Communication

Communication is conveying a message to a particular person. There is art and skill involved to good communication. Some communicate in a detail-oriented manner (which includes myself) while another can try to be quick and succinct (of which sometimes I try horribly). Others can do it with humor and a few express their ideas through fear (such as in dictators).

Earlier this morning, I sent the following message to my finace:

How are you doing my beloved and engaged partner in crime? I hope you slept well and kept warm. I was overheating yesterday so I left to go out and work. By the way, your brother came home yesterday to close an open window in his car and I didn’t know if you saw him. Anyway, have a beautiful day!

Her response was:

Good morning my beloved energy sharing functioning soul. Thank you for your well wishing on my energy balance level maintenance status. I hope you had a good physical maintenance routine. No, I did not see my genetic similar sharing sibling. I hope you have a positive subjective view of the time frame from 8-5pm also.

I thought it was hilarious, but very thoughtful. It is amazing how different people can express the same message in a variety of ways.

Is there any way you can communicate this message differently? It'd be interesting to see how you convey this point or interpret it.

I just wanted to share this quirky conversation I had with my fiance. I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you and have a great time.

The Infallible Pope

It is time now to review this principle (as good as any), the thought that the pope is infallible. I'm not a theologian or an authority of the Catholic Church, but rather follower of the faith. As you may know, the Church is going through a rough period right now with the scandal that affects the priests and those in power within the Church, and how they have been maliciously robbing the youth (to say it in a understated manner). I predict that the Church will get through this as they always have throughout history, but changes will and should be in store.

One of those changes I think need revision is the principle of infallibility of the pope. It has been obvious in my own opinion that popes have in the past strayed from the path of holiness, yet their authority and power is considered infallible as it is dictated by the teachings of the Church. We as citizens and servants of God must obey the pope for it is his duty given by God to shepherd us. We are led to believe that we are human and that is why we make mistakes to which I agree wholeheartedly. We need the guidance of a holy person to shepherd us toward the light.

I'm not saying the pope cannot guide us to the path toward heaven however. Rather, I would follow a holy pope if he was truthful, enlightened and saw God in everything he did (a core principle of the Catholic faith). Theoretically, that person would act in a righteous manner when given the opportunity to promote justice. It now seems that Pope Benedict in the past may have knowingly or inadvertently caused more harm in his leadership as Bishop and Cardinal Ratzinger, who in high positions of the Church acted in ways perceived as corrupt.

Even if he inadvertently caused harm to others, you would think that as Pope Benedict, he would be remorseful of those decisions. I would still follow him if he were humble and owned up to those mistakes. However, the principle of infallibility will not allow him to do so. In fact, he writes a scathing but justified letter to the Irish congregation about the abuses of the Church in Ireland, without mentioning the problems affecting the German Church which is odd considering his German origin and the abuses there. I assume that would put the pope too close to breaking the infallibility principle.

There are cries out there now in the world for the resignation of the pope. Still others are taking matters to their own hands by with lawsuits (which probably will fail due to the mere fact that heads of state are immune to prosecution). Others have given up and left the faith. What am I to do? Oddly has it may seem, I am still the keeper of the faith. I know we will ride out this storm, but the aftermath of this pain will bring new revisions to Church policy just like Luther and the Reformation did for the Church.

This time, I believe one of those revisions or issues should be the infallibility of the pope. I hope that Pope Benedict will be courageous enough to proclaim that he, like me, is not infallible and that we are all human. According to Catholic teaching, his decrees are like new policies and rules within the Church. The only difference is that he has the calling of God to which I hold in high regard. He can still lead, but current issues obviously affect his leadership. What is a shepherd to do when he abuses his sheep, leaving them out for the wolves to prey?

The Church will be saved. I have no doubt about it as it is an institution run by God, but those within this institution shall have their day of justice if abuses are not corrected. I pray that these changes come soon and swiftly.

____________________________________

I've been thinking about this issue for over several years now and I wanted to just bring them out into public view. I am a follower of the faith, but I believe the current situation in Church is dire and despicable. If these abuses continue to arise, a change shall surely happen and they should already be happening. The only issue then is, will the change be for the good or will this drastically affect the Church in a negative light? To that, I have no clear answer or opinion. It is at a breaking point and I wonder where the cards will fall.

May God help us all.

Disclaimer: This is an opinion of mine and has no bearing or authority on the teachings of the Church (even though I would like it to be taken into consideration). I have not the power to dictate policy or teachings within the Catholic Church.

One day...

...we will conquer our fears, downfalls and struggles. Until then, we shall strive 110% to reach that goal. Though the night brings pain and wickedness, the sun shall undoubtedly rise and we shall rise with it.

Avatar Movie Trailer

I recently saw a movie trailer for Avator and was blown away by the digital environment. The actors are for the most part partaking in the movie as voice-overs. This is definitely the most realistic CG (computer generated) graphics of any movie so far and it is mind-blowing. I cannot believe the movie took 14 years from concept to final production, but I must realize this is James Cameron's idea. This is the same director of Titanic and Terminator. Now for your viewing pleasure:

Education and Innovation

What is education? What function does it play?

If you ask most people, education is the training one needs to foster the growth of the mind and nourishes us toward career goals. That to me is a short-sighted goal. Indeed, our minds needs growth and education shall help us reach our careers, but is that all? I would like to suggest that it should also provide us with the setting to be creative, to socialize and to learn morality.

Why?

If you look at the structure of our school system, one will soon realize that it is hierarchical in order. Math and science is king. Do not get me wrong, it is quite important for us to have math and science because it is the crux of our technological revolution, but it does not necessarily provide for creativity.

What then is to nurture our creativity?

It is the arts. The arts help us opens up the mind to new adventures and makes us think out of the box. This ability to visualize newer ideas and thoughts will help society grow in better places and foster the vitalization of society.

What shall we do?

We must change the social structure of school. I am not implying we de-emphasize math and science because it is still necessary, but we should bring on par the importance of the arts. I might even dare say it is the arts that will save our humanity and fix the problems we currently face. Innovation comes from minds that can think differently and creatively. The arts will nourish such a prospect.

Please do check out this video below on schools and creativity:

Problem Gambling Awareness Week

Have a problem gambling? Are you addicted, craving the need to pull that lever or bet that extra grand you do not have? If this is you, I suggest that you get help. Though this type of addiction does not harm the body like drugs or alcohol, its effects are just as detrimental. Like those typical addictions, gambling harms relationships between you and your loved ones. It also alters behavior, skewing your sense of reality. In the end, you may end up broken and in despair. I find this very dear to me because of the people around me who have "fallen off the wagon" so to speak because of this very addiction.

Funny thing is, I did not know this week was dedicated to that cause (or even know there was such a cause) until I played the Mega Millions lottery (jackpot of $212 million; one of the few times I do in a year or two) and received the following message with my quick pick numbers:


Notice that the service announcement is on a lottery ticket. Though I understand playing the lottery is not as harmful as being at the blackjack table, it is still a form of gambling. Some people play the lottery every week or even twice a week, which I would contend is addiction. However that is not what is amusing.

It is quirky that a "gambling association" supports the inhibition of "gambling addiction" though it is the very reason they are in business. This hearkens me back to other "service announcements" by groups or organizations used as PR tactics to brighten their business's image while not really putting an effort toward fixing the intended problem. Examples include Phillip Morris printing pamphlets on their cigarette boxes on getting help for smoking addiction and cessation, a Vegas casino (unfortunately I forgot their name) providing a hot-line for gambling addiction, and Exxon promoting their "green" technologies as a move to promote efficient energy, thereby helping to decrease oil addition.

What odd humor?! To think that they can sweep dust under the rug over the consumer. What do you think?

A Love Letter on Valentine’s Day 2009

To my dearest love,

I hope when you get this letter that you are in great hopes and spirits. You deserve such bright environs because you give so much of that wonderful attitude to others, especially me. I am honored and very moved by the fact that you are still with me even to this day.

Though you were suspicious of my intentions earlier on when I first met you in 2002, I was able to convey my inner true self-being. You caught my eye and I became smitten with love ever since Sweet Home Alabama, maybe even earlier. For all intents and purposes, I was truly struck by your beauty at the Block at Orange. It is my definite belief that beneath that Californian appearance can be found a wholly Southern personality (both Vietnamese and Carolinian) that radiates through. You are welcoming to others and always strive to help those in need, even putting others intentions before yours. I too often am at the receiving end of this action and I am grateful for it. On February 14th, 2003 I was finally able to fully convince you of my desire to be with you and in return you agreed simply my entertaining my wishes of a kiss. My love, you can say you sealed it with a kiss.

As the years went by our love grew as well as it waned. We went through some fine times as well as some tough ones. However for some odd reason, we were able to survive it all. Suffice to say, the love that is rooted in our hearts truly helped us get through those regrettable times. We have grown and I hope we will continue to grow together. As long as we have the heart to love and the desire to please, we can do anything. I have learned a many great things from our relationship. I want to be more endearing to you and learn to communicate more solidly with you. You make my heart flutter and I want to convey this message to you. I am truly honored you are at my side. Thus, with this Valentine’s Day of 2009, I would like to commemorate our love with some gifts. I hope you will entertain these as well as you did when you agreed to be my love. You make me soar and for it, I hope we can soar together. I love you so much.

Yours truly,

Quackster

Quip of the Day

"The truth shall set you free"

Without a doubt, the truth will always find a way to present itself to others. It is in our best interests to express what is morally correct at first knowledge. Otherwise, you shall face the consequences later on when you are discovered in a lie, a farce and cheat. It is better to discuss the truth on your terms rather then another's when they can mold much greater adversity to your respectability and character. Pure and simple, it is much better to tell the truth right off the back.

Dedicated to and inspired by illegal users of performance-enhancing drugs.

Presidential Bloopers

I would like to wish President Barack Obama well or rather more than that as he enters into the foray of running the country. A change is in order and we as the people as a whole should do our part to work hard to help the country out as well. However, this is not the goal of today's post. I am quite sure that people around the world including our nation saw the swearing in of the new president with the oath that was "fumbled." Rest assured we have the 20th amendment of the Constitution to overcome these verbal gaffes. We must remember that the president too is also human like us and mistakes may be made from time to time, especially with all those speaking engagements. In honor of the flubbed presidential oath, I would like to post some youtube videos of past follies in presidential politics. Please do enjoy:

Bioscience Ethics

With the explosion of knowledge in science and medicine today, it seems that many theoretical questions are now being answered in a practical manner. The inferred is now a reality. These discoveries can be used to better a person's quality of life. It can also be a detriment. Obviously, with the increase in knowledge there comes a responsibility to use this information ethically.

A show I recently watched on the Science Channel caught my attention. The topic of that show was called Superhumans and, one discovery worthy of note was the formation of a chimera between a hippopotamus and a mouse. The scientist heading this project was a man named Bruce Lahn (if I remember correctly) and he foresaw that this would be a great moment in the history of genetics. Truly, it is unique to see that you can cross two totally different type of species to form a "hippomouse." The significance of this scientific discovery and how it could translate into medicine is the ability to one day have "animal farms" growing human organs to supply transplantation. It is widely known that there is a long list of patients that are in dire need for transplants of the heart, liver and other various organs, but only the severely ill receive the transplants first. One could be on that list and possibly die never getting a needed transplant. Even after receiving a transplant, rejection of the organ is a major issue due to a host of factors including receiving an organ from the wrong blood type. With an "animal farm" as claimed by the scientist, one can produce the organ of need of the right blood type and exact genetics of the host for transplantation.

Though this may seem to be a great idea on the periphery, at a deeper level it actually opens up a "pandora's box" of sorts in terms of scientific and medical ethics. With this landmark discovery in genetics, one could theorize the possibility of cloning humans, merging species of animals and/or humans as well as debating what is life. This is only a partial list of ethical points of discussion as I am quite sure there are others. One can analogize this issue to global warming as we humans have used and abused the surrounding environment to a point that changes have occurred to the Earth beyond natural processes. Likewise, by mixing species of animals from different parts of the evolutionary tree, it is possibility that a weakened animal could result leading to species die out similar to us endangering the human race with pollution. All I am doing here is to raise questions and awareness about possible repercussions down the line that may affect us greatly. The consequences can be beneficial or detrimental. I would like to ideally see us debate the ethical ramifications before the widespread use of a novel idea or discovery. As all of us know, the pace of new ideas, inventions and discoveries is exponentially rapid. The question I would like to see discussed is it ethically correct to deliberately crossbreed vastly different animal species and what could result for the species over different generations.

What do you think?

Principles and Standards

Living within the principles that one has set up for one's self to me is the highest achievement anyone can reach. It provides with the best joy as the goal that was set previously now has been attained. However when it seems that times are bleak and you falter, there erupts an inherent angst. Why is this so? Is it because you've always been on time and honest to a fault? For me this is exactly how I feel. I hold myself to the highest standard because when I follow the principles I have set forth, I usually attain my goals. I guess that is what I'm so hard on myself. It keeps me sane and even-keel. Sometimes I hold these same principles or standards to others around me resulting in much friction and disgust. This is especially true of the people I care about or love. I guess I hold them to the same "bar" as I am and when they falter, I am disappointed as if I were the one that faltered. I must realize and most of the time I do, that others are not like me. I must be malleable or flexible to their lives and needs. I guess that is why there is such that is called compromise. I can compromise for the the synergy of the greater good. I have done it before and I shall continue to do so. Maybe what I'm explaining here today is my own personality so that others may understand. What is that you say? I am a principled man following the narrow path that I have set forth. It is the only one I know about and the most reasonable for me. I shall allow for others to join me, but must and shall not push my standards onto others. I expect they shall understand who I am and I suspect that they shall understand me as well. I am a person of princples.

Thought of the Night

"Failure is never an option."

I saw this phrase on the shirt by Busta Rhymes in his new music video, We Made It, featuring Linkin Park which hit me profoundly. If you truly and sincerely believe in what you stand for, what you want to do and where you are going, then go fully confidently in that direction. Never give up, never quit. Even though others degrade and dismiss your aspirations, your belief in it will be your guide. Though times look bleak, hold tightly to your goals. Its not an option to quit otherwise all you are is a hypocrite, a liar to yourself. I am a trailblazer cutting a path to the unknown. Where this path leads, I do not necessarily know, but within me burns a yearning indicating that my chosen path will lead me to the promised land.

Hero of the Day

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3372693

Byron Scott looks to be winning the NBA's Coach of the Year for guiding the young New Orleans Hornets into the playoffs with the 2nd best record in the Western Conference and sits ready to win a first round playoff. The Hornets have generally been a joke in the NBA and people have often wondered if Byron would last as coach of this team. Now we see the truth of the matter and the fact that stands firm is that Byron Scott is a good coach. He has persevered in New Orleans where the "loser" culture is daunting; we find now that he always knew what some of us fail to see. If one has the perseverance and the hardworking ethics to battle through immeasurable odds, they will overcome those odds; not only that, but they will likely win! Remember, Byron did take those New Jersey Nets, also a long-standing "loser" team to two NBA finals appearances. Do not count out the little guy out when he's down. Congratulations to Byron Scott and I look forward to enjoying the success of the New Orleans Hornets. This team brings uplifting style and spirit to the area once ravaged by Hurricane Katrina and that's what the citizens exactly need. Though the team fights against what a lot of people in the NBA thought were odds too unattainable, we see today that when your heart is focused upon a goal, we will accomplish that goal.

A Quick Quip

"Take it with a grain of salt."

Thought of the Night

Oh Lord my God, I beg of Your mercy. I trust in Your kindness and forgiveness. As I have asked for Your mercy so shall I give mercy to those who have trespassed against me. It is difficult for any one person to attempt, but for me to be free, I shall unchain those that have wronged me. God did so willingly on the cross. Divine Mercy, Jesus, I trust in You.

The Sunday after Easter in the Catholic Church is also know as Divine Mercy Sunday. God will always be merciful toward us even in times of darkness and sin. All we need to do is ask Him wholeheartedly and without reservation. We have only one life to live. Better to live it in joy and love rather in chains and handcuffs.

Tonight's Poker Wisdom

The chips were stacked against you and the cards in your hand were crap, yet you pushed all in regardless. I was playing with house money; win or lose, I come up a winner or I didn't lose at all. That's that odds I play with when I play this poker game. Shame on you for pushing your luck when everybody knew your bluff from the start. Now you will pay it in full with your loss. The question that interests everybody at the table is: How much did you risk? Are you ready for such tough consequences? In direct opposition, I have no punishment. I have the prudence of heart, the stability of conscience and a morally principled lifestyle. Now we shall see if you have the foundation to stand against the fury of the storm. I have been through the storm, survived it and become stronger. I am grounded through the strength of my God, my family and my loyal friends. What do you have? Not even an inkling of support from your family and a barely trustworthy base of true friends to stabilize your fragile nature. The chips were stacked against your bluff; best you could do was to fold and cut your losses, improving your sanity and self-worth. Now you will pay and pay dearly you will. The rules of the game have never been broken and the consequences always severe. Never play with crap hands, never. Fold and cash your chips in.

The Right, Left and Center

John McCain is too liberal for the core conservative Republicans while Barack Obama is viewed as conservative Democratic courting Republican voters that those voters are called by the nickname Obama-cans. Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton is trying to be viewed as strong not only in the economy, but also in terms of national security which is generally viewed as a Republican ideal. What does this all mean? That like me, a moderate, most Americans tend to be in the center of the political spectrum and that minor differences filter us into the groups known as Conservative Democrats, Independents and Moderate Republicans. This group of Americans are also known as the swing voters, the king-makers per say of the presidential election. This group of Americans are technically the most powerful group in the political system by virtue their numbers, however partisan politics split their power up. This group of voters should break away from their respective groups and form a new party, a moderate party, to reflect more accurately the current affairs of the American nation. Though I doubt this would ever happen, it definitely is quite an interesting thought experiment. What would happen? Where would be be? Maybe the state of America as a whole would be better off if it did. One day it might happen and I definitely would be on the front lines of this revolution. You never know. All it takes is a change of the hearts and minds of people. I am sure I am not the only one thinking of this change and possibly we could forge a new party in this political system of ours that better represents America's attitude and majority.

Thought of the Night

Would you gamble with the loyalty and respect of some of the closest friends and family around you with a divisive risk?

I tell you what. I would not because for me, my family and friends are a direct extension of who I am. If I risk their solidarity with me, then I'm risking myself. The only time, I would even come close to doing so is that I know for sure quite pragmatically that I was making a risk for absolutely and unquestionably the "right cause" despite the plausible losses. I would have to make sure such a decision would guarantee success without regret, that after that decision, my closest allies would eventually support me. Only in that case, would I even dare try such a brash gamble. I would not dare lose the confidence and trust of my family and friends. They come before me always because I give them my loyalty and respect. Call me odd, but I am not selfish in this individualistic society. I would rather torture myself then to sever the ties of my extension. This philosophical trait of mine is in direct relation to my upbringing and beliefs. I believe the first shall be last and the last shall be first as it is paraphrased in the Bible. I stoop below others and in return I earn the undeniable trust and sincere honesty of family and friends. For me, such an ideal is more important then a cowardly, selfish risk that would sever such ties. The question now is, would you take that risk?

Hero of the Day

http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3262241

I aim for humility and ask to be recognized only by what my works have to say. I need not to praise myself because there are others who are obviously better than me, but I am grateful for what I have done so far. I would not like to brag or exaggerate about my accomplishments because I need to only please one person on that issue and that is me. Thus my quiet sense of self worth. Others may scowl or be demeaning to me and my abilities, but they fail to see that even through my struggles I make it out on top and my body of work is all that is necessary as proof. Jealousy and rage my be pitted against me, but my efficiency and self-motivation are the comforts that buffer me against those baseless claims. I am who I am and nobody will keep me off-kilter even when the sky is dark and I walk in the barren wasteland. The sun will rise and the green grass will always grow again.

"The hits keep on coming, but I keep on running!"

Whatever life throws at me or you or all of us, its important to keep on moving! When we stop, we let life pass us by and I'm sure I've let some time slip by this past year. However, the time is now and change has come upon us. We must grab onto life by its proverbial horns! Carpe diem! Seize the day, just as it first dawned on me in Dead Poets Society! I had strayed from this path, but now is the time to seize our opportunities, to return to the who we are. If not now, then it will never happen. The pinnacle of my self being is now when the body and mind are full of energy. My responsibility and maturity has grown steadily. Now its time to focus all of myself and spring it forward toward positivity! Its time to take control. I am going to where I was always meant to be. Me, myself and I, we three shall conquer all the obstacles on our way. Now is the time for change and it begins with me. I will not stop and I will not lose. You better catch the express train because now begins the period one may think unimaginable, but in reality, any thing can happen if you have the drive and want for what you seek! This change I seek shall change my life forever! I shall fall, but I will never stay down for long. I will keep running the race of my life all the way to the finish line. I may not be first my your standards, but at the end of the day, I will show you what matters most: To never give up and never give in because the day we do that, we lost the who we are within. I shall run till the day I pass from this earth. The question is: Will you be running as well or will the obstacles leave you in the dust?