Master Marf

Same-Sex Upheld, The Battle Continues

2012-02-07T19:22:00.001-07:00

So I don't fully understand all the circuits and courts, but apparently today the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in favor of allowing same-sex marriage. In 2008 California Prop 8 re-banned same-sex marriage in California, which was then contested as being unconstitutional. It's been tied up in the legal system ever since. It's going to be tied up for a while longer, too. This will get pushed on to the Supreme Court next.

My hope is that the Supreme Court makes a ruling in favor of allowing same-sex marriage that applies to all 50 states and every U.S. territory. That being said, I hope the churches will be excluded from the ruling. There's no sense in "forcing" the churches to perform a same-sex marriage that is clearly against their doctrine.

I've been trying to understand how someone else's same-sex marriage can somehow invalidate or diminish an opposite-sex marriage. Especially when celebrity marriages exist. Best I can figure it's a perceived notion that legalizing same-sex marriage will validate them "under God", and to that I say we have separation of church and state. Clearly it's not a family or parenting issue. Canada hasn't fallen apart and same-sex marriage is legal there.

So if the Catholic church (and various sects of Christianity, or others) don't want to perform same-sex marriages don't force them to. They've already established themselves as discriminatory organizations, and no-one seems to mind. So I don't see why discrimination laws should apply here and force them to perform same-sex marriage. Separation of church and state is a 2-way street. There's other ways to get married. Other religions that will. State officials such as Judges for example.

In preparation for the Supreme Court ruling maybe I should brush up on marriage ceremonies. There will be a high demand for marriage officiants and if the main-stream churches turn them down I feel it is my duty as a minister to answer the call. My church fully endorses same-sex marriages.

Stop SOPA and PIPA!

2012-01-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

If SOPA should pass, I will be forced to take down this blog and indeed, the entire website. It will also mean free speech will have officially died in the United States, and the golden age of the internet will be over.

I wish this was just over-sensationalist doom-saying. I really do. However, these bills SOPA (Stop Online Piracy Act) and PIPA (Protect IP Act) are so overreaching and broad that none will be unaffected. It shifts the burden of proof to the accused, with no penalty for false claims.

This means if any US government or corporate organization wants to censor someone on the internet, they can claim copyright on a portion of their media and get it all removed... Even if they don't actually own the copyright! The content will be taken down, and it will be the burden of the accused to go through the lengthy and expensive process of proving their innocence. It doesn't stop there, even external sites that were found to be linking to the "copyrighted" media can be issued court orders to shut down.

This extends beyond US borders, too. Any foreign sites accused of infringing will be blocked by the newly formed Great Firewall of "New China" (America). Like it or not, many of the world's largest internet companies are based in the United States.

All this to stop online "piracy" which is against the law anyway. We've already seen laws are not going to stop piracy.

So That Was 2011

2012-01-01T17:54:00.002-07:00

2011 Year in Review Song

On to 2012, the year of doomsday conspiracies...

Downtime, Blame Google

2011-10-12T21:24:00.001-06:00

I don't know what that downtime was about. Yes, this site was down for a few hours.

Something to do with the custom domain settings and it was on Google's side. All I did to fix it was set it to the default mastermarf.blogspot.com, then back to my www.mastermarf.com domain and is started working again.

So, whatever...

EDIT: Looks like Google is still having a few issues. Might just have to wait it out.

OWS: It's Growing

2011-10-10T19:11:00.001-06:00

Occupy Wall Street: Too Big to Ignore

Started in Egypt, and has spread across the globe. It's a contagious behavior. It gets to the point that people that otherwise have very little reason to protest or riot have this urge to. I'm not saying the Occupy Wall Street in the US isn't needed. However, and this is probably short-sighted, the riots in London or earlier in Canada were not warranted. With this global uprising spreading all the way to the US, China must be really concerned about it spreading to them.

My take on Occupy Wall Street? Wait and watch. It's unlikely there will be a significant showing in Idaho. The state is too red politically and the protesters are seen as new-age hippies without a cause. That's my main issue with the movement, too. They are pointing out a fundamental problem with capitalism we all already knew exists. However, there's no central solution or call to action. Everyone involved has different ideas. They need a legendary public speaker to unify their movement akin to Martin Luther King Jr. Until they get their act together I'm going to remain an outside observer.

Then there's the possibility of an event that will spark violence. Be it an overzealous protester or an aggressive police display, this is a volatile situation. Protests around the country could turn to riots around the country.

Point of No Return

2011-09-08T02:14:00.002-06:00

Here it is... I've reached the point of no return.

Click image to view full.

To some virginity is virtue. They've had the opportunity but through power of self discipline they abstained, for an ideological or religious reason. Not me. I don't have any unrealistic vision of finding "the one". There are many compatible people out there, and none of them are perfect. And like anything you do for the first time, it's going to be awkward and clumsy.

I've simply been unable to form a basic romantic social bond with anyone. Therein lies the problem. Virginity is but one metric to measure one's life by. It is by far not the only metric I fail at though. Social inability affects all aspects of my life. I am beyond saving.

"Happy" birthday to me.

The Reverend Marf

2011-08-31T18:00:00.000-06:00

This is what I believe to be the most epic thing I've done since starting this blog. It's all sorts of silly, epic, and to some I'd imagine offensive. I have officially renounced my atheism. If that sentence can even make sense. One can't really renounce a non-religion, can they?

I am now an officially ordained minister of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster. I'm now The Reverend Cody Durkin. I've seen the noodly light of Pastafarianism. Note the raised gold seal. This is a legitimate document.

Click image to view full.

If that isn't the biggest slap in the face to the validity of religion, I don't know what is.

I can legally use Reverend in front of my name now. Seriously. I can also officiate wedding ceremonies. Laws do vary between states (even counties) in the US, and I haven't researched international laws. Weddings are such a business in Nevada (go Las Vegas!) that they have some unique requirements. However, in most other states including my resident state of Idaho, one only needs to be a judge, governor, mayor or an ordained minister of any denomination. [Idaho Code Section 32-303]

Any. Denomination.

FSM is a real, legitimate religion, as much as any other. The fact that many see this is as a satirical religion doesn’t change the fact that by any standard one can come up with, our religion is as legitimate as any other. And *that* is the point.
- http://www.venganza.org/join/

They'd have one hell of a First Amendment case on their hands if they tried to deny it.

What's that sound? Yeah, I didn't hear it either. I expected to hear the sound of the sanctity of marriage draining away, but I guess celebrities already drained that. The "we must protect the sanctity of marriage" people need to wake up to reality. Same-sex marriage is the least of their worries. I can now legally perform marriage ceremonies, that are recognized by the government, in the name of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

Some religions oppose same-sex marriage. My religion supports it. The government has no right to deny my people their Noodle-given right to marry someone of the same sex any more than it can deny a man and a woman to get married under the Christian God. And *that* is my point.

PSA: It Gets Better

2011-08-11T15:22:00.000-06:00

[ ALERT! THIS IS A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT. ]

PSA video edition.

It Gets Better - The Amazing Atheist

So remember kids, you may be struggling to fit in now. But don't worry, it gets better. Time fixes all ills of society. When you grow up you'll be able to be your own person and live how you want. Also, there's a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.

[ THIS HAS BEEN A PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT, BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Master Marf AND TheAmazingAtheist. ]

Science Saves Souls

2011-08-07T14:18:00.001-06:00

Science Saved My Soul.

"There might yet be a heaven, but it isn't going to be perfect, and we're going to have to build it ourselves."

Goodbye Future

2011-07-17T19:34:00.001-06:00

I feel like the future has been stolen from me.

Colonizing Space - '70s Style!

Where's my damn space colonies? Flying car? Mr. Fusion?! Nope. Just a retired 30-year-old shuttle program and a cancelled space telescope.

At least the Russians are getting their shit together. Monday they will launch a Cold War era telescope. They still have manned missions to space. Looks like we called "winner" of the Cold War a bit prematurely.

And how's China coming along? Better than the US I'm sure, at least they're trying!¹

^1: Yes, I mad.

Last Shuttle Launch

2011-07-08T00:01:00.006-06:00

Well, here it is. The final shuttle mission. STS-135. Assuming weather permits, it launches today.

Click image to view full.

I can't help but feel a bit sad. While other generations watched in awe as the first men set foot on the moon, I get to see the end of the shuttle program.

Take a good long look at Atlantis. This image is the final rollout of the final shuttle mission.

Click image to view full.

Yes, the shuttles are aged. Atlantis has been in space 32 times before this final mission. It marks the 166th manned NASA space flight, and the last planned. Since the cancellation of the Constellation program, it looks like it is up to commercial vehicles to continue the future of US-based space flight. While I would love to see the commercialization of space, they're just not ready yet. Until then, we are to rely on the Russians.

EDIT: I'm happy to report that America's final shuttle launch was successful. I was watching it live on NASA's HD livestream on their website.

The Derpy Salute

2011-07-04T16:59:00.000-06:00

Happy 4th America!

IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS

2011-06-28T00:01:00.000-06:00

HI, MASTER MARF HERE!

DOES IT SEEM LIKE TIME IS JUST FLYING BY? DO YOU HAVE A HARD TIME KEEPING TRACK OF THE YEARS? WELL I'VE GOT A REALITY CHECK FOR YOU!

IT HAS BEEN 2 YEARS SINCE BILLY MAYS, THE TELEVISION PITCHMAN LEGEND DIED. THAT'S RIGHT! NOT ONE, BUT TWO WHOLE YEARS! DON'T BELIEVE ME? HERE'S HOW TO CHECK FOR YOURSELF:Wikipedia: Billy Mays.

BUT THAT'S NOT ALL! YOU CAN ALSO READ MY PREVIOUS POSTS I MADE IN THE DAYS AFTER HIS DEATH: Motivational Monday: Billy Mays AND Billy Mays, Goodnight Sweet Prince.

P.S.: CAPS LOCK IS CRUISE CONTROL FOR COOL¹!

^1: At least it is for June 28th.

Oh, So Much Truth

2011-06-17T23:44:00.000-06:00

So much truth about how atheism is viewed by society it hurts.

Double Standard

I'm sorry for the lack of posting. I'm just not feeling the whole daily blogging thing. I do acknowledge that I need to post more...

You Know What This Means

2011-05-21T10:02:00.002-06:00

Apocalypse Not: Harold Camping wrong – again – about 'The Rapture'

You know what this means, don't you? The Rapture DID happen today, and everyone on Earth was left behind. Think about it, everyone breaks something the Bible commands of you. Newborn babies have original sin. You really think someone like that would be "saved"?

So life continues after the Rapture. Pretty much exactly as it did before the Rapture. Almost like it never happened...

Another Break

2011-03-21T02:09:00.000-06:00

I think I need another break for a bit. Perhaps collect some ideas for posts. I've just been completely out of ideas.

Ponyday: Taste Glory Awesome

2011-03-19T00:58:00.000-06:00

FYI: Rainbows are extremely spicy. "They're not known for their flavor."

Orabrush Ad

2011-03-18T15:19:00.000-06:00

Yes, I skipped yesterday. Deal with it.

I was going to embed Kazusan's Day Out as a random video for today. However, the advertisement that played before I could watch it blew it out of the water in terms of randomness. I present to you, the Orabrush ad I saw:

iPad 2 PUNKED! (Parody)

Tales of Mere Transport

2011-03-16T20:53:00.000-06:00

"People I've Seen On Public Transport" Tales Of Mere Existence

Modestleaf

2011-03-15T17:19:00.000-06:00

Snivy, commonly referred to as Smugleaf because of how smug it looks. Funny thing, mine has a modest nature.

Motivational Monday: Age (Steven Seagal)

2011-03-14T09:44:00.000-06:00

One thing that has changed since 2006 is that he's gained weight.

Dramatic Pony

2011-03-13T03:01:00.003-06:00

Dramatic Twilight Sparkle

So much better than Dramatic Look Gopher.

Ponyday: Night of Pony

2011-03-12T00:01:00.019-07:00

I almost couldn't contain the awesomeness of this video long enough to post it today.

Night Of Pony

Honestly I think the video starts out a bit rough, but once it hits the 1 minute mark it finds its groove. The sequence that starts at time index 2:34 is the best part.

Supermoon

2011-03-11T09:41:00.001-07:00

Now all the "Supermoon" naysayers feel justified. So what if the 9.0 earthquake in Japan was a week early?

I've been hearing about this "Supermoon" that's going to destroy the world on March 19th. The moon's slightly elliptical orbit will bring it closer to Earth than it has been in... wait for it... 18 whole years! It will be a couple thousand miles closer to Earth than normal. That's between 1 and 2 percent closer.

Even though it didn't destroy the Earth 18 years ago (in fact nothing out of the ordinary happened), that was just practice. This time it's for real and the moon is going to unleash hell. Earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, volcanoes, severe weather... Any natural disaster you can name has been predicted to happen.

And some of it might. Not because of the moon, but just because these things happen. These "Supermoon" folk predicted all hell to break loose on a very specific day: March 19th. However, we'll most likely find out this Earthquake in Japan today is the worst thing to happen anywhere near that time. So they'll end up taking credit for that and say "See? we were right! An earthquake DID happen!" ...Even though the moon is nowhere near its closest point yet.

EDIT: It's been upgraded to a 9.0 earthquake.

Charlie Sheen

2011-03-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

Charlie Sheen = Michael Jackson Reincarnate

I admit, I've followed Charlie Sheen on Twitter. Although I haven't watched any of his crazy interviews I keep hearing about. I only followed him on Twitter because I expected to read some hilarious ramblings of self importance. However, he's kinda incoherent and not nearly as funny as I expected. I'll unfollow before long.