Civics Class
Here's a follow-up to yesterday's Mooregasbord.
Civics
I found the following paragraph particularly poignant:
But the Constitution doesn't just protect church from state and vice versa. It was also designed to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority - from the indifference with which the majority sometimes wields power.
And that's the crux of the matter, really. The Constitution, particularly the Bill of Rights, was put into place to protect those in the minority from the sometimes-oppressive discourses of the majority. When it comes right down to it, it doesn't matter how many people oppose the removal of the monument.* Ninety-eight percent of U.S. Americans could be opposed to removing the monument and it would still have to go. If Moore or anyone else wants to announcement their Christian beliefs to the world, they have plenty of opportunities. Wear a cross, stick a Jesus fish on your car, erect a prayer altar in your home, put a stone version of the Ten Commandments in your back yard, and attend a candlelight vigil at your local house of worship. If Christianity (or any religion for that matter) offers someone the spiritual solace they need, terrific. I'm thrilled when someone finds a spiritual path that works for them. However, when that other person tries to represent their spiritual path as the path of all citizens, as is the case when a monument is erected on state property, I'll be crying foul.
*Like the author of this op-ed piece, I suspect U.S. Americans would be singing a different tune if I erected a monument that included a pentagram (the five pointed star that represents the five elements of Wiccca: Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and Spirit), the words of Buddha, or lines from the Tao Te Ching.
Sunday, August 31, 2003
Saturday, August 30, 2003
DAY OF MINDFULNESS
A week from today, Kathleen and I are getting married. As we both practice an eclectic blend of Buddhism, Taoism, Earth-based spirituality, and New Ageism, we decided to enter our life-partnership during a private ceremony: the only people attending will be Kathleen, myself, and Sandra Marie (a spiritual teacher with whom Kathleen has studied for many years). Our families, as one might expect, weren't thrilled with our decision. Our response was simple: "This is our wedding and we want it to be about the two of us. Besides, none of you follow our spiritual path. You won't even get it. There won't be any 'til death do us part' or "do you take thee" stuff. We're forging a spiritual partnership and, to be quite honest, you aren't part of that." In keeping with the spiritual theme of the weekend, we asked my parents to give us a special wedding gift.* Sunday, the day after our wedding, we're attending a Day of Mindfulness gathering with Thich Nhat Hanh. Thich Nhat Hanh is a well-published and well-traveled Buddhist monk who was once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. A brief description of the seminar, sponsored by Naropa University, follows:
On this day, Thich Nhat Hanh will teach us about the practice of mindfulness in our daily lives, how to touch that source of peace, solidity, and freedom that is in each one of us. This practice transforms the seeds of suffering that lie deep in our consciousness, allowing us to be an instrument of healing and transformation for our families and our society.
There's more on Mindfulness at the Plum Village website. Plum Village is a Buddhist monastery founded by Thich Nhat Hanh during the early 1980s.
*If we hadn't specified a gift, my parents would have purchased something like a gas grill. I'm a vegetarian.
A week from today, Kathleen and I are getting married. As we both practice an eclectic blend of Buddhism, Taoism, Earth-based spirituality, and New Ageism, we decided to enter our life-partnership during a private ceremony: the only people attending will be Kathleen, myself, and Sandra Marie (a spiritual teacher with whom Kathleen has studied for many years). Our families, as one might expect, weren't thrilled with our decision. Our response was simple: "This is our wedding and we want it to be about the two of us. Besides, none of you follow our spiritual path. You won't even get it. There won't be any 'til death do us part' or "do you take thee" stuff. We're forging a spiritual partnership and, to be quite honest, you aren't part of that." In keeping with the spiritual theme of the weekend, we asked my parents to give us a special wedding gift.* Sunday, the day after our wedding, we're attending a Day of Mindfulness gathering with Thich Nhat Hanh. Thich Nhat Hanh is a well-published and well-traveled Buddhist monk who was once nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. A brief description of the seminar, sponsored by Naropa University, follows:
On this day, Thich Nhat Hanh will teach us about the practice of mindfulness in our daily lives, how to touch that source of peace, solidity, and freedom that is in each one of us. This practice transforms the seeds of suffering that lie deep in our consciousness, allowing us to be an instrument of healing and transformation for our families and our society.
There's more on Mindfulness at the Plum Village website. Plum Village is a Buddhist monastery founded by Thich Nhat Hanh during the early 1980s.
*If we hadn't specified a gift, my parents would have purchased something like a gas grill. I'm a vegetarian.
Mixed Grill
Today's Special: Mooregasbord
Moore's Law
Unholy Commandment
Roy's Rock*
*For the record, Maggie, I'm a deeply spiritual person and I oppose Moore's monument to the Ten Commandments. I would also oppose ANY monument that references ANY spiritual belief system. Religion and government shouldn't mix. No exceptions. The separation of Church and State--it's not just for secularists, anymore.
Today's Special: Mooregasbord
Moore's Law
Unholy Commandment
Roy's Rock*
*For the record, Maggie, I'm a deeply spiritual person and I oppose Moore's monument to the Ten Commandments. I would also oppose ANY monument that references ANY spiritual belief system. Religion and government shouldn't mix. No exceptions. The separation of Church and State--it's not just for secularists, anymore.
Friday, August 29, 2003
Spam Your Way Back to the Future
While the article positions this guy as a wackadoo, what if he's telling the truth? In how many episodes of Star Trek has someone said, "We can't tell them we're from the future [insert "another planet" here, as well]. They'll never believe us."
The Time Machine
While the article positions this guy as a wackadoo, what if he's telling the truth? In how many episodes of Star Trek has someone said, "We can't tell them we're from the future [insert "another planet" here, as well]. They'll never believe us."
The Time Machine
Fallen
Long before becoming obsessed with female-fronted punk & power pop, I discovered Sarah McLachlan. Although I don't listen to her as often as I once did, I still think she has one of the most amazing voices in the music industry. After a long hiatus, Ms. McLachlan has a new CD coming out this fall. The first single from the album just hit the airwaves in Canada. If you poke around the newsgroup alt.music.s-mclachlan, you may stumble across the single.
Fallen (S. McLachlan)
Heaven bent
to take my hand
and lead me through the fire
We've a long awaited answer
to a long and painful fight
Truth be told I've tried my best
but somewhere along the way
I got caught up in all there was to offer
and the cost was so much more than I could bare
Though I've tried,
Fallen
I have sunk so low
I messed up
better I should know
so don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
We all came with good intent
and love was raw and young
We believed we could change ourselves
the past could be undone
But we carried on our back the burden
Time always reveals
and the lonely light of morning
in the wound that would not heal
It's the bitter taste of losing everything
that I've held so dear
I've Fallen
I have sunk so low
I messed up
better I should know
So don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
Ooooooh
Heaven bent
to take my hand
No where left to turn
I've lost all those i thought were friends
to everyone I know
Oh they turned their heads embarassed
Pretend that they don't see
that it's one mistep, one slip before you know it
and there doesn't seem a way to be redeemed
Though I've tried
Fallen
I have sunk so low
I messed up
better I should know
So don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
Oooh
I messed up
better I should know
So don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
Long before becoming obsessed with female-fronted punk & power pop, I discovered Sarah McLachlan. Although I don't listen to her as often as I once did, I still think she has one of the most amazing voices in the music industry. After a long hiatus, Ms. McLachlan has a new CD coming out this fall. The first single from the album just hit the airwaves in Canada. If you poke around the newsgroup alt.music.s-mclachlan, you may stumble across the single.
Fallen (S. McLachlan)
Heaven bent
to take my hand
and lead me through the fire
We've a long awaited answer
to a long and painful fight
Truth be told I've tried my best
but somewhere along the way
I got caught up in all there was to offer
and the cost was so much more than I could bare
Though I've tried,
Fallen
I have sunk so low
I messed up
better I should know
so don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
We all came with good intent
and love was raw and young
We believed we could change ourselves
the past could be undone
But we carried on our back the burden
Time always reveals
and the lonely light of morning
in the wound that would not heal
It's the bitter taste of losing everything
that I've held so dear
I've Fallen
I have sunk so low
I messed up
better I should know
So don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
Ooooooh
Heaven bent
to take my hand
No where left to turn
I've lost all those i thought were friends
to everyone I know
Oh they turned their heads embarassed
Pretend that they don't see
that it's one mistep, one slip before you know it
and there doesn't seem a way to be redeemed
Though I've tried
Fallen
I have sunk so low
I messed up
better I should know
So don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
Oooh
I messed up
better I should know
So don't come 'round here
and tell me, "I told you so"
Wednesday, August 27, 2003
Monday, August 25, 2003
Sunday, August 24, 2003
The Worst
According to Blender magazine, the following are the fifty worst bands of all time.
1. Insane Clown Posse
2. Emerson, Lake and Palmer
3. Michael Bolton
4. Kenny G
5. Starship
6. Kansas
7. Asia
8. Vanilla Ice
9. Lee Greenwood
10. Air Supply
11. Latoya Jackson
12. Tin Machine
13. Mick Jagger
14. Yngwie Malmsteen
15. Yanni
16. Oingo Boingo
17. Benzino
18. Pat Boone
19. Dan Fogelberg
20. Howard Jones
21. The Alan Parsons Project
22. Primus
23. Creed
24. Bad English
25. Jamiroquai
26. Celine Dion
27. Colour Me Bad
28. Crash Test Dummies
29. Skinny Puppy
30. Richard Marx
31. Arrested Development
32. The Hooters
33. Japan
34. Live
35. Paul Oakenfold
36. 98 Degrees
37. The Doors
38. Nelson
39. Bob Geldof
40. Blind Melon
41. Whitesnake
42. Rick Wakeman
43. Mike and the Mechanics
44. Manowar
45. Gipsy Kings
46. The Spin Doctors
47. Goo Goo Dolls
48. Master P
49. Toad the Wet Sprocket
50. Iron Butterfly
You can check comments on numbers 50-41 here. The rest are available in the print magazine. Although not a regular reader, I may have to track down this issue.
According to Blender magazine, the following are the fifty worst bands of all time.
1. Insane Clown Posse
2. Emerson, Lake and Palmer
3. Michael Bolton
4. Kenny G
5. Starship
6. Kansas
7. Asia
8. Vanilla Ice
9. Lee Greenwood
10. Air Supply
11. Latoya Jackson
12. Tin Machine
13. Mick Jagger
14. Yngwie Malmsteen
15. Yanni
16. Oingo Boingo
17. Benzino
18. Pat Boone
19. Dan Fogelberg
20. Howard Jones
21. The Alan Parsons Project
22. Primus
23. Creed
24. Bad English
25. Jamiroquai
26. Celine Dion
27. Colour Me Bad
28. Crash Test Dummies
29. Skinny Puppy
30. Richard Marx
31. Arrested Development
32. The Hooters
33. Japan
34. Live
35. Paul Oakenfold
36. 98 Degrees
37. The Doors
38. Nelson
39. Bob Geldof
40. Blind Melon
41. Whitesnake
42. Rick Wakeman
43. Mike and the Mechanics
44. Manowar
45. Gipsy Kings
46. The Spin Doctors
47. Goo Goo Dolls
48. Master P
49. Toad the Wet Sprocket
50. Iron Butterfly
You can check comments on numbers 50-41 here. The rest are available in the print magazine. Although not a regular reader, I may have to track down this issue.
Academic Sojourn
Since I mentioned it in my previous post, here's a snippet of my academic writing.
Throughout my academic sojourn I have always self-identified as a rhetorician, a critical scholar committed to understanding the ways in which communication, both discursive and non-discursive, is employed as a means of constructing, negotiating, and transforming ourselves, others, and the world around us. Most of my recent scholarship focuses on constitutive rhetoric, a performative enterprise that accentuates “the constitution of the subject, where the subject is precisely he or she who simultaneously speaks and initiates action in discourse (a subject to a verb) and in the world (a speaker and social agent) (Charland, 1987, p. 133). With an emphasis on Becoming-in-the-world as opposed to Being-in-the-world, constitutive rhetoric is the interweaving of discursive and non-discursive communication in the everyday social practices of “doing, acting, performing, and accomplishing” (Schrag, 1986, p. 19). From this perspective, the collaborative co-construction of the self, other, and concomitant subject positions occurs in the “space of communicative activity” (Langsdorf, 1993, p. 44).
Since I mentioned it in my previous post, here's a snippet of my academic writing.
Throughout my academic sojourn I have always self-identified as a rhetorician, a critical scholar committed to understanding the ways in which communication, both discursive and non-discursive, is employed as a means of constructing, negotiating, and transforming ourselves, others, and the world around us. Most of my recent scholarship focuses on constitutive rhetoric, a performative enterprise that accentuates “the constitution of the subject, where the subject is precisely he or she who simultaneously speaks and initiates action in discourse (a subject to a verb) and in the world (a speaker and social agent) (Charland, 1987, p. 133). With an emphasis on Becoming-in-the-world as opposed to Being-in-the-world, constitutive rhetoric is the interweaving of discursive and non-discursive communication in the everyday social practices of “doing, acting, performing, and accomplishing” (Schrag, 1986, p. 19). From this perspective, the collaborative co-construction of the self, other, and concomitant subject positions occurs in the “space of communicative activity” (Langsdorf, 1993, p. 44).
Grrrrrr. w00t!
For the first time since Monday or Tuesday, I actually found time to sit down and work on my dissertation. I've been struggling with a two page section on postmodern rhetorical criticism. How do you describe a methodology for a philosophical position that has "question everything" as its primary tenet? Maybe I'll post the section when I finally work it out.
Getting frustrated over that particular section yet again, I turned to wrapping up the rest of Chapter One. Just as I'd finished laying out the content of Chapter Four, my computer crashed. As the PC rebooted, I offered words of great praise to the academic Gods and Goddesses: please let there be a backup file. My pleas fell on deaf ears. The existing backup file didn't include a significant portion of my recent work. Looks like I'll be reworking that entire section tomorrow. Grrrrr. How I resisted the temptation to throw my PC out the office window is beyond me.
If anything, this recent problem has motivated me to increase my timetable for a new PC. I'm looking at a system with the following configuration:
AMD Athlon 2500+ Barton Core
512 DDR 333 RAM
80 GB 7200 RPM HD
ATI Radeon 9500 Pro 128 MB DDR Video Card
I'll probably order the PC through ABS Computer. I priced all the components and I'd only save a few bucks if I built the system myself. It's not a top-of-the-line machine, but the motherboard will allow for future upgrades of the CPU. It's a definite improvement over my almost three-year-old system (1 GB, 256 RAM, 20 GB HD, Radeon 7200 32 MB). I'll sleep on it a couple days and make a decision. As Kathleen reminded me tonight, "We've known for some time that you'd need a new computer. Now is as good a time as any." With any luck, the new machine will arrive in time for the release of Jedi Academy! w00t!
For the first time since Monday or Tuesday, I actually found time to sit down and work on my dissertation. I've been struggling with a two page section on postmodern rhetorical criticism. How do you describe a methodology for a philosophical position that has "question everything" as its primary tenet? Maybe I'll post the section when I finally work it out.
Getting frustrated over that particular section yet again, I turned to wrapping up the rest of Chapter One. Just as I'd finished laying out the content of Chapter Four, my computer crashed. As the PC rebooted, I offered words of great praise to the academic Gods and Goddesses: please let there be a backup file. My pleas fell on deaf ears. The existing backup file didn't include a significant portion of my recent work. Looks like I'll be reworking that entire section tomorrow. Grrrrr. How I resisted the temptation to throw my PC out the office window is beyond me.
If anything, this recent problem has motivated me to increase my timetable for a new PC. I'm looking at a system with the following configuration:
AMD Athlon 2500+ Barton Core
512 DDR 333 RAM
80 GB 7200 RPM HD
ATI Radeon 9500 Pro 128 MB DDR Video Card
I'll probably order the PC through ABS Computer. I priced all the components and I'd only save a few bucks if I built the system myself. It's not a top-of-the-line machine, but the motherboard will allow for future upgrades of the CPU. It's a definite improvement over my almost three-year-old system (1 GB, 256 RAM, 20 GB HD, Radeon 7200 32 MB). I'll sleep on it a couple days and make a decision. As Kathleen reminded me tonight, "We've known for some time that you'd need a new computer. Now is as good a time as any." With any luck, the new machine will arrive in time for the release of Jedi Academy! w00t!
Saturday, August 23, 2003
Today's Spam
Is it just me or does the amount of spam seem to be increasing? The following are examples of spam I received recently. The phrase preceding the colon is the email subject; the phrase following is the first line of the spam.
What are you up to: Want to quickly and safely increase your penis size?
Need a hug: Generic Viagra!
You are the one and only: Generic Viagra!
apskxxm Fatten up that hott ddogg kkqshh: Enlarge your penis guaranteed
WS It Haarrd - Wow!dlwwd: Real Viagra at unreal prices
I waatch.that_waist.liineftsop: Online pharmacy free next day shipping
nmi)Get)inside)a lady)with it harddnnfl: Real Viagra at unreal prices
KKIs it ttoo small for love?coluyy: Enhance your manhood
Utu Faattten up that member ekx: Enhance your manhood
mggk Shed unwanted kilo'st: Online pharmacy
Thank goodness I use a free email account for all my internet purchase. The spammers haven't found my home accounts . . . yet.
Is it just me or does the amount of spam seem to be increasing? The following are examples of spam I received recently. The phrase preceding the colon is the email subject; the phrase following is the first line of the spam.
What are you up to: Want to quickly and safely increase your penis size?
Need a hug: Generic Viagra!
You are the one and only: Generic Viagra!
apskxxm Fatten up that hott ddogg kkqshh: Enlarge your penis guaranteed
WS It Haarrd - Wow!dlwwd: Real Viagra at unreal prices
I waatch.that_waist.liineftsop: Online pharmacy free next day shipping
nmi)Get)inside)a lady)with it harddnnfl: Real Viagra at unreal prices
KKIs it ttoo small for love?coluyy: Enhance your manhood
Utu Faattten up that member ekx: Enhance your manhood
mggk Shed unwanted kilo'st: Online pharmacy
Thank goodness I use a free email account for all my internet purchase. The spammers haven't found my home accounts . . . yet.
Wednesday, August 20, 2003
Harry Potter Withdrawals?
Mike, a long-time friend of almost twenty-five years, has a handful of remedies for treating those nasty Harry Potter withdrawals.
Like many of you, I waited anxiously for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". Now that it's out and I've read it, I know it'll be another 2 years (or 3? 4? even more?) until we get another installment. In other words, I'm having Harry Potter withdrawals.
If you are having similar issues, let me recommend two fantasy book series that you may enjoy.
The first is the "Mancer" series by Don Callander. I've had these books for several years and read them several times. The first book, "Pyromancer", tells the story of young Douglas Brightglade, a lad who becomes apprenticed to a wizard and studies pyromancy (the magic of fire). He becomes involved in a battle to save World from the power of the evil ice wizard Frigeon. Along the way he meets other interesting characters, human and otherwise. Further adventures of Douglas and his friends are told in the other three books of the series, namely "Aquamancer", "Geomancer", and "Aeromancer".
These books are simple and light-hearted with, in the words of one reviewer, aspects of a fairy tale. The characters are likeable, even if some of the dialogue is a little contrived at times. The plots have occasional interesting twists, though there is never really any doubt that the good guys are going to win. In fact, the surprise is more in how they win than in the fact that they do. There are some interesting concepts here too, like the idea of defeating the bad guy by turning him back to good. All in all, it's a fun series to read but lacks the depth--and especially the angst, thank heavens!--of the Harry Potter books.
Second and more highly recommended is a series by Philip Pullman called "His Dark Materials". I first became aware of this series at a University of Utah bookstore display intended to offer, you guessed it, help for those suffering from Harry Potter withdrawal. Incidentally, this display also recommended "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia", both of which I heartily endorse. Unfortunately, it also recommended the "Artemis Fowl" and the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books. Although I have never read these series, I am assured by my wife (among other people) that they can be safely ignored. One review I read on the former series seems to sum it up: "If you read the Harry Potter books thinking that Draco Malfoy should have been the hero, you'll love Artemis Fowl."
The three books in "His Dark Materials" are "The Golden Compass", "The Subtle Knife", and "The Amber Spyglass". This story, spread over all three books, tells of the adventures of two young people, Lyra Silvertongue and Will Parry, who come together from two different worlds to help each other accomplish a mission that neither one fully understands. The two young people are almost continually in danger, and though there are several memorable supporting characters, they have to rely mostly on themselves and on each other. As they face nigh-impossible odds, the fate of countless worlds hangs in the balance.
I thought the author did a good job developing the characters in this series, especially Lyra and Will. Lyra is adventurous, curious, headstrong, and imaginative (and occasionally prone to making up stories). Will is quiet, determined, introspective, responsible, and practical. Both are caring, loyal, and exceptionally brave. Better yet, they inspire goodness and bravery in those who come to know and love them. Even two of the significant villains of the piece are moved to self-sacrifice by their feelings for Will and (more importantly) Lyra. True, these two have their shortcomings, but they learn from their mistakes--are you listening, Harry?--and become better people for their experiences. In short, they are good, likeable characters, and easy to cheer for. (Unlike, for example, the above-mentioned Artemis Fowl.) The supporting cast are also complex and well thought out. Of particular interest here are such characters as Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby, a bear named Iorek Byrnison, witch queen Serafina Pekkala, university researcher Dr. Mary Malone, society lady Mrs. Coulter, and Lyra's Uncle, Lord Asriel.
"His Dark Materials" is a deep and very complex story. It involves all sorts of things that science fiction and fantasy fans will love: magic talismans, enchanted weapons, windows between worlds, theoretical physics, Victorian-era technology ("The Golden Compass" especially has an Imperial London feel to it), theological mysteries, parallel universes, witch clans, armored bears, non-human civilizations, arctic exploration, adventures at sea, heroic rescues, unexpected betrayal, devious villains who appear to be good guys, loyal friends, and heroes who put themselves in harm's way so that the right can prevail. Above all there is the quest (a central element of almost any good fantasy story) that draws in Lyra and Will for seemingly different reasons. The plot is intricately woven and hard to follow at times, but the resolution is satisfactory and leaves the reader (okay, me) wishing there could be another book in the series.
So there you have it. I give the "Mancer" series by Don Callander a B and "His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman a solid A. And if you haven't read "The Chronicles of Narnia", what's wrong with you? Read it! Yes, I admit it's a little slow sometimes, but C.S. Lewis was a Brit, so what do you expect?
Anyway, I wish you all happy reading. And if any of you have read anything good in this vein lately, let me know. I'll be needing something new to read...in twelve weeks or so.
--M
Mike, a long-time friend of almost twenty-five years, has a handful of remedies for treating those nasty Harry Potter withdrawals.
Like many of you, I waited anxiously for "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix". Now that it's out and I've read it, I know it'll be another 2 years (or 3? 4? even more?) until we get another installment. In other words, I'm having Harry Potter withdrawals.
If you are having similar issues, let me recommend two fantasy book series that you may enjoy.
The first is the "Mancer" series by Don Callander. I've had these books for several years and read them several times. The first book, "Pyromancer", tells the story of young Douglas Brightglade, a lad who becomes apprenticed to a wizard and studies pyromancy (the magic of fire). He becomes involved in a battle to save World from the power of the evil ice wizard Frigeon. Along the way he meets other interesting characters, human and otherwise. Further adventures of Douglas and his friends are told in the other three books of the series, namely "Aquamancer", "Geomancer", and "Aeromancer".
These books are simple and light-hearted with, in the words of one reviewer, aspects of a fairy tale. The characters are likeable, even if some of the dialogue is a little contrived at times. The plots have occasional interesting twists, though there is never really any doubt that the good guys are going to win. In fact, the surprise is more in how they win than in the fact that they do. There are some interesting concepts here too, like the idea of defeating the bad guy by turning him back to good. All in all, it's a fun series to read but lacks the depth--and especially the angst, thank heavens!--of the Harry Potter books.
Second and more highly recommended is a series by Philip Pullman called "His Dark Materials". I first became aware of this series at a University of Utah bookstore display intended to offer, you guessed it, help for those suffering from Harry Potter withdrawal. Incidentally, this display also recommended "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Chronicles of Narnia", both of which I heartily endorse. Unfortunately, it also recommended the "Artemis Fowl" and the "A Series of Unfortunate Events" books. Although I have never read these series, I am assured by my wife (among other people) that they can be safely ignored. One review I read on the former series seems to sum it up: "If you read the Harry Potter books thinking that Draco Malfoy should have been the hero, you'll love Artemis Fowl."
The three books in "His Dark Materials" are "The Golden Compass", "The Subtle Knife", and "The Amber Spyglass". This story, spread over all three books, tells of the adventures of two young people, Lyra Silvertongue and Will Parry, who come together from two different worlds to help each other accomplish a mission that neither one fully understands. The two young people are almost continually in danger, and though there are several memorable supporting characters, they have to rely mostly on themselves and on each other. As they face nigh-impossible odds, the fate of countless worlds hangs in the balance.
I thought the author did a good job developing the characters in this series, especially Lyra and Will. Lyra is adventurous, curious, headstrong, and imaginative (and occasionally prone to making up stories). Will is quiet, determined, introspective, responsible, and practical. Both are caring, loyal, and exceptionally brave. Better yet, they inspire goodness and bravery in those who come to know and love them. Even two of the significant villains of the piece are moved to self-sacrifice by their feelings for Will and (more importantly) Lyra. True, these two have their shortcomings, but they learn from their mistakes--are you listening, Harry?--and become better people for their experiences. In short, they are good, likeable characters, and easy to cheer for. (Unlike, for example, the above-mentioned Artemis Fowl.) The supporting cast are also complex and well thought out. Of particular interest here are such characters as Texan aeronaut Lee Scoresby, a bear named Iorek Byrnison, witch queen Serafina Pekkala, university researcher Dr. Mary Malone, society lady Mrs. Coulter, and Lyra's Uncle, Lord Asriel.
"His Dark Materials" is a deep and very complex story. It involves all sorts of things that science fiction and fantasy fans will love: magic talismans, enchanted weapons, windows between worlds, theoretical physics, Victorian-era technology ("The Golden Compass" especially has an Imperial London feel to it), theological mysteries, parallel universes, witch clans, armored bears, non-human civilizations, arctic exploration, adventures at sea, heroic rescues, unexpected betrayal, devious villains who appear to be good guys, loyal friends, and heroes who put themselves in harm's way so that the right can prevail. Above all there is the quest (a central element of almost any good fantasy story) that draws in Lyra and Will for seemingly different reasons. The plot is intricately woven and hard to follow at times, but the resolution is satisfactory and leaves the reader (okay, me) wishing there could be another book in the series.
So there you have it. I give the "Mancer" series by Don Callander a B and "His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman a solid A. And if you haven't read "The Chronicles of Narnia", what's wrong with you? Read it! Yes, I admit it's a little slow sometimes, but C.S. Lewis was a Brit, so what do you expect?
Anyway, I wish you all happy reading. And if any of you have read anything good in this vein lately, let me know. I'll be needing something new to read...in twelve weeks or so.
--M
Tuesday, August 19, 2003
Take This Pledge and Shove It
Several months ago, a group of Colorado legislators introduced a bill making the Pledge of Allegience mandatory in Colorado public schools. In short, the bill required each student, with a few exceptions (religious beliefs, non-U.S. citizens), to stand at the beginning of each day and recite the pledge. Legislators who supported the bill claimed that reciting the Pledge would help students develop a sense of patriotism. When the bill was introduced, I immediately phoned my state Representative and asked that he vote against such a ridiculous proposition. Considering the conservative makeup of the Colorado state legislature, however, nobody was suprised when the bill passed both houses. As such, Colorado students were to begin reciting the mandatory pledge this week. Thankfully, the ACLU intervened on behalf of teachers and students opposed to the forced recitation of the Pledge.
The Pledge
If the legislators, and people of Colorado who supported this bill, really want to instill a sense of patriotism and love of country in the State's young people, why do it through the Pledge of Allegience? The constitutionality of the bill aside, how does a mindless act, the repetitive chanting of a Pledge, increase anyone's patriotism? If the conservative legislature was truly committed to teach our children about the merits of the U.S. system of government, they'd concentrate on improving Civics, U.S. History, and U.S. Government classes.* The danger in such an approach, however, is that students might learn they have the rights of Free Speech, Freedom of Religion, and the like. Students might learn they have the right to dissent (peacefully) and question the actions of their leaders. Students should learn to love the U.S. through an understanding of the rights and protections afforded by the Constitution, not through the mandated recitation of a Pledge.
*Believe it or not, U.S. History was NOT required in my high school.
Several months ago, a group of Colorado legislators introduced a bill making the Pledge of Allegience mandatory in Colorado public schools. In short, the bill required each student, with a few exceptions (religious beliefs, non-U.S. citizens), to stand at the beginning of each day and recite the pledge. Legislators who supported the bill claimed that reciting the Pledge would help students develop a sense of patriotism. When the bill was introduced, I immediately phoned my state Representative and asked that he vote against such a ridiculous proposition. Considering the conservative makeup of the Colorado state legislature, however, nobody was suprised when the bill passed both houses. As such, Colorado students were to begin reciting the mandatory pledge this week. Thankfully, the ACLU intervened on behalf of teachers and students opposed to the forced recitation of the Pledge.
The Pledge
If the legislators, and people of Colorado who supported this bill, really want to instill a sense of patriotism and love of country in the State's young people, why do it through the Pledge of Allegience? The constitutionality of the bill aside, how does a mindless act, the repetitive chanting of a Pledge, increase anyone's patriotism? If the conservative legislature was truly committed to teach our children about the merits of the U.S. system of government, they'd concentrate on improving Civics, U.S. History, and U.S. Government classes.* The danger in such an approach, however, is that students might learn they have the rights of Free Speech, Freedom of Religion, and the like. Students might learn they have the right to dissent (peacefully) and question the actions of their leaders. Students should learn to love the U.S. through an understanding of the rights and protections afforded by the Constitution, not through the mandated recitation of a Pledge.
*Believe it or not, U.S. History was NOT required in my high school.
Sunday, August 17, 2003
Tao
From Chapter One of the The Tao Te Ching
To conduct one's life according to the Tao,
is to conduct one's life without regrets;
to realize that potential within oneself
which is of benefit to all.
From Chapter One of the The Tao Te Ching
To conduct one's life according to the Tao,
is to conduct one's life without regrets;
to realize that potential within oneself
which is of benefit to all.
Specters of the Past
For the past five years, I’ve associated with the same group of people: Joe, Mary, and Keli. While the core of our friendship group has remained stable, the periphery has been in a constant state of flux. Significant others have come and gone, the excitement of a perspective romantic partner always replaced by the pain of a break-up or divorce. Oddly enough, each of us ended a long-term relationship within the last two years. Through a combination of phone calls, emails, coffee, and cigarettes (three of us have quit smoking within the last year), we navigated a storm of infidelity, mental illness, abuse, and irreconcilable differences . Mary and I were the first to make it through the maelstrom of relationship unhappiness, followed closely by Keli. Joe, recently divorced, is right behind. Looking back, I think our collective story is probably worthy of a novel. And one with a happy ending, too. With the addition of Charles, Mary’s fiancé, and Kathleen, my fiancé, the core of our friendship group has grown and stabilized.
Friday night, three of us (Mary, Joe, and myself) bumped into each other at our favorite Goth/Industrial club. Keli spent another Friday night working at the bookstore, of course. While we used to meet at the club every Friday, it’s been months since more than two of us have been out on a given night. In a strange convergence of events, the specters of our respective pasts also made an appearance. Joe’s ex-wife and her new boyfriend arrived early in the evening. Mary’s ex-boyfriend entered a few minutes later. Despite all the healing done, forgiveness granted, and time passed, there was still a palpable sense of discomfort in the air. Trying to add a little levity to the situation, I turned to Joe and Mary and said, “Well, if you-know-who [my former partner] made an appearance, I think we’d have one of our weirdest club nights ever.” Both laughed and nodded in agreement.
As one might expect, she did make an appearance of sorts. Late in the evening Mary approached me and said, “I just ran into a guy who’s still in touch with you-know-who. They email each other on a regular basis. Check this out . . . ” My ex-partner recently had a nervous breakdown, dropped out of her Ph.D. program (dissertation phase), and moved home to her parents’ to convalesce. While Kathleen expressed relief at knowing she’s hundreds of miles away, I felt relieved, angered, and saddened: relieved that I don’t have worry about running into her (she can be extremely volatile), angered by the fact she dropped out of school (I made a lot of sacrifices to help her get through her program), and saddened by her inability of find some peace of mind. Of the three, I think the third is the thing that bothers me most. No matter how much self-inflicted pain she experiences, she can’t admit she has psychological problems that need long-term treatment. I tried getting through to her, as did Mary, other friends, family members, and mental health professionals. She ignored each and every one us. Instead of accepting that her problems are of her own making, she’ll continue to blame everything on a world allied against her.
Sometime during the evening out, Joe made an astute observation regarding our group. He commented on how each of us had experienced a great deal of pain and how we’d each admitted our mistakes, learned from them, and made significant changes in our lives. He also commented that for having been through so much, we’re an exceedingly happy lot. Of all his remarks, however, one stands out. He said, “It’s taken us a long time to weed out all the riffraff. Finally, after five years, we’re all relatively happy and drama free. I think we should keep it this way for a while.” I couldn’t agree more.
For the past five years, I’ve associated with the same group of people: Joe, Mary, and Keli. While the core of our friendship group has remained stable, the periphery has been in a constant state of flux. Significant others have come and gone, the excitement of a perspective romantic partner always replaced by the pain of a break-up or divorce. Oddly enough, each of us ended a long-term relationship within the last two years. Through a combination of phone calls, emails, coffee, and cigarettes (three of us have quit smoking within the last year), we navigated a storm of infidelity, mental illness, abuse, and irreconcilable differences . Mary and I were the first to make it through the maelstrom of relationship unhappiness, followed closely by Keli. Joe, recently divorced, is right behind. Looking back, I think our collective story is probably worthy of a novel. And one with a happy ending, too. With the addition of Charles, Mary’s fiancé, and Kathleen, my fiancé, the core of our friendship group has grown and stabilized.
Friday night, three of us (Mary, Joe, and myself) bumped into each other at our favorite Goth/Industrial club. Keli spent another Friday night working at the bookstore, of course. While we used to meet at the club every Friday, it’s been months since more than two of us have been out on a given night. In a strange convergence of events, the specters of our respective pasts also made an appearance. Joe’s ex-wife and her new boyfriend arrived early in the evening. Mary’s ex-boyfriend entered a few minutes later. Despite all the healing done, forgiveness granted, and time passed, there was still a palpable sense of discomfort in the air. Trying to add a little levity to the situation, I turned to Joe and Mary and said, “Well, if you-know-who [my former partner] made an appearance, I think we’d have one of our weirdest club nights ever.” Both laughed and nodded in agreement.
As one might expect, she did make an appearance of sorts. Late in the evening Mary approached me and said, “I just ran into a guy who’s still in touch with you-know-who. They email each other on a regular basis. Check this out . . . ” My ex-partner recently had a nervous breakdown, dropped out of her Ph.D. program (dissertation phase), and moved home to her parents’ to convalesce. While Kathleen expressed relief at knowing she’s hundreds of miles away, I felt relieved, angered, and saddened: relieved that I don’t have worry about running into her (she can be extremely volatile), angered by the fact she dropped out of school (I made a lot of sacrifices to help her get through her program), and saddened by her inability of find some peace of mind. Of the three, I think the third is the thing that bothers me most. No matter how much self-inflicted pain she experiences, she can’t admit she has psychological problems that need long-term treatment. I tried getting through to her, as did Mary, other friends, family members, and mental health professionals. She ignored each and every one us. Instead of accepting that her problems are of her own making, she’ll continue to blame everything on a world allied against her.
Sometime during the evening out, Joe made an astute observation regarding our group. He commented on how each of us had experienced a great deal of pain and how we’d each admitted our mistakes, learned from them, and made significant changes in our lives. He also commented that for having been through so much, we’re an exceedingly happy lot. Of all his remarks, however, one stands out. He said, “It’s taken us a long time to weed out all the riffraff. Finally, after five years, we’re all relatively happy and drama free. I think we should keep it this way for a while.” I couldn’t agree more.
Saturday, August 16, 2003
Mixed Grill
Today's Specials:
Preventing Dissent*
Foucault Makes Me Hot**
Bogus Trendspotting
Spirituality and Daily Life
Dog Days of Summer
*Make sure you read the article by Krugman. The discussion thread has some great responses, too.
**I once asked my friend Amy, a student of Foucaultian philosophy, if she'd tutor me in Foucault's theories. Her response: "Of course. Foucault makes me hot."
Today's Specials:
Preventing Dissent*
Foucault Makes Me Hot**
Bogus Trendspotting
Spirituality and Daily Life
Dog Days of Summer
*Make sure you read the article by Krugman. The discussion thread has some great responses, too.
**I once asked my friend Amy, a student of Foucaultian philosophy, if she'd tutor me in Foucault's theories. Her response: "Of course. Foucault makes me hot."
True Character
I've just about had my fill of "Blackout" news. If I hear one more story about neighbors sitting on their front porch, basking in the light of candles and neighborly love, I think I'll vomit. When CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News resort to 24-hour-coverage of a blackout, you know it's a slow news week. I read an amusing quote while working out yesterday. Praising the reactions of those affected, President Bush stated:
The people of New York City and New York state and people of the Northeast and Midwest who were affected by last night's blackout kept their calm, were decent to their neighbors, really showed the rest of the country and the world the true character of the American people.
The true character of American people? Personally, I'd like to believe most human beings would step and help one another. I don't think the U.S. has the market cornered in that regard. Here's what the people of New York, Detroit, and Cleveland, and the surrounding areas should be asking.
*Why was it impossible to purchase anything?
*Why weren't retailers prepared to do business without a computer or cash register?
*Did anyone attempt to calculate discounts and sales tax using a battery powered calculator or ::gasp:: by using long-hand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division?
What does it say about American character when the President applauds us for not flipping out in the dark? If you were afffected by the blackout, give yourself a pat on the back. You didn't loot the local convenience store and you didn't resort to hurting each other. Hooray! Think about this: for U.S. citizens, a blackout is a major inconvenience. For many people of our world, living without electricity, clean drinking water, and indoor plumbing is the normal state-of-affairs.
I've just about had my fill of "Blackout" news. If I hear one more story about neighbors sitting on their front porch, basking in the light of candles and neighborly love, I think I'll vomit. When CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News resort to 24-hour-coverage of a blackout, you know it's a slow news week. I read an amusing quote while working out yesterday. Praising the reactions of those affected, President Bush stated:
The people of New York City and New York state and people of the Northeast and Midwest who were affected by last night's blackout kept their calm, were decent to their neighbors, really showed the rest of the country and the world the true character of the American people.
The true character of American people? Personally, I'd like to believe most human beings would step and help one another. I don't think the U.S. has the market cornered in that regard. Here's what the people of New York, Detroit, and Cleveland, and the surrounding areas should be asking.
*Why was it impossible to purchase anything?
*Why weren't retailers prepared to do business without a computer or cash register?
*Did anyone attempt to calculate discounts and sales tax using a battery powered calculator or ::gasp:: by using long-hand addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division?
What does it say about American character when the President applauds us for not flipping out in the dark? If you were afffected by the blackout, give yourself a pat on the back. You didn't loot the local convenience store and you didn't resort to hurting each other. Hooray! Think about this: for U.S. citizens, a blackout is a major inconvenience. For many people of our world, living without electricity, clean drinking water, and indoor plumbing is the normal state-of-affairs.
Thursday, August 14, 2003
Mixed Grill
Several worthwhile reads:
Spam
Iraq: Civilian Death Toll
Dogs
One Hot Microbe
Mmmmmm Vanilla
Bon appetit!
Several worthwhile reads:
Spam
Iraq: Civilian Death Toll
Dogs
One Hot Microbe
Mmmmmm Vanilla
Bon appetit!
Tuesday, August 12, 2003
Random Conversation
The following conversation occured at a local Saks 5th Avenue. The stranger is a late thirtysomething woman.
Stranger (approaches nervously): Excuse me, sir. This might seem like an odd question . . .
D: Okay.
Stranger: How do you get your hair to stand up like that?**
D: Uh, I use a product from the ICE line. It's kind of like hair glue. I use it in the morning and my hair stays up all day. You can get it at Ulta.
Strange: Thanks.
D: Sure. ::thinks to self:: What the fuck was that all about?
**Picture of my hair available on request. Shoot me an email.
The following conversation occured at a local Saks 5th Avenue. The stranger is a late thirtysomething woman.
Stranger (approaches nervously): Excuse me, sir. This might seem like an odd question . . .
D: Okay.
Stranger: How do you get your hair to stand up like that?**
D: Uh, I use a product from the ICE line. It's kind of like hair glue. I use it in the morning and my hair stays up all day. You can get it at Ulta.
Strange: Thanks.
D: Sure. ::thinks to self:: What the fuck was that all about?
**Picture of my hair available on request. Shoot me an email.
New Music Monday
Yesterday, I received a package containing three CDs I special ordered. More and more, I'm finding myself drawn to music that's fairly obscure, at least to the Denver metro area CD merchants. Thank goodness for the internet. I received the following CDs:
The Skirts - Take Off
One Man Army - Rumors and Headlines
The Downbeat 5 - Ism
Today, I received notification from a local CD store that another special order had arrived.
The Epoxies - The Epoxies
You gotta love new music in your life.
Yesterday, I received a package containing three CDs I special ordered. More and more, I'm finding myself drawn to music that's fairly obscure, at least to the Denver metro area CD merchants. Thank goodness for the internet. I received the following CDs:
The Skirts - Take Off
One Man Army - Rumors and Headlines
The Downbeat 5 - Ism
Today, I received notification from a local CD store that another special order had arrived.
The Epoxies - The Epoxies
You gotta love new music in your life.
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