TMI Tuesday #165

1. What is the greatest age difference between you and a SO? Older or younger?

Not applicable to me, unfortunately. However, I think this is appropriate.

2. What is the greatest age difference between you and any sexual partner? Older or younger?

Also not applicable, unfortunately.

3. Have you started your holiday shopping? Is it done?

As far as I'm concerned, my holiday shopping is done. I may buy one or two small things as an afterthought.

4. What are the chances there will be a "naughty" present under the tree this year (either from you or for you)?

Not very likely, I'm afraid.

5. What is your favorite holiday song?

John Lennon's "So This is Xmas" is a favorite. I'm sure I have others, but I don't know their names off-hand.

Bonus:Do you have a preferred time of day to have sex? If so, why?

No, I don't see that mattering much right now.

TMI Twos-day 2

TMI Tuesday # 163

1. What are your turn-ons?

Ignoring the givens.... Long hair (also "Emo" hair while I'm at it), boots (knee- or thigh-high), corsets. I'm sure there are some other ones I can't think of right now. Also, I consider myself a bit of a doraphile. (Google it if you have to.) Not that I have an actual attraction to an item, but I find the feel very sensuous. I think that it would enhance the sensation felt during the act. (Which ultimately is the point if it's not for procreation, right? And even those two don't need to be mutually exclusive.)

2. What are your turn-offs?

Lack of intelligence, intolerance, manipulative/obnoxious/loud people, yadda yadda rama-lama ding-dong.

3. Not counting your turn-ons, what's the best trait a person can have?

An open mind and willingness to experiment with new things and new ideas.

4. Not counting your turn-offs, what's the worst trait a person can have?

Willful ignorance.

5. What's your biggest pet peeve?

Dishes that are supposed to be clean, but aren't.

Bonus: Describe your best and worst experience.

Author's Note: These are non-sexual.

Best: Too many to choose from.
Worst: Depression. Definitely depression.

TMI Tuesday #164

1. Do you consider sexy underthings a present for you or your partner?

Giving sexy undergarments as a gift definitely seems self serving. Although, I suppose it depends on the couple.

2. What are 3 characteristics of "your type"? Have your best relationship(s) been with your type or when you have gone against it?

I'm not exactly sure what 'my type' would be. Something like the strong, silent type I guess. I haven't had a serious relationship with anyone, so this question isn't really applicable.

3. What is on your Santa list this year?

A membership card for Chapters, some money and gift certificates. Nothing special.

4. Generally speaking, who has historically had a higher libido, you or your partner(s)?

This isn't really applicable either because I've never had a partner and I don't have one now. I would assume me simply because of the stereotype of young and horny males.

5. The unsculptured female bush seems to have passed from fashion. What about men, do you think they need to trim and shave "down there"?

I don't entirely agree. I can appreciate a natural, trimmed, or shaved bush on a woman. The natural image still has a following.

I can't speak for other men, but I honestly don't like having untamed pubic hair. I'd rather have it trimmed or shaved, it makes me feel a bit...awkward? Ugly?

Bonus:What are a few of your favorite things (both sexual non-sexual)?

Good food and drink, candles, fireplaces, spending some quality time with friends. As far as sexual things go, I like women that take initiative. Aggressive women, even. I think it's because I'm introverted and insecure. Confident women make me feel more comfortable.

TMI Tuesday #162

TMI Tuesday #162

1. What is your favorite Thanksgiving food?

It's all good, but I really like cranberry sauce. I only have it at Thanksgiving or Christmas.

2. You can flip a switch that will wipe any band or musical artist out of existence. Which one will it be?

I'd rather not muck with the timeline if I could. If I had to...it's a tough call between The Backstreet Boys and N'Sync.

3. You seem to be having an excellent day because you just came across a hundred-dollar bill on the sidewalk. Holy crap, a hundred bucks! How are you gonna spend it?

It depends on what I want at that point in time. It could be anything really.

4. What is your favorite curse word?

F*ck, just because it's so versatile. If this question were about the frequency of use, it would be damn.

5. Rufus appears out of nowhere with a time-traveling phone booth. You can go anytime in the PAST. What time are you traveling to and what are you going to do when you get there?

Let's say Athens-around 425BCE-to philosophize with Socrates. In actuality, I'd probably go to some significant historical period. Let's say Victorian England or Rome before the fall of the republic.

Bonus:You accidentally eat some radioactive vegetables. They were good, and what's even cooler is that they endow you with the super-power of your choice! What's it gonna be?

The super-power to cure radiation poisoning. I imagine it would be very useful right then.

New Columns

My blog has become little more than a repository for memes of late, particularly TMI Tuesday. My first NaNoWriMo attempt has been a miserable failure the likes of with have not been seen since the Hindenburg. Now that I have some free time available I want to get back to some heartier, more cerebral fare.

So I'm announcing three new series that I'm going to start. The "Controversial Topics Series", the "Things I Like Series" (Inspired in part by this), and the "Things I Don't Like Series." Look for the first in one of these series later this week.

TMI Two-sday

Okay, enough puns.

TMI Tuesday #160

1. Ever been skinny dipping?

No, but I'd like to one day. Hopefully while I still look good.

2. How often do you kiss or make out without it simply being a foreplay activity?

Not at all, unfortunatly.

3. On a scale of 1-10, how content are you with your life? (1 is lowest, 10 is highest) Do you think 'content' and 'happy' the same thing?

I'd say a six or seven. My life is far from 'perfect' but I'm better off than the majority of the people in this world. Contentedness and happiness are definitely not the same thing. Contentedness is the state of being satisfied; happiness is being delighted, pleased, or joyous.

4. What do you do to relieve stress?

Surf the Internet, play games, visit with friends, eat or drink, read, sleep, have a shower, masturbate. (Oops, how did that get there?)

5. What was the special trait in your first lover that made you decide that they were "the one?"

I haven't reached that point yet.

Bonus: How old were you when you first had sex? (positive experiences here...)

x + y = z

(Where x is my age now and y is the interval between now and when I lose my virginity.)

TMI Tuesday #161

1. When did you last use your cellular telephone as a flashlight?

I don't own a cellphone, so never.

2. On a scale from 1-10, how comfy are you being naked?

In private, I'd say about six. With other people around? Let's say three.

3. What is the longest you've ever been celibate after having lost your virginity?

This just isn't applicable.

4. Have you ever had sex in a car? If yes, since you were a teenager?

No I haven't. (Uncomfortable much?)

5. When did you last use food or drink as medication?

Whenever I don't want to die of starvation? I don't know what would qualify as medication. I usually have a drink with dinner or after I get home from work.

I'm not going to do the bonus this week. I'm not sure how to answer.

Tardy TMI Tuesday Trifecta Two

(Two, four, six, eight, look at me alliterate!)

TMI Tuesday #157

1. Have you ever felt guilty or ashamed after a sexual experience?

Yes. Quite a few times, actually. For a while I used to worry that it was a spiritual/religious thing. I know now that I was buying into the social stigmas around sexuality, and that what I was experiencing was actually a hormone crash. When it comes down to it testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, and adrenaline are little more than drugs.

2. Did you ever own a fake ID?

I never did, and I don't need one now.

3. How often do you tell white lies? Is it with or without thinking?

I don't think I lie very often. I prefer being candid. I used to lie a fair bit in high school about my homework. I imagine I still tell white lies occasionally. Sometimes social etiquette requires it.

4. On a scale of 1-10, how well do you receive constructive criticism?

Generally speaking, I don't receive criticism very well. It's a bit easier to accept constructive criticism because it's ultimately to my own benefit. I'll say a 5 or 6.

5. Have you ever shaved your pubic hair?

Overshare in 3...

2...

1...

Yes. I don't mind arm hair or leg hair. But I don't like having body hair or pubic hair. I don't mind it on other people though. Just not having it seems neater, cleaner. I feel that it gives me more sex appeal. It's also a confidence thing. You can walk down the street and tell yourself "I know something you don't."

Bonus: What percentage of women do you think are capable of handling being in a "friends with benefits" relationship? How about men?

I'm not going to throw numbers around. I'm not a sociologist. FWB's are interesting things. I think the greatest concern with a FWB would be an actual relationship evolving, which is probably what FWB's are designed to avoid. Sex can be just sex; deeper emotions need not be involved. Sometimes people just need to de-stress and indulge their desires. I don't think most men have the social awareness to recognize this and may assume that a relationship exists where one does not. Conversely, I think most women do have the social awareness to recognize that fact.

TMI Tuesday #158 - Firsts!!!

1. Who and when was your first crush?

Kindergarten, I think. I don't remember her name.

2. Who and when was your first date?

No 'official' dates thus far. 'Unofficial' dates? I'm not sure what the first one would be.

3. Who and when was your first kiss?

I don't think that's actually happened yet. *blush*

4. Who and when was your first partner while "fooling around" in a car?

Hasn't happened yet.

5. Who and when was your first partner while "fooling around" in a house?

Hasn't happened yet.

6. Who and when was your first love?

As far as romantic love is concerned, I don't think anyone. There's certainly been plenty of platonic-, familial-, and puppy love.

Bonus: Who's blog did you first comment on?

Damned if I can remember.

TMI Tuesday #159

1. Have you ever had a moving violation? An auto accident? That was your fault?

No, no, and no.

2. Have you ever voted? How old was your were you the first time you voted?

Yes. I was eighteen.

3. Are you glad this election cycle is over?

Yes.

4. Do you have a guilty pleasure? What is it (or are they)?

Everything. No, not really. Dark chocolate is definitely one. Books are another.

5. What is the most embarrassing thing you have done recently?

I don't know. Ask the people that laugh at me.

Bonus: How much impact has the Wall Street and general economic wilt had on you?

It's made me reconsider opening a new bank account, and made me reluctant to invest in stocks. That's about it so far.

TMI Tuesday #156 - Foresight

I've often described myself as a private person. Given the rise of cell phones, instant messaging, and social networking websites, I sometimes wonder if that is truly the case. We've all heard the horror stories: employers finding incriminating photos of their employees and the like. The Internet has gained a sort of disassociation from reality in the public mind. People seem to forget that they are not always anonymous on the Internet.

Social pressure is a powerful force. It's why I often refrain from voicing my opinions except to a few close friends. I realize this is detrimental to my own interests and the interests of society, namely the free flow of ideas. Consequently, I've removed the disclaimers from some of my previous entries. No one has the right to not be offended. So here's throwing caution to the wind; and this week's TMIs.

1. What do you do that sends a clear signal to your partner that you're interested in an intimate evening?

I've never had a partner and I've honestly never had a serious relationship. In lieu of a deep impressive answer I'll settle for "Hey, wanna have sex?"

2. How important is foreplay to an exciting evening?

Once again, I'm not speaking from experience. But suffice it to say that foreplay is very important. It's what makes the rest of sex as enjoyable as it is. I'm sure a lot of people overlook foreplay for the act of sex itself; but I imagine that foreplay is a truly enjoyable experience in and of itself. Last but not least, foreplay builds tension.

3. What is the first thing you do during foreplay or what is the first thing you like done to you?

I have no clue. A lot of people seem to enjoy kissing and roaming hands. (To clarify, I know what to do but I don't know what I would do.)

4. Are you a one and done kind of partner (20 minutes or so) or do you like intimacy sessions longer than 60 minutes?

I would like to think the latter and not the former. Again, building tension.

BONUS: If you are interested in sex with a same-sex partner, what would be the first thing you'd like to touch on that other person, and why? (For those already in same sex relationships...what was the first thing you touched, or if you were interested in a relationship with the opposite sex, what would be the first thing you touched?)

[Overshare Imminent]

Just what my friends need to know about. My gay fantasy. I can think of a few things that I could find attractive on a guy...the chest, shoulders, neck, ears, hair. I'd probably go for the ass...just to find out what it's like.

Election Day

Today was an important day. It's the third federal election we've had since the turn of the millennium. At the time I'm writing this sentence, the polls are still open for another twenty-five minutes. I cast my ballot about forty minutes ago.

I didn't feel like I had an easy choice to make. Until last week, anyway. Vote splitting in my riding has been a problem. The Greens, National Democrats, and Liberals have traditionally fought the Conservatives for votes. The result being that the Conservative Party has held this riding for three successive parliaments.

The National Democratic candidate dropped out of the running this year. Regardless of that fact, I was caught between voting my conscience and making a smart vote. That is, a vote for a candidate that had a fair chance of winning. Forcing the electorate to make a choice like this is definitely one of the failures of our First-Past-the-Post system.

After my Conscience Vote Party unofficially endorsed my Smart Vote Party (at least in my riding) my decision became a bit easier. I'd rather not take a risk with my vote if I can help it. It's likely we'll have another Conservative minority, but maybe we'll unseat a MP and Cabinet Minister in this riding.

TMI Tuesday #155 -- The Seven Virtues

1. Prudence: When do you feel it is most important to exercise prudence? When is it acceptable to throw practicality out the window?

Being Obsessive-Compulsive, some misinformed people might think I try to be prudent all the time. I'm not. At it's heart, Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is an illness of irrationality dressed in the trappings of rational fears and responses. Besides, I only have mild OCD anyway.

My friends know this. We joke around and make jabs at each other. (Some of them might even say I have a sense of humour.) Sometimes they flirt, but they rarely take it seriously.

I think it is the most important to exercise prudence when the consequences can affect other people. For example, their health and well being. Politics is a second example. My opinion is that a voter who is not well-informed has the responsibility to not cast a ballot and not vote based on petty reasons.

2. Justice: Is a sense of justice really a virtue, or is only a tool that allows us to pass judgment on others without feeling guilty? What do you feel is the greatest injustice facing the world today?

I think this very much depends on the eye of the beholder. Imagine a society where Social Contract Theory or Consent Theory provides the basis for the rule of law. To a member of that society, a sense of justice might seem like a virtue because of all the reinforcing messages that person is exposed to. To an external observer however, it may appear to be a mechanism for passing judgment without experiencing the associated guilt.

The greatest injustice facing the world today? That's easy: the continued prevalence of human stupidity and indifference.

3. Temperance: All things in moderation. Should we allow ourselves a few excesses? How well do you restrain yourself when faced with your deepest desires?

A few excesses now and then are definitely allowable. What are our labours if not for our fruits?

Saying that, I think I restrain myself fairly well. I save what I can, and I don't spend beyond my means. I wonder if I've been too stingy. What is the purpose of wealth if you never use it to enrich your life or the lives of others?

4. Courage/Fortitude: How well do you confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation? Does facing the little things make you as brave as facing the big things?

I don't deal with these well. It's because of my obsessions. I usually get very anxious and I try to avoid my problems instead of confronting them. If small issues bother me, larger issues probably bother me more.

5. Faith: Is it important to have faith? How steadfast are you in your core beliefs? Do your core beliefs equate to faith in something?

I'm having some qualms about this question. Depending on the definition of faith it could mean very different things. Following from the first definition, I have no problems saying I have faith in my friends, or my ability to get out of bed and go to work tomorrow.

Given the second definition, I'm inclined to say it's foolish, possibly detrimental, to have faith. I wouldn't consider it a virtue in this case.

6. Hope: Does having hope for the future help you deal with the present? How good are you at finding the good in the bad? What is the thing you hope for most?

I suppose it does. I tend to daydream a lot, create a rough plan for my life. I think I try to examine a problem from all angles to find the good in it but I'm ultimately a realist. In a broad sense, I don't know what I hope for the most. In the short-term I'd like an easy Wed-Thu-Fri at work.

7. Love/Charity: How easy is it for you to give selfless, unconditional, and voluntary loving-kindness? How easy is it for you to receive selfless, unconditional, and voluntary loving-kindness?

I think I'm fairly good at giving selfless and unconditional love and kindness. Receiving is another story. I have a strong independent streak and I have difficulty accepting help from others, especially if it's unsolicited. I've surmised that I consider it an attack on my ability to fend for myself.

[Why is there no bonus this week? And what happened to the 'TMI' part?]

~The Muse

TMI Tuesday #154

1. What do you feel is the difference between sexy and erotic?

I think this is the best question I've seen so far. I would describe sexy as a state of being; an attitude. Eroticism leans more towards the physical act of sex itself. I would say that it's possible to be sexy but not erotic, but you can't be erotic without being sexy.

2. Do you believe there is one right person (i.e. soul mate) for you out there in the world, or that there can be many different potential mates that you could live blissfully with?

I think that the concept of a single soulmate is a hold-over from the Romantic Period. There are many compatible lovers/life partners for any individual. I find the concept of spending youth to find 'your one true soulmate' greatly wasteful. Imagine if you didn't find your soulmate! Consider it Pascal's Wager as applied to love.

3. Do you need to hear "I love you" or similar words on a regular basis from your partner?

"I love you" is just a phrase. Actions speak much louder than words; I would much rather have a loving embrace.

4. What feeling do you have the most difficulty expressing?

I'm not quite sure. My mother sometimes asks me, "How come I never see you happy?" Hyperbolic for sure, but I don't think the problem is happiness per se, but expressing it. I can be happy but still be quite serious. Sometimes I'm afraid I'm losing my sense of humour. (Desensitization in our media obsessed culture.) I find it takes a lot to get me to laugh out loud.

[Case-in-point: 'Laugh out loud' seems so cliche now. I blame the proliferation of the acronym L.O.L.]

5. What is worse - physical, mental or cyber cheating?

This is a tough call. I would classify cyber cheating as a form of mental cheating. Between physical and mental I would choose physical. Physical and mental cheating together is certainly worse.

The physical act of sex does not necessarily require an emotional component, although it certainly makes sex more fulfilling. Depending on the relationship and the partners involved, this may or may not be a problem. I might write a separate post expanding on this point.

I believe that a person's thoughts are sovereign. As such, I don't think a partner's fantasies are any of my business unless they decide to involve me in them or they act upon them.

Bonus: The Kinsey scale attempts to describe a person's sexual history or episodes of their sexual activity at a given time. It uses a scale from 0, meaning exclusively heterosexual, to 6, meaning exclusively homosexual. Where are you - TODAY - on the scale?

The last time I took a test to place myself on the Kinsey Scale, I scored a one. This time I scored a three. I don't believe the test I took this time was the same test I took last time, so I wouldn't put a lot of stock in the consistency. Furthermore, there is only the Kinsey Scale. Kinsey developed no test or examination to be used in conjunction with his scale. Self-reporting, I would still say I'm a one. [That's predominantly heterosexual; only incidentally homosexual AKA 'bi-curious.']

TMI Tuesday Trifecta

Rejected names include "TMI Tuesday Triple Treat" and "TMI Tuesday Triple Terror."

I know that this is exceptionally late, but I want to at least try to remain consistent.

Let's start with the newest TMI's and work our way backwards shall we?

TMI Tuesday #153

1. What is the strangest thing you have ever inserted or seen inserted (in a sexual manner) in person?

Oh dear.

The use of 'strange' makes this a very subjective question. I wouldn't think of anything I've personally used as strange, although I've only used one thing. For the record, I haven't seen anyone else insert anything in person.

2. Have you ever had sex anyone whose name started with a J?

*Snicker* Does myself count?

3. Have you ever been outside completely naked?

I don't ever recall being outside completely naked.

4. Do you prefer music, tv, or other noise in the background when you have sex?

I honestly don't know. I think some types of music would be nice, as well as nature sounds.

5. Have you ever used ice for sexual purposes?

Yes.

Bonus: Have you ever been propositioned for group sex?

No. (Sadly.)

TMI Tuesday #152 - Rerun edition

1. Ever been stalked an ex [sic]? Stalked an ex? Or stalked 'a you'd like to be'?

No I haven't. Hopefully I'd be worried if I was or did.

2. How often do you reach orgasm during sex? Has then historically been true?

Usually once.

3. Teeth when used during oral stimulation, good or bad?

Coming from my angle? Bad. Possibly very bad.

4. How many times is the most you have ever had sex in a 24 hour period? How many different sexual partners have you had in a 24 hour period?

Seven and one, respectively. (Does it really count if it's myself?)

5) Would you rather run naked through a crowded place or have someone email your deepest secret too [sic] all your friends?

Hmm. Knowing my friends and knowing how self-conscious I can be, I'd rather take the latter.

Bonus: Have you ever kissed your partner on the lips after oral sex without brushing teeth, nor washing/gargling/rinsing out mouth? Turn on or off?

No, and no idea.

TMI Tuesday #151

1. Describe the perfect date for YOURSELF... what you would enjoy most.

I'm honestly not the dating type. I'm more of a 'meet people casually' person. I guess a nice dinner and an evening at the waterfront or the gardens.

2. Do you lean more toward being submissive or dominant?

I lean more to the submissive side. At this very moment, I'm beginning to wonder if it's more psychological than I originally thought. An effect of anxiety perhaps?

3. What do you usually wear to bed?

Over the last several months, whenever I've had the opportunity, I've taken to sleeping in the nude. I read an article at a naturist website touting the supposed health benefits of sleeping nude and naturism in general. Ever the skeptic, I decided to try it for myself. I believe that ever since the change I've been sleeping better. I also find the feeling of my comforter against my skin quite sensual.

(I can't find the exact article, but this .pdf is fairly good for anyone who's interested.)

4. Have you ever seen a counselor?

Yes I have. I'm not going to say anything else beyond that.

5. Lights on or off?

Lights on. Maybe lights off sometimes to mix it up.

Bonus: Have you or a partner ever faked an orgasm?

No.

Compulsion: Guilt

This is me, nearly everyday.

TMI Tuesday #150

1. When was the last time someone hit on you? What went down?

I can't remember the last time anyone hit on me.

2. If you were single and could be with any one person, who would it be (thinking singer/actor or someone famous here, but whatever)?

Ugh. I hate this kind of question. I don't think I could deal with being a celebrity's S/O.

3. Have you ever had done anything sexual in your office or your place of employment?

No.

4. Do you apologize when you make a mistake? How do you react when someone calls you out?

I'll apologize if I know I made a mistake. I'd probably act defensive if someone called me out on making a mistake.

5. Top or bottom?

Bottom. Sub or Dom?

Bonus: How old were you when you first had a willing sexual experience?

I'm assuming masturbation doesn't count. You'll have to refer to the following formula:

(Current Age) + X = Y

Where X is the interval between Current Age and Y
Where Y is the age of my first willing sexual experience

See you same time next week!

Why Did I Even Write This?

So here's the answer from last week's TMI Tuesday that I didn't write. I'd like to be a woman. Before you even think it, it's not for some sexual kick. Although there are several sexual perks I can think of. (More nerve endings and more intense orgasms, the capability of having multiple and G-spot orgasms, female ejaculation, etc.)

It's about experiencing existence from the perspective of the opposite sex. I'll never know what the intimate connection between a mother and a child is like. I'll never have the experience of giving birth or menstruating. (From what I've been told they're not at all pleasant, but I'm honestly curious. You have to take the good with the bad.) I'll never know what it's like growing up as a girl or dating a man, or even another woman, from a feminine perspective. I'll never have the innate intuition and empathy that most women seem to have. I'm not really ashamed to say that I'm jealous of women.

There's even more than that. The female body seems to me much more aesthetically pleasing than the male one. Perhaps I have a biased opinion because I was born as a male. I find the male form so rugged and unsophisticated. I think Auguste Rodin's works provide a perfect example of the beauty I'm trying to convey. Works like The Kiss, The Poet and the Muse, Eternal Spring, and so on.


[DOMAI has a nice article on the female form here.]

For a while, when I still clung to the notion of reincarnation I had hoped that my next life would be that of a woman, so I could experience life from a new perspective naturally. Another thought I had was that if I ever had children, I would want a daughter. I didn't really know why at the time, but I think now I do. If I couldn't have the opportunity to be the fairer sex, perhaps my child could. I realize now that I was projecting my thoughts and feelings.

I don't have these feelings strongly enough to justify to myself any type of reassignment surgery. I imagine if there were no side effects and it were reversible, I'd give it a try. I might even stay that way if I liked it. But I was born a male, and I have to play the cards I was dealt in life. I wouldn't call myself trans-gender. I think trans-curious is a better phrase. Like Ron Rifkin's character Saul in Brothers & Sisters, the great irony of my life is that I love women. Perhaps so much that I don't think I'd mind being one.

TMI Tuesday #149

I know it's a day few days late, but I'm doing it anyway.

1. What is the one thing you would change about your body?

I wouldn't like to have as much body hair. =\ I actually have another answer I'd like to write, but it's going to be really long so I'll save it for another time.

2. What is the one personality trait you would change?

I'd like to be more focused. I'd like to be able to start something and finish it. I don't like how I try to justify my procrastination.

3. What is the one thing about your job you would change?

I would like to have a job. Period.

4. What is the one thing about your home you would change?

I'd like to have my own place if I could afford it. The floor in my parents' kitchen could use replacing though. Some of the mouldings could use replacing too.

5. What is the one thing about your Significant Other you would change?

Just having an S/O would be nice right now. Messing with the details can come later.

6. Who is the one person you would poof out of your life and why?

This one is really hard. I don't think there's anyone I'd really like to get rid of. Even in a joking sense. My family and friends add a depth to my life I wouldn't have without them.

7. Who is the one person you would poof back in and why?

This is almost the same as #6. I wouldn't really want to change anything. I have a 'let it be' philosophy. However, I would probably ask for my uncle back. He died too young.

The Confusion of Language

Returning to my entry from August sixth, I'd like to discuss two specific examples of 'the disconnect between what people say and what they mean.' Perhaps a better way to put it would be the double-interpretation of words or phrases.

On a recent outing a friend of mine brought one of these such phrases to my attention. That phrase being 'slept with.' As in, "I slept with him/her." This could be interpreted in one of two ways. First, that the individual literally and platonically slept with the person in question, or second, that the individual had sex with the person in question. Today, most people would assume the latter meaning over the former. The problem with this is that there is no way to be sure how the message will be interpreted without being explicit in the details. "I slept with him/her" is far more subtle than "I had sex with him/her."

Consider the following scenario: Person A tells Person B that they 'slept with' Person C. Person B misunderstands Person A's meaning and tells Person D that Person A and Person C had sex. Person D tells Person E, who tells Person F, and so on. Eventually Person C comes to Person A angry, because the rumour made its way to their partner and their relationship is now standing on shards of broken glass. This is of course, a worst-case scenario, but it demonstrates the potential fallout from the misinterpretation of language. The message is clear: say what you intend to say plainly, and make sure the other person knows what you mean. (Really, it would help all us unperceptive folks.)

My second example is more specific, and involves the use of the word 'girlfriend.' When a man uses the word 'girlfriend' the meaning is usually clear: it's his romantic interest. When a woman uses the term, it's simply a friend. But what if that woman is a lesbian? Does she mean a romantic interest or a platonic friend?

There is also a double standard here. If a man where to use the term 'boyfriend' he may be accused of being gay, even if he only meant it in a platonic sense. Not that there is anything wrong with being gay; it is simply that in some social circles being gay is considered undesirable and some people may wish to avoid that association.

I think there is definitely a muddying of the waters and a 'communication breakdown' occurring in the modern vernacular. Political correctness may have something to do with this, but that is a topic for another time. (Sorry segue fans.)

TMI Tuesday #148

Ugh. It's been a week and I haven't done a proper post since last week's TMI Tuesday. Oh well.

1. Are you truly politically correct? Be honest.

I try to be, but I'm honestly not. I do not think facts should be subject to political correctness.

2. Will you ever streak in public during rush hour?

Hahahahahaha! No.

3. Would you ever do something sexual in public (more than 20 people around)?

It's highly, highly, unlikely.

4. Do you ever not have good table manners?

Probably. I do my best to be polite, but I'm not anal about it. I don't bother with switching my knife and fork from hand to hand depending on what I'm doing.

5. Do you ever fantasize about a public sexual act? Describe.

No, I don't. (But I probably will now...)

Bonus: Have you ever gone through a true sexual fantasy? Describe.

No, I haven't. But I would like to. (Doesn't everyone want their fantasies to come true?)

TMI Tuesday #147

1. What is your favorite song to have sex to?

I haven't actually had the opportunity to try this out. I think "Crimson & Clover" would be a good choice, as well as "Kashmir." "Wolf Moon" has some erotic symbolism. A lot of people talk about "Closer" but I just don't get what they see in it. Classical is probably another good choice.

2. What is your vision of hell?

I don't believe in Hell, but if I did I would picture it something like this. Mostly because I like the idea of Hell being ironic. Although Dante's depiction of Hell in The Divine Comedy is classic.

3. In the film made of your life, who will play you?

I do all my own stunts.

4. What is the one thing you most urgently need to tell your mom?

I honestly can't think of anything that urgently needs to be said.

5. What will be carved onto your tombstone?

"I was as you are; I am what you will be. Remember your mortality. Seize the day." Preferably in Latin.

Bonus: What is your drag name (which would be, first name: the name of your first pet; last name: the name of the street you grew up on)?

Piper Seven. (It sounds more like a callsign than a drag name.)

An Update

An entry posted on the Pharyngula blog is discussing some of the themes addressed in one of my previous posts, TMI Tuesday on Marriage. The entry and comment thread can be found here.

I've also decided to add Pharyngula to the sidebar.

Here's hoping there's a good TMI Tuesday tomorrow.

Brave New Philosophy

Sorry, it's not really about Aldous Huxley or his works.

One thing I've been noticing more and more lately about modern language is that there is often a disconnect between what people say and what they actually mean. I think that peoples' grasp of the English language is degrading. Not to say that its devolving, there's no such thing. The English language is evolving, but not in what I would consider a progressive way. You need only watch Fox News for a short period of time before a pundit uses 'liberal' in a context that is far more suited to perhaps 'socialist' or 'communist.' This is at best the result of ignorance. At worst, it is willful misrepresentation. People are letting connotations carry more weight than actual denotation.

I've also noticed another trend. To put it in a phrase: "You cannot be X because you are Y." People are defining other people not just by who or what they are, but who or what they aren't. More and more an 'Us' and 'Them' mentality is developing. This is frightening. This type of mentality often, and perhaps inevitably, results in conflict. A divided population less attuned to the subtleties of the English language, combined with powerful rhetoric can be dangerous. We have see the results of this combination before. Revolutionary Russia. Israel and Palestine. South Africa during Apartheid. The United States during the civil rights movement. Quebec during the FLQ crisis. There are many other factors involved in each of these scenarios of course, but I believe that these two are common to all of them.

This lack of education and social division are issues that must be addressed by our societies if we wish to progress in a manner that is beneficial to all. (Here come the pundits, calling me a communist.)

I want to make a point. I want to prove that I am not merely 'X.' I can also be 'Y.' Schools of thought are not mutually exclusive. There are merits and drawbacks to every system of thought, and to limit oneself to a single philosophy is foolhardy.

I am a liberal. (But I could also be called a conservative or socialist as far as economic matters are concerned.)

I am an agnostic, and an atheist.

I am a feminist, and an environmentalist.

I am a metaphysical naturalist, an existentialist, a nihilist, a humanist, a rationalist, a neo-objectivist, a materialist and physicalist, a stoic and a skeptic, a hedonist and an epicurean.

P.S. Storyteller, I'm happy that that conversation went as well as it did and I'm glad my honesty is appreciated.

TMI Tuesday on Marriage

It's been over a month since I made my last post. How am I ever supposed to be a successful blogger if I don't write an entry at least once a week?

I was originally going to write about some of the weirder news articles of the past week, but TMI Tuesday (May be NSFW) came through with some interesting subject matter that I would like to address. Yes, I know, I'm nearly a week behind on this too.

Q: Do you believe in marriage?

Personally, I think the wording of this question is a little vague. Do I believe in marriage in the sense that marriage exists? Yes. Do I believe in the virtues of marriage? No, not really. I think marriage is a social construct and any perceived virtues associated with marriage are a construct as well.

Q: What is marriage to you?

Warning: Long Rant

To be legalistic, (and this is the definition I prefer,) marriage is a social contract. From antiquity, marriage has been used to combine ownership of possessions (or transfer them outright, i.e., dowries) and cement relationships. I don't necessarily mean a relationship between two people either; marriage has just as easily cemented alliances between families.

While this is still mostly true in regards to property, I think that the concept of marriage is outdated. In fact, I think it is largely unnecessary. A lot of people ascribe spiritual attributes to marriage. I see no reason why the former cannot exist without the latter in any other loving relationship.

If marriage is a social contract between two persons, the judicial branch of government has valid reason to record such contracts, in the event of divorce or other disputes. However, I do not think governments should provide tax benefits to married persons. It is my opinion that governments provide tax benefits to married persons with the intent of a) encouraging reproduction (this is not true in all marriages) and b) creating a healthy, stable environment where children can be raised. Governments do this to ensure a source of labour, sales, and investment for the economy. In a democratic society, a strong economy benefits everyone. (At least theoretically.) However, I believe that the interests of the individual trump the interests of the majority. Thus, governments should not provide tax benefits to married persons because it is discriminatory to those who choose to remain unmarried. A simpler, more equitable solution would be to provide tax benefits to those with children.

[I recognize that this is an exercise in logic; you must accept the presuppositions for the argument to work.]

Q: If you are married, why did you do it? If you are not, why have you not married?

I'm not married. I don't think I'm old enough, nor do I have an S/O. As I wrote earlier, I think marriage is unnecessary. I sometimes quip that I won't get married until I'm at least 27.

Q: Do you believe in divorce?

Again, this is vague. We all know that divorce exists. Legal contracts are routinely rendered null and void and I see no reason why marriage should be an exception. I'm not the first to say that it would be terrible to be stuck in an unloving relationship for life.

Q: If you are divorced, why did you do it? If you have not, are there certain circumstances under which you would agree to a divorce?

I'm not divorced. There are certain circumstances under which I would agree to a divorce. Irreconcilable infidelity, for example. I say 'irreconcilable' because non-monogamous relationships can, and are, stable. Poly-amourous and swinging relationships, for example.

Q: Do you believe that same sex marriages are a threat to traditional marriages?

Until traditionalists sufficiently prove to me that gay marriage is a threat to heterosexual marriage, No. In fact, until they sufficiently prove to me that marriage is sacrosanct, No. Straight people seem to have enough trouble maintaining the 'sanctity' of marriage.

I'm leaving on vacation tomorrow morning, so don't expect any posts for several weeks. I'll try to write some new material for you all while I'm away.

Perfection...

...Is a b*tch of a taskmaster.

I had a conversation with a teacher I admire very much today. The conversation was about a few overdue assignments I had (read: have) and it can essentially be broken down into this:

Him: "You deserve a good grade in this course."
Me, internally: Yeah, right.

I left the conversation in a very sour and depressed mood, despite the rash of good events that had happened to me previously. I did substantially better than the class average on an exam, I got three free books, and I won a contest. Still, I was mopey. I have an annoying tendency when I'm depressed to have thoughts of an existential and nihilistic flavour. Standard emo bullsh*t. (Go cry emo, I'm not going to give you the dignity of a capital 'e.')

To paraphrase a friend of mine, I have a preconceived image of the world and how it works (or should work) and I act irrationally when reality does not match this preconceived image. (I'm obsessive-compulsive, so sue me.)

I have a very antagonistic view as far as late assignments are concerned. If it's late, I'm not going to get any marks for it, so I'm not going to bother wasting my time with it. The problem is that this isn't the case. I can get marks for late assignments, just not as many. I don't care about the assignments. They do.

This led me to two questions. First, is my notion that late assignments are not permissible a preconceived notion that I impose on myself because of a perceived (or idealistic) social standard? Second, am I just trying to justify my actions?

I think that the first question is true. I don't think that I should receive any marks for a late assignment. Most, if not all of the student body would probably disagree. So much for the perceived social standard. I have no doubt that it's a preconceived idea. As an only child, I'm subject to the stereotype that only children have poor social skills, little or no friends, are spoiled, prodigies, and so on. Unfortunately all stereotypes have some basis in fact.

As a very young child I had no-one I would consider a 'friend' and mostly associated with adults. I think this left a lasting impression on my psyche. Specifically, I think I learned a fair number of behaviours from mimicking and to uphold myself to an exacting standard. The standards I demand of myself are neither reasonable or realistic. I fear that this is a deep-seated and irreversible behaviour, and probably the root cause of my disorder. It's frustrating, and frankly, it pisses me off. I don't blame my parents or my family, but I digress.

The implications of the second question, to me, seem worse. Do I use my belief that I should not receive marks for overdue assignments as a justification for not completing them? (Even if it is just a subconscious justification?) If this is true, then I'm only justifying my laziness. Irregardless of whether it's true or not, I still need to deal with the consequences of the first question.

I'm sure that I will be obsessive-compulsive for the rest of my natural life. But I need to break this cycle and control it if I'm going to succeed.

Wherein I Explain My Over-Thinking In Selecting U2 Singles

This is a response to this post where I said I would explain my choices.

Male or Female? The Ground Beneath Her Feet

I couldn't exactly use "Gloria" or "Miss Sarajevo" for this one. This was the only one left that seemed to imply masculinity. Let's face it, we've all heard of the "downtrodden husband and controlling wife" stereotype.

Describe Yourself: Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of

I thought about using "Even Better Than The Real Thing" for this one, but that didn't make any sense. I finally settled on "Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of" because I didn't think I was really going anywhere in my life. I'm still not sure, for that matter. "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" was a close second for this one. I say that it's a close second because I'm not sure what I want to do with my life at this point, or even what I want to major in at university.

Where do you want to be? Where The Streets Have No Name

"In God's Country" definitely didn't work for this one, and neither did "City of Blinding Lights." "A Celebration" also seemed like a good choice. I chose "Where The Streets Have No Name" mostly because it seemed a bit esoteric. The title also implies anonymity to me, which is what this blog allows me to do: remain anonymous. In theory, anyway.

How do others feel about you? Even Better Than The Real Thing

This was the best opportunity to use this one. The title doesn't make sense, but I hope it will make people think for a moment. I think I considered "Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses" too.

How do you feel about you? I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For

I used this one for the same reasons posted above. The important thing being I recognize that I don't know what I want to do at this point.

How do you live? Last Night On Earth

"A Celebration" was my second choice for this one. I can't argue with "Last Night On Earth" though. Ya never know when you're gonna go, so ya might as well enjoy it. [Poor grammar intentional.]

How do you love? Two Hearts Beat As One

I originally considered "The Ground Beneath Her Feet" for this one, but it didn't fit well with my concept of relationships being a two-way street. Other than that, I'm a romantic sap.

Words of Wisdom: Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

Honestly, this was the only one that made sense.

This was the discography I used: U2 Singles

More Silly Meme Time

Aren't they all silly? I guess I'm really bored tonight. Honestly though, I hope some of my answers will provoke responses from people and get me to open up and share my thoughts with people. Nods again to Bryi.

The check marks mean the statement is true, the X's that the statement is false, and tildes [~] that the statement is semi-true. My own comments are in the brackets.

x I miss somebody right now.
✓ I don't watch much TV these days.
✓ I own a lot of books.
✓ I wear glasses or contact lenses.
✓ I love to play video games.
✓ I've tried marijuana. (I regret it a bit.)
✓ I've watched porn movies.
x I've been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
✓ I believe honesty is usually the best policy.
✓ I curse sometimes.
x I have changed a lot mentally over the last year. (I don't think so.)
x I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
x I have broken someones bones.
✓ I have a secret I'm ashamed to reveal. (I probably do, but I'd also probably answer honestly if the correct question was asked.)
~ I hate the rain. (I'd say it's more of a love-hate relationship.)
✓ I'm paranoid at times.
✓ I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost and scar free. (I don't think very much of my nose.)
✓ I want/need money right now. (I'd like some more money, but I don't need it.)
x I love sushi.
x I talk really, really fast. (I don't think I do.)
x I have fresh breath in the morning.
x I have long hair. (I'd like to see what it would be like longer though.)
x I have lost money in Las Vegas.
x I have at least one sibling.
✓ I was born in a country outside of the US.
x I have worn fake hair/fingernails/eyelashes in the past.
x I couldn't survive without caller ID.
x I like the way that I look. (Again, my nose. It's mostly my hair that bothers me though.)
✓ I have lied to a good friend in the last six months. (I'm not quite sure, but I probably have about something inconsequential.)
~ I am usually pessimistic. (I would say I'm a realist, but I vary between the two extremes based on my mood.)
x I have a lot of mood swings.
✓ I think prostitution should be legalized. (I may or may not outline my arguments in another post.)
x I slept with a roommate.
x I have a hidden talent.
x I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
x I have a lot of friends. (I'd say I have a lot of acquaintances and a few close friends.)
x I have pecked someone of the same sex.
x I enjoy talking on the phone.
x I practically live in sweatpants or pj's.
✓ I love to shop or window shop.
x I'm obsessed with Xanga or Livejournal.
x I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
x I have a mobile phone.
x I have passed out drunk in the last six months.
x I've rejected someone before. (I assume the question is about a relationship.)
x I currently like/love someone.
~ I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life. (Some ideas, but I'm still working on it.)
~ I want to have children in the future. (Generally, no. It would depend on what my significant other wanted too though.)
x I have changed a diaper before.
x I've called the cops on a friend before.
x I'm not allergic to anything. (Pollen.)
✓ I have a lot to learn.
✓ I'm shy around the opposite sex. (Sometimes.)
x I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.
x I have at least 5 away messages saved.
✓ I have tried alcohol or drugs before.
x I have made a move on a friend's significant other or crush in the past.
x I own "South Park" the movie.
x I have avoided schoolwork to be on Livejournal.
✓ I enjoy some country music. (I blame my uncle.)
~ I would die for my best friends. (Honestly, it depends on the circumstances.)
✓ I'm obsessive, and often a perfectionist.
x I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
x I think Halloween is awesome because you get free candy. (I stopped trick-or-treating at about eight.)
x I have dated a close friend's ex.
x I am happy at this moment.
x I'm obsessed with guys.
x Democrat.
x Republican.
x I don't even know what I am. (I assume the question is about political affiliation.)
x I am punk-rockish.
~ I go for older guys/girls, not younger. (I got for the individual.)
x I study for tests most of the time.
x I tie my shoelaces differently from anyone I've met.
x I can work on a car.
x I love my job. (No job.)
✓ I am comfortable with who I am right now. (I know who I am, but I don't know where I'm going.)
x I have more than just my ears pierced.
x I walk barefoot whenever I can.
x I have jumped off a bridge. (I don't recall ever doing it...)
~ I love sea turtles. (I think 'love' is too strong a term.)
x I spend ridiculous amounts of money on makeup.
✓ I plan on achieving a major goal or dream.
x I am proficient on a musical instrument.
x I hate office jobs.
x I went to college out of state.
x I am adopted.
✓ I am a pyro. (I like candles, fireplaces, and campfires if that counts.)
x I have thrown up from crying too much.
✓ I have been intentionally hurt by people that I loved.
x I fall for the worst people.
x I adore bright colours.
x I usually like covers better than originals.
x I hate chain restaurants like Applebees and TGI Fridays.
✓ I can pick up things with my toes.
~ I can't whistle. (I'm learning!)
x I have ridden/owned a horse.
x I still have every journal I've ever written in.
x I talk in my sleep. (Not that I'm aware of.)
~ I've often thought that I was born in the wrong century. (I fantasize about living in a different time period.)
✓ I try to forget things by drowning them out with lots of distractions.
x I wear a toe ring.
x I have a tattoo. (I'm not ruling out getting one.)
x I can't stand at least one person that I work with.
x I am a caffeine junkie.
x I am completely tree-huggy spiritual, and not ashamed at all.
x If I knew I could get away with it, I would commit at least one murder.
x I will collect anything; the more nonsensical, the better.
✓ I enjoy a nice glass of wine with dinner.
✓ I'm an artist.
x I am ambidextrous.
x I sleep with so many stuffed animals, I can hardly fit on my bed. (I used to.)
x If it weren't for having to see other people naked, I'd live in a nudist colony.
~ I have terrible teeth. (Probably.)
x I hate my toes.
✓ I have more friends on the Internet than I do in real life. (Probably.)
x I have lived in more than three states or countries.
✓ I am extremely flexible.
✓ I love hugs more than kisses.
x I want to own my own business.
x I smoke.
✓ I spend way too much time on the computer.
✓ Nobody has ever said I'm normal.
✓ Sad movies, games, and the like can cause a trickle of tears every now and then.
~ I like the way women look in stylized men's suits. (I don't know about stylized...)
✓ I don't like it when people are displeased or seem displeased with me.
✓ I've been described as a dreamer or likely to have my head in the clouds. (By myself to myself.)
x I have played strip poker with someone before.
✓ I have had emotional troubles for which I've sought professional help.
x I believe in ghosts and the paranormal. (But I don't deny the possibility.)
x I can't stand being alone.
x I have at least one obsession at any given time.
x I consistently spend too much money on obsessions of the moment.
✓ I can be a judgmental asshole. (I would agree completely if not for the 'asshole' part.)
x I'm a huge drama-queen.
✓ I have traveled on more than one continent. (North America and Europe.)
x I sometimes wish my father would just disappear.
✓ I need people to tell me I'm good at something in order to feel that I am. (Most of the time I feel that they're lying or mocking me.)
✓ I am a Libertarian. (Moderate.)
x I can speak more than one language.
x I can fall asleep even if the whole room is as noisy as can be.
✓ I would rather read than watch TV.
~ I like reading fact more than fiction. (About equal.)
x I have pulled an all-nighter on an assignment I was given a month to do.
✓ I have no piercings.
x I have spent the night in a train station or other public place.
x I have been so upset about my physical gender that I cried.
x I once spent Christmas alone because there was a miscommunication over which parent was supposed to have me that night.
✓ There have been many times I've wondered "Why was I born?" I may or may not have cried about it.
x I like animals better than most people.
x I own a collection of retro game consoles.
x The thought of physical exercise makes me shiver.
x I have hit someone with a dead fish.
✓ I am compulsively honest. (If anything, it's the opposite.)
x I was born with a congenital birth defect that was never repaired.
x I have danced topless in front of complete strangers.
x I have gone from wishing I was a girl to reveling in being a boy to feeling like a girl again in the span of five minutes, and not cared a whit for my actual sex.
x I am unashamedly bisexual, and have different motivations for my desires for different genders.
x Some days I won't eat for a whole day or sleep a whole night because I forget to.
x I find it impossible to get to sleep without some kind of music on.
x I dislike milk.
~ I obsessively wash my hands. (Sometimes.)
x I always carry something significant with me.
x Sometimes I'd rather use a wig in day to day life instead of my own hair.
✓ I've pushed myself to become more self aware and therefore more aware of others.
x I hand wrote all the HTML tags in this document.
✓ I've liked something which a majority of people thought was bad or weird.
x I've been clinically dead for a brief period of time.
✓ Instead of feeling sympathy/empathy with people and their problems, I simply get annoyed. (Sometimes.)
x I have participated in auto drag races and won.
x I do not 'get' most comedy acts.
✓ I don't think strippers are money-greedy or slutty for dancing.
x I don't like to chew gum.
✓ I am obsessed with history and historical things, and can't wait for someone to build a time machine so I can be the first to use it. (Except I wouldn't use the time machine.)
x I can never remember for the life of me where the car is parked.
x I had the teen angst thing going for at least 2-3 years.
✓ I wish people would be more empathic and honest with each other.
x I play Dungeons & Dragons weekly.
x I love to sing.
x I want to live in my mother's basement when I grow up.
x I have a custom built computer.
x I want to create a certain someone's babies, even if there's a 0% possibility of ever achieving it.
x I would be in a relationship with one of my pets if they were human.
x I've gone skinny dipping.
x I've performed in three plays.
✓ I enjoy burritos.
x I'm Irish and loving it.
✓ I have a thing for redheads.
x I am a twin.
✓ Most of the time, I'd rather do something intellectual instead of doing something generically 'fun'.
x Once I set out to finish something, I always stay at it until it is completed before moving on to something else.
~ I wish there was a way to erase past mistakes. (There are times.)
x I sleep more than 12 hours a day.
✓ I wish I could be prouder of what I've accomplished, but its never enough.
x I need more time to myself.
x I wish I was more open-minded.
x I hope that I go prematurely gray.
✓ I download songs from the Internet. (I have in the past.)
x I say random things to freak people out.
~ I love playing Truth or Dare. (I haven't played. I think it would be an interesting experience.)
x I love listening to slow music, but I hate singing to it.
x Music helps me remember that I am not alone.
x Playing my favorite sport helps me forget my problems.
✓ I think this survey is particularly long.
x I prefer my LJ friends to my real life ones.
x I can only hate someone I love.
x I've ordered an extra two shots of espresso to an Americano at Starbucks.

Silly Meme Time

Choose a band/artist and answer ONLY IN song titles by that band (you pick your own band or artist, don't use the same one as the person who did this before you).

Band: U2
Male or Female? The Ground Beneath Her Feet
Describe Yourself: Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of
Where do you want to be? Where The Streets Have No Name
How do others feel about you? Even Better Than The Real Thing
How do you feel about you? I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For
How do you live? Last Night On Earth
How do you love? Two Hearts Beat As One
Words of Wisdom: Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own

If anyone wants an explanation of my choices, leave a comment and I'll get right on it.

With a nod to Bryi.

Existential Crisis, Pt. 3

Alternately titled "I Really Hope This is the Last One for Now."

My "Anonymous" commenter has graced my blog once again. I'll block quote him here for simplicity:

It all depends what you mean by "exist" and "true". I don't think the number 3 exists (point to it) in the same sense that you exist. And as for propositions, consider two propositions "Toronto is in Canada" and "There are infinitely many prime numbers". How much of the truth of a statement depends on how we ascertain its truth?

For purposes of my last entry "exist" was defined as "having casual power or a physical location in space." I admit that this is a very restrictive definition of the term that does not allow for the "existence" of numbers or other abstract concepts. That was a mistake. Numbers certainly do exist, even if they are only constructs of the human mind.

[On a side note, I was going to make a joke about how I had become a "numeral agnostic" because of my belief that it was impossible to prove the physical existence of numbers or the mental construct of numbers in my mind or anyone else's. Or possibly that I had rejected number theory and become an adherent of numerical formulation.]



Now, how much of the truth of a statement depends on how we ascertain its truth?

I freely admit that I haven't studied epistemology in depth yet. I think it is fair to say that there are different methods of ascertaining truth. However, if any part of that method is illogical or fallacious, then the result of that line of reasoning is likely to be illogical or fallacious as well. Truth is not a democracy; unalterable facts are not open to debate. (Technically they are, but the decision of a committee won't change the fact itself.)

As a point of interest, I've been reading about Empiricism and Methodological Naturalism lately.

Editor's Note:
I was originally going to write this post based around the joke, but that was over a month ago. As I opened up the draft tonight I ended up addressing the question anyway. It's about time I finished it. Next time: Procrastination, Academia, and angst. (Emo?)

Existential Crisis, Pt. 2

Originally this post was going to be my commentary on equality. However, I've been distracted by end-of-semester finals. Thankfully, an anonymous comment left on my last entry (maybe not so anonymous, I think I know who it is) has provided me with a question to address. It also segways into another topic I had wanted to discuss, but had previously forgotten about. This is what I was asked:

Where do abstract certainties like 1+1=2 or bivalence come into your view?

Now this may seem like a store shelf type of answer, but when I was discussing uncertainty in terms of knowledge, I was referring to the physical universe (or concrete objects, if you are so inclined). I should have clarified that. Abstract ideas make the matter far more complicated.

It can be argued that abstract ideas do not actually exist (and are therefore abstract) because they lack a location in space, the lack of casual power, etc. This puts abstract ideas in an interesting position. Can abstract ideas be true if they do not exist? I see no reason why they cannot. Common tautologies include mathematical proofs. To use an example from above: 1+1=2, 2=1+1

I'm not really sure where to take this entry from here, so I'll leave it up to my readers. Any comments, questions, or criticisms are welcome.

P.S. I know I'm one entry behind. I'll try to come up with something interesting to keep you entertained.

Existential Crisis

I was originally intending for this post to be about equality and it's role in our society, but I was worried that some of my arguments/explanations could be misconstrued. I'm going to take my time to write everything out properly and have it reviewed by at least one of my peers. Instead, I want to talk about existential crises.

For a period, perhaps last May to October, I experienced an existential crisis. Recently, this led me to create this little nugget of wisdom:

"Life is an extended existential crisis - and then you're dead."

This wasn't my first existential crisis, to be sure. I recall strong feelings of cognitive dissonance when I went through a period of depression several years ago.

I spent a lot of time contemplating my place in the universe, who I am (and what I am for that matter), and people watching while nursing a coffee at my favorite cafe. (I usually do that last one regardless of what I'm feeling.)

Going back to my 'nugget of wisdom' I had originally viewed it as a bit humourous, but now I see some truth in it as well. I do not think that it is likely that we, as human beings, can know anything with absolute certainty. I do believe however that we can reduce the amount of uncertainty to a negligible degree. We may accept whatever is ~99.99% true as fact, but there is always the slightest percentage that we are, in fact, incorrect. (Or at least incomplete in our knowledge of the subject in question.)

As such, I've resigned myself to an existence of limited certainty and (begrudging) skepticism. For now, at least. Perhaps numbers are indeed everything, as some would propose. I guess that makes life a gambler's game.

I would like to end by paraphrasing Lisa Hoffman:

"Life is like Pi - natural, irrational,
and very important."

A New Year

I could write any one of many tacky sayings here to welcome in the new year, such as 'out with the old, in with the new,' or 'another year gone.' I could even say 'Auld Lang Sane,' which doesn't really seem all that tacky to me. But I won't. Paradoxically, I already have.

It comes to mind that certain people (some less generous writers might call them stupid people) tend to make a resolution that they generally fail to commit to to mark the beginning of a new year on the Gregorian calendar. Or that's what the media portrays it as, at least.

As such, I have decided to throw my own coin down the well with the knowledge that I may very well never see it again. This year, I resolve to blog every weekend, usually every Friday or Saturday, and set aside a time on one of those days to facilitate the writing of an entry.

Bah, Humbug

~The Muse

P.S. If you're wondering what happened to the 'Button a Week Challenge,' I decided that it would be easier for me to put all of the buttons I wore in a single post after the challenge is completed. Seeing as a year has past, the challenge should theoretically be done, but I ran out of suitable buttons. I am always on the lookout for suitable buttons, and suggestions are, of course, welcome.