The Other Side

Jedi & Sith vs Religious Extremists & Religious Peacekeepers

2006-09-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

I had an interesting conversation with my sister about one of her grad classes that got me thinking. In it they were talking about what the difference is between someone who is a religious extremist and a religious peacekeeper. They are both religious, fundamentalists, and see themselves as good people doing good for their cause. The only difference that grad class could come up with, and one that I agree with, is that the extremists are willing to sacrifice other people while peacekeepers are only sacrificing themselves.

Let me explain. Mahatma Ghandi is largely considered one of the greatest people of the 20th century. What he did for India, and the example he set for others, had an effect that changed the world. He sacrificed himself through hunger strikes and peaceful protests until the British left India. He never sacrificed anyone else, just himself to achieve his goal. He was very devout religiously as well. The people who destroyed the World Trade Center would be extremists. While they too were willing to sacrifice themselves, they were also willing to sacrifice others to achieve their goal.

One other thing is that extremists see things as "You're either with us, or against us."

It just so happens that this accurately describes Jedi and Sith from Star Wars and can be used to help explain such a complicated situation as the Middle East to a child or teen, or just someone who doesn't get it. Jedi and Sith basically believe in the same thing. They believe in an all pervasive energy in the galaxy that they call the "Force". Their training and techniques are the same and even have the same roots. They have a few small, fundamental differences. Sith believe in extremism while Jedi believe in peacekeeping. The extremists also believe in using their passions to achieve their ends, while Jedi believe in detatching oneself from their feelings. Sith believe in absolutes as well. Jedi don't.

It is interesting to note, then, that El (President Bush) has said on numerous occasions that people are either wish us or against us in the War on Terror. He is willing to sacrifice others to achieve his goals, and sees himself as a good person pursuing a good cause. Does this make him a religious extremist fighting other extremist? Perhaps. He has called this war a "crusade" which has all kinds of nuances of religion (especially Christianity) and probably scared more than a few Muslims in the world.

It's an interesting thought that gave me pause and cast the whole Star Wars Saga in a different light. The parallels between that saga and current events is...well, worth considering. Think about it.

Papality and Retrobution

2006-09-18T11:10:00.000-07:00

So, over the past week, the Pope has been in hot water after quoting an ancient pope that basically calls Islam a violent religion. While that is obviously not true (Islam is one of the most peaceful religions on the world, believe it or not), some reactions are less than great. There are rumors on MSN, and probably other stations, that talk of "war" against the Papality for such a remark. It is true that, in Islam, Muslims are given the right to fight if they feel their religion is being threatened (the whole drama with Osama is over such a belief...thats for another time). I think that those Muslims who would call for a war would do so not for religious reasons, but just as an excuse to fight the West. This seems obvious in that, those who would call for war are also the ones who hate the West the most (Iran, Syria, Iraq now[maybe not 10 years ago...] etc).

I support the Muslims for feeling outraged. I'd be pretty pissed too if someone said my religion was violent and hate-filled. I also support the Muslims out there who are protesting such a quote. I don't support the violence that has erupted from it, though. One nun was killed and a church burned over the weekend. "Don't commit the crime for which you were wrongly accused". I believe that is the quote from "The Count of Monte Cristo". Basically, it means that if someone calls you violent, you don't disprove it by being violent. That just proves to the world that you are violent, hate-filled people. To see such a beautiful religion warped so is saddening.

In the Pope's defense, he was trying to make a different point but obviously didn't think things through. However, most people shouldn't be surprised by this because he doesn't seem to be the sharpest guy in the room. When he was named Pope, people were already making fun of him by referencing him to Emperor Palpatine and other less savory characters, based on his looks and past. If there is such a thing as a "lame-duck" Pope, we might just be seeing one.

If any kind of violence continues as a result of this, on either side, it will truly be a sad day for the world. This planet does not need any kind of holy war (thanks El for saying you would wage a "crusade" against terrorists...who happen to be Muslim!) and the only thing that would come from such a war would be lots and lots of dead people and no end to the conflict unless one religion was so defeated as to be extinct, or near to it. And, lets face it, the odds would be heavily stacked against the Muslims, sadly. The world deserves peace for a change after the horrid 20th century, which knew only a few years of true peace. This century isn't off to a better start, either.

Fun, Drinks, and Wings

2006-09-14T07:50:00.000-07:00

Last night was the Dyamo Power Hour at the Mezzanine Lounge and Dwayne De Rosario, Brian Ching, and Coach Kinnear made stops there to greet fans, sign autographs, down some beers, and do some interviews. Oh, and lots and lots of pics. Here's one of the guy who came in second place during the Wing Eating Contest. He got 2 tix to Sunday's game and a signed tee.

What a nub. He should have come in first place. Heh. Oh well. Good times were had by all. He got to meet all three of the people from the Dynamo and share their table. I hope that the Dynamo do this more often. Doing it before every home game would be great to hype the team and get the fans ready for the game. Just sending two or three people from the team would do wonders. The Mezz was, of course, packed.

Roy O of the Astros was masterfull, yet again, against the Cardinals. He completely shut down their lineup, allowing the Astros to salvage a game in St. Louis. Now they come home for the most important stretch this year. They play the Cardinals again as well as the Phillies. If they can win both series....

In the news today, the US Army found a large gathering of Al Qeida for a supposed funeral. The military asked to bomb them, and was told "No" because of the Rules of Engagement. Part of me wishes they had bombed them, but the better part is glad they didn't. We aren't terrorists and shouldn't start acting like them by killing them any chance we get. Funerals are sacred to all religions and peoples of the world, and by attacking them there, we would just be sinking to their level. While El might be ok with that, I am not. We will get them eventually. No need to act out the part that they accuse of us.

What's A Guy to Do...?

2006-09-13T08:10:00.000-07:00

After a decade and a half with a single team, a rarity in baseball these days, Craig Biggio is thinking about retirement. He wants to stay with us and be known as an Astro, and only an Astro. However, he may not get that opportunity.

Craig is close to the 3,000 hit milestone, amongst several others including doubles and runs scored and hit-by-pitches. Unfortunetly, the Astros might not pick up his contract next year with the team slumping so badly. Craig stated in the Houston Chronicle that if the Astros didn't pick him up, he'd go elsewhere to finish his career. That's bullshit. He's one of the greatest players to ever put on the Astros jersey, yet the 'stros are willing to let him go and treat him like garbage, much like what happened to Jeff Bagwell and Nolan Ryan. That's insane. Craig Biggio is a leader in nearly every offensive category on this team, and those he doesn't lead, his long-time friend Jeff has. We can't let a great player go like this. He has stayed with this team despite all the troubles over the years.

Craig could have easily gone to a different team and gotten his ring by now. He didn't, though. He stuck through all the hard times, and the good. All the slumps and hot streaks. Jeff and Craig have been, and continue to be, the heart and soul of this team. It is interesting to note that, with Jeff not with the team this year, they have performed very badly, yet last year they went to the World Series. It's interesting to say the least.

Craig has stayed here because he loves this town and the fans here. He also loves the club and the players he has been able to play alongside. I hope that Drayton will realize this and give Craig what he deserves for his loyalty, a rarity in MLB, which is one more year. When have Houston fans see their player hit 3,000?

Highly Recognizable, yet wholely depressing sign

2006-09-12T09:21:00.000-07:00

Maybe it was just how depressing yesterday was, but the air itself seemed to drag on everyone's mood. No one was much in the mood to talk (least of all me...I never talk!) and everyone's tensions were high. Now that the day is over and a new one has started, everyone is in better moods and walking with a lighter step. I have even noticed it in myself. The deaths of those 3,000 people plus the other 3,000 (not quite, but soon enough...) people who have died over seas as a result weighs down on everyone. It is a collective burden that is getting more difficult to bear. Thankfully, after that day each year, there is a new one to great us and offer us a chance to start over and set things right.

I feel lighter today and less burdened. Things seem funnier. My joke list (That'sComedy!) was hilarious today. Even my music, which can be very depressing (Nirvana, SES, Manson, Korn...) seemed more upbeat and lively. Maybe it is just me. Who knows? I hope that there will be another day and another and that El doesn't prevent that from happening (though it is simply a matter of time...all Empires fall)

On a different note, two of my favorite players are going to be giving out autographs at the Mezzanine Lounge tommorow. Brian Ching and Dwayne De Rosario will be out there, doing autographs and talking to the local radio. It's sure to be packed there and a whole lot of fun. From 7-9pm, they will be representing the Houston Dynamo and hopefully the fans will show them some love after being gone for so long.

Depressingly, the Astros, who had a chance to get to .500 for the first time in months, failed to do so and haven't score a run in 20 innings. :-( They are now 70-73 and running out of time to make the playoffs. They need to get their act together.

Greatest Modern Tragedy?

2006-09-11T07:53:00.000-07:00

On this day of rememberence, I remember lots of things. I remember when I first heard about what happened. I remember watching what events unfold on TV in high school. Parents were rushing to bring children home to "protect" them. Then as now, I doubt the terrorists could have pulled off strikes nation wide like that. Not to mention that they are not going to hit a school. They want to destroy our symbols and schools aren't a big symbol. That's what was going through my mind.

I also remember all the speeches El presidenete has said over the years. I do and I am disgusted. Here we are, fighting the "War on Terror", and instead of fighting it, we are in Iraq, finishing up a war his father couldn't finish and being sucked into it. You know it has gotten so bad when our biggest ally, Tony Blaire, is forced to resign. Hmm...

I feel bad for those who lost someone. It's a hella way to die and quite sad. No one should have to die so. At the same time, I am a pragmatic person. I can't help but think about El sitting in a classroom, knowing our country is under attack, and doing nothing. That image has been burned in my brain as much as buildings on fire. That image is a symbol for how we have handled things since.

it is true that the 3,000 dead are probably the greatest tragedy. So is our failure to truly honor them by capturing those who are guilty for killing them. However, if we did, then the government's war would be over and the power they have garnered would have to be relinquished. Right?

Right? (Think Star Wars Episode III)

Maybe I'm just turning into a consipiracy theorist. Let those who have died rest in peace and those who fight, for whatever reason, come home. It is what they deserve, if nothing else. The greatest image is that of people of all faiths standing together to mourn the dead and pray for a better future. That is the most beautiful image in what was dubbed a "Crusade" by El.

Success and Failure

2006-09-08T08:17:00.000-07:00

The ultimate dichotomy in the world would have to be success and failure. Bigger than all the others because all others rely on this. Good and evil? Love and hate? Sanity and insanity? Some religions and philosophers say that dichotomies are in a constant struggle to dominate the other. Good is always trying to win over evil. Sanity tries to fight off the insane and chaotic. Love attempts to conquer hate. Success climbs up the hill, fighting away failure. Be it on a small scale, such as an individual, or a larger scale such as countries, worlds, or whole galaxies, life is in a constant state of flux.

At times, one side might dominate the other. Failure may drag someone down and dog their every step. Eventually success pushes away failure and traps it in a small box with a lock, but no key, and a Jedi to guard it from escape. What gets people suffering from failure is the word "eventually". That could be seconds, minutes, hours, years or decades. You never know when it will go away. Much like Time, it can stalk you, waiting for the right moment to pounce. It can be felt behind you, but when you turn it vanishes. The eyes of Failure can be felt on the back of your head. It can be that feeling, that distraction, that haunts you for so long. However, it will have to be caught if Success is to dominate.

If Failure does pounce, it can send you falling into a bottomless pit of self-remorse and hate. You can end up wallowing in your own grief, oblivious to the outside world. No matter the stimuli, you feel nothing. It's such a selfish thing, too.

Such is the way of the world.

Texas Gov Race

2006-09-07T09:16:00.000-07:00

An interesting poll was just released by Wall Street today about the race for who will be the governor of Texas. It has current Gov Rick Perry at 34.8%, Chris Bell at 23.1 and Kinkie Friedman at 22.7. Those are some interesting numbers when you stop to think about the whole country. With Democrats and Republicans attacking El Presidente and his Sec D, support he once relied on is slowly slipping away. This trend can be seen here in Texas as well, though on a much smaller and tighter scale.

After riding into the gov position on the "rising star" that El Presidente was, he was re-elected during a time of "war" and high national spirit. Now that things are turning sour, and polls showing how little faith people have in the current regime, change is in the air. I would personally love nothing more than to have Gov Perry gone as he has done absolutely nothing to help Texas nor solve its problems.

Texas has one of the worst public educations in the country. Schools are understaffed, flooded with so many children that classes resemble mini-auditoriums, poorly funded and lacking appropriate materials. In an interesting side-note, channel 2 news last night ran a story about how HISD doesn't have enough defibulators (sp?) to revive a child incase their heart fails.

....

HISD doesn't even have adequete computers at every school. Hell, they don't have enough teachers (yet they are willing to fire them fast while promoting misconducted admins), yet here is a local station talking about something obscure like a heart-thumping machine. What gives? While I don't wish any child to die at school (I've been in a similar situation...though it was my heart pumping the blood that nearly got me), the simple matter is that such situations are borderline nonexsistant, yet it was shocking to parents (so it seems). Personally, in this age of Information and the Internet, there are kids who don't know how to use computers or the internet or how to sift threw all the garbage on the net for valuable information (Lesson Number 1: Don't trust government published studies).

But I digress. Sorry. I realize that the problems of education are largely beyond Texas' ability to control. No Child Left Behind has handicapped schools all over the country. Combined with Special Ed laws and the above problems, it's no wonder education sucks. However, I don't think Friedman will be an improvement for Texas, and will probably be worse. Check out what David Salinas in the Daily Cougar quoted Friedman as saying: http://www.uh.edu/campus/cougar/
(Polls show race closer than ever)

Um, yeah. No. Chris Bell is an interesting thought, but I don't see him as having the power to win the race unless Friedman tosses his support to him. Now, whether they would be an improvement is something only time can tell. If one of them does manage to oust Perry, they must get rid of Texas' most embarrising law in Perry's time, which is HB 3015, which deregulated tuition at state colleges. Tuition has gone up (shockingly!.....) by almost 25%. Where was common sense there? Or how about Perry's plan to take away 20,000 students' grants? How are we supposed to make sure people go to college and graduate on time when you pull their money?

So who do I think is best for Texas? Honestly, it is much like the 2000 presidential elections: pick your poison. Of course that ended up really bad for us, but...eh...lets not go there. I'm not sure which to go for (certainly not Perry) though I will certainly look up what their positions are on key issues: Education, Capital Punishment, Crime, Immigration/Terrorism/Border Patrol (I love how they have been bunched together..*sigh*). Stay Tuned.

Dynamo and a Soccer Specific Stadium plus a Wash Out

2006-09-06T08:21:00.000-07:00

Well, I joined the Dynamo message board after reading what people were saying about where the new soccer stadium should be once the Dynamo become permenately part of Houston. I got kinda sick of the silly ideas and threw down my two cents, and probably snuffed out the silliness. How is it that in this city, it could be a good thing to have the stadium out in Sugarland or the Woodlands? If we had the fanbase of say, the Astros or the Texans, then maybe. However, we don't. We average around 12,000 fans per game or so (the Astros are near 38,000). If you put the SSS (soccer specific stadium) in any one corner of the city, you will loose other corners. If it is in Sugarland, por ejemplo, you loose the people along the coast (Galevston) and Pearland, and probably Humble too. Here's the full post if you want to read my ideas on where it should go, along with how we can increase attendance and such.
http://www.bigsoccer.com/forum/showthread.php?t=395448&page=26

For anyone who didn't watch the game against Dallas last Saturday, you missed a hell of a show. Not just from the Dynamo defense, but mainly from the Texian Army! They were insane the entire match, screaming, chanting, beating their drums and waving flags, and setting off their flares and their smoke bombs. They were so nuts that the camera and commentators couldn't help but notice the crowd and were talking about them from the 1st minute on. Whenever the action lagged, they showed the crowd. The Dallas fans got pwned that night like the nubs they are :-D Hopefully, when the Dynamo come home, they will get a similar treatment from the fans. I hope for a larger than normal crowd.

Well, sadly, the Astros and Phillies were rained out last night. After the dissapointing loss (and first loss to the Phils in 2 years), I was hoping to see some whup-ass last night. Sadly, the game was canceled. However, according to the Chronicle, the Astros were not notified until 20 minutes after they canceled the game! What kind of curtesy is that? Poor Phil was sitting in the dugout, waiting, and it took the umpire to let him know. The staff at the stadium knew, but he didn't. Then they rescheduled the game for a mutual day off instead of today, which is what is usually done. That decision too was made between MLB and Philly without Phil's thoughts. The whole freakin' world is against us....(am I biased about the 'stros? Maybe a tad....sorry)

An article in the Daily Cougar talks about great 21st century women as part of an editorial. One of the examples is Condoleezza Rice. If she is the epitome of what the 21st century woman should be...than I shudder. I congratulate her for acheiving such a high position in our government, but she is horrible at what she does. All she has done is wave her hand wherever she goes. She has yet to really solve a problem or mediate a dispute. She lacks the flare that is needed to work in the Middle East (besides, most of those governments don't view women as equals) or the Far East for that matter. Grr. I should write the Cougar a strongly worded letter. :-p

2006-09-05T15:14:00.000-07:00

If you were wondering about the title of this blog and want some inside, I would say to go look up Smile Empty Soul's song with the same title. Doesn't matter where you get it; YouTube, Best Buy, wherever. They won't mind. Listen to it and it might come to you. As for the web address, all I can say is that if you have been in love, you know what I'm talk about. Think old truisms (maybe that's too obvious?)

Though this post will be sweet and simple, I will be typing quite a bit over time about everything from sports to music to books to politics and whatever catches my fancy. If you want to talk about something than feel free to as I am pretty good about discussions...sometimes.

For those who like sports, especially futbol (or soccer in this country), then you can appreciate this. Go to http://houston.mlsnet.com/MLS/hou/index.jsp and watch the goal that Houston midfielder Dwayne De Rosario makes. It's incredible and worthy of Goal of the Year.

As for the Astros...there isn't much to report except that they seem to want to keep things interesting instead of a clean sweep to the playoffs. The only two things to report on now are as follows: the Astros are likely to reach the 3 million mark in attendance and the signing of Roy Oswalt to a long-term contract. Both are huge for the club, no matter what happens and will have a large impact on next season. Securing one of the best pitchers in all of baseball might keep Clemens and Petite around for another year. All those fans will mean that Uncle Drayton will have a bit more money to spend on free agents (Carlos Lee anyone?).

I'm not sure about anyone else, but it seems to me that an Editorial piece in a newspaper is meant to spark some kind of reaction from their readers. However, here at the University of Houston, it rarely generates more than a giggle or two, if even that. The lone exception was over a cartoon that didn't portray a few new residents in Houston last fall ('bout 500,000 of them actually...think Hurricanes). That got people talking and shouting for weeks, which I applauded then and still do (regardless of what my political views on it are). While they aren't bashing posts, they are meant as well thought out pieces that pose an opinion and opinions are meant for debate.

Unfortunetly, I won't be starting such a debate right now (as homework does call *sigh* College life...) but rest assured that I will be posting every day about something, even if it is to ammuse myself. Feel free to bring something up you want. Anyways, that's it for now. I'll try to write again tonight. Until then, Go Dynamo and Astros.