Thursday, January 31, 2008

Lost Season Premier

For those who are unaware, I am an officially huge fan of the TV series "Lost." There are few programs I am extremely passionate about, but this is definately one of them. Well today was the season premier of the fourth season. Unfortunately the season will likely be thrust into reruns this year, but I am glad it is back for now.

The new season begins with us being thrust forward in time again as opposed the original flashbacks of the first 3 seasons. This is an interesting shift, and definately one I am currently enjoying, yet I hope it does not become too disjointed with two primary plots in two seperate time periods. This of course has allowed them to open up a whole new line of questioning, and also appears to allow one of my favorite characters "Charlie" to stay a regular on the show.

Well without ruining the show as you should definately watch it, I have to say I am pleased they decided on an end date last year. It appears to have encouraged the writers to move forward again in the plot, unlike the dismall Season 2 and first half of Season 3. But those who have endured are definately being rewarded. The refocussing on the Whisper's story arch is a welcome return, and will definately cause a stir on the Fuselage. I look forward to seeing the breakdowns and transcripts when they are completed.

Ultimately I think this will be an excellent season, and we already have a good item to speculate on. Who is the Oceanic six? So far its Jack, Kate, Hurley, one mystery dead guy, and two others. Who makes it off the Island? And why do they now want or rather NEED to go back? What are they keeping a secret and from whom, and why? Oh the questions are being asked again, and once again I am hooked. For those who have missed it, rent the DVD's and get caught up as this season is taking a positive step forward.

Now if Heroes can do the same thing and move back to an innovative type story, I would be very happy indeed.

I had the priviledge of watching the premier with Adam and Leslie, April and Adrian, and Romero. It was very nice, and I have to say Adam and Leslie can definately keep a person entertained. Well, I hope everyone is well, and I look forward to enjoying the rest of this season, and hope you enjoy watching it as well! I'll be trolling the Fuselage again. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Thoughts on Graduate School

Today I found myself with very little to do at work. It is actually an unusual position to be in for me since most my days are usually quite full. So after asking my boss if he had anything for me to do and getting no immediate response, I sat down to begin researching the concept of returning to school again. Now it is quite known that it has been a goal of mine to return for a graduate degree of some kind, but it has always been tough for me to decide how to attend and what to pursue.

So I struck out with the intention of keeping options open. I've sort of narrowed my focus down currently to Theology or Economics. Also I think that I would like to continue in my current position at work while achieving this goal. This comes with the realization that if I were to pursue my options beyond a Masters I would probably have to go full-time. However, as some would advise, let us take one step at a time.

I try to look down the road at what would be to gain by either route, and I see both providing me the opportunity to teach younger individuals in the future. That I believe is the ultimate goal. Yet do I reach for one passion that is theological thought, or should I endeavour to succeed in a realm that I am talented and enjoy as well, economics. A friend of mine once advised me to get my PhD in Economics and then I could teach econ and finance from an ethical standpoint, and as a result reach people possibly more in need of direction that in a traditional theology class. I felt this was an excellent point, and to be honest I am probably leaning that direction currently. Yet at times I still can't shake the desire of getting a MTS from somewhere like the University of Dallas.

It is quite the quandry. I already have the GRE scores from a year ago and with my previous scholastic history and my success in the workplace I don't find it unreasonable to accept positive admission from most universities. I guess this one is going to be a toss up and I'll go down multiple avenues of pursuit. That being said, I sure would hope for some real conviction on the matter. Sometimes I wish I could fast forward, have a PhD or MA in both Econ and Theology, teaching a class on the theological and ethical impacts of various economic and financial theories. That sounds pretty cool doesn't it!?!

Step one is to get my butt in school though, so lets start there.