Today is October 29th, 2009 and Canonical Ltd. has just released the latest version of it's computer operating system, Ubuntu 9.10 (nine point ten, not nine point one... meaning 20'09', 10th month), which has been given the code name, 'Karmic Koala'.
There have been a number of very nice improvements from the 9.04 (2009 ,4th month) release. Ubuntu 9.04 is the first Linux-based system I have ever continued to use. What I mean by that is that I've run many 'Linux-based' operating systems based off debian, suse, fedora, etc... but as a friend of mine put it, I always ran into a serious 'deal-breaker' that caused me to pass on a 'Linux-based' system.
That said, I find Ubuntu to be the first 'Linux-based' OS that is usable to a degree that I would expect. It is highly-configurable, which I personally love. I've used Apple's OS X as my main system, as well as most of Microsoft's Windows OS's (currently running Vista 32bit and have the beta of Windows 7 as well). I really like OS X because it's Unix style system allows for basic use by less technically adept users but also allows the more techy individual to have pretty good control. Windows falls short of this in my opinion because Microsoft seems to assume all end-users 'should' be Microsoft certified or at least have used a version since Windows 95. Microsoft's approach to it's expectations of it's user base to use Windows, while claiming 'it just works', is like Fox News claiming it is 'fair and balanced'... Neither should make those claims... actually Microsoft has more of a right because it could be that their saying "it just (barely) works" or "it just works (if the stars are aligned just right)".
Back to Linux-based systems... The thing I've heard, as at times in the past have also believed, is that Linux (in the broad-generalized term that includes all Linux-based systems) is developed by pimply-faced teenagers or middle-aged perverts, both of which are unemployed or barely employed and while living in their parents basement, program this linux operating system as a hobby because they are angry at the establishment.... In fact, most of the people who contribute code to the development of the linux kernel, and other of the larger open-source projects like the Gnome Desktop Environment, and Open Office, are college graduates who have good paying jobs in IT for large corporations, many of which are Fortune 500 companies... Linux is NOT just for teenagers who need a hobby. A majority of the web-servers that host websites on the internet are running on Linux-based systems like Red Hat(the current 'leader in enterprise linux' which also distributes the Fedora OS, a derivitive of Red Hat), Solaris and Open Solaris (a linux-based derivitive from Sun Microsystems, the company responsible for Java as well as OpenOffice). In fact, even Microsoft's own Bing.com search engine relies on some sort of Linux Server to accomplish its prime-directive... Funny, as you'd think they'd prefer to use Windows Server 2008 for that job... huh...
Anyway, the point of me writing this article is sadly that there are only a few things that are sadly keeping people from adopting a very solid Linux-based Desktop Operating System like Ubuntu in their homes.
1. People are generally lazy. Capitalism relies on the tried and true marketing techniques where a vendor is expected to reassure the consumer that 'we will think for you, you can trust us, this is what you're getting and this is why you should go with us...'. When it comes to Operating Systems and Computers in the home, Apple actually has a very competitively priced product but Windows PCs are marketed using a deceptive technique of deferring the cost of ownership over the lifetime of the machine... People are not encouraged to factor in the quality of the computer's parts, not to mention the way they are actually designed to work efficiently with eachother, nor are most people educated enough to sort through that information. Apple includes a lot more useful tools that come with the OS X operating system that is specifically designed to work seamlessly with the hardware that is also built to Apple's specifications...
Because people are lazy, and therefore would rather trust a stranger who 'sounds legit' most people don't factor in the amount of trouble they have already dealt with when they have used their Windows based PC. People who actually switch to a Mac don't just switch and automatically know where everything is. They poke around. They Google stuff to find out 'how to do' whatever it is that they know their computer should be able to do.
That leads to the second point...
2. Average computer users are afraid of the word Linux. Linux inspires thoughts of a system that only an uber-geek can use, made up of command-lines that use commands that you 'just have to know'. Linux inspires thoughts that 'I can't use Linux because I don't know any programming'... or I don't know how to compile source code...
It's easy to predict, sad as it is, that most people who migrate to Linux-based systems feel so out of their element that it's like they even forget that Google exists... Okay, so you're wireless driver doesn't work... Oh God, the I guess Linux isn't ready for primetime... I've never had a driver issue on a Windows machine... (that's sarcasm) REALLY!?
Bottom line, Ubuntu is a Linux-based system. Linux is only the Linux Kernel. All Linux-based OS's stem from a few derivitive Linux kernels. Ubuntu uses a derived Debian Linux Kernel. Ubuntu is only one of hundreds of other Linux distributions (or other Linux-based Operating Systems). Ubuntu is almost without a doubt the most mature of all the current 'distros' (distributions). It is very stable and very fast. It requires a user to grasp a couple concepts that are only slightly different than Windows. A lot of it is just knowing 'what button do I push to do this'. Concepts like drag and drop and browsers that connect to the internet and Word processors and media center software and mp3s and all of that stuff is all there. Can you use Windows software? I answer with a question, Can you use Mac software on a Windows machine? Ubuntu is not Windows... However, Ubuntu (and many other Linux-based systems) can run "WINE" which can run many Windows programs within a Linux-based system like Ubuntu. Ubuntu comes with WINE pre-installed. However before you use WINE to run Windows Programs in a emulated environment (since it can be slower and sometimes buggy because it's trying to mimic Windows' software architecture) you will come to find that there is most likely an equivilent to the Windows program within the Ubuntu Software Center. The Ubuntu Software Center (new in 9.10) gives you a straight forward interface to access thousands of free applications that you can add to your computer.
Give it a try... You can download a 'liveCD' which runs Ubuntu from a CD without installing it on your computer giving you the ability to try it out before actually making any changes to your system. Keep in mind, you may not get the full experience of Ubuntu by running the LiveCD like you would when you actually install it. If you have a certain component like your ethernet or wireless card not being recognized while running the LiveCD, that DOES NOT necessarily mean that does not work with Ubuntu. It could be that it will be recognized flawlessly when the OS is installed. It could mean that you have to do a little Googling and might have to access the 'Terminal' and type in a couple command lines from a web page.
The huge benefit of Ubuntu is the Open Source community... If you have an issue with a certain card, there is almost always someone who has already found a way to make it work and has documented it. If it's a driver issues, there may be a programmer who has been able to take the open-source code for another ethernet card and get it to work with the card you have. This is increasingly the exception. In most cases, installations of Ubuntu at this point can be quite painless.
Good luck.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Opinionated and Judgmental
I am opinionated and judgmental. That is typically what people who don't take the time to truly understand the meaning of what I (or others) say sometimes actually is. I can often be brash and if a given statement is taken even partly out of context, that meaning of the statement in question can be completely mis-taken and thus misunderstood.
I think many people feel exactly this way. I think many people overlook the subtleties in communication. I think so often when someone says, "now you're just arguing semantics" that it's because "the argument is the semantics". Few seem to ever identify that as the point of contention.
So, am I opinionated because I have opinions that I occasionally share? Am I opinionated just because I have opinions? Despite the actual definition of the word "opinionated", I have acquired the connotation of the word "opinionated" and integrating it as a negative word to with a definition which would better be defined by the word "over-opinionated". I embrace the fact that I have opinions and I will occasionally share them, especially when I have actually given some thought to the opinions that I have really earned, rather than just having opinions that I've heard others say that on the surface I might think I agree with.
Now, am I judgmental? Occasionally, yes. Is it wrong to be judgemental? I'm not so sure... However, I also think there is a difference between making a judgment and being judgmental. Again, the argument is the semantics. I believe we are served by making informed judgments related to our part in things. We make judgments about whether to make one decision or another. Being judgmental is, I think, more of a generalized sweeping judgment that would border on a pre-judgment or being prejudiced (being essentially the correct word that is used to represent the concept I'm illustrating). The point I am getting at is lacking one more angle though, unlike the previous example. Is being judgmental also necessarily judging? I don't think so. I think it's the subtle understanding of the wording of the not so subtle concepts that surround making a judgment about how to judiciously excercise or not excercise the concepts presented here.
I think from a strictly practical view it is important to not be a judging individual where as I think it might be alright occasionally to be judgmental about certain things. The thing that I think is important to maintain when being judgmental is an attitude of understanding, tolerance and acceptance that the actions of others or the situation you are being judgmental about may not be anything you actually have any right to have a judgment about, as it may not involve you at all. If that is the case than you have an opinion and if you express that opinion you may be called, "opinionated and judgmental".
So, I guess this was a shorter post but I believe it is an important one.
l8r,
Chris
I think many people feel exactly this way. I think many people overlook the subtleties in communication. I think so often when someone says, "now you're just arguing semantics" that it's because "the argument is the semantics". Few seem to ever identify that as the point of contention.
So, am I opinionated because I have opinions that I occasionally share? Am I opinionated just because I have opinions? Despite the actual definition of the word "opinionated", I have acquired the connotation of the word "opinionated" and integrating it as a negative word to with a definition which would better be defined by the word "over-opinionated". I embrace the fact that I have opinions and I will occasionally share them, especially when I have actually given some thought to the opinions that I have really earned, rather than just having opinions that I've heard others say that on the surface I might think I agree with.
Now, am I judgmental? Occasionally, yes. Is it wrong to be judgemental? I'm not so sure... However, I also think there is a difference between making a judgment and being judgmental. Again, the argument is the semantics. I believe we are served by making informed judgments related to our part in things. We make judgments about whether to make one decision or another. Being judgmental is, I think, more of a generalized sweeping judgment that would border on a pre-judgment or being prejudiced (being essentially the correct word that is used to represent the concept I'm illustrating). The point I am getting at is lacking one more angle though, unlike the previous example. Is being judgmental also necessarily judging? I don't think so. I think it's the subtle understanding of the wording of the not so subtle concepts that surround making a judgment about how to judiciously excercise or not excercise the concepts presented here.
I think from a strictly practical view it is important to not be a judging individual where as I think it might be alright occasionally to be judgmental about certain things. The thing that I think is important to maintain when being judgmental is an attitude of understanding, tolerance and acceptance that the actions of others or the situation you are being judgmental about may not be anything you actually have any right to have a judgment about, as it may not involve you at all. If that is the case than you have an opinion and if you express that opinion you may be called, "opinionated and judgmental".
So, I guess this was a shorter post but I believe it is an important one.
l8r,
Chris
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The grounds for dignity...
There are some people in The United States Of America who irresponsibly vote, ignoring all the platforms of individual, save for one. These 'one issue voters' seem to most often be the anti-abortionists. However, there are other 'one issue voters' that only vote based on a candidates position on euthanasia or death-penalty. The three issues I'm going to focus on in this observation are primarily the three mentioned already. These issues are abortion, euthanasia and death-penalty.
The contradiction that I often find insulting is that there are those who will vote on all three of these issues and argue that they are taking the position becuase of their religious beliefs. It is usually insulting because these same people often tend to argue that they are against abortion but then do little if anything to aid someone who needs help with raising a child. These people argue against end of life decisions for others but then never take steps themselves to aid these elderly people in any way.
I have found that often the same people who argue 'right to life' are the same people who are 'pro-death penalty'. The hypocrisy is astounding really. The argument against my opinion usually comes from an angle of 'the person who deserves the death-penalty made a choice where as the unwanted unborn child that was the result of what these people judge to be immoral acts of fornication should have the right to life'. However the argument falls short because you really can't make that logic in that argument work for end of life rights. To be clear, there is a difference between 'end of life decisions and rights' and 'euthanasia'. Though you may debate the semantics, the two terms for the purposes of this commentary are to be deemed choice and no choice, respectively. In such a case I would be against euthanasia because there is no choice by the individual, which would mean that I would support the rights of individuals who want to make end of life decisions.
The argument so often laid out by those who support capital punishment by death is partly that it serves society not to allow that person convicted of a capital offense to be a financial drain on society.
I believe that the grounds for dignity are far more compelling in any debate where one would argue 'right to life'. I currently view 'right to dignity' as a better stance than 'right to life' or 'right to choice'. The idea of dignity means to me that if a child is unwanted and would struggle through his/her formative years as a child, with the proverbial 'deck stacked against' him or her, then why subject that child to a life that starts in such an undignified way.
The fact is that when it comes to party platforms, the republican party typically stands in opposition to 'right to dignity' because they not only oppose abortion rights but also end of life rights but then they also oppose social programs that would be necessary. I never hear much about the 'christian left', only the 'christian right'. I know there is a 'christian left' because I've known many people who are democrats who also profess a christian faith. But the example here is that the same people who are claiming to be 'christian right' are the same people who would rather impose through governmental regulations ideas that they claim are backed by their beliefs but then refuse to allow those that would be affected by the imposed regulations the understanding and compassion they deserve as humans.
Have you ever seen a die-hard 'christian' who grew up in the church and has lived an extremely sheltered life react to someone else saying they are going through a divorce? The look of complete disgust and judgment that crosses their face is sickening. You may think this is unfounded judgment on my part but I stand by it because I used to be like that.
I was taught to value and respect life. I was also taught to think though and that is right to question and be curious. In respecting life, I learned it was important to live life in an experiential way. I have made mistakes and I have learned from mistakes. I am accountable for my mistakes and have claimed responsibility for my actions so that I won't repeat those mistakes which I've learned from.
What is dignity to you? Do you think dignity is a right? To me, I see that a right to dignity is as much of a right as it is to have rights at all.
I feel I've not been completely clear however, I feel I've been clear enough for you to understand the point actually embraces right to life when that life will be dignified or will continue to be dignified.
I welcome your comments, as always.
The contradiction that I often find insulting is that there are those who will vote on all three of these issues and argue that they are taking the position becuase of their religious beliefs. It is usually insulting because these same people often tend to argue that they are against abortion but then do little if anything to aid someone who needs help with raising a child. These people argue against end of life decisions for others but then never take steps themselves to aid these elderly people in any way.
I have found that often the same people who argue 'right to life' are the same people who are 'pro-death penalty'. The hypocrisy is astounding really. The argument against my opinion usually comes from an angle of 'the person who deserves the death-penalty made a choice where as the unwanted unborn child that was the result of what these people judge to be immoral acts of fornication should have the right to life'. However the argument falls short because you really can't make that logic in that argument work for end of life rights. To be clear, there is a difference between 'end of life decisions and rights' and 'euthanasia'. Though you may debate the semantics, the two terms for the purposes of this commentary are to be deemed choice and no choice, respectively. In such a case I would be against euthanasia because there is no choice by the individual, which would mean that I would support the rights of individuals who want to make end of life decisions.
The argument so often laid out by those who support capital punishment by death is partly that it serves society not to allow that person convicted of a capital offense to be a financial drain on society.
I believe that the grounds for dignity are far more compelling in any debate where one would argue 'right to life'. I currently view 'right to dignity' as a better stance than 'right to life' or 'right to choice'. The idea of dignity means to me that if a child is unwanted and would struggle through his/her formative years as a child, with the proverbial 'deck stacked against' him or her, then why subject that child to a life that starts in such an undignified way.
The fact is that when it comes to party platforms, the republican party typically stands in opposition to 'right to dignity' because they not only oppose abortion rights but also end of life rights but then they also oppose social programs that would be necessary. I never hear much about the 'christian left', only the 'christian right'. I know there is a 'christian left' because I've known many people who are democrats who also profess a christian faith. But the example here is that the same people who are claiming to be 'christian right' are the same people who would rather impose through governmental regulations ideas that they claim are backed by their beliefs but then refuse to allow those that would be affected by the imposed regulations the understanding and compassion they deserve as humans.
Have you ever seen a die-hard 'christian' who grew up in the church and has lived an extremely sheltered life react to someone else saying they are going through a divorce? The look of complete disgust and judgment that crosses their face is sickening. You may think this is unfounded judgment on my part but I stand by it because I used to be like that.
I was taught to value and respect life. I was also taught to think though and that is right to question and be curious. In respecting life, I learned it was important to live life in an experiential way. I have made mistakes and I have learned from mistakes. I am accountable for my mistakes and have claimed responsibility for my actions so that I won't repeat those mistakes which I've learned from.
What is dignity to you? Do you think dignity is a right? To me, I see that a right to dignity is as much of a right as it is to have rights at all.
I feel I've not been completely clear however, I feel I've been clear enough for you to understand the point actually embraces right to life when that life will be dignified or will continue to be dignified.
I welcome your comments, as always.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Jesus has returned but he's a communist!!!
I read a post on FoxNews.com today. I think Fox News is anything but 'fair and balanced'. It's more like 'crooked and biased'. To be fair, I will retract that blanket statement because I'm sure there is an intern who works there who is still 'fair and balanced'. Forgive me, I'm a little irritated. Today is a good example why it's hard not to get sucked into this insanity.
I read an article, ironic as it is, about some 'controversy' over some comments made by Van Jones. I don't really care about the story itself other than it seems to detract from what that story really is about, at least as presented by FoxNews.com. I'll leave alone what the story really is though, to focus on the 'conspiratorial' actions taken by a lowly article comments moderator...
After reading part of the completely off base comments regarding the the relatively off base article, I decided to post a comment. I wrote the comment, hit the 'add comment' button and having had an issue with the FoxNews.com website before, had made sure to copy my text before posting so I could repost if needed. Of course, I took note of the time and when that time passed in the comments cue and other people's comments started appearing that had been posted after mine, I reposted. And then needed to a third time. That's when I noticed the disclaimer below the 'fair and balanced' foxnews.com website comment box:
" Disclaimer: Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. "
Of course it was again, moderated out. I reposted in astonishment, reading the posts that were bluntly racist in some cases, as well as others that would clearly fall under the category of 'abusive'... Read for yourself: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/03/green-jobs-advisers-past-stir-trouble-white-house-critical-time/comments/
After realizing that my posts were not appearing because the were being selectively moderated out, I reposted my comment with the additional comment directed to the moderator...
=================================
TO THE MODERATOR:
Unforgivable... You're seriously going to moderate that logical perspective that is completely relevant while allowing racial hate speech that is nothing but abusive...
I posted 4 comments and each one was 'moderated' because you chose to exclude me because I obviously do not fit your agenda... No matter, the truth will win.
THE MODERATED UN-POSTED POST:
I would be very interested to know how many of the people out there who profess to be Christian actually get that if they are waiting for Jesus to return to establish his kingdom on earth that it would likely be a socialist/communist society. I guess it's fine to pretend that is what you want on Sunday if you don't really believe it, so long as it makes you look good in front of others... Oh, and that whole love your neighbor thing, not to mention the 'green' co-exist in harmony with the planet so that we don't selfishly use it up or just ruin it for our children and their children... yah, that has nothing to do with capitalism. Capitalism, motivated by monetary gain, does nothing for society as a whole. Money doesn't even care about the individual. Capitalism reinforces greed and selfishness not caring and certainly not love.
=================================================
Of course it was again not posted. I tried once more... nope. Denied 6 times, selective censorship of an opposing viewpoint.
Just to make sure it wasn't a technology issue, I tried to post just the original portion of the comment using an alternate browser... no dice. It was not posted.
As always, I invite comments. Oh, and by the way, I don't moderate them.
l8r,
Chris
I read an article, ironic as it is, about some 'controversy' over some comments made by Van Jones. I don't really care about the story itself other than it seems to detract from what that story really is about, at least as presented by FoxNews.com. I'll leave alone what the story really is though, to focus on the 'conspiratorial' actions taken by a lowly article comments moderator...
After reading part of the completely off base comments regarding the the relatively off base article, I decided to post a comment. I wrote the comment, hit the 'add comment' button and having had an issue with the FoxNews.com website before, had made sure to copy my text before posting so I could repost if needed. Of course, I took note of the time and when that time passed in the comments cue and other people's comments started appearing that had been posted after mine, I reposted. And then needed to a third time. That's when I noticed the disclaimer below the 'fair and balanced' foxnews.com website comment box:
" Disclaimer: Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive. "
Of course it was again, moderated out. I reposted in astonishment, reading the posts that were bluntly racist in some cases, as well as others that would clearly fall under the category of 'abusive'... Read for yourself: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/09/03/green-jobs-advisers-past-stir-trouble-white-house-critical-time/comments/
After realizing that my posts were not appearing because the were being selectively moderated out, I reposted my comment with the additional comment directed to the moderator...
=================================
TO THE MODERATOR:
Unforgivable... You're seriously going to moderate that logical perspective that is completely relevant while allowing racial hate speech that is nothing but abusive...
I posted 4 comments and each one was 'moderated' because you chose to exclude me because I obviously do not fit your agenda... No matter, the truth will win.
THE MODERATED UN-POSTED POST:
I would be very interested to know how many of the people out there who profess to be Christian actually get that if they are waiting for Jesus to return to establish his kingdom on earth that it would likely be a socialist/communist society. I guess it's fine to pretend that is what you want on Sunday if you don't really believe it, so long as it makes you look good in front of others... Oh, and that whole love your neighbor thing, not to mention the 'green' co-exist in harmony with the planet so that we don't selfishly use it up or just ruin it for our children and their children... yah, that has nothing to do with capitalism. Capitalism, motivated by monetary gain, does nothing for society as a whole. Money doesn't even care about the individual. Capitalism reinforces greed and selfishness not caring and certainly not love.
=================================================
Of course it was again not posted. I tried once more... nope. Denied 6 times, selective censorship of an opposing viewpoint.
Just to make sure it wasn't a technology issue, I tried to post just the original portion of the comment using an alternate browser... no dice. It was not posted.
As always, I invite comments. Oh, and by the way, I don't moderate them.
l8r,
Chris
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Imagine
Moses walked through the desert, led only by God. Jesus did the same. I'm not going to put myself on their level, however, like Moses and Jesus, I've come to the beliefs I have by setting aside all of my religious notions to walk through the desert of the unknown, resting upon the assurance that "God Is" and that if I seek the truth, I shall find it.
John Lennon wrote a song called "Imagine" and so many people seem to not come close to seeing the vision that John was trying to relate. No country, no religion, no war... It's actually amazingly simple, in fact perhaps it's too simple for most people who expect that everything must be complex.
I have come to understand the role that historical events and figures have played in religion enough that I can now look upon the Bible with new eyes. I see the truth within the Bible yet can now also see how historical events, even just the passage of time, has brought us the book that Christians hold dear.
My journey through 'the desert of the unknown' has allowed me to lean upon 'God' without any need for defining what 'God' is other than trusting that whatever 'God' is, "God Is". In doing so I've been free to look into other beliefs and religions. It allowed me to give myself permission to question what I grew up believing and test it. I have found so far that my curiosity to understand the truth about God and spirituality and life in more practical ways has proven to be a grounding force in my life, so far. In attempting to live by the spiritual principles set forth in all religions, I have come to desire a greater understanding of other religions as well.
I was raised as a Catholic, with some Protestant Christians in my extended family. I don't think I could call myself 'Catholic' at this point, nor could I likely call myself 'Christian', though I think of myself as Thomas Jefferson did, who regarded the non-religious philosophies presented by Jesus in the Gospels to be of immense value and guidance. Jefferson said that he felt he could likely consider himself as much or more of a 'Christian' than those who merely claim to be 'Christian' due to Jefferson actually trying to act as Jesus instructed unlike those who were just posturing.
I have become more intrigued in learning about other religious faiths. I have begun reading an English translation of the Quran. I understand that Muslims expect a Muslim to read the Quran in Arabic as it has been for the past 1400+ years. Their reasoning as I understand it is that the Quran has remained the same for that entire period without revision and that the puntuation to stress the inflection of certain words is very important to understanding the meaning. Anyone who knows me and my love and respect of words will know I whole-heartedly respect that. That said, as much as I would like to begin learning Arabic, I feel my motivation for reading the Quran is not to become a Muslim but to draw upon the wisdom that would transcend the translation. I am seeking the truth and though I would like to one day learn not only Arabic but Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Latin and other more contemporary languages like Italian, French and German, I understand that I am mortal and have a limited time in which to do the things that I place value on.
My interest in the spiritual aspects of religions is first and foremost a personal interest. I am not one who believes in an 'all or nothing' approach. I am at this point interested in continuing to uncover the path that I'm discovering. I know I am not the first to discover it but as I believe I've stated in a previous blog entry, I am no longer interested in divisive beliefs but inclusive ones. Ideas that unite are of infinitely greater benefit than those that divide.
l8r,
Chris
John Lennon wrote a song called "Imagine" and so many people seem to not come close to seeing the vision that John was trying to relate. No country, no religion, no war... It's actually amazingly simple, in fact perhaps it's too simple for most people who expect that everything must be complex.
I have come to understand the role that historical events and figures have played in religion enough that I can now look upon the Bible with new eyes. I see the truth within the Bible yet can now also see how historical events, even just the passage of time, has brought us the book that Christians hold dear.
My journey through 'the desert of the unknown' has allowed me to lean upon 'God' without any need for defining what 'God' is other than trusting that whatever 'God' is, "God Is". In doing so I've been free to look into other beliefs and religions. It allowed me to give myself permission to question what I grew up believing and test it. I have found so far that my curiosity to understand the truth about God and spirituality and life in more practical ways has proven to be a grounding force in my life, so far. In attempting to live by the spiritual principles set forth in all religions, I have come to desire a greater understanding of other religions as well.
I was raised as a Catholic, with some Protestant Christians in my extended family. I don't think I could call myself 'Catholic' at this point, nor could I likely call myself 'Christian', though I think of myself as Thomas Jefferson did, who regarded the non-religious philosophies presented by Jesus in the Gospels to be of immense value and guidance. Jefferson said that he felt he could likely consider himself as much or more of a 'Christian' than those who merely claim to be 'Christian' due to Jefferson actually trying to act as Jesus instructed unlike those who were just posturing.
I have become more intrigued in learning about other religious faiths. I have begun reading an English translation of the Quran. I understand that Muslims expect a Muslim to read the Quran in Arabic as it has been for the past 1400+ years. Their reasoning as I understand it is that the Quran has remained the same for that entire period without revision and that the puntuation to stress the inflection of certain words is very important to understanding the meaning. Anyone who knows me and my love and respect of words will know I whole-heartedly respect that. That said, as much as I would like to begin learning Arabic, I feel my motivation for reading the Quran is not to become a Muslim but to draw upon the wisdom that would transcend the translation. I am seeking the truth and though I would like to one day learn not only Arabic but Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic, Latin and other more contemporary languages like Italian, French and German, I understand that I am mortal and have a limited time in which to do the things that I place value on.
My interest in the spiritual aspects of religions is first and foremost a personal interest. I am not one who believes in an 'all or nothing' approach. I am at this point interested in continuing to uncover the path that I'm discovering. I know I am not the first to discover it but as I believe I've stated in a previous blog entry, I am no longer interested in divisive beliefs but inclusive ones. Ideas that unite are of infinitely greater benefit than those that divide.
l8r,
Chris
Monday, August 31, 2009
Banditos
A number of years ago I heard a song that I really identified with. The song was called "Banditos" by a group called The Refreshments. Though I enjoy the whole song, the line in the song that I'd like to use to relate to today is part of the chorus, 'everybody knows that the world is full of stupid people'.
I've been thinking about this over the weekend. I only started this blog last week and this is only my 4th post and I've already failed miserably to exude the type of attitude that I'd hoped. What I've found in posting these blog entries is that it's hard to not become outraged and sucked into the current day's argumentative banter that is ultimately unproductive. My last post, in particular, was almost completely reactive. Here I will try to do better.
Having thought about it, I've decided that today I am going to try to focus more on solutions, instead of complaining about a world full of 'stupid people'. I checked out a book from the library the other day. I chose it from the other books on the shelf that dealt with the same topic because of the publisher mainly. The book had been published by the Harvard University Press. For the purpose of this post, neither the title nor the contents of that book are of any relevance. As I read through the preface, something occurred to me regarding knowledge. Having been someone who has in the past given in to believing there could be some kind of conspiratorial illuminati-type of group, I realized, reading just the preface of the 600 page text that I had checked out at the local library, that there is no reason for any sort of belief in any sort of illuminati per-sey. What occurred to me is that people who believe in such ideas like an elite ruling class that with-holds knowledge or keeps people in poverty, is not necessary(at the very least in the United States). The fact is that most people who buy into those kinds of conspiracy theories are keeping themselves down and it's easier to blame someone else for their situation than take any responsibility for their own actions or lack thereof.
When it comes to certain ideas regarding the current health care reform, I actually tend to believe the following now: There is not enough emphasis placed on making sure the individual is taking responsibility for his/her own health care. Insurance companies ARE flawed and the fact that they can over-ride a doctor's order is insane just because the insurance companies don't want to cover what the licensed doctor has ordered/prescribed. There are those who don't have insurance because they have not personally made it a priority. There are those who can not afford it and actually need it and want it but don't qualify for coverage or don't have the availability. The issue of preventative health care does not receieve the amount of attention that it deserves. There is too much time and energy focused on 'putting out fires' instead of preventing them when it comes to health care and everyone suffers because of it. This last point especially is why I think the reform is neccessary. Personal accountability is something that many people need to take but don't because they want to rely on others, like the government to take care of it. However, there are those who need the assistance and at times the system needs some regulation.
It has become important to me to take personal responsibility for my health, my well-fare and my general well-being. This has meant that I am personally accountable for the things I put in my body. I am responsible for educating myself about the foods I eat, the vitamins I may need, any medicines I might need and doing all I can personally to treat any ailments that I face. If I put a focus on healthful living, I will be encouraging my body to withstand illness that could detract from my quality of life.
Today I take personal responsibility for the things that I can. But I recognize that there are things I cannot do by myself and that is occasionally neccessary for me to ask for outside help. In the same way with health care, I think it is important to encourage personal responsibility to pursue health while providing an opportunity to recieve help when it is needed and asked for.
Have a good day.
I've been thinking about this over the weekend. I only started this blog last week and this is only my 4th post and I've already failed miserably to exude the type of attitude that I'd hoped. What I've found in posting these blog entries is that it's hard to not become outraged and sucked into the current day's argumentative banter that is ultimately unproductive. My last post, in particular, was almost completely reactive. Here I will try to do better.
Having thought about it, I've decided that today I am going to try to focus more on solutions, instead of complaining about a world full of 'stupid people'. I checked out a book from the library the other day. I chose it from the other books on the shelf that dealt with the same topic because of the publisher mainly. The book had been published by the Harvard University Press. For the purpose of this post, neither the title nor the contents of that book are of any relevance. As I read through the preface, something occurred to me regarding knowledge. Having been someone who has in the past given in to believing there could be some kind of conspiratorial illuminati-type of group, I realized, reading just the preface of the 600 page text that I had checked out at the local library, that there is no reason for any sort of belief in any sort of illuminati per-sey. What occurred to me is that people who believe in such ideas like an elite ruling class that with-holds knowledge or keeps people in poverty, is not necessary(at the very least in the United States). The fact is that most people who buy into those kinds of conspiracy theories are keeping themselves down and it's easier to blame someone else for their situation than take any responsibility for their own actions or lack thereof.
When it comes to certain ideas regarding the current health care reform, I actually tend to believe the following now: There is not enough emphasis placed on making sure the individual is taking responsibility for his/her own health care. Insurance companies ARE flawed and the fact that they can over-ride a doctor's order is insane just because the insurance companies don't want to cover what the licensed doctor has ordered/prescribed. There are those who don't have insurance because they have not personally made it a priority. There are those who can not afford it and actually need it and want it but don't qualify for coverage or don't have the availability. The issue of preventative health care does not receieve the amount of attention that it deserves. There is too much time and energy focused on 'putting out fires' instead of preventing them when it comes to health care and everyone suffers because of it. This last point especially is why I think the reform is neccessary. Personal accountability is something that many people need to take but don't because they want to rely on others, like the government to take care of it. However, there are those who need the assistance and at times the system needs some regulation.
It has become important to me to take personal responsibility for my health, my well-fare and my general well-being. This has meant that I am personally accountable for the things I put in my body. I am responsible for educating myself about the foods I eat, the vitamins I may need, any medicines I might need and doing all I can personally to treat any ailments that I face. If I put a focus on healthful living, I will be encouraging my body to withstand illness that could detract from my quality of life.
Today I take personal responsibility for the things that I can. But I recognize that there are things I cannot do by myself and that is occasionally neccessary for me to ask for outside help. In the same way with health care, I think it is important to encourage personal responsibility to pursue health while providing an opportunity to recieve help when it is needed and asked for.
Have a good day.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Shameful acts
Y'know, I walked by some guy standing on a corner by himself, holding a sign that was condemning homosexuality. I shrugged him off and walked by him, pitying the man for his lack of understanding. I walked a couple of blocks, and then it occurred to me that this idiot was claming he was Christian. I turned around and walked back to where he was standing. I asked, "Hey, I gotta question. That sign your holding that's condemning the sins of others there... ...could you remind me where it says in that book you're holding that it's your job to not only pass judgment on others but also condemn them? Because if I'm not mistaken, it was that 'savior' guy, y'know Jesus, who said 'let he without sin cast the first stone'. And didn't he also say something about 'judge not let ye be judged'?" Well of course he proceeded to tell me from his platform of false-pride that I hadn't read the Bible. He quoted some verses out of Romans as if the words of any of the apostles should be taken to superceed those words and actions of the one they had called Master. Just sayin'.
I've been so apalled by society at large, especially recently. I think so much of it is the unconciounable amount of hypocrisy, ignorance, arrogance and just plain lunacy that so many people seem to suffer from. I've almost gotten to the point that I don't blame most people because they've been indoctrinated into this world and have been spoonfed their cultures, complete with their warped senses of patriotism, warped religious views(which often have little to actually do with what the religion actually teaches), etc. We in America are almost completely oblivious. We are so self-righteous, and we cling to delusional ideas that "we're number one". I want to be proud to be an American but honestly America and Americans disappoint me.
Right now, we are occupying no less than 2 countries that we are actively fighting a 'war' that we waged, which can never be won. You can disagree and say we were attacked. Maybe we were or maybe it was a false-flag operation that we won't know about for a long time or ever. Either way, we had an opportunity to put aside our differences and we squandered it. Wake up people. There are something like 7 billion people on the planet and each and every one of them has a heart and a brain and yet we need to be divisive. Wake up!
I heard a report that more money is being made through internet scams now that there is money being made through illegal drug trafficking. I know you've seen some of them. Either your 'dream girl' you get to chat with needs you to send $2500 for a plane ticket so you can 'be together' or some guy in Ethiopia has been given a large amount of money, some of which he will give to you if you just open an account at this bank by depositing this $1500 for a security deposit so that he can use the millions of imaginary money to organize a way to educate starving kids. Heartless, shameful acts that some governments, like the United States, claim that the 'terrorists' are using that money to carry out attacks with.
The other day I read a report that the United States Navy is looking into a way of developing a 'biofuel' for jet fighters that is made through some process which extracts carbon dioxide from ocean water. Sounds good at first huh? Think it through though. First, the motivation is entirely wrong. Sure, the fish and sharks and whales and other animals in the ocean need oxygen but even as big as the ocean is how long will it be before we have moved from fueling war planes to go bomb other countries into submission so we can plunder their natural resources before we think 'hey, let's power cars and homes and our computers with this ocean water bio-fuel' and the next thing you know the oceanic ecosystem is completely turned upside down because we are extracting all the carbon-dioxide that the plant life needs to live, which the animals in the ocean need to live and then we have dead oceans, all because we wanted to pretend like we were being 'eco-friendly' when we go bomb the crap out of some country that doesn't even have freakin' jet fighters...
Let's let the oil companies dictate the future of energy and let them just charge us more for something that burns a little cleaner instead of using existing technologies and developing those even further so that we have completely emission free means of grid-independent, self-contained and self-powered solutions. The energy companies' profits are more important to them then the environment. If that wasn't true, they would not be looking at bio-fuels. Shameful acts.
Y'know that old Jesus fellow these 'christians' are always talking about, saying he's gonna come back and raise the dead... that's right, that when you die, you don't go straight to heaven, you have to wait, dead, for the J-man to come back and when he does he will wake up those he 'judges' to be worthy... Read the Bible? The key is wisdom which is laughable because mere common sense is so uncommon, let alone wisdom. Science proves, PROVES UNEQUIVOCALLY so many things, yet people still cling to their 2000 year old doctrine and dogma that even contradicts at times what the book they base the doctrine and dogma on, instead of looking at physical factual proof that removes certain mysteries.
WAKE UP!
I've been so apalled by society at large, especially recently. I think so much of it is the unconciounable amount of hypocrisy, ignorance, arrogance and just plain lunacy that so many people seem to suffer from. I've almost gotten to the point that I don't blame most people because they've been indoctrinated into this world and have been spoonfed their cultures, complete with their warped senses of patriotism, warped religious views(which often have little to actually do with what the religion actually teaches), etc. We in America are almost completely oblivious. We are so self-righteous, and we cling to delusional ideas that "we're number one". I want to be proud to be an American but honestly America and Americans disappoint me.
Right now, we are occupying no less than 2 countries that we are actively fighting a 'war' that we waged, which can never be won. You can disagree and say we were attacked. Maybe we were or maybe it was a false-flag operation that we won't know about for a long time or ever. Either way, we had an opportunity to put aside our differences and we squandered it. Wake up people. There are something like 7 billion people on the planet and each and every one of them has a heart and a brain and yet we need to be divisive. Wake up!
I heard a report that more money is being made through internet scams now that there is money being made through illegal drug trafficking. I know you've seen some of them. Either your 'dream girl' you get to chat with needs you to send $2500 for a plane ticket so you can 'be together' or some guy in Ethiopia has been given a large amount of money, some of which he will give to you if you just open an account at this bank by depositing this $1500 for a security deposit so that he can use the millions of imaginary money to organize a way to educate starving kids. Heartless, shameful acts that some governments, like the United States, claim that the 'terrorists' are using that money to carry out attacks with.
The other day I read a report that the United States Navy is looking into a way of developing a 'biofuel' for jet fighters that is made through some process which extracts carbon dioxide from ocean water. Sounds good at first huh? Think it through though. First, the motivation is entirely wrong. Sure, the fish and sharks and whales and other animals in the ocean need oxygen but even as big as the ocean is how long will it be before we have moved from fueling war planes to go bomb other countries into submission so we can plunder their natural resources before we think 'hey, let's power cars and homes and our computers with this ocean water bio-fuel' and the next thing you know the oceanic ecosystem is completely turned upside down because we are extracting all the carbon-dioxide that the plant life needs to live, which the animals in the ocean need to live and then we have dead oceans, all because we wanted to pretend like we were being 'eco-friendly' when we go bomb the crap out of some country that doesn't even have freakin' jet fighters...
Let's let the oil companies dictate the future of energy and let them just charge us more for something that burns a little cleaner instead of using existing technologies and developing those even further so that we have completely emission free means of grid-independent, self-contained and self-powered solutions. The energy companies' profits are more important to them then the environment. If that wasn't true, they would not be looking at bio-fuels. Shameful acts.
Y'know that old Jesus fellow these 'christians' are always talking about, saying he's gonna come back and raise the dead... that's right, that when you die, you don't go straight to heaven, you have to wait, dead, for the J-man to come back and when he does he will wake up those he 'judges' to be worthy... Read the Bible? The key is wisdom which is laughable because mere common sense is so uncommon, let alone wisdom. Science proves, PROVES UNEQUIVOCALLY so many things, yet people still cling to their 2000 year old doctrine and dogma that even contradicts at times what the book they base the doctrine and dogma on, instead of looking at physical factual proof that removes certain mysteries.
WAKE UP!
I don't watch television much (I don't even own an idiot box) I had chosen not to focus a whole lot on following the news really closely. I am online a lot. I have focused quite a bit over recent months on more historical research, a lot of it centered around the Greco-Egyptian/Roman transition of power and the signifigance in those events upon the formation of the three major world religions within that relatively brief 1000 year period. The idea of being able to think, because we have been given brains, is key to all three of the world's major religions. Wisdom is not just knowing some facts, of course.
I'm not a political science major. I'm not, nor have I ever been, a public servant in any capacity. My understanding of politics and government is limited but I tend to think that I might actually have a better understanding of politics and government than at least 80% of Americans, which I'd say gives me at least some room to have an opinion because I will try to make sure I understand at least something about the issues that I feel I deserve to opin about.
Last November, following the conclusion of the presidential elecction, I was watching a certain 24 hour cable news station. I was impressed by a certain political commentator/pundint that had been active as a voice for the Republican party. I didn't agree with the commentator's politics or most of her arguments. At times, I sincerely thought, "how can she possibly believe the things she's saying?" It was only after the election, when I saw her making strides to encourage other Republicans to back the man who would be president, that I was impressed by her.
Within the past two weeks I'd started paying a little more attention to the 'debate' that was heating up over the health-care bill. The 'dissent' that was being justified as free speech was not dissent at all and was only a thinly veiled attempt by some remarkably ignorant people to justify hate speech. I saw no rational arguments coming from those holding up a swastika in protest. It seemed amazingly hypocritical to see those holding up swastikas yelling about... whatever, I'm tired of attempting to justify or legitemize that type of lunacy.
I saw the same pundint's blog and read a post that was insulting to my intelligence. It was off base and was little more than hard right propoganda. Right now I see that the democrats are trying to pretend like they are listening and are in fact only posturing and although it may be understandable it is a no more acceptable position to be approaching any sort of legislation than the way the republicans are right now. The republicans are fighting for changes in this bill and not a single one that I've heard of has indicated that they have any intention of ever actually voting for the bill. So, to clarify, they are 'wasting' time and money to work on adding amendments to a bill that they don't believe in. Yet at the same time, no one is proposing any other ideas. Don't like the bill, write a new one, but working for changes to make it work for everyone, as much as is realistically possible, should be the goal. Senators and Congressmen are public servants... Serve the people. You are there to represent the people who cannot represent themselves.
I chastised the one pundint because I believed she was abusing her position to help other people understand the facts, not opinions without any basis. Today I was happy to see Andrea Tantaros take a stand and actually embrace facts and not just propogate the conservative republican propoganda that has been lacking any real argument. I don't agree with her continuing to encourage the devisive party loyalty but she did make what I view is a realistic and logical argument.
George Washington in his Farewell Address (really just an open letter) talked about several things that we as a country should avoid to preserve the country. One of the biggest things he warned about was partisan politics. Get that?! By the time the FIRST PRESIDENT left office, he was already able to warn about the danger of partisan politics. I don't have a solution for that because I know people have different ideas but I also know that there are so many who claim to be something they are not and that we are all more similar than we are different, if only we could see that...
I expect my posts to become more poignant as I continue to blog so I hope you will forgive me if this seems a little scattered. That said, now as always, I welcome your comments...
l8r,
Chris
I'm not a political science major. I'm not, nor have I ever been, a public servant in any capacity. My understanding of politics and government is limited but I tend to think that I might actually have a better understanding of politics and government than at least 80% of Americans, which I'd say gives me at least some room to have an opinion because I will try to make sure I understand at least something about the issues that I feel I deserve to opin about.
Last November, following the conclusion of the presidential elecction, I was watching a certain 24 hour cable news station. I was impressed by a certain political commentator/pundint that had been active as a voice for the Republican party. I didn't agree with the commentator's politics or most of her arguments. At times, I sincerely thought, "how can she possibly believe the things she's saying?" It was only after the election, when I saw her making strides to encourage other Republicans to back the man who would be president, that I was impressed by her.
Within the past two weeks I'd started paying a little more attention to the 'debate' that was heating up over the health-care bill. The 'dissent' that was being justified as free speech was not dissent at all and was only a thinly veiled attempt by some remarkably ignorant people to justify hate speech. I saw no rational arguments coming from those holding up a swastika in protest. It seemed amazingly hypocritical to see those holding up swastikas yelling about... whatever, I'm tired of attempting to justify or legitemize that type of lunacy.
I saw the same pundint's blog and read a post that was insulting to my intelligence. It was off base and was little more than hard right propoganda. Right now I see that the democrats are trying to pretend like they are listening and are in fact only posturing and although it may be understandable it is a no more acceptable position to be approaching any sort of legislation than the way the republicans are right now. The republicans are fighting for changes in this bill and not a single one that I've heard of has indicated that they have any intention of ever actually voting for the bill. So, to clarify, they are 'wasting' time and money to work on adding amendments to a bill that they don't believe in. Yet at the same time, no one is proposing any other ideas. Don't like the bill, write a new one, but working for changes to make it work for everyone, as much as is realistically possible, should be the goal. Senators and Congressmen are public servants... Serve the people. You are there to represent the people who cannot represent themselves.
I chastised the one pundint because I believed she was abusing her position to help other people understand the facts, not opinions without any basis. Today I was happy to see Andrea Tantaros take a stand and actually embrace facts and not just propogate the conservative republican propoganda that has been lacking any real argument. I don't agree with her continuing to encourage the devisive party loyalty but she did make what I view is a realistic and logical argument.
George Washington in his Farewell Address (really just an open letter) talked about several things that we as a country should avoid to preserve the country. One of the biggest things he warned about was partisan politics. Get that?! By the time the FIRST PRESIDENT left office, he was already able to warn about the danger of partisan politics. I don't have a solution for that because I know people have different ideas but I also know that there are so many who claim to be something they are not and that we are all more similar than we are different, if only we could see that...
I expect my posts to become more poignant as I continue to blog so I hope you will forgive me if this seems a little scattered. That said, now as always, I welcome your comments...
l8r,
Chris
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
My 2 Cents
This blog is only my opinion. You are welcome to disagree or agree. I invite you to share your opinions. I will attempt to be open to your opinions and hope you will do the same by attempting to be open to my opinions. I believe we can only be right sometimes if we can be honest with ourselves and be humble enough to admit where we are wrong. Admitting we are wrong allows us to grow into greater understanding. Being 'wrong' is often just a matter of lacking a full understanding, or at least enough of one to make an informed decision.
I will focus my energies on this blog in a variety of areas that interest me. These will not be limited to any one scope. Nothing is off limits as far as I'm concerned. Politics, religion, technology, history, science, health, movies, music... ...all of these and likely more are topics that I'll talk about.
Hope you will enjoy my perspectives and help me hone my perspectives by sharing yours.
l8r,
Chris
I will focus my energies on this blog in a variety of areas that interest me. These will not be limited to any one scope. Nothing is off limits as far as I'm concerned. Politics, religion, technology, history, science, health, movies, music... ...all of these and likely more are topics that I'll talk about.
Hope you will enjoy my perspectives and help me hone my perspectives by sharing yours.
l8r,
Chris
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Grandpa Johnson - This one is for you...
Apparently my grandfather ran across this blog the other day and was impressed. I'd actually forgotten that I even had this blog.
So, here's to you!
l8r,
Chris
So, here's to you!
l8r,
Chris
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