Not to this blog, but to the daily updating of this blog. I have come to the conclusion that I would rather write bi-weekly posts that I am actually happy with and that have some substance to them than post every single day when I end up disappointed with the amount of fluff and filling I write. I think that posts will go up on Saturdays and Tuesdays, and so hopefully the quality of my posts will go up as the quantity goes down.
Keep your eyes open, however, since I am now about 80% sure that I want to start a second blog that will be more of a recording of my season with the theatre company I'm interning at. This will probably be a lot of stuff that might be gibberish to non-theatre geeks, but I'm hoping that I'll make it accessible. However, the point will be more to talk about the new things I'm learning and the experiences themselves, so I'm not sure how interesting readers of this blog who are not big theatre fans will find it. I'll link to it on the day it goes up, which will probably be this weekend.
I will be back on Saturday.
Have a great couple of days, see you then.
Cheers!
-T.A.D.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
All the myths are true
Oh the magic of Mythbusters.
I have decided to embark on what is sure to be a long quest: watching every single episode of Mythbusters ever produced. I like the show because not only is it entertaining, but it teaches me things. Mostly these tidbits of knowledge are about as useful as my grandfather's constant anecdotal tales at dinner time, but sometimes there's one that could be helpful, like the fact that going in and out of your car while pumping gas can create a static spark that could catch fire.
For the most part, I admit, it is fun as hell to watch Jamie and Adam blow shit up. Or drop things from insane heights. Or shoot random things. I like watching their endeavors. If I were a science person more than an art person, I would so be working towards employment at that studio.
I had my first production meeting for the theatre company I'm an intern at. Well, the intern. I'm the first and only intern they've ever had. I'm so excited. Just hearing about this show that we're doing gave me chills. I can't wait until things go from ideas to reality. I think that's one of my favorite parts of theatre, to be quite honest. I love being a part of that process.
Well, I'm completely trashed, though to be honest I don't know why, so I will say adieu.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
I have decided to embark on what is sure to be a long quest: watching every single episode of Mythbusters ever produced. I like the show because not only is it entertaining, but it teaches me things. Mostly these tidbits of knowledge are about as useful as my grandfather's constant anecdotal tales at dinner time, but sometimes there's one that could be helpful, like the fact that going in and out of your car while pumping gas can create a static spark that could catch fire.
For the most part, I admit, it is fun as hell to watch Jamie and Adam blow shit up. Or drop things from insane heights. Or shoot random things. I like watching their endeavors. If I were a science person more than an art person, I would so be working towards employment at that studio.
I had my first production meeting for the theatre company I'm an intern at. Well, the intern. I'm the first and only intern they've ever had. I'm so excited. Just hearing about this show that we're doing gave me chills. I can't wait until things go from ideas to reality. I think that's one of my favorite parts of theatre, to be quite honest. I love being a part of that process.
Well, I'm completely trashed, though to be honest I don't know why, so I will say adieu.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Stay cool boys
Though I don't like the idea of being "cool," (I much prefer to think of being hot and fresh and different and new) I must admit that there are quite a lot of situations in which keeping a cool head can be very useful. When someone tells you something that takes you by surprise, for instance, keeping a level head can be very helpful. That way, instead of exploding with a rather immature spout of "OMGGGGG TELL ME EVERYTHING WHAT???" you can respond with a much more fitting remark.
I've been described by some of my close friends to be, in word, intense. And while I see that as a good thing, it can also be a bit of a burden. I get very excited about things, or very sad, or very whatever emotion is necessary. I guess I just feel a lot of whatever it is I'm feeling. I don't know why that is, but I know that I have been working on and I need to keep working on containing more of it. It has been a factor in damaging several friendships that I've had and I hope that I can repair some, if not all, of the damage. Staying cool is something that I wish I could do more often.
I guess you can compare me to my dog in that way. When she's excited, she is excited. It's all "oh a walk, my favorite, oh people, my favorite, oh the cat, my favorite!" with lots of exclamation points and wagging and wiggling. I don't wag, per say, but you could probably measure my enthusiasm against the enthusiasm of my dog with a pretty small difference in between.
This staying cool thing applies (for me at least) to both positive and negative situations. I wouldn't say that I'm over dramatic about everything, but, as I said, I just feel a lot, so that affects me a lot. I get very emotional in places where maybe it isn't the best time and place to be very emotional, which isn't overly helpful.
So whether it's a friend on Facebook who you find out is in a relationship or an archenemy who succeeds in spilling chocolate pudding down your favorite shirt, my advice for the day is to stay cool and not overreact. Yes, these things matter, and yes, you should be enthusiastic and intense about them, but try to find a line between when the intensity is helping or hurting the situation. If it helps, that's great. If not, tone it down a little. I can tell you from personal experience, the people around you will thank you for it.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
I've been described by some of my close friends to be, in word, intense. And while I see that as a good thing, it can also be a bit of a burden. I get very excited about things, or very sad, or very whatever emotion is necessary. I guess I just feel a lot of whatever it is I'm feeling. I don't know why that is, but I know that I have been working on and I need to keep working on containing more of it. It has been a factor in damaging several friendships that I've had and I hope that I can repair some, if not all, of the damage. Staying cool is something that I wish I could do more often.
I guess you can compare me to my dog in that way. When she's excited, she is excited. It's all "oh a walk, my favorite, oh people, my favorite, oh the cat, my favorite!" with lots of exclamation points and wagging and wiggling. I don't wag, per say, but you could probably measure my enthusiasm against the enthusiasm of my dog with a pretty small difference in between.
This staying cool thing applies (for me at least) to both positive and negative situations. I wouldn't say that I'm over dramatic about everything, but, as I said, I just feel a lot, so that affects me a lot. I get very emotional in places where maybe it isn't the best time and place to be very emotional, which isn't overly helpful.
So whether it's a friend on Facebook who you find out is in a relationship or an archenemy who succeeds in spilling chocolate pudding down your favorite shirt, my advice for the day is to stay cool and not overreact. Yes, these things matter, and yes, you should be enthusiastic and intense about them, but try to find a line between when the intensity is helping or hurting the situation. If it helps, that's great. If not, tone it down a little. I can tell you from personal experience, the people around you will thank you for it.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
I forgot to remember...
Well oopsie.
Between sailing with my family and talking to some friends on Skype last night, writing a blog post yesterday totally slipped my mind.
Though this might be a good time to mention that now that I'm hoping to be working a 20-30 hour week at the cafe' and interning at a theater company, I'm not sure that Business as Usual will continue to be a daily updated blog. I would love to hear what you think, but I've found that I have been disappointed with the number of "filler" posts that I put up, and I'd rather put up posts that I'm happy with on a two or three times a week basis rather than a mix of posts that I like and don't like every day. Feedback on this point would be greatly appreciated, so please, please, please, comment or message me with what you think. All six of you readers...
If I do end up decreasing the number of posts I do on this blog, I might follow through with my hope to start a second blog under this account. If I do, and you are a theatre geek like me, hurray! Now that I'm officially an intern at an up and coming theater company, I was hoping to keep some sort of record of the things I'm doing and learning, and, since I'm really rather bad at holding myself accountable for tasks, I think that posting things in a blog format might be both beneficial to me and at least semi-interesting to readers.
A real post for today, the 16th, will be coming up later, but for now, this is the end of my news update and apology/make up post for yesterday, the 15th.
Don't forget to comment/message me on the topics of Business as Usual and a possible theatre blog.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Between sailing with my family and talking to some friends on Skype last night, writing a blog post yesterday totally slipped my mind.
Though this might be a good time to mention that now that I'm hoping to be working a 20-30 hour week at the cafe' and interning at a theater company, I'm not sure that Business as Usual will continue to be a daily updated blog. I would love to hear what you think, but I've found that I have been disappointed with the number of "filler" posts that I put up, and I'd rather put up posts that I'm happy with on a two or three times a week basis rather than a mix of posts that I like and don't like every day. Feedback on this point would be greatly appreciated, so please, please, please, comment or message me with what you think. All six of you readers...
If I do end up decreasing the number of posts I do on this blog, I might follow through with my hope to start a second blog under this account. If I do, and you are a theatre geek like me, hurray! Now that I'm officially an intern at an up and coming theater company, I was hoping to keep some sort of record of the things I'm doing and learning, and, since I'm really rather bad at holding myself accountable for tasks, I think that posting things in a blog format might be both beneficial to me and at least semi-interesting to readers.
A real post for today, the 16th, will be coming up later, but for now, this is the end of my news update and apology/make up post for yesterday, the 15th.
Don't forget to comment/message me on the topics of Business as Usual and a possible theatre blog.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
It's words that hurt the most
I've been talking to a friend recently, who has struggled with body image for a long time. I feel as though I've failed her. She's been getting better recently, and then today, boom. A few choice words from her mother and things are worse than ever. Words are so powerful that way. So hurtful. Especially from those we love and trust.
Unfortunately, the negative words always seem to have more power than the positive. So the hour of positive that I've been pounding into her seems to be for naught. Worst of all, the choices her mother made when speaking to her have now destroyed her image of the one thing that my friend did like about her image.
I've been friends with this person for going on five years now, and I feel as though I've failed her. I want to scream at her parents. I want to drive to her house and talk to her and get her to listen to what I'm saying. To get her to look in a mirror and see what I see.
Words. Such potential to hurt and destroy. But also to heal. And to inspire change. We just need to find the positive potential and use that instead. I think that if we were more aware that words are our greatest weapons, kids wouldn't be so cruel. Parents wouldn't be so inconsiderate. Friends would be more careful. And things like this wouldn't happen so tragically often.
Wow, way to end on a positive note. (Not)
-T.A.D.
Unfortunately, the negative words always seem to have more power than the positive. So the hour of positive that I've been pounding into her seems to be for naught. Worst of all, the choices her mother made when speaking to her have now destroyed her image of the one thing that my friend did like about her image.
I've been friends with this person for going on five years now, and I feel as though I've failed her. I want to scream at her parents. I want to drive to her house and talk to her and get her to listen to what I'm saying. To get her to look in a mirror and see what I see.
Words. Such potential to hurt and destroy. But also to heal. And to inspire change. We just need to find the positive potential and use that instead. I think that if we were more aware that words are our greatest weapons, kids wouldn't be so cruel. Parents wouldn't be so inconsiderate. Friends would be more careful. And things like this wouldn't happen so tragically often.
Wow, way to end on a positive note. (Not)
-T.A.D.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Solidarity
At my old school, we had a week every year called "Global Solidarity Week." Each day would have a different theme and we would try (and fail) in different ways to be in solidarity with the more impoverished of the world. For example, we might use no lights and no computers for a day to show how others without power get by. We would even be given a list of a bunch of things we were supposed to do and have our families do at home, like take a cold shower or use a bucket to wash instead of a shower.
The worst part is that after all of this total bullshit, we were required to write a paper of some sort for our religion class about how much more globally aware we were, and how moved we were by how hard it was to go one night sleeping on our cushy floors instead of our cushy beds and how privileged we now felt.
Global solidarity would be a great thing to have. However, spending a night, or even a week, sleeping on the floor to try and understand what those without beds feel seems insulting. I can't pretend to know how hard it is for the underprivileged in the United States, let alone around the world. This hypocrisy always got to me when I was at school during these weeks, but the irony didn't really hit until this past year. At least in my freshmen year we made some sort of effort, but by year four of GSW, it seemed to have lost it's punch. Freshmen year there was a day when we couldn't wear shoes, a day when we sat on the floor, so on and so forth. This year it was a complete joke. Two of the five days weren't even doing anything, we just went to presentations.
It makes me sad and angry that we can't even attempt to find true solidarity with each other, let alone people who have less than us. Yes, we can go through the motions and go a day without using electricity, but does that really mean we have the right to say that we have found solidarity with others? I don't think it does. I think the more important thing that I've learned from my four years of publicity stunt crap was that I can truly say that all four papers I wrote after that week? They were a bunch of lies. I talked about how humbled I felt. Seriously? I cranked those out in fifteen, twenty minutes each, easily.
On the one hand, I wish that there was a way I could be in solidarity with my fellow citizens of the world, but on the other, I can't imagine how horrible that must be, and it seems almost insulting of the people that don't have a bed to pretend that I know what that feels like.
Moral of the story, however depressing it is, is that we can't really understand these things. We understand what we go through, not what others go through. And we should concentrate on how our own experiences have shaped us so that we can have a positive influence on the experiences of others rather than pretending that we have had similar feelings.
I can feel empathy for to underprivileged of our world. But sympathy? Solidarity? For now, that's way beyond me. So I'm not going to pretend.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
The worst part is that after all of this total bullshit, we were required to write a paper of some sort for our religion class about how much more globally aware we were, and how moved we were by how hard it was to go one night sleeping on our cushy floors instead of our cushy beds and how privileged we now felt.
Global solidarity would be a great thing to have. However, spending a night, or even a week, sleeping on the floor to try and understand what those without beds feel seems insulting. I can't pretend to know how hard it is for the underprivileged in the United States, let alone around the world. This hypocrisy always got to me when I was at school during these weeks, but the irony didn't really hit until this past year. At least in my freshmen year we made some sort of effort, but by year four of GSW, it seemed to have lost it's punch. Freshmen year there was a day when we couldn't wear shoes, a day when we sat on the floor, so on and so forth. This year it was a complete joke. Two of the five days weren't even doing anything, we just went to presentations.
It makes me sad and angry that we can't even attempt to find true solidarity with each other, let alone people who have less than us. Yes, we can go through the motions and go a day without using electricity, but does that really mean we have the right to say that we have found solidarity with others? I don't think it does. I think the more important thing that I've learned from my four years of publicity stunt crap was that I can truly say that all four papers I wrote after that week? They were a bunch of lies. I talked about how humbled I felt. Seriously? I cranked those out in fifteen, twenty minutes each, easily.
On the one hand, I wish that there was a way I could be in solidarity with my fellow citizens of the world, but on the other, I can't imagine how horrible that must be, and it seems almost insulting of the people that don't have a bed to pretend that I know what that feels like.
Moral of the story, however depressing it is, is that we can't really understand these things. We understand what we go through, not what others go through. And we should concentrate on how our own experiences have shaped us so that we can have a positive influence on the experiences of others rather than pretending that we have had similar feelings.
I can feel empathy for to underprivileged of our world. But sympathy? Solidarity? For now, that's way beyond me. So I'm not going to pretend.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Here comes the sun
Woah! I did it!
What did I do? I got the internship I've been hoping for. I started thinking about it last year. And now here it is, right in front of me!
I will be working with a theatre company whose values I share. I believe they create amazing art, and now I get to be a part of it. Art is such a give and take. You can tell when someone is faking it in acting if they aren't giving anything and feeling anything. You have to be willing to empty yourself out and fill yourself out with what is most useful to your part.
I love theatre as an art form and am so thrilled that I'll be involved in it during this "gap year" that I'm taking between high school and college. Tomorrow comes a post about solidarity. A real post. OH MY GOSH!
For now though, I must go bask in my excitement and continue to fill in my friends and family.
Cheers!
-T.A.D.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
You get what you need
I had to make a really tough decision today. A decision that was (I think and hope) for the best, and the right one.
It's tough when your long term goals and your short term goals don't line up. I had to choose long term over short term today, even though short term is more fun and more exciting. But when it's not the right time for something, it's not. It's very hard when what you want and what you need are two different things. And it's hard to make the responsible choice of choosing what you need over what you want when what you want is right there in front of you.
Overall, though, I think it's good to choose what you need instead. It's different. You can choose the ice cream that you want to eat or the fruit that you know you should eat because it's healthier for you. And oh my god, what a pain in the ass choosing the healthier choice is, right? But it's better in the long run, I think. I haven't really got it all figured out yet. I wish the world were a simpler place, a world where Mick Jagger's words didn't ring quite as true. Life is messy and complicated and hard sometimes. From choices, big life changing choices, like getting married, to smaller choices, like the one I made, to small choices, like ice cream or fruit for dessert.
For now, however, knowing that I have made one good choice for now means that I get to choose ice cream today.
Dessert time!
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
It's tough when your long term goals and your short term goals don't line up. I had to choose long term over short term today, even though short term is more fun and more exciting. But when it's not the right time for something, it's not. It's very hard when what you want and what you need are two different things. And it's hard to make the responsible choice of choosing what you need over what you want when what you want is right there in front of you.
Overall, though, I think it's good to choose what you need instead. It's different. You can choose the ice cream that you want to eat or the fruit that you know you should eat because it's healthier for you. And oh my god, what a pain in the ass choosing the healthier choice is, right? But it's better in the long run, I think. I haven't really got it all figured out yet. I wish the world were a simpler place, a world where Mick Jagger's words didn't ring quite as true. Life is messy and complicated and hard sometimes. From choices, big life changing choices, like getting married, to smaller choices, like the one I made, to small choices, like ice cream or fruit for dessert.
For now, however, knowing that I have made one good choice for now means that I get to choose ice cream today.
Dessert time!
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
The song is over
And so is my day. I had hoped to write a real post today, but I truly and honestly don't have the energy. I just got done with a really intense four hour workshop and I swear I hurt EVERYWHERE. I am so physically and mentally drained, I can't even remember what I was supposed to talk about today.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Monday, August 9, 2010
I believe
Time for more poetry. This is one about some of my core beliefs. Keep in mind, normal disclaimer applies, I wrote this a fair bit of time ago, and I think I might do a rewrite in a similar style to do some compare and contrast.
For now, however, enjoy.
I believe that music
soothes the mind
ensnares the soul
and whispers to the heart.
I believe that our family
is with us from beginning to end
influences our growth
and will love us always and unconditionally
I believe that giving
should be done without thoughts
of what will be given to us in return
and is more important than receiving
I believe that our friends
help us through our sorrows
gift us with their joys
and fill our hearts with belonging
I believe that theatre
allows us to see from another's eyes
offers us an escape from reality
and grants us freedom to truly be ourselves
I believe that love
is something we can never have too much of
should not be shared, not hoarded
and should not be taken too lightly, nor given too sparingly
I believe that laughter
lightens our hearts
brings us closer to one another
masks darkness, and hides fear
I believe that words
grant us knowledge and inspiration
aid us in self-expression
and are sometimes still not enough
I believe that all of this and more
shows who I once was
makes up who I am now
and is a part of who I want to become
For now, however, enjoy.
I believe that music
soothes the mind
ensnares the soul
and whispers to the heart.
I believe that our family
is with us from beginning to end
influences our growth
and will love us always and unconditionally
I believe that giving
should be done without thoughts
of what will be given to us in return
and is more important than receiving
I believe that our friends
help us through our sorrows
gift us with their joys
and fill our hearts with belonging
I believe that theatre
allows us to see from another's eyes
offers us an escape from reality
and grants us freedom to truly be ourselves
I believe that love
is something we can never have too much of
should not be shared, not hoarded
and should not be taken too lightly, nor given too sparingly
I believe that laughter
lightens our hearts
brings us closer to one another
masks darkness, and hides fear
I believe that words
grant us knowledge and inspiration
aid us in self-expression
and are sometimes still not enough
I believe that all of this and more
shows who I once was
makes up who I am now
and is a part of who I want to become
Oh dear how cliche some of this (most of this) is.
Hopefully my rewrite will be more interesting. Sorry about the odd font screwup.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Raging
GAR. For some reason the HTML is messing up my post for today and I'm going to bed. I suppose you'll get my real post tomorrow. Sorry!
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Grey Gardens
Well, Patrick over at SBP asked me to do a guest post for him since he'll be off on a long cruise with no internet access. I would say check out his blog next Saturday to read it, but honestly it's late enough and I'm tired enough that I don't really feel like writing a second post in one day. Therefore, I will give you a sneak peek at Patrick's post for sometime next week and let you read it now. Hopefully once he gets back, I'll have him guest post here and you'll get to e-meet him. Yay!
This past year, I wrote an essay on an interesting topic. I wasn't particularly happy with the piece, since it was a last minute one, but I think I touched on an interesting topic. I entitled the essay "Shades of Grey." The world isn't black and white. People think in extremes too much. Good and bad. Right and wrong. For and against. But in order to truly experience the world around us, I believe we have to look at the world not from these extremes, but from a midpoint. The problem is, society as a whole teaches us the opposite. If someone isn't right, they're wrong, and there isn't any way around that. The thing is, I think that's false. I think that the world is more complicated than that.
I think that murderers aren't always bad people. I think that you can't argue with someone properly without being able to look at it from their point of view. Hell, that's part of what allows P.I. and I to get along so well. Just because I'm an atheist doesn't meant that I can't get along with people who have strong convictions in their faith. It's easier to believe that things are simple. It's easier to shut your eyes and mouth and think of people as evil if you have to kill them. We aren't fighting people in wars, they're collateral damage. The truth, however, is much more complicated and much less pretty. Every "bad guy" has a mother. Has some sort of family. We see villains in movies and read about them in books and they are evil. They want power or money. Sometimes we can feel sympathy for them. A well-written villain should be someone we can feel sympathy for. Someone we can even mourn.
Good and evil are just the tip of the extremity iceberg. Even more important is wrong and right. You can be wrong and right. You can be both. You should be both. If we go through our lives thinking only in terms of this versus that, we can't begin to ponder the important questions: who am I, what am I doing, do I have a purpose, if so what. Anyhow. I think that's enough pondering. I hope you've been interested.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
This past year, I wrote an essay on an interesting topic. I wasn't particularly happy with the piece, since it was a last minute one, but I think I touched on an interesting topic. I entitled the essay "Shades of Grey." The world isn't black and white. People think in extremes too much. Good and bad. Right and wrong. For and against. But in order to truly experience the world around us, I believe we have to look at the world not from these extremes, but from a midpoint. The problem is, society as a whole teaches us the opposite. If someone isn't right, they're wrong, and there isn't any way around that. The thing is, I think that's false. I think that the world is more complicated than that.
I think that murderers aren't always bad people. I think that you can't argue with someone properly without being able to look at it from their point of view. Hell, that's part of what allows P.I. and I to get along so well. Just because I'm an atheist doesn't meant that I can't get along with people who have strong convictions in their faith. It's easier to believe that things are simple. It's easier to shut your eyes and mouth and think of people as evil if you have to kill them. We aren't fighting people in wars, they're collateral damage. The truth, however, is much more complicated and much less pretty. Every "bad guy" has a mother. Has some sort of family. We see villains in movies and read about them in books and they are evil. They want power or money. Sometimes we can feel sympathy for them. A well-written villain should be someone we can feel sympathy for. Someone we can even mourn.
Good and evil are just the tip of the extremity iceberg. Even more important is wrong and right. You can be wrong and right. You can be both. You should be both. If we go through our lives thinking only in terms of this versus that, we can't begin to ponder the important questions: who am I, what am I doing, do I have a purpose, if so what. Anyhow. I think that's enough pondering. I hope you've been interested.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Fight for all the wrong reasons
Firstly, I am proud to inform you that today marks the two month birthday of this blog. For you readers who have been with me since my introductory post, thank you. For you readers who have stumbled upon Business as Usual a little more recently, thank you. Huzzah for readers!
Today's post is going to be pretty short, since I'm going to see a friend of mine star in a production of Hair.
Science and religion. Wow do those two have a violent history. Science and religion always seem to be butting heads despite the fact that they both (to a certain extent) aim to do the same thing: answer questions about how and why we exist. You can argue that religion disproves scientific theories, that science disproves religious theories, or even that science and religion compliment each other.
I think people in both sides of the argument are so attached to the notion, the desire, of needing to be the right one, that they can't look at the others opinions well enough. I mean, the fact is, history proves that the Bible was not written by one person at the same time. But that doesn't mean that it has to prove that biblical teachings or events are false. I know that I'm biased in this argument due to the fact that I am an atheist and therefore I am a non-religious person, but I am spiritual, so I'm not a complete science worshiper. If science and religion worked together to answer some questions, I think the results would be magnificent. I mean, scientists and religious scholars are some of the smartest people out there. Imagine the potential that the two groups have if they put aside their differences. Science answers the how. Religion answers the why.
At least, that's what I've heard, and it makes sense to a certain extent.
I know it would be difficult, if not impossible, but I think a synergy between science and religion could be really powerful and wonderful. I don't see a reason for the two to be archenemies.
On that note, I must go have dinner now.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Today's post is going to be pretty short, since I'm going to see a friend of mine star in a production of Hair.
Science and religion. Wow do those two have a violent history. Science and religion always seem to be butting heads despite the fact that they both (to a certain extent) aim to do the same thing: answer questions about how and why we exist. You can argue that religion disproves scientific theories, that science disproves religious theories, or even that science and religion compliment each other.
I think people in both sides of the argument are so attached to the notion, the desire, of needing to be the right one, that they can't look at the others opinions well enough. I mean, the fact is, history proves that the Bible was not written by one person at the same time. But that doesn't mean that it has to prove that biblical teachings or events are false. I know that I'm biased in this argument due to the fact that I am an atheist and therefore I am a non-religious person, but I am spiritual, so I'm not a complete science worshiper. If science and religion worked together to answer some questions, I think the results would be magnificent. I mean, scientists and religious scholars are some of the smartest people out there. Imagine the potential that the two groups have if they put aside their differences. Science answers the how. Religion answers the why.
At least, that's what I've heard, and it makes sense to a certain extent.
I know it would be difficult, if not impossible, but I think a synergy between science and religion could be really powerful and wonderful. I don't see a reason for the two to be archenemies.
On that note, I must go have dinner now.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Express yourself
While I've said this before, I think it's worth rephrasing. We spend too much time thinking about what other people think of us and not enough of what we think of ourselves.
Being our own person means being the person we want to be, not the one someone else wants us to be. When we're little kids we go by what our parents want us to be. When we get a bit older people tend to either go by the opposite of what our parents want or by what our friends want. Everyone does this. But I think if we really want to make a change in the world, we have to concentrate on what and who we want to be.
I wish I were in a place where I could say how that's possible, but I'm really not. In some ways I try to follow my own desires and expectations for ourselves, but over and over I find myself following the expectations of others. Friends, family, bosses, peers, teachers. It's hard to let go of the desire to please. We are always trying to please those around us. I'm not saying that pleasing people is wrong. I mean, if we just did what we wanted to do and weren't cautious with the needs of people around us, we would just be assholes. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is a really fine line between being our own person and being an asshole and being a pushover. A fine line between all three of those things. In the middle is being our own person and we have to try not to fall on one of the other two sides.
So express yourself. Try being yourself, really yourself, for a change, rather than being who we think others should perceive us as.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Being our own person means being the person we want to be, not the one someone else wants us to be. When we're little kids we go by what our parents want us to be. When we get a bit older people tend to either go by the opposite of what our parents want or by what our friends want. Everyone does this. But I think if we really want to make a change in the world, we have to concentrate on what and who we want to be.
I wish I were in a place where I could say how that's possible, but I'm really not. In some ways I try to follow my own desires and expectations for ourselves, but over and over I find myself following the expectations of others. Friends, family, bosses, peers, teachers. It's hard to let go of the desire to please. We are always trying to please those around us. I'm not saying that pleasing people is wrong. I mean, if we just did what we wanted to do and weren't cautious with the needs of people around us, we would just be assholes. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there is a really fine line between being our own person and being an asshole and being a pushover. A fine line between all three of those things. In the middle is being our own person and we have to try not to fall on one of the other two sides.
So express yourself. Try being yourself, really yourself, for a change, rather than being who we think others should perceive us as.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
On the radio
While I do proud myself on the music I listen to and the wide variety of genres I enjoy, there are several things in the music world that I cannot stand. One of these things is people who get snotty about their music the minute it becomes "popular."
I understand the feeling of betrayal and distress when you find out that one of your favorite small bands has just sold out by popping out a song or two for a soundtrack. I've felt it myself. But that shouldn't take away from the music that the band has made. Some people get too caught up in how mainstream music is, whether they only like mainstream, or they can't stand any band that's gotten a tune on the radio.
I get really exasperated with people who are like that. I don't like the whole attitude that something is good just because no one has heard of it, or that something is good because everyone has heard of it. I think it's insulting, quite frankly. People should pick what they like to listen to based on what they like listening to, not based on how popular it is or isn't.
I know today's post is short, but there's only so much I can whine about before I start to bore you.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
I understand the feeling of betrayal and distress when you find out that one of your favorite small bands has just sold out by popping out a song or two for a soundtrack. I've felt it myself. But that shouldn't take away from the music that the band has made. Some people get too caught up in how mainstream music is, whether they only like mainstream, or they can't stand any band that's gotten a tune on the radio.
I get really exasperated with people who are like that. I don't like the whole attitude that something is good just because no one has heard of it, or that something is good because everyone has heard of it. I think it's insulting, quite frankly. People should pick what they like to listen to based on what they like listening to, not based on how popular it is or isn't.
I know today's post is short, but there's only so much I can whine about before I start to bore you.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Airplane
Ah, today I get the joy of a long airplane ride back home.
Luckily, it is a nonstop flight, which means I can conk out and just sleep with the help of my (prescribed) meds. YAY!
As I said yesterday, I have mixed feelings about going back home. I have some fun stuff coming up in this month, but I really don't want to leave my family. I love spending time with them. Though, to be fair, there are people back home who I have really missed during this vacation.
So, I'll share some events that are coming up now in the chance that I talk about them later without mentioning the basic premise. That way you can (attempt) to follow my train of thought.
Well, work is going to be pretty busy, and I'm going to be cookie wench of the month. We have several large cookie orders. Next week I'm doing a week long Suzuki intensive, which will be AWESOME. Hopefully I'll start to talk more specifically with some people about getting an internship at one of my favorite theatre companies this season.
I suppose that's it for now. I'm posting early because our flight won't get in til late tomorrow. Starting tomorrow real posts come.
Cheers,
T.A.D.
Luckily, it is a nonstop flight, which means I can conk out and just sleep with the help of my (prescribed) meds. YAY!
As I said yesterday, I have mixed feelings about going back home. I have some fun stuff coming up in this month, but I really don't want to leave my family. I love spending time with them. Though, to be fair, there are people back home who I have really missed during this vacation.
So, I'll share some events that are coming up now in the chance that I talk about them later without mentioning the basic premise. That way you can (attempt) to follow my train of thought.
Well, work is going to be pretty busy, and I'm going to be cookie wench of the month. We have several large cookie orders. Next week I'm doing a week long Suzuki intensive, which will be AWESOME. Hopefully I'll start to talk more specifically with some people about getting an internship at one of my favorite theatre companies this season.
I suppose that's it for now. I'm posting early because our flight won't get in til late tomorrow. Starting tomorrow real posts come.
Cheers,
T.A.D.
Monday, August 2, 2010
The end
Well, tomorrow is Tuesday and I leave New Jersey to go back home. I've had a wonderful vacation, and today was especially wonderful since I first saw some cousins who I rarely get to see and then went to NYC with my uncle for a night on the town.
I love my family and it's hard living so far away from them. I mean, it's not like they all live in one state, but at least they aren't the entire country away from each other. I love my home though too. I love where I live. It's beautiful and wonderful and I don't want to leave it, so I end up feeling very torn. I wish I lived closer to my family, but of course I want to live where I live.
I think this entire paradox has been made much more emotional by the fact that I'm completely sleep deprived. Plus I think I got sunburned and my feet hurt a lot. Now I'm just whining, which means it's really time to say goodbye.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Movie theme
Today I saw Inception. I thoroughly enjoyed it too. But I don't want to talk about that today. I want to talk about something I noticed while watching the movie. I have always been a fan of movie scores, and I think that the music that accompanies some of my favorite films is almost as wonderful as the films themselves. I don't think the background music to movies is really appreciated as much as it should be and deserves to be.
Music sets the mood for the movie. The music of the scene tells us what to feel, and gives us information about what we are seeing or will see. I noticed the music in Inception, hence the sudden interest. I have several different scores from movies. I have the soundtracks to all three Lord of the Rings for a start. I love listening to this music later and being able to close my eyes and see the scene in which the music played in my imagination.
I will return tomorrow, but for now I'll be off to watch Magnum Force, which, for those of you who don't know, is the second of the Dirty Harry movies.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
Music sets the mood for the movie. The music of the scene tells us what to feel, and gives us information about what we are seeing or will see. I noticed the music in Inception, hence the sudden interest. I have several different scores from movies. I have the soundtracks to all three Lord of the Rings for a start. I love listening to this music later and being able to close my eyes and see the scene in which the music played in my imagination.
I will return tomorrow, but for now I'll be off to watch Magnum Force, which, for those of you who don't know, is the second of the Dirty Harry movies.
Cheers,
-T.A.D.
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