Blog Archives - The Land of the Weird

The Land of the Weird

Railroads

11/16/2018

I've long been in love with trains. When I was young, my father had a electric railroad table in the basement which we would use from time to time. I always look forward to seeing the large-scale sets in museums and special collections. Westerns with train heists are some of my favorites to watch. Ticket To Ride has become one of my favorite board games.

Oddly, I've only been on a train a few times in my life, and most of those times have been in amusement parks. The only time I remember riding a "real" train was when one of our family cars broke down and Dad and I took the train from Chicago to Jackson to get the other one. I plan on sometime soon taking the Alaskan train, but my real goal is to take a ride all around America.

This is on my mind lately because my history classes have been learning about the transcontinental railroad and its impact on America. It really did change life in the United States. By cutting travel time and costs, it spurred an avalanche of settlers to build new lives in the Plains and the West. It also brought about the near extinction of the American bison and the people who depended upon them.

My more fanciful side wonders if the railroad actually had something to do with the decline of magic. By binding the Earth in beams of steel, and criss-crossing ley lines with telegraph wires that burned with electrical pulses, did humans somehow tame the mystical energies as well? Surely there is a power that can be felt along the railroads of our nation and our world. Is this resonating thrum due to its containment of a more ancient power?

Is that what draws me to railroads?

[Sorry if this post seemed to go off the rails.]

Mean Streak

11/15/2018

Today I was told that I am a "mean" person. At the time, I was giving needed criticism about study habits with what I thought was a humorous tone. Reexamining what I said, my tone, and the way I was expressing myself, I realised how one could interpret my voice and message as mean. However, being me, rather than apologizing, I doubled-down on persona in a cartoonishly villain sort of way. The effect seemed to work this time as the tension which had built suddenly dissolved.

I was not as fortunate the other day. Rather than cutting the tension, my over-the-top attitude only spiralled. It didn't help that I was feeling pretty miserable and did not have the deft handling necessary for that type of balancing act.

Unfortunately, I am probably not as capable of dealing with edgy humor as I think I am. More than once, friends and colleagues (and both in one) have come to me days (even weeks) after a conversation with the opening "I was SO mad at you the other day, but when I calmed down to think about what you said ..." I usually don't even remember the actual conversation except in its broadest strokes. I certainly don't remember being so mean that I would bring about anger.

I realize that this streak of meanness and dark humor has been a part of my personality for ... well ... ever. A portion of it was built out of self-defence. My relatives on both sides have always been quick-witted and keen-tongued. Conversations could often take on the feeling of fencing matches, with each side looking for a verbal weakness to strike. This has left me in the perpetual habit of being en garde in any situation.

Some of it is that I tend to say what I think is funny without full consideration of the situation or the people involved. Indeed, this has put me into a number of awkward scenes in the past from which I hope that I have learned. Still, there are times that I only realize that a person might have taken a comment in a mean way only after seeing their reaction (or when told later).

Sadly, not all mean comments of mine are unintentional. Although I have really tried to work on this aspect of my personality, I sometimes go for the "killing strike" in my wordplay when I am particularly aggravated or even hurt. I was recently "unfriended" due to such an exchange with a former mentor of mine. Thankfully, these times are much fewer as I can usually tell when I am not striving for wit but too wound.

Certainly, I still need to work on this.

Building Calluses

11/14/2018

It's that time of year when my guitar and Christmas music come out for regular practice. Although I play my guitar on occasion throughout the year, it is during the upcoming Christmas season that it really sees the most use. We have a children's choir coming up this Sunday, so I've been practicing for that as well. However, once Thanksgiving passes, the Christmas music comes out and my fingers get a workout.

I actually enjoy the feel of my fingers once the calluses start to form. It certainly makes holding the chords easier. Until I get a nice layer of protection, playing for any length of time in quite uncomfortable. I kind of wish that I could develop a similar sort of padding for my arm and shoulder as playing for a while really starts to wear them out.

The discomfort is worth it in the end. My boys love singing along with many of my Christmas songs--especially "The Kidnapping of Santa Claus." It's also fun to play in the halls during the last day of school before break. Although my guitar skills are rather meager, most of the students seem to appreciate the music.

However, before I can play for that length of time, I need for my fingers to build up their natural protection.

Hacking Away

11/13/2018

I wish this meant that I knew how to program computers, but I don't. Rather, it seems that I'm attempting to keep my throat in as raw of a form as possible. The near continual tickle in the back of my throat has resulted in coughing spasms that don't feel productive but that I can't seem to bring under control.

So far, it feels like it is just a cold. While it started with a pain in my upper respiratory system, it has largely settled in my throat and lower sinuses. With the coughing added in, my throat has not had a chance to heal.

Considering that I'm practicing with the children's choir tomorrow and we are performing on Sunday, I certainly hope that this clears up quickly. I've been using a combination of Emergen C Immune Plus, Zicam, and oil of oregano since I noticed the first symptom. I believe this has made this virus less potent and hopefully shorter lived.

At least I've mostly functional and not reduced to the pitfull state that the man-flu can bring.

100 Years

11/12/2018

Yesterday was the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The war to end all wars left an indelible legacy on humanity. Many scholars view it as a turning point in world history. While technology and civilization seemed to be heading towards that kind of massive conflict for some time, the reality of it changed the way that people looked at the world and their part in it.

While celebrated in many countries around the world as Armistice Day, the U.S. changed the celebration after the Korean War to honor all veterans. Memorial Day, which has its origins after the Civil War, honors those who have given up their lives in the service of our country. Veterans' Day honors all veterans who have served.

We can do more for our veterans. There are still too many horror stories about veterans having difficulty getting the treatment that they need. Too many veterans are neglected and alone. As a nation, we owe it to them to do better than we have. They deserve it.

The Thirty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time

11/11/2018

Our First Reading, Gospel, and homily today all focused on the fact that God provides for us, not just what we need, but everything. When we feel that we cannot go on or that our reserves are depleted, God gives us the resources to continue doing good works. Sometimes this is inner strength and sometimes it’s external support.

Too often do I try to rely on my own strength, my own talents, to get through my day. Inevitably, this leaves me sore, depleted, and alone. When I feel this way, I can choose to wallow in my self pity or seek the strength and love that is there. He’s there, waiting for me to ask.

Divided We Stand [political]

11/10/2018

I like a bit of gridlock when it comes to my government. When governments are run by a single party, they tend to push forward radical agendas without compromise or debate. It's usually extreme, almost rabid, factions of the party that push the hardest and farthest in these situations.

When the parties are forced to talk with one another, debate, and perhaps even compromise, it seems that the government moves forward on items that the majority of the governed can agree on while axing down the more revolutionary elements. I believe that discussion and negotiation (as well as transparency) are the hallmarks of a healthy nation. I worry when any single political party dominates the branches of government and squashes debate.

The thing is, I think we need to talk our problems out. There has been a great deal of name-calling and abuse that has built up walls around various ideologies and people. I feel that the past few elections have shown that Americans are a diverse people with passionate opinions who feel that their voices are not being heard (which has led to more yelling and screaming).

The foundation of love is understanding, and right now we are not making an effort to understand each other. This does not mean accepting vile or abusive behavior or even stances that go against our moral beliefs. Rather, it means taking the time to listen, to discuss, and to learn from one another.

And if you don't agree with that, then I'm not talking to you anymore ...

Chicago - The High School Version

11/9/2018

Trevor and his fellow cast and crew have been hard at work for the past couple of months, getting ready for this week's performances. Their effort certainly paid off. The actors and crew did an excellent job.

Tonight's performance demonstrated a full list of theatrical talents. There were multiple costumes for the various actors, show stopping performances, intricate dance numbers, complex vocals, dynamic acting (especially the number with the "dummy" and "puppets"), adaptive set pieces (including dancing mirrors), expressive lighting, and a wonderful pit. All combined to make a great experience.

The audience was also quite appreciative, laughing and applauding at the right moments as though on que. Rowen was surprisingly more interested in the musical than I expected, even laughing at a number of the humorous sections of the play. However, he was most excited every time that he noticed Trevor was on stage, and was certain to point him out each time he noticed.

I think that Chicago was an excellent choice. Not only did it demonstrate the strong talents within our students, but it resonates with our society today. We live in an age of razzle dazzle, where many people are more interested in image and entertainment than truth.

There's one more show: tomorrow at 6 pm. I feel that it's certainly worth the $12 admission.

Snow!

11/8/2018

My yard saw its first snow accumulation of the season yesterday evening. It was not much more than a thick dusting, and it happened so quickly that I didn't even see the snow fall. However, it stayed throughout the day.

Our dogs are nearly as excited as we are about it. Lately, with the temperatures lower, they have been anxiously waiting for us to let them back in within minutes of being let out. That changed with the snow. They were romping around through it with wild abandon, refusing to come in when initially called.

Thankfully, this first snow did not lead to bad drivers on the multiple times that I had to take to the roads as part of my taxi service for the boys. People were neither driving too recklessly nor too timidly. Granted, the main roads were mostly clear, with only a few slick spots, by this afternoon.

The forecast is saying that we will have rain the next few days. I'm hoping that it turns out to be fluffy frozen flakes instead. I even started wearing my snow sweaters to demonstrate my support of snow.

Elantris and Warbreaker

11/7/2018

As I continued on my trek through the writings of Brandon Sanderson, I read two of his standalone books which are part of his overarching Cosmere.
The first, Elantris, was Sanderson's first published novel. As such, it lacks much of the polish of his later works, but it still tells an interesting story with a well-defined magic system, plenty of plot twists, and protagonists worth rooting for. One of the main characters is in continual physical pain, a fact which made reading the story difficult while I was trying to escape the pain in my shoulder--which went away soon after I finished the book ...

The second, Warbreaker, should probably be read before reading the second (or at least third) book in the Stormlight Archive series. I now want to revisit those books to see if I can understand how the books connect. Like his other works, Warbreaker has its own separate world and system of magic--this one reminding me almost like a system used in a video game or tabletop role-playing game. However, somehow, there is a connection between its world and the world of the Stormlight Archives (which is still my favorite series).

Having read so many books by the same author in such a short period of time, I have noticed certain patterns in the worlds, plots, and characters. I actually predicted the main twist in Warbreaker not so much because of the clues in the story, but because it followed his style of writing. Still, I'm nearing the end of this particular universe of writing (at least until he publishes more in it), and I am feeling a bit melancholy at the prospect.

I might have to read something by a different author for a while ...

Election Day 2018

11/6/2018

I'm still waiting on the results for Alaska's elections, but I have watched with interest as the other states have started reporting in this year's decisions. This has been a contentious election cycle, and I am certain that the next few years will also see controversy and division. However, I want to take a moment and recognize the diligence and determination that so many people (who are often unrecognized) have shown.

I am impressed with the number of dedicated people who have devoted themselves to their respective causes. I don't always agree with their political views, but there are so many hard-working people who have donated their time and energy to campaign for the candidates and causes that are important to them. It is a level of political dedication that I have not yet reached.

I am also quite thankful for the volunteers at the polling stations. We often overlook those who help their fellow citizens fulfill their civic duty. The workers at my polling site were all friendly and in good humor.

I also saw people from various campaigns out tonight picking up their signs that have been at corners and in yards for the past month. Again, that's a great deal of effort to go through that probably goes underappreciated. I imagine that it would be even more difficult for those whose campaign did not go as hoped.

Meanwhile, we have election officials, reporters, and others putting in extra hours into their jobs tonight so that the public can have its curiosity quickly satisfied. Many are giving up time with their families (and with their pillows) in dedication to their jobs. I am sure that they are compensated for their time and effort, but that doesn't make the job any easier or more convenient.

Lastly, my thoughts and prayers often go out to the families of the candidates. Although the candidates have chosen the spotlight, sometimes the scrutiny can be hard on those closest to them. While some might relish such attention, I am certain that some of them feel trapped by the roles they now must play. They, too, are up late tonight, waiting to see how the whims of the public will affect their lives.

I think that it's important to remember the humanity behind the elections.

Vote

11/5/2018

Tomorrow holds one of the most contentious midterm elections that I can remember. Considering the gubernatorial races in a number of states, I would even say that this election holds more in the balance than the last presidential election. As a student of history, I know that there have been races with higher stakes and a greater divide in the country, but I don't believe that there has been since I have been alive.

Our votes in this election matter. However, they are only well spent if they are informed votes. We need to look past the ads and the rhetoric and look directly at records of those involved. We need to follow the money trails to see what corporate and special interests are backing which proposals and candidates.

There is a great deal riding on the elections at our state level. I truly believe that our future is at stake. I hope that greed and ignorance does not dominate the outcome.

Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time

11/4/2018

Love. Jesus states that the greatest commandments is two-fold: love God with everything you have and love your neighbor as yourself. Jesus teaches us acceptance when so much of the world teaches alienation. He tells us to give of ourselves, wholly and completely.

Love is more than the romantic love that is sold in the media. It is an everlasting bond of faith and trust. While human love always falls short of the ideal, God's love is unwavering and eternal. By putting our faith and trust in Him, we become a part of that endless love. We can then spread that love and compassion to everyone we meet. This river never runs dry.

Iron Fist Season 2

11/3/2018

I certainly understand why season three of this series has been cancelled before it could begin. Even with the shorter 10 episode run (as opposed to the 13 episode arc of most Netflix Marvel shows) this season felt like it was packed with filler material. All told, I liked it better than season one, but it still spent entirely too much time with characters that I didn't care about who were following plotlines that made little sense.

I really wanted to like the show. The other Netflix MCU offerings have been great (although Luke Cage--which is now also cancelled--had some less-than-stellar moments). I was hoping that with new writers the second season of Iron Fist be a strong enough of a course correction. Instead, the writing was downright cringeworthy at points. Lines that were supposed to sound profound came off as cheap and cheesy. The acting suffered as a result.

This is a shame as the source material could really lend itself to deep and interesting stories. Unfortunately, the stories relied of worn conventions with poor motivations for the characters. Some episodes would plod along in a painfully slow way while others would skip entire plot developments just to give anti-climatic revelations.

We've only watched one episode of the season 3 of Daredevil, but the difference between the two series is stark. Where Iron Fist bored with exposition, Daredevil tantalizes with subtle expression. Where Iron Fist relies on stereotypes, Daredevil gives vivid characterization.

Considering that it's sounding like there won't be a second Defenders series and that both Luke Cage and Iron First will not continue, there's no real reason to watch Iron Fist's second season (even if it teased some interesting concepts right at the end).