myself. i just....hate losing.
i know for sure after basketball i'm not the nicest guy after i lose. if its pickup, i'm not AS angry because i know i'll get to play again right afterwards. but when it's any sort of organized competition, losing at basketball brings out like, the absolute worst in me.
to be honest, i thought i was being pretty good on monday, hahahaha
you should have seen me during TCSSC league. or even university intramurals. i almost killed a ref once because i was trying to intentionally foul and he wouldn't blow the whistle.
actually, if i saw that guy on the street again, i'd probably still punch him in the neck. what a bastard he was.
anyways, don't feel bad. at least i didn't yell at you guys during the game like i do to people i actually play basketball with.
i know for sure after basketball i'm not the nicest guy after i lose. if its pickup, i'm not AS angry because i know i'll get to play again right afterwards. but when it's any sort of organized competition, losing at basketball brings out like, the absolute worst in me.
to be honest, i thought i was being pretty good on monday, hahahaha
you should have seen me during TCSSC league. or even university intramurals. i almost killed a ref once because i was trying to intentionally foul and he wouldn't blow the whistle.
actually, if i saw that guy on the street again, i'd probably still punch him in the neck. what a bastard he was.
anyways, don't feel bad. at least i didn't yell at you guys during the game like i do to people i actually play basketball with.
Nov 7, 2006
hoppipolla afturabak
busy weekend past. busy week ahead.
i was telling ivan recently how i feel like i've been thrown into some strangers life, what with all the changes that have occurred around these parts lately. my schedule is suddenly hectic, my responsibilities suddenly many, my days off suddenly far and few between.
i embrace it all though. i know that the challenge is where my lessons lie. that's always the way i've been, and i'm slowly....painfully learning to step up to the task. especially when it's the easy, obvious tasks. those are the ones i usually take for granted, and as such, the ones i usually screw up. for me, the problem is never handling the crisis. it's merely maintaining the status quo, so as to avert crises.
a lot of strange thoughts floating around in the head lately, what with funerals, birthdays, and so many great friends whom God has shown His love through to me. much to be thankful for. much to learn. thanks everyone for a great first week of November.
here's to many more.
i was telling ivan recently how i feel like i've been thrown into some strangers life, what with all the changes that have occurred around these parts lately. my schedule is suddenly hectic, my responsibilities suddenly many, my days off suddenly far and few between.
i embrace it all though. i know that the challenge is where my lessons lie. that's always the way i've been, and i'm slowly....painfully learning to step up to the task. especially when it's the easy, obvious tasks. those are the ones i usually take for granted, and as such, the ones i usually screw up. for me, the problem is never handling the crisis. it's merely maintaining the status quo, so as to avert crises.
a lot of strange thoughts floating around in the head lately, what with funerals, birthdays, and so many great friends whom God has shown His love through to me. much to be thankful for. much to learn. thanks everyone for a great first week of November.
here's to many more.
Nov 3, 2006
content was always my favourite colour
Toronto -- Bruna Nota often gets stopped because of the two poppies on her lapel.
It is not the traditional red poppy that people are curious about. It is the one beside it -- her homemade white poppy that she has worn for over a decade of remembrance days -- that attracts the most attention.
“The White poppy is totally against war, commemorating the civilian losses. Not just the people killed in combat” says Nota, a member of the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.It is not the traditional red poppy that people are curious about. It is the one beside it -- her homemade white poppy that she has worn for over a decade of remembrance days -- that attracts the most attention.
The idea started in 1933, when the Co-operative Women's Guild of England produced the first white poppies to be worn on British Armistice Day. WILPF, now a 40,000 member international organization, continues to champion the ideals behind the white poppy.
“The red poppy has become a glorification of war. It is the great valour that has been displayed by the veterans. But all of the rest has been totally subsumed” says Nota “all the genius spent on war making could have been spent on making global peace. But those energies are siphoned off in making weapons”.
WILPF does not have the resources to mass produce white poppies. Rather, Nota hands out leaflets wherever she can, encouraging a grassroots effort for people to make and wear their own poppies for peace.
She admits that veterans she has encountered have sometimes felt offended or slighted by the unfamiliar flower on her chest. She may not agree with them, but she is firm in her respect for their sacrifice.
“We don’t mean to supplant or minimize the honour that is due to the veterans. They are mistaken, but that doesn’t take away any of their value. I certainly – and many of us – suggest that we wear both [poppies]”
Indeed, the white poppy has recently found support with some veterans, including the Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, a Canadian organization focused on peace and disarmament.
Nota observes that the popularity of the white poppy seems to be growing.
“People from other countries ask me about [her poppy] more” says Nota. “People are here because their land was in such a state of turmoil that they had to get out. I think there is more awareness that we need to do something else. To find alternative options to war”.
“The red poppy has become a glorification of war. It is the great valour that has been displayed by the veterans. But all of the rest has been totally subsumed” says Nota “all the genius spent on war making could have been spent on making global peace. But those energies are siphoned off in making weapons”.
WILPF does not have the resources to mass produce white poppies. Rather, Nota hands out leaflets wherever she can, encouraging a grassroots effort for people to make and wear their own poppies for peace.
She admits that veterans she has encountered have sometimes felt offended or slighted by the unfamiliar flower on her chest. She may not agree with them, but she is firm in her respect for their sacrifice.
“We don’t mean to supplant or minimize the honour that is due to the veterans. They are mistaken, but that doesn’t take away any of their value. I certainly – and many of us – suggest that we wear both [poppies]”
Indeed, the white poppy has recently found support with some veterans, including the Veterans Against Nuclear Arms, a Canadian organization focused on peace and disarmament.
Nota observes that the popularity of the white poppy seems to be growing.
“People from other countries ask me about [her poppy] more” says Nota. “People are here because their land was in such a state of turmoil that they had to get out. I think there is more awareness that we need to do something else. To find alternative options to war”.
Oct 31, 2006
portrait of an apology
this past weekend at church we had an egyptian christian retelling his testimony of how he was imprisoned and tortured in egypt for his faith. he told a daring story of courage, faith, and adventure, that ultimately led to him escaping a 100-thousand dollar fatwah in egypt by stealing a sea-doo, and racing between israeli and egyption warships in order to claim UN-political refuge status in israel. eventually, he was freed and supported by the UN and Amnesty International.
i must say, it was a hell of a story. he was tortured like....Alias style, the kind of stuff you only see in movies. he had to hide from authorities in his own city, escaping by night like some....egyptian...ninja guy....
anyways, his ultimate message was that every day, there are millions of persecuted christians that we should be praying for and stuff. to which i can't help but think, are persecuted christians really the greatest of my worries? i mean, i respect his exemplary strength and courage, but frankly it seems kind of hypocritical to concern myself only with persecuted christians. what about muslims in our western society? sure, they're not overtly tortured, but surely they live under an opressive social stigma in our current day and time. should i not pray for their rights? for cultural understanding in our own home? the hundreds of political prisoners taken in by the US government and held indefinitely in secret, without trial nor trace?
i dunno. i guess i have no point. i don't want to say the dude's message was unimportant, because i'm sure it is. all i know is that i felt kind of insulted that we should for whatever reason care more about certain persecuted individuals than others, simply because they are the same religion as me.
is that silly? i mean, i suppose it's like how we're expected to care more about our own family than strangers. but is it....actually, wrong to care about strangers as much as your family? would i be morally and ethically misprioritized if i took a bullet for a stranger before my own brother?
i'd like to think not. maybe i'm naively altruistic, or maybe i don't love my family enough. i dunno, but either way it bothers me to think otherwise.
i must say, it was a hell of a story. he was tortured like....Alias style, the kind of stuff you only see in movies. he had to hide from authorities in his own city, escaping by night like some....egyptian...ninja guy....
anyways, his ultimate message was that every day, there are millions of persecuted christians that we should be praying for and stuff. to which i can't help but think, are persecuted christians really the greatest of my worries? i mean, i respect his exemplary strength and courage, but frankly it seems kind of hypocritical to concern myself only with persecuted christians. what about muslims in our western society? sure, they're not overtly tortured, but surely they live under an opressive social stigma in our current day and time. should i not pray for their rights? for cultural understanding in our own home? the hundreds of political prisoners taken in by the US government and held indefinitely in secret, without trial nor trace?
i dunno. i guess i have no point. i don't want to say the dude's message was unimportant, because i'm sure it is. all i know is that i felt kind of insulted that we should for whatever reason care more about certain persecuted individuals than others, simply because they are the same religion as me.
is that silly? i mean, i suppose it's like how we're expected to care more about our own family than strangers. but is it....actually, wrong to care about strangers as much as your family? would i be morally and ethically misprioritized if i took a bullet for a stranger before my own brother?
i'd like to think not. maybe i'm naively altruistic, or maybe i don't love my family enough. i dunno, but either way it bothers me to think otherwise.
Oct 23, 2006
the lottery
i can't believe it's october 24th.
where the hell did this month go? i mean, seriously. i actually might have to start doing some school work at this pace.
my favourite things about living alone, most of which i had forgotten i loved:
+ playing music as loud as i want
+ peace and quiet
+ i can do my laundry whenever i damn please
+ playing music as loud as i want at 3am
+ taking a dump with the door open
+ nothing is as comforting as a game of DOTA, with the volume cranked, while drinking good wine from the bottle.
+ i can wake up without someone ripping my comforter off me and carrying it upstairs
+ having friends over
+ freedom to come and go at anytime without feeling guilty
+ i don't have to wear pants
+ always have the car
+ the television is never...ever on fairchild
+ getting to cook again. i had forgotten that was actually kind of fun.
cons:
+ boy am i hungry
+ i think i have scurvy
where the hell did this month go? i mean, seriously. i actually might have to start doing some school work at this pace.
my favourite things about living alone, most of which i had forgotten i loved:
+ playing music as loud as i want
+ peace and quiet
+ i can do my laundry whenever i damn please
+ playing music as loud as i want at 3am
+ taking a dump with the door open
+ nothing is as comforting as a game of DOTA, with the volume cranked, while drinking good wine from the bottle.
+ i can wake up without someone ripping my comforter off me and carrying it upstairs
+ having friends over
+ freedom to come and go at anytime without feeling guilty
+ i don't have to wear pants
+ always have the car
+ the television is never...ever on fairchild
+ getting to cook again. i had forgotten that was actually kind of fun.
cons:
+ boy am i hungry
+ i think i have scurvy
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