So Pluto is no longer a planet. That's sad. I feel for it really. It's not its fault. Now relegated to moniker "dwarf planet", pluto, still orbiting the sun, now has nothing to shoot for...it's not even a star! For 70+ years the tiny celestial body had held out hope an explorer would navigate its virgin soils. But now, who wants to visit a dwarf planet?
And what's with the title "dwarf planet"? Seems highly unoriginal. But then again, the same people who came up with Pluto as a planet, also have the same task of making Pluto something else. (And does this mean we no longer have to capitalize pluto? Is it still a proper noun? I'm confused). Why not Planooneroidock? I like that...seems to embody what Pluto does. But dwarf planet? We have dwarf humans, but they're still human. But Pluto isn't a planet. Again, I'm confused.
The thing of it is: I always loved pluto. It wasn't my favorite planet, but it is now, certainly, my favorite dwarf planet/planooneroidock/non-planet. Maybe one day it'll be Xena...Warrior Princess...I hear she can sing.
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
I'll Alaska
Been working a lot this past week. Serves me right for taking a rather splendid vacation, in, of all places, Delaware. That's right, Delaware. It's like a larger (or smaller?) version of Cape Cod. Not too bad at all. Top that off with some great QT with by sister, bro-in-law, and two nephews.
Of course work, these past few days (I've put in some 42 hours in three days), has all but made that a distant memory.
But not to worry, I've not given up on this blog, or the Red Sox for those of you who were wondering if I even survived this past weekend.
The thing of it is: I had to watch those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad games with a smug, ridiculously annoying Yankee fan of the worst kind (if only there were a picture of him holding something while wearing something else that I could link to here...then...maybe...justice would be served). Yes, that's right, before there was Daniel Powter, there was Alexander and I felt his pain.
Of course work, these past few days (I've put in some 42 hours in three days), has all but made that a distant memory.
But not to worry, I've not given up on this blog, or the Red Sox for those of you who were wondering if I even survived this past weekend.
The thing of it is: I had to watch those terrible, horrible, no good, very bad games with a smug, ridiculously annoying Yankee fan of the worst kind (if only there were a picture of him holding something while wearing something else that I could link to here...then...maybe...justice would be served). Yes, that's right, before there was Daniel Powter, there was Alexander and I felt his pain.
Thursday, August 17, 2006
A Sense Of The Common
I was watching a show I usually don't watch last night: Medical Mysteries on ABC. I tend not to watch it because: a) I'm married to a doctor and it's no fun to guess cause she's always right and b) it's really a terrible show, to overly dramatic for my taste. As for a), case in point is to watch the show House with her. Apparently, that's not how doctors are supposed to talk to and treat patients and that there are some things on the show that you would "never do". I suppose I ruin shows for her too, so I'm cool with it.
Anyway, while stumbling across it last night I caught the tail end of a segment on something called "synesthesia" (I've linked to it on Wikipedia, and it explains it a little). In short, the "disorder" involves the cross-performance of certain parts of the brain, like those related to sense like sight and sound and taste. And it's something a lot of people have in some degree...of course some more than others, thus the reason for the special segment on Medical Mysteries.
The way it was explained on the show, it seemed to me this is just a glorified way of explaining common sense, or probably more accurately, intuition. For instance, I'm very good at trivia, in fact, I'm incredible at it. And it's not because I'm smart, though I am. I think it has a lot to do with intuition and being able to think spatially, or dimensionally, about questions. To see the question in all it's parts in all it's contexts from all it's angles through the lense of what I do know. Part process of elimination, part guessing, part knowledge.
Anyway, I think synesthesia explains common sense and how some people just get things quicker than others. It's because they're able, if you ask me, to see things through other senses and other ways instead of staring at a problem or task head-on. Remember, Medusa wasn't defeated in a staring contest.
The thing of it is: I know I ruin T.V. shows for the Mrs. But I can't think of any. Except for the news. The news is stupid.
Anyway, while stumbling across it last night I caught the tail end of a segment on something called "synesthesia" (I've linked to it on Wikipedia, and it explains it a little). In short, the "disorder" involves the cross-performance of certain parts of the brain, like those related to sense like sight and sound and taste. And it's something a lot of people have in some degree...of course some more than others, thus the reason for the special segment on Medical Mysteries.
The way it was explained on the show, it seemed to me this is just a glorified way of explaining common sense, or probably more accurately, intuition. For instance, I'm very good at trivia, in fact, I'm incredible at it. And it's not because I'm smart, though I am. I think it has a lot to do with intuition and being able to think spatially, or dimensionally, about questions. To see the question in all it's parts in all it's contexts from all it's angles through the lense of what I do know. Part process of elimination, part guessing, part knowledge.
Anyway, I think synesthesia explains common sense and how some people just get things quicker than others. It's because they're able, if you ask me, to see things through other senses and other ways instead of staring at a problem or task head-on. Remember, Medusa wasn't defeated in a staring contest.
The thing of it is: I know I ruin T.V. shows for the Mrs. But I can't think of any. Except for the news. The news is stupid.
Run For Your Life Nana!
Maine is one of the most beautiful places in the country to "getaway" to. Now, not so much. Apparently the Pine Tree State is turning into the Fire Swamp. And, if you had to ask me, it seems these things are R.O.U.S's...and they don't exist.
The thing of it is: the creature's last words were: "To Blathe!" Which, as we all know, means to bluff. And, that it probably was a Sicilian that killed him.
The thing of it is: the creature's last words were: "To Blathe!" Which, as we all know, means to bluff. And, that it probably was a Sicilian that killed him.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Over There
Today, my brother leaves for Iraq. He's a member of the Coast Guard and will help train Iraqi's to form their own Coast Guard. My brother's been wanting to go over there for awhile and is quite excited to get his 3-month-tour under way.
Of course, this journey's got all of us a little worried. Naturally. Now he won't be close to the major combat. And, honestly, my brother's been on much more dangerous missions than this one during his three year tour in the Coast Guard. But it doesn't matter how close you are to the exits in a burning building, you're still in a burning building.
All this being said, and regardless of how you may feel about the war in Iraq, keep Steve in your thoughts and prayers. Me, personally, I couldn't be more proud of my brother. He's a character, he's a great friend, he's a great guy. And, he's my little brother.
Of course, this journey's got all of us a little worried. Naturally. Now he won't be close to the major combat. And, honestly, my brother's been on much more dangerous missions than this one during his three year tour in the Coast Guard. But it doesn't matter how close you are to the exits in a burning building, you're still in a burning building.
All this being said, and regardless of how you may feel about the war in Iraq, keep Steve in your thoughts and prayers. Me, personally, I couldn't be more proud of my brother. He's a character, he's a great friend, he's a great guy. And, he's my little brother.
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Getting There From Here
Sparing you all another epic entry...I've decided to refrain from a minute by minute blogging of my Miami trip and also from the descriptives of said trip. Of note though: Miami is hot, naked old men on a beach are just that, and an ocean view is worth every penny.
But whenever you travel, perhaps you notice the other people, there, along for the ride, who are not, in the same sense, traveling, but are still a part of your journey. I'm talking about pilots and flight attendants; the people who work in airports. Along with cab drivers and train conductors.
Seems like I could do those jobs too. But not for an extended period of time. In fact, I think I could do every job for one day. Some perhaps even a week. For there are perks to any position as well as the negatives.
Here's a list of jobs I could do for said period of time and why:
1 Day
McDonald's: Because I still want to like their hamburgers.
Cab/Bus Driver: Driving around in circles, is, well, circular and makes for bad logic.
Pet Washer: Not sure if that's what the official title is, but that's what you're doing.
1 Week
Construction: Because eventually what you're building gets tall, and I'm afraid of heights.
Flight Attendant: Only because I'd be the one who'd help someone else with their oxygen masks before securing my own...me, trying to be the hero.
Valet: Even a Beamer feels like a Taurus after awhile.
1 Month
Cook: I'd be out of shape after week one, however I think I'd be good at it.
Woman: While I have nice legs and eyes, peeing standing up has its advantages.
Priest: Because I'd spill the communion plates one too many times.
The thing of it is: without any of these jobs we'd all be skinny men living in grass huts walking ourselves to hell with our smelly pets. So thank you to all of you who do these jobs. Except for the valet, your life is a waste.
But whenever you travel, perhaps you notice the other people, there, along for the ride, who are not, in the same sense, traveling, but are still a part of your journey. I'm talking about pilots and flight attendants; the people who work in airports. Along with cab drivers and train conductors.
Seems like I could do those jobs too. But not for an extended period of time. In fact, I think I could do every job for one day. Some perhaps even a week. For there are perks to any position as well as the negatives.
Here's a list of jobs I could do for said period of time and why:
1 Day
McDonald's: Because I still want to like their hamburgers.
Cab/Bus Driver: Driving around in circles, is, well, circular and makes for bad logic.
Pet Washer: Not sure if that's what the official title is, but that's what you're doing.
1 Week
Construction: Because eventually what you're building gets tall, and I'm afraid of heights.
Flight Attendant: Only because I'd be the one who'd help someone else with their oxygen masks before securing my own...me, trying to be the hero.
Valet: Even a Beamer feels like a Taurus after awhile.
1 Month
Cook: I'd be out of shape after week one, however I think I'd be good at it.
Woman: While I have nice legs and eyes, peeing standing up has its advantages.
Priest: Because I'd spill the communion plates one too many times.
The thing of it is: without any of these jobs we'd all be skinny men living in grass huts walking ourselves to hell with our smelly pets. So thank you to all of you who do these jobs. Except for the valet, your life is a waste.
Friday, August 11, 2006
Some Excuses
It's been awhile since my last post. I apologize. But in my defense I was in Miami for three days. When I got back, every piece of electronic equipment in my house crapped out. I had no iPod, no digital camera, no internet and no television. Plus, my pets' heads are falling off.
Also, at work I'm producing this 30 minute special in record time. We'll see how that goes, but it's pretty time consuming. And I'm trying to apply for a new job here at work. We'll see how that goes.
Now, everything's up and running and I've settled back into life from my vacation in the sun. And to boot, I've got a new T.V. Welcome to the world of High-Definition Aaron!
Of course, as you can expect, these life events have been nothing short of inspiring. And, for now, I have this question: what, exactly, is short of inspiring? Perspiring? Seems like we sweat for that inspiration (some of us even physically), so that seems to work.
The thing of it is: 10 hours in an airport with no iPod makes you think strange things.
Also, at work I'm producing this 30 minute special in record time. We'll see how that goes, but it's pretty time consuming. And I'm trying to apply for a new job here at work. We'll see how that goes.
Now, everything's up and running and I've settled back into life from my vacation in the sun. And to boot, I've got a new T.V. Welcome to the world of High-Definition Aaron!
Of course, as you can expect, these life events have been nothing short of inspiring. And, for now, I have this question: what, exactly, is short of inspiring? Perspiring? Seems like we sweat for that inspiration (some of us even physically), so that seems to work.
The thing of it is: 10 hours in an airport with no iPod makes you think strange things.
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
See No Evil, Hear No Evil
This is what I'm listening to and reading at the moment. People like my book recommendations, usually, so if you would like some, let me know. Otherwise, may this information serve to help you understand me a little more. And perhaps where my ideas come from.
MUSIC
Neil Young, Prairie Wind -- I really've enjoyed this CD. Not his best I'm sure, but I know nothing else.
Live, Awake, The Best of Live -- reminds how great an album Throwing Copper was.
Wallflowers, Bringing Down the Horse -- while a Rebel, Sweetheart song inspired a post, this album is incredible.
Paul McCartney, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard -- and Calico Skies off of Flaming Pie
Wilco, Kicking Television -- this band is MUCH better live than on CD as this CD shows.
BOOKS:
Flannery O'Connor, Complete Short Stories -- interesting juxtapositions of grace and evil.
Flannery O'Connor, The Habit of Being -- surprises me how a woman like her, as evidenced by this book and her letters, could write of such gruesome and difficult subjects with such peace and simplicity.
Quoting God: How Media Shape Ideas About Religion And Culture -- because every now and then it's good to know I'm not the only one seeing what I see.
MUSIC
Neil Young, Prairie Wind -- I really've enjoyed this CD. Not his best I'm sure, but I know nothing else.
Live, Awake, The Best of Live -- reminds how great an album Throwing Copper was.
Wallflowers, Bringing Down the Horse -- while a Rebel, Sweetheart song inspired a post, this album is incredible.
Paul McCartney, Chaos and Creation in the Backyard -- and Calico Skies off of Flaming Pie
Wilco, Kicking Television -- this band is MUCH better live than on CD as this CD shows.
BOOKS:
Flannery O'Connor, Complete Short Stories -- interesting juxtapositions of grace and evil.
Flannery O'Connor, The Habit of Being -- surprises me how a woman like her, as evidenced by this book and her letters, could write of such gruesome and difficult subjects with such peace and simplicity.
Quoting God: How Media Shape Ideas About Religion And Culture -- because every now and then it's good to know I'm not the only one seeing what I see.
Define The Vote
Colbert Analyzes Wikipedia
Bringing democracy to knowledge. It's an interesting idea. But first I must bring you the context. For that see the embedded video.
Now that you've watched that, you understand the reference that is interestingly (?) post-modern. Sure it's a dangerous idea; a very dangerous idea. But it doesn't have to be, at least not if we say it doesn't have to be. Now I'm not for revisionism in history. Paraphrasing Plato,"just because they are the majority, does not make them right." And truth be told, I'm not the biggest fan of democracy; the U.S. is not a perfect government. And while democracy is the best form of government, it isn't the bestest (?); unfortunately, there's nothing better.
Bringing democracy to knowledge is dangerous. Too dangerous. It undermines knowledge and even more so, truth. But it's fascinating idea.
The thing of it is: For those regular visitors to this site, you've noticed a provide quite a few links to Wikipedia for explanation. I do this because while a dictionary may be the most verifiable and undeniable source for explanation, Wikipedia provides you with context. And when you have context, understanding the truth becomes easier.
Bringing democracy to knowledge. It's an interesting idea. But first I must bring you the context. For that see the embedded video.
Now that you've watched that, you understand the reference that is interestingly (?) post-modern. Sure it's a dangerous idea; a very dangerous idea. But it doesn't have to be, at least not if we say it doesn't have to be. Now I'm not for revisionism in history. Paraphrasing Plato,"just because they are the majority, does not make them right." And truth be told, I'm not the biggest fan of democracy; the U.S. is not a perfect government. And while democracy is the best form of government, it isn't the bestest (?); unfortunately, there's nothing better.
Bringing democracy to knowledge is dangerous. Too dangerous. It undermines knowledge and even more so, truth. But it's fascinating idea.
The thing of it is: For those regular visitors to this site, you've noticed a provide quite a few links to Wikipedia for explanation. I do this because while a dictionary may be the most verifiable and undeniable source for explanation, Wikipedia provides you with context. And when you have context, understanding the truth becomes easier.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
