superPOST (#100)

What exists?

on·to·logy - noun

the study of conceptions of reality and the nature of being.

on·to·log·i·cal - adjective

1. Of or relating to ontology.
2. Of or relating to essence or the nature of being.
3. Of or relating to the argument for the existence of God holding that the existence of the concept of God entails the existence of God.
   

In the 11th century Anselm argued the existence of God a priori (from what comes before). Without a lot of philosophy jargon: God exists because the concept of God exists (see definition #3 above). A similar ontological foundation was put forth by Descartes hundreds of years later: "I think, therefore I am."

Two holes:
a. this argument limits the being of God to a human cognitive scale
b. the concept of a unicorn also exists

What exists?
Tacos, enchiladas, chile rellenos, and Grey Goose Le'Citron



A fine meal served at La Tolteca Express, particularly notable since I was the only patron in the entire restaurant.

"Hell is other people."
- Sartre

. .. ... .. . .. ... .. . .. And For Good Measure ... .. . .. ... .. . .. ... .. .

"Two of the greatest poker minds." Bear in mind that they're playing with their own CASH. That's what makes GSN's "High Stakes Poker" the best on television. Also Gabe Kaplan's masterful commentary.



If you really want to feel sick (or schadenfreude), check out this hand between Gus Hansen and Daniel Negreanu.

scha·den·freu·de - noun

Pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.

"What a fearful thing is it that any language should have a word expressive of the pleasure which men feel at the calamities of others; for the existence of the word bears testimony to the existence of the thing. And yet in more than one such a word is found."

distinction

egoist

1. A self-centered or selfish person.
   
2. An adherent of the metaphysical principle of the ego, or self; a solipsist.

egotist

1. A conceited, boastful person.
   
2. A selfish, self-centered person.
   

It appears that an egotist may be an egoist, but not necessarily the other way around.

capitalism

"Again, how immeasurably greater is the pleasure, when a man feels a thing to be his own; for surely the love of self is a feeling implanted by nature and not given in vain, although selfishness is rightly censured; this, however, is not the mere love of self, but the love of self in excess, like the miser's love of money; for all, or almost all, men love money and other such objects in a measure. And further, there is the greatest pleasure in doing a kindness or service to friends or guests or companions, which can only be rendered when a man has private property."
[Wikipedia: Homo Economicus]

"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."
Phillippians 2:3-4

12.03.2007 Update: 
I finished reading Ayn Rand's The Fountainhead. In this work of fiction, Rand's Objectivist philosophy registers loud and clear. She espouses a perspective of socio-economics founded on the merit of the individual. Not simply capitalism for the low sake of profiting second-rate owners (see: Jim Johnson), but a world in which each individual is empowered to achieve, an end to themselves. The historical setting in which Rand wrote (Fountainhead was published in 1943) was a factor, I believe, since much of her underlying ideology seems to be a reaction to communist socialism. The idea that "the Masses" are to be served as a chief end disgusts Rand, who believes only mediocrity and suffering can result (see: Pol Pot). I tend to agree.

Who are you?

Where does the world come from?

Fillmore NYC - Irving Plaza

Went all right, show started a little late.

We roll into the city via the Holland Tunnel around 7 pm. Found a ridiculous parking spot at Irving Plaza about two blocks from the show. Only a block in the other direction to Pete's Tavern for dinner and drinks (another claiming oldest bar in NYC) - pasta primevera had 8 cloves of garlic.

Long line to get into Fillmore at 9:30 (doors opened at 8) and Eisley has not gone on the stage yet. Mute Math starts before 11 pm and plays their typical hour and a half set - consistently brilliant live performance enhanced by real-time and recorded video displays (cool addition to the 'tube wall' lights)

Highlights:
Stand-up bass for "Stare at the Sun/Obsolete"
Darren standing on drum hoisted by crowd during "Break the Same"
PECULIAR PEOPLE - finally!
The NYC audience

Great concert.

Hegemony

Ohio National Guardsmen fire on student protestors at Kent State University, Ohio, killing 4 and wounding 16. May 4, 1970

"When President Richard Nixon said he was sending troops to Cambodia, the nation’s colleges erupted in protest. At Kent State some threw rocks. The Ohio National Guard, called in to quell the turmoil, suddenly turned and fired, killing four; two were simply walking to class. This photo captured a pivotal moment: American soldiers had just killed American kids."

Contemporary implementation of the "convert or die" paradigm. Use of force to control the behavior of others. Power and physical domination - but more commonly the threat of harm, pain, suffering.

How do you convert someone who isn't afraid to burn?

Precision Color Graphics

Will there be any fallout from Parcels following the great divorce? Time will tell. In the meantime, PCG is up an running - fully functional. And I've got my own office (status boost!).

Children. Fun and games.

Oppression

"H2" (Hydrant) violation: $45
The funny thing is that I didn't move the car to take this picture - which I certainly would have...

Three Day Weekend