Comments on: Bending the World Around Yourself http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html NIGHTTIME IS FOR DREAMING. DAYLIGHT IS FOR ACTION. Wed, 7 Jan 2009 07:30:07 +0000 By: cal http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-30955 cal Wed, 30 Jan 2008 00:09:00 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-30955 I support this guy for 2 reasons: a) He's completely nuts, his 'conversion' to rastafarianism is a joke (yeah, I got really into Bob Marley for a while too), his demands unreasonable, and he's made the whole spectacle pretty entertaining to watch - check out his "Daily Show" interview for a real hoot. and b) - there's a serious point here - why should residence on campus mandate a meal plan contract? Sure the school can set whatever policy it sees fit, but so too can a student question that policy. The demand that Sodexho cater to his (or anyone else's) whims is rediculous, but why not let him cook his own damn food, and not have to pay Sodexho? It might improve the meal plan for everyone if they had to 'sell' it to students, instead of mandating it. My university had no link between housing and dining. Mr.Akaberi could have made this point WAY more coherently... (but then it wouldn't be as funny).... just my 2 cents. I support this guy for 2 reasons: a) He's completely nuts, his 'conversion' to rastafarianism is a joke (yeah, I got really into Bob Marley for a while too), his demands unreasonable, and he's made the whole spectacle pretty entertaining to watch - check out his "Daily Show" interview for a real hoot.
and b) - there's a serious point here - why should residence on campus mandate a meal plan contract? Sure the school can set whatever policy it sees fit, but so too can a student question that policy. The demand that Sodexho cater to his (or anyone else's) whims is rediculous, but why not let him cook his own damn food, and not have to pay Sodexho? It might improve the meal plan for everyone if they had to 'sell' it to students, instead of mandating it. My university had no link between housing and dining. Mr.Akaberi could have made this point WAY more coherently... (but then it wouldn't be as funny).... just my 2 cents.

]]> By: Yash http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-29125 Yash Mon, 10 Dec 2007 18:12:10 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-29125 I think we need more people like him on this planet. He is experimenting with the system, testing it's boundaries and raising questions over how things are defined. He is in a way playing a very positive asset to the system. I think we need more people like him on this planet. He is experimenting with the system, testing it's boundaries and raising questions over how things are defined. He is in a way playing a very positive asset to the system.

]]> By: livhimalone http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-22763 livhimalone Wed, 04 Apr 2007 07:45:22 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-22763 I think those of us who think Aaron is overreacting are the ones who are , in fact, overreacting in here. Aaron is a friend of mine, and I am writing this not in his defense, but simply to allow us to think more critically and constructively. Aaron fights for what he wants both for himself and other students out there(even some of us) who simply are hopeless about changes, and think that changes are impossible. If you are happy with the mealplans, the foods made available at our school, the price of the mealplans, the compulsary nature of mealplans, then that's your decisions; but not all of us are happy with that. This is due to the fact that some of us have different diet, not necessarily religious; but also personal and cultural, some of us simply upset that we have no option but to be on the mealplan; some of us think the mealplan is simply too costly, etc. In Aaron's case; he does NOT like the fact that students are obliged to be on the mealplan, coupled with his especial diet [that was never met even when he had to pay for the mealplan] If it is a r eligious requirement that Aaron should stay on certain diet, then he has the right to ask that the food be prepared in his way, if possible given the fact that he pays for the mealplan. And YES, everyone could do the same if they think the food is not prepared in a way that we want. And this is how it should be; that is we should fight for what we want; and we should be able to get what we paid for. despite school does not provides what he wants, at least he tried and fought for what he wanted. Being college students, we should think critcally about things rather than taking them the way they are. "we should think out of the box". So why dont we leave him alone, especially if his strike does not have any affec per se on us. It sounds pathetic to raise our concerns on whatever Aaron beleives in, especially when we live in this country, where freedom of beliefs is guaranteed under our own constitution, maybe more than any other country. I am not labeling anyone of being stupid [despite some of you said Aaron's claim as being idiotic]; but hey, WAKE UP!!!!!..we leave in free and most democratic country than many countries out there in Africa, Asia, etc. If you have such rights and freedom, use them while you can because millions of people allover the world dont, and many lost their lives for daring to ask for such freedom. So all I wanted to say is that let him do what he wants to do as far as its "voluntary" and does not effect you personally. Thankyou I think those of us who think Aaron is overreacting are the ones who are , in fact, overreacting in here. Aaron is a friend of mine, and I am writing this not in his defense, but simply to allow us to think more critically and constructively. Aaron fights for what he wants both for himself and other students out there(even some of us) who simply are hopeless about changes, and think that changes are impossible. If you are happy with the mealplans, the foods made available at our school, the price of the mealplans, the compulsary nature of mealplans, then that's your decisions; but not all of us are happy with that. This is due to the fact that some of us have different diet, not necessarily religious; but also personal and cultural, some of us simply upset that we have no option but to be on the mealplan; some of us think the mealplan is simply too costly, etc. In Aaron's case; he does NOT like the fact that students are obliged to be on the mealplan, coupled with his especial diet [that was never met even when he had to pay for the mealplan]

If it is a r eligious requirement that Aaron should stay on certain diet, then he has the right to ask that the food be prepared in his way, if possible given the fact that he pays for the mealplan. And YES, everyone could do the same if they think the food is not prepared in a way that we want. And this is how it should be; that is we should fight for what we want; and we should be able to get what we paid for. despite school does not provides what he wants, at least he tried and fought for what he wanted. Being college students, we should think critcally about things rather than taking them the way they are. "we should think out of the box". So why dont we leave him alone, especially if his strike does not have any affec per se on us.

It sounds pathetic to raise our concerns on whatever Aaron beleives in, especially when we live in this country, where freedom of beliefs is guaranteed under our own constitution, maybe more than any other country. I am not labeling anyone of being stupid [despite some of you said Aaron's claim as being idiotic]; but hey, WAKE UP!!!!!..we leave in free and most democratic country than many countries out there in Africa, Asia, etc. If you have such rights and freedom, use them while you can because millions of people allover the world dont, and many lost their lives for daring to ask for such freedom.

So all I wanted to say is that let him do what he wants to do as far as its "voluntary" and does not effect you personally. Thankyou

]]> By: Alex Weaver http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10456 Alex Weaver Mon, 04 Dec 2006 22:10:16 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10456 While he does sound like an ass, I'm not sure publicizing his private correspondance is the best approach to this... While he does sound like an ass, I'm not sure publicizing his private correspondance is the best approach to this...

]]> By: hay http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10452 hay Mon, 04 Dec 2006 05:58:31 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10452 Original e-mail written by him: Fellow Nightriders, (Sorry for another mass email 2007ers, but the causation which precipitated this mailing is no fault of my own) Sir or Ma’am, I write to you this evening in a saddened and disappointed tone. Allow me to explain my dismay. On Monday, the 18th of August, 2003, Mitchell Hall served Chocolate Taco (ChocoTaco™) ice cream bars as dessert for the noon meal. I was intrigued by the name of these delicacies and by Cadet Baber’s enthusiasm for them. Having a strong sense of will power however, I realized that ice cream was not the best dietary supplement to build my body in preparation for the Physical Fitness Test (I had previously failed this test with an shameful 160 points). As such, I resolved to set aside my table’s uneaten Chocolate Tacos in our squadron freezer, in a clear plastic bag with my name clearly labeled (typed actually) and the date that I submitted these desserts for freezing. I considered them my future reward for passing the Physical Fitness Test (if that were even possible I thought) – a motivation of sorts to push myself to excel physically in preparation for a test of strength, stamina, and skill. Always in the back of my mind, these ice-cream-filled sugar cone shells along with the hope of getting off ReConditioning kept me going in times of hardship leading up to the Physical Fitness Test. So on 9 September 2003, a day after accomplishing a goal I could only dream of up until then (actually passing the Physical Fitness Test with an improvement of 104 points after only one month of preparation), on a day that will live in infamy in my mind forever, I approached the squadron freezer, ecstatic about my victory over my inhibitions and at a pinnacle of delight. I had finally done it! Finally, I could relax and enjoy myself, as well as those ice cream bars I had been saving for just such an occasion. So, as I opened the freezer, ready to take a bite into that chocolaty deliciousness, what do I find? NO MORE CHOCO TACOS™! I was devastated. “How could this have happened?” I asked myself. “I’m at the United States Air Force Academy, an institution dedicated to producing officers of INTEGRITY, a place where one cadet would not dream of depriving another of his property.” My faith in the honor code and the precepts that constituted it was abruptly and drastically challenged. Don’t get me wrong – I am not making a generalization about the entire Academy, but rather am disheartened by the individual(s) who decided to take this course of action. I am a realist. I acknowledge the fact that my Chocolate Tacos are gone, never to be seen again. I would REALLY appreciate it however, if this (or these) Chocolate Taco lover(s) would offer at least a humble apology and an assurance that it will never happen again, and in the process, perhaps rejuvenate my lost confidence in the honor code, a common bond that I thought was indissoluble in this squadron. Some may mock and ridicule me – saying “stop overreacting – it’s just ice cream – get over it.” I can only hope that you; my fellow squadron mates, can see past ignorance and understand that this is about more than just lost chocolaty deliciousness – it is about a strong bond of integrity that ties us all together, a bond that was severely weakened only 2 weeks ago. I do realize that 2 weeks is quite a bit of time to wait to send this electronic mail, but the elapsed days do not diminish the atrocity of this crime. Again, I ask person(s) responsible for my missing ice cream bars to come forward, renounce his or her light-fingered ways, and ask for forgiveness – I will give it readily. I just want to know that the honor code is still a valued guide that each one of us holds dear. Today, with Chocolate Tacos again on the menu, I have managed to partially restock my supply of these delectable treats. Please Stallions, I beseech thee, leave my ChocoTacos™ alone this time and have a nice day. Thank you for your time and consideration. Very Respectfully, Cadet Fourth Class Aaron Bayaz Kohn Akaberi Cadet Squadron 18 "Nightriders" Post Script If the ChocoTaco™ Bandit happens to be no one from our squadron, I am deeply sorry for bothering you all. Also, On a completely different note, does anyone have a bicycle that I could borrow for a trip to the Base Exchange this week? I would really appreciate it. Thanks again. <!-- Links: 0 Link text: 0 Total: 3653 Ratio: 0 --> Original e-mail written by him:

Fellow Nightriders,

(Sorry for another mass email 2007ers, but the causation which precipitated this mailing is no fault of my own)

Sir or Ma’am, I write to you this evening in a saddened and disappointed tone. Allow me to explain my dismay. On Monday, the 18th of August, 2003, Mitchell Hall served Chocolate Taco (ChocoTaco™) ice cream bars as dessert for the noon meal. I was intrigued by the name of these delicacies and by Cadet Baber’s enthusiasm for them.

Having a strong sense of will power however, I realized that ice cream was not the best dietary supplement to build my body in preparation for the Physical Fitness Test (I had previously failed this test with an shameful 160 points). As such, I resolved to set aside my table’s uneaten Chocolate Tacos in our squadron freezer, in a clear plastic bag with my name clearly labeled (typed actually) and the date that I submitted these desserts for freezing.

I considered them my future reward for passing the Physical Fitness Test (if that were even possible I thought) – a motivation of sorts to push myself to excel physically in preparation for a test of strength, stamina, and skill. Always in the back of my mind, these ice-cream-filled sugar cone shells along with the hope of getting off ReConditioning kept me going in times of hardship leading up to the Physical Fitness Test.

So on 9 September 2003, a day after accomplishing a goal I could only dream of up until then (actually passing the Physical Fitness Test with an improvement of 104 points after only one month of preparation), on a day that will live in infamy in my mind forever, I approached the squadron freezer, ecstatic about my victory over my inhibitions and at a pinnacle of delight. I had finally done it! Finally, I could relax and enjoy myself, as well as those ice cream bars I had been saving for just such an occasion. So, as I opened the freezer, ready to take a bite into that chocolaty deliciousness, what do I find? NO MORE CHOCO TACOS™!

I was devastated. “How could this have happened?” I asked myself. “I’m at the United States Air Force Academy, an institution dedicated to producing officers of INTEGRITY, a place where one cadet would not dream of depriving another of his property.” My faith in the honor code and the precepts that constituted it was abruptly and drastically challenged. Don’t get me wrong – I am not making a generalization about the entire Academy, but rather am disheartened by the individual(s) who decided to take this course of action.

I am a realist. I acknowledge the fact that my Chocolate Tacos are gone, never to be seen again. I would REALLY appreciate it however, if this (or these) Chocolate Taco lover(s) would offer at least a humble apology and an assurance that it will never happen again, and in the process, perhaps rejuvenate my lost confidence in the honor code, a common bond that I thought was indissoluble in this squadron.

Some may mock and ridicule me – saying “stop overreacting – it’s just ice cream – get over it.” I can only hope that you; my fellow squadron mates, can see past ignorance and understand that this is about more than just lost chocolaty deliciousness – it is about a strong bond of integrity that ties us all together, a bond that was severely weakened only 2 weeks ago.

I do realize that 2 weeks is quite a bit of time to wait to send this electronic mail, but the elapsed days do not diminish the atrocity of this crime. Again, I ask person(s) responsible for my missing ice cream bars to come forward, renounce his or her light-fingered ways, and ask for forgiveness – I will give it readily. I just want to know that the honor code is still a valued guide that each one of us holds dear.

Today, with Chocolate Tacos again on the menu, I have managed to partially restock my supply of these delectable treats. Please Stallions, I beseech thee, leave my ChocoTacos™ alone this time and have a nice day.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Very Respectfully,

Cadet Fourth Class Aaron Bayaz Kohn Akaberi

Cadet Squadron 18 "Nightriders"

Post Script

If the ChocoTaco™ Bandit happens to be no one from our squadron, I am deeply sorry for bothering you all.

Also,

On a completely different note, does anyone have a bicycle that I could borrow for a trip to the Base Exchange this week? I would really appreciate it. Thanks again.

]]> By: WS http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10448 WS Mon, 04 Dec 2006 04:27:05 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10448 I was one of the Cadets in charge of Aaron at the Air Force Academy in CS 18. He stated that his religion (which he named after himself) excused him from various mandatory activities and thus he attempted to get out of PT and other events. He made it all up to try to get around the stringent standards of the Air Force. I believe he was finally expelled for violating the Honor Code.... <!-- Links: 0 Link text: 0 Total: 314 Ratio: 0 --> I was one of the Cadets in charge of Aaron at the Air Force Academy in CS 18. He stated that his religion (which he named after himself) excused him from various mandatory activities and thus he attempted to get out of PT and other events. He made it all up to try to get around the stringent standards of the Air Force. I believe he was finally expelled for violating the Honor Code....

]]> By: C http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10447 C Mon, 04 Dec 2006 03:55:04 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10447 Yea, he was in my squad. There is nothing sincere about his beliefs and they are simply a means for him to get what he wants. If you picture this guy as sneaky and willing to manipulate anything in order for him to have his own way with things, that'd be a pretty accurate picture of Aaron. His beliefs are empty, and he doesn't have respect for anything but himself, which is apparent through his actions. <!-- Links: 0 Link text: 0 Total: 333 Ratio: 0 --> Yea, he was in my squad. There is nothing sincere about his beliefs and they are simply a means for him to get what he wants. If you picture this guy as sneaky and willing to manipulate anything in order for him to have his own way with things, that'd be a pretty accurate picture of Aaron. His beliefs are empty, and he doesn't have respect for anything but himself, which is apparent through his actions.

]]> By: AJ http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10405 AJ Fri, 01 Dec 2006 02:39:46 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10405 I also remember him trying to pull crap like this at the AFA. Specifically, when we return from leave, that night, we have to pay out of pocket for our dinner. Aaron didn't much like this policy (I think the price was something like $2.30 for dinner) so he got pissed and decided if he had to pay, he was going to take as much as he pleased. He filled more than one carry-out box with hamburger patties and was still going when the staff called in the cops. Not sure what became of that situation because I grabbed my food, paid, and took off. It was quite a site, though. <!-- Links: 0 Link text: 0 Total: 463 Ratio: 0 --> I also remember him trying to pull crap like this at the AFA. Specifically, when we return from leave, that night, we have to pay out of pocket for our dinner. Aaron didn't much like this policy (I think the price was something like $2.30 for dinner) so he got pissed and decided if he had to pay, he was going to take as much as he pleased. He filled more than one carry-out box with hamburger patties and was still going when the staff called in the cops. Not sure what became of that situation because I grabbed my food, paid, and took off. It was quite a site, though.

]]> By: DSSSS http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10380 DSSSS Wed, 29 Nov 2006 03:13:31 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10380 I went to high school with this kid... don't remember him being like this... sounds like a lame way to be cheap and not buy a meal plan. <!-- Links: 0 Link text: 0 Total: 110 Ratio: 0 --> I went to high school with this kid... don't remember him being like this... sounds like a lame way to be cheap and not buy a meal plan.

]]> By: Alex Weaver http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10379 Alex Weaver Wed, 29 Nov 2006 02:53:38 +0000 http://www.daylightatheism.org/2006/10/bending-the-world.html#comment-10379 The Church of the New Song thing reminds me of a comment a friend made a while ago. "If I say my religion is 'Onanism,' will they let me 'pray' on my break?" Of course, the difference is, these wankers (couldn't resist x.x) were apparently serious... The Church of the New Song thing reminds me of a comment a friend made a while ago. "If I say my religion is 'Onanism,' will they let me 'pray' on my break?" Of course, the difference is, these wankers (couldn't resist x.x) were apparently serious...

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