Currently Listening Incesticide By Nirvana see related

The symbol that many know as the pentagram  is also used in wiccan and masonic rites, among others.

So I've been reading up on the Freemasons.  One of my dissection partners who fancies himself a religious connoissieur began talking cryptically about one of the more common masonic texts to prove his intellectual superiority.  I named it for him and burst his bubble, but it got me to thinking.  Who are the Masons exactly?  Are they really as powerful as it is rumored that they are?  So I decided to do a little impromptu research on them.  I have always been a little intrigued by what I knew, but once I've started looking into it a very deeply rooted secret society begins to emerge that has its roots in the foundations of america and beyond.  the signs of the masonic order are quite common, and if you think back, you've probably seen them:  on currency, as little stickers on cars, and in the rings of middle aged men.  it seems to be a society that is in its decline.  most of the men that I have known that were members were over 40, but then again, maybe ther younger members aren't as easy to pick out.  either way, it makes you wonder about them.  supposedly the masons forms a network of men that help each other succeed in society.  is this fair?  is it democratic?  hmm....oh, and they are most definately NOT a Christian organization as many believe.  take a look at some of the inner workings of masonry at http://www.freemasonrywatch.org/secrets.html  .  Now, this site has an agenda of its own, but nonetheless it is informative.  well, I'm exhausted and my thoughts are scattering like sheep before the wolf, so Im turning in.  but still, masonry is something to think about, ...isnt it?

Currently Listening Grace By Jeff Buckley see related

http://www.explodingdog.com

Currently Listening Fashion Nugget By Cake see related

You can fly! you can fly! All it takes is a happy thought and a little magic fairy dust!

This is a picture from the National rainbow gathering in July of 2002.  here is a quote from their web site:        " To me, a Rainbow gathering is an annual pilgrimage and a reminder that Humans are spiritual animals....not just consumer/producers.". 

Hmm, It looks to me like the "rainbow gathering" is a reminder of how utterly stupid my species can be.  However, the point that they make is worth noting.  We are living in an age of renewed interest for all things spiritual.  old religions are the "new" thing.  Celeberties, buisnessmen, and teenagers are all worshiping various things, the sun, the stars, the earth, etc.  in record numbers.  Young adult culture is splintering into more and more Sub-subcultures.  It is not strange to go out on a friday night, even in a small town like parkersburg and see goths, punks, vampires, wiccans etc.  what each of these diverse groups have in common is a  creed,  a set of ideal for the group to identify with, even if the ideal is hedonism or sadism/masochism.  everyone is searching for meaning in what is sometimes termed the post modern world.  we have been disillusioned by the greatness of our own acheivements, and all of the old gods and creeds begin resurfacing as we grasp once again for something with some meaning.  in a world that is creating scientific marvels each day, more and more are turning to pre-science religion and spiritualism to find consolation in a world that is all harsh metal and gleaming wheels.  why?  I think that alot of it has to do with our need to understand the unknowable.  the progress of technology as stripped away much of our sense of awe about the natural world, leaving only cold, clinical, facts.  we truely are, as one fairy stated, spiritual animals, and we have an innate sense that although what we see is explained, there is yet a sense of the unexplainable to life.  and so people are searching.  searching for answers.  I think that we as Christians have the answers. If you are a Christian and you are drawn to these old gods and old religions, I would look inside myself and ask if I really understand the nature of the Cross.  In that sacrifice we were empowered with a Purpose, a reason to go on, a goal, and a meaning to it all.  sometimes in the bustle of life its easy to live just like everyone else, scurrying here and there seeking meaning when we already have it!  Lets live out our lives like we know what its all about, because people are searching, even perhaps some fairies, and they are watching to see if we have the answers, or only claim to have the answers.

Currently Listening Elton John - Greatest Hits 1970-2002 By Elton John see related

here is a nice fork for you.

Do you ever really look at forks?  their so symmetrical.  They really appeal to my sense of asthetics.  sometimes I go on a fork kick and look up pictures of them and use them as my computer wallpaper, etc.  this is one of those times.

Currently Listening Souljacker [Bonus Disc] By Eels see related

Well, today was really long.  it was a gloomy day.  a good day to just sleep but noo, im up all day digging in brains and deriving mathematics equasions for resting membrane potential.  I really don't feel like studying tonight, but I will.  I need to end this block strong.  So Ive been surfing around on the OVU webring and it occurs to me...alot of these people are depressed!  they feel that their lives suck and they just in general don't know what to do with themselves.  now this brings up two really intriguing points.  First:  what is it about Online journals that make people more honest?  These people are revealing parts of themselves to the world that they wouldnt reveal to anyone but a close friend in reality.  and the journals arent exactly anonomous either. its strange really, how the mind works.  all these depressed people brings me to point two:  These people are Christians.  Bible verses were woven throughout their screen names, in their profile info, etc.  but the entries themselves were a constant stream of self hatred and depression in some cases.  I would say that a 1:10 ratio of satisfied to depressed people would be a bit generous.  this to me is really strange.  Don't get me wrong.  everyone has problems and dissatisfactions in life. Myself definately included.  But to be dissatisfied every day!  and to generally dislike everything!  thats amazing for someone who says that they understand Christ!  I know that this sounds preachy, but its not.  Im not judging anyone.  I just wonder what is wrong with Christians who are depressed all the time.  Its strange.  plus, after you see how people appear, and what they write on these journals, you cannot help but think that they are trapped in a lie.  they put on the "happy Christian mask"  at school, then go out and get drunk, get laid, get high, and hate themselves.  the amazing thing is that this kind of dual life is not confined to young Christians.  I see it in people who have been in the Church their whole lives.once again, some of this I understand.  I'm just like everyone else in that I have to fight my worldly tendancies each day.  And I am not as squeaky clean as some may think.  but the difference, I think, is that I try to be honest about who I am, good and bad.  I hope that I don't appear to be one of those "super Christians" who never screw up.  What is wrong with us when who we are and who we appear to be are so different.  I think alot of it comes from the tendancy within the Church for everyone to attempt to look perfect for each other.  we are afraid that if we open up to each other, that will leave us open to attack.  this is directly counter to what the Bible teaches.  confession is good for the soul, and if we didnt smirk at each others weaknesses every time they are uncovered, maybe we'd have a little more of that.  one thing for sure, living a lie is miserable.  maybe we can learn to be honest with our weaknesses, and we'll find that we can heal each other instead of kicking each other when they're down.