“The most astounding fact is the knowledge that the atoms that comprise life on Earth the atoms that make up the human body are traceable to the crucibles that cooked light elements into heavy elements in their core under extreme temperatures and pressures. These stars, the high mass ones among them went unstable in their later years they collapsed and then exploded scattering their enriched guts across the galaxy guts made of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen and all the fundamental ingredients of life itself. These ingredients become part of gas cloud that condense, collapse, form the next generation of solar systems stars with orbiting planets, and those planets now have the ingredients for life itself. So that when I look up at the night sky and I know that yes, we are part of this universe, we are in this universe, but perhaps more important than both of those facts is that the Universe is in us. When I reflect on that fact, I look up – many people feel small because they’re small and the Universe is big – but I feel big, because my atoms came from those stars. There’s a level of connectivity. That’s really what you want in life, you want to feel connected, you want to feel relevant you want to feel like a participant in the goings on of activities and events around you That’s precisely what we are, just by being alive…” -Neil deGrasse Tyson, Ph.D.
Category Archives: Religion and Atheism
The Soy Boy’s 2012 New Year’s Resolutions
I’m lame when it comes to fulfilling new year’s resolutions. Last year, I swore to finish one of my novels-in-the-making, but so far, all I’ve accomplished that’s close to anything worth reading is the juicy list of the misdeeds I’ve committed this year. Okay, that was a lie–you’d be interested to know I’ve written superb stuff about inspiring artists and great places all over the world during my magazine stint, plus I’ve done some amazing press releases when I was volunteering for the MyShelter Foundation project, Isang Litrong Liwanag. (I know you’re still not over the list so let me repeat: the list does not exist and I did not video myself doing something scandalous…like, say, stuffing my mouth with food at midnight like a fat boy relapsing on his diet.) Continue reading
Soy to the World!
Because Christmas is just around the corner, let me greet you a warm and merry Io Saturnalia! Let there be peas on earth and a good vegetarian meal to all men! (Remember early this year when I mentioned about achievable goals?)
Confused with the true meaning of the Holidays? Here’s something for you to enjoy:
Have a Merry Christmas one and all! Just remember before you stuff yourself silly with all the Christmas dishes: there’s happiness beyond being morbidly obese.
Egad Created the Universe!
God is emo and he killed himself with Occam’s razor. ////wrists
The Tales of the Happy Homo Consumericus Part 2
Whoever said money doesn’t buy happiness is likely not as privileged as the rest of us who grind our bums off everyday against the cheese grater of existence.
Yes I Really Wanna Live Forever
When I was younger I used to think growing older would be the most awesomest amazeballsiest thing that could ever happen to me. It was one afternoon–I think I was around seven or nine then–when I prayed to Jesus to make me older quickly. I didn’t know what I exactly meant when I asked to be older; then again, I kind of assumed when you’re praying to an Almighty Being he’d be smart enough to figure out what you meant, right?
Life is A Mathematical Configuration
I think the sooner one eliminates the unnecessary factors in one’s life, the faster one can focus on what is truly essential.
Yep, folks, I actually said that. Oh yes–I am starting my May post with a nugget of wisdom that you should by the way never take as a piece of advice, unless you are utterly convinced it’s true.
Despite the Tsunami Scare, I Went Ahead to Do Some Grocery Shopping
This gallery contains 1 photo.
It’s depressing to think about all those people who’ve been hit hard by this calamity. Times like these make us realize that we are but minuscule beings in the grand scheme of things. No matter how we try to convince ourselves that we’re bigger than life, circumstances have a way to shake us up and bring us back to our proper place. Keep reading
Your Faith is Cute, But We Need Proof
It’s nearly Valentine’s! And while the single (and secretly bitter) are trying to convince everyone that their “single-blessedness” is a wonderful state to be in (thereby also unconsciously communicating to everyone their dissatisfaction — as shown by their incessant affirmations about their status), I’m trying to prove meanwhile that faith is an extremely flawed way of confirming the existence of Magical Men Up in the Sky.
Of course, those who are extremely religious would brand me as mean-spirited and gloomy (Argumentum ad Hominem much?) My parents (who are staunch believers) think I’ve gone cuckoo, even despite my protests that I’ve yet to see anyone make a valid claim that will persuade me of their religion’s truth.
I’ve been a believer once, and as I go back during those dark times, I now see that my faith was founded on lopsided, wonky arguments encouraged and propagated by fast-talking preachers who build meandering bridges that collapse behind them, as they and their flock move along. But when I tell everyone this, somehow, some people think that my defection from my religion makes me a bitter, cynical backslider.
As a short, succinct way to summarize what I believe in, watch the video below. It perfectly encapsulates my thoughts regarding religion.
Honestly, hands down, your faith is cute and squishy and warm and fuzzy and all — but if we’re going to progress as an enlightened society, we need more proof. Don’t let your blind love for your religion cloud your judgment.
Happy Valentine’s! 
Don’t Answer in Anger
I think that deep inside me is a monster waiting to unleash itself on unsuspecting people; however, I believe I’ve learned to control this demon that just aches to snap the next person’s neck like a twig at the slightest provocation.
Funny thing, considering that I’ve always indulged my violent streak as a kid: my mom recalls how I’d pick fights with neighborhood bullies, while I vividly remember destroying every toy I have which didn’t let me win. (My 10-year old self smashed the screen of a handheld video game because I couldn’t get past this certain stage.) I was a very angry boy. Thankfully, with electroshock therapy proper state-approved conditioning techniques, I’ve learned to manage my anger by being passive-aggressive instead.
Despite this, I refuse to attribute my lessened aggression to my change of diet, regardless of the assertion by this scientist that the brain “would tend to rewire itself for compassion or empathy to fellow beings when subjected to a vegetarian diet”. I think he has mistaken cause for effect: people become vegetarians/vegans because the slaughter of animals conflicts with their belief systems. People who became aware that something was wrong then acted upon that awareness, and thus turned vegetarian/vegan.
However, Mr. Scientist seems to be right in saying that people who are vegetarian/vegan are empathetic. (In fact, herbivorous people may even be smarter than others.)
While one should not mistake correlation for causation, still, it makes me hopeful that I am on the right track towards totally ridding myself of unnecessary hate. While hate makes people possibly stronger, it can also cloud judgment, and thus may not be the perfect fuel for tasks that need clarity of the mind.
According to one study I’ve read, the best way to control your emotions is by not indulging it. And I am taking yoga classes recently so I will be calmer and saner when confronting problems in the future.
(As well as amaze my friends with the cool poses I can do. )
Om.
