Figgy's not-so-jolly Christmas post

Dear reader,


I don't understand why all those atheists out there who are so dead-set against Christianity and religion find it permissable to perpetuate the lie that is Santa Claus. I know I've made a similar statement before, but it just boggles my mind. I mean, their whole argument against religion is that it's a backward and illogical fantasy, a fairy tale that was concocted by some poor ignorant people as an explanation for things they didn't fully understand. And yet they don't mind letting the stupid "Santa Claus lives in the North Pole and delivers presents to every well-behaved child" myth to continue.

And when they meet people who actually believe in God, they either get riled up or annoyingly condescending. They teach their children that there is no such thing as God, but find it too heartless to say that Santa doesn't exist. It's just another substitute for religion. You've got this mysterious immortal, bearded being who lives in a distant, seemingly unattainable location, and who possesses supernatural abilities to reward all the good, obedient children around the world, and gives the bad children exactly what they deserve. Sound familiar?

I wonder if they know how inconsistent they're being. They substitute God with science, and religion with evolution. They cling to their Big Bang theory, pushing aside all other contradictory arguments in favour of their own, in the exact same way they accuse Christians of doing.

Perhaps I am being harsh, perhaps I am over-generalizing. Surely not everyone who doesn't believe in God are as narrow-minded as I make them out to be. I'm just frustrated with being called a liar or a fool for believing in a perfectly legitimate explanation for the creation of the Universe. I make it a point to never argue with anyone about religion. You can't--and shouldn't, in fact--try to change a person's convictions to suit your own. I mean, they've made up their minds. Nothing you say to them can change that. People are funny. They sneer and ridicule others for having a different lifestyle than theirs, or for not doing things the way they're supposed to. Everyone has a right to their own opinion, even if you don't agree with it.

Well. Enough of that, dear reader. That's the end of my rampage of a post. Happy holidays.




Yours,

Figgy the Believer

Beautifully Unconventional

Dear reader,



Have you ever noticed how singers and celebrities and models nowadays look like they were created and assembled in the same factory? I wonder what happened to society's standards of beauty. Today's ideal of beauty is about having the perfect figure, perfect hair, perfect teeth. It's all about the symmetry these days, it seems. Quirkiness is no longer appreciated. Or rather, only a certain degree of quirkiness is tolerated. Cross that line and you are no longer beautiful, just weird.

Gone are the years of tailored dresses, individuality, and original thought. This is the age of 'standard' clothing sizes (because all women are built in exactly the same proportions, am I right?), the age of conformity. Come on, people. We used to celebrate individuality. Being different was considered awesome and enviable. I mean, look at Mama Cass, or Aretha Franklin. They were unconventional beauties. They had talent, oodles of it, and that made them beautiful.

These days you hardly see any famous people who look like they're actually allowed to have a decent meal. Women like Queen Latifah. When she comes on screen, you just get this sense of calmness radiating off of her. Kate Winslet, also, is absolutely beautiful. She reminds me of those women in Renaissance paintings, with their gracefully provocative poses, and their fearless curviness.

So. The reason for this rant on society's shallow standards of beauty is a certain video on YouTube. Well, not so much the video itself than the comments posted on it. I'm sure you've heard of the singer Adele. And if you haven't, dear reader, then you should check her out immediately. After you read this post, though. Adele is one of the very few modern singers who can actually sing. She sounds better live than she does on her album, which is exactly how it should be. Anyway, all of her videos had some sort of derogatory comment about her weight, some critique on her appearance. All of them. Which is really unfair and, actually, totally irrelevant. Why so shallow, people? She makes music for ears, not for eyes. Anyway, as far as looks go, I think she's beautiful.

See what I mean? She reminds me of Audrey Hepburn. The way she moves, the way she dresses. Her casual, effortless elegance. Also, I like that she seems honest, and she has a sense of humour. People who can't laugh at themselves are so unapproachable and boring.

Oh, and on a completely unrelated note...if Sir Anthony Hopkins had a blog, I'd totally read it. I'd read it like nobody's business. He's an amazing, intelligent, interesting human being. He has Character. He's like a nihilistic, grouchy, zen monk.

So, I guess this is where I say goodbye. Just had something on my chest that I wanted to send out into the void. Til next time, I remain...






Yours,

Figgy

I stand open

Dear reader,






Sometimes I lose hope in the world and its capability of producing good music. I mean, there's the Click Five, the Jonas Brothers, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, etc...but then, I stumble upon some real music, and my faith in humanity is restored once again.

Fan-made video, ngeh. Song is awesome though. And I love the Avett Brothers' sense of humour, it shines through their songs.

This song is what real music sounds like. This is what all musicians should aspire to be. I'm not exaggerating. Go and listen to this guy's songs, they will blow your mind.

Last but definitely not least. Such a soothing, meaningful song. This is one of those songs you can listen to whatever mood you're in. Because it's so honest and real...it can be happy, sad, or inspiring depending on what emotions you're feeling at that particular moment.

So. I suppose that's it, dear reader. Goodbye, and until next time.

Yours,

Figgy.

"Love all, serve all, create no sorrow."
      
          - Trevor Hall, 'Unity'