Doug's Darkworld

Another week gone by, more priceless moments lost forever in the mad scramble to pay the bills, feed the cats, keep my clients happy, and write daily blog posts. And oddly enough, the later has been much easier than I thought it would be. When I was trying to write “polished” posts sometimes I would struggle to find a topic, then struggle to write 800 words about it.  Now that I’m just picking a topic and winging it, the words just flow from my fingers and I usually manage 1000 words or more per post. Go figure. In other personal news, well, not much. I work and/or am productive 12-14 hours a day in my one year plan to get my life together, which doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for personal stuff. I did somehow manage to inspire a nice woman to send a song she sang to me, which was both very flattering and a completely new experience.

Moving right along, the blog is metamorphosing too. The five posts a week for one thing. I’ve changed the format as I’m sure some have noticed. The “Favourite Sites” item in the sidebar has been expanded with many many new links. Suggestions welcome. A drive is underway to publicize Doug’s Darkworld, and that will be kicking into higher gear soon. Frankly I want to get enough readers to attract commercial sponsors, because I’ve recently realized that while being poor may build character, I’ve got enough character already.

In USA news it is looking like the BP oil leak will be the worst environmental disaster in US history. It will be curious to see how this pans out, but I suspect the media will quickly get tired of it and soon enough all that will remain is posturing politicians. It would be nice if this fostered a new awareness of the need to proceed with caution when extracting wealth from the Earth’s crust, or re-evaluation of the insane idea that industry will self regulate. The only thing industry self regulates is their desire make profit, that’s their raison d’être for God’s sake. And of course Obama did say some incredibly cool sounding things about ending government’s cozy relationship with the oil industry, that’s the man’s gift. Obama can say the most soothing things in such an incredibly convincing way, that millions of people believe him! I’d say I wish I could lie like that, but I don’t. Pretty much what you got to do if you want to get anywhere important in politics, but still, the man is an artist at it.

In world news, it turns out that North Korea blew up a South Korean ship. When two militaries play chicken, these things happen. There will be a lot of sabre rattling, but likely nothing will change. North Korea has already been sanctioned as far as a country can be sanctioned, and more on point, the powers that be want North Korea around. A united Korea would be a power to be reckoned with, none of her neighbours want that. It is astounding to me how silly so many people are on this issue, and actually think the USA should go to war with North Korea. What governments say, all governments, is propaganda people, we’re not supposed to take it seriously. Well, OK, yes, we’re supposed to take it seriously, but we shouldn’t. See image above.

In science news scientists have discovered the origin of the Universe, proved that God doesn’t exist, and created artificial life. Yes, there’s a lot of big parties in labs this weekend. No word yet on how the Pope is going to respond, but he’s likely busy with other matters. Like explaining why when a priest gets caught abusing kids, the Church neglects to call the police. We’re still waiting for an explanation. Ted Haggard, having been run out of his church for having gay sex and doing drugs, has started his own church. I only mention him because if one has ever seen him on video, he is the most amazingly charming fellow. Yet under the surface, he is slime personified. How can someone so pretty on the outside be so ugly on the inside? Even more mystifying, how can people still have faith in him?

So yes, I may go on a psychology bender soon. I was reading about learned helplessness: “…when dogs are tormented in random ways they become passive, depressed, and unable to defend themselves.” [1] I am wondering how that fits into the puzzle. In any event, I’m not kidding about God, the Universe, and artificial life. Fodder for next week’s posts, have a great weekend everyone!

(The above image was produced by Nazi Germany, and is public domain as far as I can discern. It’s a 1944 anti-USA poster used to demonize the USA in Denmark. At least the caption is in Danish, it says “America will save Europe’s culture from doom. By what right?” I just thought it was a very interesting image from any number of perspectives. Things were looking pretty desperate for Nazi Germany in 1944, and I think that’s reflected nicely in the poster.)