Singularity

For all those fans of the book The Age of Spiritual Machines, get ready for the sequel, because it’s out on the 22 of September. It’s called The Singularity is Near, and further expands on the idea of the melding of machine and human into one being. It should be an interesting read, although I’ve started to doubt the speed at which he has predicted all this to occur. He also claims that the new technologies will solve our problems of world hunger and pollution. I have doubts about this, as I feel that greed will find a way between these goals. On the other hand, many Spiritualists have predicted that this will be the century that people find peace, and move towards a more spiritual goal in life (rather than money). In a hundred years people won’t even need to live on this plane, and will remain in their spiritual bodies instead (no more reincarnations). Kurzweil says that we will find immortality by being able to leave our physical bodies, and become machine. At the end of the century he predicts that immortality will be reached. Two totally different topics here, but I’ve always found their similar outlooks interesting. And I’ve always wondered what would be downloaded into the machine, would it be our souls, or mind (or do they even exist without each other). For example, when head transplants become possible, will it be in the head or the body that the soul stays with (my bet’s with the head).
Okay, now I’m getting really deep. Get the book and think some theories up on your own.
Here’s a link to the website with info:
http://www.singularity.com/

Control with only one hand

Well well well. Tonight the Revolution was unleashed.
No one knows what I’m talking about, but that’s okay. Nintendo just showed off their controller for their new console. That normally wouldn’t be a big deal, but this thing is different, really different. Jackie will probably enjoy this post, as she’s into gaming. Follow the link: http://cube.ign.com/articles/651/651301p1.html
You’ll be able to download all your old favourite NES games and play them (turn the controller on it’s side). It’s also got some cool feature about using the controller as if you were in 3D space (for new games).
Anyways, it’s the end of the school week for me. The air conditioning is back on at the gym, which is very nice! I’m also still narrowing down my thesis topic. I’m thinking about doing in-depth interviews with gay men in relationships. I want to know about all the usually unmentionables, like why they don’t show affection in public, and if “open relationships” are at all common. I’m still unsure, but this is what I’m leaning towards. It would also free me from doing any stats in my research!
Tomorrow I hope to get together with my friends, and hang out and have fun. It’s always a nice break from school work.
PS- first one who posts a comment gets whatever they want from me!

Long class

Wow, school is so super busy this year.
Today I had my philosophy/marking class. I never really liked philosophy, and now I dislike it even more. What’s the point of it? Today our prof just kept talking and talking: “what is truth, what is belief, how do you know which is which? When I was young I had a friend who liked to box and start fights... I was a Marxist...I am a Socialist... I read Hitler’s writings to previous classes, people got upset...Is democracy truth?” Then a student starts: “Well our society is set up with beliefs, that we see as truths, but are there any truths if beliefs are all truth which are beliefs....blah blah, (drifted away)... truth, belief... blah blah”. Then someone said something even more confusing, using the words truth and belief about three times each in the same sentence. Wow, I could have been watching K-Os, who was performing at my school at that time instead.
Thankfully, there is a advertising half to the course, so it should pick up then. There is actually another professor who will be teaching that part, so I won’t have to listen to this guy (who is smart, it’s just not my thing. Really, who cares that you got blood work done today to see what’s wrong with your foot. He told us this three times!)
Oh, and I now fully believe that my Thesis class professor is smoking something strong before class, or ate a few too many mushrooms in her early years. I feel high in that class from just listening to her!
Anyways, I finally got to tape “The Boy Whose Skin Fell Off” two nights ago. Anyone who would like to watch it, just let me know. It’s about a guy who’s going to die in a few months, and allows us to follow him through his last days. He’s got a skin disease that prevents the skin from sticking together, resulting in constant open wounds all over his body. His outlook is so positive and inspiring throughout the whole thing. With the support of his family, faith (Spiritualism), and his humour, he deals with it all admirably. It’s only 40 minutes, so it’s a short view.
One more day of school, and then it’s the weekend. I can’t wait to go to see my friends, and have some fun!

The "News"

"We paid $3 billion for these television stations. We will decide what the news is. The news is what we tell you it is."
......said by station manager, David Boylan, at Fox News.
Sounds like an interesting way to present the news, eh? Well, this post is about the Monsanto-Fox news scandal that you have probably heard me speak of. In summary, this is what happened:
At Fox news, a few reporters uncovered some facts about cows that have been injected with Bovine growth hormones. These hormones cause them to produce an unnatural amount of milk. Studies showed that this milk could be carcinogenic (cancer causing). When the reporters wanted to air the story, Fox news stopped them. The rest of the story contains bribes, lies, and court hearings. Please read some of the info on these links for the fuller story. Oh, and yes, they still sell this milk in the U.S.

www.fair.org/extra/9806/foxbgh.html
www.foxbghsuit.com/
www.organicconsumers.org/rBGH/milkismilk20405.cfm
www.organicconsumers.org/rbgh/fox-news.cfm

Oh, and don’t worry about our milk. Health Canada has never approved Bovine to be used in our cows, although many are pressuring them to do so.

"Demons be goooooone!"

I just have to get something off my chest:
Evangelical Christians, stay put in the southern conservative land that you came from. Where does that statement come from? Well, I’ve been hearing stories from fellow servers about people preaching Jesus to them. Actually, I’ve served these people too. Now, Jesus is cool and all, but not what I have been seeing. The scene is always similar: One fat, white, American, and a family of newly immigrated people (or they are at least pretty new to the country). These so called “missionaries” seem to be trying to recruit Canadians, in a growing movement to spread conservatism. (Or is it about the money that they would “collect” from these people?) Actually, it would not be fair to limit this to immigrants, as all Canadians are probably wanted. It's just that those new to the country are probably easiest to sway. I’m tired of people believing in Benny Hinn, sending him money, and believing that they will be cured. I’m tired of the conservative crap that flows out of US networks (Fox News anyone?). I’m tired of hearing about states passing laws AGAINST gay marriage, and human rights. I'm tired of hearing people try to debate whether evolution should be taught in school, or have it be called an "unproven theory" (ya, because we all know that there's proof that humans and dinosaurs walked side by side). I'm tired of Americans getting miffed at some sex scene in a game, but not caring about the violence in it (GTA:SA). I’m sure that Jesus would not promote violence over sex. And, I’m really tired of people trying to spread that bullshit to our country. Extremist American Christian groups have admitted to funding anti gay marriage groups in Canada. Yes, in Canada!
I say, mind your own business. Join some crazy Mormon group and have 50 wives if you want, just leave us alone. And while you’re at it, take your British Colombian-mormon-polygamist-colony with you.
There's my extreme rant for the month, thank you for listening.

Back to School!

Today was my first day back at York U. It’s only been a month since I was last there, but there are new buildings open, and more new policies. One which actually works out is the new online registration for a GO pass certificate. Much easier than waiting in a 1-2 hour line. Finally, an improvement that really improves the student’s life!
My Research Methods Prof. seems like a real stoner/hippie. She just talks and her thoughts wonder all over. We had to introduce ourselves, and tell our favourite dishes. She then tried desperately to remember each person’s name. Put it this way, I had to tell her my name 3 times, and mine was the simplest of the class. By the end, she was calling one guy Crystal Ball, and another Sunrise. And the workload is absolutely unbelievable. There are at least 2 things do each week, and that does not include our big projects and exams. Plus the text readings, and research gathering. In my philosophy class, there will be a 28 page assignment due (on top of other shorter ones). Good god, 28 pages to fill!
I also got to see some familiar faces, and many new ones. I spent $300 on books, and plan on spending much more.
Tonight, I finished taping “The Power of Nightmares” on newsworld. You’re all welcome and encouraged to borrow it. It’s about how politicians now use imagined fears to further their policies. The main thesis is that Al Queda, as a world wide terrorist organisation, does NOT exist. Also, I’m right now taping “Children of Beslan,” so that too is for anyone who wishes to view it.
Over and out!

No Longer a Strip Club Virgin!

“Shake your dicks
Shake your dicks,
Shake your tits
Shake your tits”
~Peaches

I had another dream to write about. This is a short one. My teeth fell out, and I was keeping them to bring to the dentist (so that she could put them back in). Some little brat/bitch took them while I wasn’t there, and broke them (some of them were still attached to pieces of gum. Ya, sounds gross). She found it very funny, but I was pissed.
What does it mean? Well, I used to have these dreams all the time as a child. I think these dreams represent a fear of body decay or long term injury. I don’t know though, that’s just a guess. It was probably spurred by the fact that I’ve been wearing my retainer again.

My friends and I went to the EX on Sunday, which was fun. Lots of walking and eating. Vincent and Vicky came too, so that was cool. The air show was amazing (although I didn’t catch the Snowbirds). After that, we went downtown and I had a“first” in my life. Sreng took us to a strip show! It was my first time there (or to any strip club for that matter), and was what I expected it would be. It’s usually an all male affair, but Sunday is “women’s night”. One very special friend also got a private lap dance by a Latin lover=0

Tomorrow is the first day of fall term, and I’m excited. I can’t wait to get a bit farther in furthering my career, and ultimately, my life. The sooner I finish school, the sooner I can really start my life. Moving out is my next big step in life. I know it will be a big one, but I know it will really mature me as a person. So, now it will be back to the old routine -study, study, study, study, friends, work, work, study, family and going to the gym in between of all of these. Time to get ready for tomorrow!

Children of Beslan

Well, I got my CBC fix last night with the airing of the new doc “Children of Beslan”. Wow, it totally blew me away. The children from the school told their stories of what happened, and it was incredibly powerful. The hell that these children went through was unimaginable. I didn’t tape it, but please watch it when it airs again on CBC newsworld. This is a must see because it shows the spectrum of humanity of both the terrorists and the hostages. Here’s a link to the HBO site for the doc, there is a lot of good info here as well.

Pooncho Party

I just got back from a Pooncho super party. It was probably the last for the next few months, as school is back in session soon. For all those who don’t know, a Pooncho party is when we go to Pizza Hut buffet (or some sort of buffet) and stuff our stomach and Poonchos with lots and lots of food. It was big fun. It was nice because even Sreng was able to come. Also, it was goodbye to Jackie as she goes off to school now. I’ll miss you, work wont be the same while you’re gone!
Yesterday Veena and I went to Canada’s Wonderland and went to the water park. That was lots of fun. It got cool, so we had to cut the fun short as I had started to freeze to death. I think the summer weather has gone, and it’s all downhill from here. Our 8 months of coldness will be starting soon.

Killer7

Just finished a game called Killer7. For anyone who's into weird and "different" types of films, this is the game for them. The controls are easy to learn, and the story is awesome. I don't get it all, but it was still a cool experience. The music, graphics and narration bring this to a totally different level, unlike any other game. It has a lot of social commentary on wars, US world dominance, and terrorism. It's one game that you can learn a few things from. The story was made by a popular Japanese director, and the game was coded by Capcom.

This is the last game that I will get to play for a long, long time now. It's back to school time.

Television

End the CBC strike now, I can’t take it anymore!!!!!! I always knew I was an addict, but now I can’t take it. They showed the same episode of Venture three times yesterday! I miss the National so so so much=( I feel sad without the CBC. It’s so bad that I even caught myself watching Trading Spaces this morning. Oh god, I feel like painting a room now. Last night I even watched All My Children for the first time in ages. Oh, and great news, Vanessa is coming back! Her leaving was the first reason why I stopped watching. Now just bring back Lena, Bianca, Boyd, and Aidan. Then throw them all in bed together =0

Black Cherry

"Excite me, ignite me
Oh and you know,
I miss you,
I kiss you
Oh and you know
Black cherry
Black cherry
Stone" ~Goldfrapp

I was thinking about how I should organise this blog, and what it should be about. I've decided to keep it random, dealing with things that interest me. Whether it be love, politics, favourite songs, or random thoughts.
Right now I feel like writing about love.
Love to me is NOT in the vain of: I cant live without you. To me, finding someone you love just makes your days brighter. You certainly could live without them, but it would be nicer not to. Love is that small bit of excitement that you feel for the person, or the way mundane routines become more interesting when they're around. It could come in the form of a best friend, pet, parent, child, or partner.
My problem with love is that I usually close up when it's near. Love can be a scary thing sometimes, especially when you're not used to it. I think my greatest fear is that it won't be reciprocated. Why try, and risk getting hurt? I'm learning to take that risk.
I have a black cherry in my life. One that I have seen only a few times, so few that I could count them on my hands. Does it matter that his values are different than mine? Does it matter that he has never told me that he even likes me more than just a special acquaintance? Does it matter that he lives kilometres and miles away from me, and that the chances of anything working out are slim?
Not when the person teaches you a hundred things about yourself in only an instance. Not when they break down the walls you have build, and crack the ones you never even knew where there. Life is liveable without love, but it is so much greater when it's around.
I won't spend my waking hours missing, I have a life to live. But, I will treasure everything that has come from this, and grow from the knowledge I have learned.
Isn't that the purpose for life anyways?

Running from the cops

Last night I had the strangest dream, (not uncommon for me) so I thought I’d share.
I was in a department store with Veena, and suddenly Hitler was there. I knew that he had control over the country, so I thought I could do something about it. As I approached him from behind, I realised it wasn’t really him, just one of his men/soldiers. So I stabbed him in the back with a knife. I scared myself from this, and I didn’t really know what to do after I pulled out the knife. I thought I had to continue, for the sake of the country, so I stabbed him again, not as deep this time. He wasn’t dead, but I knew people would soon come after me, so I ran. I ran out into the parking lot, and got in Veena’s car. I drove away, while police began showing up. I got away, and was surprised that they didn’t stop me. I then found myself in the forest somewhere talking to some other guy. He told me that it would be best to turn myself in, as I wouldn’t get too long in jail (because I didn’t kill the guy). He said that he had stabbed someone too, and got off with only a few years. So, I went to a part of the woods where the police had set up their command station to look for me. I went up to the “chief” and said “I am the man you are looking for”. He said “okay, give me one second, I’m in the middle of things”. He then turned around and walked into a small tent. I waited there for a few minutes then left to get changed into more comfortable clothes at home. So at home, I kept thinking, “Oh shoot, I should have just waited there.”
And then it ended with me feeling anxious to get the whole thing over with.
What does this mean? Well nothing. My dreams usually fall into a few different formulas. This was the typical “everyone is after me, I have to run away from them, and hide”. Usually they’re more akin to the body snatchers storyline, so this one was a bit original.

New York New York

I went to Manhattan on the past weekend for two nights. I went with a friend of mine, and his friends. Manhattan was just what I expected, lots of stores and lots of busy people. Our hotel was really nice though, we stayed at the W hotel. Five of us shared a room, a very small room. The company is what made the trip great. They were all super cool people, and I made new friends. I look forward to seeing them again.
We went to many restaurants and saw a show off Broadway. It was called Alter Boyz, and was very funny (Christian boys turned boy band).
While in Manhattan, we passed a women lying on the street yelling out ‘I haven’t eaten today, I haven’t eaten today’. This scene made me have to hold back tears, as all around me where nicely dressed people holding their Gucci, Banana Republic, etc. bags. No one even looked, or even pretended to care. How does someone end up on the street like that, there are places for them to get help right? I’m not judging any of the people around me, as I too did not help her. Why didn’t I help, could it be that I fell into the bystander affect? Next time I will help, right?

Slip Away

"Last night I took a trip,
like I always said I would,
into your dreams.
Do you remember,
or was it just me?"
~SiSe
Welcome all to my little space, a little place where I can find refuge away from a world so busy, selfish and needy.
Who am I? I don't know. I'm the confused soul you see wondering the fields trying to find meaning in all the small instances of life.
I'm the one who then disregards all that and says that they all don't really matter. I'm the living contradiction, totally okay with saying that the question can be answered a number of ways, and that I don't know which one is the most correct.
I ponder still though.
Confused? Good, because that's okay. Things are confusing sometimes, and that's okay to admit. I'd rather confuse you than lie to you with false coherence.
At the same time, I have direction and motivation, hopes and dreams of a great future. Confusion is not the opposite of direction, just the means to the end.
I'm also in love and don't really know why, but I wouldn't have it any other way.