Mad Loves,
JaySizzle
Monday, April 25, 2011
Crazy weather we're having here in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.
Today is a nice day. Actually, it's an amazing day! But it won't last according to weather.com. I should really be outdoors, enjoying the few hours of sunshine that we have here in Pittsburgh, but I'm not. Instead, I am stuck inside making maps of cricks. At least I won't have to put on sunscreen. I do not like putting on sunscreen. It makes my skin look whiter than it already is. I'm contemplating going all out to get burned really bad over the summer so that my skin would create more freckles and then maybe I'll look darker. I wonder what my followers think of this (Please comment). I also wonder how many freckles I have. I think I have more than 150. How many freckles do you have (Please comment)? This wind feels nice. I wish I had longer hair so that I can see my hair moving in the wind. That would be the bomb-diggity. What else would be the bomb-diggity? Jumping to the roof of the children's center in Morewood. Oh wait... already did that! WHAT UPPPPPP. I wish I wasn't such a pansy though and had explored more while I was up there. I guess there's always next time. No, I only have three weeks left! That is insane! Oh man, my map looks distorted. Maybe the world is distorted. Followers, I think I just had a light bulb moment. If the world is distorted, does that make us distorted? Sometimes I wonder if I'm distorted. Not just my face, but in my head; my thoughts are pretty twisted (Sorry, that was mean of me to say that to myself, sorry me! apology accepted). Seriously though, deep down, I'm afraid that I actually do want to see human centipede (see post). Now I feel like I'm going in circles with my posts. What if all posts went in circles? I think they would get dizzy. Sometimes I get dizzy when I stand up too fast. Or when I'm twirling in Amanda's chair. Twirly chairs are awesome. I wish I had a twirly chair. Actually, maybe not because then I would be tempted to always be dizzy and then I would walk like a drunk person. I don't think my research advisor would appreciate that. I wonder if Wisconsin has twirly chairs. What other chairs would be fun to sit on? The chairs in the baker cluster are super comfortable. I need to go chairing. I need a good projection. I seriously don't know what is wrong with my map. But I'll figure it out. I'm a smart guy. I'm a smart guy. I'm a smart guy. Seriously! What is wrong with my map? I don't even think smart guys can figure this bugger out. Uh oh! I think I broke it. Okay, until next time FIVE followers! I need to do my work. Check out the weather! Crazy Pittsburgh!
Mad Loves,
JaySizzle
Mad Loves,
JaySizzle
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Canoes and Riches
"You can canoe a man to lands' of riches, but if you teach a man to canoe, then he will never be in need of riches." - Benjamin Cowley
I think this quote points out people's complacency with life when they find their riches. They get stuck in one place. They get stuck in monotony. If you teach a man to explore and look for new experiences, then he will not worry about riches. His life will be more fulfilling than someone with massive riches stuck in one place.
So please ask yourself, "Am I living my life in a land of riches? Or am I living it in a fucking canoe?" - Cowley
My Beliefs in Question
Over the past couple weeks, I have been really struggling with many life questions and the stream of problems thrown on members of my family. Recently, it has cumulated with me questioning my views on religion. My views have been that there may be a God, but religion seems too flawed to be the answer. I recognize that churches and religious people do a lot of good, but I would expect that moral individuals are not concentrated in any one religion or group (agnostics, atheists). I believe humans are ingrained with natural ethics although God may have endowed us with these ethics. I see the Bible as a great tool for guidance in life, but how can I believe that it is the word of God?
There is so much in the Bible that just seems indefensible. I've heard the argument that these verses were written for a different time and no longer apply, but how do we know what should and shouldn't apply? Some say parts of the Bible are not the word of God through misinterpretation and human manipulation, but then how do we know if any of it is truly the word of God? Even if all Scripture was at some point the word of God, has God been controlling man to make accurate translation and stopping man from changing/reinterpreting His word? I feel more comfortable finding that God gave me the moral ability to understand that slavery, sexism, animal sacrifice, etc. are wrong than trying to draw my ethical guidelines from writings that seem to have problems with these areas.
I remember going to church when I was 10-14. I would listen to the sermons and understand the message, but quickly got bored by the interpretation that drove in the same point over and over again. I enjoyed reading, so instead of listening some days, I would just read the Bible myself. I remember a pivotal moment when I asked my dad and grandmother what happens to all those people born in other countries that do not practice our religion or no religion at all. It didn't make sense to me that certain people would practice a certain religion and be saved based purely on the geographic location of their upbringing.
I started casually reading scientific books in high school. I remember reading a chapter in Science Friction by Michael Shermer where it really hit me that I might not believe anymore. I remember finally getting to a part of the book that was really questioning why and how humans obtain religious beliefs. I was always comfortable incorporating science into my own religious views, but I had stumbled upon something that made sense and questioned having religious beliefs all together. I remember I got scared. I don't think I finished the book after that.
My father stopped making my brother and I to go to church once I reached high school. We went for some holidays with my grandmother, but the older I got the less I went. I remember praying throughout high school and even during the start of college, but I haven't truly prayed where I believed I was communicating with God for many years.
Well, I attended church for the first time in at least 2 years. I walked back to campus with a friend, and she explained some of her beliefs to me. It was all understandable and respectable. It reinforced a feeling that I've had for awhile. I want to believe and have faith, but I don't understand how I can get there. I guess I could start looking for a church and try understanding the Bible. I know I can believe in a God, but do I need a religion to strengthen my relationship with God? I will continue to treat others as I would like to be treated. I will continue to strive to be just and fair to everyone around me, but am I really being that good of a person?
Something I recently found that is lacking in my life is caring for and helping others. I feel hurt by this epiphany. I've tried to rationalize that I have been too busy helping myself and my family that I lose sight of helping those millions of people that have it worse than we do. At times I have given all my money to help my brother be successful and he has helped me in the same way. I would do anything to help my mom or dad through their problems also, but I have not thought too much of going out of my way to help others. I can't really focus anymore because I constantly feel myself questioning my identity/direction. I was comfortable with the way I was making decisions, but now, I feel myself questioning my motivations. I wonder if it is time to for me try religion again, but that effort seems so great.
There is so much in the Bible that just seems indefensible. I've heard the argument that these verses were written for a different time and no longer apply, but how do we know what should and shouldn't apply? Some say parts of the Bible are not the word of God through misinterpretation and human manipulation, but then how do we know if any of it is truly the word of God? Even if all Scripture was at some point the word of God, has God been controlling man to make accurate translation and stopping man from changing/reinterpreting His word? I feel more comfortable finding that God gave me the moral ability to understand that slavery, sexism, animal sacrifice, etc. are wrong than trying to draw my ethical guidelines from writings that seem to have problems with these areas.
I remember going to church when I was 10-14. I would listen to the sermons and understand the message, but quickly got bored by the interpretation that drove in the same point over and over again. I enjoyed reading, so instead of listening some days, I would just read the Bible myself. I remember a pivotal moment when I asked my dad and grandmother what happens to all those people born in other countries that do not practice our religion or no religion at all. It didn't make sense to me that certain people would practice a certain religion and be saved based purely on the geographic location of their upbringing.
I started casually reading scientific books in high school. I remember reading a chapter in Science Friction by Michael Shermer where it really hit me that I might not believe anymore. I remember finally getting to a part of the book that was really questioning why and how humans obtain religious beliefs. I was always comfortable incorporating science into my own religious views, but I had stumbled upon something that made sense and questioned having religious beliefs all together. I remember I got scared. I don't think I finished the book after that.
My father stopped making my brother and I to go to church once I reached high school. We went for some holidays with my grandmother, but the older I got the less I went. I remember praying throughout high school and even during the start of college, but I haven't truly prayed where I believed I was communicating with God for many years.
Well, I attended church for the first time in at least 2 years. I walked back to campus with a friend, and she explained some of her beliefs to me. It was all understandable and respectable. It reinforced a feeling that I've had for awhile. I want to believe and have faith, but I don't understand how I can get there. I guess I could start looking for a church and try understanding the Bible. I know I can believe in a God, but do I need a religion to strengthen my relationship with God? I will continue to treat others as I would like to be treated. I will continue to strive to be just and fair to everyone around me, but am I really being that good of a person?
Something I recently found that is lacking in my life is caring for and helping others. I feel hurt by this epiphany. I've tried to rationalize that I have been too busy helping myself and my family that I lose sight of helping those millions of people that have it worse than we do. At times I have given all my money to help my brother be successful and he has helped me in the same way. I would do anything to help my mom or dad through their problems also, but I have not thought too much of going out of my way to help others. I can't really focus anymore because I constantly feel myself questioning my identity/direction. I was comfortable with the way I was making decisions, but now, I feel myself questioning my motivations. I wonder if it is time to for me try religion again, but that effort seems so great.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Career Thoughts
I think I want a career in this area at Wisconsin because it will allow me to pursue a career in watershed management/watershed sciences. There aren't many groups looking at the interactions of ecosystems, water resources, and other water dependent processes such as agriculture, industry, and drinking water. I'm starting to get a feeling that I will want to return to PA to protect the environment and address the challenges involving PA's water resources. At the moment, the major issues are supplying clean drinking water and maintaining our strong ecological areas as pressures increase from natural gas drilling and development. The Chesapeake Bay is also a major issue as PA is responsible for the water quality that ends up there.
There is an even larger issue that I'm interested in of creating a water resources management framework that is completely sustainable. Eventually, I see this framework spreading across the United States as water supplies are redirected from water-rich areas to depleted areas. I feel this will be a very important step as America's infrastructure needs improved/replaced. There will be an opportunity to improve on our old system and implement a sustainable solution instead of just patching and copying old designs. We could also create a template for other countries where freshwater supplies are an even larger issue.
I feel the question of getting a PhD or an MS is also important in determining if I eventually want to be involved with these big picture problems. PhDs will be asked to solve these problems, but I think many PhD's work often does unnoticed as many ideas are never implemented. I feel an MS will be sufficient for allowing me to get access to the organizations involved with these problems, and also, allow me to climb to more managerial positions where I can guide the direction of projects.
There is an even larger issue that I'm interested in of creating a water resources management framework that is completely sustainable. Eventually, I see this framework spreading across the United States as water supplies are redirected from water-rich areas to depleted areas. I feel this will be a very important step as America's infrastructure needs improved/replaced. There will be an opportunity to improve on our old system and implement a sustainable solution instead of just patching and copying old designs. We could also create a template for other countries where freshwater supplies are an even larger issue.
I feel the question of getting a PhD or an MS is also important in determining if I eventually want to be involved with these big picture problems. PhDs will be asked to solve these problems, but I think many PhD's work often does unnoticed as many ideas are never implemented. I feel an MS will be sufficient for allowing me to get access to the organizations involved with these problems, and also, allow me to climb to more managerial positions where I can guide the direction of projects.
Real Recognize Real Series: Dave Chappelle
Dave Chappelle has been out of the spotlight since fleeing to South Africa during the filming of the 3rd season of Chappelle's Show. He had been offered approximately $50 million for the 3rd season, but decided the pressure was too much. He stated he was no longer enjoying himself and had to take inventory of what was really important to him.
Even before Chappelle's Show, Chappelle lived on a farm in Ohio with his wife and children. He continues to live there today. Since returning from South Africa, Chappelle shows up at locations around the country without much advertisement just to connect with an audience and tell jokes. I am amazed that Chappelle can turn down all the additional money he could be making, and instead, he does what he loves while sustaining a normal, healthy family.
His interview with Anderson Cooper is great. Also, if you are a huge Dave Chappelle fan like me you have to watch the Inside the Actors Studio with Dave Chappelle (~90 minutes long), which is where you can really get to know Dave as a person.
Even before Chappelle's Show, Chappelle lived on a farm in Ohio with his wife and children. He continues to live there today. Since returning from South Africa, Chappelle shows up at locations around the country without much advertisement just to connect with an audience and tell jokes. I am amazed that Chappelle can turn down all the additional money he could be making, and instead, he does what he loves while sustaining a normal, healthy family.
His interview with Anderson Cooper is great. Also, if you are a huge Dave Chappelle fan like me you have to watch the Inside the Actors Studio with Dave Chappelle (~90 minutes long), which is where you can really get to know Dave as a person.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
SHIMROCK
A poor young man went far too long without food. As he slowly withered away, his verbal processing followed. Below are a few accounts of my interactions with this man nicknamed SHIM.
Shim thinks dude is spelled with a "ool".
What a F-OOL.
...a few minutes later:
"and then GLEE brought it black" <-referring to the "L" on the forehead
...then a few minutes after that:
"I thought John wasn't wearing any feet"
Make sure to follow all of the SHIMROCK at http://benshim.tumblr.com/ and http://twitter.com/#!/bshimo
NEW COMPETITION
Jacob William Beatty and I, John James Sourbeer, have embarked on a new competition to try to win at being nice to people. Ready, set, go!!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
Kelly's Sleepy Ramblings
Kelly had some great dialogue in her sleep last night. I am not certain that all of the quotes are exactly correct, but they are the best of ALOW131 and JAYSIZZLE's memory.
"What is this?"
"I'm so confused about what is going on with that"
"hm?"
"Um. Yes, so you could do that and I could go and give people things. Heeheeheeh."
"What is this?"
"I'm so confused about what is going on with that"
"hm?"
"Um. Yes, so you could do that and I could go and give people things. Heeheeheeh."
"Go to it."
"Yeah... yeah."
"What's the question?"
Thursday, April 7, 2011
I WANNA
I want to sleep
I want to finish my work tomorrow
I want to study for the FE exam
I want a dime that is top of the line
I want to play soccer
I want to play basketball
I want to finish some more work
I want to decide on a grad school
I want to sleep
I want to freestyle soccer
I want to climb some trees
I want to throw stuff at stuff
I want to train a pack of dogs
I want to get my balla career goin'
I want to get some land out in the woods
I want to build my dream house on that land
I want that house to be net zero energy and water
I want a buncha kids
I want a buncha multi-racial kids
I want to sleep
I want that aforementioned wife
I want to swim in the water
I want to climb the mountains
I want to chill in the woods
I want to escape project life, run with my rifle, live in the woods, grow a rugged beard, and chill
I want to grow a rugged beard
I want to chill
I want to sleep
I want to finish my work tomorrow
I want to study for the FE exam
I want a dime that is top of the line
I want to play soccer
I want to play basketball
I want to finish some more work
I want to decide on a grad school
I want to sleep
I want to freestyle soccer
I want to climb some trees
I want to throw stuff at stuff
I want to train a pack of dogs
I want to get my balla career goin'
I want to get some land out in the woods
I want to build my dream house on that land
I want that house to be net zero energy and water
I want a buncha kids
I want a buncha multi-racial kids
I want to sleep
I want that aforementioned wife
I want to swim in the water
I want to climb the mountains
I want to chill in the woods
I want to escape project life, run with my rifle, live in the woods, grow a rugged beard, and chill
I want to grow a rugged beard
I want to chill
I want to sleep
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Cleaning up after my Roommate
I am going to clean up after my roommate, Jacob Beatty.
I really enjoy doing this.
I am going to fold up all his clothes even though I know that when he gets back, he's just going to unfold and undo everything I ever did for him. He's my best friend.
Jake told me to blog about something. He told me to read it. I want to assign this job to somebody else.
Should I make his bed? Are these clean clothes? It looks like it may have been folded at one point? Not sure. I should get a second opinion from Amanda. I have a great idea! I'm going to RAP them in a belt (get it? because I like rap and it sounds the same as wrap).
I think I'm going to give up on cleaning up after Jake because this is getting out of hand. I just moved his stuff onto Amanda's black chair. I guess it's better than moving it onto Amanda's blue couch. Where should I put Jake's bundle of clothing? I need a string, but I found a rubber band! I wonder if it would break with the weight of the clothes. Here I go!!! ... Yeah, I think the rubber band will break.
ANOTHER GREAT IDEA but I can't let Jake know about this. Jake, if you're reading, stop reading.... NOW. I just attached the bundle-belt-wrapped-pile-of-clothing-I-folded onto Jake's chair using a RUBBERBAND! I feel great about this. I think this is one of the best ideas I've ever had ever.
Okay, I'm going to organize Jake's stuff now. A pile for homework, a pile for academic or something else, a pile for empty folders and empty notebooks. I don't know what to do with this card.
TLDR MATERIAL
I really enjoy doing this.
I am going to fold up all his clothes even though I know that when he gets back, he's just going to unfold and undo everything I ever did for him. He's my best friend.
Jake told me to blog about something. He told me to read it. I want to assign this job to somebody else.
Should I make his bed? Are these clean clothes? It looks like it may have been folded at one point? Not sure. I should get a second opinion from Amanda. I have a great idea! I'm going to RAP them in a belt (get it? because I like rap and it sounds the same as wrap).
I think I'm going to give up on cleaning up after Jake because this is getting out of hand. I just moved his stuff onto Amanda's black chair. I guess it's better than moving it onto Amanda's blue couch. Where should I put Jake's bundle of clothing? I need a string, but I found a rubber band! I wonder if it would break with the weight of the clothes. Here I go!!! ... Yeah, I think the rubber band will break.
ANOTHER GREAT IDEA but I can't let Jake know about this. Jake, if you're reading, stop reading.... NOW. I just attached the bundle-belt-wrapped-pile-of-clothing-I-folded onto Jake's chair using a RUBBERBAND! I feel great about this. I think this is one of the best ideas I've ever had ever.
Okay, I'm going to organize Jake's stuff now. A pile for homework, a pile for academic or something else, a pile for empty folders and empty notebooks. I don't know what to do with this card.
TLDR MATERIAL
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