Evolutionary Ascent

oblivionvortex @ 2006-12-19T07:56:00

2006-12-19T12:56:30Z

I know some of you out there will consider this utter blasphemy, but I'm easy... That, and I happen to be an effin' Brit Lit major, so it tends to be part of my occupation to keep abreast of this sort of thing and share it with all of you, the nescient masses...

In all seriousness though, what do you people make of this one?

I actually kinda dig the guy's flow...but that's a very personal response, I suppose...

Then again, most things posted in one's LiveJournal tend to be very personal responses, so I guess I'm not out of my element here...

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061218/ap_en_ot/chaucer_rapper

http://www.myspace.com/bababrinkman

S u r v i v a l . . .

2006-08-26T22:01:09Z

I have to be completely honest with you people, I may have seen a total of 2 full episodes of Survivor in my whole life...and of those two, I think I only actually saw the last 2/3 of one of 'em...

That bein' said, I can say with a great deal of certainty that I'm not a scholar on the subject of all things Survivor, and as such, I probably have no business making commentary about the show (it's a fluid belief of mine [and aren't all my beliefs fluid?] that people who don't know much about something shouldn't say anything about it--at least until they've done a moderate amount of research on the subject--and, I'll admit, I've not found it entirely feasible to research the topic of Survivor much). However, the premise of the new season of Survivor caught my attention and begged me to respond...not because I was really all that interested, or really cared--although it was mildly stimulating to hear opinions in the "new media" ranging from "This is a really stupid idea..." to "This is marketing brilliance at its finest!" to "This will be the catalyst for the next Third Reich!!"--but because...well...I haven't updated this livejournal in a while, and frankly, I've naught better to do for the next 15 minutes...

For those of you who've been watchin' reruns of Blackadder, Fawlty Towers and Red Dwarf, praying for the day the BBC gets off its arse and starts puttin' some quality programming back on the air, and paying no attention to the trends in entertainment news, I'll update you briefly...Apparently, the execs of CBS'sSurvivor think its a good idea to have the Tribes divided by "race" this season. Forget the primary problems with this set up--such as the show's blantant blurring of the potentially mutually exclusive concepts of "race" and "ethnicity" (I mean, is Eminem on the African-American tribe due to his "ethnicity" or the Caucasian side because of his "race," and who gets to determine what makes someone ethnically "Black" or "White"...and for that matter, am I ethnically "Black or White" *breaks into a familiar Michael Jackson song*--but I digress)

Nah, forget the fuzzy factor--should Mexicans be considered "Hispanic" or "Asian" should Black Brazilians be considered "African" or "Latino"?--The problem is, the execs who came up with this idea--and quite a few media outlets--really think this 'division by race/ethnicity' is envelope-pushing stuff...real controversy in the making...Bah...these bastards wouldn't know controversy if it emasculated them, eviscerated them, pulled them apart by horses, and left their heads to stand as a testament to their stupidity in a niche on London Bridge (God Save the Queen!)...The real deal is that divisions of race based on the standard "White, Black, Asian and Hispanic" are just so passé--I mean, c'mon, here in America we attempt to divide ourselves across these ridiculous lines every day! Why is this considered "groundbreaking," "controversial," and "revolutionary"? The execs need to go back to the drawing board...If they want to perform a truly unique "social experiment" they really need to shake things up, right? Plainly enough, Linda Holmes over at MSNBC pointed out: "Survivor" has not chosen to cast "the Arab-American Tribe." Seems like, for all their attempts to court controversy, the Survivor people are still playing it "safe"...To fuck with all that, says I! You wanna cause a stir? You wanna divide some people? To hell with the hansy-pansy shite! Let's toss in "Nationality" to the "Race/Ethnicity" mix and do this sucker the right way!!

SURVIVOR - CONTINENTAL OVERLOAD

8 Tribes battle it out for Supremacy in an unregulated contest of sheer WILL on a deserted, booby-trapped island with limited resources but unlimited FIREPOWER!

· The Jewish Tribe (formerly the Tribe of Judah and remnants of the Lost 10 Tribes of Israel)

· The Zulu Nation (African warriors in their most vicious, effective, and barbaric manifestation, sweeping across a continent, leaving a trail of blood and tears in their wake)

· The European Imperialists (European statesmen in their most vicious, effective, and barbaric manifestation, sweeping across continents, leaving a trail of blood and tears in their wake)

· Hitler's Henchmen (A motley assortment of "Pro-Aryan" activists, White-Supremacists, "Christian Identity" advocates, former Klansmen, Hammer Skins, Neo-Nazis, "White People's Party" members, "British National Party" voters, and American Renaissance subscribers--their mission...well...isn't it obvious?)

· CommonWealth of the Caucasian/SemiAsian Old-Left (Mostly Naitional Bolsheviks, Hardline Slavic Communists, and Radical Revolutionaries from Southern Russia and satellite areas of the former Soviet Union)

· Democracy and Justice for All (Mainly wealthy "American" Protestants dedicated to the foundation of the ideals put forward by the Project for the New American Century, oh, of course, and the Love of the Lord Jesus Christ as one can only experience through the shrapnel of a very large bomb)

· Coalition for a United Nationalized Taliban Society [CUNTS] (Muslim extremists of the worst sort, we're talkin' full burkahs for women, 70 virgins for martyrs, the whole nine...)

· The G-Unit (50 Cent and his entire entourage. Word.)

Do this baby, Winner takes all. With a chance to return next season where we'll throw in Japanese Technocrats, Radical Pakistanis (with nuclear weapons, of course), Hindu Nationalists (with nuclear weapons, of course), Crazed Korean Commaders (testing nuclear weapons, of course), Insane Iranian Clerics Coalition (trying to get nuclear weapons, of course), and the Ultra-Right Christian Conservative Collective (survivors from the hardline fringe of this season's Democracy and Justice for All...and there WILL be survivors...these guys are like cockroaches)...

Come to think of it...

...maybe this arrangement of tribes isn't so groundbreaking either...

...Oh well, see you guys next war!

S o n u v a

2006-07-25T14:35:05Z

Right...so, AMD just purchased ATI...

Why didn't I get into the stock market 8 years ago?

M o r e S e l f S e r v i c e

2006-06-11T02:36:25Z

Oh...eh...by the way... I'm in a new band...heh....

S o b r i e t y

P u b l i c S e r v i c e A n n o u n c e m e n t

2006-06-11T02:28:27Z

A quick update for those of you who didn't receive the memo...

I am still very much alive...

You have been informed...

N a u g h t . . .

2005-10-21T23:44:53Z

Following a brief survey, we are equally obliged and loathe to issue the following statement of report...

The partial maladjustments--imperceptible, no doubt, in the architects' conceptual innovative fervor--coupled with, nearly inappreciable, inherent design flaws--minor, minor, imperfections, of course...typically unremarkable, and likely unintentionally overlooked in the primary phases of inception--unobserved, though they were, and utterly unnoticed even upon initial implementation of the defining strictures, are now--and we assure you, we are most dreadfully sorry to report this--quite appallingly apparent, and apparently appallingly severe. And, as a rather regrettable secondary consequence, I'm afraid, their tendency toward ultimate socio-cultural abrogation has, unfortunately, now become manifest in a most egregious manner. Moreover, probability indicates their capability, or "potential," if you will, for localized macro-deconstruction will indubitably result in an unrestrainable...Well, let's just say, we hope you're fairly well insured. The procurement of an exceptional legal team is also vehemently advised.
Thank you, and please feel free to contact your local customer support services for further technical assistance...

O n c e A g a i n

2005-09-21T20:43:06Z

S h o w T i m e

2005-07-24T20:38:03Z

The Band has a show at the Masquerade on the 24th of September. If you're in town, you should drop by and check us out... For more info, click the picture...

F o r t h e O t h e r s . . .

2005-07-10T20:45:57Z

For those of you not already in "the know"...I have a myspace address now...

For your viewing pleasure:

Myspace - OblivionVortex

M a d D o g s a n d E n g l i s h m e n

2005-07-08T13:20:55Z

I posted this as a MySpace bulletin, but thought I should repost it here as well...(so, ignore if you've seen this one)

I'm sure we're now all quite familiar with the event in London that has taken the lives of more than 50 civilians and wounded approximately 700 others. So now I pose you all a question...three, actually:

What was your immediate reaction to the news of the London attack? (was it political, emotional or both)

Is the world a safer place since 9/11? (and, more importantly, why do you believe that way)

Are the socio-political trends and plans, currently in place, prepared to establish an adequate resolution to the ailments vexing our nation, our allies, and countries of the Middle East? (and, why do you vote aye or nay?)

Now, my intent in asking these questions is not--contrary to what the set-up might imply--a base attempt to question George W Bush in his role as the executive-in-chief of the armed forces of this country, nor is it an attempt--as some might immediately suspect--to actively undermine the foreign policy of this country, nor is it intended to disrespect the men and women who have died in recent conflicts overseas... This is simply a question posed with the aim of garnering a cross-section of responses and reasons... I'd like to know not just what you all believe, but why you believe that way--whatever way it is you happen to believe.

Now, naturally, I suspect some of you believe the world is safer--or at least heading in that direction, and that things are on track to come to a positive conclusion...others of you, I would wager, are not in accord with the previously stated sentiment... I'm really not so much after the answers themselves (although, they are integral and necessary) I'm really seeking the motivation and method behind the answers you have to the above questions, regardless of your answer or outlook...

BTW, if you have any misgivings, realize that, apart from English, I also teach American Government... So, your answers will likely aid the development of future in-class discussions...

I t ' s g o i n g t o b e a l r i g h t . . .

2005-07-08T12:21:39Z

"I do believe the world is a safer place and becoming a safer place..."

- George Bush, June 2005

I e s o u s H. C h r i s t o s

2005-04-06T08:13:45Z

*still laughing!*

BUAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAHAHAHAAHAHAA!! (¡click me!)

*pauses*

Of course...if this ISN'T a joke...well...I'm sorry, but I may have to move to an uninhabited corner of Siberia for a few millennia...

D e a d H o r s e s

2005-01-29T15:17:51Z

Someone please tell me, at what point between the dawn of the Enlightenment and 2005 did the word "patriotism" come to mean:

patriotism - n. 1. A sociopathic manifestation rooted in delusions purporting the intrinsic or inherent superiority of the geopolitical entity of one's birth over all other geopolitical entities. 2. The overzealous misapplication of the love for one's nation-state leading to the unquestioned acceptance of, unmitigated approval of, and complete willingness to sacrifice life, personal liberties, emotional and social well-being for, the policies, actions, and demands of said nation-state.

It's ironic that a nation founded on a series of treasons now heralds the worth and necessity of patriotism and nationalism.

S w e l l . . .

2004-12-27T13:30:50Z

You've read the gospel now play the game!!

Take the Bible Quiz!!!

No, really, you must......please...?

OH, hey, Bah Humbug to all of you!! If Christ WERE born, it sure as smegg wasn't in December! And even if he had been born in December, his birth mass wouldn't be 'til mid January...

Here's a happy Saturnalia for those interested *raises a lead goblet of fine Roman wine (aged since circa 410)*

oblivionvortex @ 2004-12-14T03:49:00

2004-12-14T09:26:38Z

The Gospel according to the world as of this moment...

We have a serious problem in this country, people...

Far be it from me to be pessimistic, I'm simply letting you know: the situation is, once again, fairly grim. The vast majority of children in this country are malnourished and dying--not in the physical sense, like the swollen-bellied, sunken-eyed youths of present day Sudan--but intellectually, and spiritually. It's an impoverishment of the mind and soul (if there is such a thing). I am not a prophet, but I think the ill-written pages of the scribbled mess of time known as American History is finally coming to its, rather hastily contrived and poorly structured end--replete and brimming with the spelling and grammatical errors I am so loathe to read. Comparing the status of current trends in the degradation of US performance to the fall of Rome would be much like comparing the Ramstein or Hindengberg Holocausts to a cozy evening chestnut warming roastie in the livingroom fireplace. The fetid tide of ignorance clenching the nucleus of this nation is painfully evident in contemporary political trends--and, I'm not speaking specifically about the election of George Bush, but rather the entire socio-economic polarization that has reduced all things we believe, love, and are willing to live and die for, to the partisan ramblings of either "the Left" or "the Right." Consequently forsaking balance, and re-launching, within the confines of our very own fifty states, the beginnings of the social dichotomy that characterized pre-Facist Germany. It is positively ludicrous to see fiscal conservatives turning into advocates of a Fourth Reich, waving banners of a new Holy Crusade to purge the world of a "menacing alliance of purest evil" and social liberals so angry at religious groups that they have begun combating intolerance with intolerance. And what's next? What's our hope? The next generation??? People, have you seen the next generation? This clueless mass of Video Music Awards educated, Xbox junkie, GTA emulating, Pimp worshipping, pop-blaring, straw-for-brains, media marionettes? Most of these kids have no aspirations--some because, like they say on 'the Right,' "they're too lazy" and others because, as they say on 'the Left,' "they're disadvantaged and disenfranchised." Mind you, I love to sit around and play video games and watch DVDs all day. But I also realize that there's more to life than the constant pursuit of entertainment. Moreover, I also realize that, despite my desire to be comfortable, there are problems in the world that I, as a human being, must bear responsibility in helping address…and by address, I mean with tactics other than "Waste the Mothaf#*as!" It has also become clear to me that both the Left and Right are busy arguing policies in the face of extinction at the hands of a generation with no political or social ambition whatsoever...This won't be a noble annihilation prescribed by the likes of Bakunin: destruction with purpose, intellectual foundation and the advancement of humanity ultimately in mind. No, it's going to be a graceless, staggering mess of an obliteration, resulting in the devastation of the meager scraps of goodness humans have managed to scrounge together over the past few millinea. My advice would be for congressional lawmakers to stop arguing about whether or not to teach Abstinence in Sex Education classes and worry about whether or not today's High Schoolers are even going to have a purpose or place in a world that requires heightened academic related skills, and a level of social sophistication that extends beyond the scope of American Pop Culture...

In short, if any of you are planning to have children, please teach them something--ANYTHING before you send them to school where they will infect (or potentially be infected by) other students. Things are generally on the way down and out, please equip your offspring with the mechanisms essential ~~for the continued survival~~ for the future construction of an intelligent human race...

S a l u t a t i o n s . . . F r o m t h e b e y o n d . . .

2004-12-14T08:49:31Z

To all my neglected people...I told you I'd lead you to the Promised Land like Moses of Old...and, much like Moses, I have, instead, lead you to wandering around in the desert for the past few years...hang on, we'll get there together...

GHS Fallout Survivors (including the former members of the Windridge Posse)

Sorry I've been out of the loop guys, Chris and Jen, I'm sorry I couldn't make it to the wedding, but you know I wish you both all the happiness in the universe...As many of you know, life has been crazy, I got a new job teaching and it's been pretty hectic for the past few months, as soon as I adapt to this fully I'll have more time and I'm sure I'll be in greater contact...In the meantime, Winter Break is soon upon us, so, if any of you want to hang out for a night or two in the upcoming weeks, now'd be the best time to make plans...much love people...

We Are Theater (cast, crew, etc)

Hey guys, We (that is, the symbiotic combination of me and you-know-who) got sick so we weren't able to make Angela's party. We promised we'd go see Death of Zukasky, so if any of you haven't already seen it, you should maybe come out with us and we'll make a semi-party of it...BTW, my better half is makin' great strides in the Theater Dept. at USF, she auditioned for (and got into) two department plays this semester (Calandra's Cuban Bread, and the BRIT Program's Golden Ass) so, give her some major props when you see her, you know she's been through some craziness over the past few years and to come this far is nothing short of amazing....not that any of you had any doubt in her abilities, but I'm sure you'll all be glad to know we won't be making out behind the curtains for either of these performances...

Unit Battalion: Seattle, WA

Well, the Fellowship has been broken...so I guess this is primarily just addressed to you, Nicole...since I lost Eric's number and everyone else fell off...I'm calling you this weekend, so I'll just save the making up for Saturday...

Brooklyn and Manhattan, NY

My gods...I'm so sorry guys...Semidey, I know, I owe you my soul...I'm sorry i've been out of touch, I talked to Candace the other day and man...we have a lot of catchin' up to do...
Hooch (sorry, real name withheld for humorous reasons, that and Michelle would find this more amusing) em...actually, Hooch, I don't know if you have my LJ address or not since you never seem to post me anything...so I guess I'll just have to call you to...

NSW, Australia

As I've already said...December 2002 was one of the best Christmas Breaks in my life...thanks to ALL of you, and especially Cathy, Terry, Col and Rhonda...I'd love to be there again this year *sighs* maybe we'll all hang out in England whenever I get there? Carlie, what's the next concert I need to go to? You're supposed to be keeping me informed on this kindof stuff :-)

Nottingham and other such places, England

Tracy, we're cool...I'll fill you in on the specifics next time I happen to be up at 3 am...heh heh....'Lona, same...actually, I'm sorry I haven't filled in as many gaps, but I don't have your Yahoo Messenger ID thingy...so...lemme know what's up...I'm aiming for a 2005 tour...cross your fingers and lock up your daughters...er...actually...your daughters are particularly safe these days...especially since one of you doesn't even have a daughter...heh heh heh...

Former Flames, Former Lovers, Old Friends and Old Brothers

Where have I been? Where've you all been?

South Central, LA

I don't think I know anyone in South Central, but there are a lot of "brothas" down there, so i'm sure I'm related to at least some of you...Live hard, my niggas, don't take nothin' from the man...peace doggs, peace...

A d a p t a t i o n . . .

2004-09-17T19:53:00Z

Thank you, Mister Rodriguez...

Sin City

Too much good news coming from the entertainment industry lately...must be a set up for a tragedy of epic proportions

S t a t e m e n t o f R e t r a c t i o n . . .

2004-09-16T20:53:01Z

Contrary to any previously expressed sentiments.....

There IS a God....

And He/She/It is EXCEEDINGLY GOOD....

Now, a quarter of a century since Douglas [Adams] first wrote [The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy], our team is in active post-production with editing, visual effects and music [of the new film version].

And there was much rejoicing...

- MOS DEF AS FORD PREFECT!!
- SAM ROCKWELL AS ZAPHOD BEEBLEBROX!!
- STEPHEN MOORE (The Original voice of Marvin) AS THE VOICE OF MARVIN THE PARANOID ANDROID!!!
- HELLS YEAH!!
Hallelujah...

Now if only this all-merciful, benevolent deity would get the Red Dwarf film greenlit...I might start a religion...

A n o t h e r o n e ? ! ?

2004-09-01T19:42:10Z

Okay, I know little girl's legs are being blown off by mines disguised as dolls in Afghanistan...Women in Darfur are being raped in record numbers by maurading bands of savages--mind you, this follows the waves of violent "ethnic cleansing" by Arab militias intent on the annhiliation black Sudanese...and over in Russia, 400 school children are being held hostage, possibly by Chechen rebels...So, in the grand scheme of reality I suppose I have nothing to complain about...but four hurricans in two months?? God's aiming at us...

Seriously though, not to be pessimistic or anything..but uh...in case anyone hadn't noticed: the world is in some seriously f'd up shape these days...

And, uh..not to be 'unpatriotic' and knock this whole War on Terror thing we have going *cough cough* ...but... does it seem to anyone else like there's MORE terror in the world since the invasion of Iraq?

T h e A m e r i k a n M a n i f e s t o . . .

2004-08-31T19:33:24Z

"We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal..."

I find it ironic that a national ideology so intent on praising democracy has such a problem with communism. Democracy is a system of government that implies all humans are fundamentally equal--regardless of stature, perceived merit, or various fortunate endowments--and should, therefore, have an equal share in the decisions of the state. Communism is an economic system that suggests all laborers are fundamentally equal--regardless of position, perceived merit, or various economic advantage--and should, therefore, have equal share in decisions of the economy. Specific concerns--whether regarding distribution of wealth, or the allocation of political sovereignty--are secondary to a fundamental idea: both communism and democracy are hinged on notions of equity and egalitarianism.

By the way, this isn’t an endorsement of Communism (that is, the twisted slew of 20th century dictatorial regimes that established an almost facist form of socialism). I just happen to find it amusing that our country, which is not a democracy, in the literal sense, is trying to spread democracy, to "developing nations" when most of the "free-world" is Evolutionary Socialist. Moreover, our country endorses capitalism as an economic solution when, theoretically speaking, capitalism (with its emphasis of the rights of the individual) is at odds with democratic process (applying the will of the collective on the individual).

M u c h o s G r a c i a s

2004-08-23T17:50:14Z

Let me preface today's entry by stating that, in placing the following link in my live journal, I am in no way intending to endorse Senator John Kerry. Moreover, in posting the following link, I in no way intend to disparage, impugn, or otherwise malign, the statements of the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, nor imply their possible endorsement by, or alignment with, a particular political campaign. Furthermore, it is not my wish to deny the "reality"--or possible "reality," for that matter--of subjectivity, nor detract from notions concerning the inability to truly ascertain the nature of the events in any given space-time--especially when such events are inherently manipulated by differing perspectives.

I will, for the record, allow that I think America's current political model is a farce of the most vulgar and repugnant sort--much like an extendend and overplayed fart joke, incessantly recurring between ill-acted sketches about abortions and child molestation. However, in promoting the objectivity due to readers of my live journal--a journal dedicated to the propagation of the closest approximation of truth my limited scope can possibly allow--I will attest that any feelings about current said political system are in no way related to the posting of the upcoming link. In all honesty, I'd just sortof been thinkin' about current events and came to an understanding about a few things and, thankfully, someone who's already established in the industry of print media happened to write an article about some of the things I'd independently recognized...

Flinging the Foul Mud of Vietnam

B l e s s t h e i n e v i t a b l e c e s s a t i o n . . .

2004-05-27T19:37:28Z

So a vegan advocacy group is propping up a patsy to sue the Atkins camp...

I had to laugh...

When will people finally accept reasonable moderation? Doesn't anyone realize that extremes of any kind never solve long term problems?

Maybe this is a first step...maybe the next step is that all the extremists will lob napalm at one another and leave their imaginary guiding deities to scuffle over their smoldering embers...maybe...I'd hate to be so optimistic...

D a m n . . .

2004-04-15T21:18:57Z

Wow...

She just performed her One Man Show...

Flawless execution? There simply aren't enough words in the enlish lexicon to adequately describe the state of perfection I just witnessed....

I have the most talented girlfriend in the universe...

You're all just jealous... *winks*

W r e t c h e d n e s s O ' e r c h a r g e d

2004-04-06T20:20:39Z

So, "Cold Hard Bitch" comes on my radio--yet again--this afternoon. Can Jet possibly sound anymore like a screeching requiem chorus, haplessly trying to nurse their wounds after bein' rejected from a throw-away pile outside the AC/DC Clone Try-a-like Fan-Club? Do these Australian rockers realize that their musical style, guitar riffs, and "oh so catchy" hooks, were perfected, played out, and left for better musical avenues--long ago--by Angus and the boys? Why're all these new bands pumping out purest shyte and making platinum album sales? I'd really like to ask, "what's wrong with this country?" but I can't even limit the inquisition to the borders of the United States, as it seems like every other country is flinging feces on the wall and selling it for gross amounts of mismanaged and misapplied dollars... Can you believe "The Darkness" was shat out of England? England! This is the country that gave us Cricket, Pomp and Circumstance, Blackadder, and f'n Civilization for cryin'a-goddamn-loud, how could they do this to us? OH...sorry, forgot about the Spice Girls for a second there...But, y'know, I can excuse the UK a bit... Hell, they have a dynasty to run over there. Several thousand years of civilization and you're bound to feck up a few times...but Australia?!? They've only been around a few hundred years! No excuses, pals... And to think, the land down under was doin' so well--what with The Vines and Naomi Watts...

O b e d i e n c e i s f u t i l e

2004-03-17T23:06:02Z

"Well thanks a bunch... Thanks a smegging buncharoonie"
- Arnold J. Rimmer

What is the worth of the law?
When it fails to protect the ones it is meant to serve
from those who operate outside its precincts...