Myth, Legend, or Fact?

Time travels fast, but how quickly will the end of time come? We all know of the speculations of doomsday, and some of us have even lived through a few "end of the world's" in our lives. As December 21, 2012 approaches, I can't help but ponder the possibility of truth within the Mesoamerican Long Count Calender (Mayan Calender). It may seem far-fetched, outlandish, and ultimately benign, but the question of "What if the world ends?" still remains.

Believe it or not, there are actually some scientific hypotheses (HI-poth-a-sees) that correlate with the Mesoamerican calender's predictions. More specifically, the year 2012. There is a plethora of feasible, and natural, phenomena that are speculated to occur some time in the near future. Some astronomers believe that a massive solar flare is bound to burst form within the sun, releasing quadrillions of radioavtive and ionic particles that may disrupt our atmosphere, or, destroy it completely! Certainly, this would result in the demise of all life on earth. Sudden and abrupt perishment, under the power of the universe, would be inevitable. Although frightful, this is not the only potentiality, there are many forces capable of annihilating our fragile biosphere.

Before I get into this one, remember, there are actually geologists and bio-chemists who believe in this next contingency. Also, keep in mind that this next paragraph may be a bit more politically oreiented than scientificly. I am not an expatriot, whatsoever. So, please, keep an open mind.

With that said, I will try to trod lightly, as not to aggravate anyone.

The next supposition is that the world's oil reserves may reach such a low quantity that panic erupts. Not that school-drill type panic either. I'm talking global catastrophe; damn near every-man-for-himself type panic. In a world where gas prices are over $30/gallon, transportation and delivery of goods becomes impossible, and countries that depend on imported oil suppress the population to rationalize natural resources. Boycott on a global scale leads to war, world war, at which point chemical, geurrilla, and espionage warfare leave earth in a state of shock and awe. Ok, so the world isn't completely destroyed, but this would definitely be an ending of the world "as we know it". Much like the absolute devastation witnessed by survivors of WWII. It would be, undoubtedly, life Changing.

These types of occurences are obviously improbable, but they are not, by any means, impossible. If natural phenomena destroy the earth, then I will know it was done by the loving hands of God. If the latter were to be true, however, and self centered politicians lead us to war and death, then we will all ask ourselves: How did we let this happen?

When the conjecture of man destroying earth arises in thought, I get a resolute sickness within my innards. The fact of the matter is that we, the people, have the power to decide what, where, when, and how we will do things. We do not, however, have the luxury of declaring that authority over mother nature, and we are always at the mercy of the cosmos. The possibilities are limitless. The world will undoubtedly end at some point in time. Yet, as humans, our curiosity is not satisfied with simply knowing that - that time - will eventually come.

Some of us, though, will still wonder: How? When? And, Why? Yet, we will never recieve a clear and definitive answer to these questions. We may not even see it coming, let alone know it's happening. If the year 2012 is the final year of the world "as we know it", then it gives us all the more reason to love others, give to those in need, work for our pleasures, and enjoy the final days of our lives.

I want to leave you with this message: When your final hour approaches, I want you to be able to look back on your life and smile, laugh, and know you served others as much as you benefited from them. If the end of the world comes tomorrow, will you be able to feel that way? Will you know that the love you shared with others made life worth living? Hopefully So!

May God and all his angels watch over, and protect us, should things go awry.

A Changing Generation

In a World of Advancement

There is no doubt that we live in an evolving world. Our lives are constantly moving towards something better, bigger, faster, and newer. We are advancing more rapidly in our technology and ideas than ever before.  As an individual heading deeper into the 21st century, I feel as though bearing witness to this tremendous shift in technology and lifestyle has provided an unprecedented advantage over earlier generations.

As things change, we must adapt to function at our fullest potential in society. Falling behind the curve is not an idea that many relish, nor whould they enjoy being deemed "behind the times". Whether we're working or playing, we strive towards potentiating our experiences. As they say; live life to the fullest!

Many of our elders had a set way of life, in thier past, and had little reason to rapidly adapt. There were, however, new and innovative products; the microwave, refridgerator, and TV were all amazing products when they first dawned. Yet, once these things settled into thier places among American families, they were no longer looked at as amazing; they were just the everyday norm. Beyond these life changing technological advances, things didnt change as rapidly 30 years ago as they do today.

Due to the amazing pace at which our technological and scientific communitites are moving, the current generation of young adults has had to adapt to "new" almost daily. This concept of being open to new objects, in my opinion, also opens our minds to the possibility of accepting new ideas. Stimulations occur in the brain when something "new" is registered. These stimuli create a well trodden path in our minds, and, in turn, we become more accustomed to accepting the "new". Whether it's an idea, a moral perspective, or just a way of folding laundry, we young adults are more open than any other generation to ever live.

We can see very clearly, in the media and public concensus, that there is more tolerance and acceptance in our world than ever before. Where there was once racism and segregation, there is now collaboration and communion. This is the very definition of open-mindedness; willing to accept or tolerate differences coming form an outside perspective. This revolutionary shift in ideaology can be contributed to our rapidly changing world.

While the stress may seem to overbear and become difficult at times, it also produces fruit of purity. These new items; Ipads, Tablets, Smartphones, they have created a world of connected individuals. In my opinion.... change has bestowed our generation with an amazing gift. Not only the shiny new objects and amazing lifestyles,  but also the ability to look into the world with a refined sense of clarity and acceptance. Thank you all. Thank you GOD!

Recreational habits

I just finished a game of Wii Bowling and thought to myself - does this really qualify as exercise? I know it's much better than a traditional video or board game when it comes to physical activity involved, but is this going to make young people believe video games can keep them fit? What happened to nature, and really, truly, playing?

When I look outside I see peaceful and cheery sunshine coupled with a light and refreshing breeze. I know in my heart that the true day of enjoyable recreation is out there. Out in the elements, where we can run and laugh and play as much as our hearts desire. Whether it be on a boat in a river, or climbing the face of a daunting cliff, we belong outside. At least when it's time to have fun. No video game can ever replace the feeling of nirvana you get from being at peace with yourself and with nature.

It's very true and seriously startling, however, that we are the #1 country in the world. In what you ask? Is it economical growth, or educational excellence? Unfortunately, no. We are #1 in the world at being overweight, and that title has overwhelming consequences. These consequences affect for our health, our emotions, our economical interests, and thats just a very short list.

If, then, our lives and societal inertia are so intimately intertwined with our physical condition, how much can a few simple minutes of playing each day affect our world as a whole? In my humble opinion; signifigantly.

I know this isn't news, or even going to make you jump out of your comfy chair to run laps around your property (although you probably should =). The truth is, however, that we all need a refresher to the idea of what is possible out there. How much fun we can have outside. We have it so easy on a day to day basis that we can't always motivate ourselves enough to get up and play. We just can't see the immediate benefit. Not like the old days, oh no, when a man's greatness was measured by his physical prowess, strength, and stamina. My question is, though, what happened?

I remember hearing stories when I was younger from my parents and grandparents about the way of life in recent history. Back in the 50's. Every story seems to capture the more genuine spirit of man (as a species, not gender). They spoke of children riding thier bikes all through the neighborhood - without the worry and constraints of modern suburbia - and baseball games lighting up the locals faces every spring. There was not a single story that contained a gloomy or home-body theme. There was a sense of peace, pride, and an obviously gleeful outlook back then. Call me crazy, but I would bet you that being outside more often had a whole heck-of-a-lot to do with it.

I hope and pray that the physical condition of the average child doesn't deteriorate any further. While I respect the fact that many have realized the benfit of exercise, hence the creation of such things as the Wii, I do not currently believe the satus quo will change quickly enough to promote a healthier lifestyle. A video game with a moving controller is still a video game, and it is not a replacement for true outdoor exercise.

I want to know your opinions on this, and, more importantly, what it is that you do on a daily or weekly basis to get your play-time in. Please, comment and let's discuss.

So it Begins

July 14, 2011,  11:13 AM - Blog created and my first time writing for an undoubtedtly large public audience.

This is where it begins for me. I have always loved writing and never imagined there was a way for me to get my work out to the masses. I've heard of blogs and blogging many times before, but didn't think twice about it until today. I want to get my writing to everyone who is willing to take the time to listen to, or rather, read it. Not for fame, money, or status, but for everyone to enjoy my efforts as much as I do. I hope you all enjoy what is now and what is to come. Thanks for taking the time to read my first post; albeit small, it's a big step for me.