Taken from A Picture of Dorian Gray
Don't squander the gold of your days,
listening to the tedious, trying to improve the hopeless failure,
or giving away your life to the ignorant, the common,
and the vulgar. These are the sickly aims, the false ideals,
of our age. Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you!
Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for
new sensations. Be afraid of nothing. . . . A new Hedonism--
that is what our century wants. You might be its visible symbol.
With your personality there is nothing you could not do.
The world belongs to you for a season. . . . The moment I met
you I saw that you were quite unconscious of what you really are,
of what you really might be. There was so much in you that
charmed me that I felt I must tell you something about yourself.
I thought how tragic it would be if you were wasted. For there is
such a little time that your youth will last--such a little time.
The common hill-flowers wither, but they blossom again.
The laburnum will be as yellow next June as it is now.
In a month there will be purple stars on the clematis, and year
after year the green night of its leaves will hold its purple stars.
But we never get back our youth. The pulse of joy that beats in us
at twenty becomes sluggish. Our limbs fail, our senses rot.
We degenerate into hideous puppets, haunted by the memory
of the passions of which we were too much afraid, and the
exquisite temptations that we had not the courage to yield to.
Youth! Youth! There is absolutely nothing in the world but
youth!"
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A Thought from a Paper Ago
As I saw the length of the line, of what appeared to be a human chain of eager-to-be consumers in their desperation for the latest Blackberry product, “Aren’t we suffering from a recession?” Rang in my head, at the shocking disbelief of what I was seeing before me. This new and “better” Blackberry must be promising miracles to attract such a mob of mass consumption.
Quantity is the new quality. The way in which we have commodified communication allows us to do it all, that is—fit a week into a day. Think about it—things pile up, we speed up, and so does our reality. Even the way in which we communicate with our social network seems to be more of a drop-in landing. Instead of hanging out, we check in. A few minutes here and there are sometimes all the time we have to offer. A friend’s voice has been compensated for mere doses of text-abbreviated-socialization. But still, we can connect to anyone at anytime and faster than ever before, right? Then why is it that people feel so…disconnected?
Technology remains as the unsatisfied crave of the modern rave. We seem to be giving in to this Brave New World. But I wonder: will we become so over-stimulated with quick swigs of technological socialization that we become detached from long-lasting, savoring reality?
Are these devices really strengthening our social network or actually weakening it? And is it considered “legitimate” leisure?
Quantity is the new quality. The way in which we have commodified communication allows us to do it all, that is—fit a week into a day. Think about it—things pile up, we speed up, and so does our reality. Even the way in which we communicate with our social network seems to be more of a drop-in landing. Instead of hanging out, we check in. A few minutes here and there are sometimes all the time we have to offer. A friend’s voice has been compensated for mere doses of text-abbreviated-socialization. But still, we can connect to anyone at anytime and faster than ever before, right? Then why is it that people feel so…disconnected?
Technology remains as the unsatisfied crave of the modern rave. We seem to be giving in to this Brave New World. But I wonder: will we become so over-stimulated with quick swigs of technological socialization that we become detached from long-lasting, savoring reality?
Are these devices really strengthening our social network or actually weakening it? And is it considered “legitimate” leisure?
Monday, November 2, 2009
Friday, October 30, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
De-Socialization
“What is all the fuss about?” I thought last year, as I saw the length of the human chain of eager-to-be-consumers weaved together in what it seemed a rope of desperation for the latest Blackberry product. “Aren’t we suffering a recession…How are these people able to afford such an expensive gadget?” Rang in my head at the shocking disbelief of what I was seeing before me. “This new and “better” Blackberry must be promising miracles, because the line is three blocks long and a sidewalk-wide!”
Technology has and still is the unsatisfied crave of the modern rave; and no matter what age and social class—we all want a piece of this brave-new-world. Sure…it’s fun! Sending a text message to the buddies or updating our status on Twitter can be a nice break from our waking reality, but why do we allow modern-day technology to break our bank? Credit is not always the best choice; yet it seems no matter the cost,we are willing to pay just about any price. Let’s not get into the conversation of the nation’s individual debt. But just as important—are these devices strengthening our social network or actually weakening it? And is it “legitimate” leisure?
Instant gratification has become successfully commodified. We want it now…not later! Even the speed of light is impressed. We can now connect to anyone at anytime and faster than we have ever before. So why is it that people feel so…disconnected?
Quantity is the new quality. Commodifying communication has allowed us to fit a week into a day. It’s amazing how much we can get done in a day…yet we still feel like we’ve falling behind on task. Things pile up and we speed up. Everything’s faster, even the way we communicate with our social network. Instead of hanging out, we seem to be “checking in.” A few minutes here and there are sometimes all the time that we have to offer. This is why texting works so well. I’ve greatly noticed this myself because I don’t own a cell-phone. Call me old-fashioned, even outlandish, however, I choose to travel much slower than the rest. In fact, my friends joke over the telephone that we have talked for over an hour. Isn’t this normal? I guess I’m just out of the loop. I prefer to hear a real-live voice and exchange in real-live conversation—over a 20-second dose of text-abbreviated-socialization.
Blackberry products fall under leisure devices that help us connect as well as keep in touch with our social network, yet many folks spend countless hours emailing and texting the boss: who wants to know how we are progressing with that deadline. Somehow…the lines of leisure and business have crossed.
I worry about the future of these products. Will we become so over-stimulated with quick swigs of technological socialization that we are soon to become detached from that long-lasting, savoring reality? Are we doomed to be a generation of “plug-ins?” It seems that saying from the 60’s—from that famous hippie Guru, Timothy Leary—seems to be in the process of redefinition, which is to: “Turn on, tune in, and drop out,” with socialized technology as the new drug of choice.
Technology has and still is the unsatisfied crave of the modern rave; and no matter what age and social class—we all want a piece of this brave-new-world. Sure…it’s fun! Sending a text message to the buddies or updating our status on Twitter can be a nice break from our waking reality, but why do we allow modern-day technology to break our bank? Credit is not always the best choice; yet it seems no matter the cost,we are willing to pay just about any price. Let’s not get into the conversation of the nation’s individual debt. But just as important—are these devices strengthening our social network or actually weakening it? And is it “legitimate” leisure?
Instant gratification has become successfully commodified. We want it now…not later! Even the speed of light is impressed. We can now connect to anyone at anytime and faster than we have ever before. So why is it that people feel so…disconnected?
Quantity is the new quality. Commodifying communication has allowed us to fit a week into a day. It’s amazing how much we can get done in a day…yet we still feel like we’ve falling behind on task. Things pile up and we speed up. Everything’s faster, even the way we communicate with our social network. Instead of hanging out, we seem to be “checking in.” A few minutes here and there are sometimes all the time that we have to offer. This is why texting works so well. I’ve greatly noticed this myself because I don’t own a cell-phone. Call me old-fashioned, even outlandish, however, I choose to travel much slower than the rest. In fact, my friends joke over the telephone that we have talked for over an hour. Isn’t this normal? I guess I’m just out of the loop. I prefer to hear a real-live voice and exchange in real-live conversation—over a 20-second dose of text-abbreviated-socialization.
Blackberry products fall under leisure devices that help us connect as well as keep in touch with our social network, yet many folks spend countless hours emailing and texting the boss: who wants to know how we are progressing with that deadline. Somehow…the lines of leisure and business have crossed.
I worry about the future of these products. Will we become so over-stimulated with quick swigs of technological socialization that we are soon to become detached from that long-lasting, savoring reality? Are we doomed to be a generation of “plug-ins?” It seems that saying from the 60’s—from that famous hippie Guru, Timothy Leary—seems to be in the process of redefinition, which is to: “Turn on, tune in, and drop out,” with socialized technology as the new drug of choice.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Legalizing Choice
I can’t help but dive headfirst into the debate about drugs. All this recent talk about legalizing marijuana, for instance, has heated up the seats in Congress as well as the locals here in Walnut Creek—a very “politically-correct” town tucked away in the corner of the East Bay.
But don’t worry folks. I’m not going to say that marijuana is a “safe” drug that everyone should use; and those not using it are simply “missing out”.
What I am going to say is that marijuana is viewed as a negative leisure activity, so much, in fact, that people pay serious penalties. Living what seems a lifetime in jail away from family and society, all while becoming “institutionalized” is an unfair justice system.
So…how should society deal with “pot heads?” Make it legal! But wait before you cringe at the mere thought of this idea: consider all the societal benefits. The truth of the matter is that the phenomenon of smoking marijuana will never go away, so let’s put together our very own “stimulus” package. First, the obvious—slap a tax on it. Let’s face it; the economy needs all the extra green we can get! If it’s true that 4.1 million Americans are habitual marijuana smokers, that’s a lot of money to go around. Second, by legalizing marijuana, the level of gang violence associated with it (being at an all-time-record-high), will exponentially decrease. Third, the legalization of marijuana will also open up quite a bit of vacancy in the prisons, saving taxpayers a load of money. Fourth, it just isn’t right to treat individuals that smoke marijuana in the same way as rapists and murderers.
Marijuana, in many ways, is no different than alcohol. The same holds true; folks shouldn’t smoke and drive. And both can be harmful for the mind, body, and spirit, if not used in moderation; however, the consequence of harm that befalls one in prison because they chose to put a substance in their body—can last a lifetime.
But don’t worry folks. I’m not going to say that marijuana is a “safe” drug that everyone should use; and those not using it are simply “missing out”.
What I am going to say is that marijuana is viewed as a negative leisure activity, so much, in fact, that people pay serious penalties. Living what seems a lifetime in jail away from family and society, all while becoming “institutionalized” is an unfair justice system.
So…how should society deal with “pot heads?” Make it legal! But wait before you cringe at the mere thought of this idea: consider all the societal benefits. The truth of the matter is that the phenomenon of smoking marijuana will never go away, so let’s put together our very own “stimulus” package. First, the obvious—slap a tax on it. Let’s face it; the economy needs all the extra green we can get! If it’s true that 4.1 million Americans are habitual marijuana smokers, that’s a lot of money to go around. Second, by legalizing marijuana, the level of gang violence associated with it (being at an all-time-record-high), will exponentially decrease. Third, the legalization of marijuana will also open up quite a bit of vacancy in the prisons, saving taxpayers a load of money. Fourth, it just isn’t right to treat individuals that smoke marijuana in the same way as rapists and murderers.
Marijuana, in many ways, is no different than alcohol. The same holds true; folks shouldn’t smoke and drive. And both can be harmful for the mind, body, and spirit, if not used in moderation; however, the consequence of harm that befalls one in prison because they chose to put a substance in their body—can last a lifetime.
Monday, July 27, 2009
I hope I get an A on the assignment!
What’s going on in Your Community?
By Samantha Mooney—Rec 2400
Staff Writer
Walnut Creek, CA — Six weeks into summer and already the café shops are buzzing with locals eager to see the new art display of the season. But this is not your typical art from your typical artists; this art comes from the Best of Walnut Creek—its senior citizens.
For the past three years, select cafés have volunteered their walls as a gallery for the elderly who choose to participate and display their perception of the city through photographs. Anything from shots of the city streets to local farmers can be seen over the fragrance of fresh coffee and chimes of chatter, as the locals pry their way through the thick crowds to enjoy in the excitement and curiosity of Walnut Creek’s finest.
“It’s refreshing to see the city I live in and love at a new angle through the eyes of the elderly community” said Ashley Robello, an independent artist and Walnut Creek resident for over 20 years. “Whenever I come across a part of town that I have seen in the one of their images, it redefines the way that I had seen it before.” Twenty-two year old Sabrina Wee recently purchased a photo and made the comment that “Nothing is more pleasing than to purchase a wonderful piece of local art and have that money go back into the community itself.”
The idea was set into motion four years ago by a local resident, while a student of Cal State East Bay, Hayward. “During my last semester, in my Leisure, Self, & Society class, I was given the assignment to create a class in which seniors could enjoy themselves during the best years of their lives” said Samantha Mooney. “I decided to take an approach that would encourage the
seniors at the Royal Oak Retirement Home to spend some time in the sun yet also be involved within the community outside their living quarters. It’s an opportunity for them to develop themselves creatively and express that creativity with the younger and older generations alike.”
With prior experience in the field, Mooney put together a composition workshop on Sunday afternoons in which seniors of all ages can use the simplicity of digital cameras to explore their interests and beauty of the city. “These seniors can experience something fun regardless of most disabilities that they may have, while also a way to get some exercise with a little walking.”
Mooney drives the seniors around town, making stops according to their likings, as well as to various parks and other adventures around town. Later, Mooney returns the seniors home and then takes the photographs to a local shop for development, returning them to the seniors at the next workshop.
“The price of the workshop is very affordable,” Mooney stated. “Only a small fee of twenty dollars per senior includes one full month of classes—covering gas, the costs of development and framing. I didn’t create the project as a way of making profit but simply to involve myself in the community. Any money that is leftover is donated to the seniors.”
Longtime Royal Oak resident Bill Moyers voiced his excitement of the project, “this experience has given me something to look forward to aside from my usual daily routine.” Another resident, Susan Pinto, said that “taking pictures is now something I can do with my granddaughter, who is an art student at Diablo Valley College. Together, we find how to express ourselves through photography.”
What turned out to be merely an idea to fulfill an assignment flourished into a city project, not only has it surfaced local seniors and their harboring hidden talents but at the same time created a much needed revenue in this economic crisis. “All profits from the sale of the photographs go back into the Royal Oak Retirement Home and to the needs of its residents,” explained Mooney.
The money generated, Mooney states, “is used in many ways, from restoring the external condition of the retirement home, to updating technology, supplying and replacing outdated mobile devices, bettering medications, and having the funds to create even more activities.”
Royal Oak Activity Director, Lynda Hall, says, “If it wasn’t for this project, we may have had to make some major changes and possibly layoff some of our staff, to cut costs for much needed improvements. With state and federal budgets cuts on the rise and a lack of financial resources, these seniors have greatly benefited from their perspective of a town they have watched grow.”
Fun in the sun, expressing creativity, while at the same time improving their living conditions, the seniors at the Royal Oak retirement home admit that they couldn’t have had it any better.
By Samantha Mooney—Rec 2400
Staff Writer
Walnut Creek, CA — Six weeks into summer and already the café shops are buzzing with locals eager to see the new art display of the season. But this is not your typical art from your typical artists; this art comes from the Best of Walnut Creek—its senior citizens.
For the past three years, select cafés have volunteered their walls as a gallery for the elderly who choose to participate and display their perception of the city through photographs. Anything from shots of the city streets to local farmers can be seen over the fragrance of fresh coffee and chimes of chatter, as the locals pry their way through the thick crowds to enjoy in the excitement and curiosity of Walnut Creek’s finest.
“It’s refreshing to see the city I live in and love at a new angle through the eyes of the elderly community” said Ashley Robello, an independent artist and Walnut Creek resident for over 20 years. “Whenever I come across a part of town that I have seen in the one of their images, it redefines the way that I had seen it before.” Twenty-two year old Sabrina Wee recently purchased a photo and made the comment that “Nothing is more pleasing than to purchase a wonderful piece of local art and have that money go back into the community itself.”
The idea was set into motion four years ago by a local resident, while a student of Cal State East Bay, Hayward. “During my last semester, in my Leisure, Self, & Society class, I was given the assignment to create a class in which seniors could enjoy themselves during the best years of their lives” said Samantha Mooney. “I decided to take an approach that would encourage the
seniors at the Royal Oak Retirement Home to spend some time in the sun yet also be involved within the community outside their living quarters. It’s an opportunity for them to develop themselves creatively and express that creativity with the younger and older generations alike.”
With prior experience in the field, Mooney put together a composition workshop on Sunday afternoons in which seniors of all ages can use the simplicity of digital cameras to explore their interests and beauty of the city. “These seniors can experience something fun regardless of most disabilities that they may have, while also a way to get some exercise with a little walking.”
Mooney drives the seniors around town, making stops according to their likings, as well as to various parks and other adventures around town. Later, Mooney returns the seniors home and then takes the photographs to a local shop for development, returning them to the seniors at the next workshop.
“The price of the workshop is very affordable,” Mooney stated. “Only a small fee of twenty dollars per senior includes one full month of classes—covering gas, the costs of development and framing. I didn’t create the project as a way of making profit but simply to involve myself in the community. Any money that is leftover is donated to the seniors.”
Longtime Royal Oak resident Bill Moyers voiced his excitement of the project, “this experience has given me something to look forward to aside from my usual daily routine.” Another resident, Susan Pinto, said that “taking pictures is now something I can do with my granddaughter, who is an art student at Diablo Valley College. Together, we find how to express ourselves through photography.”
What turned out to be merely an idea to fulfill an assignment flourished into a city project, not only has it surfaced local seniors and their harboring hidden talents but at the same time created a much needed revenue in this economic crisis. “All profits from the sale of the photographs go back into the Royal Oak Retirement Home and to the needs of its residents,” explained Mooney.
The money generated, Mooney states, “is used in many ways, from restoring the external condition of the retirement home, to updating technology, supplying and replacing outdated mobile devices, bettering medications, and having the funds to create even more activities.”
Royal Oak Activity Director, Lynda Hall, says, “If it wasn’t for this project, we may have had to make some major changes and possibly layoff some of our staff, to cut costs for much needed improvements. With state and federal budgets cuts on the rise and a lack of financial resources, these seniors have greatly benefited from their perspective of a town they have watched grow.”
Fun in the sun, expressing creativity, while at the same time improving their living conditions, the seniors at the Royal Oak retirement home admit that they couldn’t have had it any better.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wilde's Wise Words
This excerpt is taken from A Picture of Dorian Gray by Victorian writer Oscar Wilde, published in 1890.
Yes, Mr. Gray, the gods have been good to you.
But what the gods give they quickly take away. You have only
a few years in which to live really, perfectly, and fully.
When your youth goes, your beauty will go with it, and then you
will suddenly discover that there are no triumphs left for you,
or have to content yourself with those mean triumphs that
the memory of your past will make more bitter than defeats.
Every month as it wanes brings you nearer to something dreadful.
Time is jealous of you, and wars against your lilies and your roses.
You will become sallow, and hollow-cheeked, and dull-eyed.
You will suffer horribly.... Ah! realize your youth
while you have it. Don't squander the gold of your days,
listening to the tedious, trying to improve the hopeless failure,
or giving away your life to the ignorant, the common,
and the vulgar. These are the sickly aims, the false ideals,
of our age. Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you!
Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for
new sensations. Be afraid of nothing. . . . A new Hedonism--
that is what our century wants. You might be its visible symbol.
With your personality there is nothing you could not do.
The world belongs to you for a season. . . . The moment I met
you I saw that you were quite unconscious of what you really are,
of what you really might be. There was so much in you that
charmed me that I felt I must tell you something about yourself.
I thought how tragic it would be if you were wasted. For there is
such a little time that your youth will last--such a little time.
The common hill-flowers wither, but they blossom again.
The laburnum will be as yellow next June as it is now.
In a month there will be purple stars on the clematis, and year
after year the green night of its leaves will hold its purple stars.
But we never get back our youth. The pulse of joy that beats in us
at twenty becomes sluggish. Our limbs fail, our senses rot.
We degenerate into hideous puppets, haunted by the memory
of the passions of which we were too much afraid, and the
exquisite temptations that we had not the courage to yield to.
Youth! Youth! There is absolutely nothing in the world but
youth!"
Entitlement to Play
This is in response to a question from my online class Self, Society, and Leisure.
Once upon a time in 2009, my boyfriend’s childhood friend came to stay with us for a few months. Luca, a longtime resident of Roma, Italy, for the past 31 years, was quite surprised to see how little Americans relax. In fact, he had commented on how much Americans work and how little they play. Could it be possible that we are workaholics that live in a culture addicted to stress, or are we just up to our heads in financial waters?
The importance of, although lack of, leisure time seems to have been swept under the rug, much like everything else that we leave to retrieve for another day. And the excuses are endless; either it's that we don’t have the time, the money, or rather the fact that we can’t just sit still for any given length of time.
The truth of the matter is that we are all traveling as fast as the speed of light. But who can blame us? The price of life is so expensive. Most of us, who live on our own, must have two jobs in order to support ourselves. And if we are going to school as well, time just doesn’t allow us to relax, or exercise for that matter. I don’t know many that are up to an evening run after a 15 hour day. Last semester I was lucky to get in five hours of sleep.
Not trying to sound pessimistic about making the time to relax, however, maybe the U.S. should follow Japan’s trend and implement “official governmental policies that encourage more leisure and recreation participation” (White Paper #4). In fact, most blue-collar workers I know cannot afford to take a vacation because they chose to have families, which they now need to support. And in an American economy in which inflation rises 2% a year, prices only rise while pay simply idles.
If our state governments like those several countries that “contribute to the costs associated with trips taken during vacations to encourage people to benefit from their ‘holidays’,” (White Paper #7) maybe folks would find a way to make that vacation happen! Taxes such as these, to put others at ease, may be an added possible solution to the current debate over universal health care…
Once upon a time in 2009, my boyfriend’s childhood friend came to stay with us for a few months. Luca, a longtime resident of Roma, Italy, for the past 31 years, was quite surprised to see how little Americans relax. In fact, he had commented on how much Americans work and how little they play. Could it be possible that we are workaholics that live in a culture addicted to stress, or are we just up to our heads in financial waters?
The importance of, although lack of, leisure time seems to have been swept under the rug, much like everything else that we leave to retrieve for another day. And the excuses are endless; either it's that we don’t have the time, the money, or rather the fact that we can’t just sit still for any given length of time.
The truth of the matter is that we are all traveling as fast as the speed of light. But who can blame us? The price of life is so expensive. Most of us, who live on our own, must have two jobs in order to support ourselves. And if we are going to school as well, time just doesn’t allow us to relax, or exercise for that matter. I don’t know many that are up to an evening run after a 15 hour day. Last semester I was lucky to get in five hours of sleep.
Not trying to sound pessimistic about making the time to relax, however, maybe the U.S. should follow Japan’s trend and implement “official governmental policies that encourage more leisure and recreation participation” (White Paper #4). In fact, most blue-collar workers I know cannot afford to take a vacation because they chose to have families, which they now need to support. And in an American economy in which inflation rises 2% a year, prices only rise while pay simply idles.
If our state governments like those several countries that “contribute to the costs associated with trips taken during vacations to encourage people to benefit from their ‘holidays’,” (White Paper #7) maybe folks would find a way to make that vacation happen! Taxes such as these, to put others at ease, may be an added possible solution to the current debate over universal health care…
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
It's 4 am!
Greetings Wandering Blog-onnoisseurs!
Well, I've done it and created myself a blog site (and if it wasn't for those damn kids, I would have gotten away with it...)
So here it is: the backdoor to my thought party straight into my sadistic sanctuary. Feel free to stop by anytime and make yourself at home. But there is a catch
Oh yeah, you will also be bombarded with listless and useless information that, if shared, will only provoke strange stares and an empty seat where that victim of circumstance fled.
Stay tuned!
~Samantha
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