The World Wide Web vs. the Printing Press

In aiding the spread of knowledge throughout the world, the printing press most definitely reigns supreme, not for just its singular efforts, but for the inventions that would not have been possible without it. One of these inventions, though it came a long time after, and is a far cry from the printing press, is the World Wide Web. Since its growth in public in the 1990s, the Internet has become as much a part of some peoples' lives as food and sleep is (no exaggeration there). Just the same as the printing press did, the Internet has both broadened the world. to the single person's eye, and made it smaller (figuritively) as a whole. Almost anything one could want to know is available at any time, almost anywhere. Many businesses rely on it, artists use it to get discovered and to spread their work, many people get their world news from it. One can meet a friend from France, or from Australia or China, or anywhere one can think of, without having to leave their home. Though the Internet can be dangerous in a lot of ways (ie. people maybe rely too much on it), its rewards are both countless and undisputable, and only time will tell whether or not it will be able to compete with the printing press for influence.

Carpe diem? I'll tell you why not.

I think that carpe diem is a good idea only in theory. Sure, when the future is uncertain, (ie. there's a chance that you may die in a month) the feeling that you can do absolutely anything you want is all fine and dandy. However, these days, the future can take too many immediate twists and turns for people to only worry about the day that they are experiencing. True, you should make the most of the time you have while you're here, but eating, drinking and being merry can get you into a lot trouble nowadays. I think that the diet version, 'carpe diem limited', 'living life to the fullest- within reason' is probably what would turn out best for people in the long run. People live a lot longer now than they did during the Renaissance, which is good, and which also means longer repuations to protect, which is not so good if you take carpe diem to heart.

Impressions of World Religious Centers

The Al Huda Islamic Center, where we went first, was by far the most interesting place for me. I learned a lot there, and I came out with a very good feeling about the Islamic religion. I was very touched by how honest Mr. Ahmed was when it came to his faith, especially when he addressed the roles of women. I definitely could have sat there and listened to him for another hour. I know that Muslims are peaceful people, and their religion is more than a faith, but is a lifestyle as well, one that calls for followers to live a life of moderation and control. As a big fan of books in any form, I found the beautiful ones stacked around the room fascinating, and I wish that I could have had the opportunity to look through a few.

The second place we went, The Congregation of the children of Israel, was pretty interesting as well. I found it quite funny that Rabbi Gerson seemed just as, if not more, interested in us as we were in what he had to say about Judaism. My favourite aspect of that particular trip was the building. It was beautiful, and I could tell that the rabbi took great pride in it. I also loved the Torahs, which were equally gorgeous. It may sound superficial, but some of the most interesting things to me about any religion are the items used for worship, as well as the buildings that the followers worship in. On another note, however, I actually asked a question... which I was slightly proud of myself for doing, if you know what I mean. My question was; 'why do people see Jews as a different group of people, rather than just a a religion?' I am rather- scratch that, very, ashamed to say that I'm can't quite remember his answer, but I do know that he agreed with me, and said it was a very good question, so I was happy.

The last place we visited was St. Joseph's Catholic Church. I have to say, whether it was the fact that it was almost lunch time, I did not exactly enjoy this one. Call me impressionable, but it could also have something to do with the fact that since I read Angels and Demons, Catholic churches- or churches period- have kind of creeped me out. I get this sense that someone is watching me, which could all be very symbolic, I'm sure, but for now I'll choose not to investigate further into this phobia. I thought that the guest lecturer gave a lot of information, and I like that she didn't expect us to do anything that she thought we wouldn't be comfortable doing, while at the same time welcoming to sample a few traditions if we wanted to, such as annointing our faces with the holy water. I also like that they paid attention to the fact that they have many Hispanic people in their church, and had the shrine dedicated to the Guadalupe Hildalgo. I only wish that I'd asked about the history of St. Joseph, and why their church was named after him, but I wasn't thinking about it at the time. Hey, that's what the Internet is for, right?

P.S. Thank you for the cookie, Mrs. Siegmund!