I am posting yesterday's song (2/19/2011) late. G and I have a greyhound, who have had for merely 3 weeks. At 4:30 in the morning I took him out for a quick pee. Before I realized anything was happening in my half awake state, the dog pulled on the leash and somehow escaped the collar and had is nose up in a skunks face. Greyhounds are fast. Then once again, before I could reach him, he had raced back to the door of the house.
It was a long long day. After washing the skunkified pup, the issue was then the rank smell that lingered in the house. After much cleaning, airing out, candle burning mulled spices, lysol spraying, laughing, crying, and drinking, the house was in an acceptable condition once again.
Unfortunately this means we are probably going to have to evict our neighboring skunk (who lives under our shed, next to where the dog relieves himself). Pity. I rather like skunks.
I've been a little sick for about a month, a month and a half. I know part of it is the stress of trying to do my job and my coworker's job (he left for a new position over 3 months ago) during the "busy season", and part of it is still being "the new guy" at work.
Part of it is just me though. I'm more of a nut than I use to be, and less able to just work all night and not let things get to me. Weak I say. Weak. I'm not entirely sure how to un-nut myself though. I'm wound so tight sometimes. …and then here come "the holidays", which are never super busy or stressful… no not at all.
I keep chugging along though. (…or is it chugging the bottle?) Like this song, I keep holding on. Another day, another dollar. (The bottle? A dollar? I must be confusing another song. ;)
I watched a whole bunch of banned videos last night, the kind banned from youtube or MTV for example. Although some are banned for violence (e.g. M.I.A's "Born Free"), most are banned for being too sexually provocative.
I am a totally in favor of the freedom of speech, so anything that is banned, should get extra air time in my opinion! I am even thinking about doing a series of banned songs and videos. They touch on the boundaries of our social dialogue and just because something is uncomfortable to some people doesn't mean that something should be banned, deleted, outlawed or burned. (Yes… I am reading "Fahrenheit 451", so I am a little extra motivated on the "Freedom of Speech" at the moment.) You might not like the dialogue, but banning is the first step toward outlawing, and that cannot be tolerated. There are important discussions to be had! For example, I do wonder where is the line between one hip thrust and porn? I think the video for Eric Prydz's "Call on Me" explores that question.
So sit back, relax, enjoy the show! …and please do keep your hand out of your pants!
PS: I found a couple of references to this video being banned by BBC. But I could not find hard evidence (pardon the pun). I'm sure it was though, and I'm betting it is only played on MTV late at night. (Oh right… MTV isn't about the music anymore and hasn't been for about 20 years… I forgot.) I did find a lot of references to ex-UK Prime Minister Tony Blair saying "The first time it came on, I nearly fell off my rowing machine." Awesome.
Being raised Catholic, like Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys, I have a similar issue in the back of my mind at times…
When I look back upon my life
It's always with a sense of shame
I've always been the one to blame
For everything I long to do
No matter when or where or who
Has one thing in common, too
It's a, it's a, it's a, it's a sin
There are countless sins listed in the bible. Some are plain ridiculous (e.g. astrology Deut 4:19; 17:3-7; Isa 47:13,14; Acts 7:42; Ezek 8:16). There also ins't a nice comprehensive list (because you are supposed to memorize the bible, after all). The most notable list is the 10 Commandments, which goes something like this (taken from one of the King James versions):
1. Thou shalt have none other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the waters beneath the earth.
3. Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain: for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
4. Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.
5. Honour thy father and thy mother, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee; that thy days may be prolonged, and that it may go well with thee, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.
6. Thou shalt not kill.
7. Neither shalt thou commit adultery.
8. Neither shalt thou steal.
9. Neither shalt thou bear false witness against thy neighbour.
10. Neither shalt thou desire thy neighbour's wife, neither shalt thou covet thy neighbour's house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox, or his ass, or any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Obviously lots of things are missing from the list, or some things are over inflated. e.g. You would think there would be one that says "Thou shalt not rape." but apparently consensual cheating on your spouse ("7. Neither shalt thou commit adultery.") is a worse sin. Details details.
Three of them are all about being faithful to "the LORD they God". That is some prime real-estate on the list, and could've been written in one. Also it makes God seem a little selfish, petty, and needy. Doesn't seem right for "the all powerful almighty", you know?
1. Treat the Earth and all that dwell thereon with respect.
2. Remain close to the Great Spirit.
3. Show great respect for your fellow beings.
4. Work together for the benefit of all mankind.
5. Give assistance and kindness wherever needed.
6. Do what you know to be right.
7. Look after the well-being of mind and body.
8. Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater good.
9. Be truthful and honest at all times.
10. Take full responsibility for your actions.
Instead people are all caught up over same-sex marriage, abortion, the death penalty, etc. Blah blah blah! To paraphrase an English teacher I once had, she said "The world has enough geniuses. It needs more good people." Hear hear!
And as for all those sins, I say we chuck 'em and start over with the list!
