Perspectives, Japan, Development, Day-Dreaming = People?

As a student of human geography I read a lot about development theory. While I read I usually drift of on a thought somewhere. Following the thought it becomes more and more complex so I begin to day-dream. The day-dream becomes so interesting that I simply have to finish it. It may take hours or just minutes, but in either case I just sit there, staring at the textbook in front of me, thinking about something far, far away.
They all begin with a paradox, or a problem, that becomes stories over time, as I explore them. Most of them are forgotten after I reach the end of the dream, but some stick with me for a while. Those are the ones I write down, because I know that they are products of my imagination as well as my creativity, that someday might become something that I can share with others.


Often times the thoughts are in some manner related to what I`m reading. Such as; "The Japanese state is largely responsible for the development of the Japanese economy, because of its early protectionism of its infant industries." ... leads me to think of Japan and what its like to live with so many people around you at any given moment... Or what its like to live in the Japanese culture... which makes me think of the Shogunate, and what a shock the first Europeans got when they were confronted with seppuku.

The line of thought is usually never ending, and might lead anywhere, though it has a tendency to lead back to fundamental philosophical questions. Such as; If there are alternate universes, like string theory suggests, and I am dead in one of them, could I take over for myself in that universe, and would it make me an impostor? If yes; Am I taking my own place, or someone else's? Does that make me another person within myself or two persons in separate places? Is it then me I`m taking over for? hum...


That's not a fundamental philosophical question, though an interesting one. Yet, what is more interesting is our capacity to think in abstract ways. Humanity is a race that is both practically and abstractly oriented, which in my opinion is what makes us able to adapt to any given environment with such vigor and success... like having tons of people around one self at any given moment makes us develop personal spaces within our minds, where we are alone, where we have privacy.
We are a truly fascinating race, which is why I have chosen to study ... us... first practically, then later, if I`m still interested enough; abstractly.

If you have the basic knowledge needed to explore the internet, try checking out some of the forums that are spread around. The internet is becoming a infinitely large pool of understanding we can use to study human behavior in new ways. The way we talk here is different. The way we refer to others here is different. The way we share information and ideas is a virtue and not a vice. The largest protests online is about TV- series, and not about politics. We organize in a different manner here, and more efficiently than anywhere else, unbound to place and time.... and people are able to form bonds and friendships without ever seeing each other.
What it proves is that humans are able to create culture and society without physical boundaries. That the only tool needed to develop new social rules and structure, is a way to communicate.


People = Communication = Innovation = Aphabeth = Books = Academia = Innovation = Internet = People?


hmm. The day-dreaming seldom has something to do with practical issues, like whatever the hell I´m reading... Which is a shame because I would realy like to remember it, and eventually stop reading the same sentence 67 times...

Numerical value in the social system

Economics is a area within the social science that we never could have done without. One might say that it is from economics that we draw any if not all relevant data we later use in our different studies. This is mostly true within all the different schools of social science. Except maybe the anthropological one... Though the funny thing about social science, is the fact that it does not require us to KNOW economics... just understand its basic function, history and its relevance in the other stuff that we are interested in. Like development; which of the three European economic schools is best equipped to further the understanding of development?
Like I said. I do not have to understand the math, just the theoretical point of view. Which pisses me somewhat off.
My studies does not require math, so the fact that I lack the training, the skill and the interest does not influence my studies in the slightest, in any way, but I would still say that the fundamental skills necessary to work with economics should be required of any student of social science.
We do get some introduction to statistics though, the fundamental tool we use to make something similar to conclusions.
Its not that I want math or economics in my studies, its just that I feel that they are necessary anyway. Its like a professor who does know how to teach. All students know what its like to have a professor who is more interested in their work than in teaching their students anything, thus giving extremely bad lectures. And if there exists students out there who does not have this experience, they are either fools or just lucky beyond measure. In my opinion everyone who wants to obtain a Doctrate should meet some teaching standards. Just like every student of social science should know basic economics.

There are many wrong things in this world, but the major challenge of any state (in my opinion) is the educational system. It can always become better. Even in Finland where the teachers are actually revered in the social scale.

Today is monday! This was the rant! Have a nice day, and I like your face!

Gradualreport

Ok. So my studies have begun with full force, and I have less spare time to blog and mess about on the internets. You see, LAST semester was a semester of fun and mucking about in hyperspace, whereas NOW is a semester of seriousness and lectures I actually have to pay attention!

This leaves little time for fun. But knowing myself as I know myself, I probably will find a way... Probably through other peoples fun... like the youtubers that continually prove to us that they neither have, nor want a life, but lives through the attention we give them.

Enter: "the Gradual Report".

One of my favorite youtube shows, mostly because of its total randomness. Shortly described the show is driven by a stand up comedian by the name of Danny, Daniel or "Muhmuhmuh" as he sometimes calls himself.
The theme is pretty good. The idea is "having a report on nearly anything". This means that he takes requests from his audience or just random stuff that he comes to think about. Usually it starts with someone asking him "Danny: Where does babies come from?", and him being as awesome as he is, answers it as funnily as he possibly can.

He has just over 500 videos up now, and are continually uploading more every second day. Here is one example from one of his most popular videos (6 000 000 ++ hits):

And here is the link to more of his videos.

To wonder what it is like

...to fly? 

When people ask me about why I choose to keep a faith I seldom answer. Its a very personal question, as intimate as if someone would walk in on you taking a dump, or when someone abruptly shakes you awake from a heavy dream. It pisses you off and you want them gone... in a way. Being asked a question about faith is not like that, but being asked a question about your personal reasoning as to why one believes in something other then ones self, it can become a tad irritating.

Do not get me wrong. You should be able to defend your religion, and not just simply believe because some other family members believe. 

In my case you get used to discuss beliefs and religion... especially when all your friends either don´t care or are simply too angry at religion to make any lasting sense.

My theory as to why people fuss so much about religion, especially the ones at the believing side of the debate, is that the debate touches a very intimate part of people. When a stranger starts poking you with a stick you tend to, either try to get away, or hit the guy with a bigger stick. Thats why people get angry whenever religion is on the debating table, no matter if they have faith or not.

So the remedy here is quite simple. Learn how to debate before prodding a random person with a 12ft stick.... And try to keep off the religious subject if you want to become friends. Because lets face it. Religion really pisses people off.

Thats why you will never find (in real life... this is the internets after all) me opening a debate about it either... maybe joining one without question! But never starting one.

If you care to know, I´ll explain quite easily to you what faith is.

It is the same as letting yourself fall from a cliff with arms and legs bound but not knowing for certain if it is a mattress, a huge creamy cake or absolutely nothing thats going to catch your fall.

Thats why its both frustrating, exhilarating and impossibly hard to understand for someone else than the individual person taking the final step over the edge.

That kind of stupidity and illogical behavior pisses off most of us I would believe.

But we do it anyway... in the billions.

EXTREME relaxing

Is it possible to be relaxing at the same time as thinking and doing a hundred different things at one time?
Its not that I´m a stressful or stressed out person, on the contrary. I´m one of those people who have a hard time focusing whenever stressed, which naturally leads to me becoming UN-stressed..... if that makes any sense to you. If it doesn´t; all you have to know is that that's how it works.
I see other people being stressed though. And I can´t quite figure out how they ever have time for relaxation? So many of them are running for their lives that they forget how to breath!
Obviously I have people in my inner social ring, emitting this behaviour... and don´t get me wrong, this is not a talk about how we never relax in our society any more. Allthough we have forgotten how to pray and meditate, here in the west.
Anywho.

Just wanted to ask that question. I´m off to a concert!

Here is the song I want to leave with you!

There and back again

So I´m home again. Familiar environment and familiar people everywhere. Kinda nice, yet strange.
But I´ve decided that I´m glad to be home again. Finally there is "dark" bread in the bread-box! Quest complete!
The only thing missing is an electric adapter for my American-made mac. WHY do they have different ones than the rest of the World? Is it some kind of competition? Or is it the same reason as why the russians have different train tracks than the rest of the globe? hmm. MUST INVESTIGATE.

If you have any idea, please leave a comment. I have to go to the store and grab some converters. Posting under this when I´ve found the answer.




Good to be home!

Minecraft

This game is probably the best game I have discovered in many a year. Total freedom; the only objective is to build, explore, mine, expand and have a good time.
The Beta is now finally out, after a long time in Alfa mode (which was not really good). So for those of you who wants to try out a game that is extremely well thought out, and requires absolutely no graphic card, NOW is the time.
Only your imagination stops you... which is the same as saying: nothing stands in your way of having a blast.

You can go to this site to see more. It´s an indie game so its really cheap to get. See it as a Christmas gift for yourself. A good pat on the back after a semester well done.
And yeah. I had opened a server, but because I use a rauter that denies me the liberty of removing some rather irritating fire walls, I can´t get it to work.
If you are using PC there are some simple instructions waiting for you at the site mentioned above.

Here is the Minecraft Trailer!

Have a good one.

Miami

So I finally got some time to blog again.

I´m currently finding refuge with relatives from the harsh shopping atmosphere out there in the American market/climate.
Huddling together, like cavemen fighting for survival, we throw rocks and sticks at the commercialized Santa that tries to expand his territory into our front garden. We have so far managed to keep him away, but we all know that his powers are not fully out yet.
As you probably have experienced first hand yourself, his powers will not fully come out until Christmas eve.  Then the world trembles with the screams of a hundred thousand children getting the wrong present... at the same time... Its truly a terrifying moment we all have come to fear and loathe.

Yes. It´s truly good being with relatives, brothers in arms and trustworthy companions in this truly horrific time of the year.

Anyway. Rant aside and seriousness becoming apparent: I love Christmas! Like almost everyboddy else... Apart from the people who doesn´t obviously.

Yes. As you may have guessed I still reside in the US. I´m a guest at the palace of my uncle and aunt in Miami! For those of you who are used to celebrating a warm christmass, won´t apreciate this as much as me, but for those of you who hail from the north, such as I, may be a little more understanding when I say: 25 °C in the shade! Yeah baby!

All my stuff is in utter chaos right now, so I can´t find the cable that I use to transfer photos from my camera to the computer, so this will have to do.

Splysh

Other pictures will have to wait. I hope you enjoy your hollidays! I know I am!

Since this is through the internet, and I can´t give a physical gift to any of you, here is a small gift from me to you the only right way to deliver it, across the internet and across the universe:

Happiness

By Raymond Carver

So early it's still almost dark out.
I'm near the window with coffee,
and the usual early morning stuff
that passes for thought.

When I see the boy and his friend
walking up the road
to deliver the newspaper.

They wear caps and sweaters,
and one boy has a bag over his shoulder.
They are so happy
they aren't saying anything, these boys.

I think if they could, they would take
each other's arm.
It's early in the morning,
and they are doing this thing together.

They come on, slowly.
The sky is taking on light,
though the moon still hangs pale over the water.

Such beauty that for a minute
death and ambition, even love,
doesn't enter into this.

Happiness. It comes on
unexpectedly. And goes beyond, really,
any early morning talk about it.

Such a good couple of days

So now its goodbye and farewell to this chapter of my life.
My 5-6 months in the US are up, and I´m heading home wards to the North! It was a shame that I forgot my camera at home when we were out and had the last party, because it was awesome, so I have to compensate with some other, more random photographs instead.
And a list! I have a list for you! Lists are always win.


OK. So this is the top 10 list of what I have learned while here in Berkeley:
1. The grading inflation (good grades) is not a myth, but true.
2. Ambulances have a tendency to wake you up 6 in the morning, even though its obviously not a crisis.
3. The Internet is no joke.
4. American people are both generous, happy and interesting in general.
5. 50% of the homeless people (or maybe more) have some sort of mental disorder.
6. The food is cheaper like take-away. Generally good too, though not as interesting as other countries.
7. Most Sushi places has "all you can eat"- features.
8. The lectures here are really good.
9. Always leave a tip, but not more than 10%, unless you are feeling generous.
10. The women are both beautiful and hot... in general ;)

 This was the moment I realized that I was done with everything. So naturally I had to document it. At this point it was 3 days left in Berkeley. Now its less than 2 hours.

Pedros! A Brazilian little street-restaurant on the block where I lived. Greatest sandwich in Berkeley.

Something old that we found in our fridge. Can you guess what it is? Because we couldn´t.

New York. I understand now why everyone I talked to (who had been to the US before I had) all said: "You have to go to New York!"

When I´m coming back to the US this is the first place I´m going to stop by. After that its Oregon for some reason.

Castro. Awesome place to just walk around and look at things and people. If you had to visit one place whine in San Fransisco, this is it.

Sather Tower in the middle of campus. Most of my lectures were directly behind it. Beautiful in the summer.

So that was my last report while being in Berkeley. I´m probably going to write one more about Miami, while I´m there. After that I´m back home, so it will be less talk about places and more about other stuff. Maybe I should do a report about Oslo? If you feel I should do that, leave a comment.

But yeah! That's it! Now its off to the airport and take some pictures of random people, stressing around! Have a good pre-Xmass!

The Bomb Drama in Scandinavia

Last time I wrote that the next post was going to be about my goodbye to Berkeley, but no. This post is going to be about the recent news that everyone is talking about in Scandinavia...

So most of you have herd about the incident in Stockholm this past week.
Apparently a "terrorist" with aspirations to kill, self-destructed in the crossings of two of the most populated streets in the capital of Sweden.
Luckily he managed not to take anyone with him, as the Swedish police and the FBI think he exploded prematurely... (epic fail bomber)... apart from a couple of people getting injured. (I mean... he had strapped himself with a bomb, had a rucksack full of spikes, and did´t even manage to seriously hurt anyone... Scandinavia 1 - Terrorists 0)
....
But seriously. What I personally think happened, was that he regretted what he was doing at the last second, therefore jumping away from most of the people. I know. I probably give him more credit than what he deserves, but that's just the kind of person I am. He could easily have taken out 10 people in that crowd, but didn´t, so naturally I can´t think that anyone is that retarded that they manage to blow themselves up prematurely when they are set at killing people! NO-one are that anxious to blow themselves up!
Anyway. What I really wanted to talk to you guys about was the video that was released from a security camera that caught the explosion on tape!
Here is the Link.

Notice that there is one guy, right in the middle of the camera angle, that keeps walking when the bomb explodes! Totally relaxed, as if this is something that happens to him every other day, he just keeps his cool, dodges a panicked lady, and just keeps going. I just had to laugh as I saw that. Sorry. The footage is horrible, but that was just silly.
SIR! I hens forth dub thee: Anti-climax-guy!
I know. He probably went home and had a panic attack... like everyone else. Poor guy. I feel with everyone there.

Anyone else tired of terrorism and finds the easiest way to cope with the madness is by joking about it? Here is a picture explaining my feelings about terror:

More angry than anything else. Terror fail.

This is getting out of control though. It starts with fail-terror, then escalates to... actual terror.
 I´m not going to talk about the Iraq war here... its too... waste of space and time-consuming. I think everyone should just agree that it was an epic fail from our side from the start. Thank you Bush! Now yet another westerner was driven to madness because of your idiotic quest for YOUR type of democracy... because, you know... every democracy is different.

Claes: yes, but no, because the Iraq war was really about the control of oil prices on the world market!
Thank you professor. I stand corrected. Ass.

Bloody terrorists. Making us fight among ourselves... like we wouldn't do that without your help... pff

Here is a picture of a terrorist for your amusement:

 ... Yes. I pretend they look like duchebags.