Tag: weblogs

1. Were you raised in a particular religious faith?

No. We were what I now call “culturally Christian” much like people on the East Coast who are cultural, but not religious, Jews.

2. Do you still practice that faith? Why or why not?

No. After I came out, and as I’ve reflected on my own spirituality, I’ve tried not to continue habits or practices based on religious beliefs I don’t share. I’ve also become a very active member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), so I’m actively practicing a faith now.

3. What do you think happens after death?

I don’t know. Does it matter?

4. What is your favorite religious ritual (participating in or just observing)?

I like silent grace before meals (holding hands quietly and reflecting on where my food comes from, being thankful for the food, the company, and for life in general).

5. Do you believe people are basically good?

I believe all people have a spark of goodness within them, which they can turn to and follow. I do not believe everyone is inclined to do this.

1. What is your favorite scary movie?

I’m not much for scary movies, so I don’t have one.

2. What is your favorite Halloween treat?

Candy corn.

3. Do you dress up for Halloween? If so, describe your best Halloween costume.

Sometimes. Probably the best costume I’ve ever done was when I dressed as a Trill civilian. I just wore plain black, and gave myself spots, and there I was, plain to see for anyone who knew.

4. Do you enjoy going to haunted houses or other spooky events?

No.

5. Will you dress up for Halloween this year?

I don’t think so.

1.) What would you like the world to spend research money on (inner space, outer space, stem cell, you name it research), and why do you give it top priority?

Conflict resolution research. AIDS would be better addressed in Africa if there were better methods of conflict resolution. U.S. dependence on oil for energy would lead to fewer wars if there were a better and wider understanding of how to resolve conflicts. U.S. inner cities would be safer places if conflict resolution were a serious field that was widely taught.

2.) Where’s the beef, Carmine Miranda, or what’s bugging you lately?

George W. Bush is leading the foolish sheep of the U.S. public down the primrose path to the slaughterhouse. (How’s that for a bunch of mixed metaphors?)

3.) Elliott would like to know, do you type without looking at the keyboard; in other words, are you a hunt and peek (in his case that would be hunt and claw), or a “true typist?”

I am a touch typist (or “true typist” as Elliott puts it). I learned in a summer-school class between junior high and high school.

I just found the whole Friday Five bit.

1. How many TVs do you have in your home?

There are either one or two, but I don’t own them. I do own a TV, which is stored in a friend’s basement.

2. On average, how much TV do you watch in a week?

The average would have to be very close to none for the last year.

3. Do you feel that television is bad for young children?

I haven’t watched children’s television for years, but I remember some of it as being of value. I do feel that much of the TV I do happen to see isn’t good for children.

4. What TV shows do you absolutely HAVE to watch, and if you miss them, you’re heartbroken?

Right now, none. Previously, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine would top the list.

5. If you had the power to create your own television network, what would your line-up look like?

Star Trek reruns (all the series); My Mother the Car; Knitting with _fill in the blank with a great knitter_; Will and Grace