Sphinx's Blog on the Eccentricities of Life

Screw Science!

2010-06-29T14:20:00.006-04:00

I am currently writing because my science test is tommorrow and I am really not in the mood to study. This stupid teacher of mine actually expects us to study 5 chapters for tommorrow. Of course it was assigned 5 months before. Like I'd actually study 5 months before. On the other hand, if I fail this test I will have to go to summer school. FML! I'll show my teacher and my mom. I'll ace this test and pass this stupid course. Man. I hate school. Nothing we "learn" there is useful. I mean come on. Will I really have to know that an electron is a positively charged atom? Unlikely. Well seeing that it is past 4 A.M. I should REALLY get some sleep. I'm not gonna ace this test by not sleeping. Besides, these next 2 hours of sleep will be 2 more hours than I've gotten in a while.

Unhealthy Relationships

2010-06-17T11:52:00.004-04:00

When does "helping a friend" become too much and turns into "being used" or simply being too sympathetic - so much so that one will give up (seemingly selflessly) one's energies, time, emotional capacity, and so forth, for the sake of one (or more) - and excuse me for saying this - needy friend? Traditionally a friend is one with whom another can share secrets, good and bad news with, and all sorts of experiences with. Friendship is a two-way relationship. Each one contributes the same amount (whether it be inviting the other over for sleepovers, or confiding certain things in the other, and so forth). It should not be that one, for example, dumps all his or her emotional problems on the other, or bores the other to death about a play-by-play account of his or her day. That, to me, is not a healthy relationship. In my opinion, that is designating one "friend" as the "stereo", if you will, and the other as the "wall", to which the stereo blasts its noise ceaselessly, and the wall blankly takes it in.

That is not friendship. Unfortunately, I happen to know several people who consider this friendship, most likely because they are unaware of the effect they are having on the one they presume to be a "friend".

Is there any way to tell the other nicely that they are "using" you by designating you as "the wall"? I haven't come up with any ideas, so at the moment, I am thinking not. Is there any way to "escape" such people (permanently)? Again, I don't think so.

But is it fair for said "walls" to, so to speak, "grin and bear it"? Is it fair for someone to have to deal with such people on a daily basis, to sacrifice what they might want in order to appease someone with psychological or emotional "issues"? Should one sacrifice one's free time to spend hours reassuring someone that they are awesome if they feel worthless? Surely, that would seem like the right thing to do. But if this happens weekly, daily even, is one obligated to spend all their efforts on this person, even sacrificing school for this person? Is there a point when such people should be removed from friends' care - if the friends are acting in place of parents as caretakers or shoulders to cry on - and moved into, say, a therapist's? Friends are supposed to care for friends, yes. But there comes a point when care turns into supporting, counselling - essentially becoming a parent-therapist-psychiatrist hybrid, when parents "don't seem to care enough" and life seems to become unbearable - even unlivable.

But how do you tell someone - your friend - that they are in the situation, if they are in denial. And if they are not, if they admit it to themselves that they need help, is it socially acceptable to agree?

What happens if it feels as if someone is leeching your being, draining you mentally every time you establish contact with them? On the one hand, you want to be a supportive friend and genuinely want to help, because this person is your friend. But on the other, how much "help" is too much? Where do you draw the line? How can you tactfully draw the line without hurting the other person's feeling by making them think you don't care? There should be a designated amount of time you set to spend with the person - a decent amount so they think you care, but at the same time, leaving enough for yourself. But how do you enable that the person will not try to cling onto you once you establish the first connection? How do you prevent "leeching" - where the other person seems to "suck" out your "soul" by emotionally and psychologically draining you so that you find you can't seem to stand your own friends?

How can you avoid making such friends? It might sound like a terrible thing to say, but one's first priority should be oneself, then one's family, and then one's friends. One has to focus on one's own mental health before leaping into a "rescue mission" to save a mentally unstable friend. Is it ethical to want to "drift apart" from said people, or should one try to help one's friend, being loyal, even if some of the affection one once had for this person has been lost, from having been so drained?

21st Century Breakdown

2009-11-02T18:18:00.005-05:00

"I should have seen it coming, I should have f***ing known"

- Robyn ("Should Have Known")

Well, I suppose it was inevitable. I am virtually invisible anyways, so why did I think that I would be remembered to be invited to a group on Facebook? It's happened before, anyways. People always seem to forget my existence. Seemingly insignificant things such as parties or other get-togethers are all the more important to me - because I am the forgotten one. Always.

This feeling is difficult to describe to those who have never experienced it, or at least, don't seem to be as sensitive as I am about these things. It's an empty feeling, as if the joy has been sucked out from inside of me. These are just meaningless words, however, used to attempt to convey feelings and emotions. But this can never be done through words; language only limits our ability to express ourselves (which is ironic in my case, as I use my writing - this blog, for example - to express myself, to attempt to make myself heard). Generally, I should say, visual art through paintings, drawings, film, and so forth are more effective.

But I am distracting myself here.

I have become aware lately that other people do not see the world the same way as I do. I try to learn everyone's names in my surrounding (for example, work, school, etc.), but I have realized that not everyone is like that. In fact, many people do not even learn the names of people who they could spend four years with; only the ones who are "out there", or in other words, make themselves heard often, will be deemed "important enough" to pay attention to and learn their names, acknowledge their presence, and so forth.

This is a cruel, cruel world we live in. I wonder what that says psychologically about a person who believes in the way I have just outlined. Does it even make sense? Perhaps I am biased (no, let me rephrase that. I am biased), but no, I would think it doesn't make sense. But I am just complaining here, so maybe I should move onto something else.

I honestly feel I was born in the wrong century. I have no idea how to act in this crazy (for lack of a better word) world that we call the 21st century. I would say there is much truth in the title of Green Day's new album, 21st Century Breakdown. I certainly feel that way.

I think I am suffering from existential angst. According to existentialist thought, the meaninglessness of existence can be cured by establishing meaningful connections with others.

I would be happy too, if there was anyone, of course, willing to reciprocate. I know I sound melodramatic, but I am not a 14 year old "emo kid" who dyes my hair black, wears heavy black eyeliner, skinny jeans and dark hoodies, and listens to people whine about their problems while I whine about my own. What I mean to say, is maybe I have been looking in the wrong places for such a connection, but some guidance would be nice, some pointing in the right direction as to where I can make such a connection, and, most importantly, with whom. I have spent years believing the lies and crap they put out on T.V. about what life will be like in grade school, middle school, university, and so forth, that now I don't know what the truth is anymore (wow, I sound like a walking, talking postmodern work).

Is life wonderful and joyous and fun and delightful and whatever other adjectives people use to describe it? NO! Call me depressed, call me a pessimist, call me anything you like, but LIFE SUCKS. I wish it wasn't that way (I really do; it would have saved me a lot of misery) bit it's unfortunately true.

To quote one of Green Day's singles from, coinicidentally, the album 21st Century Breakdown, 21 Guns:

"When you're at the end of the road/And you lost all sense of control/And your thoughts have taken their toll/When your mind breaks the spirit of your soul/Your faith walks on broken glass/And the hangover doesn't pass/Nothing's ever built to last/You're in ruins".

Indeed, Green Day. Indeed.

Blast All You Blackberries. A Pox on iPhones. Damn the Digital Age!

2009-10-13T22:09:00.008-04:00

I hate phones.

All right, today's post is a little more unconventional, but seriously, phones, mostly cell phones, downright piss me off. These stupid contraptions should only be designed to communicate verbally with one another - I'm sure Alexander Graham Bell did not intend for people to be sending...well, the modern form of telegrams through a portable telephone. For those of you who did not get the hint, I am referring to texting.

Everywhere I go, I see people texting. I see them in a house. I see them with a mouse. I do not like them here or there. I do not like them anywhere. Would you text inside a box? Would you text them with a fox? Not in a box. Not with a fox. Not in a house. Not with a mouse. I will not text you, Sam-I-Am.

Well, that was fun. Dr. Seuss can really cheer me up (and on a side note, I did a telethon for community service a few weeks back, and I had a person on my list named "Dr. Seuss"! It was spelled differently, if I recall correctly, but it just cracked me up. I could hardly keep a straight face when I called him).

Now back to texting. It's ridiculous how attached people are to their Blackberries and other stupid devices that are corrupting our world. Our children will grow up to be mindless, careless, illiterate slaves to technology (and yes, I am an Orwell fan). Technology isolates us. I can't count the number of times I was out with a friend - or even calling a friend on the phone, and suddenly they got a text, and they HAD to answer it. Have we lost a sense of etiquette? Would you text - or even call someone while you're on a date with your girl/boyfriend? Well, nowadays, probably, but THIS IS WRONG. I know that our reliance on technology, particularly cell phones with TEXTING, is ABSOLUTELY going to damn us all. Take a look at the pictures I posted above of a mixed media art piece I made regarding this very topic. The scene is as follows: a family of 4 are sitting down to a meal, but each is in his or her own "bubble" due to the technological devices that they are so enraptured by. While they are communicating and connecting with others, they fail to establish vital connections with their own family - that is sitting before them!

Of course, what does it matter to companies like Blackberry and other manufacturers of abominable technology? They are only making millions of dollars - while the world curses itself, falling deeper and deeper into the very pit, the very grave, they themselves are digging daily.

I should clear something up. I do not (for the most part) object to business people using Blackberries to organize their lives which, I'm sure, are VERY busy. Those stupid machines probably come in handy for that. But please, will someone explain to me why the hell do 13 and 14 year old (and up) kids need one of these damn things? NO, kids that age do not NEED to text/call/communicate in some other way to friends that they will see in, oh, 12 hours or less. NO, kids should NOT be using cell phones during class as the new form of passing notes!

If I ruled the world, I would forcibly round up all cell phones and burn them all. Then I would force the world to live without them, to see that we don't really need them.

Unfortunately, I don't rule the world.

3 Years, 1 Month, and 554 Pages

2009-08-17T14:24:00.004-04:00

Today is a day so important (well, to me anyways, not to be self-centred) that this post doesn't need a quote.

I have finally finished my novel, Akito Warriors!! And now, on to editing and proofreading (...and typing it up, as I wrote it the old-fashioned way - by hand)

Wow, it feels like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. I feel accomplished, successful, and, well, like I can do anything!

Of all songs, for some reason, I was listening to an instrumental version of Jingle Bells when I finished writing. Strange, I know.

Most of my euphoria has evaporated by now; I finished maybe an hour ago or so.

Still...

Today I shall celebrate!!

Who Are You Inside?

2009-08-07T16:36:00.007-04:00

“Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.”
Dr. Seuss (1904-1991)

As Holden Caulfield would say, our society is filled with phonies and lies. People lie, cheat, and steal - and ironically, these people (or many of them) end up in prestigious positions. I am not targeting wealthy people; I have nothing against them as a whole. What I do hate, however, is what Hollywood and pretty much every person in the entertainment business has become. Celebrities try to get Botox injections to look younger, or various surgical procedures to enhance their bodies.

Is there something wrong with how one naturally appears? Hollywood seems to think so - and is teaching our impressionable youth as well. According to celebrities, the only way to be successful is to be pretty/handsome, sexually appealing, and to do scandalous things. Follow these three easy steps and you'll be a success in no time!

But why? Why would anyone in their right mind do this just to be famous? Well, evidently, Hollywood is NOT in its right mind.

Whatever happened to "inner beauty"? Companies like Dove promote the idea inner beauty to girls and women with their Self-Esteem Fund...and yet, ironically, the women they use in their commercials are clearly supermodels. So much for encouraging self-esteem.

So now tell me, how is it that these stars are allowed to mutilate their bodies by messing with the features they were born with? And since when does being "rich and famous" permit one to do whatever his/her heart desires? And even if these celebrities do get sent into rehabilitation for drug overdose or drinking and driving, they are released earlier than they should (most likely, money has something to do with their early release) - and for what? So that they can go back to doing what they were before? Shouldn't they be setting a good example for children and teens?

Apparently they don't think so.

And people wonder why the crime rate has gone up.

Speaking of celebrities, I find it ironic almost how a celebrity who is so adored by the public can actually be rude and quite undesirable to be around.

Makes you wonder how a jerk like that ever became famous.

A wise friend of mine once asked me if I ever act differently at home than I do while in public. I immediately answered "no", and she told me, "That's good; not many people can say that." I went home that day, wondering if I had answered that question truly. Since that day, I have tried - and still try - to be as true to myself as I can, and I have never forgotten that question.

I wish one day our society would take that to heart and really do some soul-searching to find out who they really are. Because honestly, I'm sick of lies.

What Can Be Worse Than Writer's Block?

2009-06-08T20:40:00.000-04:00

“Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.”
E. L. Doctorow (American author and editor)

What's even worse than the hellish beast, Writer's Block (a common enemy among all writers; we can admit to falling into its clutches at least once), is the dreaded arrogance most budding writers possess. Let me present you with a scenario:

You have just begun writing, or maybe you've been practising for quite some time. Whatever the case, you produced a poem, perhaps, or maybe even a short story or novel if you're daring. And you are just so proud. You tell all of your friends - hell, even your enemies might hear of your progress.

There is just one problem. Most people, as shortsighted as they usually are (I admit to have fallen...or sunken might be a better word, into this category), often fail to admit to themselves that their work might be...a piece of crap, to put it bluntly (I cringe in embarrassment when I think of the stories from my early years of writing). People, as one of my English teachers put it, automatically think their work is a masterpiece, and don't edit!

There is truth to this. However we have raised our children - have we praised them too much? Have we made them think they own the world? - we have failed in boosting their egos to such astronomical heights that it really is mortifying.

But back to Writer's Ego, as I call it. As wonderful as I think new writers are, a little constructive criticism never goes amiss. Sometimes you might have (what you think is) a marvellous idea, but it really is lame. Write it down and revisit it after a few weeks. Was it really that good? If so, by all means, write. But remember that what makes sense to you does not always to others. Make sure what you say is clear and concise. I find it insightful to read through your favourite books and analyze that author's writing style. See if you can pick up tips from him or her.

Something I found quite resourceful is The Everything Guide To Writing a Novel by Joyce and Jim Lavene. It goes through the step-by-step process to writing - from the moment the idea strikes you until publishing. It has really helped me mature my writing skills...and aided the deflation of my own Writer's Ego.

What's Wrong With Me?

2009-06-02T23:19:00.001-04:00

A shocking revelation.

I spend so much of my time criticizing society and social groups, discussing their faults at length.

But what if I am the problem?

Lies Don't Make Things Better - Usually They Make Things Worse

2009-06-01T18:41:00.005-04:00

"Lies make it better/Lies are forever/Lies to go home to/Lies you wake up to/Lies from the alter/Lies make you falter/Lies keep your mouth fed/Lies till your death bed/Lies"

-Billy Talent, "Lies"

"...Lies/they poison everything in sight/Those who lie can never keep track or take them back/...you never can disguise/Transparent lies..."
- Alexz Johnson, "Transparent Lies"

Though I am stating the obvious, I feel compelled to say this nonetheless: Being lied to hurts. It is the most unpleasant feeling of being betrayed, as if the liar thinks you are too stupid to realize what they're doing to you. If only liars knew how they make their so-called "victim" feel: the anguish or anger bubbling inside - if only you could make them feel what you are suffering!

Naturally, being lied to by someone you are close to - say, friends (or people who claim to fall under that category) or family - hurts so much more. Much much more. The fact that someone who is seemingly close to you does something so irrevocably treacherous makes you lose all the respect you ever had for that person. And just a heads-up to liars out there (whether you admit it to yourselves or not): you can't take back the things you say or do. So just keep that in mind, and think twice before you potentially ruin someone's life - or cause them to question "the point" of living at all.

What I find amazing - and it is rather amusing, in a cynical way - is that after constant references to lies in media, both auditory and visual, people still aren't getting the message. They both see and hear how lies ruin a relationship, for example, and yet in the real world, mimic this behaviour. What a bunch we are. Perhaps people figure these songs and movies are just purely for entertainment? Doubtful, though if this is true...well, then, that is just pathetic. It shows that after thousands of years of developing our civilization, humans have not come very far in terms of learning how to treat one another.

What the human race needs is a cleansing. Not a genocide, not a holocaust, but a spiritual or mental exercise to rid ourselves of our faults - what makes us so selfish, rude, or, in this case, so deceitful. And most technology ends up adding to those flaws in our character. But if we can stop focusing on our own selfish, foolish, trivial desires and take a look at a more global scale of events...perhaps we can better ourselves before something drastic occurs.

"Liar, liar, pants on fire.../you will burn in hell, they say/You will burn in hell"

- The Used, "Liar Liar Burn In Hell"

What Music Can Say About Someone

2009-05-31T01:04:00.005-04:00

My heart, which is so full to overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary.
Martin Luther (1483 - 1546)

How interesting. Quite fascinating indeed - and I'm not exaggerating. As I'm sitting here writing this blog entry when I probably should be asleep (owing to the fact that I've been coughing and sneezing for nearly the past week, sporadically spewing out phlegm from both my mouth and nose. But I digress), I am listening to a playlist a friend of mine so kindly made for me. A shaking revelation had come over me. Though the playlist was made for me, the music almost perfectly personifies my friend.

I don't know whether this was intentional or not, though I do have a suspicion that people are instinctively drawn to lyrics which fit their personality. Which, of course, makes perfect sense. People, especially teenagers, use music as an outlet - a way to escape the stresses of life, and allows a little piece of mind. What better way to do so than escape to something familiar, to which you know will guarantee comfort?

I suppose this could also apply to criminals, terrorists, and other delinquents. According to my observations, these people should listen to music with lyrics about destruction, death, and upsetting social order.

Uh-oh.

Well, I haven't fallen into the aforementioned categories (at least not yet), so it just goes to show that the music one listens to doesn't always affect the actions one takes. Maybe this is the case for some, but in my opinion, I want to govern my own actions. Granted, the things around me do affect what I do at times, but I usually don't like to mimic if I can help it.

I am well aware that there are other factors that cause the above groups to to the things they do. It could very well be that one's behavioural traits (including violence) are always there, and music and other forms of escapism simply coaxes them out. Either way, I think a good way to learn more about someone is to examine what type of music he or she listens to.

Dead, Although Never Is Eternally Lost (Daniel)

2009-05-26T18:34:00.003-04:00

Today I stop and remember one who I hardly, almost did not, know.

Daniel, I have no feelings that are able to be expressed in words. You had just turned seventeen when you passed away, leaving us all deeply saddened. I hope you are in a better place now Dani.

Rest in peace.

May your family find comfort in this difficult time.

Your memory will never be forgotten.

Am I the Minority?

2009-05-20T22:20:00.007-04:00

"I want to be the minority/I don't need your authority/Down with the moral majority/'Cause I want to be the minority"

- Green Day, "Minority"

American Idol.

What the hell.

I usually don't follow this kind of show - and for most of this season, I didn't. I watched the first two episodes or so, and then I got bored. Every five minutes is a commercial break (I can imagine how much money the show makes because of that), but that's another story.

Now it's not like I have anything against Kris Allen. I think he has a great voice and he is very talented, that is true. However I really think Adam Lambert should have won. (Actually, I think Danny Gokey should have been in the top two, but I won't get into that now)

Americans must really like conformity then.

Take Kris. He sings like a Backstreet Boy and looks like one two. Granted, he has an amazing voice and many other talents, but looking at him perform on stage tonight, I thought he looked like any other "heartthrob" young man who would appear on any of the shows that "everyone" watches - the shows, as I like to say, that are filled with crap. For example, Grey's Anatomy, Gossip Girl, and so forth. In other words, no different than any other star.

Now let's examine Adam. Certainly different than the usual American Idol picks, who are often of the same mold as the type of people mentioned previously. With his punk attire but angelic voice I thought for sure he would be eliminated; I remember one show - it wasn't American Idol, but it was something similar - someone was eliminated because her voice was different than her "look", which I thought was unfair. If someone has talent, who cares what they look like?

Back to Adam, I honestly hoped he could win. I admit, I like his fashion sense: it makes him stand out from the rest of the crowd, and if you've read this blog, you would know how much I hate conformity. Adam has more stage presence, and when he performs, one gets the sense that this is a true star and he definitely deserves fame and fortune.

And which one do 1 million Americans vote for? The mold. The conformist.

Doesn't anyone want a change for once, or are we all content to live under our shells, to live in our little bubbles that protect us from anything different? Aren't people bored of seeing and hearing the same thing over and over again? I was watching the numerous commercials during the breaks in between American Idol, and I was shocked to see the trailers for upcoming movies. THEY ARE ALL EXACTLY THE SAME! The same jokes have been recycled countless times for the past DECADE (or maybe even longer), and guess what, Hollywood? THEY JUST AREN'T FUNNY ANYMORE! Maybe they think kids won't notice; after all, they're dealing with a new set of children that hasn't seen all the other crap these big production companies have been spewing out for at least the past ten years.

Regardless, I struggle against conformity almsot daily (although in the present I am trapped within one of the largest bubbles of conformity). Hopefully we will NOT become mindless drones, as predicted by one of my favourite authors, George Orwell.

I have been researching cults and one of the characteristics of a cult is that members believe that the world is doomed to destruction. Well I am no cult member, but I have to agree. With the extent that America especially values people - namely celebrities - it almost discourages being different. If someone does not "fit the mold", he/she is almost always shunned, or at least not made to feel welcome.

I don't understand what the problem is with being different.

Maybe our society is that fragile that any hint of disruption to its so-called peace and order is smothered immediately.

What Billy Talent says in their song "Worker Bees" fits America quite perfectly now:

"Follow the herd mentality!/Can we fight to save our souls?"

A Socialist Thought

2009-05-03T01:00:00.001-04:00

“The class struggle necessarily leads to the dictatorship of the proletariat”
Karl Marx (German political philosopher and revolutionary, 1818-1883)

With technological advances surging and the United States acting, at the moment, as the world's current superpower, it is the common belief that developed countries are "better" than those undeveloped.

In other words, capitalism dominates. There always has to be someone who is richer and more powerful than you. People are always judging other based on wealth and how they display it. And are any of these people happy?

Would we really be happier if the Western, developed world lived in third world, undeveloped countries?If everyone lived working for the greater good of society, would we truly feel better about ourselves and others?

There must be an answer.

There must be a way to solve the judgementalism of people. Why should one be evaluated solely on the basis of clothing and general appearance, without even being given the time to show society his or her true self? Time and time again this "judging" proves to only do harm, but no one learns from history's mistakes. Two weeks ago, April 30, marked the anniversary of the massacre at Columbine High School in Jefferson County, Colorado. Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, two high school students, shot thirty-four people before committing suicide. The shooting was a result of anger directed at "jocks"; the athletically-inclined popular students allegedly bullied the shooters.

Once again, judgement based on the exterior.

When will people learn?

Violence is not the answer. But neither is the class system.

Once upon a time several thousand years ago, humans lived as families working together on farms during the Agricultural Age. They seemed to get along just fine.

Why can't we today?

Relax

2009-03-24T21:47:00.004-04:00

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.
Ovid (43 BC - 17 AD)

A little creative freedom can never hurt, right? That is to say, it is perfectly acceptable for me to wish for some "me" time where I can just relax, and not have to worry about work, or other stresses; I can let my mind relax and allow my creative juices to squirt forth from my brain.

Graphic, but I am sure you understand my point.

I am so sick of "wasting" my time studying or working on one thing or another, that all I really want is time to write, or read, or paint... Is that really too much to ask? I honestly do not understand how people find the time to watch television, or...do all of the other various time-wasters that exist in our technologically-advanced age of the 21st century.

"Time/Where Did You Go?/Why Did You Leave Me Here Alone?" (Chantal Kreviazuk)

2009-03-22T13:58:00.005-04:00

"And through this crazy life/And through these crazy times..."

- Michael Bublé

All this talk about furthering our children's potentials by increasing the amount of material they study - and for what? Honestly, say we teach them more complicated math equations, more laws of science, more style of art. Where will that get them in life? In my opinion, and I'm sure many will agree, most of the things children are learning in school they will never need again - so what's the point of teaching? Sure, maybe we should all get a feel for what we can do in different fields, whatever we may choose to study later in life, but why should we waste valuable time trying to remember useless facts for a test that, in the long run, will not affect our future? Why can we not just be taught the valuable skills we will NEED instead of forcing us to study something which limits our free time?

And what happened to free time anyways? Is it the increased so-called "useful" curriculum that limits time for children to play, or is it simply the lack of activities? Forty or so years ago, children could be seen running around on the streets; there was a lower crime rate. Now parents complain about their kids glued to their X-Boxes and the like. Is it the childrens' fault? NO! The parents are the ones who (most of the time) bought it! And if there was not such a danger to have children out by themselves (for fear of being kidnapped, raped, murdered...), they would BE outside and run around - not to mention, the obesity rate would be down as well, I would presume. Do administrative staff purposely assign more work in order to limit X-Box time? If so, I would like to say that for your information, not everyone in this "glorious" 21st century in which we live is glued to technology. Most, but not all. SOME of us have hobbies like creating visual art, writing, reading, or playing a sport (or two). Wouldn't it be nice to have MORE time to practice one's hobbies? Wouldn't it be nice to be able to have MORE hobbies? I, for one, think so. Unfortunately, in our busy lives (in which we do pointless activities - well, some of us, anyways), this cannot be so.

Liberty, Equality, Fraternity...Where Did You Go?

2009-02-22T21:57:00.006-05:00

“All this talk about equality. The only thing people really have in common is that they are all going to die.”
- Bob Dylan (American folksinger, b.1941)

Is this really true? Can we be more than just this?

I would consider myself an advocate for equal rights. Everywhere I seem to go (that is, where there are groups of people), cliques are formed, and they seem to dominate the order of things. As it was in the medieval monarchies of Europe, so it is now, and so it will be in the years to come: the strong dominate over the weak. The "popular people" will always be cooler than the "nerd" or other "lower-classes". The rich are considered "suitable" to socialize with; the poor are not. In today's materialistic world, "coolness" depends on how much "stuff" one possesses.

Does this make me a Communist to object to such behaviour? Is it wrong to wish for equality and a more socialistic outlook on life? In the 1950s in the United States, I would be speaking from prison at this very moment (although I'm sure I would have been welcomed in the former Soviet Union).

Is it human nature to live in class structures, or have we simply "evolved" that way, with no means of return to our previous way of life (if, of course, one believes we once lived in hunting and gathering societies 3 million years ago)? Or is it possible to make this change?

I fear that even if it were possible, few would take the initiative. Western society has become so comfortable, slowly - over centuries - squeezing the Earth's resources out, until humanity has come to acquire the "more" mentality. What I mean by this: by the excavation of, say, "precious" and "semi-precious" stones, people will not settle for one - they just want more and more of the shiny rocks.

Can we not be so selfish greedy? Rather than hoarding or adorning oneself with diamonds, donate money to charitable organizations. Why does one need five television sets (with a DVD player for each, and 1000 channels on at least one or two T.V.s)? There are people starving on the streets without a place to LIVE, let alone T.V. to watch!

Several Westerners pride themselves on being materialistic. But is it really a good thing, when all it does is divide us?

Why Do Humans Kill?

2009-02-10T19:15:00.003-05:00

"Why do we kill people who are killing people to show that killing people is wrong?"

- Holly Near

While this quotation is quite amusing, I must admit, there is much sense and wisdom behind the humour. Why kill someone to (supposedly) promote justice, when we write in our own laws that killing is wrong? And why kill in the first place?

I will tell you, my dear reader, why people kill. Because humans are foolish and, more often than not, give into their selfish desires: money, power, and, of course, sex.

Why do humans spend so much time trying to convince themselves that the human race is superior to other races, when, in fact, "we" are no better than animals? "We" have basic desires, and, for the most part, we cannot deny ourselves the chance to obey them. And even among humans themselves, there are always those who strive to be "better" than their fellows.

I ask you, WHY?

Humans have been so throughout history; there has always been one who thinks he or she can become "supreme ruler of the world". And once this vision appears in their sick, twisted, power-hungry minds, it is quite difficult to remove it. So much so, that said dictator will begin to ignore all morality and will ignore his/her conscience: all that matters to him/her is power. He/she will stop at nothing to obtain it. This may sound much like the cartoon villains of one's childhood. While this is true, these villains are based on humans. Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin - all power-hungry, and all of them killed innocent people in their quest for (take a guess...) MORE POWER!

This desire could, perhaps, be a result of testosterone - many power-hungry dictators in history have been men (though this could also be due to the suppression of women in history). Yet there have been women just as crazed for power: Tzu-Hsi (pronounced "Tsoo Shee"), or Cixi, was a Chinese empress who lived in the mid-nineteenth century, and who craved power just as much as any male totalitarian dictator. She was ruthless ambitious, and determined to rule. Sound familiar?

I return to the quote I brought for this post: Why do we kill people who are killing people to show that killing people is wrong? Is the death penalty necessary for murderers? Is it necessary for those who have committed other heinous crimes? Is it necessary at all? Some, more pacifistic, would argue that it is not. Others, however, would fervently agree, it is necessary to eliminate dangerous people and restore order and justice. But what are we teaching our children? Are we telling them that it is permissible to kill - as long as we are killing "bad guys"? Is killing legal? Can killing be moral?

DARKNESS IS THE ELEMENT!

2009-02-10T19:02:00.000-05:00

What Super Power do YOU have: (Quizilla quiz)

54544 other people got this result! That's 38%
You have the power to become a Shadow!
Cunning, smart, sneaky, usually the brains of an operation, you are usually on the quiet side and prefer to observe rather than interact. You learn by listening in to conversations and are able to blend in anywhere. Darkness is your natural element and you feel at home in it.

"O dark dark dark. They all go into the dark,

The vacant interstellar spaces, the

vacant into the vacant."

- T.S. Eliot

All things die.

“Three know it, all know it” (Proverb)

2009-02-02T18:13:00.004-05:00

“Three know it, all know it”

- Proverb

I beg to differ. And while I am well aware that I have a tendency to disagree with quotations said by people who are most likely much smarter than I, and I probably am understanding these quotes in the wrong senses, I feel I must speak up nonetheless. (In my writing, at least, I feel like I am not shot down for my opinions)

Just because "three" (which I understand to mean the majority of a group of friends, peers, what have you) understand something, it does not necessarily mean that EVERYONE understands it. Everyone grasps concepts at different rates, and those who understand should not act like arrogant know-it-alls and lord it over those who do not.

I apologize if I am taking these matters too literally, or if I am perhaps too sensitive. In any case, I shall take my leave early, rather than going into a full-blown rant as usual.

One last quote to leave you with:

“You Who Think You Know It All Are Annoying to Those of Us That Do”

- Unknown

Am I Normal? Is It Weird To Hate Everyone?

2009-01-18T21:56:00.008-05:00

"Fear is the path to the Dark Side;fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering."

- Yoda

Well, then, Yoda, I guess I am just on my way to becoming the next Darth Vader. As one can probably discern from my various rants in this blog, I pretty much hate all of humanity. Well...I suppose "hate" is a strong word, but as there is no suitable substitute that I can find at the moment, hate will suffice. And if you are one of those blissfully joyous people trying to find "sad people" to fix, bring closer to God, "make better" or any related to the above, please do not waste your time on me. I am not interested. I feel that bitterness, while unpleasant and downright depressing, allows me to understand the inner workings of the world, where blissful happiness only makes me ignorant. And while the Party in Oceania may claim that "ignorance is strength" (George Orwell, 1984), I beg to differ.

In the meantime, I shall remain destitute and lonely, while awaiting someone to proverbially (if that is a word) rescue me from the woes of my piteous and melodramatic existence.

Disney Drips Down the Drain, Destined to Damn Itself

2008-10-07T13:34:00.002-04:00

“If we want our children to possess the traits of character we most admire, we need to teach them what those traits are and why they deserve both admiration and allegiance. Children must learn to identify the forms and content of those traits.”
-William Bennett

Sadly, the superpower company, Disney, just gets more and more popular, while its productions just keep getting worse and worse.

And the worst part is: the new generation has no idea.

Why is it that the television programs and movies that are now popular with children are utter foolishness? What happened to the old Disney classics that brought morals and values to young, impressionable children, in an entertaining form? Will this generation grow up to become mini High School Musical stars, or, even worse, mini Hannah Montanas/Miley Cyruses?

In response to my first point: High School Musical is blown way out of proportion. I admit to have watched the first film, which was moderately entertaining, I suppose, but EXTREMELY unrealistic (what are the chances that a science geek who looks and dresses like a model and can supposedly "sing" - digitalized, I might add - will randomly meet a basketball jock who can also magically sing, and the two will fall in love? I suppose this is the reason that it is intended for a younger audience: anyone older can easily pick apart and identify flaws in the plot)! Plus, there was NO need for a second (or third) film. At this rate, we will have High School Musical 78: Return of the Seniors (From The Grave).

Secondly, how can Disney still allow Vanessa Hudgens to perform in a children's movie after the incident September 7, 2007 regarding inappropriate photos of her? Still, I will give Disney credit for ending the program Zoey 101, in which Jamie Lynn Spears starred, after the latter became pregnant (at age sixteen, mind you).

Worse than anything, it seems, is the craze revolving around Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus. Why does that girl deserve so much attention wehn she wants more than what she has? I will admit, her voice is decent...at times. But she is only fifteen, and yet she was caught doing/buying drugs, taking pictures of herself in the shower with a wet T-shirt (to send to her boyfriend), not to mention, the craze with the nearly nude pictures in Vanity Fair magazine! In one, she was lying on top of her father, Billy Ray Cyrus. Excuse me, but I had no idea that Disney promoted incest! I have heard rumors that little Miss Cyrus is friends with Mandy Jiroux, one of her backup dancers, who is five years older than her. She is clearly being influenced by Hollywood, which is why she tries to act older than she is. Personally, if I met her, I would tell her this: stop acting older than you are and BE YOURSELF! Act like a normal fifteen-year-old. You have talent - don't waste it. Hollywood can corrupt you - but only if you let it. You're still young and have a long way to go. Don't throw your life away now, and wait for a few years to act like your OLDER friends.

Worse still, is the offer Hugh Hefner, owener of Playboy magazine, made to display her in his...magazine (if you can call it that). SHE IS ONLY FIFTEEN!

If Walt Disney knew what his company has become, he would be turning over in his grave.

They're All Out To Make A Buck

2008-08-08T13:51:00.000-04:00

Originally written Friday August 8, 2008 11:28 AM - 1:51 PM

Posted Sunday Spetember 14, 2008 8:59 PM

"Money, money, money/ must be funny/ in a rich man's world..."

- ABBA

"If I were a rich man..."

Fiddler on the Roof

These songs are just two examples of how people fantasize about money. And I ask those of you who will listen: what makes if so "funny" to live the life of a rich man? Is it in fact "funny"? Or is it just as infuriating living in abundance as it is living in squalor?

It would appear that there are more homeless or at least poorer people now than there were in previous generations (and though my namesake, the Sphinxes of Giza and Thebes have existed for millennia, I truly am not as old as them), and I know one reason why: inflation. Prices are skyrocketing for everything from flour to gasoline to restaurant bills to tuition (for those who actually PAY for tuition).

Why?

For some large companies - to gain more money.

For governments and the like - to allow politicians to spend (taxpayers') money on riddiculous, selfish items, rather than doing their job: helping run the country to the best of their capabilities (although clearly they are not capable of much, if what they do is the aforementioned).

The new generation will, if this inflation continues to progress, end up much poorer than their parents, simply because what they earn at the start of their career will not cover nearly as much as houses of wedding costs.

This brings up another greedy commercialist plot: sabotaging real estate. Prices of houses have steadily (but significantly) climbed within the past decade, and though the prices grew, many lots have not (and, in fact, are much smaller. Two or three times the normal number of houses on a block are squished together - just so building companies can spend less on land and lots). What is it with humans and land? I would estimate that at least half the wars and battles in history were fought simply over land.

Pathetic.

Foolishness.

Even more so, however, is the fact that tousands of people carelessly spend their money on their expensive trinkets, without a care in the world for what is happening to the global economy.

If this continues, we are doomed to overinflation and, inevitably, a second Great Depression. I don't think the world could handle it; it took about twenty years to fully recover from the last crash of the stock market in 1929.

"If You Were Gay..."

2008-07-30T18:58:00.000-04:00

Originally written July 30, 2008 5:57 - 6:58 PM; posted August 8, 2008 1:42 PM

"People who call other people gay are really covering up their own homosexuality"

- Lisa Simpson (The Simpsons)

Although it seems foolish to say, a cartoon character (despite how intelligent she is) has made a point. Usually occurring in teens, people will call their friends "gay" (or some variation) - for one evident reason: they feel insecure (either about their status of "cool" among acquaintances, or of their sexuality)!

Now, I do not wish to delve into the controversial topic of homosexuality (that is one topic I do not wish to share my thoughts on), but I do wish to bring one thing up: people should not look too deeply into others' behaviours and such, to the extent that one thing they do or say by mistake, or even a harmless and innocent occurrence, is deemed to be "gay". For example, if a boy touches another boy's arm by mistake, but the one touched does not know that, and immediately jumps to conclusions (of course, this is just teasing, but it is also hurtful, as it is generally done in front of others, to boost the touched's self-confidence and ego, while the other's - the "toucher" - sexuality is debated upon.

Really, people.

Children /adolescents can be so immature.

Ironically, though, when society is beginning to accept homosexual individuals (and couples), children and even adults are calling everyone a "homo" and everything "gay". Then again, I ask: when has society even been free of hypocriticality?

Also, how is it that the same people are always accused of being "gay" when they clearly are not? What have they done to implant such thoughts and suspicions in others' minds? Could it be that they may blend into the background of things and thus do not stand out, making them easy targets? Could it be that they are the "minority" and just like in history, are made to be the scapegoat?

I ask you, my reader, why people must be classified in such a way that is so politically incorrect - in the sense that true, homosexuals may display certain identifiable characteristics, but they should not be stereotyped in such a way. The same applies to people or actions being described as "retarded" - not only is the usage of the term quite politically incorrect, but it is highly offensive to both those with a mental condition or who possess a family member who does.

That is all I have to say on the matter.

Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition

2008-07-20T16:23:00.004-04:00

According to Wikipedia, the definition of Windows ME is:

"Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows Me (IPA pronunciation: [miː], [ɛm iː]), is a hybrid 16-bit/32-bit graphical operating system released on September 14, 2000 by Microsoft.[2] It was originally codenamed Millennium."

Yes, I am aware that it is pathetic that I must resort to using definitions of operating system models as quotes, but seeing as it relates so closely to what I wish to discuss, I figured I would bend my own rules ever so slightly to accommodate.

I would like to point out now that Windows ME is a worthless machine that is quite irritating to use. Then again, I have apparently barely entered the 21st century, as nearly every electronic device I possess is clearly outdated (including, of course, my half-dead computer). Yes, I seriously do need to acquire a new operating system, however, as I have heard that Windows Vista is (in my source's words) "a piece of crap", I shall wait. Then there is, of course, the option of buying a Macintosh operating system. However, I do not care for them for several reasons.

Returning to the topic of my useless computer (although I suppose I cannot say it is entirely useless, as I am currently using it to post this blog entry), I am frustrated by it usually on a daily basis. It is slow and not many programs can be run on it. I am a laughingstock of most of the technologically-advanced world, who have progressed immensely through the Microsoft series (we have nearly been in the 21st century for a decade, though I have hardly stepped foot in it). I suppose I should not complain too much; John McCain, one of the American presidential candidates, has claimed in a recent article that he does not even use a computer, as he does not know how. There are also numerous third-world countries that cannot afford a computer, as well. Yet seeing as I happen to live in a highly technological country, do I have an excuse to use an outdated operating system?

According to a PC World article dubbed Windows Me the "Mistake Edition" and listed it as the fourth "Worst Tech Product of All Time".[13] "Shortly after Me appeared in late 2000," the article states, "users reported problems installing it, getting it to run, getting it to work with other hardware or software, and getting it to stop running." Even Microsoft acknowledged its unpopularity.[14] (copied from Wikipedia).

I feel pathetic that I use such a sad excuse of a machine to do my numerous work-related tasks.

Humans Have No Foresight

2008-07-07T20:03:00.001-04:00

Originally written July 7, 2008 7:21-8:03 PM; posted August 8, 2008 1:15 PM
"He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years."
Chinese Proverb

People always say at a funeral of one's tragic death, "If only I had known that he/she would end up dead, I would've let him/her join that basketball team he/she always wanted to join..." or "I shouldn't have forced him/her to become a doctor instead of letting him/her follow his/her dreams..."

Honestly, people. Not to sound like Holden Caulfield, but people are such phonies. If people did know the future, they would probably not act as they claim in similar statements to the above; more likely, they would try to ignore it and, due to their foolish fear of the "unnatural", would end up doubly as depressed.

Here is an idea - how about you do not force your child to be like you (or fulfill your dreams), and instead, allow him/her to be his/her own person, and choose his/her path in life?

Just a thought.

Returning to my previous point on human fear, I admit I am ashamed to be classified with such a group of incapable nincompoops. I am not calling the human race simple-minded, just so you know, my reader; rather, humans' insight and "solutions" to things are quite foolish indeed.

For example, take the Industrial Revolution. Humans began burning more quantities of coal and various pollutants into the atmosphere as they began to develop new technology. In theory, the ideas were spectacular, however, scientists should have tested the long-term effects before allowing harmful toxins to be released into the air. As a result of that time period (and beyond) we are now suffering from global warming. Thanks, Doc! I owe ya one - a nice sock in the jaw, more like.

A similar example is smoking. If scientists had checked the harmful effects of tobacco, the planet would not have such a problem with lung cancer and secondhand smoke deaths (and the like).

And what about that trans fat issue and the growing obese population? Why did people have to search for sweets to go with their meals - why were fruits and vegetables not enough? Now the effects are unacceptable (according to Wikipedia [I admit the site is not entirely reliable, however, the following are cited, should the reader wish to examine the validity of the statements to come:]: "The United States has the highest rates of obesity in the developed world.[85] From 1980 to 2002, obesity has doubled in adults and overweight prevalence has tripled in children and adolescents.[93] In 2003-2004 17.1% of children and adolescents were overweight and 32.2% of adults were obese.[93] In 2005 it was reported that currently, about 119 million, or 64.5%, of US adults are either overweight or obese.[94] Rate of obesity vary by ethnicity and gender. In the USA 28% of men and 34% of women are obese with rates rising to as 50% among African American women.[95] "

And another reason why the obesity rate has grown is because children are less active. Why, you might ask? Two primary reasons. One, the crime rate has skyrocketed, and it is highly unsafe for children to play outside unattended (whereas in the 1940s, for example, children could be outside all day without any supervision, and there was no problem; similarly, mothers used to leave their baby carriages with their infants outside of stores while they shopped - and none of the children were kidnapped!). Secondly, as the Internet and television have evolved so dramatically from a technological standpoint, they become distractions. No child wants to play outside if the television is on.

This is a second time that technology has worsened our health. Gee, thanks, science!

The world seems to be coming to an end, and it would only make sense that I will perish with it.

I wonder what people would say of me at my funeral?

The Follies of the Human Race

2008-06-22T01:17:00.000-04:00

Originally written June 22, 2008 12:49 AM-1:17 AM; posted June 24, 2008

"Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not sure about the former."

- Albert Einstein

Humans are quite a strange collection of people indeed. They set rules of codes of behaviour and such, yet they themselves break their own rules. They allow their own selfishness and greed interfere with their good decisions. They will deliberately cause harm to their fellows for their own benefit. They will deny their misdeeds for fear of getting caught and punished, rather than taking the initiative, stepping up, and taking the blame. Then again...these ridiculous examples of human tendencies make life interesting.

What is our world coming to?

Why does life have to be interesting by examining foolish things that people do? Is that pathetic or am I simply abnormal?

Speaking of my potential abnormalities, why is it that I - and I know for a fact that I am not the only one so - find evil characters in books or on television programs far more interesting than main/good characters?

Perhaps it is the mysterious nature that catches my - and others' - attention? Could it be their rebellious nature? Or could it be that after years of "good" drilled into me from television (good vs. evil/good triumphs over evil), good becomes boring, and an alternative is required? Heroes can often be full of themselves (has no one noticed Peter in the film Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian?)...yet so can villains, so I doubt it could be that option. But villains are frequently very intelligent - do fans prefer intelligence over...justice?

Often, I wonder.

Yet another criticism I have against humans: labelling "cliques" and association with those "undesirables". For example, why do people think of goths and "emo"s as abnormal and will, for that reason, not speak to them? Their tastes in fashion and music may differ and be exotic to some, but that is no reason to excommunicate them. To turn the situation around, some may find fashionable people snobbish and shallow, as they seem solely interested in looking good and associating with the "right" crowds. Yet - as a surprise, perhaps, to some - there are those in such a classification who are quite intelligent, deep, and kind and considerate to everyone. But why the need to call someone "fashionable" or "geeky" or "emo"? Can people not live past such boundaries?

Eveidently not, judging by the shocking amount of racist and other discriminatory activities which have not only commenced in the past, but, unfortunately, continue to thoday.

Perhaps one day humans will look past their foolishness and realize there is much, much more to life than what Hollywood or other "popularity" preaches.

Until then, I shall remain,

Sphinx

MEN: Anguish, Sorrow, And All Of The Lovely Associated Feelings

2008-06-22T00:43:00.001-04:00

Originally written on June 22, 2008 12:05-12:43 AM; posted on June 24, 2008 at 1:10 PM

"There are some men who, in a spirit of arrogance, think they are superior to women. They do not seem to realize that they would not exist but for the mother who gave them birth. When they assert their superiority they demean her."

- Quote by Gordon B. Hinckley, Pres. LDS Church (The Mormons)

Mankind is quite an interesting subject to study. No, I am not referring to all people on the face of this earth; I wish to discuss MEN - the male subjects of the human race.

Now, despite that I despise generalization, I shall take a moment of contradiction (which is quite common amongst me): Males are selfish, arrogant, power-hungry, bragging, over-confident, careless pigs (I must repeat that this was in general; there are several males who do not fit this harsh description. But looking at history...please continue to read the following:)

Several historical leaders may have started out, in their humble (or not so humble) beginnings as possessing positive qualities, but once power comes into play, they turn into an entirely different person. A perhaps extreme example is Stalin. Once the Czar was overthrown (I believe that was Czar Nicholas II, if my memory serves me correctly), he began plotting to rise to great and terrible heights of power - and even when Russia/U.S.S.R. took over half of Europe/Asia, he wanted more. Some examples from ancient times include the kings of ancient civilizations - especially the ancient Romans -who were incredibly bloodthirsty and power-hungry. Often in their pillages and conquering, soldiers would slaughter innocent civilians, even those did not pose a threat to them, and, as well, rape women. They would then leave villages without a care for the damage they wreaked. They did not care to discover if they had children due to rape, nor did they do anything to help the raped women. Aside from the ruthless and quite unnecessary bloodshed (and even if they did have a cause - which usually was due to religion - why kill someone whose religion or beliefs are different than yours? There are several peaceful ways to coexist without killing: for example - if you cannot accept one's religion DO NOT ASSOCIATE WITH THEM! And I highly doubt that in most commonly-practised religions, where peace is a treasured value, religious teachers, preachers, and leaders would encourage killing others. Peace extends to other religions, not just your own!) , land was also such an important issue - and why? One rules over one hundred colonies...and what is the joy in this, might I inquire?

Additionally, has no one noticed that women had virtually no rights until recently, and, in some cultures, are still suppressed today? In fact, in some ancient civilizations, women were considered even less than children, despite the fact that children were not old or mature enough to understand the goings-on in the world. Even in popular culture today, not many widely-watched children's television programs depict women as capable (super)heroes and whatnot (or are, at least, not as skilled as their male counterparts). For example, is Wonderwoman as adored as Superman? Is Shadowcat as popular as Wolverine? And why do females tend to play the sole role of the hero's love interest, but cannot (or can hardly) fight to defend themselves, and must always play the damsel-in-distress, saved by the hero? Has no one gotten bored of Mary Jane being rescued by Spiderman? Personally, I got bored after the first five minutes of the shot, but that is just me and my criticism. Similarly, in my favourite television show, Naruto, Sakura, the main character (Naruto)'s love interest, spends a great portion of the series crying, and, though she is a capable fighter, she is never seen saving the day to the extent that the males do - killing off evil, powerful villains and whatnot. And Naruto is not the only one. Such is the way in many other popular animes; I love anime, but...those incredibly SEXIST Japanese manga artists! (I don't have anything against Japanese at all, yet I believe women should play better roles; this is not the eleventh century!)

Angry as usual,

-Sphinx

Work: That Beautiful Thing We All Love

2008-06-04T23:53:00.002-04:00

Originally written: June 4, 2008 11:12 pm-11:53 pm; posted June 22, 2008, 9:30 pm

"The ones we care for the most usually end up distracting us the most"

-Sphinx (me)

(An attempt of mine at writing quotes)

Now, as difficult as it is for me to have an angsty rant while listening to Bob Marley (especially a song with a cheerful title like "Sun Is Shining), I shall try:

Have you tried to, say, work on some project (either academic/work-related or a private/personal affair) and found that you get together with friends for as many as three hours to "work", yet nothing is accomplished? I would hazard a guess that, unless you are a hermit and live in complete isolation, you probably have experienced something similar at least once.

I find it strange, though, that I, at least, can work so efficiently on such a task with my worst enemy - or at least someone who I am not so close with - but if it is with a friend, very little is accomplished. I could just be very odd (a quite legitimate statement, and a possible one), but it certainly differs from the generally accepted stereotype portrayed in modern media, that working with one's enemy guarantees a difficult project. I suppose working with friends poses a major distraction, as both are familiar with one another. And as great a time one may have with friends, the project must still be completed. If one is not troubled at first, one will be by the consequences of the incompletedness (if that is even a word, which I do not believe it is).

One could probably deem from the previous collection of statements that I am a hard worker and take my work VERY seriously. I absolutely despise it when something gets in the way of my hard efforts. For all of you out there wondering, that was a hint. Yes, I agree that everyone - myself included - deserves a break (which is why I am writing my blog and listening to The Prince of Egypt soundtrack - a fantastic movie with an even better array of music - rather than working); I am burning out from work, and have been doing so for the past six months, give or take a bit. But firstly, if I did not work, I would be exceedingly bored, and secondly, I would become very fat and lazy.

I am getting off-topic, and it is getting late (i.e. when I am writing this, not posting). I should probably stop here, but first let me recap what I wished to convey:

Do not mess with me and my work
If you want to work with me, you WILL work or I shall become very wrathful and smite thee (Prince of Egypt influence)
PLEASE STAY ON TOPIC (what an ironic thing for me to say...)!

Before I get distracted again - OOH! A shiny sticker!

...I think I will end thus:

WORK OR ELSE!

- A threatening message by Sphinx

The Used

2008-06-03T23:15:00.005-04:00

Originally written on June 3, 2008: 11:00-11:15 (or so) PM, posted on June 9, 2008 at around 2:30 PM

"Hell is other people."
- Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980)

"The brain is a commodity used to fertilize ideas.”
-Elbert Hubbard

(American editor, publisher and writer, 1856-1915)

It also appears that the brain is a commodity used to fertilize OTHERS' ideas as well.

Now, as much as I wish this post was about the emo-punk-alternative (etc.) band, it sadly is not. Today, my topic of discussion is on a more serious and melancholy (not to mention very angst-provoking should one be on the receiving end of the following treatment) note - like most of my posts, I suppose.

I ask you, my kind and thoughtful reader, have you ever felt as though your skills and talents are being used by those who you thought were close to you? Have your accomplishments ever been taken by others for them to use for their own benefits? Do said others tell you on numerous occasions that they are so grateful - but do not act so? Do they promise to always repay you with something that will make up for your assistance, yet you still await any such gift? Do you wish to isolate and alienate yourself from civilization (or perhaps people "close" to you) due to your feelings and the way people consider them?

If you answered YES to one or more of the above problems, you are being used. If you just thought, "Gee, thanks for telling me - like I already don't know" in a sarcastic form, do the following: Think of the nastiest, rudest phrase or insult you can think of. That is my response to you.

If you are one of my fellow used-people...well, there is not much we can do, sadly. Humans are cruel, selfish, and inconsiderate by nature (generally speaking), and instinctively do what they must to "survive". If that means using a "friend"'s intellect to achieve good marks in school or using a sum of (loaned) money from a "friend" to pay off the mortgage on their house, they will do it.

Does that not sicken you?

Worse, however, is that said "user" believes his/her "friend" will not mind at all - even if "using" commences for many days, weeks, or months - because they are "friends".

DOES IT NOT OCCUR TO SOME PEOPLE THAT TO HAVE A FRIEND, ONE MUST BE A FRIEND?! Even if someone is your friend, there is no excuse whatsoever to not treat him/her as one. THAT MEANS DO NOT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE OR TREAT THEM LIKE SCUM! You may find yourself hated and/or with a lot less friends than you would like (even if you may not think so).

I hope I have made myself clear.

Angst-ridden as always,

Sphinx

Since this post was a rather unhappy one, I shall juxtapose it, like Shakespeare, with a humorous quote:

"Tragedy is when I cut my finger. Comedy is when you walk into an open sewer and die."
- Mel Brooks

Hell, Luck, and Lack of Sleep

2008-05-30T00:28:00.000-04:00

Originally written on May 30, 2008: 12:21 AM - 12:36 AM, posted on June 6, 2008 around 2:30 PM

"You know your life is hell when one misfortune after another befalls you and all you wish to do is curl up and cry. Or die. Whichever comes first. Or is more convenient."

-Quote by Yours Truly

This week (the week of May 30) has been bloody hell; that is a euphemism, by the way. Whether having a six-pound binder (I am not exaggerating; I even weighed it) fall about a foot onto my lip, or whether getting five (or fewer) hours of sleep per night for about four or five nights in a row...yes, you can just about say my life sucks. Oh, did I mention that the night before a huge project is due (tonight- May 30), my printer decides to die on me.

I am so screwed right now.

As I glance at my alarm clock every so often while writing this collection of anxious thoughts, I wonder whether I will get any sleep tonight. Having a headache does not make matters much easier, might I add. I will definitely need a coffee in about seven hours.

Hmm. It is now nearly half-past twelve. I wonder how I will be able to function tomorrow - not ony from lack of sleep, but also from stress, anxiety, and all the other lovely related feelings that come along with hellish situations like my that life have to offer.

Only I would manage to get myself into a situation like this. Though I do not believe in luck, mine is generally bad when it comes to certain life experiences, such as the aforementioned. I hope it will not remain so. It is quite unpleasant, despite it being comical afterwards.

My head is pounding and the room spun for a brief second about ten seconds ago. I take this as my cue to leave (and hopefully to get some sleep as well).

Until the next eccentricy,

Sphinx

A Pretty Lousy Day Begets A Pretty Lousy Post

2008-05-13T16:19:00.004-04:00

“No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap.”

- Carrie P. Snow

Perhaps, Carrie, perhaps. But the fact still remains that the day was horrible, and when you wake up, you will remember all of the horrible instances which occurred to you earlier. True, time has past, and as the saying goes, "time [supposedly] heals all wounds" - or something to this extent - and the pain of the occurrence has probably lessened to some extent. But pain takes a long time to heal, and sleep just doesn't cut it.

Now the real reason I have decided to take time off of my busy schedule to post (aside from the fast that I have not posted in over a month), is that there are some matters which I must discuss. Considering the fact that, as one can deduce from simply reading the title of this post, I have had...a bittersweet day (actually, my day was fine today, but when I began composing this post is was...not amazing) to say the least (and to tell you the truth, my lovely reader, I have not had many good days lately), I decided to use my bitter feelings to vent to the Blogger community, and to those kind readers - if anyone is reading this post at all. Let us begin, shall we?

Our topic today is Hollywood, or more specifically, the vexing nature of the male species to choose wives and beaus (and the like) based solely on who is often in the Hollywood spotlight, who is the most fashionable, and dresses...or rather does not.

Several couples (or past couples) have come to my attention. Here they are, as well as my comments:

1. Deryck Whibley, lead singer of the punk band Sum41, formerly dated Paris Hilton.

My response: Who in their right mind would date such a (excuse my language) slut? All Paris Hilton does is party, party, party (oh and did I mention party?) She has too much money for her own good, and spends it on useless objects - for herself! She parades around in nearly nothing - "Ooh, look at me! I'm a filthy-rich heiress! Everyone wants to be me!" - and has no talent! How that girl can be considered a celebrity is beyond me...although Hollywood has twisted morals anyways, so it's no surprise...Deryck, how could you? Still, you have Avril - much a better choice than Paris - and Avril at least has talent!

2. Benji Madden, back up vocalist and guitarist for the punk rock band Good Charlotte, currently dating Paris Hilton.
My response: (For critique on Paris, see above) Benji, why do you let your hormones get the better of you? End this relationship now before you go too far! Anyone but her - there are several women in this vast world you could choose from...why did you have to go for the sluttiest?

3. Joel Madden, lead vocalist for the punk rock band Good Charlotte, formerly "dated" Hilary Duff, currently in a relationship with Nicole Richie (who has given birth to Madden's daughter).

My response: Joel, do you have to follow your twin brother all the time? Both of you have whore-able tastes in women! Why do you have to go for the ones who have no talent, are spoiled filthy rich, and are fashionable? Why can't you just take a nice, normal girl who isn't a celebrity, and who is not in tune with the latest fashions?

4. Pete Wentz, songwriter, bass guitarist, and back-up singer of pop-punk band Fall Out Boy, married to Ashlee Simpson.

My opinion: Pete, have you not heard what I said to Benji, Joel, and Deryck? Stop going for the pretty girls who walk around, flirting, etc. At the start of her mainstream/popular music career, I regarded her as a decent singer, but once a singer moves towards the "really stage", I lose respect for said artist (if you can call them that). And Pete, did you marry her because sister, Jessica Simpson, starred as Daisy Duke? Or maybe you married her because she in Maxim's 2007 Hot 100 list? Or because you impregnated her? Hmm?

Well, that is all for now. But I would just like to point out, although it is rather obvious, Hollywood is exceptionally abnormal, and people really must cease their obsessions with celebrities; it's rather unhealthy. And celebrities, why do you purposely do foolish things to put yourself in the spotlight, if you hate living your entire life (as in twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, three hundred sixty-five days a year) ?

Sigh. Well, I'm off.

Yours truly, moi

RESPECT

2008-04-07T20:25:00.003-04:00

"Some people have so much respect for their superiors they have none left for themselves."
- Peter McArthur

This may be true, however, it can also be the other way around: some people have no respect for their superiors (or anyone in general) they have too much for themselves. The song "Narcissist" by Hedley (a great Canadian band, I might add) comes to mind. Let me post the lyrics*:

The has been high school hero

He's first in line in his whole mind and doesn't care about the rest

A handsome half wit zero

He'll be your friend until the end if you're the coolest and the best

He falls in love with his reflection in the glass

He can't resist who's staring back

He makes a case

That all you've ever needed was a pretty face

But the bottom line about it is a 'never was' is all he'll ever be

He can't resist the paranoid delusions of a narcissist

It doesn't matter anyways cause he's a self fulfilling prophesy

Of make believe

She's a suburban princess

She's had it all since she was small and sucking on a silver spoon

Another cold card purchase

This daddy's girl thinks the whole world revolves around her like the moon

Each day's a film premiere where all the boys will stare

She pretends she doesn't care

She makes a case

That all you've ever needed was a pretty face

But the bottom line about it is a 'never was' is all she'll ever be

She can't resist the paranoid delusions of a narcissist

It doesn't matter anyways cause she's a self fulfilling prophesy

Of make believe

And on the day he met her

The high pretension of their love connection all but sealed the deal

Happily ever after who better for each other than another candidate to

Make a case

That all they've ever needed was a pretty face

But the bottom line about it is a 'never was' is all they'll ever be

They can't resist the paranoid delusions of a narcissist

But they're together anyways and share their self obsessed reality

(And then it goes on for about twenty seconds more...)

But in any case, the reason I found this song relevant it is completely true. On the whole, no one cares about anyone but themselves anymore, despite their claims. For example: if you, my kind reader, saw an elderly woman...say, trip and fall over on the sidewalk and no one else is helping her, could you honestly say you would help her? The truth is, probably not. We are so secure in thinking about our own needs, we cannot comprehend the idea that the world actually does not revolve around us. There are other people just as important as us and we have to not only asccept that idea, but perhaps pay more attention to those you consider "beneath you", if you will.

Another few things:

"'Know before whom you stand' These words are inscribed on countless ark doors around the world. Their meaning is clear; whatever you say or do God is watching. Each of us must hold ourselves to high moral standards at all times." - Alan Gabel

"We confide in our strength, without boasting of it; we respect that of others, without fearing it." -Thomas Jefferson

This relates to what I said above. But I also wished to add that when you laugh at someone behind one's back (or even dirctly before them, not quite out of earshot) or the like, most of the time that person can actually hear you. He/she may not display the emotion on his/her face, but one can feel it. It hurts. A lot, I might add. So if you have to laugh, keep it in, okay? Don't hurt others to amuse yourself because...well, that's just masochism. And I am completely serious here - I'm not trying to lecture you on morality, but the next time your friend goes up to you and says, "Oh, look at that stupid kid over there. Ha ha, look he can't even walk properly! Loser." or the next time this thought pops into your head, stop it right away. You have no idea how much you could hurt someone. And you never know the other side of the story. Maybe that kid has a medical condition that makes him/her look different than what is perceived as "average". Or, if that statement did not affect you, what if that kid is your best friend's younger sibling, who is almost like your own brother/sister?

All I am trying to say is have a little compassion and consideration for OTHERS (not just yourself) and think before you speak. You might say I'm crazy, but you never know: it could benefit you in the years to come.

Okay, my shpiel's over.

Signing off,

- Sphinx

*Note: I apologize if the lyrics are incorrect; I took them off the Internet, so they may or may not be accurate.

Sadness

2008-04-03T20:12:00.002-04:00

"I love life...Yeah, I'm sad, but at the same time, I'm really happy that something could make me feel that sad. It's like...It makes me feel alive, you know. It makes me feel human. The only way I could feel this sad now is if I felt something really good before. So I have to take the bad with the good. So I guess what I'm feeling is like a beautiful sadness."

-Trey Parker and Matt Stone, South Park, Raisins, 2003

Well, that may be all very well for Trey Parker and Matt Stone, but sadness is not beautiful. Sadness is depressing. It's a feeling one cannot rid oneself of for ages: it grasps onto you and is long-lasting. Each day you must wake up and simultaneously feel the dread which comes with the realization that today you must live another day with the empty loneliness, that accompanies sadness. No one understands your pain but you. No one can help you - and you don't want them to anyways. Yet...as you reject the help others can offer, you feel even more outcast - although you yourself were the one who shunned people away from you.

Forgive me for the lengthy introduction, but I wish to inform any readers of this sad, outcast blog that I may not post for a while, due to the volume of work I am beginning to acqire (and I use this excuse on everything, yet...it is sincerely legitimate). I shall attempt to post soon!

Until then,

Sphinx has left the premises

The Book Monster

2008-03-24T21:22:00.008-04:00

Hi, all!
I've decided to start off each blog entry with a quote, so...let's get started, shall we?
_________________________________________________________

"You're the book monster: You steal books and then you read them."

- Said by: Greenbeanicus
(formerly Zaccaeus Zedekiah Gregory Philippe Justin Timberlake Michaelangelo Donatello Leonardo Raphael Rodriguez Green Alexander Bean Keith Besan Yoshiah Mario Yoshi Donkey Kong Prince Peach Puffie Puff Pastry Jigglypuff Pikachu Peak Ha-choo Bless You Zinedine Yazid Zidane No Head-butts)

Yes, my fellow comrade and dear friend to mine heart, Greenbeanicus, has been up to his little tricks again, and has called me a "book monster", as one could guess, on account of the fact that I do love to read (and as my partner in crime says often, daily I must "get in you [i.e. my] eight hours of reading").

This quote brings to my mind a fairytale ogre who kidnaps or steals children and eats them...it was rather more humorous in my own mind, I must admit. Then again, I may have fairytales on my mind on the account of the fact that I have just seen (on Saturday night), the Disney movie Enchanted (which, I suppose, was a fairly cute movie, but far too predictable; I literally knew what would happen in the entire film by...about five to ten minutes into it. Of course, Disney does have a tendency to work with a formula that is similar in most of its fairytales: girl meets boy, boy meets girl - and naturally, both must be attractive - girl falls prey to some evil witch/wizard's spell, which prevents the boy from marrying the girl - oh, and did I mention that the two fall in love instantaneously? Then the evil person gains a large amount of power, generally due to a main character's blunder, but, of course, the boy finds the inner strength and courage (that conveniently appear) necessary to defeat the evil person, and kills him/her, thus saving the girl. The boy and girl marry and - wait for it - LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

Reality check.

That never happens in real life!)

Anyone who has seen this film should note that - and I admit, I did not think of this on my own; I heard someone remark this earlier - Disney has sunken to the level of making parodies of their own fairytales. As entertaining as Disney may be, that is just pathetic.

Speaking of movies that were not as good as I has hoped, has anyone seen Semi-Pro with Will Ferrell? That was a waste of $8.50. Don't get me wrong: It had its funny moments, it had its crazy moments, and it had its climatic-amazing-yay-they-did-it moment, but it was really nothing special. If you have not seen it, I would not recommend it. (Though if you want to see a worthwhile, funny Will Ferrell movie, I suggest Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. That was funny.)

Well, that is all I have to say tonight. Farewell (for now - though I shall return!)

I shall always be,

Sphinx

Day 2 of blogging

2008-03-21T12:09:00.002-04:00

Don't you hate it when you get sick on a holiday? I mean, that just totally sucks! (As one can guess, I have fallen ill - which translates to:

"I have a cold. And a sore throat [which, I suppose, is a subcategory of a cold].

And a runny nose [read previous bracketed statement].) ."

Having a tissue up your nose to prevent mucus from dripping onto the keyboard is not fun in the slightest. Not to mention, it is the holiday of Purim - and trust me to get sick on that day! Still, having pneumonia on Chanukkah is much worse, I assure you (having experienced that dreadful occurrence 3 years previously).

I cannot think of any more to write, so I will take my leave (I hope I am using this in the correct context) here.

Chag sameach,

Sphinx

P.S. Happy birthday, Nechama!

Post 1B: Purim!

2008-03-20T22:24:00.000-04:00

The Sphinx hath returneth, and now wishes to display this message:

Happy Purim to all!!! Mishnichnas Adar Marbim B'Simcha!

- Sphinxter

Day 1: My first post

2008-03-20T18:08:00.000-04:00

Day 1 of my life.

I was a baby when I was pulled out or born. I did not cry. But now I think, maybe I should've. Indeed, there are some things in this sad, twisted world worth living for. Others, not so much. Sometimes I wonder the purpose of being alive. Or dead. Or half-alive, half-dead. Or quarter-alive, three-quarters dead. Or three-quarters alive one-quarter dead. Or just merely, there, neither dead or alive; existing, without a physical state of being.

................Okay - you didn't think I was serious there, did you? OF COURSE I WASN'T! I'm just joking with ya there! (One thing about me: I'm so jokes, not to brag or anything). Oh, and my dear friend and comrade to my heart, Greenbeanicus (formerly Zaccaeus Zedekiah Gregory Philippe Justin Timberlake Michaelangelo Donatello Leonardo Raphael Rodriguez Green Alexander Bean Keith Besan Yoshiah Mario Yoshi Donkey Kong Prince Peach Puffie Puff Pastry Jigglypuff Pikachu Peak Ha-choo Bless You Zinedine Yazid Zidane No Head-butts), wishes here that I state that it was originally his idea (borrowed from a source or two) for the first few sentences. I commend him for his efforts and stunning manipulation of the English language.

That is all for today...or for now....

So you think.