March 17 is just another day for me. Although my family is descended from Irishmen, this holiday goes uncelebrated, but not totally unrecognized. My dad will offhandedly mention how today is as Irish as it gets and I like the attitude of "Come on, it's Saint Patty's Day, everyone's Irish tonight." Seems to me, this day is one of the most peaceful; nature's starting to bloom more and men are celebrating brotherhood and potatoes.
On Saint Patrick's Day, I am more proud of my ancestry than any other day, though it is a bit weird to have what I claim as my culture shoved into my face all at once and then have it disappear the next day. Irishmen are notorious for owning luck and so of course I lay claim to some luck as well, even though I am the exact opposite of a leprechaun. Most people wear green and pinch others who are clad in colors besides. I do not wear green for two reasons. I feel I don't have to with my blood how it is (not the most sane reasoning but it makes sense to me); at full length, my beard is red around my chin and my eyes are green. The other reason is that I do not own anything green. Oh well.
Snakes despise this day, full blooded Irishmen love this day (another excuse to drink, to fulfill the common stereotype), and I am somewhere in the middle. This isn't really a minor's holiday. Without alcohol, March 17 is just a day full of green and pinching and bad accents and stereotypical jokes. I don't really consider it a holiday at all but I am proud that those that I claim as my people at least have a day to them(/our)selves.
(At the risk of being questioned and interrogated, I am not advocating the use of alcohol. Merely stating that other than to partake of liquor, wear green, pinch others, and talk in a mocking fashion, there isn't much to do on or remember of this day (for the average person).)(I am pretty sure that today is a celebration of the liberation of Ireland from snakes by Saint Patrick.)
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Persuasion
Persuasion is a tool to be sharpened and honed daily. Persuasion and arguing go hand in hand, which is why I consider myself good at it. If I have a point to make and no outside factors prevent me from arguing/attempting to persuade, I will do just that until it can be done no longer. Whining does not do any good when trying to persuade. Assault the enemy constantly on all fronts or be prepared to surrender.
Persuasion is important in everybody's lives, whether they are the smooth talker or the eager consumer. Persuasion is used constantly in the media: "Buy this and in return..." Most people do not find it offensive, though, because the products generally: do help and that is that, do not help and are discontinued, make the consumer feel as if they work when they really do not (if this is the case, the results are often as good as the first scenario's (whether it works or not, if the consumer is content, the producer is twice as happy)).
Persuasion is important in everybody's lives, whether they are the smooth talker or the eager consumer. Persuasion is used constantly in the media: "Buy this and in return..." Most people do not find it offensive, though, because the products generally: do help and that is that, do not help and are discontinued, make the consumer feel as if they work when they really do not (if this is the case, the results are often as good as the first scenario's (whether it works or not, if the consumer is content, the producer is twice as happy)).
Motivation/The Winter Olympics
The participants of the Winter Olympics are very highly motivated to undergo such strain and to weather such scrutiny as they are subjected to. To be able to handle the physical torment the games cause, the mental torture ("...what if I mess up?! How can I win this for sure?!"), and the judges'/spectators' verdicts of the performances is amazing of the athletes; the players' willingness to go through so much just to play the games is quite honorable.
I do not think that I could ever be that motivated about anything. Sure, I want good grades so I will pursue them and if I want to buy something, I will work to earn the money to be able to make it mine. I just care too little to ever have a goal comparable to "competing in the Winter Olympics," whether compared by scope or importance it does not matter. Therefore, I care too little to be determined enough to follow through on that nonexistent goal.
I salute all the competitors and their will and determination to play. Anybody who conjures up a dream and pursues it is a winner, even if the dream is not achieved. Life is a journey, not a destination, though I do not know where my path is centered and doubt if any desires discovered along the way will be enough to motivate me more than minimally.
I do not think that I could ever be that motivated about anything. Sure, I want good grades so I will pursue them and if I want to buy something, I will work to earn the money to be able to make it mine. I just care too little to ever have a goal comparable to "competing in the Winter Olympics," whether compared by scope or importance it does not matter. Therefore, I care too little to be determined enough to follow through on that nonexistent goal.
I salute all the competitors and their will and determination to play. Anybody who conjures up a dream and pursues it is a winner, even if the dream is not achieved. Life is a journey, not a destination, though I do not know where my path is centered and doubt if any desires discovered along the way will be enough to motivate me more than minimally.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Embedded Link ("Hidden" Being a Hint)(Arrgh)
The debate "Who would win in a battle, pirates or a ninja?" has been the cause of countless fights between geeks who would only care about matters such as this, me being one of them. This argument arose around the same time as internet chat rooms, though the roots of this hideous plant started before then.
In 1989, Atari released Skull & Crossbones, a video game that allowed players to play as pirates who fought groups of ninja. It was no doubt due to this release that the seeds of the conflict took root, though it is possible for it to have started before then.
Enough background. Who really would win? Several have tried to analyze the strategies of the opposing sides before, but I have not seen any that have done so thorough a job as http://www.ninjapirate.com/battle.html, though this website may seem a little biased towards the ninja. Despite the possible favoritism, I agree with thilo, the assumed author of the linked site, in that, even though he never comments on who would actually win, the ninja would be victorious.
Several factors have to be taken into account. Of course, fighting prowess is a major one. But the subtle differences might be what could make the biggest upset in a fight. As stated by thilo, pirates are smelly, loud, and, assuming the stereotype is correct, impaired in vision and mobility. Ninja are "nonexistent" (otherwise he is not a ninja at all), so therefore quiet, and very mobile and agile. Pirates are brutes and may overcome any obstacle with raw power, but ninja are great tactictians, observing their targets for a great time before making a move, which is usually a killing blow done in a split second. Pirates tend to enjoy being inebriated, so even if the ninja were defeated, they may only be made prisoners, which would allow time for the ninja to plan their escape while the pirates got drunk and pillaged.
The pen is mightier than the sword and brain overcomes brawn. Ironic how ninja weild swords, typically that is, though blades in general are used quite often (shurikens), and superior brain power over pirates.
In 1989, Atari released Skull & Crossbones, a video game that allowed players to play as pirates who fought groups of ninja. It was no doubt due to this release that the seeds of the conflict took root, though it is possible for it to have started before then.
Enough background. Who really would win? Several have tried to analyze the strategies of the opposing sides before, but I have not seen any that have done so thorough a job as http://www.ninjapirate.com/battle.html, though this website may seem a little biased towards the ninja. Despite the possible favoritism, I agree with thilo, the assumed author of the linked site, in that, even though he never comments on who would actually win, the ninja would be victorious.
Several factors have to be taken into account. Of course, fighting prowess is a major one. But the subtle differences might be what could make the biggest upset in a fight. As stated by thilo, pirates are smelly, loud, and, assuming the stereotype is correct, impaired in vision and mobility. Ninja are "nonexistent" (otherwise he is not a ninja at all), so therefore quiet, and very mobile and agile. Pirates are brutes and may overcome any obstacle with raw power, but ninja are great tactictians, observing their targets for a great time before making a move, which is usually a killing blow done in a split second. Pirates tend to enjoy being inebriated, so even if the ninja were defeated, they may only be made prisoners, which would allow time for the ninja to plan their escape while the pirates got drunk and pillaged.
The pen is mightier than the sword and brain overcomes brawn. Ironic how ninja weild swords, typically that is, though blades in general are used quite often (shurikens), and superior brain power over pirates.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Entergy is Picky
My dad is a lineman for Entergy of Arkansas. He has been doing this kind of work for close to twice my age. He first started as a lineman in southern Texas in the '80's. The most advanced piece of equipment was a truck full of sub-par tools. He literally climbed poles and put his life in danger every day for barely more than minimum wage. He knows (nearly) everything there is to know about everything that is related to his work.
Coming to Arkansas in 2000, he had to make major adjustments. For one thing, there are bucket trucks here. A truck that climbs for you?! Wow! Had it not been for all his prior experience, he would have had to start a "greenhorn." He had to learn all the company's procedures and techniques and the "proper" ways of completing the tasks he was assigned. No problem.
Recently, there was a problem. He had to go clean up and replace a damaged line, which would cause him to deepen the rut he walks every day. Arriving at the sight, he saw that the line was lying across the street. As most people know, live power lines are feisty. They will shake and spark and sputter all over the place until the juice runs dry. This massive snake was dead. So Dad began to remove the line from the street. This is the part where he begins to "get dumped on."
He did not check to make sure the line was dead before he began maintenance, which is against company policy. "I'm not an idiot, son, I know if a line is live and I know that that one wasn't," Entergy found out about this "ignorance and stupidity" and forced unpaid leave on him.
During this "break," he began to make his case, going back to the sight, reliving everything and recording it. His hearing came up and he made his case. The company's only argument was, "It was against company policy," which is to say they knew he was right but because he did not do things by the book, he got demoted and, in his own words, screwed.
Sometimes Goliath falls on David. Who wins then?
Coming to Arkansas in 2000, he had to make major adjustments. For one thing, there are bucket trucks here. A truck that climbs for you?! Wow! Had it not been for all his prior experience, he would have had to start a "greenhorn." He had to learn all the company's procedures and techniques and the "proper" ways of completing the tasks he was assigned. No problem.
Recently, there was a problem. He had to go clean up and replace a damaged line, which would cause him to deepen the rut he walks every day. Arriving at the sight, he saw that the line was lying across the street. As most people know, live power lines are feisty. They will shake and spark and sputter all over the place until the juice runs dry. This massive snake was dead. So Dad began to remove the line from the street. This is the part where he begins to "get dumped on."
He did not check to make sure the line was dead before he began maintenance, which is against company policy. "I'm not an idiot, son, I know if a line is live and I know that that one wasn't," Entergy found out about this "ignorance and stupidity" and forced unpaid leave on him.
During this "break," he began to make his case, going back to the sight, reliving everything and recording it. His hearing came up and he made his case. The company's only argument was, "It was against company policy," which is to say they knew he was right but because he did not do things by the book, he got demoted and, in his own words, screwed.
Sometimes Goliath falls on David. Who wins then?
The Power of I and I
Being quiet and reserved most of the time, I am hardly ever subject to opportunities that would require me to "take a stand," though I do remember a time when third grade Braden did so.
"Time to put your books away, kids. Class time," the substitute spouted. This was wrong. We were given 30 minutes every morning to read before we even recited the pledge of allegiance. It was early in the morning, so I figured she may have skimmed over that part in the lesson plan.
"Uh... Miss? The teacher lets us read for a while first. Is she not going to let us today?"
"Uh... Kid? Your teacher is not here and she left a lot for us to do today. So put your book up and pay attention."
A little unnecessary, but I wasn't going to argue further on that subject. The substitute conducted class in the worst way, the other kids in class agreed. A few of them also tried to let her know that her age was not an excuse for mishaps. She would not have it. None of us had recess that day. I would not have been fazed over this, being an indoor kid, but it was the way she denied us, with so much unjust authority, that angered me.
Sitting in my desk at five past noon felt weird. The other classes kids' squeals did not help any. She told us to get out our books and read, as punishment. That was it.
Substitute had cut short our reading earlier in the day, even when it was evident we wanted to and were allowed to (which should have been evident, but apparently was not). This went against our regular teacher. Substitute stole our recess. This went against the school. Substituting recess for reading as punishment was so wrong I started laughing out loud.
"What's so funny?"
I would type the conversation but third grade logic isn't the most comprehensible thing, and I do not remember everything. My argument made complete sense to myself and my fellows but, again, she wouldn't have it. Within three hours of freedom, she sent me to the warden's office. I explained myself to the principal and for whatever reason, she agreed with me.
I have not seen that substitute to this day. I would feel bad about snitching... but I don't. She deserved it and I still find it funny.
"Time to put your books away, kids. Class time," the substitute spouted. This was wrong. We were given 30 minutes every morning to read before we even recited the pledge of allegiance. It was early in the morning, so I figured she may have skimmed over that part in the lesson plan.
"Uh... Miss? The teacher lets us read for a while first. Is she not going to let us today?"
"Uh... Kid? Your teacher is not here and she left a lot for us to do today. So put your book up and pay attention."
A little unnecessary, but I wasn't going to argue further on that subject. The substitute conducted class in the worst way, the other kids in class agreed. A few of them also tried to let her know that her age was not an excuse for mishaps. She would not have it. None of us had recess that day. I would not have been fazed over this, being an indoor kid, but it was the way she denied us, with so much unjust authority, that angered me.
Sitting in my desk at five past noon felt weird. The other classes kids' squeals did not help any. She told us to get out our books and read, as punishment. That was it.
Substitute had cut short our reading earlier in the day, even when it was evident we wanted to and were allowed to (which should have been evident, but apparently was not). This went against our regular teacher. Substitute stole our recess. This went against the school. Substituting recess for reading as punishment was so wrong I started laughing out loud.
"What's so funny?"
I would type the conversation but third grade logic isn't the most comprehensible thing, and I do not remember everything. My argument made complete sense to myself and my fellows but, again, she wouldn't have it. Within three hours of freedom, she sent me to the warden's office. I explained myself to the principal and for whatever reason, she agreed with me.
I have not seen that substitute to this day. I would feel bad about snitching... but I don't. She deserved it and I still find it funny.
Thursday, December 17, 2009
FAHRENHEIT 451 by Ray Bradbury
"'Now let's take up the minorities in our civilization, shall we? Bigger the population, the more minorities... The people in this book, this play, this TV serial are not meant to represent any(body)...anywhere. The bigger your market, Montag, the less you handle controversy, remember that!... Authors full of evil thoughts, lock up your typewriters. They did. Magazines became a nice blend of vanilla tapioca. Books, so the... snobbish critics said, were dishwater... It didn't come from the Government down. There was no dictum, no declaration, no censorship, to start with, no! Technology, mass exploitation, and minority pressure carried the trick, thank God.'"
Addressing Montag's concerns, while shattering (at least denting) his world at the same time, Captain Beatty, chief fireman, explains, among other things, his and Montag's profession. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, like 1984, is a look into an alternate terrifying future, the theme of Bradbury's being, "What if firemen started fires and being literate was basically a crime,"
His shift over, Montag begins heading home. On the way, he meets Clarisse McClellan, a peculiar young girl who, through a couple conversations, instigates Montag's questioning. "Why do firemen burn books," being the most prominent question.
Through several events, including a house and all the occupants of it being burned and Montag's secret being revealed, Montag meets a professor named Faber, who helps him realize what must be done for people to learn to live to a fuller extent again, rather than to just be content with simplicity and entertainment. Ironic how Faber and Montag believe to truly live, you must become learned (not necessarily literate though), as opposed to the "current" trend of driving vehicles in excess of one hundred miles an hour, among other favorite pastimes. Formulating a plan to topple the firemen hierarchy and renew an interest in learning and thinking, Faber and Montag take the beginning steps of that journey. This being a short story ("dime novel," according to Bradbury), not much can be written in a review without giving a lot of the plot away.
However, I will hop all the way around these spoilers. Clarisse is at the center of a problem that affects and plagues Montag, he never learning the true resolution to the problem. Faber assists Montag in formulating battle plans and executing them against the firemen, Montag being the inside man, Faber being inside Montag's ear. The Mechanical Hound, the firehouse's "mascot," trails Montag and is the cause of a compromising problem for him, which ends up having to be solved with fire and death.
In a world where nobody tries to change the standardized way of living, where everybody is satisfied with not reading, Montag takes a stand. He feels as if something is missing from his life and books being the only obvious thing actually missing from it, he pursues saving them. This he does, going against his wife, his coworkers, even the world's ways in general.
Fahrenheit 451 is comparable to Isaac Asimov's "The Feeling of Power," in the sense that in both short stories, a method of learning that has been with humanity for at least a thousand years each, reading and mathematics that is, is forgotten/done away with. Despite both being set in the future, these stories have the potential to teach a lot about the current/constant human condition. If that is too cryptic, read the stories and then prove me wrong. With that said, I recommend this book.
Addressing Montag's concerns, while shattering (at least denting) his world at the same time, Captain Beatty, chief fireman, explains, among other things, his and Montag's profession. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, like 1984, is a look into an alternate terrifying future, the theme of Bradbury's being, "What if firemen started fires and being literate was basically a crime,"
His shift over, Montag begins heading home. On the way, he meets Clarisse McClellan, a peculiar young girl who, through a couple conversations, instigates Montag's questioning. "Why do firemen burn books," being the most prominent question.
Through several events, including a house and all the occupants of it being burned and Montag's secret being revealed, Montag meets a professor named Faber, who helps him realize what must be done for people to learn to live to a fuller extent again, rather than to just be content with simplicity and entertainment. Ironic how Faber and Montag believe to truly live, you must become learned (not necessarily literate though), as opposed to the "current" trend of driving vehicles in excess of one hundred miles an hour, among other favorite pastimes. Formulating a plan to topple the firemen hierarchy and renew an interest in learning and thinking, Faber and Montag take the beginning steps of that journey. This being a short story ("dime novel," according to Bradbury), not much can be written in a review without giving a lot of the plot away.
However, I will hop all the way around these spoilers. Clarisse is at the center of a problem that affects and plagues Montag, he never learning the true resolution to the problem. Faber assists Montag in formulating battle plans and executing them against the firemen, Montag being the inside man, Faber being inside Montag's ear. The Mechanical Hound, the firehouse's "mascot," trails Montag and is the cause of a compromising problem for him, which ends up having to be solved with fire and death.
In a world where nobody tries to change the standardized way of living, where everybody is satisfied with not reading, Montag takes a stand. He feels as if something is missing from his life and books being the only obvious thing actually missing from it, he pursues saving them. This he does, going against his wife, his coworkers, even the world's ways in general.
Fahrenheit 451 is comparable to Isaac Asimov's "The Feeling of Power," in the sense that in both short stories, a method of learning that has been with humanity for at least a thousand years each, reading and mathematics that is, is forgotten/done away with. Despite both being set in the future, these stories have the potential to teach a lot about the current/constant human condition. If that is too cryptic, read the stories and then prove me wrong. With that said, I recommend this book.
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