What's up with the free photo-hosting not being down with Macs? Apple users aren't good enough to get in on the free goods, huh? Well screw all of you-- it's obvious this is another plot by the Man to keep my beautiful and exotic mug off the net!

I had my first lesson since I got hurt today; it was strange because, well, I couldn't play very much of anything. Carter (my cello teacher) and I talked about how my cello's setup was hurting me--the strings are about half a millimeter too high, and the entire neck is too low in general. i could easily spend close to $1,000 fixing these things, and I have already put more money into the cello than it's worth. That is the hardest part of this business, the equipment and its upkeep. A decent instrument could easily cost as much as my entire post-secondary education, and a great one even more. There are lots of ways to get hold of these instruments even if you don't have the money, but they are acquired primarily by being an exceptional talent and being donated one. Even so, plenty of marvelous talents go without the kinds of instruments they could merit. It's almost enough to make one bitter.

on another, heavier note...

I'm going to post this very important discussion once and only once; you will understand why once you have read it.
It's no secret to anyone who knows me that I do not like religion or religious people. This is, however, not entirely true. I do enjoy and respect devotion, worship, exultation, and sacredness. These are all important, essential human values. What I don't enjoy or respect is irrationality. What I simply cannot stand is the idea that humanity is supposed to be anything more than it is, that human beings are the smallest elements of a larger battle between good and evil. It is such an obvious con-- supposing a completely fictional context for life and then dictating what the requirements of that context are.

What's worse are these religious offshoots, especially of the Christian sort, that claim to be "rational" and "logical". If you've ever run into a memeber of one of these things, then you know how smug and plain annoying they can be. They are utterly convinced that faith is unecessary, and they have all sorts of tenuous arguments that reinforce the idea that God's existence can be "proven". They are typically fierce in debate, and even well read. They are coming to a campus, bookstore, philosophy slam, or liberal arts classroom near you. If you have always been irreligious, simple agnosticism or plain distaste won't be of any help to you. Without being honestly able to say that you DO NOT NEED what they think they have (salvation, happiness beyond what you could cultivate for yourself), you'll probably be sold on it in little or no time at all. I've seen it happen and it isn't pretty.

That said, here's the conclusion I have reached. Every inch of ground you give religious people is an a foot they will easily take. Whether they are trying to convert you, or merely expose you, there's an attitude you must take, to be able to resist: pure, unadulterated indifference. Do not go and try a friendly "debate" with them, sit in on one of their lectures (especially on intelligent design, sheesh!) or respond to their mind-traps in any way. If you must deal with them, treat them gently and cautiously, allowing yourself to express a tinge of pity, as you would any other schizophrenic. Enjoy life completely and without regret. Make mistakes and learn from them. Assume that nothing ever "happens" to you personally: nature is simply playing itself out the way it has to, and people will make the choices their premises and neuroses lead them to make. None of it, even if it affects you, has anything to do with you personally. We, the people of Earth, can no longer afford to humour these people as they are quickly encroaching on our personal space. (Gay marriage, "decency" laws, holy wars...) Always speak up for yourself, without apology, in a situation where God is being posed as a given. I know, it sounds annoying and obnoxious, but it only has to be to them. Don't debate or discuss, simply speak up.
This is the one and only time I will talk about religion, friends. It simply doesn't warrant any more energy, as it is a black hole of unrealizable ideas that will suck up all the energy it can find.
Take care.