Archive for the ‘General’ Category

Do I Dare Disturb the Universe?

This entry is a bit more personal. I usually like to leave my personal experiences out of my entries; however, I am not sure this topic relates to everyone. So, rather than place this idea in a general context, I decided to focus on my own life. You can let me know if you have similar experiences.

That being said, the focus of this entry is on univeral balance. I am not a superstitious person, nor do I have a set belief about God or religion. I consider myself to be a spiritual, yet rational person. Even so, I have noticed that, throughout my life, I seem to have some kind of guardian protecting me from harm. Any time I get into a difficult situation, I can be pretty sure that it will work itself out in the end. I may not get exactly what I want, and I may not get through it scath free, but I will get through it nonetheless. Read More…

December 8, 2008  Tags: , , , ,   Posted in: General  No Comments

Happy Holidays

I wish I was able to post this before the holiday, but I wanted to discuss the “Black Friday” phenomenon. For those who are unfamiliar, in the capitalist nation of the US, a whole other holiday was invented which takes place after Thanksgiving. The holiday is appropriately named Black Friday, not only because it takes place on a Friday, but also because it is a dark and scary time.

On Black Friday, millions of people rush to shopping centers nationwide to take advantage of holiday shopping deals. And as much as I hate to criticize people’s beliefs and practices, Black Friday is, in my humble opinion, one of the ugliest symbols of American elitism, capitalism, and greed there is. Black Friday is a day when rational people are seduced into rushing to the stores and stocking up on supplies they do not need or will never use. However, capitalism runs on the notion that people must spend money in order to achieve sustainability. Read More…

December 2, 2008  Tags: , , , , ,   Posted in: General  No Comments

All We Need Is Love

First, let me say congratulations to president-elect Barack Obama. Subsequently, I would like to applaud John McCain for his efforts as well as his heartfelt concession speech.

That said, I would like to address the large elephant in the room: the race issue. I have recently heard some disheartening statements said in reference to Obama. I think it is very childish and ignorant to use racial slurs when about Obama considering how historic this election has been in terms of our progress as a nation. Regardless of where you stand on the issues, I think it is necessary to acknowledge the accomplishment this is for our nation. Read More…

November 10, 2008  Tags: , , , ,   Posted in: General  One Comment

Teaching Our Children

As many know, parenting is not an exact science. There is no textbook to raising children nor is there a “right way” to take on this endevor. Because of this, there are a lot of parents who find themselves, quite literally, with a needy child in their arms and no clue what to do next.

While tutoring for a second grader whom I’ve been working with for a few weeks now, I realized that I was never properly trained to work with him. I found myself struggling to decide what a “good parent” would do and I realized, there is no training that anyone could have given me. Read More…

October 28, 2008  Tags: , , , ,   Posted in: General  One Comment

I’m Back! Hooray!

I just got back from an amazing weekend in Austin, TX. I attended the annual Austin Film Festival which is catered specifically to screenwriters (like me!). I had a wonderful time, and met a lot of great people.

Unfortunately, this means my other writing has taken the back burner, so there won’t be a new article this week. :(

I thought I could do it, but I literally had 62 new messages in my inbox that I had to sift through. I’ve been so busy lately that I knew it would happen, but it’s more than I can handle at the moment.

Until next time, readers!

October 20, 2008   Posted in: General  One Comment

Why We Hurt Each Other

Think about your life for a moment. What is it that you want? What do you wish you could do? Think realistically.

Now consider what stands between you and that goal? It could be a lack of motivation or perhaps an environmental difficulty like distance. However, the number one obstacle to people’s happiness is generally other people.

Based on the things we do (or do not do) we could end up limiting or destroying another persons chances at happiness. The goal is not to blame other people for the problems in your life since competition and accidents are inevitable. Instead, keep in mind that all people want happiness just as you do.

October 12, 2008  Tags: , , , ,   Posted in: General  No Comments

The Science of the Smile

Here’s a pretty straightforward article. It was based on the anonymous quote: “Don’t frown. You never know who is falling in love with your smile.” I really fell in love with this quote once I read it.
Enjoy! And remember to smile!

September 2, 2008  Tags: , , ,   Posted in: Articles, General  No Comments

Complaints and Grievances

Everybody knows that one of the only things that keeps humans from living happy and fulfilled lives are other humans. And for those that didn’t know, other humans are the primary reason you are not as content as you could be.

As a philosopher, I know it’s unreasonable to expect that people will stop caring so much about what their neighbors do and worry about their own happiness; however, I never tire of giving people advice. Since, as long as I know a person’s problems could be lessened or avoided altogether had they taken me seriously, I don’t feel as bad if/when bad things happen to people I’ve talked to. Read More…

July 20, 2008   Posted in: General  No Comments

Parenting

I haven’t written any articles in a long time, but I’ve decided that my next undertaking will be more of a series. The topic will be parents and children. Raising children is quite the ordeal, and there is no right way to do it. Unfortunately, there are a whole lot of bad parents out there (not bad people, mind you, bad parents). Good parenting is a skill, and just like any other skill some people have a knack for it, while others don’t.

Frankly, I’m not sure there’s anything that can be done about that.

However, if people were more educated in basic child care/psychology, we could at least limit the number of children who are brought into the world poorly. [Naturally, I hate to criticize anyone parenting, but I feel it needs to be said]. Read More…

July 14, 2008   Posted in: General  One Comment

Evolution

So it turns out that elephants not only bury their dead, but they often return to the grave site of loved ones, just like humans. Monkeys can learn to use tools, they make friends with each other, and can also hold grudges, just like humans. Many different types of species (including monkeys and elephants) can recognize themselves in a mirror.

What does this all mean?

My theory:
Animals are evolving! Who’s to say that one day monkeys, apes, elephants, dolphins, etc. won’t learn to reason and develop language? Maybe they’ll start learning to farm and raise livestock of their own. Maybe they will create their own colonies and countries. Read More…

February 7, 2008  Tags: , , , , ,   Posted in: General  3 Comments