032 Guns Don't Kill People

I told you I would abandon this blog. I TOLD YOU IN THE VERY FIRST POST.

I'm great at starting things, but bad at ending them. Maybe that's why I can never finish projects on time. I'm sorry to you, to Nargles, to all the readers, and to the promise I made on my very first blog post. I will endeavour to post more in these less hectic days.

Today I would like to discuss an article I found.

Guns Don't Kill People

Yesterday I placed my shotgun on the front porch, gave it six shells, and noticing it had no legs, placed it in a wheelchair to help it get around.

While I was gone, the mailman delivered my mail, the boy across the street picked up my yard, a girl walked her dog down the street, and quite a few cars stopped at the stop sign near my house.

 After 10 hours, I checked on the shotgun. It had not rolled outside and it had not killed anyone in spite of many opportunities that had been presented.

Can you imagine how surprised I was, with all the hype about how dangerous guns are and how they kill people? Either the killing is by people misusing guns or I'm in possession of the laziest gun in the world. So now I'm off to check on my spoons, because I hear they make people fat.

Donald K. Martin, Windsor Locks

Nargles, before I rant about what this quote signifies and how the irony emphasizes the point and all that, why don't you try? This is a fantastic topic to talk about. Do people kill people or do guns kill people? Or do people with guns kill people?

- Quibbles 9/6/14

PS: Do you think Mac would be interested in joining the blog? Might make things less slow.

025 Does a beautiful creature merit more compassion than an ugly one? If so, why? Do you injure yourself psychologically by destroying something you find beautiful? Is there a meaningful difference between pulling the wings off an insect and stepping on it? How much would it take to induce you to rip the wings off a hummingbird or dove?

I think I'm going to be taking the reins for the updates and postings this week, as I know Quibbles has lots of school work ("During the summer?" you ask. Don't ask) that she really needs to catch up on. In addition, I was gone for the whole of last week, so I owe you guys extra!

Addressing the question above, beauty is not the same to everyone, and there is beauty in everything. I may not see the beauty of an ant crawling past my shoe on the sidewalk, but I can admire the beauty in the way each ant works tirelessly for the good of the colony, how every ant has a job and a purpose. I don't admire gravity, or see it's beauty most of the time, but I can see the beauty in the way it holds us and the universe in a delicate balance.

I do believe, however, that humans are genetically engineered to favor beautiful things, or the things we find beautiful, over others. If you trace back to primitive times, it was just good logic. The cavemen with the smushed up face who walked with a limp, female cavewomen probably didn't want to reproduce with because, come on, do you really think this guy can protect you and your future offspring? Heck no! He couldn't even protect himself. Back then, if you were the best looking caveman around, you probably had the best genes, and all the caveladies were digging that.

Can you tell which face is symmetrical and which is the original? Which do you think looks better?

I think beauty within humans first and foremost is associated with health, and genetics. It's said that people who are thought to be more beautiful have more symmetrical faces. Most of the time girls (and guys!) drool over guys with big muscles because they appear fit and are confident in their ability to protect them should they ever need it. Of course, nowadays men don't need big muscles and aesthetically pleasing faces (though you usually think your partner does indeed have a nice face) to find a partner because as you get to know them, and start to love them, of course they're beautiful.

NOW FINALLY REALLY GETTING TO THE QUESTION

Panda caretaker dressed in a specialized
suit designed to make pandas believe
they too are a panda. And in order to
be a panda, you have to smell like one.
That's right, panda dung and urine is
rubbed allover the exterior of the suit.
Them pandas don't even know the
difference :P

Although more "beautiful" creatures don't deserve more compassion than "ugly" creates, there's no doubt they receive more. One example I like is pandas compared to other animals. Think of how much money the world sinks into the preservation of pandas and their return to the mountains of China. I am all for it, PANDAS ARE SO CUTE. Everyone cares for pandas and wants them around for a long time, but what about the anglerfish?!? Even I must admit anglerfish are have pretty hard features, with a protruding underbite and long comb-like teeth. They're super awesome, but darn scary, man.

I think that some of the reasons why we don't feel as much compassions for some creatures than others is because we believe they have the capability to hurt us. We see the anglerfishes' teeth and we think "danger." When we see pandas we think "cuddle!!!" Or at least I do... However, a full grown panda is probably is more able to kill us than an anglerfish. One swipe from that mighty paw, and you're a goner.

I think we don't feel nearly as much compassion for insects rather than animals because we don't see them on the same level of awareness as us. With insects, all they care about is survival and reproduction. We view them as having no intelligence and not human. Animals are the closest ones to us that demonstrate qualities like ours (because we're animals too!).

It's interesting to think about these questions because I would never dream of killing a dragonfly or butterfly, but an ant, sure, why not? It's just an ant. As for ripping the wings off a dove or hummingbird? Never, not for any amount of money, no thanks. I don't think I'd do it for anything, and that makes me selfish because if I could end war forever by ripping off one dove's wings, I wouldn't. Dragonfly, maybe. Squish an ant? Definitely.

I left out the question that asks, "Do you injure yourself  psychologically by destroying something you find beautiful?" I think I'll leave it to Quibbles if she has time to return and post tomorrow. Seriously guys, she's crazy busy and worked to the bone.

Love always,
- Nargles 8/13/14

PS. The Economic Benefits of Being Beautiful

024 Should The Isle of Men TT race be outlawed?

Hey guys! I've got some current events for you today!

The Isle of Men Tourist Trophy race is located on the Snaefell Mountain Course, the oldest one still in use. 225 miles, it's extremely dangerous, with 242 deaths resulting since its start 107 years ago, with four from just this year. They travel down narrow paved roads at an average of 130mph. With the death toll being what it is, some people wonder if this kind of racing should still be made illegal. 

Connor Collins, competitor of the Isle of Men TT Race,
during his crash from the course in 2010. If you can see
clearly, his body is that T shape above the fence and his
motor bike is that big piece of flying debris.

CI would say no to this question. "Oh my gosh! Nargles! Why would you say such a thing?!" Look, all these guys that compete in this race, they know the death tolls and the risk they run by participating. The only way they would be willing to risk their lives whilst doing this is because they really love it. The inspiration for this post was a video I saw on YouTube (because I am always on YouTube, link below), and in that video was a biker participating in this race. He recounted that in 2010, I think it was, he had this horrible crash off the curve of a hill thing. He ended up in the ER with a broken back, dislocated knee, and messed up arm. Despite his injuries, and kind of maybe almost dying, he worked his butt off to get back into racing again. He said it took a lot of physical and mental work, but he believes that this race is the best one in the world. He wouldn't dream of letting anything stop him. 

I say that if they are aware of the incredible risks they're taking with their lives and still wish to proceed with the race, I see no reason why the government (or whoever) has the authority to ban it. FREEDOM OF ACTION (?!?), YEAH!!

What do you all think (Quibbles included)?

Love always,
- Nargles 8/11/14