Recently I find myself torn between convictions. This is happening in my political thoughts as well as my philosophical thoughts. I'm struggling between my desire to help people and my thoughts that people should work to help themselves. While these ideas may not seem so contradictory, there's extremely difficult to resolve in my own mind. I'm hoping that physically writing out these frustrations may help to quell the conflicting desires in me.
I also find myself torn between my interest in technological gadgets and entertainment and my belief in the naturally occurring goodness of simplicity, which cannot easily coexist with all the distractions that accompany technology.
What think you?
On another note, I've been really enjoying La Aroma De Cuba cigars in their smaller form. If you can get your hands on one, snag it. A truly tasty smoke.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Some news
You may have been wondering why this blog is dying a slow death. The answer to that is another blog that has been getting too much attention. I wanted to develop a blog that was a little more academic and a little less personal. I want this blog to keep going so I decided to dedicate this blog to my haphazard miscellaneous interests like it always have been.
If you’re interested in a more blog from my more academic side, you can find that here:
Dionysiangenerator.wordpress.com
So, now that that’s out of the way…there’s been a lot going on. I moved into a new place in Los Angeles and I’ve begun to attend California State University, Northridge. So far, I’m loving all the changes. It’s a starkly different atmosphere compared to Antelope Valley Community College. I’m really enjoying the academic culture as well as the university culture that a community college just don’t have. All my classes seem like they’ll be interesting and help develop my literary repertoire.
I’m also paying rent for the first time in my life. That’s a new experience. When I was younger, I used to feel that paying monthly just to live somewhere was a ridiculous idea. I’m still not a big fan but I really think I traded up, so to speak. I moved out of my parent’s house in the arm-pit of California and into the city, where things actually happen. That’s one thing I’m extremely grateful for. Instead of rednecks driving huge trucks around, there are all kinds of people everywhere. There are huge variations in culture except that at the end of the day, everyone’s from LA. I really like that.
The fact that I’ve moved out of my parents’ house and living on my own is still sinking in, I think. There are just so many new experiences that are going on at the same time, it’s hard to find a place to stand. I feel like I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time. It’s really incredible. I’ll probably have some sort of inspired moment in a few months where the weight of everything just hits me all of a sudden. It’s happened to me before and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened to me again.
I’m looking forward to all the new stuff coming my way. I’d love to supplement my job with my girlfriend’s dad with some freelance writing work. I just finished responding to a few want ads so hopefully something good comes of that. I mean, someone’s going to have to give the new guy a chance sometime, right?
If you’re interested in a more blog from my more academic side, you can find that here:
Dionysiangenerator.wordpress.com
So, now that that’s out of the way…there’s been a lot going on. I moved into a new place in Los Angeles and I’ve begun to attend California State University, Northridge. So far, I’m loving all the changes. It’s a starkly different atmosphere compared to Antelope Valley Community College. I’m really enjoying the academic culture as well as the university culture that a community college just don’t have. All my classes seem like they’ll be interesting and help develop my literary repertoire.
I’m also paying rent for the first time in my life. That’s a new experience. When I was younger, I used to feel that paying monthly just to live somewhere was a ridiculous idea. I’m still not a big fan but I really think I traded up, so to speak. I moved out of my parent’s house in the arm-pit of California and into the city, where things actually happen. That’s one thing I’m extremely grateful for. Instead of rednecks driving huge trucks around, there are all kinds of people everywhere. There are huge variations in culture except that at the end of the day, everyone’s from LA. I really like that.
The fact that I’ve moved out of my parents’ house and living on my own is still sinking in, I think. There are just so many new experiences that are going on at the same time, it’s hard to find a place to stand. I feel like I’ve learned so much in such a short amount of time. It’s really incredible. I’ll probably have some sort of inspired moment in a few months where the weight of everything just hits me all of a sudden. It’s happened to me before and I wouldn’t be surprised if it happened to me again.
I’m looking forward to all the new stuff coming my way. I’d love to supplement my job with my girlfriend’s dad with some freelance writing work. I just finished responding to a few want ads so hopefully something good comes of that. I mean, someone’s going to have to give the new guy a chance sometime, right?
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
AZ Immigration Instigation
I wasn't really surprised with the latest piece of legislation to roll off the Arizona legislation press. With the amount of undocumented workers ever-increasing, there was bound to be some form of rebuttal from the right-wing.
This bill seemed to start off innocently enough, but we all knew it wasn't going to be passed quietly. Any given piece of legislation having to do with immigration opens up a variable shit-storm of controversy. There are just too many issues tied to this one national problem. I say "national" problem because that's what it is. The Constitution of the United States dictates the responsibility of immigration to the congress, i.e. the federal government. Arizona taking this issue into it's hands appears to be totally unconstitutional, all be it completely understandable.
This law doesn't really do a whole lot more than what the federal and state laws do already. Of course it's illegal to be in a country without going through the system and doing what's required to become a citizen or a legally documented migrant worker. The problem with this particular piece of legislation is that it focuses on individuals of color as targets for Arizona police officers. The law mentions "reasonable suspicion" which is similar to "probably cause" but far more vague. While the law says absolutely nothing about Mexican immigrants being the primary problem (remember what state we're in here), it's quite clear who's going to be racially profiled.
I understand people not wanting illegal immigrants in their country taking advantage of the nation's resources at no cost to them. That just doesn't seem to be the case. Immigrants have always been the ones to pick up the slack, especially in younger countries like our own. These immigrants perform the tough manual labor that most Americans would not do, or demand much higher pay. And that is precisely the root of this complex issue.
Employers running the farming industry in the parts of the state near the border are more than happy to hire a worker who is here illegally because said worker will labor for longer hours being paid less than anyone else. That means wider profit margins for that employer. When you look at the big picture, both parties involved are breaking the law. The immigrant is breaking the law to find work and support him(her)self and their family and the employer is breaking the law to make more money. Of course there are exceptions to every rule but if we're honest with ourselves, that's generally how it breaks down. Who's intent is more malicious? That's not really for me to decide.
It's a complex issue with a complex solution that still desperately needs to be hammered out. I'm not presenting any solution myself because I'm unsure how exactly to work this out. All I want to do is to open those eyes that need opening. Things aren't always as cut and dry as people make them out to be.
There are many who fly under the flag of "don't let those illegal aliens take my jobs, throw all back over to Mexico!" and that's a big heaping plate of ignorance.
This bill seemed to start off innocently enough, but we all knew it wasn't going to be passed quietly. Any given piece of legislation having to do with immigration opens up a variable shit-storm of controversy. There are just too many issues tied to this one national problem. I say "national" problem because that's what it is. The Constitution of the United States dictates the responsibility of immigration to the congress, i.e. the federal government. Arizona taking this issue into it's hands appears to be totally unconstitutional, all be it completely understandable.
This law doesn't really do a whole lot more than what the federal and state laws do already. Of course it's illegal to be in a country without going through the system and doing what's required to become a citizen or a legally documented migrant worker. The problem with this particular piece of legislation is that it focuses on individuals of color as targets for Arizona police officers. The law mentions "reasonable suspicion" which is similar to "probably cause" but far more vague. While the law says absolutely nothing about Mexican immigrants being the primary problem (remember what state we're in here), it's quite clear who's going to be racially profiled.
I understand people not wanting illegal immigrants in their country taking advantage of the nation's resources at no cost to them. That just doesn't seem to be the case. Immigrants have always been the ones to pick up the slack, especially in younger countries like our own. These immigrants perform the tough manual labor that most Americans would not do, or demand much higher pay. And that is precisely the root of this complex issue.
Employers running the farming industry in the parts of the state near the border are more than happy to hire a worker who is here illegally because said worker will labor for longer hours being paid less than anyone else. That means wider profit margins for that employer. When you look at the big picture, both parties involved are breaking the law. The immigrant is breaking the law to find work and support him(her)self and their family and the employer is breaking the law to make more money. Of course there are exceptions to every rule but if we're honest with ourselves, that's generally how it breaks down. Who's intent is more malicious? That's not really for me to decide.
It's a complex issue with a complex solution that still desperately needs to be hammered out. I'm not presenting any solution myself because I'm unsure how exactly to work this out. All I want to do is to open those eyes that need opening. Things aren't always as cut and dry as people make them out to be.
There are many who fly under the flag of "don't let those illegal aliens take my jobs, throw all back over to Mexico!" and that's a big heaping plate of ignorance.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
White Supremacist Rally in Los Angeles
This may be old news to those who actually keep up on their current events. I realize this is from several days ago but I'm just now getting an opportunity to sit down and formulate some sort of response.
My initial reaction was surprise. While I understand that there is literally every kind of person in Los Angeles, it's remains to be upsetting that such blatant ignorance is still rearing it's ugly head. We're in 2010 now and we have made plenty of progress towards equal rights for all Americans as well as towards lessening discrimination and misunderstanding in the world, but that doesn't mean we have eradicated it entirely.
It seems that people revert back to comfortable notions and ideas when they feel especially threatened or uncomfortable. I believe that this is the case with these Neo-Nazis showing up before City Hall. They are most likely a group with already radical tendencies, showing their fear and ignorance. I suppose it's just upsetting to me to still see such blatant retardation of values in America.
All one can do is promote equality and understanding and hope for the best.
Here is the link to the Los Angeles Times article: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/18/local/la-me-white-supremacist18-2010apr18
My initial reaction was surprise. While I understand that there is literally every kind of person in Los Angeles, it's remains to be upsetting that such blatant ignorance is still rearing it's ugly head. We're in 2010 now and we have made plenty of progress towards equal rights for all Americans as well as towards lessening discrimination and misunderstanding in the world, but that doesn't mean we have eradicated it entirely.
It seems that people revert back to comfortable notions and ideas when they feel especially threatened or uncomfortable. I believe that this is the case with these Neo-Nazis showing up before City Hall. They are most likely a group with already radical tendencies, showing their fear and ignorance. I suppose it's just upsetting to me to still see such blatant retardation of values in America.
All one can do is promote equality and understanding and hope for the best.
Here is the link to the Los Angeles Times article: http://articles.latimes.com/2010/apr/18/local/la-me-white-supremacist18-2010apr18
Friday, April 9, 2010
Tobacco Review: Dunhill's London Mixture
If you're a lover of English Blends, this is a must-try tobacco. Dunhill is known for their high-quality, and for very good reason. Every time I open up a tin from Dunhill, the tobacco is always nice and moist without being too wet, which is perfect. To start off this review, this is a Latakia blend with some Virginias and Turkish tobaccos added. The strength would have to be medium to mild in my opinion. This stuff smokes cool. You can't get it to bite even if you tried.
Upon opening the tin (or bag), the aroma is great. That English spice from the Latakia is just great. It makes you want to stop whatever you're doing and pack a bowl right there and then. It packs nicely, and is best enjoyed in a large bowl. Upon lighting this tobacco, the mildness of this blend really becomes noticeable.
It is a really cool smoke and pleasant to all the senses. It's not so strong an English that it'll will chase women away, but you probably won't have too many coming up and complimenting you on how nice it smell, but this is true of virtually all English blends.
All in all this is a really delicious smoke. If I'm in the mood for a no-nonsense English, this is my go-to blend. The only think that this tobacco lacks is body. It has lots of flavor but until the very end of the bowl, the smoke has very little thickness and body to it, it feels pretty light, which is not my favorite thing in an English blend. If you smoke Virginias often, you'll notice how much more body they have compared to this English blend.
If you're in the mood for an overall pleasant English blend without too much complexity or fluff, this is the way to go. Cheers.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
lots of stuff
I haven't been posting much lately because my family and I are in the process of moving. We're not moving far from where we live now but it's the transportation of the crap accumulated by a family of four over a period of 15 years that's cumbersome. I'm moving out of my childhood house, and it's an interesting feeling. I feel a little sad at times but it feels great to be starting a new chapter in my life.
The interesting thing is that I might not be living there long at all if I get into California State University of Northridge. If I am accepted, I'll be moving down to Los Angeles and in with my girlfriend, which is a whole new set of experiences and emotions. So all in all, it's a lot to take in.
I'll try to write here more often. I definitely have a couple of Pipe and Tobacco posts to write. Cheers.
The interesting thing is that I might not be living there long at all if I get into California State University of Northridge. If I am accepted, I'll be moving down to Los Angeles and in with my girlfriend, which is a whole new set of experiences and emotions. So all in all, it's a lot to take in.
I'll try to write here more often. I definitely have a couple of Pipe and Tobacco posts to write. Cheers.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
what about the rent?
I haven't posted in a while because I've been busy living my life and making life-altering decisions. My life has been slowly turning into our life and it scares the shit out of me. It's getting to be about that time for me to move out of my parents house and "spread my wings" to be extra cliche.
There's just so much to consider by way of work, school, and living expenses. I'm turning into an adult and it's scary.
There's just so much to consider by way of work, school, and living expenses. I'm turning into an adult and it's scary.
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