Evowookiee's Xanga

Normal Teenage Rebellion

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:25:51 GMT

If I have to hear Miley Cyrus' name on the news one more time...I think I'll find Perez Hilton and papercut the webbing between his fingers and toes and submerge him in citris/salt water.

Look...what she is doing is not different than any other 15 year old. I'm not saying its right, but I'm saying that this type of behavior is common...needs to be addressed; BUT BY HER PARENTS. But this really isn't an issue. It wouldn't BE an issue if our society itself wasn't completely and utterly corrupt. Whose worse:

1. The teenager who's making bad mistakes due to the fact that she is experiencing a budding sexuality and sorta wants to show it off.

2. The child's parents who weren't able to watch her every move, lock her up in her room, or by some miracle from The Almighty instill enough life experience and knowledge into the small scoop of mush'es brain that is a 15 year old girl to keep her from taking racy photos of herself to post on the intarhnet

3. The hacker who broke into a private account/ and I phone for the sole purpose of stealing photos and selling (read: exploiting) a minor's poor judgement

4. The tabloids (and Fox News) who are sure to pay an outrageous price for these photos and who will display them shamelessly with poor 'blurring' as to keep the censors from the whole "child pornography" thing.

5. You...for looking at them. For empowering the tabloids. For being so curious in other people's lives. For thinking it's a shame that the paparazzi do this to people...and yet support the publications that keep these people in business.

6. Me...armchair blogger extrodinaire. Who brings up the topic which most likely will send a few of you out there to the internet lands to sneek a peek of this girl. After all...who can it possibly hurt?

Is it a wonder that Brittany Spears is a crack head? Lindsay Lohan? I wonder who remembers Hillary Duff? Wait, she has slid into obscurity because she's not flashing her goodies everywhere. We are a horrible, horrible people.

Hmm

Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:14:27 GMT

Well,

I've done my deep posting for the week...I think. Right now I'm just trying to survive the 50 minutes until I can go home. I have my voice student tonight...yay! She hasn't had a lesson in a while, so I look forward to running her through her paces.

Jason is leaving for New Orleans soon...that'll suck for me. BUT...since I'm getting married and all, it'll be alright 'cuz I would have left sooner or later (January 3)...I expect presents and eprops. I've been making wedding plans and I have to say...it's really REALLY hard to get motivated. I think to myself, "Self, there's 6 months to worry about it." And then, the still small (well, not so small) voice says "SELF, there is 6 months...START WORRYING!!!!!!!(1)!" Yes, my subconscious uses perenthesis. So, I'm just working through it all, still trying to grasp the concept of being wed...it'll be fun, just weird.

WELL TTFN!!! (as my hombreina Struckoff would say)

What is Sin?

Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:38:17 GMT

To carry on from yesterday's post. I don't think anyone will mention it, but yes...I understand that the majority of these issues are being exemplified by proof-texting...and the issues are about dietary law. This was a huge issue back in the day, it ranked up there with circumcision. So despite the fact that we're speaking of specifics, we can take what Jesus is saying ABOUT these things...and apply the concept behind it to other areas.

Sin can't be just motive, because it is directly connected to action. If sin is missing the mark, if it is not valuing that which Christ teaches us is good...then living the antithetical life would be sinful. Christ calls us to love our neighbor...but if we love not...we sin. But Loving Not isn't just the absence of action...it is disobedience, it is an action contrary to the Greatest Commandment. Disobedience is ACTIVE...not passive. Sin is ACTIVE.

But then Jesus, in his brilliance, turns to the pharisees who are all about keeping the rules. He says to them, "However, if you even LOOK on a woman in lust...you've committed adultery." So those of us who have inappropriate thoughts, or hate their brothers in their mind but never act or worse yet...pretend to be best friends with the person they hate...are sinning yet again. WTF? Sin CAN be PASSIVE.

Today's world doesn't like to talk about sin. I have friends in all walks of life, from the Wiccan, the Agnostic, the Atheist; the Jew, the Muslim, the Catholic, the Protestant, the Mormon (heck, I've got a few of them in my extended family), the Calvinist (they deserve their own category). All sorts of people who agree with me, disagree with me...and even some friends that can't stand me (which I think is odd.) But with all of these differences of paradigm, it's insensitive and difficult to speak in absolutes, and from the guise of postmodernism and indeterminacy...you really can't know the truth, because the truth, though not subjective...is subjective to PERSPECTIVE. I've said so much in my previous ramblings.

But Truth, in and of itself, is static. Truth is perfect. Truth doesn't change...despite perspective, despite doctrine, tradition, or even rebelion. Truth doesn't care what you think about it...it is; and its difficult for me to maintain some of these relationships...and be truthful with them. Not every world view, not every perspective...is right...even if they live what could be called righteously.

If Sin is what is the space between man and God. If it is the imperfection of man, the number 6...if it is rebelion, disobedience, ignorance...how can it be reasoned away as simply motivation or intent? It is greater than that- it is deeper and more intertwined with our nature. It is greater than simply action...but it is more palpable than the philosophy of morality. Sin is selfishness, it is gluttony, self-serving, stingy, hate filled, emotion-wrought, ignorant, dirty, hedonistic, nightmarish. We bow before it, we find our pet sins and let them be our gods. Pornography, racism, sexual-sin, self-mutiliation, vanity, humanism...these are all idols that control us. Our self images...the golden statues of us that we bow down to...no matter how grotesque they may be. We are controlled by sin...and sadly, I am speaking about Christians. We center our entire theology around sin. I can't tell you how many sermons that I have heard speak more about sin...than about Christ.

I've honestly waffled a couple of times here. I don't know how to end this. I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that there is absolute right, and absolute wrong. I know that Truth exists...But I also know that my perspective is based off of me. What I perceive as wrong is subject to my upbringing, my tradition, my culture...and my ideas may be wrong...But that doesn't mean that everyone is right. I waffle between taking a hard line approach...and sitting back, waiting for one last argument.

I'll leave with this thought: God, by very nature is perfect. We, as created beings (evolution or not), have a responsibility to strive to understand truth, we aren't just on the sidelines of some philosophical/religious sports match.

Coming back...FULL Force!- It's the thought that counts...

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:47:05 GMT

So I've been participating in mediocre blogging for long enough. Last week I was busy in Manhattan-Ogden, so I couldn't get any blogging done. Now I'm back in Wicheeta, and I can pace my work out so that I have a few short minutes here and there to create what is, hopefully, a cohesive and linear blog. I know, I know...that'd be a first.

Several things before the thinking begins...I watched Team America: World Police last night. It is funny. If anything, watching it for the music was well worth it. Trey Parker may have created the brilliance we call South Park, however I have to say that his music is funnier than his dialogue. That and...Matt Damon....

Secondly, I miss the lake. I was able to really unwind and order my thoughts as I sat there, watching the water lap against the bank, while the sun set silently behind the dam. It was so peaceful, and such a way to unwind between open enrollment sessions.

h'ok...here it is. What is sin?

There seems to be this movement as of late to change the definition of sin. Instead of sin having an action to it...it instead has more to do with the motivations of your heart. If you do something bad, however it was out of genuine good intentions...its alright. There is a passage in C.S Lewis' book The Last Battle that is very similar to this; Aslan tells the Calormine that the good he did in the service of Tash was actually blessing Aslan. I don't find this theology has any Biblical sea-legs, but I will entertain some correction in this matter if it exists.

But Sin is SIN. It is thought that is transferred to action; and it is action itself. I can see how some people, in a crude reading of the Bible can see Jesus as preaching that it is the thought that counts; after all he states things like:

Matthew 15

8" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
9They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.'^[d]" (Jesus quoting Isaiah 29:13)

16"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17"Don't you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these make a man 'unclean.' 19For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. 20These are what make a man 'unclean'; but eating with unwashed hands does not make him 'unclean.' "

So really, if one thinks about it, it is the intent of your heart that causes you to sin...isn't it?

Mark 9

42"And if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a large millstone tied around his neck. 43If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.^[c] 45And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.^[d] 47And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell, 48where
" 'their worm does not die,
and the fire is not quenched.'^[e] 49Everyone will be salted with fire.

50"Salt is good, but if it loses its saltiness, how can you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with each other."

Wait a minute! How can I cause you to sin...if sin is the intent of your heart? If sin was simply, 'motiviation' then how in the world can it be caused by an outside source?

So, what is sin?

A dream darkly.

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:51:59 GMT

Note to self: NEVER go right to bed after watching A Scanner Darkly. It will seriously mess your mind up. Second that for Requiem for a Dream, Momento, Fight Club...Unless it is of romping gayly through a field, some sort of comedy...or Die Hardish action...count me out. I can't even REMEMBER the dream...and yet I remember that I was disturbed.

BHUHHTTT ANYWAHS

So I'm back at work now...in my cubicle. I'll post more on my stuff later; but for now, know that I'm working on something actually important; and yes...Nidan, I'll respond to you sometime next week; and I'll post a link.

CURSES!!!!

Thu, 10 Jul 2008 11:15:30 GMT

I got a kriffing speeding ticket today. Frak!

74 in a 60....yeah, I deserved it, because yes, I was speeding, so I guess you can say that I 'earned' one. Its just...I haven't had one in 10 years, and I've blown my streak. grr.

but it's not too bad, $129...it's the lowest ticket I've ever had.

Been beating around the bush

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 11:59:40 GMT

Its amazing how little one can blog when one has so much to do during the day, and is staying in a cabin with no internet at night. I am on the road, in Manhattan, KS...working like a dog. By working I mean answering questions, looking up providers, and trying to stay on top of emails. Its not glamorous, it aint fun...but hey, it gives me one more month of Star Wars Galaxies, and gets me one step closer to my wedding date.

I hope you all aren't missing me too much.

Viva la Vida part deux

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 10:32:48 GMT

Yes- Don't know what I think of the chord progression to begin with. Timber is way too low. I do like the mix between what sounds like a Jewish fiddle progression and a weird Brit impression on southern bluesy Rock. Another song about unrequited love. This is odd, being as this man is married to one of the loveliest women in Hollywood. Perhaps the wine has no taste; the flower no smell. How is it that someone who is living 'the life' that everyone wants...is so unfulfilled? Another hard break in the middle of a song with a contrasting B section.

Viva La Vida- Title song; I have noticed that almost every coldplay song seems to emphasize the subdivision. This drives the music forward and gives a unificating feel to the music; however with that pulsing 'one, and, two, and , three, and four, and' it loses interest quickly. Another song about failure. A king, a card shark, a star....fallen and sweeping the streets. Faerie, you don't here depression in this song? He's singing about how irredeemable he feels. "For some reason I can't explain, I know st. Peter won't call my name."

Violet Hill- Interesting. Banks becoming Cathedrals, people clutching Bibles and holding crosses aloft as they ride into battle. "If you love me, won't you let me know." I find this an interesting song...methinks Chris doesn't like Christians. "I don't want to be a soldier, or a captain on a sinking ship."

Strawberry Swing- I like the way this song starts. This song is optimistic...so far; "such a perfect day." I'm waiting for him to die, or someone to breakup. But they didn't. It ended alright.

Death And All His Friends- I'm sort of bored with this song. I'm hoping it will grow. Ok...that's better ok, recapitulation of the growth, and then an odd transition to a C section...or some sort of bridge thingy. At least he's singing about NOT following death and all of his friends. I'm sure it's more of a political critique than a statement of understanding that life...ends, and one must be prepared for that. Hard break again into recap of the U2 sounding song.

Final thoughts:

This album is somewhat disjointed. I don't find that it flows from one song to the next, nor do I find that it is particularly captivating. Is it good music? yes. The lyrics from this album say to me that there hasn't been much growth...that the author still is stuck in contemplative neutral, and either unwilling, or unable to move forward to grow...to develop. The music is very similar to X&Y. I don't find that they've grown musically or emotionally. Is it going to be popular? Yes. Is it going to be a great that passes the test of time? No. It seems like we're still Stuck in Square One.

Ijust did something that I never thought I'd do....

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:12:35 GMT

I started listening to an entire album of Coldplay. Yes, Viva la Vida has entered my cerebral cortex through my auditory canal, and has safely been stored in my frontal lobe. Coldplay for me, has been a rather bittersweet band, a dichotomy if you will. On one side they have a tremendous understanding of instrumentation, rhythm, and...well a certain j'us equal about them musically. The same can't be said for how I feel about their poetry. Chris seems to never have moved past his teen angst phase, and instead has sat in the dark with apple and melancholy. I swear, every time I hear yellow it rains.

BUT back to Viva la Vida. I was going to do a running commentary as I heard each song for the first time, but I got caught in uber work, and so I can't. I did listen to:

Life in Technicolor, and it was surprisingly...hopeful.

Cemeteries of London- has a wonderful 3/4 feel, and the syncopation (though elementary) adds an urgency to the sound; I feel like I'm listening to the call of a cowboy riding before a storm. And its bleak...the lyrics are hopeless.

Lost! The organ overtones create a psudeo-church feel; as if we are being called to worship, at the church of the bleak humanistic perspective. Again, bleak lyrics; I feel like I'm stuck in some sort of Sarteian musical. . This band makes me think of U2...

42- I just waited to hear him sing "How long must I wait for....yOOOOUU!!" This entire album is a humanist requiem...without the optimism of seeing Christ. Wait, electric guitars, and a rock beat...hold on. "You didn't get to heaven, but you made it close..." Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades...I wonder if 42 is a throwout to Douglas Adam's Hitchhikers Guide...42= the meaning of life the universe and everything in it.

Lovers in Japan- Again, surprised with the uplifted beat; though it's still a play out of the U2 book. Dreaming of when the morning comes---at least it seems to be somewhat forward thinking, instead of introspective self-loathing. I love the B section, though I couldn't understand a word he was singing. Perhaps he should take a page out of Ozzy's book.

That's as far as I've gotten.

Zanguh Hottie post

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 19:47:24 GMT

My answers

Define your love life in one word- Incoming!
In relationships, what are the things that reach "dealbreaker" status? Meaning, what traits make your significant other unacceptable? If she was an idiot, and by idiot I mean someone who doesn't have a rational or unique thought in her head. She also must not be so full of herself. I don't care how hot you are, you're not hot enough to have to put up with if all you do is look in the mirror all day.
What makes you a good catch? I should let my fiancee answer that one. If I were to answer, I would say that it is because I treat a woman like she should be treated.
If you had to choose one, would you date someone of higher or lower intelligence than yourself? And why? Can't we have equal intelligence? If she's too smart for me, she'll look down on me. As mentioned in 1...If her head is made of teflon, then I will equally have no time for her. Relationships are about balance, about equality.
Describe your perfect mate. She doesn't let me take myself to seriously. She laughs easily, she loves passionately, she sings at the top of her lungs. She wants to be a mother, she wants to be in a relationship because of what she can give... not just what she gets out of it. She understands me.
Do you believe in complete honesty in a relationship, including giving up the number of partners you have been with? Why or why not? Absolutely. Because a relationship built on shaky ground will crumble. Honestly is just trust + communication.
What are your career aspirations? If you could have any job regardless of money/location/schooling what would it be? I want to be a circus performer. Naw...I have a bachelor's degree in music, Jess is finishing up a masters in education, If I could have a job...any job, I would own a gelato stand on a beach in San Diego.
Where does your screen name come from, and if you could change it at all, what would you change it to? EVO- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution + Wookiee...Star Wars BABY!! If I could pick any screen name, it would simply be Jared...for that is my name and it is what I identify myself as.
Scenario: You have committed some kind of abhorrent relationship sin. You never intend on doing it again. Is it better to withhold the information and save the relationship, or to be honest with your significant other and hope you stay together? Why do you feel your answer is best? If I keep it to myself, I still know what I did...and that can sour a relationship. I must have faith that my relationship will last through the tough times...even if its a result of bad judgement.
What is it that you think women really want? Women want a few things 1- They want emotional response....even if it's negative. 2-They want a project, someone that they can 'develop.' 3- They want safety
What are your shaving/grooming practices and what is your ideal grooming practices for your partner? Obviously I have facial hair...hopefully she doesn't ;) There is a difference between being vain, and being self aware. My partner must be self aware of her image, and desire to look as she wishes to be treated. I do the same. I keep myself in relative good hygiene. I bathe, I get my hair cut...I wear deodorant.
Are the lights on or off and why? And what position are we females in during this situation? I don't really know. I guess I'll have to get back to you on that one.
What is your idea of the perfect date? Activities are pointless. It is when two people are able to connect, to reach into each other's soul and to find something to grasp. Love isn't found in a movie theater...it is found in the eyes.
What physical/emotional traits attract you to a woman? Body traits and emotional traits, we insist on knowing both. I am attracted to the eyes. Her eyes must convey warmth, kindness, and love. I can't stand elitist snobs who turn their nose up, who guard themselves away, who are self-centered. She must give me her eyes...and in that she shares her soul. Emotionally, I don't have time to care for a train wreck. I wouldn't date someone who is weak emotionally. She couldn't handle me.
Why should you win Xanga Hottie of the year? Because I'm getting married in January. Because I am intelligent. Because you want me to win!