Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Dreaming for the Stars

As I watch Deep Space Nine for the first time, it talks about wormholes to other galaxies, and I wonder, will we as a species, make it to the furthest reaches of space? Will we dream big dreams today and in the future? Or will we rely on the dreams of the past, visionaries dead and gone, somehow alive in the systems and procedures built decades ago?

I wonder about the American Dream, how we used to dream big dreams. Dreams of going to the stars, no matter the cost. Personal sacrifice led the way, as people died for their dreams. They believed in what they could do. They believed in where we, as people, could go.

As the economy continues to take a dump on us, I wonder if it will open our eyes collectively to dreams that were there, providing a time and a place for them to come into focus.

Action is the only way that dreams become a reality. Maybe one day, the American Dream will become realized as an active pursuit in dreams for a better world. Not just pipe dreams or things to get people excited so that they will vote, but real visions of the future that inspire people, ultimately motivating them to get off the couch into the laboratories of life.

Apple Pledges $100,000 Toward Gay Marriage Fight

Today, in the local Vancouver paper, The Columbian, they published a story about Apple pledging $100,000 to defeat California's Proposition 8, which would ban same-sex marriage in California. Read the posting on Yahoo's news site.

This got me thinking about the majority of churches that rely heavily on Apple computers for their operations, either in design, video, music production, and office use. Does the money that these churches invest in Apple computers directly fund a cause that they are so adamant against? Does the money that consumers pay directly fund causes that they wouldn't normally support? It makes me wonder how much of what I buy directly supports politicians that I wouldn't support, or other issues that I haven't thought about, or have opinions on. Is this really that big of an issue, or has it been swept under the mat of acceptability?

Interesting questions as I continue my journey throughout the world.

Monday, October 20, 2008

Tacoma/Seattle Vacation

I just got back from my vacation to Tacoma and Seattle with Kristina. It was a great trip! We visited the Museum of Glass in Tacoma, the Underground Tour, Pike Place Market, Experience Music Project/Science Fiction Hall of Fame, the Seattle Public Library's amazing building, and a trip to my sister's house for her housewarming. As I said, a great trip, and I'll post photos soon!

Wednesday, October 08, 2008

Quote of the Day

I use Google Apps for my business e-mail and calendar, and on the start page is a Quote of the Day. Today's made me laugh:

"Whatever you may be sure of, be sure of this, that you are dreadfully like other people." - James Russell Lowell

Just goes to show that no matter how hard I try to be original and unique, I may very well be dreadfully like other people.

Is that so bad?