tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21324217844786318642024-03-14T02:57:17.361-07:00Scribere Est Agere<i>To write is to act, and actions speak louder than words.</i>Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-75727960134802365802015-11-03T16:28:00.000-08:002015-11-03T16:47:15.898-08:00Because of the Colour of the Wheat Fields<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuh8pvRQCCq-5NPVtqli863OXnmaoX0HrcK9KA7qZ9AAoQHiKC_iYlanL3zKen1YpAgP5_YANY2T-VuYk2p4GoSPHxZ3Qg2frNZplKGy7OtSRjIse721ddDhYmjye3Q5vHIVzxwPVNz8/s1600/siesta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEuh8pvRQCCq-5NPVtqli863OXnmaoX0HrcK9KA7qZ9AAoQHiKC_iYlanL3zKen1YpAgP5_YANY2T-VuYk2p4GoSPHxZ3Qg2frNZplKGy7OtSRjIse721ddDhYmjye3Q5vHIVzxwPVNz8/s640/siesta.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>La Siesta (after Millet) - Vincent Van Gogh (1890)</i></td></tr>
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<br />
It is common knowledge, among the people who know me well, that <i>The Little Prince</i> holds a very special place in my heart (see <a href="http://alexbh.blogspot.ca/2012/11/what-little-prince-taught-me-about.html" target="_blank">this post</a>). I read it regularly, and every time something new and different strikes me. <i>The Little Prince</i> is a treasure chest of truths about life, the human experience, friendship and love. Let me share briefly some thoughts I've had about the book lately.<br />
<br />
The people in my world are constantly moving, both literally and figuratively. Moving away, moving back, moving farther, moving closer. Perhaps it's because of this day and age, or perhaps it's an eagerness to see, taste, and experience more and more, to push the limits of the known and attain the sea of possibilities that lies beyond, deep inside of us.<br />
<br />
I, too, am always moving. On the one hand, it's a beautiful thing to see the world, to stretch your horizons, to step out of your comfort zone, to learn and grow beyond what you could have ever imagined. On the other hand, it sometimes becomes exhausting and burdensome to feel uprooted and have to start anew, in all areas of life, all the time. <br />
<br />
One particular area where moving can hurt the most is friendship. Movement fosters creating new relationships because of (1) an increased exposure to new people, and (2) the necessity to make new relationships to 'survive' in society. From a sea of unfamiliar faces, some eventually emerge that have meaning. From an abstract mess of colour and texture emerge figures which our brain can recognise and make associations with.<br />
<br />
You're given a geographic location, and a limited amount of time, and relationships happen. You find kindred spirits, invest your time and mind in them, and clothe your heart with shared moments and memories. It's a delightful phenomenon, to see the foreign become familiar, to tame that which was wild.<br />
<br />
Oh, but when you leave your friends, or when your friends leave you, your heart is stripped of its clothes, laid bare again. Cold, vulnerable, and alone. What has been given can't be returned, and it feels like sweet, sweet theft. It sometimes feels like the pain of losing someone you're attached to, and having to start all over again, outweighs the benefits of having developed that friendship. What good is it to create something valuable, only to see it go away?<br />
<br />
In the midst of moving, moving again, and moving one more time over the past few months, I genuinely asked myself that question. And in the midst of my reflections, I remembered my favourite passage in the <i>Little Prince</i>, the long dialogue between the fox and the Little Prince.<br />
<br />
When they first meet, the fox asks the little prince to become his friend:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">"My life is very monotonous," the fox said. "I hunt chickens; men hunt me. All the chickens are just alike, and all the men are just alike. And, in consequence, I am a little bored. But if you tame me, it will be as if the sun came to shine on my life. I shall know the sound of a step that will be different from all the others. Other steps send me hurrying back underneath the ground. Yours will call me, like music, out of my burrow. <b>And then look: you see the grain-fields down yonder? I do not eat bread. Wheat is of no use to me. The wheat fields have nothing to say to me. And that is sad. But you have hair that is the color of gold. Think how wonderful that will be when you have tamed me! The grain, which is also golden, will bring me back the thought of you. And I shall love to listen to the wind in the wheat..</b>.</span></blockquote>
The fox then explains that relationships require investment and energy--the fox and the little prince cannot be friends right away, but must 'tame' each other.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">So the little prince tamed the fox. And when the hour of his departure drew near--<br />"Ah," said the fox, "<b>I shall cry.</b>"<br />"It is your own fault," said the little prince. "<b>I never wished you any sort of harm; but you wanted me to tame you </b>. . ."<br />"Yes, that is so," said the fox.<br />"But now you are going to cry!" said the little prince.<br />"Yes, that is so," said the fox.<br />"<b>Then it has done you no good at all!</b>"<br />"<b>It has done me good</b>," said the fox, "<u><b>because of the colour of the wheat fields</b></u>."</span></blockquote>
I was very inspired by this--the pain is worthwhile, because the gain is that that which was meaningless, is now meaningful. Even when people you have invested yourself in are physically removed from you, tokens from your shared experience are permanent and everywhere in your daily, tangible life. There is now beauty, savour and substance in what was bland, ordinary and hollow. And it has done you good.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-85063017329308954652015-05-18T18:47:00.002-07:002015-05-18T18:49:29.057-07:00Sous le figuier<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FDsnMvylHxGDZf6Q2GjI6N2lNAygaop0aFMZcgXP7cryPiF1KLFZlxU3V1fi8R3bwaWDhrHrbxA1fNTiixJe53-S8uDWunfSB62WbCF1QDQmPAL2ZhNSTETsQd-248QDmjXainR-Pzs/s1600/figuier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FDsnMvylHxGDZf6Q2GjI6N2lNAygaop0aFMZcgXP7cryPiF1KLFZlxU3V1fi8R3bwaWDhrHrbxA1fNTiixJe53-S8uDWunfSB62WbCF1QDQmPAL2ZhNSTETsQd-248QDmjXainR-Pzs/s640/figuier.jpg" width="416" /></a></div>
<br />
Il y a un texte de la Bible qui me fascine et suscite aussi ma curiosité chaque fois que je le lis. C'est un passage très court et dont on peut sans doute ne même pas s'aperçevoir, mais qui je crois renferme une très belle et profonde vérité.<br />
<br />
C'est dans le tout premier chapitre du livre de Jean. Jésus est d'abord accompagné de deux de ses disciples, puis peu à peu d'autres se joignent à lui. Viendra le tour de Nathanaël:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 1em; text-align: center;">
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text John-1-43" id="fr-LSG-26088" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box;">Le lendemain, Jésus voulut se rendre en Galilée, et il rencontra Philippe. Il lui dit: Suis-moi. </span>Philippe était de Bethsaïda, de la ville d'André et de Pierre. Philippe rencontra Nathanaël, et lui dit: Nous avons trouvé celui de qui Moïse a écrit dans la loi et dont les prophètes ont parlé, Jésus de Nazareth, fils de Joseph. <u>Nathanaël lui dit: Peut-il venir de Nazareth quelque chose de bon</u>? Philippe lui répondit: Viens, et vois. </span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Jésus, voyant venir à lui Nathanaël, dit de lui: Voici vraiment un Israélite, dans lequel il n'y a point de fraude. <u>D'où me connais-tu</u>? lui dit Nathanaël. Jésus lui répondit: A<u>vant que Philippe t'appelât, quand tu étais sous le figuier, je t'ai vu</u>. Nathanaël répondit et lui dit: <u>Rabbi, tu es le Fils de Dieu, tu es le roi d'Israël</u>. Jésus lui répondit: Parce que je t'ai dit que je t'ai vu sous le figuier, tu crois; tu verras de plus grandes choses que celles-ci.</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">(</span><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+1&version=LSG" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">Jean 1:43-50</a><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;">)</span></blockquote>
</div>
</blockquote>
<div class="verse" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; margin-top: 1em;">
La transformation de Nathanaël est frappante. Il est tout d'abord sceptique, même sarcastique, faisant une mauvaise blague quant à Nazareth, qui de toute évidence n'avait pas bonne réputation à cette époque (et qui est presque totalement inconnue aujourd'hui, peut-être pour la même raison). C'est donc avec un préjugé négatif que Nathanaël aborde Jésus.<br />
<br />
À l'opposé, Jésus aborde Nathanaël de façon très positive, faisant l'éloge de son intégrité. Pourtant, Nathanaël n'est toujours pas impressionné et reste sceptique, puisqu'il demande à Jésus de justifier son propos. À mon sens, la question de Nathanaël sonne davantage comme un ''who do you think you are?'' qu'un ''have you been stalking me?'' et se veut plutôt rhétorique, puisque Nathanaël ne semble pas s'attendre à une réponse satisfaisante.<br />
<br />
L'inattendu arrive pourtant: Une phrase de Jésus, où il affirme avoir vu Nathanaël sous le figuier, suffit à effacer le doute et le cynisme de Nathanaël et le pousse à qualifier Jésus de Fils de Dieu et Roi d'Israël. Mais pourquoi?<br />
<br />
Je me suis longtemps posé la question, et je me la poserai sans doute encore longtemps puisque le texte n'offre pas de réponse. En fait, il s'agit d'un secret. Le texte ne relate pas l'épisode où Nathanaël se tient sous le figuier: le lecteur ne peut donc pas savoir ce qui s'y est passé. Et c'est là la beauté de la chose: Il s'agit d'un secret entre Dieu et Nathanaël, que nous ne connaîtrons peut-être jamais. Une chose est certaine: Ce qui s'est passé sous le figuier est d'une importance telle que le fait que Jésus en ait connaissance convainc Nathanaël qu'il est le Fils de Dieu.<br />
<br />
J'ai imaginé plusieurs scénarios pouvant expliquer le lien entre l'épisode du figuier et la réaction de Nathanaël. J'ai l'impression qu'il s'agit d'un moment vraiment intime que celui-ci a vécu avec Dieu. Peut-être s'agissait-il d'une prière, d'une supplication, de larmes, d'un cri du coeur de Nathanaël envers Dieu à ce moment-là. Ou peut-être a-t-il réalisé une vérité importante, a-t-il eu une conviction profonde. Je ne sais pas. En tous les cas, ce qui est arrivé a touché Nathanaël au plus profond de son être et est de nature à prouver la légitimité des propos de Jésus.<br />
<br />
Je trouve ce passage extraordinaire. D'une part, bien que cette histoire ait été lue par des millions de personnes à travers l'histoire, elle fait référence à un secret qui n'est pas révélé et ainsi reste entre Nathanaël et Jésus. D'autre part, je suis touchée de la façon par laquelle Jésus se préoccupe de ce qui se passe dans le coeur et dans l'âme de Nathanaël, et garde son secret. Je crois que de la même manière, lorsque nous sommes nous-mêmes sous le figuier (métaphorique) et que notre coeur et notre âme sont à découvert, Dieu voit, écoute, et aime.</div>
Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-28861402958819859432014-11-23T10:46:00.000-08:002014-11-23T12:11:20.767-08:00''Timshel'' (Thou Mayest) - And Why It Makes All The Difference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMu8r0toBfzQOVREi2jOAi5Kkh-1YdaSJNOv4Bzz565ETxTBzDwlY8oBOrpQNFWCI9hlGNyJn9bGJepeAMU1_5GizOmnwUat7ffTTZfrh65j-3FvOwsod_m5turuc3A4i-4ResAytcjo/s1600/Filippo+Vitale,+Cain+and+Abel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMu8r0toBfzQOVREi2jOAi5Kkh-1YdaSJNOv4Bzz565ETxTBzDwlY8oBOrpQNFWCI9hlGNyJn9bGJepeAMU1_5GizOmnwUat7ffTTZfrh65j-3FvOwsod_m5turuc3A4i-4ResAytcjo/s1600/Filippo+Vitale,+Cain+and+Abel.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Filippo Vitale, ''Cain and Abel''</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">John Steinbeck's </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">East of Eden</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is perhaps the lengthiest work of literature based on the story of Cain and Abel. Though its 601 pages are intimidating at first, they contain powerful truths and reflections.</span></div>
<b id="docs-internal-guid-56d3f9c4-de07-6dd9-22e0-24dfd8db38b4" style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.15; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Summary </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(although you really should read the book for yourself)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Set in the rich farmland of California's Salinas Valley, this sprawling and and often brutal novel follows the intertwined destinies of two families--the Trasks and the Hamiltons--whose generations helplessly reenact the fall of Adam and Eve and the poisonous rivalry of Cain and Abel</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">." (description found in </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/East-Eden-John-Steinbeck/dp/0142004235" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">my copy</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">East of Eden</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> takes place over a long period of time. It details two sets of Father-Son and Brother-Brother relationships which reflect the Biblical narrative of Cain and Abel. John Steinbeck, though very subtle in many ways, leaves nothing to interpretation as to who is who: Cyrus Trask begets </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">dam and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">C</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">harles Trask, while Adam Trask in turn begets </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">ron and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">C</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">aleb Trask. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Most of the novel focuses on Adam Trask and his relationship with Cathy Ames, a wicked woman who finds pleasure in manipulating and crushing those who stand in her way, with no other seeming purpose than her own ambitions. "</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The trouble is that since we cannot know what she wanted, we will never know whether or not she got it</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">," writes Steinbeck.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Caleb, dark and withdrawn, is devoured by jealousy of his brother Aaron, who is loved by all and whose academic success is praised by their father Adam, while Caleb's business endeavours are utterly rejected. In his anger, Caleb takes his revenge, which results in Aron dying.</span></div>
<b style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Biblical Reference</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here is the story of Cain and Abel as quoted in the novel (this is important):</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adam started to speak and Samuel looked up at him and he was silent and covered his eyes with his hand. Samuel read, " 'And she again bare his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord has respect unto Abel and to his offering. But unto Cain and to his offering he has not respect.' " (...) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" 'And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">And the Lord said unto Cain, "Why art thou wroth? And why is thy countenance fallen? If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? And if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">thou shalt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> rule over him.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">" 'And Cain talked with Abel his brother: and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him' "</span></blockquote>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">From the reading of this passage follows a discussion between Adam Trask, Samuel Hamilton and Lee (Adam's cook and housekeeper - Cathy did not stay with him long) on the meaning of the story and questions as to why Cain's offering was rejected. Though the discussion does not resolve at the time, Lee later recalls ''</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">the story bit deeply into me and and I went into it word for word (...) the more I thought about the story, the more profound it became to me.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"Timshel," The Hebrew Word That Changes Everything</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">It is by comparing two English translation that Lee makes his discovery:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(...) they were fairly close. There was only one place that bothered me. The King James version says this--it is when Jehovah has asked Cain why he is angry. Jehovah says, 'If thou doest well, shalt thou not be accepted? and if thou doest not well, sin lieth at the door. And unto thee shall be his desire, and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">thou shalt</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> rule over him." It was the 'thou shalt' that struck me, because it was a </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">promise that Cain would conquer sin</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. (...)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Then I got a copy of the American Standard Bible. It was very new then. And it was different in this passage. It says, '</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Do thou</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> rule over him.' Now this is very different. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is not a promise, it is an order</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. And I begun to stew about it. I wondered what the original word of the original writer has been that these very different translations could be made."</span></blockquote>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lee then applied himself to studying Hebrew and discussed the issue with Chinese sages, who also took on the study of Hebrew and engaged a learn rabbi. After two years of these studies, the sages found the answer they were looking for. As Lee recalls :</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This was the gold from our mining: '</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thou mayest</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.' 'Thou mayest rule over sin.' (...)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The American Standard translation orders men to triumph over sin (...). The King James translation makes a promise in 'Thou shalt,' meaning that men will surely triumph over sin. But the Hebrew word, the word </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">timshel</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">--"Thou mayest'--</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">that gives a choice</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It might be the most important word in the world. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That says the way is open</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. (...) For if 'Thou mayest'--it is also true that 'Thou mayest not.' (...)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(...) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">for in his weakness and his filth and in his murder of his brother he has still the great choice. He can choose his course and fight it through and win.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> (...) </span></blockquote>
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<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">'Timshel' And The Moral Struggle Between Good and Evil</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">East of Eden</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, the idea of choice between good and evil is a prominent theme.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cathy Ames</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, who has followed an evil path since her youth, is confronted to it when her son Aron expresses his disgust at her lifestyle. She feels remorse for the first time. When confronted to this reality and the possibility of a choice, however, she commits suicide rather than abandoning her ways. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">When his father Adam refuses his gift, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cal Trask</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is also faced with a choice: he can either forgive his father or he can jealousy consume him and seek revenge on his brother Aron. This time, Cal chooses evil, just like Cain in the biblical narrative: He exposes Aron to a disturbing family secret which prompts Aron to enroll in the army, where he eventually dies in battle.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, the novel does not end there. Upon fully realising the evil he has committed, and though he is guilty of one of the most repulsive crimes, Cal repents and seeks forgiveness. His life is then at a crossroads: Cal cannot change the past, </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">but he can still choose to live the right way</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DISCLAIMER: East of Eden</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Not</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Theology...</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.469999963586982; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The purpose of literature is to deepen our understanding of human nature and the human condition. This is the perspective from which I read </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">East of Eden</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It is not a perfectly accurate retelling of the story of Cain and Abel compared to the biblical narrative, as it focuses on man's abilities for overcoming evil rather than God's grace.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I have </span><a href="http://becominggodlymaidens.blogspot.ca/2012/05/timshel.html" style="line-height: 1.46999996358698; text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #888888; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">even read somewhere</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> that the hebrew word 'timshel' as employed in the Cain and Abel narrative is better translated in the imperative, and that God's words to Cain must be understood as :</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">''</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">You are planning to sin, and it is ready to overtake you. But you, Cain, are commanded to conquer it instead.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">''</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In my opinion, however, and even from the perspective that 'timshel' is a command, Steinbeck's premise in </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">East of Eden</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Georgia; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> stands: Cain has<b> free will</b> in the face of a choice between good or evil. He is free to make his own decision, though the objectively right and moral one is that of good. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1Jcxg3FGgfc1IKwyweI3BtaSeF_lZyiZvknQB6g5eJ8d6VwfYd7Xj3aYdLZOarQpJbuSjZDsJ_gbrR7bvGbEFsz4oZZ0pUntMQGjDbjCg_59vR_wRM95xzs6P1W2UZY46mkKTv-jdCc/s1600/timshel2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr1Jcxg3FGgfc1IKwyweI3BtaSeF_lZyiZvknQB6g5eJ8d6VwfYd7Xj3aYdLZOarQpJbuSjZDsJ_gbrR7bvGbEFsz4oZZ0pUntMQGjDbjCg_59vR_wRM95xzs6P1W2UZY46mkKTv-jdCc/s1600/timshel2.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picture from the 1955 ''East of Eden'' movie featuring James Dean. It's an awful movie, don't watch it.</td></tr>
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Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-91173781560448736982014-08-31T20:20:00.000-07:002014-08-31T20:20:48.820-07:00The Other #YOLOYOLO. You Only Live Once.<br />
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This acronym has become increasingly popular in symbolyzing a perspective that is focused on the pursuit of pleasure (the senses) as well as achieving one's personal goals and ambitions. Parallels can be drawn with the phrase <i>carpe diem </i>(''seize the day'') and the maxim ''eat, drink and be merry, for tomorrow we die.''<br />
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Robert Herrick's <i><b>To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time</b></i> (1648) is emblematic of <i>carpe diem</i> as a literary genre:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq46n4F1rp8HVkBYNBgL_3X2NvTfgPIt3NJjgzzT8OjKzYpgXa5Bl5q2REbqmmnAl8T-MTNV-j8ECmROYn64uZJgGz-3rgTGYn_QuuMPm2GekMtptjyXjZY2xbyrIItW3cddjQD_WVlAM/s1600/gather+ye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq46n4F1rp8HVkBYNBgL_3X2NvTfgPIt3NJjgzzT8OjKzYpgXa5Bl5q2REbqmmnAl8T-MTNV-j8ECmROYn64uZJgGz-3rgTGYn_QuuMPm2GekMtptjyXjZY2xbyrIItW3cddjQD_WVlAM/s1600/gather+ye.jpg" height="400" width="333" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">''Gather Ye Rosebuds While Ye May'' <br />- John William Waterhouse (1909)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Gather ye rosebuds <u>while ye may</u>,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Old time is still a-flying;</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And this same flower that smiles<u> today</u></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><u>Tomorrow</u> will be dying.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The glorious lamp of heaven the sun,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The higher he's a-getting,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>The sooner will his race be run,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And nearer he's to setting.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><u>That age is best which is the first</u>,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>When youth and blood are warmer;</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>But being spent, the worse, and worst</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Times still succeed the former.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>Then be not coy, <u>but use your time</u>,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>And, while ye may, go marry;</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>For, having lost but once your prime,</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i> You may forever tarry.</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />
Thomas Jordan's <i><b>Coronemus nos Rosis antequam marcescan</b></i><b>t </b>(1637) gives a more comprehensive illustration of <i>carpe diem </i>as idealized during this time period:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 17.318561553955078px; text-align: left;">Jacob Jordaens, </span><i style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 17.318561553955078px; text-align: left;">The King Drinks</i><span style="background-color: #f9f9f9; color: #252525; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.222222328186035px; line-height: 17.318561553955078px; text-align: left;">. </span></td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Let us drink and be merry, dance, joke, and rejoice,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>With claret and sherry, theorbo and voice!</i></div>
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<i>The changeable world to our joy is unjust,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> All treasure’s uncertain,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Then down with your dust!</i></div>
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<i>In frolics <u>dispose</u> your pounds, shillings, and pence,</i></div>
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<i>For <u>we shall be nothing a hundred years hence</u>.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>We’ll sport and be free with Moll, Betty, and Dolly,</i></div>
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<i>Have oysters and lobsters to cure melancholy:</i></div>
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<i>Fish-dinners will make a lass spring like a flea,</i></div>
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<i> Dame Venus, love’s lady,</i></div>
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<i> Was born of the sea;</i></div>
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<i>With her and with Bacchus we’ll tickle the sense,</i></div>
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<i>For<u> we shall be past it a hundred years hence</u>.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Your most beautiful bride who with garlands is crown’d</i></div>
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<i>And kills with each glance as she treads on the ground,</i></div>
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<i>Whose lightness and brightness doth shine in such splendour</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> That none but the stars</i></div>
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<i> Are thought fit to attend her,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Though <u>now she be pleasant and sweet to the sense,</u></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Will be damnable mouldy a hundred years hence</u>.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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<i>Then why should we turmoil in cares and in fears,</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Turn all our tranquill’ty to sighs and to tears?</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Let’s eat, drink, and play till the worms do corrupt us</u>,</i></div>
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<i> ’Tis certain, Post mortem</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i> Nulla voluptas.</i></div>
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<u><i>For health, wealt</i></u><u><i>h and beauty, wit, learning and sense,</i></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><u>Must all come to nothing a hundred years hence</u>.</i></div>
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Life's brevity and fleetingnness found in both poems is understood here as promoting a <i>live-in-the-moment</i> mentality the ultimate aim being to delight one's senses (food, drink, sexuality) in a self-centered way. This lifestyle involves squandering one's money (''in frolics dispose your pounds, shillings, and pence'') without reflecting on the meaning of life (''then why should we turmoil in cares and in fears''). <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSZEyt4zK0G-qGsS-9LlQoaKAUzxIcXwdwRbAoOaQ4sOZ6SMHPchyDieK5df9bubDYCYzFVun_0NnJRN-4OSLpoH9IJJ8ynlOHBUKyGu0GiXg2Bsz1XvV8P26b-GArfZaZgJhCYU5Fe4/s1600/three+aages+of+man+-+titian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLSZEyt4zK0G-qGsS-9LlQoaKAUzxIcXwdwRbAoOaQ4sOZ6SMHPchyDieK5df9bubDYCYzFVun_0NnJRN-4OSLpoH9IJJ8ynlOHBUKyGu0GiXg2Bsz1XvV8P26b-GArfZaZgJhCYU5Fe4/s1600/three+aages+of+man+-+titian.jpg" height="237" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Three Ages of Man</i> (16th century) - Titian</td></tr>
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<b>PURPOSEFUL YOLO</b><br />
<br />
It should be noted that this discussion focuses on 'YOLO' <u>taken to the extreme</u>--it is not necessarily wrong to pursue ambitions and, to some extent, leisure. Knowing that life is short can be a good incentive to seize unique opportunities and step out of one's comfort zone.<br />
<br />
YOLO has it right. You only live once. However, as William Penn said: ''Time is what we want most, but what we use worst.'' Our time on earth is short. How, then, will we use the time that is entrusted to us?<br />
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The Book of Psalm says, ''<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?dc=2&utm_expid=13466113-10.DRY5Q0U2TpaXvRe49bTgCA.2&search=psalm+90%3A12&version=NIV&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2F" target="_blank">Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom</a>.'' Similarly, Because our days are numbered, Paul urges us to '<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?dc=2&utm_expid=13466113-10.DRY5Q0U2TpaXvRe49bTgCA.2&search=ephesians+5%3A15-16&version=NIV&utm_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.biblegateway.com%2Fpassage%2F%3Fdc%3D2%26search%3Dephesians%2B5%26version%3DNIV" target="_blank">'make the most of every opportunity'' and seek wisdom</a>. James writes that what pleases God is ''<a href="http://biblehub.com/james/1-27.htm" target="_blank">to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world</a>.''<br />
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Our purpose is thus twofold: to seek God's <b>wisdom and goodness</b> as well as <b>caring for the less fortunate</b>. Loving people--both strangers and those around us--requires selflessness and self-sacrifice. It requires us to place others' well-being above our own and invest time and energy in them.<br />
<br />
Our knowledge that life on earth is finite should prompt us to seek truth and goodness beyond self-fulfillment, self-gratification and self-actualization.<br />
<br />
''<a href="http://learn%20to%20do%20right%3B%20seek%20justice.%20defend%20the%20oppressed.%20take%20up%20the%20cause%20of%20the%20fatherless%3B%20plead%20the%20case%20of%20the%20widow./" target="_blank">Learn to do right; seek justice</a>.''<br />
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This life is the only chance we have do good, serve the truth, and make a difference in this world. Let us invest and use it wisely.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNzAxrZWDFvdhddoMQBCis58wAWDFpgh4WljBHwnylET2xE7AVlyOjPndPkuV9Z20twxn_Fx2nCH_WjWYegTAk5w14QINoGazUbXTXI6P7tmkphViAN3VK-_sD8gDrIytI1LvrQwR6G0/s1600/wreck+of+time.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVNzAxrZWDFvdhddoMQBCis58wAWDFpgh4WljBHwnylET2xE7AVlyOjPndPkuV9Z20twxn_Fx2nCH_WjWYegTAk5w14QINoGazUbXTXI6P7tmkphViAN3VK-_sD8gDrIytI1LvrQwR6G0/s1600/wreck+of+time.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">''Wreck of Time'' - <span style="background-color: #f1f1f1; font-family: arial, sans-serif; line-height: 16px; text-align: left;">Mihai Criste</span></td></tr>
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<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-43848792310094851512014-03-10T15:01:00.002-07:002014-03-12T06:04:26.303-07:00Travel series: ''Il giorno é arrivato''<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<i>The man at the train station couldn't speak English, but I decided to take the next train anyway. </i><i>I fell asleep on the train, I awoke, and now here I am. In Italy, for the first time.</i></div>
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<i>In the frenzy and chaos of finishing exams and flying to Europe shortly after, I brought with me much adrenaline and two massive dark circles under my eyes. And now, for the first time in many months, I just am. I have no plane or train to take, no activities to do, no places to visit. </i></div>
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<i>The sun is shining bright, a chilly wind is blowing, and as I walk on the streets of this millenia-old italian city, I feel like an impostor. Everyone around me is busy: busy talking on the phone, busy going back to work, busy going home. I catch a glimpse of their routine, somewhere between home and the office, work and play.</i></div>
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<i>Meanwhile, I am here passive, contemplative, useless. It feels out of place to not be working, to not have something concrete to do. Back where I come from, everything is planned, organised, work-oriented. But here I am.</i></div>
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<i>I don't want to see any monuments. I don't want to visit. I just want to be, here, and now. </i></div>
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<i>I walk around. Everything is so beautiful, so full of meaning, a feast for the senses. Every sensation is amplified, every thought is loftier. How foreign it is to be a spectator, to pay attention, to notice, to appreciate. </i></div>
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<i>Parks everywhere. I pick the one that has the prettiest name, with the most vowels. </i></div>
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<i>My friend and I lie down on the grass, in full sunbeam. I left my bag about a meter away. I should probably bring it nearer, as my passport is in it and you never know. But the heat and weight of the sun are so numbing that I am paralyzed. </i></div>
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<i>I wake up and look at my watch. We have been napping for an hour and a half. </i><i>My heart skips a beat, then I sigh in relief: my bag is still there. Always selfish, the sun has once more taken more from me than it has given: I feel heavy and with little energy. It is an oppressive, yet liberating feeling.</i></div>
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<i>The shade is coming our way. The sun will soon be going down. It is good to be idle, for once. It is good to be an impostor of the ordinary. The day has come. </i></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/diA6VCInN44?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-11862086235693585872014-02-18T17:01:00.001-08:002014-02-18T17:10:53.126-08:00Les grandes espérances<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfTaPB2MP7egQ_XxCNNDCREvkc9blmYZgDZbADamixuvL1FGJZhriY9bC0EkoTHEHYCrpAcj-c2wxeQTV3LKOVDvlkIqap9d5WtB-7EqC4FrrNNyw_7X7gjEIYyig_egTZapyR97cCrQ/s1600/worker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfTaPB2MP7egQ_XxCNNDCREvkc9blmYZgDZbADamixuvL1FGJZhriY9bC0EkoTHEHYCrpAcj-c2wxeQTV3LKOVDvlkIqap9d5WtB-7EqC4FrrNNyw_7X7gjEIYyig_egTZapyR97cCrQ/s1600/worker.jpg" height="452" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>One of the young doffers working in Pell City Cotton Mill, Alabama, 1910</i></td></tr>
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C'est là le titre traduit d'un roman de Charles Dickens, en anglais <i><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Expectations" target="_blank">Great Expectations</a></i>. C'est un titre qui m'a toujours fascinée, bien que je n'aie jamais ouvert le livre. Il communique et évoque un sentiment puissant, celui de grands idéaux, de grands espoirs. Ainsi, l'on s'imagine une jeune âme qui s'ouvre au monde et à la vie, et nourrit les pensées les plus nobles et innocentes (dans le bon sens du terme) quant au futur et ce qu'il réserve, ce qu'il promet.<br />
<br />
Il vient un temps où beaucoup de ces grandes espérances sont déçues. Je pense qu'à cet égard, le terme anglais <i>expectation, </i>mieux traduit par «attente» en français, exprime bien cette désillusion, ce désenchantement. À une époque plus naïve, plus délicate, nous avons développé des <i>anticipations</i> quant au futur. Alors que nous vieillissons, nous sommes forcés d'en venir au constat que le monde n'est pas tel qu'il devrait être. Nous rêvons d'une société qui ne sera jamais, d'une paix utopique, d'amour inatteignable.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAWK9Ao03-DHccDYj9ciqIZJgOWlKB0m5_FMcfLB3skEchtvydPRE9qqAn63z4skf_0o0E6L9WC_jIqRDIWqz8KD98JU_gsgl-3L1d80-oLVbxu2tr1xvIa1lPci2yCAUqE_C1vB_-YE/s1600/titien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNAWK9Ao03-DHccDYj9ciqIZJgOWlKB0m5_FMcfLB3skEchtvydPRE9qqAn63z4skf_0o0E6L9WC_jIqRDIWqz8KD98JU_gsgl-3L1d80-oLVbxu2tr1xvIa1lPci2yCAUqE_C1vB_-YE/s1600/titien.jpg" height="200" width="183" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Le Sisyphe de Titien, 1548</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Plus que tout, nous souhaitons la <i><b>self-actualization</b></i>, l'accomplissement de soi, qui dans la <a href="http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyramide_des_besoins_de_Maslow" target="_blank">pyramide des besoins de Maslow</a>, correspond à cet état suprême d'épanouissement de développement de notre potentiel personnel. Il semble parfois que plus nous tentons d'avancer vers cet objectif, plus il s'éloigne de nous, tel un mirage, tel Sisyphe roulant éternellement son rocher le long de la colline sans jamais en atteindre le sommet.<br />
<br />
Souvent quand je pense au monde qui tourne, au temps qui s'écoule et à la vie qui passe, je crois que nous courons parfois le risque d'investir toute notre énergie et tous nos efforts dans la poursuite du soleil couchant, sans jamais le pouvoir toucher.<br />
<br />
Je ne dis pas qu'il faut renoncer à nos principes et à nos idéaux. Bien au contraire, je crois fermement qu'il faut vivre de façon intègre et conforme à ses propres valeurs et croyances.<br />
<br />
Ce que je remets en doute, c'est combien nous nous attachons parfois à certains buts que nous nous fixons, qui une fois atteints, ne satisfont pas toujours. On rêve de voir l'Europe, puis après y être allé, on se désole de ne pas avoir vu le monde. On est obsédé à l'idée d'obtenir un diplôme universitaire, puis une fois obtenu, on se trouve bien malheureux de ne pas avoir un diplôme de deuxième cycle.<br />
<br />
Il m'en faut toujours plus, c'est chronique. Peut-être en est-ce de même pour vous.<br />
<br />
Et c'est pour cette raison que j'ai mis la photo du petit garçon travaillant dans une usine de coton, dans les années 1910. Quelles étaient ses grandes espérances à lui? Quelle aurait été sa vie parfaite? Avait-il même le temps d'y songer?<br />
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Je ne condamne personne. Il est légitime d'avoir des rêves et des aspirations, l'humain est ainsi fait, et c'est ce qui nous pousse à donner le meilleur de nous-même, à aller là où personne n'est allé auparavant.<br />
<br />
Mais le <i>bonheur</i> et la <i>réalisation de soi</i> ne consiste peut-être pas à atteindre une destination qui s'éloigne à mesure que nous avançons.<br />
<br />
Il faut de temps en temps jeter un regard en arrière, et être reconnaissant du chemin parcouru.<br />
Là où nous sommes, nombreux sont ceux qui auraient voulu y être dans l'histoire de l'humanité.<br />
<br />
Les grandes espérances de ce petit garçon, celles qui semblaient inatteignables, c'est peut-être nous qui les vivons aujourd'hui. N'est-ce pas en soi avoir réalisé beaucoup de rêves, beaucoup d'espoirs?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3nwgUoobVCFJsC2MVQl4qd9_430mA2YgQ4gpoe9Q1zAmhku6XEU1n3g_9V7YCDvznCRTTc0gNc3eLTpXftyfsoIsDTWGnQL4F3sd1xaAO9ecHVGeuqqnMr5VK1i39HF1ve5ioTcRqIU/s1600/night+shift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz3nwgUoobVCFJsC2MVQl4qd9_430mA2YgQ4gpoe9Q1zAmhku6XEU1n3g_9V7YCDvznCRTTc0gNc3eLTpXftyfsoIsDTWGnQL4F3sd1xaAO9ecHVGeuqqnMr5VK1i39HF1ve5ioTcRqIU/s1600/night+shift.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
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Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-87068573021303413462014-01-15T13:50:00.000-08:002014-01-18T09:15:21.001-08:00Endings And Beginnings: Rewriting Old Classics<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UJpQCvBeNzEoBwKH_H0BXnS0_teIAF1pGzS5m2KjYuL4NfGxGOspHY09k1_-m6RocG_0A8vTZmKH40zUIraqOgjM9OjpUYen_HEQ38QaS-cMjlsGTmHFiXyQChwSh_mx-agO7AKMgt8/s1600/paul+klee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UJpQCvBeNzEoBwKH_H0BXnS0_teIAF1pGzS5m2KjYuL4NfGxGOspHY09k1_-m6RocG_0A8vTZmKH40zUIraqOgjM9OjpUYen_HEQ38QaS-cMjlsGTmHFiXyQChwSh_mx-agO7AKMgt8/s1600/paul+klee.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paul Klee</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I thought it would be amusing to put together the first and last sentence of books and see what happens, s</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">o I randomly selected 10 titles from The Guardian's </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/may/08/books.booksnews" target="_blank">Top 100 books of all time</a></b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span></i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The result is rather interesting: Alternative thoughts, anecdotes and statements emerged from the novel's main story....</i><i style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"> </i><br />
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<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(Mark Twain)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You don't know about me without you have read a book by the name of The Adventures of Tom Sawyer; but that ain't no matter. I been there before.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<b>Anna Karenina </b>(Leo Tolstoy)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">ALL happy families resemble one another; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. But my whole life, every moment of my life, independently of whatever may happen to me, will be, not meaningless as before, but full of the deep meaning which I shall have the power to impress upon it."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>The Trial</b> (Kafka)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Someone must have been telling lies about Josef K., he knew he had done nothing wrong but, one morning, he was arrested. "Like a dog!" he said, it was as if the shame of it should outlive him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Dead Souls</b> (Gogol)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 16px;">To the door of an inn in the provincial town of N. there drew up a smart britchka—a light spring-carriage of the sort affected by bachelors, retired lieutenant-colonels, staff-captains, land-owners possessed of about a hundred souls, and, in short, all persons who rank as gentlemen of the intermediate category. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 16px;">I invite those men to remember the duty which confronts us, whatsoever our respective stations; I invite them to observe more closely their duty, and to keep more constantly in mind their obligations of holding true to their country, in that before us the future looms dark, and that we can scarcely...." </span> [Here the manuscript of the original comes abruptly to an end.]</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Gulliver's Travels</b> (Jonathan Swift)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">My father had a small estate in Nottinghamshire: I was the third of five sons. I dwell the longer upon this subject from the desire I have to make the society of an English <i>Yahoo</i> by any means not insupportable; and therefore I here entreat those who have any tincture of this absurd vice, that they will not presume to come in my sight.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Hunger</b> (Knut Hamsuné)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;">I was lying awake in my attic and I heard a clock below strike six. </span>Out in the fjord I dragged myself up once, wet with fever and exhaustion, and gazed landwards, and bade farewell for the present to the town--to Christiania, where the windows gleamed so brightly in all the homes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Love In The Time of Cholera</b> (Gabriel Garcia Marquez)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">It was inevitable: the scent of bitter almonds always reminded him of the fate of unrequited love. ''Forever,'' he said.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Middlemarch</b> (George Eliot)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 4%;">Miss Brooke had that kind of beauty which seems to be thrown into relief by poor dress. </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 4%;">But the effect of her being on those around her was incalculably diffusive: for the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 4%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify; text-indent: 4%;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Remembrance of Things Past: Swann's Way</b> (Marcel Proust)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.464000701904297px;">For a long time I used to go to bed early. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.464000701904297px;">But scarcely had daylight itself–and no longer the gleam from a last, dying ember on a brass curtain-rod, which I had mistaken for daylight–traced across the darkness, as with a stroke of chalk across a blackboard, its first white correcting ray, when the window, with its curtains, would leave the frame of the doorway, in which I had erroneously placed it, while, to make room for it, the writing-table, which my memory had clumsily fixed where the window ought to be, would hurry off at full speed, thrusting before it the mantelpiece, and sweeping aside the wall of the passage; the well of the courtyard would be enthroned on the spot where, a moment earlier, my dressing-room had lain, and the dwelling-place which I had built up for myself in the darkness would have gone to join all those other dwellings of which I had caught glimpses from the whirlpool of awakening; put to flight by that pale sign traced above my window-curtains by the uplifted forefinger of day.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.464000701904297px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 22.464000701904297px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>To The Lighthouse </b>(Virginia Woolf)</span></span><br />
<pre><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Yes, of course, if it's fine tomorrow," said Mrs. Ramsay. Yes, she thought, laying down her brush in extreme fatigue, I have had my vision.</span></pre>
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Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-36657468428975135412013-12-23T16:13:00.000-08:002013-12-23T18:17:41.764-08:00''Old''<b> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89u07QKZ9wUsL-25_BCJYBnJGE4Sk1Zq3YjzUG_LzcRGo2VU6qLnns_vkPK-I_SPZ0h0pfpUzadQOcNhtEE1x8C1hbcs9HTryoDcDDNLlmy1R41Ih4BS5wVjy1QQN182z89rbePHfF64/s1600/764px-Vincent_Willem_van_Gogh_098.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89u07QKZ9wUsL-25_BCJYBnJGE4Sk1Zq3YjzUG_LzcRGo2VU6qLnns_vkPK-I_SPZ0h0pfpUzadQOcNhtEE1x8C1hbcs9HTryoDcDDNLlmy1R41Ih4BS5wVjy1QQN182z89rbePHfF64/s320/764px-Vincent_Willem_van_Gogh_098.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Memory of the Garden at Etten (Ladies of Arles)</i> - Van Gogh (1888)</td></tr>
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</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Old.</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Aged. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Ancient. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Decrepit. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Elderly. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Gray. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Tired.</i></div>
<br />
These are a few of the synonyms I got for the word ''old'' when searching on <a href="http://thesaurus.com/">thesaurus.com</a>. I believe these words (and ideas) reflect society's view on old age: it is out-of-date, retrograde, used.<br />
<br />
<b>To have vs. To be</b><br />
I recently spent a great deal of time reflecting of what it is and what it means to be old. To ''be'' old.<br />
The use of the verb ''to be'' suggests that ''old,'' in a person, isn't merely an accessory of one's identity, but at its very core. When you ''have'' something, you can easily change it or replace it, or so it seems. When you ''are'' something, changing is trickier.<br />
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<b>Objects vs. People</b><br />
I don't like how the use of the adjective ''old'' sometimes suggests an <i>objectification</i> of people. Let me explain.<br />
Things get old. In this post-modern world, we buy, consume, and throw away. We are increasingly witnessing the phenomenon of <i>obsolescence</i>, and even <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Planned_obsolescence" target="_blank"><i>planned obsolescence</i></a><i>, </i>in which technologies last <i>for a limited time only </i>and must then be replaced by newer, more effective ones.<br />
<br />
People aren't like this. People don't become obsolete. There is no such thing as becoming useless because of age. On the contrary, the elderly have an incredible amount of science and wisdom to share.<br />
<br />
<b>Body vs. Soul</b><br />
My real question is, <i>can one really get old</i>? I mean, the body sure gets old, and eventually dies. But can the soul be old? Can one's mind be old? I would say I don't think so.<br />
<br />
It is mostly <b>experience</b> that differentiates generations and how they reflect on things and ideas. Experience, and a different historical background. Older people don't necessarily have an ''old'' perception of the world we live in, but one that takes into consideration their past experience.<br />
<br />
<br />
This short post is by no means exhaustive of my thoughts on the subject. The point I want to get across is that we need to rethink our conception of ''old.'' There need not be an absolute <b>dichotomy</b> between ''old'' and ''new;'' these might just be different stages, degrees or perceptions in the wide<b> spectrum</b> of the human experience.Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-51182920845191635472013-11-05T07:38:00.002-08:002013-11-12T06:36:37.426-08:00Inspiration (ou manque de)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezr9E0N4s4x9DUfXf3TYdEM19kQKpQWkCoOpSla3LT-G2FHF-Z_ripkeDL33-l-8z8vnR9Fm89Mwy8Ce7Bipycm_goAJeh_VTQ_K1paAbtN-kj4kGZCtRbyF0eG83oZm8qJrjcjJzBdU/s1600/monet+parasol.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjezr9E0N4s4x9DUfXf3TYdEM19kQKpQWkCoOpSla3LT-G2FHF-Z_ripkeDL33-l-8z8vnR9Fm89Mwy8Ce7Bipycm_goAJeh_VTQ_K1paAbtN-kj4kGZCtRbyF0eG83oZm8qJrjcjJzBdU/s320/monet+parasol.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Walk, Woman With a Parasol - Monet</td></tr>
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L'inspiration. Je n'en ai pas pour écrire depuis un certain temps déjà.<br />
Je me pose plusieurs questions par rapport à ce que c'est que l'inspiration. D'où nous vient cette idée, cet éclair de clarté venu de Dieu sait où, cet élan qui nous vient à la fois de l'intérieur et de l'extérieur.<br />
<br />
C'est une muse capricieuse qui ne se montre qu'à son meilleur, et que lorsqu'elle en a envie. C'est peut-être pour cela qu'elle nous garde constamment accrochés. Nous sommes impatiemment dans l'attente de l'heureux jour où elle nous fera l'honneur de nous visiter à nouveau, de revoir son visage.<br />
<br />
Elle ne vient pas sur demande et même à prix d'or on ne peut l'acheter. C'est précisément en dehors du cadre matériel des choses qu'elle habite, et elle est souvent donnée aux plus contemplatifs.<br />
<br />
L'inspiration ne peut se commander mais elle vient néanmoins plus spontanément lorsque nous sommes dans un certain état d'esprit. La pression, les attentes, les échéanciers ne sont pas suffisants pour la séduire toujours. Elle vient, elle part, on ne sait quand sera son prochain appel, alors on reste accroché au téléphone.<br />
<br />
L'inspiration, qui vient en quelque sorte de l'extérieur de notre pensée et qui s'y greffe, a besoin d'espace pour se mettre à l'aise. «Inspiration» rappelle l'acte de prendre en soi quelque chose qui nous est extérieur. Un esprit plein, occupé et saturé jusqu'au débordement n'aura pas assez de place pour lui donner un nid. Il faut cultiver un espace libre des préoccupations et des contraintes, tel une chambre d'ami, à laquelle on lui donne la clef et où elle sait être bienvenue quand l'envie lui prend.<br />
<br />
Si on ne peut l'accueillir, elle trouvera bien un autre endroit, un autre ami.<br />
<br />
<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-23932032826534226732013-08-05T16:33:00.000-07:002013-08-05T21:28:41.941-07:00A Reading List For Alex J.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZWf7HXuumeBbbIY5LVWGusPVs6GqeC36lFdg6d49uGSgy3bH_GOm3eckN4H03yxbYNqvVi-OkNRYLykhn5ym1bW-luM80CyC6IsuLVmlYP4no3ap3dL0AEuENfUfNYJDe6twUYC4h28/s1600/alexj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ZWf7HXuumeBbbIY5LVWGusPVs6GqeC36lFdg6d49uGSgy3bH_GOm3eckN4H03yxbYNqvVi-OkNRYLykhn5ym1bW-luM80CyC6IsuLVmlYP4no3ap3dL0AEuENfUfNYJDe6twUYC4h28/s320/alexj.jpg" width="253" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A Young Man Reading</i> - Albert Ranney Chewett</td></tr>
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Recently, a friend of mine asked me to make a list of books I would recommend, and I received that request as a compliment, considering that Alex J. (my friend) has great taste in literature (and music, cinema, art <i>et caetera</i>).<br />
So I made an attempt at listing some of the books that touched me, amazed me, upset me and changed me the most. Not all those books are novels, some are written more in the form of an essay.<br />
<br />
This exercice brought up the question, ''Why does one enjoy literature''? I believe there is no universal answer to that question, although I believe I have found a partial, or at least satisfactory, answer for myself. When I was in college, one of my English literature teachers told me that he read books for the purpose of ''deepening his understanding of human nature.'' I subscribe to his opinion and believe that literature should not simply be viewed as ''entertainment,'' but also as a means of acquiring a deeper understanding of ourselves, the people around us and the world we live in.<br />
<br />
However, since I named this post ''A Reading List,'' and not ''An Essay On Literature, Human Nature And The Universe,'' I will put an end to my reflections and proceed to give the promised list:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>FRENCH LITERATURE</u></div>
Victor Hugo (1802-1885)<br />
1. <b>Notre-Dame de Paris</b><br />
<i>If you have seen the Disney Movie ''The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,'' please forget all about it, because it is by no means a faithful rendition of the book. Notre-Dame is an ode to Middle Ages Paris in the form of many seemingly isolated stories that ultimately converge in the same direction. It is a story of outcasts, of virtue and corruption.</i><br />
2. <b>The Last Day of a Condemned Man</b><br />
<i>This is either a very short novel or a very long short story. It is the diary of a man awaiting the execution of his death sentence and reflecting on life, death and himself. The reader never finds out about the condemned man's identity, social status or crime, but only the thoughts of a man in the face of his own imminent death.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850)<br />
3. <b>Eugénie Grandet</b><br />
<i>This is the book that really sparked my interest for French literature when I was in primary school. It is a depiction of life in rural France in the 19th century, and the story of a greedy father whose relationships with his wife and daughter are totally controlled by his avarice. Includes a love story, the reason/passion contradiction and the consequences of evil behaviour. </i><br />
4.<b> Le Père Goriot</b><br />
<i>This novel made a strong impression on me by the feeling of indignation it inspires to the reader. Goriot's love for his daughters is blind to the point that he excuses and pardons their cruelty towards him. It is an illustration of ungratefulness at it filthiest and the tragedy of unrequited love.</i><br />
<br />
Blaise Pascal (1623-1662)<br />
5. <b>Pensées</b><br />
<i>Pensées is a posthumous collection of Pascal's religious and philisophical writings. It is a series of numbered paragraphs elaborating on various and sometimes random subjects (from interpretation in art to the importance of Cleopatras' nose to an exposition of biblical prophecies fulfilled by Jesus Christ). Contains religious theories that greatly influenced modern thought, such as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascal's_Wager" target="_blank">Pascal's Wage</a>r. </i><br />
<br />
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (1900-1944)<br />
6. <b>The Little Prince</b><br />
<i>It would be incredibly hard for me to choose what is my favourite book, but if I had to, it would probably be this one (see this <a href="http://alexbh.blogspot.ca/2012/11/what-little-prince-taught-me-about.html" target="_blank">blog post</a>). The Little Prince is often wrongly seen as a children's book, whereas it deals with some of the deepest and most delicate questions of life. The Little Prince is a beautifully written book about relationships, true friendship, the simplicity of life and the nature of human attachment. </i><br />
<br />
Alexandre Dumas (1802-1870)<br />
7. <b>The Count of Monte-Cristo</b><br />
<i>Be prepared for a two-volume epic about an unjust trial, ambitious treachery, imprisonment and an unbelievable jailbreak. Follow the protagonist in his reflections about love and hatred, revenge and forgiveness. Also be prepared for your mind to be blown at the end of the book when all the pieces of the puzzle fall into place and you figure out the meaning of everything. </i><br />
<br />
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<u>ENGLISH LITERATURE</u></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
Charles Dickens (1812-1870)<br />
8. <b>A Christmas Carol</b><br />
<i>A classic I can never get tired of. I read it every year as 'preparation' for Christmas, and it moves me every time. This short book deals with one's mistakes in life, the consequences of one's actions and the possibility of changing one's ways. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
George Orwell (1903-1950)<br />
9. <b>Animal Farm</b><br />
<i>This book was inspired by the Russian Revolution and the early years of the Soviet Union. Indeed, it shows the disorder resulting from the disappearance of authority (the farmer) within a society of animals. Starting with laudable ideals, the animal government gradually shifts to an unjust regime leading to cruelty and chaos. Makes the reader reflect on justice, totalitarianism and democracy.</i><br />
<br />
C.S. Lewis (1898-1963)<br />
10. <b>Mere Christianity</b><br />
<i>Lewis, who taught at Cambridge and Oxford and was one of the finest thinkers of his time, gave a series of talks on BBC radio about Christian faith during the Second World War. He builds his argument on morality, or the laws of nature (thorougly analysed and discussed by Enlightenment philosophers), in explaining the Christian faith. This book, or collection of talks, is an essay based on inferential reasoning, and exposing the essence of Christianity. </i></div>
<br />
Joseph Conrad (1857-1924)<br />
11. <b>Heart of Darkness</b><br />
<i>One of the gems that I had to read in college. Conrad's writing style is unique and impressive considering that English was not his first language. Tells a story of colonialism, imperialism, racism and views on civilization and "savagery.'' The movie Apocalypse Now was inspired by this novel.</i><br />
<br />
John Locke (1632-1904)<br />
12.<b> Second Treatise of Government</b><br />
<i>I read this political/philosophical essay when I was young and again while writing a thesis on the influence of Englishtenment philosophy on the Declaration of Independence, and was impressed by the quality of Locke's reflections. His views on government, the state, the individual, liberty and private property have had a tremenduous impact on Western thought, especially American philosophy and the Declaration of Independence.</i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>AMERICAN LITERATURE</u></div>
Harper Lee (1926- )<br />
13. <b>To Kill A Mockingbird</b><br />
<i>The Pulitzer-prize winning TKM is a classic of American literature. It deals with racism and racial inequality in Southern U.S. shortly after the Great Depression. It contrasts the ugliness of racism with the beauty of the quest for justice and the recognition of human dignity and worth. Timeless and inspiring.</i><br />
<br />
John Steinbeck (1902-1968)<br />
14. <b>Of Mice and Men</b><br />
<i>A tragic book dealing with the powerlessness that can come from intellectual and economic limitations, among others. Also emphasises the importance and role of dreams and aspirations, and explores the theme of fate.</i><br />
<br />
Jerry Spinelli (1941- )<br />
15. <b>Milkweed</b><br />
<i>I found this book on the floor somewhere and that's how I came to read it. It is the story of an orphan living in the Warsaw ghetto during the Second World War, and struggling to find an identity. The narrator gives an innocent and naive outlook on the horrors of war, the Holocaust and the Nazis.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Mark Twain (1835-1920)<br />
16.<b> The Adventures of Tom Sawyer</b><br />
<i>This book is hard to describe or summarise. It is the story of a young boy growing up in Mississippi and an account of his adventures and mishaps. </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u>RUSSIAN LITERATURE</u></div>
<br />
Fyodor Dostoevsky (1821-1881)<br />
17. <b>The Idiot</b><br />
<i>It is is a long novel centered on a mysterious prince who leaves no one indifferent. Some think he is a genius, some think he is an idiot, and the reader doesn't really know (until the end). </i><i>The Prince is a strange man, remote from society and asexual. Although he seems fundamentally good, he is influenced by the corrupt world he lives in. The Idiot</i><i> can be a tedious read at times, since most of the book consists of dialogues that sometimes seem unrelated to the central plot (also unclear at times). However, the last 200 pages, where all the story and enigma unfold, are worth the other 700. </i><br />
18.<b> The Brothers Karamazov</b><br />
<i>This is such a complex and profound novel that it seems unfair and unworty of me to attempt to summarise in a couple of sentences. Its plot develops very slowly and through a series of dialogues, monologues and essays on various themes such as human nature, free will, virtue and vice, asceticism and pleasure. The reader follows the story of Fyodor Karamazov's sons, their actions and reflections. An imposing philosophical work dealing with some of the themes that concern human beings most, and a novel you just can't put down.</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Although my list is not exhaustive, I recognise that it is short. The reason for this is that I am still in the process of expanding my knowledge of literature. I can think of so many classics that I have never read.<br />
All are invited to share their literary discoveries with me, and although my time is limited, I will try my best to read most of them!<br />
<br />
<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-16315404887257233692013-03-06T09:12:00.001-08:002013-03-06T13:29:23.486-08:00Songs About March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
How time flies. March 6th, and halfway through the semester.<br />
March is a beautiful month. The snow melts, the sky is blue again and everything seems to be coming back to life. Every day is a bit longer than the day before, suggesting the bliss of summer.<br />
<br />
I thought I could share some songs that I love about spring, or March.<br />
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<b>Jon Foreman - March (A Prelude to Spring)</b></div>
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Short and sweet. I can't get tired of Jon Foreman's music. It is simple, introspective and evocative.<br />
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<b>Elis Regina - Aguas de Mar<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">ço</span></b></div>
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A Bossa Nova masterpiece. The lyrics don't really mean anything, to be very honest, but the song is very poetic.<br />
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<b>Stacey Kent - Les eaux de mars</b></div>
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This is Stacey Kent's interpretation of the French version of the same song. I like Stacey Kent, sometimes. Her version of Les eaux de Mars is a classic.<br />
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<b>Vivaldi - Spring (The Four Seasons)</b></div>
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This one is for my dad who has always loved Vivaldi's music. It is nearly impossible to listen to this without wishing you could play the violin.<br />
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<b>Sufjan Stevens - Redford (For Yia-Yia and Pappou)</b></div>
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This song is not about March, or spring, but I wanted to include it because it is just breathtaking.<br />
<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-71653049843069091632013-01-16T15:35:00.000-08:002013-01-16T15:40:26.062-08:00Hope Deferred<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/13-12.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>Hope deferred </i></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/13-12.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>Makes the heart sick.</i></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/13-12.htm" target="_blank"><b><i><br /></i></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/13-12.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>But a longing fulfilled</i></b></a></div>
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<a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/13-12.htm" target="_blank"><b><i>Is a tree of life.</i></b></a></div>
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Why does the human heart have longings? Why do we have goals, dreams, expectations?<br />
Why is the ''heart sick'' when those needs are not met?<br />
<br />
Proverbs 13:12 says that ''hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.'' I am assuming this verse is referring to <i>good</i>, or<i> healthy</i> longings.<br />
<br />
While good, healthy, wise longings are a ''tree of life'' when they are fulfilled, bad or unhealthy desires can become a great pain when they are fulfilled. Some things just keep <b>asking more and more</b> of you every time.<br />
<br />
Some, for example, will only be ''happy and satisfied'' if they succeed in being the best at everything. But the satisfaction that comes from, say, winning a competition or getting the best mark on an exam is very short-lived. Pretty soon there are new competitions, new classes, new exams, new jobs, and the previous success seems now all forgotten: <b>you have to start again from scratch</b>.<br />
<br />
A good longing, when fulfilled, is a <b>tree of life</b>. Trees usually live and last a long time. They don't vanish overnight. Many trees were there before we were born, and will still be there after we die.<br />
<b>Trees are not still</b>. They are strongly rooted, and grow stronger and stronger every day. <b>They are not barren</b>: they produce flowers, fruit and seed. From a tree's seed can spring another tree.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bible.cc/proverbs/3-18.htm" target="_blank">[Wisdom] is a <b>tree of life</b> to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed (Proverbs 3:18)</a><br />
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<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-15351526660761657032012-12-28T15:30:00.000-08:002012-12-28T15:30:08.038-08:00Brief Thoughts On Growing Up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I am getting older and working (or rather <i>studying</i>) my way through life, I am often evaluating and re-evaluating whether or not I have succeeded in the goals and objectives I have set for myself. Time flies, and it often seems like I have been too busy and didn't have enough time (and discipline) to become who I wanted to be.<br />
<br />
When we are young, we have a certain idea of what we want to be like as adults. At the time, it seemed like adulthood was ages away; we thought we had a great deal of time to suppress our bad habits and flaws, to work on developing certain qualities and become that ''ideal person'' we had in mind.<br />
<br />
It turns out that our time is short, that our faults are persistent, and that virtue requires a lot of discipline and self-sacrifice.<br />
<br />
Someone once told me:<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>''Don't sacrifice what you want for what you want <i>right now</i>''</b></span><br />
<br />
I can find two applications of this principle:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1</b></span>. As a university student, it is sometimes very tempting to yield to the temptation of escaping my homework and readings in order to do more ''pleasant'' and ''entertaining'' things, such as wasting time on the internet, watching one of my favourite movies, etc.<br />
<br />
It seems like a natural inclination to want to <b>sacrifice what I <i>want</i></b> (an education)<b> for what I want <i>right now</i></b> (leisure).<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;">2</span></b>. Paradoxically, <b>what I <i>want</i> can become what I want <i>right now</i></b> in light of other priorities. Maybe the thing I want<i> right now</i> (an education, a career, traveling, for example) can become obstacles to what I <i>want </i>(the big picture for my life).<br />
<br />
What exactly is the reason for our life? Do we live up to it? Or do we forget the big picture because we are focused on what we want right now?<br />
<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-19016726746744200302012-11-23T06:51:00.002-08:002015-10-05T20:28:41.544-07:00What ''The Little Prince'' Taught Me About Relationships<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Have you ever read <em>The Little Prince</em>? Maybe you were forced to read it in your French immersion class in High School. Maybe you've heard of it and recognize the iconic blonde child on the picture above, but have never read the book for yourself.<br />
<br />
I think you should read <em><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Prince" target="_blank">The Little Prince</a></em>. Everyone should read it. It is short, not very expensive, has a lot of illustrations and can move you in unexpected and incredible ways. Wikipedia tells me it is the most read and translated book of the French language, and one of the best-selling books ever published. <br />
<br />
I will start by giving a little summary of the book with some key quotations, after which I will briefly discuss some of the key concepts and ideas.<br />
<br />
Many people think of <em>The Little Prince</em> as children's literature, but it really is a book for adults.<br />
This novella rests on the premise that adults, or ''grown ups'' are blind to the most important things in life, and are often more concerned about material, pecuniary things.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for
children to be always and forever explaining things to them.<br /><br />I have lived
a great deal among grown-ups. I have seen them intimately, close at hand. And
that hasn’t much improved my opinion of them. <b>Grown-ups love figures.</b>
When you tell them that you have made a new friend, they never ask you any
questions about essential matters. They never say to you, “What does his voice
sound like? What games does he love best? Does he collect butterflies?” Instead,
they demand: “How old is he? How many brothers has he? How much does he weigh?
How much money does his father make?” Only from these figures do they think they
have learned anything about him</em></blockquote>
The narrator is a pilot, and the story takes place in the Sahara. While in the desert, the narrator meets the little prince, a strange child who says he is from another planet. As he talk about his ''asteroid,'' we learn that it is very small; it has three volcanoes and one rose. <br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The Rose</u></span></b><br />
The little prince invests a lot of time in his rose, providing for her every need and every whim. In addition to being ungrateful for everything he does for her, the rose blames him whenever she can.<br />
Eventually, the little prince gets hurt, and leaves his planet.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>"I ought not to have listened to her," he confided to me one day. "One never
ought to listen to the flowers. One should simply look at them and breathe their
fragrance. Mine perfumed all my planet. But I did not know how to take pleasure
in all her grace. This tale of claws, which disturbed me so much, should only
have filled my heart with tenderness and pity." </em></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<em>And he continued his confidences:
"The fact is that I did not know how to understand anything! I ought to have<b>
judged by deeds and not by words</b>. She cast her fragrance and her radiance over
me. I ought never to have run away from her... I ought to have guessed all the
affection that lay behind her poor little stratagems. Flowers are so
inconsistent! But <b>I was too young to know how to love her</b>..."</em></blockquote>
<br />
After visiting a number of planets and asteroids, the little prince comes to Earth to find what he is looking for. He tells the pilot about some of his experiences and findings.<br />
<br />
As he travels the Earth searching for men, the little prince makes two significant acquaintances.<br />
First, he comes across a rose garden. The little prince is shocked: he thought there was but one rose in the whole universe! When he finds out there are many beautiful, identical roses, he is disenchanted.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I thought that I was rich, with a flower that was unique in all the world; and all I had was a <b>common rose</b>. A common rose, and three volcanoes that come up to my knees-- and one of them perhaps extinct forever... that doesn't make me a very great prince...<br />And he lay down in the grass and cried.</i></blockquote>
<br />
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><u>The Fox</u></span></b><br />
After he leaves the flowers, the little prince is approached by a fox. The young boy wants to play with the fox, but the fox replies that he must be tamed in order to give the little prince his trust. Then the fox goes on talking about what taming means:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>To me, you are still nothing more than a little boy who is just like a hundred thousand other little boys. <b>And I have no need of you</b>. And you, on your part, have no need of me. To you, I am nothing more than a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But <b>if you tame me, then we shall need each other</b>. To me, you will be unique in all the world. To you, I shall be unique in all the world..."</i></blockquote>
Time goes by and every day, the fox comes a little closer to the little prince. The fox explains that in order for a relationship to be established, one needs rites and regularity. Eventually, the fox and the little prince tame each other; they love and need each other. Every day they look forward to the moment they will see each other again.<br />
With that in mind, the little prince goes back to the garden of roses, but with a very different perspective:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"<b>You are not at all like my rose</b>," he said. "As yet you are nothing. <b>No one has tamed you</b>, and you have tamed no one. You are like my fox when I first knew him. <b>He was only a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes. But I have made him my friend, and now he is unique in all the world</b>."<br />"You are beautiful, but you are empty," he went on. "One could not die for you. To be sure, an ordinary passerby would think that my rose looked just like you-- the rose that belongs to me. But in herself alone she is more important than all the hundreds of you other roses: because it is she that I have watered; because it is she that I have put under the glass globe; because it is she that I have sheltered behind the screen; because it is for her that I have killed the caterpillars [...]; because it is she that I have listened to, when she grumbled, or boasted, or ever sometimes when she said nothing. <b>Because she is my rose.</b></i></blockquote>
The little prince then returns to the fox, one last time before he has to leave. Parting is heart-wrenching. As a last gift to the little prince, the fox reveals a secret:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>"Goodbye," said the fox. "And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye. [...] <b>It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important</b>. [...] "Men have forgotten this truth," said the fox. "But you must not forget it. <b>You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed.</b> You are responsible for your rose..."</i></blockquote>
The little prince then continues his journey.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>Those are really nice quotes but what's the point?</u></b></span><br />
Many doctoral theses have probably already been written on the little prince and his relationship with the rose and the fox, so I will not try to reinvent the wheel.<br />
What I love about this story is that is interesting and complex on so many levels.<br />
<br />
<i><b>It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important</b></i>... I remember how in Economics we were taught that things only have the value that we give them. Gold, for instance. Its price is ever-changing and fluctuates with the market. If gold was not pleasing to the eye or if it was not a key component of a number of products and machines, would it still be so valuable? Probably not.<br />
This logic works as far as things are concerned, but what about people and relationships? Do people only have the value that we give them? Sadly, this is what many people seem to think, but I do believe that people have <i>intrinsic</i> value that finds its origin in their <a href="http://bible.cc/genesis/1-27.htm" target="_blank">human nature</a>.<br />
<br />
I do think that many <b>relationships</b> are important to us because of all the <b>time and energy</b> we invested in them. Do you have a friend that you have known forever and have shared many important moments with? Have you spent so much time together that you can hardly imagine life without them?<br />
When I think of the people close to me, this definitely rings true. All the time you have spent together and all the things that have happened cannot just be erased. These people will always be a part of you, somehow.<br />
<br />
<b><i>If you tame me, we shall need each other</i></b>... I find interesting the idea of taming in <i>The Little Prince</i>. At first, the fox and the little prince are indifferent to each other (''you are like my fox when I knew him. He was just a fox like a hundred thousand other foxes''). Trust seldom comes instantly. The fox needed time to trust the prince, and the prince needed time to trust the fox. As they invested more and more in each other, the relationship developed. As he got to know him better, the little prince came to appreciate the fox individually: he was not longer like any other fox. He was <i>his</i> fox, he knew him and was known by him. (''I have made him my friend, and now he is unique in all the world).<br />
<br />
<b><i>You become responsible, forever, for what you have tamed..</i></b>. I wondered for a long time what this meant and how I should interpret it. We do not often think of relationships in terms of ''responsibility'' or ''obligations.'' Hanging out with friends seems like an easy and effortless thing to do. What does it mean to be responsible for what we have tamed?<br />
I think this is connected to what I wrote about how people become a part of you and you become a part of them. From the moment you are a part of someone, you have a responsibility. Once you are a part of someone, you cannot separate yourself from them without causing harm. You have great power to either bless them or damage them. With great power comes great responsibility. In the same way, we become responsible for what we have tamed.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPINGINNDd6c57Hq44kfJjIglTsOBHY6VArLIGMa9gQPRGVFolRiU3LLFsS9aesXiIUqvtvRJu-GuLsWd30W8xQARnxw55oX8nSKU5Mi-Aerm4_SpVJW63H5dga1_L1AEp-heEGM2WcA/s1600/boa+ferm%C3%A9+ouvert.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="61" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYPINGINNDd6c57Hq44kfJjIglTsOBHY6VArLIGMa9gQPRGVFolRiU3LLFsS9aesXiIUqvtvRJu-GuLsWd30W8xQARnxw55oX8nSKU5Mi-Aerm4_SpVJW63H5dga1_L1AEp-heEGM2WcA/s320/boa+ferm%C3%A9+ouvert.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>If I could have it back, all the time that we wasted, I'd only waste it again</b></i><br />
<b><i>I would love to waste it again</i></b><br />
<b><i>Waste it again and again and again</i></b></div>
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<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-13619089732504680882012-10-31T10:54:00.000-07:002014-10-03T09:49:17.149-07:00Kings of Convenience: Sheer Simplicity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3enJm2jWFAh4SbpPFRLqVRxZGiMyJRotfqduVq6SDsyv9wWnd8Nu8hyqAZoRvoexCBkQpni-pT7sikusRsql3RuoU_7t093j7fxNBRlQRvUrwjBR1tpT54OI-Wf4MeQAxNWbvyf5wxw/s1600/kings+of+convenience.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3enJm2jWFAh4SbpPFRLqVRxZGiMyJRotfqduVq6SDsyv9wWnd8Nu8hyqAZoRvoexCBkQpni-pT7sikusRsql3RuoU_7t093j7fxNBRlQRvUrwjBR1tpT54OI-Wf4MeQAxNWbvyf5wxw/s1600/kings+of+convenience.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
I love to discover new bands that I love. When I find a gem of a band, I get very, very excited.<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="http://www.kingsofconvenience.eu/" target="_blank">Kings of Convenience</a> is one of those bands. It's actually not really a band, but two friends: <span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erlend_%C3%98ye" target="_blank">Erlend Øye</a> and </span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eirik_Glambek_B%C3%B8e" target="_blank">Eirik Glambek Bøe</a><b>. </b></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Yes, they're from Norway.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">KOC's music is surprisingly simple, yet their melodies are very elaborate. Their lyrics are both light-hearted and profound, introspective yet slightly naive. In that regard, Kings of Convenience remind me of <a href="http://alexbh.blogspot.ca/2012/03/vitos-ordination-song-masterpiece-by.html" target="_blank">Sufjan Stevens</a>.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Unlike some other indie bands, KOC have music videos for many of their songs. I included some of my favourites. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;">Enjoy! (I suggest you watch all the videos. You'll know right away whether you like them or not, but if you do like them, you'll become addicted!)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.200000762939453px;"><br /></span>
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<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>I'd Rather Dance With You</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Boat Behind</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Cayman Islands</b></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Misread</b></div>
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<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-26026850480344088622012-10-25T09:37:00.001-07:002012-10-27T15:21:15.324-07:00Distraction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sjU4fCuoI7MWB4gIwsQizunpH2CEARGYwZJb_043xLC5RNKzu_yxguiwgHBxQF_ZReHdo8HEAKEgz25FxW_hoHqh2WY3x1LFUemTjaz96Ot0s-P0YaaCeTIrL6Tepe7nmWTtjLqaHOM/s1600/magritte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sjU4fCuoI7MWB4gIwsQizunpH2CEARGYwZJb_043xLC5RNKzu_yxguiwgHBxQF_ZReHdo8HEAKEgz25FxW_hoHqh2WY3x1LFUemTjaz96Ot0s-P0YaaCeTIrL6Tepe7nmWTtjLqaHOM/s320/magritte.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
Distraction.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.cnrtl.fr/definition/distraction" target="_blank">«Manque d'attention, habituel ou passager, de l'esprit occupé à autre chose que ce qui lui est proposé»</a><br />
<a href="http://www.cnrtl.fr/definition/distraction" target="_blank">«Ensemble de chose qui occupent agréablement l'esprit, délassent et recréent»</a><br />
<br />
Il y a un bon moment que je pense à écrire au sujet de la distraction.<br />
La facilité à laquelle l'être humain est distrait et se laisse distraire m'a toujours fascinée. Pourquoi, lorsque nous sommes occupés à une tâche, nous laissons-nous aller à nos pensées, ou délaissons-nous notre tâche pour faire autre chose?<br />
Il semble que lorsque notre esprit est occupé à quelque pensée ou réflexion grave et importante, la tentation de la distraction et du loisir devient irrésistible.<br />
<br />
C'est en quelque sorte une fuite de l'absolu et une soif de légèreté et de plaisir.<br />
<br />
N'est-ce pas une tendance très répandue chez l'être humain? Nous laissons de côté nos devoirs et passons plutôt des heures à regarder des vidéos et flâner sur Facebook.<br />
De la même façon, nous préférons nous divertir plutôt que de penser aux choses importantes de la vie, et de la mort.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Les hommes n'ayant pu guérir la mort, la misère, l'ignorance, ils se sont avisés, pour se rendre heureux, de n'y point penser.</i> - Blaise Pascal </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Le divertissement est le meilleur régime contre le poids de l'existence</i> - Franck Dhumes</blockquote>
Cette tendance à la distraction et au divertissement comme «détournement» m'effraie. On ne peut sans cesse remettre à plus tard la pensée de l'avenir. Le sentiment d'avoir perdu son temps est un des plus terribles, sachant que <a href="http://alexbh.blogspot.ca/2012/04/le-temps-qui-passe.html" target="_blank">notre temps est limité</a> et qu'on ne peut le récupérer si l'on en fait mauvais usage.<br />
<br />
C'est précisément pour cette raison que l'on doit fuir cette tendance à la distraction et au divertissement pour ce qui est des questions sur l'existence et la mort.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Mieux vaut aller dans une maison de deuil que d'aller dans une maison de festin; car c'est là la fin de tout homme, et celui qui vit prend la chose à coeur</i>. - <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=eccl%C3%A9siaste%207&version=NEG1979" target="_blank">Ecclésiaste 7:2</a></blockquote>
La jeunesse est particulièrement sensible à la distraction. Tant de choses s'offrent à nos yeux, à nos coeurs, à nos esprits. Nous sommes facilement distraits, facilement divertis, et c'est là ce que nous recherchons, bien souvent.<br />
Blaise Pascal, qui, vous aurez deviné, est un de mes philosophes préférés, a dit que «la seule chose qui nous console de nos misères est le divertissement et c'est pourtant la plus grande de nos misères».<br />
<br />
La jeunesse est pourtant le moment idéal pour réfléchir et rechercher la vérité. Quoi de plus terrible que de se rendre compte, à la fin de nos jours, que notre vie n'avait aucun sens ou que nous n'avons pas vécu pour la vérité?<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text Eccl-12-1" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Jeune homme, réjouis-toi dans ta jeunesse, livre ton cœur à la joie pendant les jours de ta jeunesse, marche dans les voies de ton cœur et selon les regards de tes yeux; mais sache que pour tout cela Dieu t’appellera en jugement.</span></span></i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span class="text Eccl-12-1" style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Eccl-12-2" id="fr-NEG1979-17592" style="background-color: white;">Bannis de ton cœur le chagrin, et éloigne le mal de ton corps; car <b>la jeunesse et l’aurore sont vanité</b>. </span><span class="text Eccl-12-3" id="fr-NEG1979-17593" style="background-color: white;">Mais souviens-toi de ton créateur pendant les jours de ta jeunesse, avant que les jours mauvais arrivent et que les années s’approchent où tu diras: Je n’y prends point de plaisir; </span></span></i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span class="text Eccl-12-4" id="fr-NEG1979-17594" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">avant que s’obscurcissent le soleil et la lumière, la lune et les étoiles, et que les nuages reviennent après la pluie, </span><span class="text Eccl-12-5" id="fr-NEG1979-17595" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">temps où les gardiens de la maison tremblent, où les hommes forts se courbent, où celles qui moulent s’arrêtent parce qu’elles sont diminuées, où ceux qui regardent par les fenêtres sont obscurcis, </span><span class="text Eccl-12-6" id="fr-NEG1979-17596" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">où les deux battants de la porte se ferment sur la rue quand s’abaisse le bruit de la meule, où l’on se lève au chant de l’oiseau, où s’affaiblissent toutes les filles du chant, </span><span class="text Eccl-12-7" id="fr-NEG1979-17597" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;">où l’on redoute ce qui est élevé, où l’on a des terreurs en chemin, où l’amandier fleurit, où la sauterelle devient pesante, et où la câpre n’a plus d’effet, car l’homme s’en va vers sa demeure éternelle, et les pleureurs parcourent les rues; </span><span class="text Eccl-12-8" id="fr-NEG1979-17598" style="background-color: white; font-style: italic;"><sup class="versenum" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;"> </sup>avant que le cordon d’argent se détache, que le vase d’or se brise, que le seau se rompe sur la source, et que la roue se casse sur la citerne; </span><span class="text Eccl-12-9" id="fr-NEG1979-17599" style="background-color: white;"><i>avant que la poussière retourne à la terre, comme elle y était, et que l’esprit retourne à Dieu qui l’a donné. - </i><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eccl%C3%A9siaste%2012:1-9&version=NEG1979" target="_blank">Ecclésiaste 12:1-9</a></span></span></blockquote>
<br />
Il est encore temps.Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-18467536404835815222012-10-01T18:26:00.000-07:002012-10-01T18:38:27.465-07:00Rue Royale, or Candy for Your Indie Ears<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAJTn17SGtF46Nm7lNAlQZrtfGcPlIt9oKxuOtsQcMfa0XVZukiDpDsPWZUhlfOthYlXhsrcPms5U65Nsy0CWqd-99TjKZxiwvy-_zM4x-zvnQXCl6KIiluKYgzEUoIrGW860CgO5kFs/s1600/rue+royale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRAJTn17SGtF46Nm7lNAlQZrtfGcPlIt9oKxuOtsQcMfa0XVZukiDpDsPWZUhlfOthYlXhsrcPms5U65Nsy0CWqd-99TjKZxiwvy-_zM4x-zvnQXCl6KIiluKYgzEUoIrGW860CgO5kFs/s320/rue+royale.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo Credit: <i><a href="http://berlinsessions.tv/2011/08/08/rue-royale/" target="_blank">Berlin Sessions</a></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br />
I stumbled upon <i><a href="http://rueroyalemusic.com/" target="_blank">Rue Royale</a></i>'s songs while searching for cool new playlists on <a href="http://8tracks.com/" target="_blank">8tracks</a>. What really strikes me about their music is how sophisticated and creative their melodies are. Every song of theirs is precious and unique.<br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Rue Royale</i>'s motto is ''<a href="http://rueroyalemusic.com/?page_id=2" target="_blank">it's all about the journey, not the destination.</a>''<br />
Indeed, many of their songs seem to line up with the idea that it's all about the <i>process</i> and not the end goal.<br />
<br />
And Rue Royale is not only about the music; their lyrics are deep, genuine, and relateable. Some of their songs are in fact profound reflections about being a human, the meaning of existence, and one's spiritual journey.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Even in the Darkness</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>oh I will follow you</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>even in the darkness know you're true</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>oh I will follow you</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>walking in the light you call me to</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>cause i </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>i love your name it is like honey on my mouth</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>oh i </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>i love your ways they are so beautiful to me</i></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<br />
<div>
<b>These Long Roads</b></div>
<div>
<i>'cause you know when you walk so long</i></div>
<div>
<i>in your head it feels oh so wrong</i></div>
<div>
<i>we're not alone, no</i></div>
<div>
<i>we're not alone</i></div>
<div>
<i>at the end</i></div>
<div>
<i>at the end of these long roads</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Blame</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>give me just a clue</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>just a glimpse into</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>what it is you'd like to say</i></div>
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<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-32307618868551816832012-09-19T16:15:00.000-07:002012-09-20T08:09:59.326-07:00In the Great Scheme of Things<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnTEfcfArnm9mnE6XZv9SMLHycpuwp8nXD42FFMjMv-YholRrqhbuVkUKYSG1CK_69GYMsYRIi4P_yV2NBwmeCUm7gpbxTvqECOgWTRBWKDttRkWksP3XmU1xXC6zOxcCUFb3t58AKXg/s1600/margot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnTEfcfArnm9mnE6XZv9SMLHycpuwp8nXD42FFMjMv-YholRrqhbuVkUKYSG1CK_69GYMsYRIi4P_yV2NBwmeCUm7gpbxTvqECOgWTRBWKDttRkWksP3XmU1xXC6zOxcCUFb3t58AKXg/s320/margot.jpg" width="243" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>At the Milliner's</i> (1878) - Pierre-Auguste Renoir</td></tr>
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I love this painting and the idea it conveys. The woman, though surrounded with colours and noise and movement, is calm and thoughtful, almost daydreaming.<br />
<br />
I wish I was that woman, calm, peaceful and serene in the midst of a restless world.<br />
<br />
My world is restless, and so is my life, most of the time. It seems like there's always more work to be done. It is so easy to let ourselves be carried away by our daily worries and go about life with our eyes closed, focused on the task and the here and now and losing sight of the greater scheme of things.<br />
<br />
It is so tempting to trade the ultimate for the immediate.<br />
It is so easy to just go with the flow.<br />
It is so easy to let ourselves be overwhelmed<br />
<br />
In the midst of this crazy life I hope to not get caught up in the daily details. As one of my teachers would say, I don't want to ''major in minor.''<br />
<br />
It's really all about keeping the big picture in mind. We have but one life to live.<br />
<br />
Somedays, the only thing that keeps me from falling into despair is this:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Commit your way to the Lord,<br />
trust in him, and he will act. (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm%2037:5&version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalm 37:7</a>) </blockquote>
I need to be reminded that I can trust God with my life, my schooling, my job, my hopes and aspirations. I can rest in the knowledge that my life is in his hands and that He will take care of me. I need not worry about a thing.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
For in Him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, 'we are His offspring'. (<a href="http://bible.cc/acts/17-28.htm" target="_blank">Acts 17:28</a>)</blockquote>
<br />
When we are free from the world and the cares of this world, we are free to live for what life really is all about. No matter how valuable education is or finding a good job is important, education and work are not the ultimate reason we are on Earth for.<br />
<br />
I don't want to spend my life 'majoring in minor things.' I want to be calm, peaceful and serene in the midst of a restless world, giving all I am and have for what truly is meaningful in the great scheme of things.<br />
<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-24116120649830518952012-08-28T20:40:00.000-07:002012-08-28T21:07:07.531-07:00The 2012 Quebec Election, or Why Democracy Is Beautiful Even Though You Don't Always Have Your Way<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yrBA-9oWJxSdQPtHnwBr2JgyNgConlu3lWEULk50XS0qa2MFpvGP4WcK57xoL1VIotU5RWh9BLhHDsW7_meztUWm6ll085o_VfxxslEFlqGtHugAP7oIXwrWvE5xWPTIghlDK30RkLE/s1600/elections_quebec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-yrBA-9oWJxSdQPtHnwBr2JgyNgConlu3lWEULk50XS0qa2MFpvGP4WcK57xoL1VIotU5RWh9BLhHDsW7_meztUWm6ll085o_VfxxslEFlqGtHugAP7oIXwrWvE5xWPTIghlDK30RkLE/s320/elections_quebec.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.google.ca/imgres?num=10&hl=en&biw=1033&bih=637&tbm=isch&tbnid=4I97BZfE313SEM:&imgrefurl=http://www.hayatcanada.com/2012/08/20/muslim-community-in-quebec-why-i-vote-sept-4/&imgurl=http://www.hayatcanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/elections_quebec.jpg&w=635&h=357&ei=EXM9UKa_LaWf6QHo6oCoDw&zoom=1&iact=rc&dur=268&sig=104255256527939451715&page=2&tbnh=100&tbnw=177&start=13&ndsp=18&ved=1t:429,r:1,s:13,i:135&tx=13&ty=41" target="_blank">credit)</a></td></tr>
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The 2012 Quebec election has got me thinking a lot about democracy.<br />
<br />
For those of you who don't know about Quebec, let me explain; Quebec is one of the 10 provinces of Canada. The concept of a <i>province</i> in Canada is equivalent to the concept the <i>state</i> in the U.S., although a province has little less independence than a state. Although they operate under the<i> federal</i> government, each province has its own <i>provincial</i> government. The provinces regulate their own healthcare and education systems, for example.<br />
<br />
Politics is a touchy subject everywhere, and especially in Quebec. Quebec is a diverse society that has many social and political cleavages, and a particularly divisive issue: the debate over <i>sovereignty</i>.<br />
<br />
Simply put, sovereignty is the idea that Quebec should be a country of its own, not just a part of Canada. This has been a debate for decades; there has been 2 general referenda, and in both cases, Quebecers decided they wanted to stay within Canada.<br />
<br />
In this 2012 election, there is much at stake, and it is very hard to predict what will happen on September 4th. It is very easy to criticize the political parties or leaders we disagree with, especially during an election campaign. Ideologies are exposed, scrutinized and discussed, but they are also condemned and scorned.<br />
<br />
Everyone has their own opinion about how society should be run and what government should do. We try to figure out which party is closest to our ideals, and eventually, we go to the polls and vote on what we think is the best option out there.<br />
<br />
Obviously, as individuals, we don't always have our way. In Canada, governments are generally elected with about 35% of the popular vote, which means that about 65% of voters don't have their way. This is how representative democracy works, and even though this system has its flaws, it is still democracy.<br />
<br />
Whichever party is elected, I am grateful for living in a democratic society. I am blessed to live in a country where every citizen has a right to vote and decide what party is in power. Unlike many countries where fundamental rights are restrained or suppressed, Canada ensures freedom of conscience, freedom of speech, freedom of association and free elections.<br />
<br />
I hope that a large number of Quebecers will vote on September 4th: No vote is lost, every one of them counts. I encourage Quebecers not to vote strategically, but to vote according to their own conscience. Even if the political party you are supporting ''does not stand a chance'' of forming government, your vote gives it funding for the next election.<br />
<br />
Whatever happens next Tuesday, let us accept it as the will of the people, whether it is change or status quo. Let us be thankful for a wide array of parties to choose from and free elections. Let us be thankful that the results will be truthful, not corrupted.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Let us never forget that government is ourselves and not an alien power over us. The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a President and senators and congressmen and government officials, but the voters of this country</b></i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
- Franklin D. Roosevelt</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP69GvjlUnxpXNtEEUPp7oC9Ws2EdO-1TFJJsz4EGlY_pacoPX8j_uV9RyfW4-Ge8YclWD55-W7t6vKyzV-A-YRXKtrSUspdmBDGq_X2uvyI1E2mZTcPvUl8yiffWoRh7Db1lPd1FEXPQ/s1600/L'Assembl%C3%A9e_Nationale_du_Qu%C3%A9bec.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP69GvjlUnxpXNtEEUPp7oC9Ws2EdO-1TFJJsz4EGlY_pacoPX8j_uV9RyfW4-Ge8YclWD55-W7t6vKyzV-A-YRXKtrSUspdmBDGq_X2uvyI1E2mZTcPvUl8yiffWoRh7Db1lPd1FEXPQ/s320/L'Assembl%C3%A9e_Nationale_du_Qu%C3%A9bec.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Quebec National Assembly</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-77073966723542363312012-08-21T15:18:00.000-07:002012-08-22T06:47:38.433-07:00Probably My Favourite Poem So Far<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJJf5Le7Qiw9w97mdW_FfEFm2MPsLsDJs6Ac9tAvCli3zfiEMKmlkYwaiIuITBhyphenhyphenQAKVojgaKmnYFtWE8OSkFBaqCDo0_m_EmWiBgm1R-HZDqBFiWdzLiRjfU946rAJg-WorW4y1Ic2A/s1600/herbert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEJJf5Le7Qiw9w97mdW_FfEFm2MPsLsDJs6Ac9tAvCli3zfiEMKmlkYwaiIuITBhyphenhyphenQAKVojgaKmnYFtWE8OSkFBaqCDo0_m_EmWiBgm1R-HZDqBFiWdzLiRjfU946rAJg-WorW4y1Ic2A/s320/herbert.jpg" width="255" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">George Herbert, <i>1593-1633</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Most people today have never heard of <a href="http://www.poetryfoundation.org/bio/george-herbert" target="_blank">George Herbert</a>, a 17th century English Priest and prolific metaphysical poet. His most famous collection of poems, <i>The Temple</i>, was published <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Herbert#Priesthood" target="_blank">posthumously</a>.</span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;">The Metaphysical poets <a href="http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/5662" target="_blank">''developed a poetic style in which philosophical and spiritual subjects were approached with reason and often concluded in paradox.''</a> <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(<a href="http://www.poets.org/index.php" target="_blank">Academy of American Poets</a>)</span></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Herbert's <i>The Collar</i> has been one of my favourite poems for a long time. I appreciate how genuine and honest it is about spirituality. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>The Collar</i> is the story of a man who has been faithful to God throughout his life but now <a href="http://alexbh.blogspot.ca/2012/05/some-thoughts-on-faith-and-doubt.html" target="_blank">doubts</a>. He is counting the cost and is questioning whether he should persevere. Progressively, he starts trying to convince himself to let go of everything he has always believed in. For a moment, he is tired to seek God's face, to seek moral righteousness and justice.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<center>
<table cellpadding="2"><tbody>
<tr><td><pre><span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> <big><big>I</big></big> <big>S</big>truck the board, and cry’d, No more.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> I will abroad.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> What? shall I ever <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2132421784478631864" name="sigh">sigh</a> and pine?</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">My lines and life are free; free as the rode,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Loose as the winde, as large as store.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Shall I be still in suit?</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Have I no <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2132421784478631864" name="harvest">harvest</a> but a thorn</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> To let me bloud, and not restore</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">What I have lost with cordiall fruit?</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Sure there was <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2132421784478631864" name="wine">wine</a></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Before my sighs did drie it: there was<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2132421784478631864" name="corn"> corn</a></span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Before my <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2132421784478631864" name="tears">tears</a> did drown it.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Is the yeare onely lost to me?</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Have I no bayes to crown it?</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">No <a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=2132421784478631864" name="flowers">flowers</a>, no garlands gay? all blasted?</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> All wasted?</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Not so, my heart: but there is fruit,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> And thou hast hands.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Recover all thy sigh-blown age</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">On double pleasures: leave thy cold dispute</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">Of what is fit, and not. Forsake thy cage,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Thy rope of sands,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">Which pettie thoughts have made, and made to thee</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Good cable, to enforce and draw,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> And be thy law,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> While thou didst wink and wouldst not see.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Away; take heed:</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> I will abroad.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">Call in thy deaths head there: tie up thy fears.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> He that forbears</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> To suit and serve his need,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Deserves his load.</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;">But as I rav’d and grew more fierce and wilde</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> At every word,</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> Me thoughts I heard one calling, <i>Childe</i>:</span>
<span style="font-family: Book Antiqua, Times;"> And I reply’d, <i>My Lord</i>.</span></pre>
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</center>
<center style="text-align: left;">
The last two lines get me every time. As the author grows fierce and wild, God whispers and reveals himself to the author again. He has been there all along! </center>
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<center style="text-align: left;">
Doubt gives way to certitude, and the relationship is restored.</center>
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Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-16917808226954843232012-07-10T18:41:00.001-07:002012-08-05T08:06:52.864-07:00Western (Twisted) Logic<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlphVqnWuLEPlY0cFBkbRXSPG4atzMxVh4WFGgcR2JF3uoSgKYnCruqsfCO55qhdzsd4q2dfasN8QaLOMCFAJQ2-3kD2M0ky5F-45WTQHF2Ac2EidyYnl51zR95GJOLBjbER8WQnEVULY/s1600/old+beggar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlphVqnWuLEPlY0cFBkbRXSPG4atzMxVh4WFGgcR2JF3uoSgKYnCruqsfCO55qhdzsd4q2dfasN8QaLOMCFAJQ2-3kD2M0ky5F-45WTQHF2Ac2EidyYnl51zR95GJOLBjbER8WQnEVULY/s320/old+beggar.jpg" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Old Beggar</i>, Louis Dewis (1916)</td></tr>
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Last week, I was enjoying the beautiful weather outside on my lunch break. I work at a coffee shop downtown, surrounded by large government offices, law firms, fancy restaurants and luxury hotels.<br />
<br />
I remember sitting outside in my <i>barista</i> uniform, surrounded by many well to-do adults: graduate students, civil servants, retired couples, tourists... Everyone was in their own bubble, looking busy and/or indifferent to the people around them.<br />
<br />
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an old man walking towards where I was. He was short and slightly hunchbacked. He had a long, apparently filthy beard and was dressed in rags. Without knowing <i>who</i> he was, everyone knew <i>what</i> he was. A homeless person. Or, as some would say, a <i>hobo</i>.<br />
<br />
I could see about 20 people staring at him, most of whom I knew were professionals. People stared as he walked towards the garbage can. People stared as he took the lid away. People stared as he went through the content of the garbage, and took a banana peel. People stared.<br />
<br />
The scene was rather shocking. How could so many people bear the sight of this poor man degrading himself so as to look for food out of a public garbage can? How could we just stare at him?<br />
<br />
I felt indignant and ashamed. How can people who have a well-paying job, a house, a car and a retirement plan just <i>watch</i> this humble man and not feel personally called to give a hand to a person in a degrading situation?<br />
<br />
<i><b>We are often very judgmental and indifferent towards people who live on the streets.</b></i><br />
<br />
If you are not convinced, watch for how many people will pass by a beggar without even looking at him when you go downtown. How degrading, disrespectful and devaluing that must be! If you ask anyone whether all humans are equal in worth and value, chances are the answer you will get is <i>yes</i>. Most of us will agree to that statement. But do we live up to it?<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Beggars, who are, by definition, beggars, and do not have a home of their own or food for tomorrow, seem to be often perceived as </span><b style="background-color: white;">thieves</b><span style="background-color: white;">, trying to use your hardly-earned money for the sole purpose of buying drugs. Some consider them completely responsibile for being on the streets, like it was their career choice or something.</span><br />
<br />
It is true that some of them may use charity money for drugs, but this situation only highlights their misery, and should make us more compassionate. But is this an excuse to not give? We don't have to give money, we can give goods, such as food. Besides, some of them are completely sober, and do not misuse the money they are given.<br />
<br />
Our reasoning seems to be an excuse to not take action, most of the time. But beyond our assumptions, prejudices and stereotypes, there is much to learn and discover.<br />
<br />
The times I have had talking with people living on the streets have been some of the most enriching in my whole life. They taught me so much about how they conceive and live life. They gave me a perspective on the world I had never had before.They opened up to me and gave me more than I gave them, it seems.<br />
<br />
Instead of suspecting the worst, we should hope for the best.<br />
Compassion. Love. Generosity. That's what's truly important.<br />
<br />
In what practical ways can we help the people who live on the streets? There are many ways we can give them assistance in a safe and respectful way.<br />
<br />
I think that's what it means to love our neighbour as ourselves. If a brother, another human being, is needy, we should try to meet their needs.<br />
<br />
Remember the old man who was going to eat the banana peel?<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Someone walked up to him and gave him lunch.</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK538o-qSQRr2sftCx4bHI7GuP7TWxhQjHc6p6yMG1vimjuw2zqf2RGfJCtzkAUubDJCNpX-LT8LMfZD8wxZ35FbnF8ecyqgr1K7tCXRuP3B5fjZvpJeQ2fZur8TFRTL5Qq2WXR_jDQQQ/s1600/Portrait+of+Sir+Francis+Ford%E2%80%99s+Children+Giving+a+Coin+to+a+Beggar+Boy+by+Sir+William+Beechey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK538o-qSQRr2sftCx4bHI7GuP7TWxhQjHc6p6yMG1vimjuw2zqf2RGfJCtzkAUubDJCNpX-LT8LMfZD8wxZ35FbnF8ecyqgr1K7tCXRuP3B5fjZvpJeQ2fZur8TFRTL5Qq2WXR_jDQQQ/s320/Portrait+of+Sir+Francis+Ford%E2%80%99s+Children+Giving+a+Coin+to+a+Beggar+Boy+by+Sir+William+Beechey.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Portrait of Sir Francis Ford's Children Giving a Coin</i><br />
<i>to a Beggar Boy</i>, Sir William Beechey (1793)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-51526501909698917822012-06-29T14:37:00.000-07:002012-06-29T14:41:17.394-07:00Singing In The Rain, or ''How Great Thou Art''<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_JUO9AVfg5OG36_0q21HLJCiFGnn4pDFhDRsXXlXrKvOYLZ1KPXMj9akcdqu0vtsxc7wjzpgv9CZa5B0KbqT0HHpvC6_M3hY05e0zKZP2AKJrA9ucFetgokdJoVI0gbNvjP8rBPKH4k/s1600/monet-cliffs-at-pourville-rain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC_JUO9AVfg5OG36_0q21HLJCiFGnn4pDFhDRsXXlXrKvOYLZ1KPXMj9akcdqu0vtsxc7wjzpgv9CZa5B0KbqT0HHpvC6_M3hY05e0zKZP2AKJrA9ucFetgokdJoVI0gbNvjP8rBPKH4k/s320/monet-cliffs-at-pourville-rain.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Cliffs at Pourville, Rain</i>, Claude Monet, 1896</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
About an hour ago, I was calmly sitting outside reading when a storm suddenly broke. I heard thunder and saw lightning as it started pouring rain. It was a big storm.<br />
<br />
As I was watching the thunderstorm from the garage, I was very impressed by all the strength and power of the natural elements on display. I automatically started thinking about God.<br />
<br />
All I could do was to watch, to appreciate, to admire. At that moment, I was just so aware of my powerlessness as a human being. We humans are not even close to understanding all the complexity of how the universe works. The fallibility of our knowledge in that area is made obvious by the fact that we cannot even predict the weather very well based on observation.<br />
<br />
As I was observing the storm, I couldn't help but praise the Creator for his strength, beauty and magnificence. That was a great reminder that he is in power, and I am not. I am so small, helpless and flawed. Strangely, in his greatness, God cares about me. He who created the earth, the stars and the sun wants to be in touch with humans, whom he made in his image.<br />
<br />
<br />
I was then reminded of an old hymn, <span style="background-color: white;"><i><a href="http://www.greatchristianhymns.com/how-great-thou-art.html" target="_blank">How Great Thou Art</a></i></span><span style="background-color: white;">. When I was younger, I was not very fond of old hymns because I thought the melodies were not catchy enough and there were way too many stanzas. Now that I'm older, however, I am learning to appreciate the hymns more and more and see them as hidden treasures. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">Here are the verses that came to my mind as I was watching the storm:</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>O Lord my God, when I in awesome wonder</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Consider all the works thy hands have made</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Thy power throughout the universe displayed</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>Then sings my soul, my Saviour God, to thee</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><i>How great thou art, How great thou art</i></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">In that moment, these words came alive to me like never before. It seemed that the hymn perfectly translated my thoughts into words.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">When the storm was over, I did some research about <i>How Great Thou Art</i>, and found that it was originally a Swedish poem written by Carl Gustav Boberg in the 19th century. Here is how the song came to be:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-style: italic;">
Carl Boberg and some friends were returning home to Mönsterœs from Kronoböck, where they had participated in an afternoon service. Nature was at its peak that radiant afternoon. Presently a thundercloud appeared on the horizon, and soon sharp lightning flashed across the sky. Strong winds swept over the meadows and billowing fields of grain. The thunder pealed in loud claps. Then rain came in cool fresh showers. In a little while the storm was over, and a rainbow appeared.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="background-color: white;">When Boberg arrived home, he opened the window and saw the bay of Mšnsterœslike a mirror before him… From the woods on the other side of the bay, he heard the song of a thrush…the church bells were tolling in the quiet evening. It was this series of sights, sounds, and experiences that inspired the writing of the song. </i><span style="background-color: white;">(Retreived </span><a href="http://www.pietisten.org/winter0203/howgreat.html" style="background-color: white;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="background-color: white;">)</span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">I think it's very interesting how this song was written after a storm, which perhaps explains why I thought of it during a storm. It's fascinating to think that we can have similar thoughts about God in similar situations.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">It's sunny outside, now.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyNlu0n3V20xcv2_FcAWdW0_mSe35MXilgxUiHq6wUatOpygDJnI_EnbPLI-Y-iXi02cydjb1fZdP9SWQWDeV9nOWyzWiTyNr1UvOj_xv8UmvfqIGFa-PYEDD8Ribc9I8txT51nzPTXM/s1600/rising+sun.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWyNlu0n3V20xcv2_FcAWdW0_mSe35MXilgxUiHq6wUatOpygDJnI_EnbPLI-Y-iXi02cydjb1fZdP9SWQWDeV9nOWyzWiTyNr1UvOj_xv8UmvfqIGFa-PYEDD8Ribc9I8txT51nzPTXM/s320/rising+sun.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Enclosed Fields with Rising Sun</i>, Van Gogh, 1889</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span>Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-16942032114264844352012-06-17T21:18:00.001-07:002012-06-17T21:18:45.916-07:00Introducing ''The Welcome Wagon''<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKU0fS8NwZbFa0jpQPVt8tawet2qJ4Slh6Kr3Y74_-hkg9OM9FY72qbOSeGT2I6Juawtj_zUs9eyh-xNAGTh4shr3jXk33sqHVp3WVGaEB1oDgdXEukIKyh6PLOxocG35GAN7WJxIGuQ/s1600/theww.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTKU0fS8NwZbFa0jpQPVt8tawet2qJ4Slh6Kr3Y74_-hkg9OM9FY72qbOSeGT2I6Juawtj_zUs9eyh-xNAGTh4shr3jXk33sqHVp3WVGaEB1oDgdXEukIKyh6PLOxocG35GAN7WJxIGuQ/s320/theww.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo from <i>Asthmatic Kitty</i>'s <a href="http://asthmatickitty.com/precious-remedies" target="_blank">website</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The picture above shows Vito Aiuto and his wife Monique, also known as ''The Welcome Wagon.'' I have previously written about Vito Aiuto and Sufjan Stevens in a post called <i><a href="http://alexbh.blogspot.ca/2012/03/vitos-ordination-song-masterpiece-by.html" target="_blank">Vito's Ordination Song - A Masterpiece by Sufjan Stevens</a></i>.<br />
<br />
I love<i> The Welcome Wagon</i>'s music. Although I'm not big on labels when it comes to music, I would say it's some kind of (christian) indie folk. I enjoy their heartfelt and unconventionnal lyrics, as well as their diverse and original melodies. They use a wide array of instruments in in their songs, and sometimes have a choir singing with them.<br />
<br />
I discovered their band while searching for Sufjan-related music on the internet. Indeed, their first album, <i><a href="http://thewelcomewagon.bandcamp.com/album/welcome-to-the-welcome-wagon" target="_blank">Welcome to the Welcome Wagon</a></i>, was produced by Sufjan Stevens and his record label, <a href="http://asthmatickitty.com/" target="_blank">Asthmatic Kitty</a>. Here are some songs I love from that album, as well as some lyrics.<br />
<br />
<b>But For You Who Fear My Name</b><br />
<i>You shall be my very own / on the day that I / cause you to be my special home. / I shall spare you as a man / has compassion on his son / who does the best he can.</i><br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>Up On A Mountain</b><br />
<i>Up in the heavens our Lord prays for you / He sent his spirit to carry us through / So it's true that you're not alone. / Do you know He came all the way down?</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/g67qNYjNCF4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<b>I Am A Stranger</b><br />
<i>Tis' seldom I can never see my- / Self as I would wish to be, what / I desire I can't attain, from / what I hate I can't refrain</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/Btg2TkfR3iE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />
I think what I really enjoy about <i>The Welcome Wagon</i> is how beautifully <b>honest</b> they are about faith, doubt and emotions. Sometimes life is easy, and sometimes it's hard. But whatever happens, we know that God will carry us through.<br />
<br />
I must say I am very, very excited about The Welcome Wagon's latest album, <i><a href="http://thewelcomewagon.bandcamp.com/album/precious-remedies-against-satans-devices" target="_blank">Precious Remedies Against Satan's Devices</a>, </i>which was released only a few days ago! I am already in love with <i>I Know That My Redeemer Lives. </i>You can listen to this song <a href="http://thewelcomewagon.bandcamp.com/track/i-know-that-my-redeemer-lives" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
I hope you'll enjoy listening to The Welcome Wagon as much as I do! When I first started listening to them, I didn't really like their music, but it grew on me. I love their music now!Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-83747542527499412192012-06-11T16:10:00.000-07:002012-06-11T19:23:10.694-07:00Paintings That Fascinate Me<i>Here are some paintings I find fascinating. I could write about each of them and explain why I find them captivating and moving, but I don't want to corrupt your interpretation of the paintings with mine.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Starry Night (<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">De sterrennacht) </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;">- Van</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"> Gogh, 1889</span></span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A9ujViNdtxDyBbabM8HA_kEHH_sEYdOND-Gpa5JYxE7mpP_9oPWRShGQ4tnL5zwLuc3CL33gGk-nVIzUvSEpfwtfmrHnDyNcQL05ioic-pmHuymoW_PNCsIPTHY69qYIUen6oSEHn6g/s1600/starry+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8A9ujViNdtxDyBbabM8HA_kEHH_sEYdOND-Gpa5JYxE7mpP_9oPWRShGQ4tnL5zwLuc3CL33gGk-nVIzUvSEpfwtfmrHnDyNcQL05ioic-pmHuymoW_PNCsIPTHY69qYIUen6oSEHn6g/s320/starry+night.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><br /></i><br />
<b>The Kiss (Der Kuss) - Gustav Klimt, 1907</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcou2Vh-z57k2niK4_Tb0SavqX9Di9hhjPkbCi3O3z5LaKek5T6icCVyWrjmW4QqQzql68QQntpvB6XuA1o8q099hekmobOz0AaI15CuccN8fPnZT_Ji-tw0rxXm5I0nLLbOOPh0-Jtc/s1600/kiss+klimt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKcou2Vh-z57k2niK4_Tb0SavqX9Di9hhjPkbCi3O3z5LaKek5T6icCVyWrjmW4QqQzql68QQntpvB6XuA1o8q099hekmobOz0AaI15CuccN8fPnZT_Ji-tw0rxXm5I0nLLbOOPh0-Jtc/s320/kiss+klimt.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>London, Houses of Parliament. The Sun Shining Through the Fog (Londres, le Parlement. Trouée de soleil dans le brouillard) - Claude Monet, 1904.</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTx4ny2TmyoM8cQ0E1PBvLxuSUzSniYmulmpXAaJX1Myy45HSew_GzxY_EikdDgxPixl1FjqgfMUdtbYMC_IZr5jPRJOuwNFLESigbnVMgQsAuk3ubEuGhVo4Hx3cPyszeDInQjLHEB0/s1600/monet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLTx4ny2TmyoM8cQ0E1PBvLxuSUzSniYmulmpXAaJX1Myy45HSew_GzxY_EikdDgxPixl1FjqgfMUdtbYMC_IZr5jPRJOuwNFLESigbnVMgQsAuk3ubEuGhVo4Hx3cPyszeDInQjLHEB0/s320/monet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>American Gothic - Grant Wood, 1930</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IhJhxOyxdDN8lM9QgKuTe680y3Veq39k1zFm57GuEJwNHcEXpRkN62JH4sGfJ5xBZRq-mvw2hlGR39OOQ6nihdY9Jm2zV9x8BPutqhYN_BdTUhNXZTio4aV4hNysQHak6-SNGXMmDTA/s1600/wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IhJhxOyxdDN8lM9QgKuTe680y3Veq39k1zFm57GuEJwNHcEXpRkN62JH4sGfJ5xBZRq-mvw2hlGR39OOQ6nihdY9Jm2zV9x8BPutqhYN_BdTUhNXZTio4aV4hNysQHak6-SNGXMmDTA/s1600/wood.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b>The Two Princes Edward and Richard in the Tower - John Everett Millais, 1878</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidllw5aaHv8JeTyjoaZVV5karqJVHcMnaSILhmTriAl2d0ZWoaoeWTu86GAng03KHzLThRgFxieI7QXHBTmU5J7WqcGncwOVAqIQgmO8_perPa6vAi1MoSIT30MkeaEB2LV6yU2d0u9_E/s1600/millais.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidllw5aaHv8JeTyjoaZVV5karqJVHcMnaSILhmTriAl2d0ZWoaoeWTu86GAng03KHzLThRgFxieI7QXHBTmU5J7WqcGncwOVAqIQgmO8_perPa6vAi1MoSIT30MkeaEB2LV6yU2d0u9_E/s320/millais.jpg" width="205" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b><br />
<b><br /></b><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<b><i>What do these paintings evoke in you?</i></b></div>
<b><br /></b>Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2132421784478631864.post-62014794447584292812012-06-04T07:58:00.000-07:002012-06-04T08:00:09.178-07:00Coffee and Ethics<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbddwMV3rk01Zycqe3NmuIrFuhyphenhyphenpsduXhrVJhOYqypyZ_ggF92AQdRzHX9d59vXvw8vahXsZjdvX0g-LAaDo1zilEMerraAKdLJvZR81raHTAV8cYkLtOsZ7y-HKP3M0hKHydPHDLReVc/s1600/crema.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbddwMV3rk01Zycqe3NmuIrFuhyphenhyphenpsduXhrVJhOYqypyZ_ggF92AQdRzHX9d59vXvw8vahXsZjdvX0g-LAaDo1zilEMerraAKdLJvZR81raHTAV8cYkLtOsZ7y-HKP3M0hKHydPHDLReVc/s320/crema.jpg" width="260" /></a></div>
<br />
Everyone who knows me knows I love coffee. I love an espresso with real nice orange <i><b>crema</b>. </i>It's no wonder I'm a barista at a coffee shop! It's a great student job, and I get free coffee!<br />
<br />
But my student job is not what I want to write about. I want to write about ethics and coffee.<br />
<br />
Canada is a democracy: every four years, citizens vote for the party they want to see in power.<br />
<br />
As <b>individual consumers</b>, we have a similar power. Every time we make a purchase, we make the decision to favour a product or a brand over another product or brand. Remember <b>supply and demand</b>?<br />
<br />
Our daily choices influence what is on the market. Different types of consumers are looking for different types of products: some want the highest quality, some are looking for the cheapest product and some are looking for a middle ground.<br />
<br />
In North America, coffee is a beloved product. Here in Canada, coffee grain is even tax-free because it is considered an ''essential good.'' Some couldn't get through the day without their morning coffee at work while some others prefer to sip an <i>espresso macchiato</i> while reading a book in a café on a rainy thursday afternoon.<br />
<br />
I don't know whether you are aware of it, but the coffee you buy at the grocery store or at your favourite coffee shop makes a <i><b>huge difference</b></i> in the lives of thousands of people living thousands of miles away from you.<br />
<br />
In many African and South American countries, coffee producers are being <i><b>exploited</b></i>. Many of them do a lot of physical work and hard labour, only to get miserable wages.<br />
<br />
When I was in Costa Rica 4 years ago, I lived with a family who owned a coffee plantation. Far from being wealthy, they lived in a tiny house and had a very simple, frugal lifestyle. The thing is, their coffee is bought at a very cheap price by big companies who then sell it at a way higher price to European and North American coffee companies.<br />
<br />
In other countries, the State is sometimes the only authorized buyer, and sets the price of coffee. The government can then buy the grain from the peasants, only to make loads of money by selling it to coffee multinationals.<br />
<br />
I don't want to write about this forever, so here's the point: <i><b>buying fair trade coffee is important</b></i>. Otherwise, chances are the coffee producers were not paid a fair price for their work and their product. Coffee is not produced in factories: coffee is produced by plants and harvested by <i>people</i>, who toil and sweat.<br />
<br />
The market share of fair trade coffee is still very low in many countries, but here's what we can do if we care about the quality of life and recognition of the hard work of coffee producers.<br />
1. <b>Buy fair trade coffee </b>if you can afford it (only slightly more expensive than regular coffee, but it makes all the difference in the world. That extra money goes to the producer)<br />
2. <b>Ask for fair trade coffee</b> at your favourite coffee shop. Many coffee shops offer at least one variety of fair trade coffee. (Second Cup, for example, offers the <i>Cuzco</i>, which has the fair-trade and organic certifications)<br />
3. <b>Get informed</b>. Read <a href="http://fairtrade.ca/en/products/coffee-0" target="_blank"><b>this article</b></a> by Fairtrade Canada.<br />
4. <b>Realise and appreciate </b>the power you have to change things as a consumer! If the demand for fair trade coffee increases, the offer will increase as well!<br />
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Here's a cool video I found on youtube. It's about fair trade in general and, obviously, the power of the consumer. It's super short.<br />
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<b>Fair Trade: The Power of the Consumer</b></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DVxe1ZKIff0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />Alex B.H.http://www.blogger.com/profile/14302649288118748851noreply@blogger.com2