Lamp of the Underground

Global Studies

2009-02-16T01:24:00.002-07:00

Ok. So I've been busy lately. First off, I have changed my major yet again. This time to Global Studies. What do I intend to do after college? That is still up in the air. I want to travel the world and I'm thinking about taking the government branch of Global Studies. So maybe I'll become a diplomat or foreign policy advisor or work with the UN. So this means that the classes I'm taking now are useless. Therefore I temporarily dropped out (I'll be back in the fall). Right now I just need to focus on packing, cleaning my apt, getting someone in there, unpacking once I get my shit home, working at Kohl's, and hopefully learning Spanish by fall. Wish me luck.

Chris's 8 world religion ?'s

2009-01-20T22:06:00.004-07:00

1. What is reality? How can you prove that something is real? What is truth? How is a religious truth different from a scientific truth.
2. Do you believe there are "beings" or a "higher being" "greater" than humans? Briefly explain.
3. Where do you think the world comes from? Where do you believe humans come from?
4. Are humans inherently good or bad and why?\
5. What do you think is eventually going to happen to the world?
6. What do you think happens to people after they die?
7. How should people behave and why? What should guide people's sense of how they "ought" to behave?
8. Describe your attitude towards those who believe differently than you do. If you consider yourself to belong to a particular religion, describe how that religion responds to individuals of other faiths. Do you have any friends or acquaintances of a different faith?

1. I think reality is what is happening in waking life. EX. Poverty is a reality. Truth is reality. Religous truth is introspective and relies on faith. Scientific truth is extrospective and relies on logic.

2. Are humans even the greatest? We destroy out of greed, revenge, religous beliefs, differences, etc. So maybe monkeys are better than us.

3. The world came from matter. That's how other bodies formed. Humans came to be because life evolved.

4. Humans are inherently neutral. We do what's best for us according to the values we learn along the way. You teach a little kid about sharing. He has no clue why he should share.

5. Unless we change our behavior, we will desinegrate this planet via pollution.

6. I don't know. I think we are reincarnated with no memory of our past. It's a lot more comforting to know you got a second shot instead of rotting in the ground.

7. Behave like the way you would want to be treated. The person's personality determines their behavior.

8. I think everyone is taking religion too seriously. It's like if they say god damnit, they'll forever burn in hell. If you think that way, great for you. I have a muslim friend but he doesn't follow his faith really. I have a friend who is a strong christian. She goes to church because she enjoys it, not because she thinks it's required. Most of my friends don't have a strong opinion about religion. I can say fuck the church's power. God is a personal connection. Don't let any priest tell you otherwise.

BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER

2009-01-20T12:12:00.003-07:00

For the first time this year (2009), I have watched the Brave Little Toaster. I have seen this movie too many times. It is the movie I have seen the most in my life. Not many people have seen this movie, but for those who have when they were little can say that this little film has affected their life.

For those of you who have not seen it, go see it. You can find the whole movie on Myspace videos. One of the things that makes this movie so special is the music. David Newman, the composer admitted that the music for this movie reflects the movie itself, which has very dark undertones, especially for a Disney movie. The overall feeling is sad and dark but has a glimpse of hope. Five appliances going against the forces of nature and the stacked odds to find their master. The task seems impossible but you can't give up on them. You actually feel what they feel. Inanimate objects are giving human feelings that makes you question what makes us human. The theme of the movie is the need to be needed. To have a purpose. I think this is what the purpose of life is, to make a purpose.

You will have that warm toasty feeling or that glow when you get hooked by this masterpiece. Maybe even like your toaster, your lamp, your radio, your vacuum, or your electric blanket a little more after you have seen this movie. Like I said, if you saw it when you were little, it could have a profain effect on you. If not, you should see it. I don't think the movie is geared to kids exclusively. Definately not. I repeat, it gives you that Disney happiness but the darkness in this movie is anything but Disney. It's a sad movie with a happy ending. GO WATCH IT!

44th President

2009-01-20T10:44:00.005-07:00

Today, Barack Obama has been sworn into office. At these hard times, we need a beacon to shine a light and to tell us that we CAN. The journey will be long and difficult but I believe that we can do it. Especially with our dumbass former president out of the way. Me and Chris had a discussion the summer between sophmore and junior year of high school. We were in the pool and I asked the question "What do you think we'll have first, a black president or a woman president?" I thought black, he thought woman (betted on Hilary). This election showed that both are possible. That it doesn't matter the color of your skin or gender. All that matters is that you can get things done and create change in a good way. I hope in these 4 years, we will learn that together, we can make the change happen but only if we are willing to give it our all.

My Favorite Songs

2009-01-08T01:20:00.002-07:00

Chris, you made me do this. I just want to know what my favorite songs are. Hell, If you want, review the choices I make.

One thing I decided on was not using the same artist more than twice. I also chose songs from bands I like. No one-hit wonders. Here we go in no particular order:

Kick out the Jams (MC5)- 6 words. KICK OUT THE JAMS MOTHER FUCKERS! You will see a different me when this song comes on. It kicks me into a frenzy. While most of the song is three notes repeated, you can deny the energy that exists. Wayne Kramer and Sonic Smith are the reason this would be the song that I would like to cover the most if I ever had the chance to play guitar in a band.

Crossroads (Cream)- This song proves Clapton is God. This Robert Johnson song covered by the power trio known as Cream was never recorded in the studio. The most famous version was recorded live. It's hard to believe, especially when you hear Clapton's solos. His guitar playing is so focused and precise but at the same time burns the blues right in ya. Back Clapton up with an energetic Jack Bruce on bass and a dynamic Ginger Baker on drums and you got a Cream classic.

Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)- Not much of a suprise. The video to this song saw an unbelievable amount of airtime. Why? Cause people were hooked. A song about frusteration. Generation X was fed up with the ultra-conservatism and materialism of the 80's. It was time for a change. I can think of no song better to be an anthem for grunge, no for the whole Generation than the balls to the walls of aggressive sounds of Nirvana.

All Along the Watchtower (Jimi Hendrix Experience)- My favorite artist playing probably the best song ever. I am still blown away by the solos in the song. The song has a desperate and confused (made possible by Dylan) yet intense (added by Jimi) mood to it. "There must be some kind of way out of here" is the first line and you know that this is not a song about happiness. Has been one of my favorites since the first time I heard it.

Search and Destroy (Iggy Pop and the Stooges)- A classic from another proto-punk band out of Detroit. The same thing in common is the insane amount of energy pulsating from the words, style, and sound of the song. The song is about one thing: Destruction. Although the sound quality of Raw Power is horrible, I don't think the song would have the same rawness otherwise. This song is reason I think I might be going deaf.

Babe I'm Gonna Leave You (Led Zeppelin)- I struggled. I truely struggled to pick one out of three Led Zeppelin songs (the other two were Dazed and Confused and Stairway). I chose this one because it reminds me of a girl I knew at the dorms last year. We were close but she moved away. She loved classic rock and Led Zeppelin was one of her favorites. This song reminds me of her but that's not the only reason this song made it on the list. This song has SO much emotion and intensity in it, going between the acoustic and distorted power chord section. That's why we all love Zeppelin.

Forget Society

2008-12-30T23:12:00.002-07:00

I don't know if it's the music I listen to or if it's the way i have chosen my character in Fable 2 to be evil but I'm starting feel like I need a reality check or something. I'm starting to hate the mainstream (in general). Everyone is the same, scared of the different and new, and thinking that following the trends makes you unique. Let me just add that if you wear "Tapout" clothing, I hate you. It should just be a shirt with writing on it, but in reality, it's not, because the majority(like 97%) of people who wear that brand are idiots with anger problems who shave their heads, bend their hats, wear belts but have their pants fall off their ass, drive pick-ups, listen to rap and horrible rock, and fight at parties. They are the ultimate male form of conformity. Now here is where I think I might be gonna to far. I've been pretty cukoo lately with all the hours I'm working. Combine that with the aggressive and/or dark sounds of The Doors, Nirvana, and Iggy Pop (notice all the bands are notorious shock bands) PLUS the pure hatred for the assholes in this world and you got yourself a twisted outsider. If I was to be the front man of a band, I would make sure that our live performances not only focused on the music but on the shock factor or the fear and awe the audience had towards us. Apply this example to life and you got the situation I'm in. I'm tired of being the guy that goes with the flow. Eff the flow. I think it's time we start swimming against the flow. I know some outsiders use common sense and ask why do I need to follow the flow. I, on the other had KNOW that I don't want to follow the stream of conformity. I actually enjoy making the conformists uneasy. If their leader gets uncomfortable then everyone is uncomfortable. So this is what I propose. If I can convince the leader that life is just a pain-filled pathway winding towards the destination known as death, I might get the rest of the mindless dicks and bitches to jump off that same cliff. No longer will you have parties getting crashed cause two assholes wanna fight. Well, I can't guarantee it but I can definitely say that there will be a decrease in it. The world could use less morons and fighting and more wisdom and peace.

God, I don't wanna die.

2008-12-20T00:47:00.002-07:00

Religion's a hot topic. I forgot to mention some of the many reasons we believe in heaven. The thought of dying is scary. Never being able to live ever again is frightening when you really think about it. Since you can't die and come back to life, we have no clue what on the other side. Some say heaven, a few say reincarnation, while others say rotting corpse. Which of these sound the best? I wouldn't mind living in heaven. If you die before you're loved ones, you can just wait up in the sky for the party to start. Being reincarnated is like a second life (but you don't remember the first so it's kinda sad). However, you get a second shot at life (the slate is wiped clean). The rotting corpse gig doesn't sound to appealing. We usually believe someones in a better place. This is to put our mind at rest. And when the clock known as your life is ticking down to its last second, does it hurt to think you'll be in a better place?

Thought of Heaven existing= peace of mind

Top 8 friends

2008-12-16T14:31:00.003-07:00

Out of my real-life top-8,
Who are you?

#1
Title (adj followed by noun): Playful Believer
I have a problem, what will you do?: I explain the problems I have, just to hear the thing I know I should do (even though I don‘t want to). You tell the truth, pure and simple.
What I like about you: You are outspoken and opinionated. You are you and nothing can change that. I like being around you because you make the boring things fun.
What I offer you: I’ll always lend an ear, no matter what.
What you have taught me: That people come and go but true friends are here to stay.

#2
Title (adj followed by noun): Money-Loving Companion (as in provides company)
I have a problem, what will you do?: Offer any assistance at all, with no regret.
What I like about you: You have a drive that is not about status. It is about personal desire. Your generosity is as big as your love for money. You also like to listen to me ramble which is rare for anyone I know.
What I offer you: Laughter.
What you have taught me: Trying your hardest now will make it easier later.
You can’t put a price on dreams.

#3
Title (adj followed by noun): Ready Partier
I have a problem, what will you do?: You say, “That sucks.” and tell me not to worry.
What I like about you: The new experiences I have had the past year were mostly with you. You are also carefree.
What I offer you: The place haha… but other than that, a voice of reason.
What you have taught me: You should do everything at least once before you die.
Relax.

#4
Title (adj followed by noun): Deep-thinking Progressor (word I made up)
I have a problem, what will you do?: Tell me your problems. Who knows? You might have it worse.
What I like about you: Our musical tastes are not too far apart. You also are rational and experimental.
What I offer you: I provide insight on most things that are bothering you.
What you have taught me: Opinions are everywhere but not all should be respected (the irrational ones for example).

#5
Title (adj followed by noun): Turn-to Brother
I have a problem, what will you do?: Probably say Jewish.
What I like about you: That last question probably made you laugh. It’s to easy to make you laugh. You also obsess over certain things. You’re not a dip shit like most of the people these days. Pretty much you know the rest cause you know be the best.
What I offer you: You don’t know what the hell you are doing but I’ll help you anyways. (scary movie 2 the butler- yeah this is an inside joke no one else will get)
What you have taught me: In a world full of idiots, it’s good to know someone who is not a dumb fuck.

#6
Title: Mirror Image
I have a problem, what will you do?: Sympathize and talk about it. You know I like to let things out.
What I like about you: You’re different from other people. You get me. You’re so casual.
What I offer you: I’ve already used the term to the ends of the earth plus more. If there is one person that you can talk to, it’s me.
What you have taught me: Memories live on.

#7
Title (adj followed by noun): Total Opposite
I have a problem, what will you do?: See if you can help or sympathize.
What I like about you: You are really comfortable around me. Maybe too comfortable. With most people it’s the other way around. You also admire certain aspects of me (the ones I’m proud of like good listener and advice giver, making people laugh).
What I offer you: I try my hardest not to choke myself when I hear all the stuff you regret. Other than that, I try to teach you how to be lower-maintenance.
What you have taught me: It’s not always about me.

#8
Title (adj followed by noun): Cool Co-worker
I have a problem, what will you do?: There’s nothing you can really do.
What I like about you: I can talk a lot without you getting tired of me. Plus you laugh at my stories.
What I offer you: Stories and a quicker shift.
What you have taught me: To do what I say and to not feel down from the troubles I have with girls.

Nothing is More Unknown than Religion

2008-12-10T19:46:00.003-07:00

Religion has been a major theme in human history. From ancient times to modern, we have constantly asked if their is a god. I would like to give my thoughts on religion and other religious practices.

I believe the following:

The existence of God cannot be proven or dis proven.
If heaven does exist, it should allow the good in regardless of belief.
Your life should be dedicated to being a good person, not praising God.
Whether Jesus is or is not the son of God is not important, his teachings are universal.
If God truly is almighty he would not need you to give him thanks. Remember that Jesus had skeptics but he didn't cast them as damned.
IF heaven is disproved you should still dedicate your life to being a good person.
Starting wars, genocide, and hurting innocent lives are evil deeds. God, if he/she is proven to exist should never give just cause to any of them.
Religion has caused more deaths then it has saved (number 7), although anything could happen. Many murders may have been avoided because the potential murderer has religious beliefs against killing.
Religion should not but can act as a moral compass.
Religion should not be irrational or have rules.
The history of a religion is not important. The only thing that matters is the lessons it teach to make you a better person.

There's a lot more to keep in mind. Religion is ambiguous. Every one's perception of religion is different. I just think even if God exists, I still won't change who I am. I was raised Catholic but I'm now agnostic because God cannot be proven. Many religions REQUIRE that you believe in him. In my opinion, they are wrong. Belief and irrationality are two different things. Just cause you believe doesn't make you stupid. It means you have faith. I may not have faith but I try my best to a decent human being. So don't think I'm going to commit murder and rape because I don't believe there's a heaven.

-The way of the good is more important than the way of the right.

Voice, your greatest possession

2008-12-09T22:04:00.005-07:00

For those who know me, you know I'm strongly against censoring and nationalism (patriotism against outsiders, country is most important). For every issue, I provide my view:

Should God be taken out of the pledge of alligance?

I could care less what happens to the word "God". Notice that it is just a word. Just because you say it doesn't mean you're religious now. I believe the pledge shouldn't be required anywhere. Swearing yourself to your country when, in reality, you live in this world is foolish.

Should flag burning be banned?

The only reason it should be banned is because it is a fire hazard. Other than that, if it's your own flag you should be able to do what you want with it. Burning your flag without consequences means that freedom has been perserved.

What is free speech and far should it go?

Free speech is being able to express anything without a filter, censor, or consequence for expressing. It should stop short of hate speech because the only thing as important as liberty is having the equal opportunity to have that liberty. Hate speech can incite racism and spark violence just based off the color of skin or country of origin.

Should gays be allowed to marry?

Gay couples should have the same rights as straight couples when it comes to marriage and adopting kids. Married by the church is a different subject and the state can't do anything to change the church's position. I support human rights. Last time I checked, homosexuals are human.

I'd like to end with a quote from V for Vandetta: The people should not fear their government, their government should fear them.

kinds of relationships

2008-12-07T23:28:00.002-07:00

For my first real post in this multiple-relisation journey, I have decided with trying to create a definintion between the type of realationships between people. Note that I like to use random examples. Which one are you?

1. Loose- (also known as f*** friends, bed buddies, we were drunk mistakes) This group of people see sex as just sex. Little emotion is involved so little drama arrises (UNLESS CHEATING IS GOING ON). A handful of people I know are loose types.

2. Drama Dating- Well you dated this guy until you found out he was doing it with someone else, now you spend most of your time trying to make him jealous by dating someone other than him. Out of all the relationships, this is the most high school oriented and is also the one I hate the most. Never happened to me but I'm tired of hearing the same old stories from the same old people. These relationships are based off of possesiveness, jealousy, and revenge.

3. Affection- This relationship has the widest range. It ranges in clarity. Sometimes two people know its love and sometimes its just confusing. You're not girlfriend and boyfriend but your not just friends. You're not lovers or in love. But somehow, you just can't see yourself without that person at your side.

There's many more but I'm getting tired because I worked a long day at Kohl's today.

I'd like to end with what I call DZ's Light, where I put my opinion and experience in the spotlight for all to see.

DZ's Light: When it comes to relationships, I say avoid the emotional ones. You know, the people who can't tell the truth to your face but rather hint towards it. They are easily upset and somewhat unstable. Mix this with the whole boyfriend/girlfriend bullshit and you got yourself a mess that is as stupid as it is annoying to listen to. I like the equation chicks+dicks=drama cause its true depending on who you are talking about.

I still have my v-card (virginity). I am not trying to get laid. I don't care if you have done it. That's good for you. I refuse to declare abstinance. I believe in free love, which means I believe sex is either for pleasure or love. Marriage has nothing to do with it. If you love someone, you can express it without the state's jurisdiction. Labling a relationship with boyfriend and girlfriend is another thing I don't understand. This is pretty much declaring that you promise to spend time together (away from your friends and family) but you don't love each other neccesarily.

One last comment I must make is that young people now a days (I sound like an old man but I'm 19) are getting married at 18 and having kids before 20. Take it slowly, the earlier you rush into things, the earlier you end up possibly regretting it. Divorce rates have reached all-time highs (over 50% for American couples). Most of them are results of rushing marriages or having kids. You love someone a lot right? Well ask yourself, do I need to be married now? Do I need to have kids right now? The reason you love eachother is not because you have wedding rings or a daughter/son. Eventually you'll have these things if you want them with the one you love.

Thanks for reading everybody. Not the most interesting of topics but one I felt that need to be said.
Until then, shine a light.*

*Share your wisdom

Hey Everyone, this is the lamp.

2008-12-07T23:09:00.005-07:00

For those who don't know me, my name is Andrew Dzielinski. I live in Tempe/Mesa and go to ASU. I'm a liberal environmentalist and intellectual with a passion for classic rock. I have discovered that there is only so much I can tell one person at one time. A journal can make it so I can talk with everyone willing to listen simultaneously. I would like to make an important note about the posts I will make: THEY ARE FREE-FLOWING AND QUITE RANDOM! But I hope you will walk away with something to think about. Who knows? You might just bring up the stuff I talk about in a conversation with someone else (ranges from chatting at parties to serious discussions).