Elizabeth Gilbert & Crazy Creativity

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love” challenges the association of creative genius and insanity. In a lot of ways I agree with her (we must see creativity springing forth from our interconnected experiences in this world–creativity inspires creativity, and so on. A creative genius do not live in a vacuum. [Exception: Emily Dickinson]). But at the same time, I think the best work I have ever done is when I am on the brink of insanity; darkness produces profound art.

I don’t think that being creative makes people crazy, I think crazy people are creative.

Thomas L. Friedman: The Other Side of Outsourcing

Prop 8: The Musical

This is freaking amazing. And has two of my favorite actors in it.

One Step Forward, One Step Back

America, I think you are pretty cool right about now.

California, you have disappointed me. You call yourself a progressive Blue State? You might as well go hang out in the Bible Belt for all I care.

::sigh::

We Have the Facts and We’re Voting Yes

After tonight’s debate, my respect for Obama has turned into adoration. I never thought I would become swept up by his proposed ideals of hope and change, but there is something about this man that moves me. He makes me invision a better future, and lord knows in this time of crumbling empire, we sure do need it. For without hope for a better tomorrow, what reason do we have to progress?

This election is the most historic election in modern American history. Obama is and will be one of those great Americans, the kind that future generations will study in history classes. I think we have a hero in the making–what an exciting time to be a young American.

But let’s win this election before getting too excited.

I can’t believe McCain rejected Obama’s handshake at the end of the debate. McCain looked like a doddering old man, wobbling around the stage, spouting off his lists upon lists of experience and has-beens and done-thats. Whenever I see him speak, I can’t get his green-screen speech out of my head: “That’s not change we can believe in.”

I feel that there is so much more to this election than just Obama and McCain. The implications of this election have shed light upon how far we have come, and yet how far we still have to go. It seems that we are stepping forward and backward at the same time, a sort of quasi-tango dance. But one thing is clear: culture is majorally shifting, we are entering a new era. Of what? I am not sure. But let’s hope it involves restoration of the catastrophies of the past eight years, and illumination and realization of our potential bright and hopeful future.

Palin, Eve and Polar Bears

The Buddhist in me wants to accept the fact that no matter who wins in November, suffering will continue. We must remember that grand change does not occur in four years, or eight years, or one-hundred. Real long-standing change is called evolution, and that only occurs throughout thousands of years. We are humans, and we have been making the exact same mistakes over and over again since the dawn of civilization. Can one elected president really stir up that much change?

The optimist in me wants to believe in hope and change, and that the American public is smart enough to vote for the best candidate. And that good will overcome evil, that things can and will get better.  But the cynic realist in me is beginning to accept more and more that McCain has a very good chance of winning, and if he does things could continue to get worse: my rights as a woman and a human being will be stripped away, the Judeo-Christian god will rule the land, national ID cards will be established, and unnecessary death, war, and destruction will continue.

All I know is that the stakes have never been higher. And never before has a presidential nominee used such a backhanded, conniving, and calculated choice for their VP. Choosing Palin was a strategic choice to rally the feminists, the Hillary enthusiasts, and the right-wing religious fundamentalists. This choice has lit McCain’s campaign on fire; he has effectively upstaged Obama.

Eve Ensler re-awoke me to the atrocities of this political theatre, with this essay which hits the crux of the issue:

Tidbits

I work on Flanders Street, AKA the street Ned Flanders from “The Simpson’s” was named after.

Today I fought my church-loathing feelings and decided to donate to the boys outside of Trader Joe’s who were selling candy for their group. I told them I didn’t want to buy any candy, but I would donate. I gave the little boy $1, which for a bus-rider is a lot of money to hand out, and he gave me a “what the?!?” look. Hi. His name was Jesus and he taught generosity and gratitude. You obviously need this money since your church is slacking off in the Sunday school department.

I love when non-creepy, charismatic men say “Hi, how yah doing?” to me on the street as I walk by.

Today a big dog who was walking her owner barked right at my face when I walked by. Suffice it to say, this did not help to improve my relationship with said dogs.

Right around the corner from my office is a little coffee truck. The guy who owns it makes drip coffee fresh and by hand when ordered. And it was pretty darn good. This town knows its beans.

There is also a store down the street that sells kitchen gear exclusively. I have an affinity for kitchen gear. This is going to be bad for my wallet. Today I bought a hand juicer and a ketchup bottle so I can store my home-made salad dressings.

Um. I freaking love this city.

The ID “Debate”

As a future educator, this makes me very sad. And very angry.

Sam Harris on Atheism

Sam Harris can be a little extreme in his views, but this quote, taken from “Letter to a Christian Nation” is quality none-the-less.

Free Tibet