Tuesday, March 25, 2008

brilliant ad

Mr. W

It comes together... Not to raise expectations, but it's incredible.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Friday, March 21, 2008

my god

I believe in God. How could anyone not? We are the ultimate proof. The universe is without limit. We evolved as a species from single-celled organisms out of the depths of the ocean. The elements of this world, from gravity to oxygen to DNA, are strange and magnificent, unlikely and flawless. The complexity of our mere being is beyond the scope of fathomability, save to say that the reality in which we function is no more than a single time and place out of the vastness that is existence. Divinity is not a concept of which I can claim to be unfamiliar - it extends before our eyes and inside our hearts and minds. Nature is truly an inspiration.

So, as I just hinted, the God I believe in is not the stereotypical bearded, wise man depicted on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Instead, God is the force of energy that propels all of the laws of the world to work together. I suppose if I were to depict my God on a canvass, I would paint a tree in a meadow. Serene, beautiful, and powerful, Mother Nature would lie among the branches and gaze out over her kingdom. I have come to use the terms `God' and `nature' interchangeably. Shakespeare was right - that which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.

It is a view of the world that I have developed after considering many philosophical possibilities and common religious perceptions. God provided us humans the ability to think for ourselves, to ask questions, and to search for our own answers. These very qualities distinguish humanity on Earth in a class of its own. My questions have led me to an understanding of the universe that brings me great comfort and provokes me to make the most of what I've got.

Even though I do not worship a traditional image of God, I still believe, as do a number of organized religions, that we are never alone - our common humanity and circumstances connect us all. I believe that it is not the job of God to ensure justice, but rather God has given us the tools of thought and soul that assign justice as our own responsibility. Life is not fair unless we, as brothers, sisters, and neighbors, make it so. We have come to own the ability to think rationally and to reason right from wrong without the help of any higher authority.

Rest assured, living without angels and supernatural miracles is not a meaningless, lonely, and dreary existence as some in society assert. I, personally, find meaning in my life through relationships with my friends, foes and family. The world would only lack meaning if there were no other people whom with I could experience life. I believe that life continues after death, but not in a heaven or hell. We each will leave parts of ourselves behind with those who survive us, and our influence will pass down through the ages, leaving only history as our judge.

I believe that we each are a part of something greater than ourselves. Individual life is extraordinary but fleeting, while life itself is an unrelenting force to be reckoned with. Life beyond ourselves is a phenomenal reality that we have the honor and opportunity to affect.

These beliefs, which I am sure are shared by many others, guide my decisions and place on me a sense of obligation to others. This world is an inspiring place, greater than any single institution or individual, yet upholding each entity as fundamental all the same. My God may be without intention and lacking a grand plan, but that means the future is left to us.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

update on the ban on gay blood donors

The Food and Drug Administration shockingly denied all scientifically and medically based appeals in favor of reducing the ban on sexually active gay blood donors from a lifetime ban to a year ban.

The permanent ban remains intact as of March 16, 2008.

This is not the first time the FDA has ruled in favor of Bush ideology over scientific evidence, and it raises significant questions as to the politicization of the Bush appointed FDA leadership.


ABC News article here.