I am so exhausted. I am so thankful tonight is the Grey Cup, they didn’t need me at DQ today. Everyones rooting for the Roughriders. I could care less, secretly I am hoping Montreal will win just cause my dad’s side of the family is from there. =)

Work yesterday made me want to go on a killing spree. Yes, I got paid for sitting around and doing nothing. But hello, how could someone do that and not feel like they are stealing form something? Not to mention the warehouse was dirty as hell and didn’t help my cold or whatever I may have. Urg. Stupid, so so stupid.

My birthday went well by the way. I got my tripod, remote for my camera, money, and my design books. I am as happy as I could ever get. I’m thinking of getting my nails done, I hate biting my nails. If I constantly have fake nails, I’ll surely stop. I have before, it’s just that it only works for a few months if that. New goal I suppose?

So photography at Grant MacEwan is three years for a diploma. it’s still something, though I don’t fully know the kind of profession I may be able to get into. I have much more to look into then. I am still stressed out over school, my face has been breaking out like crazy. I hate it.

New photos up on flickr. check it out.

Listen: Cash Machine – Hard-Fi

L’éthique

L’éthique stoïcienne est en accord avec cette physique.

Nous connaissons plusieurs divisions de l’éthique stoïcienne :

« [Ils] divisent la partie éthique de la philosophie en plusieurs lieux : de l’impulsion, des biens et des maux, des passions, de la vertu, de la fin, de la valeur première et des actions, des fonctions propres, de ce qu’il faut conseiller et ce qu’il faut déconseiller. » (Diogène Laërce, VII, 84).

Diogène indique que cette division n’appartient pas au stoïcisme le plus ancien (Zénon de Kition et Cléanthe qui en ont traité, selon lui, de manière plus simple), mais à Chrysippe, Apollodore, Posidonios, etc. Sénèque (Lettres, 89, 14) nous apprend une tripartition de l’éthique stoïcienne :

« [...] vient en premier la valeur que tu attribues à chaque chose, en second l’impulsion, ordonnée et mesurée, que tu as vers les choses, en troisième la réalisation d’une convenance entre ton impulsion et ton acte, de façon qu’en toutes ces occasions tu sois en accord avec toi-même. »

Épictète indique trois sujets de l’éthique (Entretiens, III, 2), mais qui se rapportent aux exercices que l’on doit suivre pour devenir homme de bien :

• les désirs et les aversions : ne pas manquer ce que l’on désire, ne pas tomber sur l’objet de l’aversion ;
• les impulsions et les répulsions, i.e. ce qui concerne la fonction propre (agir avec ordre, raisonnablement et sans négligence) ;
• éviter l’erreur et la précipitation, i.e. ce qui concerne l’assentiment.

Les fonctions propres

L’expression fonction propre traduit le grec kathèkon, qui signifie « convenable », « devoir » (officium en latin). Ce mot a été utilisé pour la première fois en ce sens par Zénon, vraisemblablement dans un ouvrage nommé De la fonction propre (Diogène Laërce, VII 107). Selon Diogène, ce terme est dérivé de kata tinas hêkein, « convenir à certains » ; il définit la fonction propre comme une activité qui est appropriée aux constitutions conformes à la nature (Ibid.). Cette notion est le fondement de l’éthique stoïcienne ; en effet :

« Archédème disait que la fin consiste à vivre en amenant les fonctions propres à leur perfection. » (Diogène Laërce, VII, 88).

Stobée (II, 85, 13 – 86) donne cette définition de la fonction propre :

« La conséquentialité dans la vie, quelque chose qui, une fois qu’il a été accompli, a une justification raisonnable. »

Les fonctions propres s’appliquent aux plantes, aux animaux comme aux hommes. Les Stoïciens distinguent deux types de fonctions propres, celles qui sont parfaites, et celles qui sont intermédiaires.

Cicéron, dans Des termes extrêmes des biens et des maux (III), nous livre une analyse détaillée de cette notion par la bouche de Caton. Nous aimons les premiers objets qui sont appropriés par nature ; ainsi préférons-nous que les parties de notre corps soient bien disposées et entières plutôt qu’affaiblies et déformées. Nous savons donc de manière spontanée distinguer ce qui est conforme à la nature de ce qui lui est contraire : le premier penchant de l’homme le porte vers les choses qui sont conformes à la nature. De là, cette distinction : ce qui a de la valeur est en accord avec la nature et, pour cette raison, est digne d’être sélectionné. Le contraire est dépourvu de valeur et doit être rejeté.

La première des fonctions propres est de nous conserver nous-mêmes. Ainsi notre corps se développe-t-il en appropriant ses propres facultés.

Le bien

Les premiers biens sont la santé, le bien-être et tout ce qui peut nous être utile. Mais ce ne sont pas des biens au sens absolu. Le bien absolu se suffit à lui-même, il est le suprêmement utile. Il est découvert rationnellement par notre assentiment spontané à nos inclinations. Et c’est en considérant la nature universelle, en saisissant la volonté de la nature totale à se conserver que l’on comprend le bien comme raison universelle.

La vertu

Pour les Stoïciens, vertu et bien sont identiques. La vertu est désirable pour elle-même et est parfaite : elle est donc atteinte d’un coup, d’une manière complète, i. e. avec toutes ses parties. Ses parties sont, selon Zénon de Citium, des aspects d’une vertu fondamentale, la prudence. Qui a une vertu, les a toutes.

Les passions

Mais les inclinations naturelles se pervertissent, sous l’influence du milieu social, et troublent l’âme : ce sont les passions. Pourtant, si l’âme est rationnelle, toute inclination n’est possible que si elle reçoit l’assentiment de la raison. Comment expliquer les passions ? La passion est une raison irrationnelle, un jugement qui nous dépossède de notre maîtrise : l’habitude et l’éducation nous persuadent par exemple que toute douleur est un mal. Mais ressentir la douleur physique et en éprouver de la peine (mal moral) sont deux choses différentes. Ainsi le stoïcisme montre que les passions sont de mauvaises raisons de croire. L’opposition radicale entre raison et passions qu’on lui attribue n’est donc pas exacte : si les passions sont mauvaises, ce n’est pas en tant qu’elles sont différentes par nature de la raison, mais parce qu’elles sont plutôt des raisons égarées ; à l’inverse, la raison peut-être vue comme une passion droite.

Finalité de l’éthique

La morale stoïcienne peut donc se résumer ainsi :

• le fondement de la vie morale, c’est la vie des instincts, qui nous font agir suivant l’utile ;
• la fin de cette morale, c’est de vivre par des choix conformes à la raison universelle : vivre en suivant la nature, puisque tout arrive par la raison universelle.

Le sage

Article détaillé : sage.

À partir de là, les Stoïciens définissent un modèle parfait de conduite, incarné par le sage :

• le sage choisit ce qui est conforme à la nature ;
• il accomplit un devoir parfait ; i. e. il accomplit sa fonction propre ;
• le sage est parfait en toute chose ;
• tous les autres hommes sont des insensés (stulti en latin)

Il n’y a pas de nuance entre la perfection du sage et le caractère insensé de la vie de tous les hommes. On peut donc dire que le stoïcisme recherche une transformation de l’homme dans sa totalité : un homme purement rationnel, non pas parce que ses passions seraient éteintes, mais parce qu’elles seraient elles-mêmes raison.

La politique

Marc Aurèle

Dans la section sur les divisions de la philosophie, nous avons vu que Cléanthe faisait de la politique une division à part entière de la philosophie. Nous savons également que Zénon de Kition écrivit un livre sur la République particulièrement célèbre et admiré dans l’Antiquité. Plutarque nous en donne une idée par la description du but visé dans cet ouvrage perdu :

« La République, ouvrage très admiré de Zénon, tend à ce point principal unique, que nous ne devrions pas vivre répartis en cités ni en peuples, chacun défini par ses propres critères de la justice, mais que nous devrions considérer tous les hommes comme des compatriotes et des concitoyens, et qu’il y ait un mode de vie et un monde uniques, comme pour un troupeau nourri ensemble dans le même pâturage sous une loi commune. Zénon a écrit cela comme s’il avait brossé le tableau d’un songe ou d’une image représentant une bonne législation et une république philosophiques. » (De la fortune d’Alexandre, 329 A – B).

Influence du stoïcisme

L’influence du stoïcisme sur les cultures grecque et romaine est considérable, rares furent les penseurs antiques à ne pas critiquer cette doctrine.

Cette influence continua même après la conversion de l’Occident au christianisme, certains monastères ayant ainsi érigé le manuel d’Épictète, quelque peu modifié, en règles intérieures.

Le stoïcisme se perpétua aussi à travers des philosophes français tels Descartes, qui déclara que « il vaut mieux changer ses désirs plutôt que l’ordre du monde »^[15], Pascal et, plus proche de nous, Émile Bréhier.

Principales périodes du stoïcisme

• Ancien stoïcisme (Zénon de Kition, le fondateur, Cléanthe, Chrysippe, …)
• Moyen stoïcisme (Panétius, Posidonius…)
• Stoïcisme impérial (Sénèque, Epictète, Marc Aurèle, …)

Tonight was ΛBI’s signature philanthropy event.  As to be expected, I was wasted.  I started drinking at 6:30pm (the function began at 7:30pm).  At 8:30, I was thought it would be good to text Hot Boss:

“My sorority’s having a charity event at _________ if you’re feeling philanthropic haha”

“Hahaha I think I’ll pass, maybe next time”

Fuck.

Lesson 23 song: Hurricane Drunk by Florence and the Machine

Read about one of the lowest points of my life at Desperately Stalking.

In the wake of another successful Thanksgiving—and by successful, I mean I ate until I was ready to keel over—Grace and I have spent much of Black Friday lounging around the house.

We were in our pajamas until roughly one in the afternoon, we’ve plowed through leftovers—sorry folks, the cherry pie is long gone—and we’ve essentially been as worthless as the folks who make cranberry sauce will be for the rest of the year.

Then, in a random burst of post-gorging food-high, Grace decided today would be a great day to clean and finish up some other chores around the house.

She went about sweeping and mopping like a mad woman.

I changed the disgusting old shower curtain liner for a new one, and destroyed three of the plastic hanger-thingy-majiggys in the process and I prepared to hang up the curtain rod and curtains we purchased during our IKEA trip a few weeks back.

I promptly discovered we were without drywall screws.

In fact, I only had four screws total. Two meant for keeping parts of a metal reading desk together and two completely unmatched gigantic screws meant for keeping parts of a ship’s hull together.

Needless to say these would not suffice.

So I chugged a Full Throttle and threw on my coat, knowing full-well that an onslaught of psychosis awaited me at the hardware store, but I braved on.

Once inside the hardware store, I kept mumbling to myself “Drywall Screws. Drywall Screws. All You Need is Drywall Screws!!”

The drywall screws are, of course, located in the very back of the hardware store. As such, I wandered past dozens of items that practically leaped of the shelves and into my awaiting, consumeristic arms.

First it was a new set of plastic hanger-thingy-majiggys for the shower curtain.

“You just broke a bunch of these. This is totally necessary. Just these hangers and drywall screws, that’s it.”

So I picked up the plastic hanger-thingy-majiggys and carried on in my quest to find drywall screws. Although I then noticed out of the corner of my eye that they had a drill on sale for an astounding bargain price of $9.99.

“Well, if I’m going to be hanging curtain rods, a drill would be a lot more useful than trying to use a screwdriver. Plus I’ve wanted a drill for a while now and come on, it’s ten freakin’ dollars!! They’re practically giving it away.”

As one would expect, I picked up the drill and began on my way before a quick realization struck me and I was forced to do a little bit of inner argument action.

Rational Graves: “Wait…wait…wait…”
Consumerism Graves: “Oh know, here comes Bill Buzzkill. What the f*ck do you want?!”
Rational Graves: “Dude, you don’t need a drill.”
Consumerism Graves: “Are you kidding me?! A drill is like the perfect invention. It’s a screwdriver that does all the work for you. What kind of idiot wouldn’t want in on that action?!”
Rational Graves: “Yeah, that’s all great and fine, but the drill cost $10. Ten freakin’ dollars.”
Consumerism Graves: “I KNOW!! They’re practically giving it away!!”
Rational Graves: “Exactly!! What kind of shitty-ass drill are you going to be buying for $10?!”
Consumerism Graves: “Oh, well you pose a really good point. In fact I think that I’ll go ahe—BAM”

That was the point where Consumerism Graves cracked Rational Graves in the face with the drill, knocking him out cold.

By the time I’d fully come to and realized what had happened, I was back home showing off all of the random crap I’d purchased at the overpriced hardware store.

My trek to acquire six—count ‘em six—drywall screws ended with bringing home shower curtain hanger-thingy-majiggys, a new drill, a tarp, some zip-ties, and a box of two-dozen drywall screws.

The only reason it wasn’t more was because I’d wisely left my credit cards at home and just brought what little cash I had on hand.

I vaguely recall staring intently at a four foot Christmas tree “the perfect-size for our apartment!”, a sticky bathmat “this way Grace won’t over slip and crack her head open in the shower!”, a peg-board coat hanger “I’d TOTALLY start hanging my coat up if we had this!”, and a big string of Christmas lights “teehee lights teehee shiny teehee!!”.

Luckily it seems my pre-ordained game plan to travel with limited monetary funds was a lifesaver!!

Yet, as I sit here staring out the window, I can’t help but think that our place would look awesome with a four foot Christmas tree, a new sticky bathmat, pegboard coat hanger, and some new super shiny lights!!

*sigh*

Black Friday sucks.

Well, the 4pm update is that I am having a really horrible day.  I let Baby #2 go to the movies with my parents and family so I could sit home alone and finish laundry.  Yea.  I love my family a lot but you can always count on the people around you who are supposed to be the nicest to sometimes be the cruelest.  I am especially bummed because Baby #2 is only with me every other year.  Not getting to spend the entire day with him makes me sad, but I didn’t want to keep him from having fun with the others because I wasn’t particulary enjoying it.  I will just make a point to make up our time together this weekend. 

On the bright side, I get to finally go home, eat my home made deserts and veggitate on the couch watching movies, something I don’t do too often.  I still hope everyone is having a wonderful day!

Peace.

I was at a bar last night.  I wasn’t very drunk.  Since I rely on alcohol to have fun, it was fairly boring.  It was one of those rare times where I didn’t know 80% of the people at the bar.  Everyone I tried to make friends with looked at me like I had a skin disease.  Not a good night for socializing.

Unintentional Asshole was there.  I purposely didn’t speak to him, and I felt liberated.  In actuality, he probably didn’t even notice that I was there.

I guess I should give you a little background story on Emoticon Guy…

- – - – -

Emoticon Guy was in my first year business class.  I had a big crush on him all year.  We were the top participators in our class.  Yes, we were those people.

A year ago (Crush 2008), Emoticon Guy was set-up as one of our new girl’s dates for the function.  We ended up talking for awhile, and he got my number.  From there, we branched into the Facebook and instant messaging realms of friendship.

In January, we went on a coffee date.  It was awkward.  I wasn’t interested.  Also, I hate dates.  More on that later.

Emoticon Guy is a winner: varsity swimmer, kind, smart, etc… But there’s a catch.  There always is.  He uses billions of emoticons.  BILLIONS.  It freaks the shit out of me.  I believe in the power of words, and seeing those yellow faces terrifies me.  I most likely have a subconscious association with illiteracy and emoticons, hence why I cringe every time I see them.

An example text:

You’re so adorable!!!

Disgusting.

Emoticon Guy has asked me on weekly dates since  that wretched January night.  Since I have commitment issues, and only seem to be okay with the idea of meaningless one night stands and copious make-outs, you can see why another date wouldn’t be appealing to me.

- – - – -

Last night, Emoticon Guy and I were texting while I was at the bar.  He was at a different one on the same street, and really wanted to see me.  I was sweating up a storm on the dance floor with my friends, and checked my phone.  Emoticon Guy had sent three texts saying that he was waiting outside to see me.

I went out to the patio and he was on the other side of the gates.  The bouncers let me out to talk to him, and it was really nice!  He said that I looked really pretty and kept giving me hugs.  It was cute.

He also asked if I wanted to hang out sometime soon, and I said yes.  I mean, the guy is really good looking.  Emoticons aren’t everything.  I should give him a chance.

Lesson 19 song: Getting Scared by Imogen Heap

I’m in a not-too-bad mood, like this lol maybe i’m lying. Have just watched a family movie (rate PG), it’s good people. It’s really good. It makes me think a lot. About life, and me and us. Suppose I’ll be going to an abroad university and someone hates me, they find all ways to kick me, slap me or bunch me as well. In that case, I’d do anything to survive in that country. You can say: How LAME!, but to me, it’s common. Hah !?

I was doing my homework and i ended up on wordpress. Oh NO! How dare I? I have a math test, a 1-period-test, it totally has a huge effect on my study. Go straight to the desk and learn hard as well as try my best to do the most well-done test ever.. ~

So… the girl from the blind date read my last blog (I gave it to my friend and she passed it along). Only problem is that it made her feel kind of bad and me look like I was desperately impatient. And now that I re-read it from her perspective, I feel bad! Cause I can totally see her point.

Sure, I started off with the “Oh me! Oh my! How lame, oh lame, am I?” crap, but at the end it could easily be interpreted like I was putting it all on her by saying she now had my contact info but hadn’t contacted me! Like that’s fair! I’m the lame one that didn’t talk to her on our date! And, of course, that wasn’t what I meant (famous last words)! The part about her not contacting me yet was there for dramatic affect. Anyone that knows me knows I do that!

Oh, but wait, she doesn’t know me! I didn’t talk to her! How could she know that?

You know, sometimes, I can be really stupid!

But, there is a silver lining! We do still have the second date planned. It looks like it will be sooner then I originally thought (YAY!). And, best of all, she’s still looking forward to it! (thus the title of this post)

So, blind date girl (no I’m not giving you guys her name), if you happen to read this, please understand that while I may be an idiot at times, I’m usually a well-intentioned idiot. And, that I’m sorry for not talking to you in the first place. I promise, I totally plan on talking to you on our next date! In fact, I stopped on my way home tonight and bought some Miracle Grow (I checked, it says it works on nuts) just to make sure!

Still single… but hoping!

Scott

Oh, and just to clarify, this is not desperately impatient. This is anxious and excited.

OK… I really have to shut-up now!

So, I had this math test today… I so failed it. I had this HUGE nervous breakdown this morning too. OH MY GOSH. BOYS. GAH.

Lame math test.

Day one. Day one starts, over again!~

Yeah too many things to do. Homework, SATest, 1st semester exam… Maybe I’m sick, i cant see anything clearly now… or that’s because of my eyes? zOMG please. Enough, yeah. I say: ENOUGH!

Well, why bother? Maths, it again, makes me feel dissapointed. She havent yet checked my work, but, could it be over 5? Could it be 8? And the Moral education, i think i could have 1 bonus mark. Nope! I cannot, why. And so.. why?

I’m going for nuts. Mad, insane and out of hope. Bring me far away from this place, in the distance. Where can I find my own ‘happiness’? It’s real, isnt it?

Back to PS, not really addicted to RC, except loving the new cash items. Hmmm facebook. I dont think i love you, like i did yesterday. I find it quite boring (to me). Sh.t!

It’s totally a mad world, and I’m still alive. That’s good, but who cares? Me, oh.. nope! Anw, say it Yes! I’m not enjoying this life. I have a headache, i’m sick – i’m ill – i’m hopeless. Should be.

Yep, I did it again! I went on another date. This time, it was a blind date. She is a friend of a friends partner. We all (me, my friend from work, her partner, and my date) went to a comedy club last friday.

She was gorgeous!!!

I was quiet…

She has a 5 month old daughter!!!

That doesn’t bother me at all, but I didn’t tell her that…

She ordered the same drink I did!!!

But I didn’t make a single comment about it…

She got really mad about a drunk guy that kept running into me!!!

But I don’t believe in arguing with the drunk and stupid, so I didn’t make a sound…

She works in IT, like me!!!

But I didn’t ask a single question…

She later told my friend and her partner that I was very quiet!!!

And suddenly I sent off about 4 BILLION text messages to that friend about how lame I was and that she should really send the girl my person contact information!!!

And my friend sent off the information!!!!

But I haven’t heard a word…

Still single, and just realized that Elmer Fudd was talking about hunting, not dating.

Scott

[UPDATE] While I still haven’t heard from her personally, I have heard from my friend that she enjoyed the date and wishes I hadn’t been so quiet. She’s looking forward to date #2!

Which, by the way, at this point looks to be another double date in mid December. What are we doing? Going to a strip club!!!!

I sure do live an odd singles life!!!!

Scott

Wondering where I’ve been? No? Well, I don’t care, I’ll tell ya anyway!

A little over a year ago my dad asked me to help re-design the website for the ski club he’s currently president of. I said yes, because I’m stupid and nice.

Long story short, it took a long time to get anywhere, but now we’re in the final stretch. I have completely re-done the site, added something like 8 new features and about 120 new pictures.

I should have this off my plate by the middle of December. Which, given the holidays, will mean a flood of new posts.

Until then, however, you can read the next post, as I revisit how lame my dating skills really are!

Still single and flaunting a membership to a ski club that I don’t even use!!!

Scott

Meet Pasha. Someone please ship XBOX360 to Russia, STAT!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3aGQ7DAvpHc

Take away the Fancy Karate Gi, studios, weapons, CGI superhuman effects, and controlled dojos, and this is what most of the white guys look like doing karate. Still effective likely in combat, but sorry guys, the truth hurts.

Some random status updates on my homepage yesterday…

Anonymous: What is the syllabus for …. marketing?

Charu comment: What Facebook does to people! Sigh!

Comment: First 10 chaps!

Charu comment: Get a Life!

 

Anonymous: Its 1 at night and I want to eat something? Any Ideas?

Comment 1: Maggi!

Charu Comment: NAILS!

Comment 2: Sandwich?

Anonymous Comments: @Charu : What were you thinking?

Charu Comment: What Facebook does to people! Sigh!

P.S. Mid semester exams begin tomorrow!