Blog Archives - The Land of the Weird

The Land of the Weird

Patriotism [controversial]

1/31/2018

I stand for the National Anthem (even though I'm not a real fan of our choice--why not "America the Beautiful"? It's easier to sing and doesn't have those wacky later verses that "The Star Spangled Banner" has--seriously, they are wacky). For that matter, I belt it out, sometimes getting looks from the people around me. I stand for the Pledge of Allegiance with my hand over my heart and say it as though performing a dramatic reading. It is my choice to do so, and I feel that doing so is a way for me to show my respect for the country that I love and for the brave women and men who have risked everything to protect it.

That said, I cringe every time someone complains about someone else not standing. Every time I hear other people voicing their concerns of their fellow citizens' patriotism, I hear echoes of Mccarthyism, or worse. Totalitarian regimes tout patriotism. They put massive pictures of their leaders out on display and force their populations to salute them as they walk by. People are punished for not showing enough patriotism, and a secret police force is sent out to enforce that punishment.

It is my choice to stand, and I do not see my choice in that matter changing. However, if people are going to say that we don't have a choice in the matter, then my decision to stand no longer means anything. Conformity out of requirement does not show love for this country any more than if a person forced his spouse to kiss him when he has been abusive.

Don't belittle my choice by forcing patriotism on others.

Super Blue Blood Moon Eclipse

1/30/2018

I'm heading to bed in just a little bit. My plan is to wake up around 4:30 to catch the last half of tonight's lunar eclipse. So far, it looks like we should have a clear (or mostly clear) night for viewing.

Because of its location on its orbit, the moon is going to look bigger than normal during this full lunar eclipse. Because of the tilt of the Earth, we will be able to see the entire progression of the eclipse here in Alaska--should we want to get up early enough and stay up long enough to do so. Considering the path that the moon seems to take across the sky and the position of the windows in our living room, we can see most of this event while comfortably indoors (although I will likely step out into the cold night air to get the full effect).

I don't know why astronomical (or lunar) phenomena fascinate me so much. I've seen plenty of pictures and videos of lunar and solar eclipses, but there is something special about seeing it in person--even if it means waking up early to do so. I just need to make certain I get enough rest before hand.

Fighting Illness

1/29/2018

As of yet, I do not believe that I am sick. However, my body is certainly fighting something (or somethings) off this past week. In particular, I've been finding it more difficult to sleep this past week (although I still cast some blame on the new bottom pillow), have had a mildly runny nose, and the occasional (and mild) sore throat.

Quite a few students of mine have been sick. Some have missed a significant amount of school already this semester. Others have come in, obviously miserable, so that they do not fall behind. Thankfully, the numbers are fairly low so far.

Unfortunately, my home environment might not be so safe as Rowen just spiked a temperature this evening after a few days of complaining that he doesn't feel well. Especially considering the number of family and friends who have been hit hard by the crud this season, I would really like it to pass me by. For those of you affected, I hope you get well soon (i.e. before you can pass it on to me).

Fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

1/28/2018

Today's second reading bothers me. Even as our priest put it into Biblical and historical context, I still found myself wondering about the actual truth behind it. In short, the reading has Paul, the Apostle, writing to the Corinthians about how marriage makes people less capable of serving God because they are anxious about pleasing their spouse. Meanwhile, unmarried persons do not have that distraction and thus can fully focus on God.

I know that this reading is one of the foundational arguments for Catholic priests to remain celibate, and I find it either flawed or lacking context. In my personal experience, my wife has actually helped me be closer to God. As a partner in life, she has helped focus my belief, and has helped to steer me back when I stray.

Now, I am not saying that such is true for all marriages, certainly there are some relationships which detract one's faith or beliefs. Perhaps it was those sorts of relationships that Paul was referencing. However, I certainly know many people who develop a stronger faith because of their marriage, not in spite of it. I am certainly grateful to be in one of those marriages.

Stranger Things

1/27/2018

This Netflix series is certainly worth watching even if it delves a little more into the horror side of sci-fi than I generally like. Janelle and I finished watching season two last night (technically, this morning) because we kept needing to see what would happen next. That said, it was not the plot that had us at the edge of our seats so much as the characters.

I am astounded by most of the actors on this show. I can't think of another show where I have come to care for so much for a group of people in a relatively short time. While the writing is certainly a part of this, the performances really put it over the top.

I think that I might connect so well with the show as I would have been roughly the same age as the characters. Although the 80s depicted on the show is slightly different than the 80s I lived through, I definitely was hit with waves of nostalgia as I watched. I could certainly see myself being friends with the main characters--that is, if I had friends at that point in my life.

My only complaint is the level of horror and violence in some of the episodes. I know it would not have been as impactful without them, but I would have liked to share the show with my children. I suppose this just gives us an excuse to watch it again in a few years.

Another Watch Broken

1/26/2018

I liked the watch that I've had for the past four years. It was both digital and analog (although the analog part broke down a while ago) and was easy to read. My favorite part was the cuff with the watch band. I reminded me of Nathan Drake's watch from the Uncharted video game series; although, my watch cuff was not quite as wide.

Unfortunately, I got what a paid for. Janelle already had to replace and stitch up a strap that broke. Unfortunately, it has now passed that point of repair. I am temporarily using tape to hold the thing together while I search for a replacement.

One issue is that the cuff has spoiled me. I like not having the watch directly touch my skin. I also found the leather (or leather-ish) band quite comfortable.

Another issue is that I want a watch that is easy to use and read. So many watches out there are unnecessarily complicated in both design and function. I also do not like the thick watch trend that seems to be the norm.

It would be nice to have one that has digital features (or at least date as well as time), but a steampunk vibe. It would be nice if it could last a while too. I know the right one is out there. I just have to keep looking.

Downloadable Content (DLC)

1/25/2018

I still have mixed feelings about DLCs. For those who do not know, DLC is extra content that is usually sold separately for an otherwise complete game. Often it includes things such as goofy costumes for the characters, extra levels to extend the gameplay, new characters to play, or more story. Often, it feels like it is content that should have been included in the original game, but was kept out to make the developer more money. In some occasions, it truly makes a great game even better.

The Breath of the Wild's DLC falls into both categories. I both feel that the game should have included most of the DLC content from the start AND that I'm glad that it came out later to give me an excuse to dive back into the game. The same is true for Horizon: Zero Dawn. It's DLC was absolutely amazing and certainly added to my love of the game; however, it felt like it should have been part of the game from the start (although, I feel that its quests were better than the quests from the main game). Now that I think about it, I haven't even finished Skyrim's Dragonborne DLC; however, I bought that as part of a packaged whole with the game. Nor have I played the DLC from The Last of Us--even though that's been high on my list.

Meanwhile, Starcraft II--which is one of my longest played games--charges entirely too much for its DLC of guest voices, vehicle skins, and (what really burns me) co-op commanders. I play the co-op game with Trevor with the commanders that have been unlocked so far, but I find the price of the "locked" commanders outrageous considering the limited play options of the co-op portion of the game. One thing that I liked about Overwatch (although I have kept to my cold-turkey stop on that game) is that all DLC was either completely free or part of unlockable challenges (although people could opt to pay extra for chances at special cosmetic changes to the game).

I know that the video game business is, in the end, a business and that they will continually look for new ways to monetize. I suppose that I can chose to show my support or lack of it through the voting power of my wallet.

Conspiracy [controversial]

1/24/2018

It is pretty clear at this point that Russia has been sending fake news to social media sites in the U.S. They have not targeted just one group of people or political party in doing so, but have created clickbait stories and memes which are designed to capture the attention of a variety of viewers and polarize an already divided country. You've probably seen them. They usually include a picture of a political leader in the middle of a yell, yawn, or otherwise unflattering expression followed by a claim taken out of context or full of hyperbole about a policy or idea that you hate.

Of course this person is terrible, you think. I mean, look at them! And thus we sink to the one of the lowest human qualities of judging based off of appearance.

Now, this does not mean that people with different political beliefs than yours have not said things that you don't agree with, or might even make your blood boil. However, what these memes and stories do is exaggerate (and exacerbate) the situation to ensure that communication, compromise, and cooperation are off the table. They are DESIGNED to do this.

How do you take down the greatest country in the world--the country with the largest economy, the largest army, and the largest impact on global culture? You get its citizens to do it for you. You make it look like the gulf between them is insurmountable. And you wait.

This is not a crackpot conspiracy theory. The Russians have been caught (pardon the expression) red-handed. Beware then if you read posts that make you believe that other Americans are the enemy, that lead you to dehumanize them, or that outright insult them. When you pass those ideas on, you are playing right into the Russians' hands.

The solution? When you come across information that makes your blood boil, think of your response like the Force. Luke asks, "But how am I to know the good side from the bad?" Yoda answers, "You will know ... when you are calm, at peace, passive. A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defence, NEVER for attack."

We are great when we work together, even when we argue. As Lincoln warned when he quoted from scripture, "A house divided against itself cannot stand."

Snow!

1/23/2018

Now, one would think that having a 7.9 earthquake roll its way up from about 300 miles south of where I live and trigger tsunami warnings in nearby areas would warrant my full attention today, but no ... it snowed! Although only a couple of inches, this was only the fourth time this snow season that the snowfall was significant enough to have me out shoveling the drive. The amazing part was that, for me, this snowfall was completely unexpected.

Our weather service only had a 20% chance of snow for today, but we awoke to the sky filled with beautiful, fluffy flakes and at least an inch already on the ground. Despite predictions that the precipitation would switch to sunny skies, the snow lazily persisted through most of the day. Even after shoveling while it was still light and before Cub Scouts, the snow was still accumulating despite my weather app saying that there was no snow at that moment or projected into the future.

This snow lightens my heart. We are supposed to have a significant temperature drop tomorrow and Thursday, with subzero temperatures starting tonight. On Thursday, our projected high temperature is zero degrees Fahrenheit. Especially with a cold snap like that, I want to see a nice covering of snow on the ground. Thankfully, my prayer was answered.

Oh, and there was an earthquake in the middle of the night. How weird is that?

Procrastination

1/22/2018

Why is it so difficult for me to work on projects (whether for home, work, or school) unless I am facing a rapidly approaching deadline? My mind seems to calculate the amount of time that the work would require and puts up mental roadblocks until I reach that time. I can skirt the edges of the project, like putting together the sides of puzzle, but can't seem to make any significant headway on the main body of work until the deadline is looming over me.

This has really been the case with my Walden class this term. There were a few occasions when I got my work done early--particularly when I knew I would be unavailable on the day of the deadline. However, in most cases, I only get to work on the assignments on the night that they are due, often slipping in just before the deadline hit (which is 10pm in most cases).

This mentality won't cut it if I want to accomplish anything worthwhile with my dissertation.

Third Sunday in Ordinary Time

1/21/2018

Jesus says that the Kingdom of God is at hand. He doesn't say that it's in some distant future. He doesn't say that it is up in heaven. He says it's at hand: here, now. You can reach out and touch it.

We live in the Kingdom of God. We are its citizens, and we rely on our Lord's generosity, for we certainly haven't fulfilled our obligations. Jesus calls us to repent, which so many mistake as meaning "apologize." Literally, it means to rethink. We need to reconsider our actions and where they have led us. We need to examine our thoughts and our actions to see if there are better paths that we can take.

Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand. It is time to examine our lives and see how we can better serve our God and each other in the here-and-now. Our King is watching over us, protecting us from forces we cannot comprehend, we need to make certain that our actions are not making that job more difficult.

Workout

1/20/2018

I have not had a deliberate workout for several months—not since October when I injured my back. My physical condition has certainly shown that lack. I keep wanting to get back into a good practice, but our schedule, unexpected events, and just laziness on my part keep getting in the way.

At Connor’s insistence, we did a relatively easy workout today. Despite stretching before and after, I can already tell that I will be sore tomorrow. By about halfway through, I felt like my head was going to explode. I could tell Connor was concerned because he kept asking if we should just stop where we were. It took a while for my headache to go away. If anything, this just proved that I have slipped entirely too far out of shape.

Hopefully, I can get up to Skyview at least a few days this week and workout with some of my workout partners up there. One way or another, I need to get into better shape.

Astounded

1/19/2018

Does the Internet amaze anyone else? From the point that I first hooked up to high speed Internet to now, I have yet to search for a topic online and failed to find something on it. More specifically, if I need to see a demonstration of how to do something, I have always found a video that helps me through it.

This has included setting up the ten-year old heater in our garage, installing specific computer components, fixing various plumbing issues, realigning a PS2's DVD drive, and even repairing our vacuum cleaner when its drive toggle fell out. However, it goes beyond the realm of the useful. Stuck on a specific part of an obscure video game? There's a video of someone working through it. Want to see who would win in a fight between Batman and Darth Vader? There's a video on that too (and fairly well done, although I prefer the alternative ending). The construction of a Klingon battle cruiser? It's there. How to build a sword like Cloud's from Final Fantasy VII? Yep. The wide variety of what is available is staggering.

Now, there is some crazy stuff out there too. There are realms on the Internet, much like some parts of the world, where I hope that I never find myself. There are some aspects of humanity that I do not need to see.

Still, the vast amounts of creative ingenuity found on the Internet provides me with hope for humanity as well.

Backwards Upgrades

1/18/2018

The news that Apple's recent update deliberately slows their older phone models made its splash in social media, but did not really come as much of a surprise. Most computer users already know about similar features in other operating systems. I know several people who regularly wipe their hard drives and reinstall Windows due to some of its code that is made to slow things down over time (although that's not an advertised function).

This makes sense from a business perspective: forced obsolescence. This tactic forces people to continually buy newer and newer electronic gizmos as their older ones seem to grind to a halt. I've always been bothered that a number of my favorite computer games from my college years can no longer be played on modern computers. It frustrates me that I keep getting updates that reduce the functionality of programs that I liked.

One of the more frustrating ones is Netflix for the Wii U. Originally, the Netflix app showed the program you wanted to watch on the main screen while the controller's second screen had information about the program, playback controls, and a bar that showed the program's progress. There was an option to switch the screens, if you wanted to just use the controller. However, once the Nintendo Switch was announced a new "update" came in for Netflix on the Wii U that removed the information screen and simply made the controller screen mirror whatever is on the main television. After all, Nintendo didn't want people to realize that their older system actually had more functionality than their newer one (which doesn't have a second screen).

I am tired of people working to make things worse simply for the sake of profit (and maybe for their own twisted enjoyment). Thankfully, there are still people (and companies) out there that are trying to make things better too.