Thursday, February 16, 2006

Free Tibet!

And while we're at it, free China too. Here's the problem: an oppressive communist government. When I look at what's happening in the world today (and what has happened throughout much of 'modern' history), I can't help but wonder what the hell is taking us so long to wake up! Humanity as a whole needs to realize what it can accomplish...as a whole.

So, Google is censoring search results in China, preventing the people there from tracking down the injustices done to them and others who the government deems unworthy of basic human rights. Instead of finding links to sites about Tibet (and other topics of concern), Chinese citizens will be redirected to a friendly government page that tells them how they should think and feel (if in a subtle, roundabout way). This, ladies and gentlemen, is how you build a utopia of Orwellian proportions.

Look, I'm not a big proponent in meddling in the affairs of other nations. I don't take the GWB tack of bomb first, bomb again, bomb a little bit more, then try to sort it all out later...oh, and uh, drop another bomb if you have to. That's why I wish I could urge the Chinese people, and people in all places of such oppression, to bring their government to justice for their crimes against them. I really wish I could inspire them all to take matters into their own hands. Unfortunately, Google will probably filter my blog out of their search results.

Wake up!!!

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Happy St. Valentine's Day

Well, happy Valentine's Day all! Yes, once again it's our favorite commercial holiday, February 14th. The day we're supposed to run out and buy flowers and a teddy bear (or maybe just a teddy) at the last minute and try to squeeze our way into a packed restaurant that we didn't have the foresight to get a reservation for. As it turns out, Valentine's Day often ends up being an event that shows how thoughtless we are, rather than how thoughtful we are.

So, did you remember to get your sweetie something? If not, just keep these few points in mind. Unless your partner really likes roses and boxes of random chocolates, these gifts are passé. That said, it's not like you have to break the bank to show you care. Instead of roses, give a bouquet of flowers you know your honey will like. This not only shows that you know something about her (or him), but it's usually also the cheaper option. My wife really likes cherry cordials. So, instead of the heart-shaped box that, like the Nirvana song, doesn't always have the best stuff in it, I would spring for the box of cordials...of course, that does leave less chocolate for me, but oh well.

But listen; let's be real for a moment. Strip away all the commercial craziness of a day that seems to have become about romantic obligation, and what are you left with? The reason why people get so crazy on Feb 14 is because each of us in a relationship desires to know that the other is thinking of them. We know that it's fulfilling to know that someone loves you enough to set aside your own personal space in her (or his) mind. Knowing this, we want to show our lover that we do think of them, and we secretly (or sometimes not so secretly) hope that they want to do the same.

Valentine's Day, despite all the retail influence, is not about how much or even whether or not you spent money on your honey. It's about showing her (him) that you care enough to show how much your care. It's a day that reminds us to do those things we really should do every day despite the craziness of our daily lives. Maybe you'll think I'm just a silly, sentimental, sappy, romantic fool, but it makes my wife happy, and that makes me happy.