“Who Really Invented Radio?”
By: Vanessa Uy
The working title of this article should have been “Please, For The Love Of God Tell Me Who Invented Radio!” If you’re among the sorry, countless individuals who thought that Marconi solely invented radio, this article is not for you. For those with a passing interest for Nikola Tesla, you would find this either enlightening or a bit humbling. So without further ado, let me take you on a journey.of exploration.
Our story starts in the latter half of the 19th Century. The chaps, most of them from the United States, have a very interesting story on how they invented radio. One of them, Nathan B. Stubblefield of Murray, Kentucky. He began working on experiments and devices related to radio as early as 1892. His notable public demonstrations, like the one he performed on May 30, 1902 did not go unnoticed by serious publications and journals like Scientific American. But today this Murray, Kentucky native is a relative unknown to anyone not from his hometown.
At about the same time, Dr. Mahlon Loomis created a crude tuned-antenna circuit. Despite his prolific genius, he never received the grant he sought from congress. If he did, the invention of radio might have advanced a few decades. Even in Virginia, Dr. Loomis is probably known only to history buffs.
Two electricians that are being conveniently left out by the Tesla advocates are Oliver Lodge, whose patent anticipated Tesla’s in 1898 and John S. Stone, a month earlier than Tesla in 1900.
In 1880, Alexander Graham Bell created a device called a photophone. It worked by using a voice signal to modulate a light beam, but this was never more than a technological object d’art exhibited at world fairs. It’s the same principle behind fiber optic laser telecommunications.
One of more significance was the wireless telephone patented in 1886 by Amos Emerson Dolebear, a physics professor who demonstrated it publicly in the United States, Canada, and Europe. At about the same time, John Trowbridge at Harvard was doing extensive experiments in both induction and earth-or water-conduction wireless apparatus. Thomas Edison, the noted superstar inventor and de facto anti Tesla, developed wireless telegraph / telephone systems to communicate with moving trains during the 1880’s. Granville Woods and Lucius Phelps also developed a similar wireless communication system.
A chap called Alexandr Popov, who the Russians claimed invented radio, is also a viable candidate. When the former Soviet Union launched their first space probe to explore the far side of the moon. A crater was named after him.
When the United States Supreme Court entered into “The Great Radio Controversy” in October of 1942. A can of worms was opened, luckily its influence only affects history academics and Tesla fans. Though the invention of the radio had long been famously attributed to Gugliemo Marconi, the Supreme Court justices were intrigued by patents and scientific publications which pointed to Nikola Tesla as radio’s true creator. In June of 1943, the Court decided that Nikola Tesla had, in fact, invented modern radio technology. They ruled that Marconi’s patent were invalid and had been “anticipated.” Tesla was vindicated-though far from victorious. Some five months before, alone and destitute in a New York hotel room, the great inventor had passed away. His papers and notes were confiscated by the United States Alien Property Office, and are now housed in the Nikola Tesla Museum in Belgrade, Yugoslavia. I hope to visit there someday.
It’s not easy, but basing on existing proof, I pick Nikola Tesla as the true inventor of radio. To me Stubblefield, Loomis, and Lodge, as well as the others mentioned still await more proof in order to rise above their present status as mere “hometown heroes.” Which is also the similar predicament of Alexandr Popov.
Despite having a heavy metal band named in his honor and being portrayed by David Bowie in the magic show movie called “The Prestige”, Tesla is still a relatively unknown genius even today. Ask most accomplished electrical / electronics engineers today about who invented radio, and most of them will answer “Marconi.” Makes you a bit sad,
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Top 10 Signs that you’ve just enlisted in a Bad Airsoft Team
By: May Anne Uy
Since the airsoft phenomena gained big time popularity here in the Philippines during the latter half of 2005 due to the proliferation of value-for –money (re: cheap) weapons systems. The number of airsoft clubs as a result also increased like wild mushrooms during the rainy season. Since the working title of this digression is about what makes a bad team/group here is ten of my pet peeves:
10. Everyone on the team thinks that the one hit you’re out rule is for sissies.
9. Everyone on the team thinks that guys who are into classical music (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc.) are gay.
8. The team leader runs the club like David Koresh runs the Branch Davidians in Wacko, Texas.
7. Everyone on the team thinks that classic rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kiss, Scorpions, etc.) are for Satanists.
6. Everyone on the team thinks that women have something better to do than play airsoft games.
5. Everyone on the team thinks that anyone whose weapons system costs less than PhP10,000 lives in a shanty town and blows his nose on his shirt or one of his 14 children’s shirts.
4. Most of the members want the best airsoft weapons system, but wont shell out the required money.
3. You got kicked out for mentioning “Medical Marijuana.”
2. Everyone on the team thinks that rationalism is a left leaning thought.
1. The team leader’s claim to fame on his leadership skills is that he loves to boss around other people in an indignant manner.
There you have it. If your team manifests a couple of minor problems, all is not lost. Three or more, then you have a better chance of carving your very own team- mate out of a mango. Megalomaniac leaders are a special case in itself. In our Filipino culture, we usually deal this problem in an “Emperor’s New Clothes” or in a “yes men” kind of way. There are good, even great teams out there, so shop around.
By: May Anne Uy
Since the airsoft phenomena gained big time popularity here in the Philippines during the latter half of 2005 due to the proliferation of value-for –money (re: cheap) weapons systems. The number of airsoft clubs as a result also increased like wild mushrooms during the rainy season. Since the working title of this digression is about what makes a bad team/group here is ten of my pet peeves:
10. Everyone on the team thinks that the one hit you’re out rule is for sissies.
9. Everyone on the team thinks that guys who are into classical music (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, etc.) are gay.
8. The team leader runs the club like David Koresh runs the Branch Davidians in Wacko, Texas.
7. Everyone on the team thinks that classic rock (Lynyrd Skynyrd, Kiss, Scorpions, etc.) are for Satanists.
6. Everyone on the team thinks that women have something better to do than play airsoft games.
5. Everyone on the team thinks that anyone whose weapons system costs less than PhP10,000 lives in a shanty town and blows his nose on his shirt or one of his 14 children’s shirts.
4. Most of the members want the best airsoft weapons system, but wont shell out the required money.
3. You got kicked out for mentioning “Medical Marijuana.”
2. Everyone on the team thinks that rationalism is a left leaning thought.
1. The team leader’s claim to fame on his leadership skills is that he loves to boss around other people in an indignant manner.
There you have it. If your team manifests a couple of minor problems, all is not lost. Three or more, then you have a better chance of carving your very own team- mate out of a mango. Megalomaniac leaders are a special case in itself. In our Filipino culture, we usually deal this problem in an “Emperor’s New Clothes” or in a “yes men” kind of way. There are good, even great teams out there, so shop around.
Review of Research Papers / Publications on Science Education, Part I
Vanessa Uy
Science Education: Where Do We Start?
By: Roger Osborne
The Australian Science Teachers Journal, August 1981
Roger Osborne was very insightful in noting that the students / pupils might have misconceptions about science which they might have picked-up early on. These ideas should be corrected by the teacher-at-hand. Because they might be dangerous to the life of the individual if he or she stake their lives on a certain uncorrected misconception.
A few months ago, my playmate’s younger brother once thought that as long as there is an electric fan turning in an air tight, hermetically sealed room, a person or an animal can still live, even though all the oxygen contained in the air sealed inside is consumed by the respiration process of the person or animal therein. To remedy this misconception, my playmate and I, both aspiring scientists, made an experiment. Using common household materials: a large jar about one gallon in volume, a basin filled with water large enough to fit the inverted jar, a styrofoam float, a candle and an “unfortunate” grasshopper set up so that the jar faces down with an air pocket. Inside, the floating candle burns, accelerating oxygen consumption while a small battery operated fan whirls. The grasshopper died after several minutes after the candle flame was snuffed out due to the oxygen being exhausted even though the fan is still running. Basing on what we’ve learned so far about respiration, the grasshopper didn’t die because of the candle’s flame but due to lack of oxygen, and the fan is useless as a life support device
Vanessa Uy
Science Education: Where Do We Start?
By: Roger Osborne
The Australian Science Teachers Journal, August 1981
Roger Osborne was very insightful in noting that the students / pupils might have misconceptions about science which they might have picked-up early on. These ideas should be corrected by the teacher-at-hand. Because they might be dangerous to the life of the individual if he or she stake their lives on a certain uncorrected misconception.
A few months ago, my playmate’s younger brother once thought that as long as there is an electric fan turning in an air tight, hermetically sealed room, a person or an animal can still live, even though all the oxygen contained in the air sealed inside is consumed by the respiration process of the person or animal therein. To remedy this misconception, my playmate and I, both aspiring scientists, made an experiment. Using common household materials: a large jar about one gallon in volume, a basin filled with water large enough to fit the inverted jar, a styrofoam float, a candle and an “unfortunate” grasshopper set up so that the jar faces down with an air pocket. Inside, the floating candle burns, accelerating oxygen consumption while a small battery operated fan whirls. The grasshopper died after several minutes after the candle flame was snuffed out due to the oxygen being exhausted even though the fan is still running. Basing on what we’ve learned so far about respiration, the grasshopper didn’t die because of the candle’s flame but due to lack of oxygen, and the fan is useless as a life support device
Review of Research Papers / Publications on Science Education, Part III
Vanessa Uy
Students’ Perceptions about Science: The Impact of Transition
From Primary to Secondary School
By: Wendy Speering and Leone Rennie
Research in Science Education, 1996
While evaluating Speering and Rennie’s paper. I found out that there is a method of teaching science that is only familiar in elite schools and on special genius-level classes that could advance science education here in the Philippines. This method is called a “master class”. Dismissed as an elitist method suitable only for those learning institutions with more money than common sense. I believe this method could work here, and is a good value-for –money program. For example, if the topic for discussion will be about sound and acoustics, I would invite a famous musician or a recording engineer whose job is related to my science topic and give a lecture to my class. I believe this method could make my students value science because most of our kids today think that science only belong to the textbooks as opposed to real life. And these are also very high -paying jobs that could catapult the practitioner into celebrity status, thus allowing the guest speakers to meet their fans at the grassroots level.
Vanessa Uy
Students’ Perceptions about Science: The Impact of Transition
From Primary to Secondary School
By: Wendy Speering and Leone Rennie
Research in Science Education, 1996
While evaluating Speering and Rennie’s paper. I found out that there is a method of teaching science that is only familiar in elite schools and on special genius-level classes that could advance science education here in the Philippines. This method is called a “master class”. Dismissed as an elitist method suitable only for those learning institutions with more money than common sense. I believe this method could work here, and is a good value-for –money program. For example, if the topic for discussion will be about sound and acoustics, I would invite a famous musician or a recording engineer whose job is related to my science topic and give a lecture to my class. I believe this method could make my students value science because most of our kids today think that science only belong to the textbooks as opposed to real life. And these are also very high -paying jobs that could catapult the practitioner into celebrity status, thus allowing the guest speakers to meet their fans at the grassroots level.
Review of Research Papers / Publications on Science Education, Part II
Vanessa Uy
Student’s Preferences for Different Contexts for Learning Science
By: Jung-Suk Choi and Jinwoong Song
Research in Science Education, 1996
Choi and Song’s research paper has a scope that’s not only limited to teaching natural science subjects, like biology and physics. It can be applied to social science subjects as well, like Political Science. One evergreen topic that is often discussed in a political science class is feminism, which most middle-class-unmarried twenty-something college women can relate to. As a “cause celebre”, these women are within their rights to question our present patriarchal status - quo which to every quid pro “for blurry” quo, the dismay of a male professor not mindful of these things. Like the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe versus Wade abortion issue. An intellectual discussion that parallels in formulating a theory that works in uniting Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity with Quantum Mechanics. All sides of the issue must be put into account. Like is it better to abort a life not yet human than to subject that same human to a life of socio – economic scapegoat. In this post 9 / 11 word, majority of the civilized world rejected the ”Taliban”. I hope that through education, we will reject the path of barbarism.
Vanessa Uy
Student’s Preferences for Different Contexts for Learning Science
By: Jung-Suk Choi and Jinwoong Song
Research in Science Education, 1996
Choi and Song’s research paper has a scope that’s not only limited to teaching natural science subjects, like biology and physics. It can be applied to social science subjects as well, like Political Science. One evergreen topic that is often discussed in a political science class is feminism, which most middle-class-unmarried twenty-something college women can relate to. As a “cause celebre”, these women are within their rights to question our present patriarchal status - quo which to every quid pro “for blurry” quo, the dismay of a male professor not mindful of these things. Like the 1973 U.S. Supreme Court decision on Roe versus Wade abortion issue. An intellectual discussion that parallels in formulating a theory that works in uniting Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity with Quantum Mechanics. All sides of the issue must be put into account. Like is it better to abort a life not yet human than to subject that same human to a life of socio – economic scapegoat. In this post 9 / 11 word, majority of the civilized world rejected the ”Taliban”. I hope that through education, we will reject the path of barbarism.
Problems Facing Science Education In The Philippines
By: Vanessa Uy
Isn’t the working title of this article, seem so ironic? I would not be surprised that right now in a remote corner of our country, a science teacher is being burned on the steak a la Giordano Bruno. In order to formulate a viable solution, lets examine the dilemma faced by our science educators.
The problem facing science education in the Philippines is that there is an incoherence of the three levels of curricula. It is a threefold problem first caused by a lack of a concrete educational philosophy / aim / mission of our own. Second, some subjects are not in harmony to our Filipino culture. Third, some curriculum planners have more than enough resources but lack creativity in formulating brilliant solutions to mundane problems.
Maybe there will be enough brilliant people who are fed up by these second hand tragedies that they would create an educational “renaissance” here in our country. But the main obstacle is the first problem mentioned. Most of what we know (i.e. being taught in schools) about philosophy is the Western Judaeo-Christian sort. Every intellectual worth his or her salt knows that this is inferior compared to the best the East or Orient has to offer like Sun Tsu or Deepak Chopka. (Is this just a quirk of genetic memory that I’m kind of uncomfortable with most of the teachings of “The Holy Bible”? Or a topic to be discussed in the near future?). We need first to grow as a society to solve problem number one. A solution whose critics say “a big waste of time that we do not have. Problem number two is being solved at present but at a pitifully slow rate. Its solution is hindered by politics, incompetent powers-that –be, and by book publishers (Attention Vibal Publishing!) who conduct their business like Arab dictators. Problem number three may be waiting to be solved by the new generation of curriculum planners, but when? Should we wait until the government’s jingoism suits our fancy? The need is immediate, and I think this is the right time that the teacher should apply their leadership skills. Teachers should also display integrity and genuine sincerity to the well being of their students / pupils so that they will be able to influence them the value of hard work and intelligence and all those teaching strategies / techniques will come naturally, like water flowing downhill.
By: Vanessa Uy
Isn’t the working title of this article, seem so ironic? I would not be surprised that right now in a remote corner of our country, a science teacher is being burned on the steak a la Giordano Bruno. In order to formulate a viable solution, lets examine the dilemma faced by our science educators.
The problem facing science education in the Philippines is that there is an incoherence of the three levels of curricula. It is a threefold problem first caused by a lack of a concrete educational philosophy / aim / mission of our own. Second, some subjects are not in harmony to our Filipino culture. Third, some curriculum planners have more than enough resources but lack creativity in formulating brilliant solutions to mundane problems.
Maybe there will be enough brilliant people who are fed up by these second hand tragedies that they would create an educational “renaissance” here in our country. But the main obstacle is the first problem mentioned. Most of what we know (i.e. being taught in schools) about philosophy is the Western Judaeo-Christian sort. Every intellectual worth his or her salt knows that this is inferior compared to the best the East or Orient has to offer like Sun Tsu or Deepak Chopka. (Is this just a quirk of genetic memory that I’m kind of uncomfortable with most of the teachings of “The Holy Bible”? Or a topic to be discussed in the near future?). We need first to grow as a society to solve problem number one. A solution whose critics say “a big waste of time that we do not have. Problem number two is being solved at present but at a pitifully slow rate. Its solution is hindered by politics, incompetent powers-that –be, and by book publishers (Attention Vibal Publishing!) who conduct their business like Arab dictators. Problem number three may be waiting to be solved by the new generation of curriculum planners, but when? Should we wait until the government’s jingoism suits our fancy? The need is immediate, and I think this is the right time that the teacher should apply their leadership skills. Teachers should also display integrity and genuine sincerity to the well being of their students / pupils so that they will be able to influence them the value of hard work and intelligence and all those teaching strategies / techniques will come naturally, like water flowing downhill.
Media Censorship Revisited
By: May Anne Uy
“Nobody can take away the one thing I can depend on, which is enjoying the music.” Say’s Eric Johnson on his December, 1982 interview on “Guitar Player” magazine. On a personal level, I can really identify with him on how music affects our lives. But there’s a monster out there that refuses to die that could ruin our enjoyment of music. Censorship is back, with a vengeance. My best friend, who grew up in the 1980’s has wrestled with this beast most of his life. He’s an aspiring musician whose love for music is a zen-like transcendence. He’s been through the PMRC (Parent’s Music Resource Center) fiasco back in 1989. Back then if you are into music that’s been labeled as a degenerate art by the Catholic Church, like Heavy Metal or Wagner’s Operas, you’re just labeled weird. Then 1999 came, the Y2K Bug, and Jesus don’t like Metal (?) attitude made hip by weak willed degenerates as a fashion statement du jour. Then came 9 / 11, as the Catholic Church became “Talibanized” for five years running, this monster got a new lease on tenure to make us music lovers suffer. Today, you could get fired if your employer finds out that you’re into “degenerate art”. And they say that media piracy is killing the music industry worldwide. Is the future of media censorship painful or interesting? I just hope I can live through this.
By: May Anne Uy
“Nobody can take away the one thing I can depend on, which is enjoying the music.” Say’s Eric Johnson on his December, 1982 interview on “Guitar Player” magazine. On a personal level, I can really identify with him on how music affects our lives. But there’s a monster out there that refuses to die that could ruin our enjoyment of music. Censorship is back, with a vengeance. My best friend, who grew up in the 1980’s has wrestled with this beast most of his life. He’s an aspiring musician whose love for music is a zen-like transcendence. He’s been through the PMRC (Parent’s Music Resource Center) fiasco back in 1989. Back then if you are into music that’s been labeled as a degenerate art by the Catholic Church, like Heavy Metal or Wagner’s Operas, you’re just labeled weird. Then 1999 came, the Y2K Bug, and Jesus don’t like Metal (?) attitude made hip by weak willed degenerates as a fashion statement du jour. Then came 9 / 11, as the Catholic Church became “Talibanized” for five years running, this monster got a new lease on tenure to make us music lovers suffer. Today, you could get fired if your employer finds out that you’re into “degenerate art”. And they say that media piracy is killing the music industry worldwide. Is the future of media censorship painful or interesting? I just hope I can live through this.
The Faerie Queen
A critical reflection of one of Edmund Spenser’s most famous works.
By: Vanessa Uy
The Faerie Queen to me is a political and moral allegory that establishes the views of Edmund Spenser regarding the local and foreign policies of Queen Elizabeth I’s kingdom. At the time, most of the nations of the world were ruled by a political system called “Absolute Monarchy.” Artisans like poets, painters, sculptors, and architects were vying for patrons. Luckily, monarchs like Queen Elizabeth I was a very generous patron for the arts. She employed Spenser as a royal poet. After this, Spenser only has to worry about writing poetry because he’s provided with amenities like food, shelter, or means of travel by the Queen.
The poem is divided into six books. Each book tells how various virtues allow a knight and his lady or paige to accomplish their mission given by Queen Gloriana, the Faerie Queen. The first book is about the virtue of holiness typified by the Red Crossed Knight. The second, temperence; the third, chastity; the fourth, friendship; the fifth, justice; and the sixth, courtesy. There were supposedly twelve books that should have been completed by Spenser describing the twelve Aristotolian virtues that would make a person noble.
Two of the characters that I can relate to in this poem were Talus the Iron Man, and Brittomart the Lady Knight. Talus the Iron Man was Queen Gloriana’s instrument of retribution which also makes him known as “the punisher.” Together with Artegal, they punished the thieving Saracen King for his crimes against the traders and travelers passing through his domain. Talus is like an allegory of the American foreign policy of “dropping the hammer” on her enemies. While Brittomart, one of the knights appointed by Queen Gloriana to hold Archimago’s plans at bay. Spenser’s engendering her the virtue of chastity might be an allegory for integrity which means her ideals cannot be corrupted by the “false teachings” of Archimago. To me Brittomart is more an allegory of a woman in power like the then Secretary of State Madeleigne Allbright or Condeliza Rice than a female U.S. Army ground pounder.
Spenser conveys the description of Queen Elizabeth I’s kingdom as faerieland maybe because most common people have difficulty understanding the rigmarole of running a kingdom. The domestic and foreign policies that are to be enforced i.e. the clash between Anglicanism and The Roman Catholic Church and the raids committed by the Saracens (read that: lawless Arab Muslims) on the merchants with cargo from the Orient (silk and spices from China/Cathay) which have to pass through Arab lands before reaching their European buyers. These things might have left a lot of people stumped. But by using allegory and some elements of classical Greek and Roman literature, Faerie Queen could be accessible by most of Queen Elizabeth I’s subjects with reading skills a few rungs above the basic.
Spenser’s portrayal of some Muslims as bandits might be viewed as prejudicial in today’s culturally sensitive and politically correct climes. It’s just to bad that there’s been very little progress in forging understanding between the Islamic World and the West.
A critical reflection of one of Edmund Spenser’s most famous works.
By: Vanessa Uy
The Faerie Queen to me is a political and moral allegory that establishes the views of Edmund Spenser regarding the local and foreign policies of Queen Elizabeth I’s kingdom. At the time, most of the nations of the world were ruled by a political system called “Absolute Monarchy.” Artisans like poets, painters, sculptors, and architects were vying for patrons. Luckily, monarchs like Queen Elizabeth I was a very generous patron for the arts. She employed Spenser as a royal poet. After this, Spenser only has to worry about writing poetry because he’s provided with amenities like food, shelter, or means of travel by the Queen.
The poem is divided into six books. Each book tells how various virtues allow a knight and his lady or paige to accomplish their mission given by Queen Gloriana, the Faerie Queen. The first book is about the virtue of holiness typified by the Red Crossed Knight. The second, temperence; the third, chastity; the fourth, friendship; the fifth, justice; and the sixth, courtesy. There were supposedly twelve books that should have been completed by Spenser describing the twelve Aristotolian virtues that would make a person noble.
Two of the characters that I can relate to in this poem were Talus the Iron Man, and Brittomart the Lady Knight. Talus the Iron Man was Queen Gloriana’s instrument of retribution which also makes him known as “the punisher.” Together with Artegal, they punished the thieving Saracen King for his crimes against the traders and travelers passing through his domain. Talus is like an allegory of the American foreign policy of “dropping the hammer” on her enemies. While Brittomart, one of the knights appointed by Queen Gloriana to hold Archimago’s plans at bay. Spenser’s engendering her the virtue of chastity might be an allegory for integrity which means her ideals cannot be corrupted by the “false teachings” of Archimago. To me Brittomart is more an allegory of a woman in power like the then Secretary of State Madeleigne Allbright or Condeliza Rice than a female U.S. Army ground pounder.
Spenser conveys the description of Queen Elizabeth I’s kingdom as faerieland maybe because most common people have difficulty understanding the rigmarole of running a kingdom. The domestic and foreign policies that are to be enforced i.e. the clash between Anglicanism and The Roman Catholic Church and the raids committed by the Saracens (read that: lawless Arab Muslims) on the merchants with cargo from the Orient (silk and spices from China/Cathay) which have to pass through Arab lands before reaching their European buyers. These things might have left a lot of people stumped. But by using allegory and some elements of classical Greek and Roman literature, Faerie Queen could be accessible by most of Queen Elizabeth I’s subjects with reading skills a few rungs above the basic.
Spenser’s portrayal of some Muslims as bandits might be viewed as prejudicial in today’s culturally sensitive and politically correct climes. It’s just to bad that there’s been very little progress in forging understanding between the Islamic World and the West.
Edmund Spenser’s Contribution to English Literature
By: Bones
Spenser developed a format in poetry called a Senserian Stanza. A kind of Iambic pentameter that is very useful in describing vivid imagery in a poetic sense that is widely adapted by latter poets like Keats, Milton, and Pope.
His use of allegory in subtly describing his own political beliefs or opinions won the praise of readers and critics throughout the ages for its artistry and intricate imagery.
His epic poems are a challenge to read through, but satisfying once you’ve finished them like Bjork’s Homogenic album.
By: Bones
Spenser developed a format in poetry called a Senserian Stanza. A kind of Iambic pentameter that is very useful in describing vivid imagery in a poetic sense that is widely adapted by latter poets like Keats, Milton, and Pope.
His use of allegory in subtly describing his own political beliefs or opinions won the praise of readers and critics throughout the ages for its artistry and intricate imagery.
His epic poems are a challenge to read through, but satisfying once you’ve finished them like Bjork’s Homogenic album.
Introduction to Literature, Part I
Literature can be defined as the collected oral and written works of a society that depict the people’s beliefs, values, mores and aspirations, as well as their struggles in life.
In this column, Vanessa and Bones will publish their views and reviews on English Literature hoping to provide insight and aid to those interested in this subject. Whether you are taking English Literature as part of your course and presently suffering from lazy-ass syndrome or just into it out of love here’s to ya.
The works in question are not presented chronologically but by availability and demand for the said topic.
Due to the rarity of material about Edmund Spenser and some college professors insistence on assigning “fool’s errands” to unfortunate students. This is a good place to start.
Edmund Spenser (c. 1552-1599)
Edmund Spenser was born in East Smithfield, London. He first studied at the Merchant Tailors’ School and then to Pembroke Hall, Cambridge (that’s England). At college, he was fortunate in getting acquainted with Gabriel Harvey, a notable scholar and critic back then. Harvey was instrumental in getting the young author appointed to the Earl of Leicester’s household. Thus earning the patronage of royalty that later allow Spenser to be noticed by the greatest patron of the arts in all of the British Isles at that time, Queen Elizabeth I.
Literature can be defined as the collected oral and written works of a society that depict the people’s beliefs, values, mores and aspirations, as well as their struggles in life.
In this column, Vanessa and Bones will publish their views and reviews on English Literature hoping to provide insight and aid to those interested in this subject. Whether you are taking English Literature as part of your course and presently suffering from lazy-ass syndrome or just into it out of love here’s to ya.
The works in question are not presented chronologically but by availability and demand for the said topic.
Due to the rarity of material about Edmund Spenser and some college professors insistence on assigning “fool’s errands” to unfortunate students. This is a good place to start.
Edmund Spenser (c. 1552-1599)
Edmund Spenser was born in East Smithfield, London. He first studied at the Merchant Tailors’ School and then to Pembroke Hall, Cambridge (that’s England). At college, he was fortunate in getting acquainted with Gabriel Harvey, a notable scholar and critic back then. Harvey was instrumental in getting the young author appointed to the Earl of Leicester’s household. Thus earning the patronage of royalty that later allow Spenser to be noticed by the greatest patron of the arts in all of the British Isles at that time, Queen Elizabeth I.
Introduction to Literature Part II
A Report on Beowulf
By: Vanessa Uy
Beowulf is a perfect example of an Old English Poem, which survives to this day. Written probably in the 8th Century A. D. The author’s identity was lost to history. The poem has about 3,182 alliterative lines.
Cast of Characters:
BEOWULF – the hero of the poem, born of the royal house of the Geatas, a tribe living in a part of what is now Sweden.
HEARDRED – son of Beowulf.
SCYLD – the child who arrived in Denmark, then became a mighty warrior, one of Beowulf’s ancestors.
KING HYGELAC – maternal uncle of Beowulf whom he served as a henchman.
KING HROTHGAR – the Danish king terrorized by Grendel.
GRENDEL – the troll who came every night to kill and eat those he caught.
The action opens in Denmark. The Danish king can’t do anything about Grendel, so he asked Beowulf for help. Beowulf heard of the “haunting”, so he with his 14 followers took ship for Denmark. King Hrothgar welcomed the Geatish troop and allowed them to use the castle’s hall for the night.
That evening, Grendel came and fought with Beowulf. Grendel’s arm was dismembered by Beowulf’s very strong grip. Grendel escapes to the bottom of the sea leaving behind his severed arm. He died soon after he reached his underwater abode.
The next evening, Grendel’s mother took revenge by abducting a high ranking Dane. Beowulf came after her and made his way to her hall at the sea- bottom and slew her using a supposedly lucky sword that he found there. After the hard fight in which the sword he had taken with him proved useless. Beowulf nearly lost his life.
When he and his men returned to Geatland laden with gifts, he made report to King Hygelac, who rewarded him with a huge grant of land. Some years later Heardred died in battle. Then Beowulf became king and ruled for 50 years.
A dragon began to lay waste of the Geatish countryside, in revenge for a theft from his treasure hoard. Beowulf, now a king, with the aid of his young kinsman, Wiglaf and ten other warriors set out to hunt the dragon down. When they neared its lair, Beowulf made his men wait while he advanced to fight alone. The fight went bad for Beowulf, thus Wiglaf came to his aid as the others fled. He and Wiglaf finally killed the terrible beast, but Beowulf was mortally wounded. When all was over, the “cowardly ten” came forward to bask in the glory of victory. Wiglaf rebuked them, and condemned them to the life of outcasts. The news of King Beowulf’s passing despite having slain the dragon brought the royal court to the scene, and the poem ends with the heroes funeral and words in his praise.
Beowulf falls into 2 contrasting parts. Part one (lines 1 – 2,199), the hero is young, an ideal foot-soldier, eager to risk his life for the good of others in high adventure to far away lands and beyond the call of duty. Beowulf fights single-handedly and always wins, despite long odds. His followers, though faithful, are smart enough not to interfere in his moment of glory. In part two (lines 2,200 – 3,182), the hero is older, an ideal ruler. Beowulf still goes to battle, but only when duty calls him to defend his own people. Still victorious but with only a kinsman beside him that’s willing to die for him; his followers proved useless in his hour of need, all but one.
The anonymous poet who wrote Beowulf attempted to reconcile both his pagan ancestry and his present Christian faith and culture at a time when Christianity was spreading unabated throughout Scandinavia. Beowulf could be viewed as a Cathecistal story to be told to the still non-Christian people of the British Isles during the 8th Century. Beowulf has pagan elements of bravery and courage mixed in with Christian values like charitable service. For me, Beowulf, which in my experience is now fashionably taught in High School could serve as a pre-requisite for someone interested in Wagnerian Operas of similar theme like Lohengrin or learning Nietzschean values like the “warrior ethic.”
A Report on Beowulf
By: Vanessa Uy
Beowulf is a perfect example of an Old English Poem, which survives to this day. Written probably in the 8th Century A. D. The author’s identity was lost to history. The poem has about 3,182 alliterative lines.
Cast of Characters:
BEOWULF – the hero of the poem, born of the royal house of the Geatas, a tribe living in a part of what is now Sweden.
HEARDRED – son of Beowulf.
SCYLD – the child who arrived in Denmark, then became a mighty warrior, one of Beowulf’s ancestors.
KING HYGELAC – maternal uncle of Beowulf whom he served as a henchman.
KING HROTHGAR – the Danish king terrorized by Grendel.
GRENDEL – the troll who came every night to kill and eat those he caught.
The action opens in Denmark. The Danish king can’t do anything about Grendel, so he asked Beowulf for help. Beowulf heard of the “haunting”, so he with his 14 followers took ship for Denmark. King Hrothgar welcomed the Geatish troop and allowed them to use the castle’s hall for the night.
That evening, Grendel came and fought with Beowulf. Grendel’s arm was dismembered by Beowulf’s very strong grip. Grendel escapes to the bottom of the sea leaving behind his severed arm. He died soon after he reached his underwater abode.
The next evening, Grendel’s mother took revenge by abducting a high ranking Dane. Beowulf came after her and made his way to her hall at the sea- bottom and slew her using a supposedly lucky sword that he found there. After the hard fight in which the sword he had taken with him proved useless. Beowulf nearly lost his life.
When he and his men returned to Geatland laden with gifts, he made report to King Hygelac, who rewarded him with a huge grant of land. Some years later Heardred died in battle. Then Beowulf became king and ruled for 50 years.
A dragon began to lay waste of the Geatish countryside, in revenge for a theft from his treasure hoard. Beowulf, now a king, with the aid of his young kinsman, Wiglaf and ten other warriors set out to hunt the dragon down. When they neared its lair, Beowulf made his men wait while he advanced to fight alone. The fight went bad for Beowulf, thus Wiglaf came to his aid as the others fled. He and Wiglaf finally killed the terrible beast, but Beowulf was mortally wounded. When all was over, the “cowardly ten” came forward to bask in the glory of victory. Wiglaf rebuked them, and condemned them to the life of outcasts. The news of King Beowulf’s passing despite having slain the dragon brought the royal court to the scene, and the poem ends with the heroes funeral and words in his praise.
Beowulf falls into 2 contrasting parts. Part one (lines 1 – 2,199), the hero is young, an ideal foot-soldier, eager to risk his life for the good of others in high adventure to far away lands and beyond the call of duty. Beowulf fights single-handedly and always wins, despite long odds. His followers, though faithful, are smart enough not to interfere in his moment of glory. In part two (lines 2,200 – 3,182), the hero is older, an ideal ruler. Beowulf still goes to battle, but only when duty calls him to defend his own people. Still victorious but with only a kinsman beside him that’s willing to die for him; his followers proved useless in his hour of need, all but one.
The anonymous poet who wrote Beowulf attempted to reconcile both his pagan ancestry and his present Christian faith and culture at a time when Christianity was spreading unabated throughout Scandinavia. Beowulf could be viewed as a Cathecistal story to be told to the still non-Christian people of the British Isles during the 8th Century. Beowulf has pagan elements of bravery and courage mixed in with Christian values like charitable service. For me, Beowulf, which in my experience is now fashionably taught in High School could serve as a pre-requisite for someone interested in Wagnerian Operas of similar theme like Lohengrin or learning Nietzschean values like the “warrior ethic.”
Introduction to Literature, Part III
By: Vanessa Uy
Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London about 1340, the son of a well-to-do and well-connected wine merchant. In his youth, he served as a page to the countess of Ulster, and later as a valet in the royal household. In 1360, after his capture while fighting in the French wars, Edward III paid his ransom, and later Chaucer married Philippa de Roet, a maid of honor to the queen and sister-in-law to John of Gaunt, Chaucer’s patron.
Chaucer spent many years in royal employment, as a comptroller of customs for the port of London, as justice of the peace for Kent, as a Member of Parliament. His appointment took him on various missions to France and Italy, where he probably met Boccaccio and Petrarch and discovered the poetry of Dante—influences that are evident in his own writing.
Chaucer’s body of work is often divided into three periods: the French period (to 1372); consisting of such works as a translation of the Roman de la Rose and The Book of the Duchess; the Italian period (1372-1385), including The House of Fame, The Parliament of Fowls and Troilus and Criseyde; and the English period (1385-1400), culminating in The Canterbury Tales. In 1400, he passed away, leaving 24 of the apparently 120 tales he had planned for his final masterpiece. The 24 he wrote were sufficient. Chaucer became the first of England’s great men to be buried in the Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey.
Chaucer’s literary works are an example of a form of Middle English dialect then in use in Medieval London, which evolved into the Modern English of today. On the Canterbury Tales, his metrical versification of choice is the ”heroic couplet” which is a pair of successive lines, in iambic pentameter (regularly five feet, or ten syllables), that rhyme. Sometimes, Chaucer also uses “Rhyme Royal” as in Troilus and Criseyde, and Terza Rima which is rare in English prosody but is used in Part II of one of his minor poems, Complaint to His Lady.
The Canterbury Tales is probably the most famous of Chaucer’s works. It is a collection of tales set in verse form about various pilgrims on their way to pay homage to St. Thomas a Becket, a martyr murdered at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. The pilgrims have various tales which they told during their stay in a local inn. These tales could be described as a religious, moral, and philosophical views in Medieval England. Like the Pardoner’s Tale, which preaches that “the love of money is the root of all evil” or the Clerk’s Tale which is about the virtue of patience taken to the extreme. The tales could also be viewed as a satire aiming to expose, and sometimes to correct (His Retraction), personal, social, or spiritual follies or vices.
The various pilgrims of The Canterbury Tales in order of importance to the society of Medieval England:
1. Knight 15. Tapestry Maker
2. Young Squire 16. Cook
3. Yeoman 17. Ship man
4. Prioress 18. Man of Physique (Medical Doctor)
5. Monk 19. Wife of Bath
6. Friar 20. Parson
7. Merchant 21. Plowman
8. Clerk of Oxford 22. Reeve
9. Sergeant-of-the-Law (Lawyer) 23. Miller
10. Franklin 24. Summoner
11. Haberdasher 25. Pardoner
12. Carpenter 26. Manciple
13. Weaver 27. Author
14. Dyer
Various characters of the “Tale” and their profile:
1. The Wife of Bath/Dame Alice – She’s very open about her private sex life. And she’s not ashamed to tell everyone about it during her drinking spree in the inn. Described as “gap-toothed”, which in Chaucer’s time would mean a woman of considerable sexual prowess. Too liberated for Medieval England and her “kiss and tell” attitude is anathema to my politically correct sewing circle.
2. The Pardoner – His “de rigueur” preaching about “The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil” borders on the point of obsession. Made a fortune by selling false religious relics. The only redeeming trait about him is his honesty about his wicked schemes or maybe this is just a way of rationalizing his guilty conscience. His present day counterparts include Vice President Dick Cheney and former secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld.
Is the Canterbury Tales a story on how Medieval England perpetuated a culture of inequality?
During Chaucer’s time, there are very rigid class barriers that cannot be transcended. Like the “Haberdasher” never ever contemplates on becoming a “Knight” someday.
Women were treated in an arcane system that is a cross between being a property and a holy cow. They are pampered by their spouses or suitors lavishly, but have little by the way of individual rights. Women back then can only develop their intellectual prowess if they’ll enter into a convent and become a nun.
People back then have a strong faith in God and they believe that He keeps their universe in perfect working order.
In my opinion, one cannot ignore the message the tale is trying to tell. It treats anything as trivial and irrelevant as the reader searches for the moral of the story. Someone well versed in English Literature studies might defend the work by stating this story’s raison d’etre is prosody, literary structure etc. and tells me that this is not a philosophy class. In the end, I’d rather live in a future that has undeniable proof that we descended from animals than to live in a past that believes that we are the pinnacle of God’s creation but can do nothing else like the proverbial “Taliban Cardiologist”.
By: Vanessa Uy
Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London about 1340, the son of a well-to-do and well-connected wine merchant. In his youth, he served as a page to the countess of Ulster, and later as a valet in the royal household. In 1360, after his capture while fighting in the French wars, Edward III paid his ransom, and later Chaucer married Philippa de Roet, a maid of honor to the queen and sister-in-law to John of Gaunt, Chaucer’s patron.
Chaucer spent many years in royal employment, as a comptroller of customs for the port of London, as justice of the peace for Kent, as a Member of Parliament. His appointment took him on various missions to France and Italy, where he probably met Boccaccio and Petrarch and discovered the poetry of Dante—influences that are evident in his own writing.
Chaucer’s body of work is often divided into three periods: the French period (to 1372); consisting of such works as a translation of the Roman de la Rose and The Book of the Duchess; the Italian period (1372-1385), including The House of Fame, The Parliament of Fowls and Troilus and Criseyde; and the English period (1385-1400), culminating in The Canterbury Tales. In 1400, he passed away, leaving 24 of the apparently 120 tales he had planned for his final masterpiece. The 24 he wrote were sufficient. Chaucer became the first of England’s great men to be buried in the Poet’s Corner of Westminster Abbey.
Chaucer’s literary works are an example of a form of Middle English dialect then in use in Medieval London, which evolved into the Modern English of today. On the Canterbury Tales, his metrical versification of choice is the ”heroic couplet” which is a pair of successive lines, in iambic pentameter (regularly five feet, or ten syllables), that rhyme. Sometimes, Chaucer also uses “Rhyme Royal” as in Troilus and Criseyde, and Terza Rima which is rare in English prosody but is used in Part II of one of his minor poems, Complaint to His Lady.
The Canterbury Tales is probably the most famous of Chaucer’s works. It is a collection of tales set in verse form about various pilgrims on their way to pay homage to St. Thomas a Becket, a martyr murdered at Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. The pilgrims have various tales which they told during their stay in a local inn. These tales could be described as a religious, moral, and philosophical views in Medieval England. Like the Pardoner’s Tale, which preaches that “the love of money is the root of all evil” or the Clerk’s Tale which is about the virtue of patience taken to the extreme. The tales could also be viewed as a satire aiming to expose, and sometimes to correct (His Retraction), personal, social, or spiritual follies or vices.
The various pilgrims of The Canterbury Tales in order of importance to the society of Medieval England:
1. Knight 15. Tapestry Maker
2. Young Squire 16. Cook
3. Yeoman 17. Ship man
4. Prioress 18. Man of Physique (Medical Doctor)
5. Monk 19. Wife of Bath
6. Friar 20. Parson
7. Merchant 21. Plowman
8. Clerk of Oxford 22. Reeve
9. Sergeant-of-the-Law (Lawyer) 23. Miller
10. Franklin 24. Summoner
11. Haberdasher 25. Pardoner
12. Carpenter 26. Manciple
13. Weaver 27. Author
14. Dyer
Various characters of the “Tale” and their profile:
1. The Wife of Bath/Dame Alice – She’s very open about her private sex life. And she’s not ashamed to tell everyone about it during her drinking spree in the inn. Described as “gap-toothed”, which in Chaucer’s time would mean a woman of considerable sexual prowess. Too liberated for Medieval England and her “kiss and tell” attitude is anathema to my politically correct sewing circle.
2. The Pardoner – His “de rigueur” preaching about “The Love of Money is the Root of All Evil” borders on the point of obsession. Made a fortune by selling false religious relics. The only redeeming trait about him is his honesty about his wicked schemes or maybe this is just a way of rationalizing his guilty conscience. His present day counterparts include Vice President Dick Cheney and former secretary of defense Donald Rumsfeld.
Is the Canterbury Tales a story on how Medieval England perpetuated a culture of inequality?
During Chaucer’s time, there are very rigid class barriers that cannot be transcended. Like the “Haberdasher” never ever contemplates on becoming a “Knight” someday.
Women were treated in an arcane system that is a cross between being a property and a holy cow. They are pampered by their spouses or suitors lavishly, but have little by the way of individual rights. Women back then can only develop their intellectual prowess if they’ll enter into a convent and become a nun.
People back then have a strong faith in God and they believe that He keeps their universe in perfect working order.
In my opinion, one cannot ignore the message the tale is trying to tell. It treats anything as trivial and irrelevant as the reader searches for the moral of the story. Someone well versed in English Literature studies might defend the work by stating this story’s raison d’etre is prosody, literary structure etc. and tells me that this is not a philosophy class. In the end, I’d rather live in a future that has undeniable proof that we descended from animals than to live in a past that believes that we are the pinnacle of God’s creation but can do nothing else like the proverbial “Taliban Cardiologist”.
First Woman in Space
Was the Soviet Space Program a milestone for feminism or an esoteric footnote in history to be gawked at by academics?
By: Vanessa Uy
In today’s world where feminism is a living / breathing ideology, Why is it that virtually no one knows who is Valentina Tereshkova. Most feminist worth their salt within a stone’s throw from me don’t even know her. Even more surprising is that a majority of those who knew her exploits are men over 32. Isn’t that weird? She started working as a mill hand in Soviet Russia, then probably served the mandatory required military service which is quite common in the former Soviet Union. During her military service, Valentina Tereshkova became a skilled skydiver which didn’t go unnoticed by the powers- that- be in the Soviet Space Program. On June 1963, the then 26- year- old Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space almost 20 years ahead of the next woman astronaut, an American named Sally Ryde. Valentina Tereshkova made 48 orbits in the Vostok VI spacecraft. Later she became the bride of cosmonaut Andrian Nikolayev.
In the beginning of the 20th Century, almost yesterday in terms of advancement of women’s causes, feminists in England are brandishing their allegiance to Marxist-Leninist Socialism in the hope of advancing their cause. Isn’t Valentina Tereshkova the proof of Socialism’s amicability with feminism or is she just a casualty of the Catholic Church’s exercise of “Posse Comitatis” on Left-leaning views?
Was the Soviet Space Program a milestone for feminism or an esoteric footnote in history to be gawked at by academics?
By: Vanessa Uy
In today’s world where feminism is a living / breathing ideology, Why is it that virtually no one knows who is Valentina Tereshkova. Most feminist worth their salt within a stone’s throw from me don’t even know her. Even more surprising is that a majority of those who knew her exploits are men over 32. Isn’t that weird? She started working as a mill hand in Soviet Russia, then probably served the mandatory required military service which is quite common in the former Soviet Union. During her military service, Valentina Tereshkova became a skilled skydiver which didn’t go unnoticed by the powers- that- be in the Soviet Space Program. On June 1963, the then 26- year- old Valentina Tereshkova became the first woman in space almost 20 years ahead of the next woman astronaut, an American named Sally Ryde. Valentina Tereshkova made 48 orbits in the Vostok VI spacecraft. Later she became the bride of cosmonaut Andrian Nikolayev.
In the beginning of the 20th Century, almost yesterday in terms of advancement of women’s causes, feminists in England are brandishing their allegiance to Marxist-Leninist Socialism in the hope of advancing their cause. Isn’t Valentina Tereshkova the proof of Socialism’s amicability with feminism or is she just a casualty of the Catholic Church’s exercise of “Posse Comitatis” on Left-leaning views?
Wednesday, November 8, 2006
Of Airsoft and Hi-Fi
By:Vanessa Uy
If there is one thing I’ve learned in involving myself in lunatic fringe hobbies like hi-fi and airsoft is that these hobbies require one thing in abundance:money. Yep a Php 28,000 CD player and an airsoft replica gun of similar cost have more in common other than snob factor. A good ( re : expensive ) CD player is supposed to emotionally involve us by replicating the sound of a musical performance -albeit classical , rock, jazz or Islamic qawali- faithfully in your listening room ( or a cramped bed room or whatever ).
Imagine Avril Lavigne,Lunachicks or Jimmi Henrix in your room. Just close your eyes and reach out. Pretty scarry isn’t it? Pricey airsoft guns vie for our emotional involvement by looking eerily like the real thing. A friend of mine using an airsoft kalashnikov once chased away those Hezbollah-esque Fraternity types armed with a real 9 mm berreta. But remember, these imitation assault rifles can’t cause your human targets ribs to stick out their backs after firing short bursts at less than 15 feet away. Come to think of it , am I comparing like with like? Of course not . But one thing I can conclude on my hands on involvement in both hobbies is that hi-fi is a personal endevour ,an enjoy yourself kind of undertaking.
While airsoft breeds commoroderie.Some players may prefer one type of gun to another even though they all use 6mm plastic BB pellets .In hi-fi one persons preferred tonal balance is another ones sonic poison. Also music preferrence come into play .My tastes are as diverse as the latest softcore- porn- teen- rock-chick genre to Islamic devotional music , something the evangelical powers-that –be are trying hard to wipe out!Hi-fi is a 99% Nietzschean self-absorption par excellence,while airsoft is about networking to older men about guns and politics.
They’re the kind that don’t pigeonhole me as some anglo-saxon paedopelia craze. In my opinion these two hobbies don’t make sense because they are designed to make magic!Isn’t the Newtonian physics involved to run these things seem magical?Except hi-fi though. I think some obscure quantum-mechanical principles may be involved. Does Professors Roger Penrose and Stephen Hawking own kick-ass audio systems?
Who Owns God?
By: Vanessa Uy
“Anything done out of love is beyond good and evil.”Thus spake Friedrich Nietzsche.In the ten years of my mortal existence I had always wondered what the phrase “God is Love” means.Currently one of the loudest voices- claiming- infalliability- though- short- in- correctnes today are the Evangelical Christians.Since their Talibanization in the late 1990’s for hyping the Y2k Bug, they have in my opinion,abandoned all rational thought,the only thing needed to establish a dialogue between the Christian West and Islam.But enough about the altruistically themed adverts circulating in the BBC and CNN.
First, some axes to grind.For the most part,Evangelical Christians have a fairly limited ambition.On a personal level,they want to gain this supposedly “Eternal Life” stuff and annoy anyone of us who doesn’t subscribe to their belief system (though not necessarily in that order);on a professional level, they want you to learn,albeit forcibly,about Jesus Christ.And usually that’s about as far as it goes.
Me, on the other hand ,wants more. Not the one content with the usual fire and brimstone rhetoric,I just want to pull a deeper resonance every time I am invited by my Buddhist , Jewish,and Muslim friends to join them in celebrating one of their various high holidays;I’m somewhat disinterested in the dogmatic good versus evil dichotomy that is so manipulated by the evangelical powers-that-be as to infringe upon our civil liberties like going to certain art exhibitions and listening to music.In short ,how can the Christian West respect the beliefs and customs of other civilizations if they don’t respect the civil liberties of their constituents?
It isn’t that left-leaning-feminist-liberals such as myself fail in their attempts to advance Western Civilization or humanities collective perception about God,or are even wrong for wanting to do so.Maybee I’m just avoiding being pigeonholed by a media perception of feminists as spoiled rotten rich kids, anglo liberal inside,whatever color outside.We do care about how the rest of humanity looks at the Holy Church or Western Civilization.A media perception that in the mid 1990’s we came very close to achieving our ambitions of a utopic society could be our battle cry or our collective raison d’etre at best.
But the fact of the matter is that almost all organized religions really doesn’t need reinventing.Moreover ,feminist- liberals as a lot still seems a little too brainy for our own good.Sure ,altruism,the kind practiced by the evangelical powers-that-be,is a very noble idea,but like the amoral,money hungry Corporate World,they are run by people,who are in general more interested in self gain (material wealth,a good afterlife).Evangelical Christianity isn’t exactly the sort of philosophy that thrives on introspective reflection i.e. free thinking.
Should feminist-liberals shoulder the burden in establishing a dialogue that will result into a fruitful outcome in improving relations between Islam and the West.If we succeed,we may well rewrite the book on how the media and humanity should perceive God.Until then,however,there’s this late 20th.century movement called “empty materialism” or shop ‘till you drop for the uninitiated,an idea that’s much easier to acquire.
Paradoxes
By: Vanessa Uy
By: Vanessa Uy
Paradoxes, life is full of them. One of these vexing thoughts that came upon me lately ”If dogs have a good sense of smell, why do they have poor hygene?”. Or why do we constantly prepare for war to keep the peace? Makes you think doesn’t it. But in our present “Talibanized Catholic Educational System, most of these things are never discussed or at best labeled as “loaded subjects.” I hope that someone out there would sympathize with me. Maybe the fate of our Western Civilization rests on the privilaged few who ponders on these questions. With your help we can forge a community of free thinkers who are not bound by the mediocrity of the failed ideals of “Slave Morality.”
No Women Allowed?
Why women players are few and far between in airsoft clubs?
By: Vanessa Uy
General Philip Sheridan once said “War is hell.”Isn’t it anyone,of his or her own free will,entitled to experience this “hell”regardless of race or gender?Maybee I live a charmed,sheltered life surrounded by high browed idealists (re:anglo-saxon folk).So I set out to a “networking” trip to a sport that prides itself on commoroderie;airsoft.It went alright compared to the other harebrained schemes I’ve been,but the few weeks I’ve spent playing only provided flack on my critique on the Philipine society in general.Lesbian/dykes stereotypes aside,the few women that I met in this clubs are quite normal.A wife or an engaged girlfriend of one of the members.So what is there to complain you say.
The problem manifests itself during breaktime conversations.It’s like being an extra for a t.v. pilot episode of”That Chauvanist Show”.Majority of the men’s perception of women and sexuality harks back to the time when Queen Victoria ruled the British Empire.Existential introspection is a loaded topic at most,never mind your personal views on abortion and capital punishment.Museum curators might have a field day in that setting,but to me some artifacts,like Marxist-Leninist Socialism or Christian Slave Morality are ment to rust and decay away.
I know that rules and regulations are there for the player’s and spectator’s safety,but for the club itself to become interesting and or fun, a dose of liberalism certainly won’t hurt.
+ Bones’ review on Rust in Peace:
Why is it that most artists, like painters and musicians, who are addicted to heroin are extremely talented? There’s one catch though, heroin addicts are extremely difficult to work with. As a certain MTV / VH1 documentary made 5 years ago and just shown recently in our local MTV channel, documents Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine’s struggle with heroin. He missed important sessions and cancelled some important performance dates almost cost this band’s career. How much did this addiction contribute to his talent may be a loaded question at best, and always open to debate. But who am I to argue with a good work of art. Although I prefer “Cryptic Writings” as the best Megadeth album, one of my all time favorite songs is “Tornado of Souls” on their Rust in Peace album.
+ Vanessa’s review on Rust in Peace:
The album’s title is about a utopian future where our stockpiled nuclear weapons lay idle. Megadeth is one of those bands pigeonholed for Satanism, thus leading me to ask “Why are those bands that are labeled Satanic are always very artistic?”. This is a guitar player’s dream album. I loved playing the guitar parts on the song “Tornado of Souls”. It provides a good workout routine for my fingers. Lately I made a bet with Bones that I’ll wear my ass as a hat if Avril Lavigne does what Dave Mustaine did on Tornado of Souls (i.e. great guitar playing) before she turns 30. Which leads me to wonder why bands today don’t do guitar playing like the one found on this album anymore?
+ Bones’ review on If I Where A Carpenter:
This is one of those very rare 1990’s alternative/grunge rock albums where the guitar playing musicianship is on par with the best heavy metal bands of the 1980’s. For some the albums musical aesthetic may be a not so easily acquired taste but it works for me.
+ Vanessa’s review on If I Where A Carpenter:
I’ve always thought that The Carpenters are my grandparent’s musical influence since they grew up listening to them. After listening to this grunge-ified ,garage band-ified versions of those songs, I’m sold. This is my favorite alt-rock albums of all time. Check out the Johnette Napolitano and Marc Moreland rework on the classic “Hurting Each Other” with its orchestral Les Paul and Marshall wall of sound.
+ Bones’ review on Nature Film:
Looks like someone want’s to play shrink as opposed to playing doctor. F.Y.I. , this country has a low opinion on shrinks. Like The Inquisition’s opinion on witches/feminists.
I first heard Scrawl back in 1993 from a radio program on NU107 called Not Radio. Despite numerous (?) media exposure and a Guitar World magazine interview, Scrawl seemed to have been denied the fame that they really deserved. In today’s George W. Bush’ America where even rational thought is considered a “left-leaning” view, the ideas presented in this album may seem anathema, even subversive. Is this album a beautiful swan song to a post-politically-apocalyptic America or a beautiful art form for it’s own sake? Only a good listen through can answer that. But I’ll promise you it would be one hell of a good listen.
+ Vanessa’s review on Nature Film:
Scrawl is one of those obscure bands that I’ve immediately fell in love with. The album is filled with songs that Avril Lavigne might write when she turns 30. All of the songs were written from a time when America was the most technologically, morally, and socially advanced country in the world. Sadly the Clinton legacy hasn’t kept the course so to speak. My most favorite track here is “11:59(It’s January)”. I always thought this song is about the Y2K Bug, no, it’s one of those song that mirror Bones’ life.
+ Bones’ review on Piece of Mind:
Some people will say that The Trooper is the only redeeming song on this album. I began to seriously listen to this album back in 1995 using a Super Bit Mapped CD reissue. Even back then, this album held it’s own compared to post-Nirvana-grunge-wannabes. Good guitar musicianship and good songwriting can be found here in abundance. This is probably the best metal album of the 20th Century.
+ Vanessa’s review on Piece of Mind:
Ahh, Iron Maiden. Why is it that most excellent metal bands are affiliated with Satan? To me, Satanism like Christian Slave Morality is an ideological crutch, it hinders rather than aids creativity. But in this album, Iron Maiden concentrates more on intellectual escapism (isn’t most of their songs about this idea?). Songs about science fiction adventures or great battles of the past are presented here with great musicianship. The Trooper is a good song for warming up my fingers, whether I’m playing guitar or cello.
+ Bones’ review on Saturday Morning Cartoons Greatest Hits:
Whoa, this album inspired some strong emotions from Vanessa. I’ve started to enjoy listening to this album maybe a year before she was born. After listening to this great album, watching those classic cartoons will never be the same again. This album passed my sound quality checklist with flying colors. Isn’t it ironic that most of the artists featured here have made albums of less than pristine sound quality.
+ Vanessa’s review on Saturday Morning Cartoons Greatest Hits:
Bones grew up on this ritual of watching cartoons on Saturday mornings. From 8 to noon I reckon. Saturday Morning Cartoons, ain’t this some Politically Correct Catholic ritual? Where would Bones be today without these “cartoons”? A leader for the Aryan Nation or Neo-Nazi local chapter, or Osama Bin Laden’s second hand man, the possibilities are endless. So here’s an album that peers into Bones’ childhood. The versions remade here are way cooler than the originals. Like what they call “Perfect Yesteryears” which is one of the most cognitive disconnect ideas of all time. All of the songs are great that it’s hard to pick just one. My top 3 favorites are Liz Phair’s version of the Banana Splits theme song. Next is the garage-band-a-riffic sounding remake of the Josie and the Pussycats theme by Tanya Donnely (of the band Belly, one of Bones’ faves from the 1990’s) and Juliana Hatfield (she looks like Bones’ baby sister).
And the Popeye the Sailorman theme by the band “face to face” which contains one of the most frighteningly realistic sounding drum sounds ever recorded. I would have shared this album with my dad if he was ever around to raise me or to my mom if she would give a damn about Star Trek or Nietzsche.
+ Bones’ review on Liz Phair’s eponymous album:
From the lady that brought us Exile In Guyville and Whipsmart (remember the song “Supernova”?). I’m showing my age here man. Liz Phair probably grew up worrying about the same things I do so I can’t help but relate to her songs. Most topics may be anathema to George W. Bush' America. But to me, great songs are like that. My favorite track here is “Red Light Fever”.Most guys aged 18 to 50 could relate to this song. It’s like looking into some Freudian mirror despite some smart ass 10 year old girl with a 219 IQ insistence to be my shrink. I may be a mensa type but I’m no “ubermensch”. I hope Vanessa doesn’t get this you’re-Tony Soprano-I’m-the-shrink-roleplay get over her head or spoil my listening enjoyment.
+ Vanessa’s review on Liz Phair’s eponymous album:
This album was released 2003 and only received the heavy radio and MTV rotation that it deserves around April or May 2004. The songs “Extraordinary” and “Why Can’t I ?” are used in famous movies, yet this album is unheard of in college-feminist-poseaur circles. You know, those types who don’t even know what the phrase “Three chords and the truth” means. Is this my favorite album of all time? Is the albums second track “Red Light Fever” an “Avril Killer”? Is “Red Light Fever” a song about Bones? To answer all those questions, give this album a spin, enlightenment never disappoints.
This album was released 2003 and only received the heavy radio and MTV rotation that it deserves around April or May 2004. The songs “Extraordinary” and “Why Can’t I ?” are used in famous movies, yet this album is unheard of in college-feminist-poseaur circles. You know, those types who don’t even know what the phrase “Three chords and the truth” means. Is this my favorite album of all time? Is the albums second track “Red Light Fever” an “Avril Killer”? Is “Red Light Fever” a song about Bones? To answer all those questions, give this album a spin, enlightenment never disappoints.
+ Bones’ review on Under My Skin:
I’ve read an article some time ago after the tech community declared victory against the Y2K Bug, which states that the future is a foreign country. I’ve became involved with Vanessa’s aunt about the same time when Avril Lavigne broke through the musical scene seemingly out of nowhere. Are young people today so different from us (both socially and culturally) folks who grew up during the time when Ronald Reagan was planning to use ray guns against an “Evil Empire”. Long story short, Vanessa’s aunt was into Star Trek and Friedrich Nietzsche thus another one odd pairing. Later she went to some air force/astronaut academy in the ‘States and I got stuck with some shrink punk kid. Avril Lavigne was labeled punk by the media for some time now which is kind of disconcerting for me. To me, whose been around when punk first came around, punk will always mean CBGB era Debbie Harry or Excene Cervenka of the band “X” or more contemporary ones like Lunachicks and 7Year Bitch. For me, Avril Lavigne is an excellent singer/songwriter. Another good thing she does is by donating a significant part of her earnings to ”Warchild” a humanitarian group which Vanessa and I may become involved when this country goes to hell. I just hope that before she turns 40, Avril will write a song similar to Lunachick’s “Spoilt” or “Fallopian Rhapsody”.
+ Vanessa’s review on Under My Skin:
Avril Lavigne, the voice of my generation. Well, that statement kinda makes me feel a bit, just a bit, uncomfortable. As a songwriter, she’s up there with the best. Some critics compare her to Joni Mitchell. I’ve listened to Joni Mitchell’s album “Blue” a little while ago. Joni was the supposedly voice of my granma’s generation (she grew up in the 1970’s). I suspect Avril’s claim to fame as a generational mouthpiece is an unintended byproduct of the music industry’s failure to adapt to 21st Century marketing. But that could be seen as a can of worms that no one should dare open. Believe me when I say she’s the best ( she looks like my aunt ipso facto she’s pretty). She writes some personal stuff that has universal appeal, which as I last checked, made Jim Morrison and Kurt Cobain into “rock icons”. I just wish I haven’t heard this older chick called Liz Phair.
+ Bones’ review on Ritual de lo Habitual:
There’s something that I’m uncomfortable with Janes Addiction. It’s not that the CD, recorded and produced maybe in the late 1980’s still has some audio bugs that most CD’s recorded in the mid 1990’s to present already left behind. And majority of modern rock recordings on CD are good at emulating that good ol’ LP sound. It’s the way Janes Addiction structures their songs. Like the song “Then She Did…” it’s structure is more akin to a Jazz Fusion band studying at Juilliard School of Music than a Punk band at CBGB’s. Which goes against the trend most bands are going through in the start of the 1990’s. At this time, most hard rock and heavy metal groups were exploring Punk circa 1977. But thanks to my eclectic musical taste my love affair with this album lasts until this day. And the better my stereo gets the better this album will sound. This could be defined as a healthy addiction.
+ Vanessa’s review on Ritual de lo Habitual:
The LP I’ve used in this review is from my grandpa. It’s only an ordinary pressing ,not those fancy Mobile Fidelity Soundlabs version. But it’s a hell a lot better than the CD.I can play this louder than the CD. My Aunt May and Bones used to play this LP on my grandpa’s refurbished Linn turntable, and it kept the impure thoughts and deeds of my aunt and Bones from manifesting. Those two look like a Norman Rockwell painting everytime they listen to a good LP. Musically and lyrically this album probably defined the alternative rock movement of the 1990’s. The songs are about addiction , dependence and those other things (feminism in the 1980’s?) that are anathema to anglo-saxon machismo. To me, Janes Addiction reinvented hard rock right then and there.
+ Vanessa’s review on Little Earthquakes:
Bones told me a very interesting story about how he used to listen to Tori Amos’ piano playing back in 1992 to compose creatively fresh and interesting power chord runs via a Les Paul /Marshall set up. I also do the same thing somewhat in reverse. When I was 5 and taking piano lessons. I do power chord runs on the piano from the heavy metal songs I've heard like Judas Priest’s Breaking the Law and it turned out “Tori Amosy sounding”!
To me this album is musically and lyrically transendent. If Friedrich Nietzsche were to have a musical influence other than Richard Wagner, it would be Tori Amos. My favorite track here is “Tear In Your Hand” which is also Bones’ favorite.
Bones told me a very interesting story about how he used to listen to Tori Amos’ piano playing back in 1992 to compose creatively fresh and interesting power chord runs via a Les Paul /Marshall set up. I also do the same thing somewhat in reverse. When I was 5 and taking piano lessons. I do power chord runs on the piano from the heavy metal songs I've heard like Judas Priest’s Breaking the Law and it turned out “Tori Amosy sounding”!
To me this album is musically and lyrically transendent. If Friedrich Nietzsche were to have a musical influence other than Richard Wagner, it would be Tori Amos. My favorite track here is “Tear In Your Hand” which is also Bones’ favorite.
+ Vanessa’s review on American Thighs:
If I were to select an album, which describes my overall personality, it might be Veruca Salt’s American Thighs album. This is one of those albums, which I listen to from start to finish without skips in my listening sessions. It’s one of the most musical sounding CDs I’ve ever encountered. When I mean musical its when I can turn up Bones’ PhP500,000 audio system to garage band sound pressure levels (110 dB S.P.L.) without hurting my ears. I hope that someday I can find a vinyl LP of this album.
If I were to select an album, which describes my overall personality, it might be Veruca Salt’s American Thighs album. This is one of those albums, which I listen to from start to finish without skips in my listening sessions. It’s one of the most musical sounding CDs I’ve ever encountered. When I mean musical its when I can turn up Bones’ PhP500,000 audio system to garage band sound pressure levels (110 dB S.P.L.) without hurting my ears. I hope that someday I can find a vinyl LP of this album.
By: Vanessa Uy and Bones
As a 10 year old girl living in an impoverished country. I am lucky to be able to play around with my aunt’s and my new best bud’s record and CD collection. There’s this older dude who’s been romantically involved with my teen-aged aunt. I could say I like him but that would only incur the wrath of Child Services with their SWAT style Elian Gonzales type intervention.
As a 10 year old girl living in an impoverished country. I am lucky to be able to play around with my aunt’s and my new best bud’s record and CD collection. There’s this older dude who’s been romantically involved with my teen-aged aunt. I could say I like him but that would only incur the wrath of Child Services with their SWAT style Elian Gonzales type intervention.
Bones owns maybe close to a thousand CDs all of them original. Some are Mobile Fidelity Sound Labs and Chesky CDs that retail between PhP2,500 to PhP5,000 each. My aunt has about 75 LPs and some rare 7inch singles (Avril Lavigne singing Greenday’s Basket Case). It would be a pity if civilization falls or this country goes to hell -whichever comes first that no one will be able to listen to them. As a principle, we don’t review music downloads because their sound quality is either highly suspect or not up to our standards for long term listening. Unless they are available in high data rate formats like 24 bit 96 Khz digital or better. Or of topical interest like the latest Al-Qaeda chatter. We have good ears and fortunate enough don’t yet live in a war zone like downtown Baghdad.
Lets start with Vanessa’s 10 favorite CDs.They are in no particular order of excellence.Bones may also form an opinion on the following:
1.American Thighs by Veruca Salt (released 1995)
2.Little Earthquakes by Tori Amos (released 1991)
3.Ritual de lo Habitual by Janes Addiction (released 1990)
4.Under My Skin by Avril Lavigne (released 2004)
5.Liz Phair eponymous (released 2003)
6.Saturday Morning Cartoons Greatest Hits by various artists (released 1995)
7.Piece of Mind by Iron Maiden (released 1983)
8.Nature Film by Scrawl (released 1998)
9.If I Were A Carpenter by various artists (released 1994)
10.Rust in Peace by Megadeth (released 1990)
Majority of these albums are released way before I was born and almost all of them are American. Which serves as a critique to the music industry and our local talent. Get off your lazy asses and read Nietzsche you bums!
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