Friday, May 26th
Wicked!
I found this image on tribe.com. Two weeks ago, my parents sent me my box of legos that they found packed away. I used to love those things.
Perhaps I need to make my own little, lego-raveland this weekend! I might build one with real Christmas lights. Little speakers, too? Fun! I will definately leave out the tweekers, drunks and frat boys.
Chris on 05.26.06 @ 01:04 PM PST [link]
Thursday, May 25th
Wow! Tribe is Cool...
Terrytoledo's Tribe Homepage
I'm just getting into the online networking scene. It's a great way to find out about shows and music. The last three weekends I've been checking out the rave/techno scene again. Haven't been this into techno since High School in Detroit. The folks organizing it out here are very conscience. One thing I am having trouble with, could someone explain the difference between these forms of techno:
Jungle
Break Beat
Drum n Bass
House
Hard Core
I've downloaded some parties and mixes from www.nwtechno.org in different genres but nothing is screaming out at me. Perhaps I will have to keep experiencing it live to find out.
Burningman will help!
Chris on 05.25.06 @ 05:28 PM PST [link]
Friday, May 19th
Cartoons and Religion
So, I've been reading about the Muhammad cartoons and the wave of hatred that has resulted from the issue. It's very sad people have to die because of misunderstood art. Does anyone else find it ironic that people of faith can demonstrate hatred and justify suffering easier than your average Joe. I thought religion was "created" to help us find peace, positivity and increase faith among our society. Find patience through your God, please, not hate.
That said, I would like to add my two cents on the Muhammad cartoons and stand-up comedians that get laughs from the expense of someone else's pain: it's not that cool. Sure, it works, it's funny. Sure, you have the right to free speech. Sure, the law protects you. Sure, it's art. But remember, the point you are trying to make is overshadowed by the fact that you may be relying on stereotypes. No one likes to be stereotyped. I don't know much about Islamic culture, but the majority of it's followers may be trying very hard to rid itself of the negative image portrayed in the media by radical, violent extremists. Gags based on stereotypes have no shelf life.
Opinions on religion are tricky. Religion is so concrete. The writings that religions are based on, cannot keep up with the changing, progressive values of an informed society. We may try to promote equality among the sexes, ages, colors, etc... - but some religions might suggest otherwise in writings thousands of years old.
So, now we've got Christians calling for the University of Oregon president to resign because of "art" in the insurgent. First of all, I've read the insurgent many times and there have been many things in that rag that are more shocking than a naked Jesus with an erection. That seems to be it's purpose, to shock people. I got shocked enough to not read it anymore. The same reason I don't watch TV. They can come up with a hundred more reality shows, Bill O'Reilly shows and hunting shows... It's their right but I don't support it. In time, history will show that these forms of expressions limited our society's ability to live together in harmony. Unfortunately, they have their place right now, and lessons need to be learned.
Manly this: If you want a better world, start with your own actions. Forgiveness, truthfulness, peace and love don't result from hurting other people feelings. They multiply when oppression and ignorance are extinguished.
Comedy hurts. And art might shock you, but we need them to learn about our history and where we need to go from here.
That's just my opinion...
Chris on 05.19.06 @ 07:57 PM PST [link]
Monday, May 15th
Random Thoughts
So, lately I'm pondering the meanings of "trust" and "expectation". Seems like the word "trust" is used when it's directed towards a positive, optimistic feeling. Example: You "trust" the people you love, right? But what does that mean? Are you "expecting" them to act in a particular way when you "trust" someone? I may be wrong, but "expecting" anyone (or thing) to live up to your master plan will only lead to disappointment. So how can these words be so similar, yet hold very different results? The more I think about these words, the less I want to trust people. Not that I think everyone is not trustworthy, but I can't expect anyone to do what I want them to do. Would a world without trust be a better place? I don't know. I'll stick with the word love for now 'cause it's at the top of positivity and can't be touched (unless your GOD, right? Hee-hee).
Here's another word that has a dark side. Attachment. It can be confused with love but has consequences when doing so. Attachment to someone or something is focusing on the receiving part of love, not on the giving. And we all know, thanks to the true meaning of Christmas (ha), that love is about giving - not receiving. I guess when you are in love with someone, make sure your happiness is formed by their response to your energy. Getting attached to someone will lead to a broken heart.
Love and let go, right? Attachment is suffering...
Easier said than done.
Love. Love. LOVE! Other words just cause confusion and misunderstandings.
Chris on 05.15.06 @ 02:52 PM PST [link]