The.Conundrum.Complex

Success is Counted Sweetest (Essay In Progress)

2009-04-01T18:43:00.000-07:00

Literary Analysis

April 1, 2009

Success and Comprehension: Akin, or Adversarial?

While Emily Dickinson writes of success as a sort of ethereal nectar, she also condemns it by elevating the idea of success to a virtually unattainable plateau. Dickinson parallels success with a group of select few who are able to actually identify and appreciate it: the defeated. The notion of comprehension seen within Success is Counted Sweetest prevails throughout the entire poem. While Dickinson seems to portray comprehension as a means to an end, she is in fact showing us a literary mirror in comprehension’s stead: The reader then sees what the reader wishes to see. In doing so, rather than seeing success through comprehension, we are shown victory through loss. One question remains however; is comprehension a tool to understanding victory, or achieving it?

Read the Poem: "Success is Counted Sweetest".

Snow = Bad, Freezing Rain = Poopy, Hence Bad=Poopy

2009-03-25T05:13:00.000-07:00

Well no more snow anymore. But seems like we've traded it in for an even worse evil than usual for this time of year. With the temperature way above freezing, I've never almost slipped and broke my back like I almost had several times this morning from the slicked grass and parking lots thanks to the sudden and brief watery downfall.

Oh well, what can we do but wait and pray for some 'normal' weather.. that is unless you actually like this freaky weather, in which case we are on TOTALLY different wavelengths.

Creative Lull

2009-01-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

As you may have noticed, my posting has slowed to a relative halt. This is due to many things, only one of which is fatigue. I've just recently started into a new line of work, that is of course on what I like to call the "alternative scheduling calendar" or to the rest of you, night shift.

It is interesting however in that living in an alternate (ie: opposite) sort of plane allows for an equally alternate perspective within your place of living. Take the busy streets for example, when it would take 12 minutes to cross the road at high noon at the intersection, it takes me less than a minute to calmly stroll right across.

Other than the intruiging alternate perspective however, I'm just trying to hang in there.. I miss sunshine!

Equal Rights?

2008-12-15T20:05:00.000-08:00

This isn't exactly what I had in mind, when I think of equal rights.. Madonna's divorce settlement. Ex-husband Guy Ritchie is reported by msn to be receiving something in the range of 50-60 million pounds. That's right, 50-60 MILLION pounds.

This is after the fact that he was only worth (before uniting with Madonna) about 35 million. Madonna on the other hand brought to the marriage approximately 490 million. Why in the world would he ... well that's just economics for you, I suppose. And having a better lawyer than the other "guy" doesn't hurt either (not a fact, just speculation).

Now I guess Madonna isn't hurting too much, she still has enough left to pay the bills (ha ha ha).

More at: CelebEdge

Snow Snow Snow

2008-12-01T13:07:00.000-08:00

Well, the snow's just flying here now. The news said this morning, that some places can expect 10 centimetres today, while others can expect as much as 25 centimetres! It's amazing how much of an impact those tiny little flakes can have on our daily lives isn't it? On the other hand however, it could be an incredible example of what can be accomplished when at first things may seem impossible.

Thinking about it, even in a snowstorm; if you hold out your arm and watch the individual flakes landing, what do you see? Many tiny, individual, white, harmless flakes of snow. Now stop staring at your arm, and look around you at the resulting storm. What can you see?

The collective efforts of thousands, millions or more of these tiny, insubstantial, petty little flakes employing thousands of jobs every year (snow removal), give joy to our children and best of all: snow days!!

Next time you hit a phsychological wall of sorts, and think "it can't be done", just remember the snowflakes.

The Human Mind

2008-11-23T11:14:00.000-08:00

I was on the bus the other day as usual, and overheard something incredibly obvious and yet, quite interesting. A woman was speaking about her children in a french immersion program and just how quickly they pick up new information. The phrase "like a sponge" quickly comes to mind doesn't it?

Anyways, I haven't been able to figure out if through the years this blessing becomes a curse of stubbornness, or simply a folly of nature. I mean after we learn something as intricate as another language, how to operate a piece of machinery or something equally complicated and we get older, does our mind simply solidify turning from a sponge into an un-adaptable piece of machinery?

Obviously not, but it is another indicator of how stubborn the human mind can actually be once we get set in our ways, isn't it?

Mind Over Matter

2008-11-23T11:13:00.000-08:00

I'll not make excuses for my tardiness as of late, but since I haven't had the time, nor the energy to write I've been wondering about the importance of priorities. If what I want to be is a writer, then why haven't I been doing more writing instead of using my energy on reasons not to write?

"I'm too tired", "I'll do it next weekend", or- "maybe later", are all famous ones. I know myself that the mind is our most vital asset, far more influential than the body, so I can either continue preaching to the choir saying this, but until i start doing it that's another story.

It's all about priorities.

First Snow Fall

2008-11-09T07:22:00.000-08:00

There's a sort of omnipotence associated with the first snowfall for me, as of the past few years. With all the chaos and hectic social pressures, there's something almost magical I feel when I wake up for the first time of the year to see snow falling just inches from my face, outside my bedroom window.

Until that is, the wind picks up and blows the snow right into my face (did I mention my window was open?). It is said that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, until of course it's blown right into your face.

However at least in my opinion after a few seasons of straight rain, wouldn't you rather get a little wet from something that is at least easy on the eyes? So would I.

A New Era?

2008-11-08T14:16:00.001-08:00

Well, we have here a new chapter in American history with our first African American leader. Some are surprised, others not so much. What remains to be seen however, is exactly what I'm wondering: what will Obama do to reverse the economic rockslide incurred by previous American "leaders" (if you want to use that term).

I'm somewhat impressed with the lack of attention to ethnicity in this election, as both McCain and Obama rellied on the same platform (that of economics, and how to "fix it").

With all the promises however such as tax cuts and "relief", another old unanswered promise comes to mind: "read my lips, no more taxes". Capice?

David Suzuki

2008-11-03T16:37:00.001-08:00

At my graduation ceremony I had the opportunity to listen to David Suzuki speak just the other day. What an experience, I'm telling you. Before his speech, to me he was simply just another public figure. My father even recommended I ask him to sign my degree afterwards, but I told him "he's just a man". Now even though I don't really believe in putting certain people on a pedestal (this would imply the rest of us are "below"), he had some interesting points.

Mr. Suzuki spoke of perceptions and how these perceptions determine how we view ourselves and the world we live in. He linked this to our increased value we all place on material wealth over the earth's well being in general. I remember an example he gave, by saying some government official mentioning how he'll try and address the world health concerns, but emphasized how nothing can be done to alter our fragile economy.

The economy is killing our planet one dollar at a time, and while almost everybody will accept this (although not publicly), David Suzuki suggested something astonishingly simply: "if it isn't working, throw it out and stick something in there that will work". What a concept, do you ever remember anybody ever saying: if it isn't broke don't fix it... well what about the economy?

The War on Terror (?)

2008-10-27T18:30:00.000-07:00

Well here's a new twist on the so-called war on terror. Many have taken this motto to heart, as Westerners being the potential victims while anybody else is potentially a threat. What if the tables were turned however... what if anybody from Malyasia, Mainland China, Japan or Iraq or Syria saw all westerners as potential hostiles? Don't scoff my fellow Americanoes, it's already happened.

A recent airstrike on Syria (October 26th) from the U.S. result in numerous deaths and injury. Some of which were fishermen or simple labourers. Anyways, it all started with an American official who wished not to be identified (odd, isn't it?) had stated that he had identified "an Iraqi whose family the official said has been active in smuggling money, weapons and foreign fighters across the Syrian border into Iraq". Sounds alot like the Weapons of Mass Destruction fiasco doesn't it?

The airstrike involved four U.S. helicopters and military special ops forces, which launched their attack on Syria from Iraqi soil, violating (according to Syrian foreign minister)
International law. The basis of this attack on U.S. policy was due to the accusation that the anonymous U.S. informant's information was totally false. It wouldn't be the first time...

People have got to start questioning government authority and actions more openly, hopefully in time, our leaders will actually start governing in a more democratic way.

Read more here

Teen Queen Skips the Bill

2008-10-23T14:01:00.001-07:00

Here's something fresh: Beauty gone bad. Lindsey Evans the former teen Louisiana beauty queen is now just a simple convict. The story Lindsey and her friends were dining out and the service was to slow, so they "just left". After they were caught and arrested however, they all claimed the service was slow but "they tried to pay the bill".. wait TRIED? how hard is it to give somebody some money, it's not a new concept here.

She only had 11 days left in her beauty queen rein anyways, so I suspect she wanted to go out with a bang. Well charged with theft and drug charges may be fine for some, but not exactly my cup of tea.

And how did this young offender get caught in the first place? That's easy, she forgot her purse with her ID, and marijuana inside it making it easy for police to spot her.. maybe that's also why you can spot the foolish grin in her mugshot below, that's right folks that is her mugshot.

But at least she hasn't been "robbed" of her smile.. sorry couldn't resist.

From Fashion to Funk

2008-10-20T15:40:00.001-07:00

Well here's something interesting. Not even Halloween yet and already the Spring '09 collection is out, and with the economic crisis at hand as well. I swear everytime I see something fashion related, nowhere can I detect even the faintest hint at common sense.

For one, is it just me or do these so-called designers resemble a sort of premature jumping of the gun every single year? Have to give the fashion industry credit however; what they lack in intelligence, they sure make up for in innovation and optimism. Optimism being paramount here, through the economic slowdown.. or is this a demonstration of the lack of intelligence? Just wondering....

And with that note, I've a question I'm sure has already been asked and answered many times, but what is up with these designs?? Take these shoes for example:

The first shoe looks like it could put anyone who follows behind into a seizure, while the other one looks like a darn fence.

I mean, who is really going to wear these besides Paris Hilton... but then again the intelligence issue comes into play..

We've all got different taste I suppose...

The Price is Right.. Mr Carey??

2008-10-20T08:48:00.000-07:00

Just the other day, my schedule was all messed up, which is why I was home in the middle of the day. I decided to turn on the tv, and low and behold there was Drew Carey hosting The Price is Right. When in the world did this happen?? I changed the channel (I was a little freaked out at this point) to watch Family Feud and saw the guy on the Seinfeld sitcom was hosting..

What happened to the Family Feud host, you know.. the guy that kissed all the female contestants... But then Bob Barker from Price is Right did that too, just when the cameras were off.. Anyways when did all this happen?

Sometimes it just feels like I've been in hibernation for a few years and have just woken up, to see just how quickly and easily the world can change. It's very sad in a way I think as it reminds me how mortal we are, and just how fast our time really goes by...

University Degrees No Good?

2008-10-17T20:55:00.000-07:00

I'm well on my way to becoming a pro-bono writer, or so I thought.. I had just submitted a sort of inspirational article to ezinearticles.com and no later than you could say driving Miss Daisy, my account had been suspended.

Well, thought I had used too many periods in my name (B.A.) but turns out this 'organization' does not allow any titles other than a doctorate to be used in your name.. Does this seem unfair to anyone out there, or are there simply too many aspiring writers with only a BA? I pray the latter is true, otherwise I'm not sure what to do here..
An email reply was sent as follows:

Hi David,
Thank you for the request. :)
Your name is invalid becuase of the title BA after your name.
While we do allow titles with an author name, it must be a doctorate level degree.

I'm not sure to what extent people have found their abilities (or titles) to be limited by others, but can only hope for the best. I wouldn't be the only person to regret having spent over $30,000 (and 3 years) on a university education for naught.

Same Pattern, Different Stars...

2008-10-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

I've done a little research into this next topic area and quite frankly I'm disturbed by how quickly stars have (and can) become corrupted thanks to the all too easy trails left to follow by stars that have preceeded them.

Let's take a no-brainer for an example here: Britney Spears was at one time the lollipop princess of pop if you will. All the kids loved her and their parents encouraged these starstruck kiddies to follow in Britney's footsteps of musically inspired whimsical innocence.

Then to appeal to a larger audience (not 'just' girls anymore), the sexual aspect was introduced albiet harmlessly but with inevitable consequences later on, leading to further and further sexual undertones not just in her dancing, but her lyrics are enough to excite some people!

I give to you, exhibit A: Britney Spears bio in the form of a time framed picture. Notice the earliest photo where all we can see is virgin purity and no interest other than entertaining through music. We all know what happened next..

The next picture here is a little more disturbing as Miley Cyrus is only 15 (correct me if I'm wrong) and has even been approached by Hugh Hefner of Playboy Magazine! Billy Ray Cyrus's sweet little princess is, when you stop and think about it, is well on her way to become the next fallen star.

At least this gives us time to ponder how exactly this star will crash and burn. On the other hand Britney was how old when she 1) Dropped her baby, 2) Claimed she was still a virgin, or 3) Shaved her Head.. Miley has big shoes to fill.

It's really quite sad when you think about it, but well it seems that once this path has been chosen the lifestyle really takes over and our stars just take that to heart. Word to the wise: Be careful what you wish for, unless it's a bald head.. that never hurt anyone!

Election Results

2008-10-15T10:39:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing (I won't tell you who I voted for) but I suppose Harper has his good points. I mean let's be positive about this, he's not going anywhere anytime soon.

But first the election results (from Canoe.ca):
Format: (Leading/Elected Seats-Vote)
Conservatives(143-37%), Liberals (76-26%),
Bloc (50-9%), NDP (37-18%), Green (0-6%)

If you could attribute just on primary motivator to each party, then I suppose Conservatives could be credited with being concerned with work and jobs, while the Green party represents taxing polluters. Well the public has spoken and it seems we're more concerned with the present than our children's futures.

Nobody is to blame for this however, what with the economic crisis at hand. It's understandable why people want things left as is, stability is (among other things) a sort of safety net in a world otherwise uncertain.

Hopefully however the Green party will take this tremendous loss as a lesson and comeback swinging next election with a more aggressive stance. And hopefully we will listen.

Teen Choice (Popularity) Awards

2008-10-13T16:56:00.000-07:00

it seems that this week politics abounds, no matter where we run somebody is being "nominated" while others are pushed out of the spotlight. What is most incredibly noticable especially in an event dominated by impresionable youngsters and in turn transforms an imitation democracy into the preschool version of a popularity contest.

I mean, who awards some kid (Ryan Sheckler) for having a "cool" myspace page? What has this world come to? Then after that award was announced a portion of the show entitled "Ask the Jonas Brothers" was mentioned (but not aired immediatley afterwards). Still the concept of asking a few kids why they're so hot/cute and will they go out with them hardly warrants a portion of the show to be dedicated to them. I swear television standards have just plummeted over the past few years. Have any parents out there noticed how much this garbage affects their intelligence on average?

I'm serious, check out Ryan Sheckler's myspace page or the Jonas Brothers comments and questions site and see for yourself how intelligence levels have been retarded in recent years simply due to the lack of intelligent tv programs. I mean, it's there so kids are going to watch it (i mean, lets face it), but can we not control to an extent the quality of programs being watched? Please??

More Politics (Sorry)

2008-10-12T17:25:00.000-07:00

I know I said somewhere that I'd try to limit posts in any specific area, but I just had to play Mr. Obvious with regards to the recent interview with Stephane Dion who compared himself with Mr. Harper. I mean how obvious do politicians have to be, they either assume the public has next to no intelligence or they are simply oblivious in general.

While trying to steal votes from the NDP and Green supporters, Dion proclaimed: "I will never quit, I will stay for my country"...oh... so even if the Liberals don't get voted into office, Dion will gracefully step down as leader of the Liberals, and happily fall into line as simply another Liberal supporter?

I fail to see any chance of the underworld freezing over so, I seriously doubt that scenario playing through without event. Dion continues by proclaiming himself center of the world just like that snotty 3rd grader who ate his own shoelaces (you all remember *that guy?) by saying: "I'm the leader! I am the leader. And I'm working to win. I'm not a quitter". Sheesh, with these guys it's all me, me, me.

Harper's no better at playing the game: "I think it's inevitable that the party that loses [an]election will be looking for a new leader". Well, C'MON people, of course if one person can't do it right the first time, what good will he or she be the next time around?

At least Harper doesn't remind us of a preschooler who picks his nose (and eats it), while Dion had also said in reply to an interviewer: "Come on! Do you believe in polls?". Well... Mr Dion, you see a poll is a sort of political indicator, a forcaster if you will. Do we have to explain everything to this chuckle head?

Well to be sure, it seems politics in general is a sort of touch and go kind of "sport", while our voting system resembles a sort of "lesser of two evils".

See for yourself: Canoe.ca

Snow Day!

2008-10-09T11:13:00.000-07:00

Well the days are getting shorter, and colder.. much colder. Must be nice to be American this time of year! Well anyways here in Ontario it's around 5 degrees but with the wind and the psychology of summer being gone, it feels much colder. Especially to myself as I just got back from China last month.. (what? you didn't ask!).

I've just been thinking, that asides from birthday's, most major European holidays occur in the worst weather possible. Is it just a coincidence that Jesus' birthday is in December? Or thanksgiving? And what about Easter? Not the coldest holiday, but still (work with me people!). I'm just spit-balling here, but could it be some sort of method of control used by authorities to regulate our behavior.. to keep us from a deformed variation of cabin fever?

Remember, many ancient societies used festivals as a societal pressure release valve to release the citizen's daily pressures a hum-drum existence. The citizens would work and toil until (when some decided) the pressures of daily life may add up to be enough to incite a revolt, they released that pressure by way of an annual festival. It's not that far-fetched when you think about it that way...

McCain and "That One"

2008-10-08T17:43:00.000-07:00

Many of you out there have seen the McCain-Obama presedential debate as I have, I'm sure of it. The other day it was impossible to see anything else on any station besides this debate. I mean it was on EVERY channel! What I just discovered however was the use of racial slurs on internationally broadcast television.

"'That one,' Republican John McCain said contemptuously of Barack Obama, pointing" in his direction (as Canoe.ca reported). Seems this happened amid a heated discussion regarding energy policies.

Racial slurs aside, from what I can decipher regarding this debate is that: Obama seems to be prone to his share of 'trash talking' (if you will) but at least he addresses the questions put forth by the speaker. McCain on the other hand, simply kept reminding people how many times his opponent voted in favour of tax hikes (true or not, I can't say), rather than addressing any questions.

And did I mention McCain's main strategy for evading each question- he started each ellusive sentance with "my friends.."

Well "my friends.." this is politics for you!

From Fiction to Reality

2008-10-05T16:51:00.000-07:00

Well once again, the great innovators of the world get their inspiration from some Sci-Fi book. CNN reports that "In 1979, Arthur C. Clarke's novel The Fountains of Paradise brought the idea of a space elevator to [the public]". And now we have people planning exactly how we can do this, and where it should be located.

A multi-billion dollar operation, and nobody's even sure what this cosmic elevator would be used for. That's our (internationally speaking) tax dollars hard at work, folks! The bright side would be as CNN said in their article that this would mean "an unprecedented feat of human engineering". So, what does that mean exactly? That a giant elevator leading nowhere represents the epitomy of human civilization?

And tell me how is this elevator going to function exactly? Computer gadgetry abounds in this answer I'm sure.. I certainly hope Windows Vista is out of the question...

Full story: At CNN

O.J. Again!?

2008-10-04T22:06:00.000-07:00

Well, looks like O.J. Simpson's making the headlines once again. This time around it's for "kidnapping and robbery" however, a step down from murder. Well at least he's toned it down this time.

I can still remember in highschool when I was younger, time seemed to stand still when all the teachers in the school paused, the entire school (staff and students) sat on the edge of their seats, listening to the Simpson verdict with mixed responses of Yeah!, or Boo! as Simpson survived a hit-and-miss verdict with a simple 30million dollar fine (of which little has been paid).

Today however the charges are "kidnapping and robbery, along with 10 other charges". The robbery charged was adressed by defence with the typical "[they] belonged to [him]". Oh puh-lease, if you're going to make an excuse as lame as that, you could at least say oh, I don't know "I was intoxicated and thought I was in my house". A form of mistaken identity perhaps, anything!

What I thought was great, was the attitude (of expectance) on Simpson's part as the guilty verdicts were being read. Simpson: "sighed heavily as [... he was] found guilty on all 12 charges, including felony kidnapping, armed robbery and conspiracy[...]". This is not the actions of an innocent man.

-The issue remains, that of the unpaid 30 million dollar fine... why rob and kidnapp when you've got this kind of money lying around, or maybe he just got hit one too many times in the head during his football days... who knows?

Have a McHappy day!

2008-10-03T11:52:00.000-07:00

Well my first day back in the work force was yesterday, and I bet you can't guess where I just started.. yep McDonalds. With over 10 years manual labour (plywood mills, rock quarry, extensive computer experience-programming/archiving/documenting etc...), 3 years of university and now it's McDonalds, here I come! Suppose it's for the best what with getting my feet wet in the job market after I've been out for 3 years. Have to look on the bright side, right?

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against greasy food and quick service, but I'm not what you would call Hospitality sector material. I'm more of a hands on, nitty gritty computer nerd type.

Oh well, until I go full time with writing, I suppose it'll just be: "would you like to super size that?"

Convenient Inconvenience

2008-10-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Computers, it seems have been (or has become?) the most inconvenient convenience of "modern" day. Internet Settings, Network preferences, Scanning, sheesh, all I want is a lousy internet connection to finally check my messages and maybe finally post this blog entry (I'm writing it at 10am Thursday, and finally I have the chance to post at 2.30 on Friday). Not to worry, I'm constantly reviewing and updating the blog (at least thrice weekly).

I can't believe my internet connection, twelve different possible wireless connections, and my "regular" goes AWOL. That's right everybody, I'm one of "those" people... But hey, if Steven Harper can have excuses for plagiarism, I can have one. Oh sure, I'll start paying for it right after I get a couple of regular pay checks, but until then I'll just have to pull a Harper and fire somebody...