We the people seem to understand MSM bias better then ever. Due in no small part to a resource as vast as the Internet.
People in New York did not have much alternative media when Pulitzer and Hearst tried to outdo each other with Yellow Journalism.
Neither could people look behind Walter Cronkite's incorrect assessment of the Tet Offensive.
The control of information is a powerful thing. By using biased selection of sources, word choice, omissions, limiting debate, the MSM has seemingly found stories that fit their conclusions for years and years. Truth be damned.
The term would be Advocacy journalism. So what can be done?
Government oversight? While one side of me would love the irony. Government control of knowledge would be worse then what we have now.
Make media non-profit? or break up the big corporation news juggernauts?
Better mission statements? litmus testing journalists and ranking them by bias on a scale?
No idea really. I think it is just one of those things that will keep going on until there is no fiscal reason to operate.
September 15, 2008
September 13, 2008
Comparing bible peoples.
Governor Palin, in her speech and the convention, spoke of the responsibilities of an elected position in contrast to a community organizer. This has been really skewed to the point of bizarre. The entire point being made was about experience for the position.
The most mutated outcry I have heard is this: “Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a governor.”
This role of community organizer is one I have never really paid attention too. So I did some looking to see what Obama did in this role. He worked for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). ACORN has a very colorful history, they get nearly half their funding from our tax dollars and use it for various activities such as obtain mortgages for illegal aliens, and voter fraud. http://www.consumersrightsleague.org/
So ACORN is liberal activists, with some radicals thrown into the mix. I have no doubt that there is a part of this organization that does good. Obama while there worked under the protégé’s of one Saul Alinsky to quote the Washington post Obama was hired to “organize black residents on the South Side, while learning and applying Alinsky's philosophy of street-level democracy.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/24/AR2007032401152.html
Saul was a radical of the nth degree. He even wrote Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals. It is pretty easy for me to see the evolution from Radical, to the much more politically correct doublespeak of Community organizer while reading up on good old Saul. I dare say Saul would see no difference between Radical and Community Organizer as far as naming.
More interesting is his dedication in the book. “Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins- or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom -- Lucifer” – Saul Alinsky
So Lucifer was a community organizer…
The most mutated outcry I have heard is this: “Jesus was a community organizer. Pontius Pilate was a governor.”
This role of community organizer is one I have never really paid attention too. So I did some looking to see what Obama did in this role. He worked for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN). ACORN has a very colorful history, they get nearly half their funding from our tax dollars and use it for various activities such as obtain mortgages for illegal aliens, and voter fraud. http://www.consumersrightsleague.org/
So ACORN is liberal activists, with some radicals thrown into the mix. I have no doubt that there is a part of this organization that does good. Obama while there worked under the protégé’s of one Saul Alinsky to quote the Washington post Obama was hired to “organize black residents on the South Side, while learning and applying Alinsky's philosophy of street-level democracy.”
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/24/AR2007032401152.html
Saul was a radical of the nth degree. He even wrote Rules for Radicals: A Practical Primer for Realistic Radicals. It is pretty easy for me to see the evolution from Radical, to the much more politically correct doublespeak of Community organizer while reading up on good old Saul. I dare say Saul would see no difference between Radical and Community Organizer as far as naming.
More interesting is his dedication in the book. “Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins- or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom -- Lucifer” – Saul Alinsky
So Lucifer was a community organizer…
September 12, 2008
Democrat on Defense
Since the nomination as VP Sarah Palin has really changed the landscape. Suddenly the Democrats are on defense. Biden is saying Obama did not choose the best VP. A silly, badly delivered line and Obama spends a full day saying how he did not mean what some took it to mean.
I'm kind of amazed that the DNC machine could stumble so hard. Now I wonder if they can salvage.
The London Times offers up this tid bit:
"The reason the pig idea popped into Barack Obama's mouth is that Palin had used the pit bull and lipstick joke in her speech. Can anyone doubt that? So Obama was using it as a jibe against her. This was monumentally foolish. And this raises questions about Obama's character.Second, the character question it raises is not that he is a sexist or that he lacks courtesy. It is that he folds under pressure.
Obama has looked amazingly uncomfortable under the pressure that Palin has put him under. He relies on his cool - it is a core part of his appeal. So he looks bad when he loses it. During the Hillary contest he rarely came under any pressure from the media. When he did he reacted badly.
So the problem caused by Palin isn't really about Palin - it's about Obama."
--end quote--
The question of character again arises in politics. Personality, that defining moment when you know that someone will 'have your back' when push comes to shove.
I'm kind of amazed that the DNC machine could stumble so hard. Now I wonder if they can salvage.
The London Times offers up this tid bit:
"The reason the pig idea popped into Barack Obama's mouth is that Palin had used the pit bull and lipstick joke in her speech. Can anyone doubt that? So Obama was using it as a jibe against her. This was monumentally foolish. And this raises questions about Obama's character.Second, the character question it raises is not that he is a sexist or that he lacks courtesy. It is that he folds under pressure.
Obama has looked amazingly uncomfortable under the pressure that Palin has put him under. He relies on his cool - it is a core part of his appeal. So he looks bad when he loses it. During the Hillary contest he rarely came under any pressure from the media. When he did he reacted badly.
So the problem caused by Palin isn't really about Palin - it's about Obama."
--end quote--
The question of character again arises in politics. Personality, that defining moment when you know that someone will 'have your back' when push comes to shove.
September 11, 2008
September 11th
It is important to thank those who serve this nation by putting thier lives on the line to protect us citizens.
On Septermber 11th, 2001 it was the emergency service's valiant efforts at such a horrible cost that I honor.
Thank you.
On Septermber 11th, 2001 it was the emergency service's valiant efforts at such a horrible cost that I honor.
Thank you.
September 10, 2008
Biden Dumped for Hillary?
I am not really much into predictions. There was something I read, I think in the Wall Street Journal, that Obama was thinking of dumping Biden for Clinton. This would be to counter Palin.
I dismissed the idea because it has not happened before. Then Biden comes out with the above clip. I figured it was another gafffe in his long list of gaffes.
Then I thought again and did that childish "What-if"...
what if indeed...
Good news! We did not get sucked into a black hole!
The CERN Collider was turned on and did NOT destroy the earth. Phew! When reading some of the articles over the last few days, you think of all those films with disasters being unknowingly caused by smug scientists. Real life here folks...
Which reminds me.
Last night was the season premier of Fringe on Fox. I really had a hard time suspending belief that an FBI agent could get the cash allocation to do all the stuff she does without any paperwork. It looks like she is going to be recruited into some homeland security (The new plot device NSA?) top secret, we have to protect people and not let them know all the weird stuff that is really going on, divisor.
Gonna give it a few more episodes.
The lipstick story is a perplexing one. Barak has done something, its subtle enough so people wonder if it is intentional, gets called on it by opponent, then starts playing the victim card. This happened a couple of times during the Hillary vs. Obama section of the election.
Also, McCain got called to task for the same analogy used
Obama is a very smart guy, it is very possible this is a snarky dig. Also, with all the attacks on Palin, it is very possible for the McCain camp to be overly sensitive. I can see the campaign misters on both sides sitting around tables plotting.
Overall three works of fiction.
Which reminds me.
Last night was the season premier of Fringe on Fox. I really had a hard time suspending belief that an FBI agent could get the cash allocation to do all the stuff she does without any paperwork. It looks like she is going to be recruited into some homeland security (The new plot device NSA?) top secret, we have to protect people and not let them know all the weird stuff that is really going on, divisor.
Gonna give it a few more episodes.
The lipstick story is a perplexing one. Barak has done something, its subtle enough so people wonder if it is intentional, gets called on it by opponent, then starts playing the victim card. This happened a couple of times during the Hillary vs. Obama section of the election.
Also, McCain got called to task for the same analogy used
Obama is a very smart guy, it is very possible this is a snarky dig. Also, with all the attacks on Palin, it is very possible for the McCain camp to be overly sensitive. I can see the campaign misters on both sides sitting around tables plotting.
Overall three works of fiction.
September 09, 2008
Politico Shooico
Just about the time I figure I am all done posting about the election and polotiks. Something pops up that I just have to post about.
My buddy Shoo posted a couple of times about the possibility of a McCain Landslide. Which would be awesome. However, I have always taken his to be a lone voice. Until now. I was catching up on some bookmarked stuff I wanted to read and found someone who agrees with him at the Asian times. Link
Spengler writes a first hand account of the actual DNC and his impressions. It is a stark contrast to the Media produced party shown. It is well known that the main stream media is agog over Obama and has sheltered him and us from anything but the most superficial of inspection.
Anyways, read the artical and let me know.
My buddy Shoo posted a couple of times about the possibility of a McCain Landslide. Which would be awesome. However, I have always taken his to be a lone voice. Until now. I was catching up on some bookmarked stuff I wanted to read and found someone who agrees with him at the Asian times. Link
Spengler writes a first hand account of the actual DNC and his impressions. It is a stark contrast to the Media produced party shown. It is well known that the main stream media is agog over Obama and has sheltered him and us from anything but the most superficial of inspection.
Anyways, read the artical and let me know.
Palin walking the walk!
Remember the flap over embryonic stem cells? How they were the best thing ever for curing so many ills, and all we have to do is abort babies? Sharp lines drawn, sabers rattled and then, nothing much really.
Why is that? Well back around 2004 it was found that Adult stem cells where the way to go. The media assault of Gov. Palin has some bizarre avenues, one of which is attempting to say she is a hypocrite for having a downs child and anti-abortion, when embryonic stem cells could hold the cure. When the fact is no research is showing any usefulness from them.
So let us all blindly follow the mindless and ignore that she did NOT abort a down’s syndrome child, thereby walking the walk.
McCain and Obama personally are doing a pretty good job of staying out of the gutter. The rest of us are wallowing.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2004/09/the_truth_about_stem_cell_rese.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,125873,00.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn1826
Why is that? Well back around 2004 it was found that Adult stem cells where the way to go. The media assault of Gov. Palin has some bizarre avenues, one of which is attempting to say she is a hypocrite for having a downs child and anti-abortion, when embryonic stem cells could hold the cure. When the fact is no research is showing any usefulness from them.
So let us all blindly follow the mindless and ignore that she did NOT abort a down’s syndrome child, thereby walking the walk.
McCain and Obama personally are doing a pretty good job of staying out of the gutter. The rest of us are wallowing.
http://www.americanthinker.com/2004/09/the_truth_about_stem_cell_rese.html
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,125873,00.html
http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn1826
September 08, 2008
Historic reminder
To often I hear rhetoric about the Iraq war. Somehow the reason has been obfuscated. Note, this is not a pro war or anti-war rant. This is just a recount of the fact that Saddam was a really bad guy who put himself above the interests of his people and peace.
Iraq invaded Kuwait without provocation. This aggression was stopped -- by the coalition forces.
To stop hostilities, Iraq's dictator accepted a series of commitments he agreed to prove he was complying.
In 1991, Security Council Resolution 688 demanded that the Iraqi regime cease at once the repression of its own people. This demand was ignored.
In 1991, the U.N. Security Council, through Resolutions 686 and 687, demanded that Iraq return all prisoners from Kuwait and other lands. Iraq's regime agreed. This was ignored.
In 1991, the U.N. Security Council, through Resolution 687, demanded that Iraq renounce all involvement with terrorism, and permit no terrorist organizations to operate in Iraq. In violation of Security Council Resolution 1373, Iraq continued to shelter and support terrorist. In 1993, Iraq attempted to assassinate the Emir of Kuwait and a former American President.
In 1991, the Iraqi regime agreed to destroy and stop developing all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles, and to prove to the world it has done so by complying with inspections. Iraq played games in faux compliance.
Iraq also possessed a force of Scud-type missiles with ranges beyond the 150 kilometers permitted by the U.N.
In 1990, The world imposed economic sanctions on Iraq, to compel the regime's compliance with Security Council resolutions. Iraq was allowed to use oil revenues to buy food. Saddam Hussein subverted this program.
In 1991, Iraq promised U.N. inspectors immediate and unrestricted access to verify Iraq's commitment to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles. Iraq broke this promise, spending seven years deceiving, evading, and harassing U.N. inspectors before ceasing cooperation entirely. The security council demanded time after time for new inspections.
Then Iraq was given one last chance, the following conditions were laid out:
Immediately and unconditionally forswear, disclose, and remove or destroy all weapons of mass destruction, long-range missiles, and all related material.
Immediately end all support for terrorism and act to suppress terrorism.
Cease persecution of its civilian population, including Shi'a, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkomans, and others.
Release or account for all Gulf War personnel whose fate is still unknown.
Immediately end all illicit trade outside the oil-for-food program.
Saddam did none of it, he was taken down.
Iraq invaded Kuwait without provocation. This aggression was stopped -- by the coalition forces.
To stop hostilities, Iraq's dictator accepted a series of commitments he agreed to prove he was complying.
In 1991, Security Council Resolution 688 demanded that the Iraqi regime cease at once the repression of its own people. This demand was ignored.
In 1991, the U.N. Security Council, through Resolutions 686 and 687, demanded that Iraq return all prisoners from Kuwait and other lands. Iraq's regime agreed. This was ignored.
In 1991, the U.N. Security Council, through Resolution 687, demanded that Iraq renounce all involvement with terrorism, and permit no terrorist organizations to operate in Iraq. In violation of Security Council Resolution 1373, Iraq continued to shelter and support terrorist. In 1993, Iraq attempted to assassinate the Emir of Kuwait and a former American President.
In 1991, the Iraqi regime agreed to destroy and stop developing all weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles, and to prove to the world it has done so by complying with inspections. Iraq played games in faux compliance.
Iraq also possessed a force of Scud-type missiles with ranges beyond the 150 kilometers permitted by the U.N.
In 1990, The world imposed economic sanctions on Iraq, to compel the regime's compliance with Security Council resolutions. Iraq was allowed to use oil revenues to buy food. Saddam Hussein subverted this program.
In 1991, Iraq promised U.N. inspectors immediate and unrestricted access to verify Iraq's commitment to rid itself of weapons of mass destruction and long-range missiles. Iraq broke this promise, spending seven years deceiving, evading, and harassing U.N. inspectors before ceasing cooperation entirely. The security council demanded time after time for new inspections.
Then Iraq was given one last chance, the following conditions were laid out:
Immediately and unconditionally forswear, disclose, and remove or destroy all weapons of mass destruction, long-range missiles, and all related material.
Immediately end all support for terrorism and act to suppress terrorism.
Cease persecution of its civilian population, including Shi'a, Sunnis, Kurds, Turkomans, and others.
Release or account for all Gulf War personnel whose fate is still unknown.
Immediately end all illicit trade outside the oil-for-food program.
Saddam did none of it, he was taken down.
Change is in the air!
Or on the air Keith Olbermann, the model of current liberalism got the smack down from MSNBC. They didn't give the myopic one his walking papers, they did take a stand for journalism over rhetoric.
Olbermann, Matthews no longer co-anchors
"The change reflects tensions between the freewheeling, opinionated MSNBC and the impartial news gatherers at NBC News."
I really think the idea of truth without spin should be news. Can Washington elitist NBC make this transition? Time will tell.
Olbermann, Matthews no longer co-anchors
"The change reflects tensions between the freewheeling, opinionated MSNBC and the impartial news gatherers at NBC News."
I really think the idea of truth without spin should be news. Can Washington elitist NBC make this transition? Time will tell.
September 07, 2008
What I like about Gov. Palin
Sarah Palin In addition to being Alaska's youngest governor, was the former mayor of Wasilla, Alaska. Starting out in the PTA, She is a lifelong member of the NRA and a hunter, she understands that life starts at conception, she is a Christian, feminist for life, she is for capital punishment and opposes same sex marriage. She is a mother refusing to stay at home who had made a success out in the workplace whose has a success marriage. She has lived a rich, full American life, a true self made woman.
While on city council she supported a sales tax, because it made sense and was needed. When she won as mayor she got rid of people who would not back her, making a unified front. That shows good tough decision making for her post. She looked into banning books with offensive language from the library, then decided against. So she challenges conventions and makes up her own mind.
She took a pay cut, reduced property taxes 40% and improved the roads, sewers and police force, fulfilling a campaign promise for a safer Wasilla. She ran and won re-election. She sought after and got federal funding and used it to further improve the lives of her constituents. This even brought criticism from her now running mate Sen. McCain. Term limits ended her Mayor ship and she ended up backing a nominee other than a relative, because she felt that was better for the community. That shows a lot of courage of conviction.
The, then governer, appointed her to Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, she resigned in disgust after seeing the corruption. And filed formal complaints against her fellow Republicans, they resigned.
This is all before being Governer.
While on city council she supported a sales tax, because it made sense and was needed. When she won as mayor she got rid of people who would not back her, making a unified front. That shows good tough decision making for her post. She looked into banning books with offensive language from the library, then decided against. So she challenges conventions and makes up her own mind.
She took a pay cut, reduced property taxes 40% and improved the roads, sewers and police force, fulfilling a campaign promise for a safer Wasilla. She ran and won re-election. She sought after and got federal funding and used it to further improve the lives of her constituents. This even brought criticism from her now running mate Sen. McCain. Term limits ended her Mayor ship and she ended up backing a nominee other than a relative, because she felt that was better for the community. That shows a lot of courage of conviction.
The, then governer, appointed her to Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, she resigned in disgust after seeing the corruption. And filed formal complaints against her fellow Republicans, they resigned.
This is all before being Governer.
September 06, 2008
Godwin's law
"As a Usenet discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches one."
The rule does not make any statement whether any particular reference or comparison to Hitler or the Nazis might be appropriate, but only asserts that one arising is increasingly probable.
The rule does not make any statement whether any particular reference or comparison to Hitler or the Nazis might be appropriate, but only asserts that one arising is increasingly probable.
September 05, 2008
So whats important to me politically?
I guess its a good question to be asking around election time.
Right now it would be money or income. Job creation in rural area's. Government really cannot do much about that directly. They can make a business friendly environment. Creating government jobs is a really bad idea.
I want conservation over environmentalism, scientific debate over consensus, action that is not reaction, energy generation that is thoughtful and domestic, health care that eliminates bureaucracy, education not based on mandates, tolerence that isnt stupid.
I want a government that has a bottom line, not an expanding one.
...thats pretty good start...
Right now it would be money or income. Job creation in rural area's. Government really cannot do much about that directly. They can make a business friendly environment. Creating government jobs is a really bad idea.
I want conservation over environmentalism, scientific debate over consensus, action that is not reaction, energy generation that is thoughtful and domestic, health care that eliminates bureaucracy, education not based on mandates, tolerence that isnt stupid.
I want a government that has a bottom line, not an expanding one.
...thats pretty good start...
September 04, 2008
The Wheels on the Bus
Connor rides the proverbial short bus to school. Having him go to the bottom of our hill and wait for the bus is problematic. Plus, the regular bus really sucks (just ask my older two).
So every day the bus comes to our driveway picks up Connor and at the end of the day drops him off. It appears that every bus driver in town knows who he is and quite fondly.
He always greets the drivers with a smile, often says something amusing and takes his seat with a minimum of fuss. Because he loves riding in vehicles the could pick him up first and drive the entire route and he would be very happily looking out the window.
Bus people have this idea that the shorter the ride the better. So they are always trying to optimise the route. We have had them approach us very apologetically asking if it would be okay to pick him up sooner. Knowing Connor and it would mean longer on the bus its a no brain-er for us. Win win if you will.
Living where we do with a kid like Connor I always appreciate when someone knows him.
So every day the bus comes to our driveway picks up Connor and at the end of the day drops him off. It appears that every bus driver in town knows who he is and quite fondly.
He always greets the drivers with a smile, often says something amusing and takes his seat with a minimum of fuss. Because he loves riding in vehicles the could pick him up first and drive the entire route and he would be very happily looking out the window.
Bus people have this idea that the shorter the ride the better. So they are always trying to optimise the route. We have had them approach us very apologetically asking if it would be okay to pick him up sooner. Knowing Connor and it would mean longer on the bus its a no brain-er for us. Win win if you will.
Living where we do with a kid like Connor I always appreciate when someone knows him.
September 03, 2008
Inspiring VP Palin
“To the families of special-needs children all across this country, I have a message: For years, you sought to make America a more welcoming place for your sons and daughters,” she said. “I pledge to you that if we are elected, you will have a friend and advocate in the White House.’’
What I want in the VP chair.
What I want in the VP chair.
September 02, 2008
Obama "Kids off limits"
Gov Palin really has the newspapers and tv news in a frenzy. Sen. Obama came out saying that the entire topic is off limits.
I'm not sure that's the case. There was a news release about her daughters unwed pregnancy. That would put the story out there, personally its a flash in the pan, ho hum. Less interesting then the Jami Lynn Spears pregnancy.
I would think the more interesting story would be about Bidens kid.
"A son (Hunter Biden) and a brother of Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.) are accused in two lawsuits of defrauding a former business partner and an investor of millions of dollars in a hedge fund deal that went sour, court records show."
In a Washington Post report Senator Obama pushed for $3.4 million in earmarks for a lobbyist, who is.... Senator Biden's son.
Well, yeah I guess I can see why Obama would want kids off limits .
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/23/AR2008082302200.html
..
I'm not sure that's the case. There was a news release about her daughters unwed pregnancy. That would put the story out there, personally its a flash in the pan, ho hum. Less interesting then the Jami Lynn Spears pregnancy.
I would think the more interesting story would be about Bidens kid.
"A son (Hunter Biden) and a brother of Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. (D-Del.) are accused in two lawsuits of defrauding a former business partner and an investor of millions of dollars in a hedge fund deal that went sour, court records show."
In a Washington Post report Senator Obama pushed for $3.4 million in earmarks for a lobbyist, who is.... Senator Biden's son.
Well, yeah I guess I can see why Obama would want kids off limits .
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/23/AR2008082302200.html
..
September 01, 2008
Vince Moore jumps into the Blogging!
http://mr-renaissance.blogspot.com/
Link added to the Right. Vince Moore is building onto his house and invites you along for the ride.
Under his profile he has two other blogs that are under construction.
Link added to the Right. Vince Moore is building onto his house and invites you along for the ride.
Under his profile he has two other blogs that are under construction.
August 31, 2008
August 30, 2008
More on Gov. Palin
What better balance for the 71-year-old nominee who could be facing a 46-year-old man-child?
A former athlete and beauty queen, Palin's approval ratings hover in 90 percent zone. Palin became a public hero taking on special interests, who practically own the Alaska political establishment.
Forced to resign from the Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission after complaining to Republican Gov. Frank Murkowski about corruption,she was banished to the political wilderness before coming back to defeat Murkowski in the GOP primary.
Palin forced the Alaska legislature into special session to increase oil taxes -- yes, that's oil taxes -- in Alaska, a Republican welfare state. And she vetoes public works projects.
She is a good one. http://www.spectator.org/dsp_article.asp?art_id=12800
August 29, 2008
Sarah Palin VP
What an inspiring choice! Finally a strong conservative to match McCains 'libralism'.
And the chance to be the first Female President of the US in eight years to boot!
It's a good day for America.
And the chance to be the first Female President of the US in eight years to boot!
It's a good day for America.
August 28, 2008
Collage Fiscals.
Collages make pretty good money. They get grants, donations, tuitions and season ticket purchasers.
They produce pieces of paper that they had to an educated person. Who arguably has some kind of potential value to someone somewhere.
When Collages get an influx of money, it never seems to cause a drop in tuition. Rather its a name plaque on a building.
Why is it that people who speak about against Corporation Greed, turn a blind eye to Upper Education Greed? Instead I hear that the state and fed should send more money to these institutions.
puzzling...
They produce pieces of paper that they had to an educated person. Who arguably has some kind of potential value to someone somewhere.
When Collages get an influx of money, it never seems to cause a drop in tuition. Rather its a name plaque on a building.
Why is it that people who speak about against Corporation Greed, turn a blind eye to Upper Education Greed? Instead I hear that the state and fed should send more money to these institutions.
puzzling...
August 27, 2008
FICA
Wall Street Journal artical
Obama is suppose to propose a middle class tax cut. Pretty much what Clinton promised (then didnt deliver first term). He's going to end the ceiling on FICA taxes
The thought was he was going to bring income tax rate back up to what Clinton has, 39.6%."
So if Obama gets his way, you could see a combined federal tax rate of 55%.
Add in your federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare, your paying 55 to 60%
So, if you think that certain people should pay more in taxes you would be very happy.
Obama is suppose to propose a middle class tax cut. Pretty much what Clinton promised (then didnt deliver first term). He's going to end the ceiling on FICA taxes
The thought was he was going to bring income tax rate back up to what Clinton has, 39.6%."
So if Obama gets his way, you could see a combined federal tax rate of 55%.
Add in your federal income tax and Social Security and Medicare, your paying 55 to 60%
So, if you think that certain people should pay more in taxes you would be very happy.
Political discussions in MMORPG's
In World of Warcraft there is a chat channel called 'trade'. The idea behind it was to post up things you have that others may want. Or to request things you want that others may have.
In reality it is an anonymous soapbox for various topics that is arguably misused.
Recently while we all were sitting around misusing the channel when someone pointed out that China has a great economy and is proof that communism works. My response was that slave labor can do wonders for an economy.
In reality it is an anonymous soapbox for various topics that is arguably misused.
Recently while we all were sitting around misusing the channel when someone pointed out that China has a great economy and is proof that communism works. My response was that slave labor can do wonders for an economy.
August 26, 2008
Michelle where art thou?
I was very interested to hear Michelle Obama from the Convention. I still am...
Here was a shining chance to answer the critics and make the case for Barak and instead, it was just something that looked prepackaged to appease someone.
Since Delta Joe jumped onto the Barak Bandwagon, I figured there was some compelling reason. I am not crazy about McCain, however the more I hear and see about Mr. Obama the less I want to see him in the oval office.
Actually if he had been a VP pick with Hillary as nominee I think it would have been quite a dynamic ticket. The convention still has a week to go. Its looking to me like this is McCains election to win or loose.
Here was a shining chance to answer the critics and make the case for Barak and instead, it was just something that looked prepackaged to appease someone.
Since Delta Joe jumped onto the Barak Bandwagon, I figured there was some compelling reason. I am not crazy about McCain, however the more I hear and see about Mr. Obama the less I want to see him in the oval office.
Actually if he had been a VP pick with Hillary as nominee I think it would have been quite a dynamic ticket. The convention still has a week to go. Its looking to me like this is McCains election to win or loose.
August 25, 2008
Pelosi = stupid
Nancy Pelosi says as an “ardent practicing Catholic,” that when life begins “shouldn’t have an impact on a woman’s right to choose (read having an abortion)”
Further: “over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy.”
Like the Catholic Church has not weighed in on the issue... What amazing denial or pathological.
Lets put the no-compromise argument of abortion aside. To state that the Church is in debate about these issues is amazingly ignorant.
Further: “over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy.”
Like the Catholic Church has not weighed in on the issue... What amazing denial or pathological.
Lets put the no-compromise argument of abortion aside. To state that the Church is in debate about these issues is amazingly ignorant.
August 24, 2008
bad decisions by Rich businesses.
Bad choice by big business
In the mid-1970s, executives at the W.T. Grant variety store chain, one of the nation’s largest retailers, decided that the best way to increase sales was to increase the number of customers … by offering credit. It put tremendous "negative incentive" pressure on store managers to issue credit. Employees who didn’t meet their credit quotas risked complete humiliation. They had pies thrown in their faces, were forced to push peanuts across the floor with their noses, and were sent through hotel lobbies wearing only diapers. Eager to avoid such total embarrassment, store managers gave credit "to anyone who breathed," including untold thousands of customers who were bad risks. W.T. Grant racked up $800 million worth of bad debts before it finally collapsed in 1977.
Good list.
In the mid-1970s, executives at the W.T. Grant variety store chain, one of the nation’s largest retailers, decided that the best way to increase sales was to increase the number of customers … by offering credit. It put tremendous "negative incentive" pressure on store managers to issue credit. Employees who didn’t meet their credit quotas risked complete humiliation. They had pies thrown in their faces, were forced to push peanuts across the floor with their noses, and were sent through hotel lobbies wearing only diapers. Eager to avoid such total embarrassment, store managers gave credit "to anyone who breathed," including untold thousands of customers who were bad risks. W.T. Grant racked up $800 million worth of bad debts before it finally collapsed in 1977.
Good list.
August 23, 2008
High Dynamic Images
With the advent of digital cameras which can gather more information then our eyes can process High Dynamic images are becomming popular and you can see why.
Very Dramatic.
Biden on the ticket
Speaking as a Registered Republican I couldnt be happier with Obama's choice of Joe Biden.
- Biden on Meet the Press 2002, subject: Saddam Hussein: “He’s a long term threat and a short term threat to our national security… “We have no choice but to eliminate the threat. This is a guy who is an extreme danger to the world.”
- Biden to the Brookings Institution in 2005: “We can call it quits and withdraw from Iraq. I think that would be a gigantic mistake. Or we can set a deadline for pulling out, which I fear will only encourage our enemies to wait us out — equally a mistake.”
- Biden in an interview with the Huffington Post, assessing Obama and Hillary Clinton: “The more people learn about them (Obama and Hillary) and how they handle the pressure, the more their support will evaporate.”
Hmmm, maybe McCain shoulda picked him up:
Biden August 2, 2005: “John McCain is a personal friend, a great friend, and I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off,"
August 22, 2008
Michael Phelps? Meh..
Trivia question: Who holds the MOST olympic medals?
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During the three Olympics held between 1956 and 1964, this olympian garnered nine golds, five silvers and four bronzes. Total of 18
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Russian gymnast Larissa Latynina holds the record for the most number of medals.
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During the three Olympics held between 1956 and 1964, this olympian garnered nine golds, five silvers and four bronzes. Total of 18
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Russian gymnast Larissa Latynina holds the record for the most number of medals.
August 21, 2008
Contradiction
If you believe the world is overpopulated.
You would be happy when events occur that limited the populations growth.
Plagues, famine, natural disasters and war would be a good for 'saving' the planet from over population. Cause for celebration?
woot?
You would be happy when events occur that limited the populations growth.
Plagues, famine, natural disasters and war would be a good for 'saving' the planet from over population. Cause for celebration?
woot?
August 20, 2008
Vacation-reunion spot.
Here is Connor on the doc on lake Cuyamaca (The name is a Spanish corruption of the Kumeyaay phrase "'Ekwiiyemak", which approximately means "the place where it rains"). It actually reminded me of a dry spell in Oregon without as many trees.
If you look up inbetween the trees you will see the condo\cabin that we got to stay in. Shoo's family stayed on the other side. This was very nice in the late evening as Tina and I got to sit with Pam and Shoo, be treated to Pam's collection of savory tea's and just unwind and chat.
The next night Byron, Paula and Vince joined us as well with adult beverages and some pretty good stories. Really a nice way to end a really fun day.
Flying Van (Steve) really pulled together a wonderful time.
One of the activities was puttering around the lake in a large pontoon boat. We got dropped off at the lakeside resturant for lunch and Carl and Cole picked us up afterwards. Our Celeste made Yellow shirts really made locating each other simple.
Getting off the boat onto the doc was less then graceful for us due to the difference in height.
Great set of memories to relive in my mind though.
I do have to say Steves much better half, Annamarie has to be the sweetist, nicest , most generous, person ever to grace the planet.
Guess you and I both married above what we deserved, eh Steve *wink*
Oh, yeah, 20 years ago Tina and I tied the knot.
August 19, 2008
Connor moments
With a kid like Connor you are never quite sure what he is going to do or react situationally.
There were just too many people for him to learn all the names. Although after a subtle hint from Shoo (pointing to his shoes), Connor quickly caught his name was Shoes, and refered to him as such.
The condo was referred to as the 'sleep house' and after a good 10 hours on a trampolene in the sun he really wanted to go there.
"lets go to Steves" was his most requested thing, and he associated Steve with Steves. Steve further endeared himself by placing connor between various pillows and making a Connor sandwich. To which Connor giggled and squeeled 'STEVE! what are you doing?'
Then there was his dutifully repeating the Leo line from Titanic while at the front of the pontoon boat, "I'm KING OF THE WORLD" immediatly followed by turnning and requesting applause.
Everyone was very accepting and kept an eye out for him, even the kids. Connor was all smiles throught the bulk of the trip. One or two smallish incidents that were cringe worthy.
My favorite Connor moment was near the end of the weekend while at Steves hand made cabin saying goodbye. Connor, dutifully giving hugs of goodbye all around, came to Byron looked up at him and with a big grin hugged him and said "good bye Scat-Man"
Which caught all of us off guard and still brings a grin to us.
..more reunion stuff to follow.
There were just too many people for him to learn all the names. Although after a subtle hint from Shoo (pointing to his shoes), Connor quickly caught his name was Shoes, and refered to him as such.
The condo was referred to as the 'sleep house' and after a good 10 hours on a trampolene in the sun he really wanted to go there.
"lets go to Steves" was his most requested thing, and he associated Steve with Steves. Steve further endeared himself by placing connor between various pillows and making a Connor sandwich. To which Connor giggled and squeeled 'STEVE! what are you doing?'
Then there was his dutifully repeating the Leo line from Titanic while at the front of the pontoon boat, "I'm KING OF THE WORLD" immediatly followed by turnning and requesting applause.
Everyone was very accepting and kept an eye out for him, even the kids. Connor was all smiles throught the bulk of the trip. One or two smallish incidents that were cringe worthy.
My favorite Connor moment was near the end of the weekend while at Steves hand made cabin saying goodbye. Connor, dutifully giving hugs of goodbye all around, came to Byron looked up at him and with a big grin hugged him and said "good bye Scat-Man"
Which caught all of us off guard and still brings a grin to us.
..more reunion stuff to follow.
Long @$$ drive
Here it is 11:00 AM Tuesday August 19Th. I woke up around 6:00am unpacked the van, opened windows, got the rotten apple out of the kitchen and crashed around 8:0am and woke up again a bit ago.
Why so tired? Well...
Monday morning we packed up the lake overlooking condo, did a Geo-Cache (Steve & Rob are bastages) and hit the road around 9:30am. We gassed up near Escondido, at lunch in Upland, at dinner in Santa Nella topped off someplace south of Redding and arrived at home 2:40am.
I'm thinking next time we go by rail.
To any and all we are safe home and unloaded memorys and flash cards for upcomming posts.
hope the rest of you safely made it home.
Why so tired? Well...
Monday morning we packed up the lake overlooking condo, did a Geo-Cache (Steve & Rob are bastages) and hit the road around 9:30am. We gassed up near Escondido, at lunch in Upland, at dinner in Santa Nella topped off someplace south of Redding and arrived at home 2:40am.
I'm thinking next time we go by rail.
To any and all we are safe home and unloaded memorys and flash cards for upcomming posts.
hope the rest of you safely made it home.
August 13, 2008
Georgia conflict .vs. nominee's
Russian troops in country of Georgia. How do our political leaders respond? This was a recent discussion I had. So I looked up the various responses.
MCCAIN: This pattern of attack appears aimed not at restoring any status quo ante in South Ossetia, but rather toppling the democratically elected governor of the republic of Georgia. This would be unacceptable to all the democratic countries of the world and should draw us together in universal condemnation of Russian aggression.
Pretty straight forward response I thought, measured and explained.
OBAMA: We should continue to push for a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate end to the violence It's a clear violation of the sovereignty and internationally recognized borders of Georgia. The UN must stand up for the sovereignty of its members and for peace in the world.
This is bizzare, Russia is on the UN security council and has veto rights on any action. Also, Obama stops short of condeming the actions of Russia
THE PRESIDENT: There's evidence that Russian forces may soon begin bombing the civilian airport in the capital city. These reports are accurate. These Russian actions would represent a dramatic and brutal escalation of the conflict in Georgia. These actions would be inconsistent with assurances we have received from Russia that its objectives were limited to restoring the status quo in South Ossetia that existed before fighting began on August the 6th. These actions have substantially damaged Russia's standing in the world. And these actions jeopardize Russia's relations with the United States and Europe. It's time for Russia to be true to its word and to act to end this crisis.
Concise, explained with condemnation and not passing anything to the impotent UN. Also, invoking the diplomatic understandings between the US and Russia.
MCCAIN: This pattern of attack appears aimed not at restoring any status quo ante in South Ossetia, but rather toppling the democratically elected governor of the republic of Georgia. This would be unacceptable to all the democratic countries of the world and should draw us together in universal condemnation of Russian aggression.
Pretty straight forward response I thought, measured and explained.
OBAMA: We should continue to push for a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate end to the violence It's a clear violation of the sovereignty and internationally recognized borders of Georgia. The UN must stand up for the sovereignty of its members and for peace in the world.
This is bizzare, Russia is on the UN security council and has veto rights on any action. Also, Obama stops short of condeming the actions of Russia
THE PRESIDENT: There's evidence that Russian forces may soon begin bombing the civilian airport in the capital city. These reports are accurate. These Russian actions would represent a dramatic and brutal escalation of the conflict in Georgia. These actions would be inconsistent with assurances we have received from Russia that its objectives were limited to restoring the status quo in South Ossetia that existed before fighting began on August the 6th. These actions have substantially damaged Russia's standing in the world. And these actions jeopardize Russia's relations with the United States and Europe. It's time for Russia to be true to its word and to act to end this crisis.
Concise, explained with condemnation and not passing anything to the impotent UN. Also, invoking the diplomatic understandings between the US and Russia.
August 12, 2008
Alternative Energy! (cuz increasing oil supply is bad)
Cold Fusion: Dunking palladium electrodes into heavy water - oxygen combined with hydrogen isotope deuterium - releases HUGE amounts of energy. Placing a voltage across the electrodes moves the deuterium nuclei to into palladium's molecular lattice, fusing them together, releasing a blast of energy.
On little snag is that fusion at room temperature is deemed impossible by every accepted scientific theory. It works fine in stars. If controllable cold fusion proved possible, many of the world's energy problems would melt away
The US Department of Energy is interested. In December 2005, after a lengthy review of the evidence, it said it was open to receiving proposals for new cold fusion experiments.
This is the same DoE that concluded in a report back in 1990 the original cold fusion results, produced by Fleischmann and Pons of the University of Utah, were impossible to reproduce, and thus probably false.
On little snag is that fusion at room temperature is deemed impossible by every accepted scientific theory. It works fine in stars. If controllable cold fusion proved possible, many of the world's energy problems would melt away
The US Department of Energy is interested. In December 2005, after a lengthy review of the evidence, it said it was open to receiving proposals for new cold fusion experiments.
This is the same DoE that concluded in a report back in 1990 the original cold fusion results, produced by Fleischmann and Pons of the University of Utah, were impossible to reproduce, and thus probably false.
August 11, 2008
A theory 'bout peeples.
1. People, in general, like telling other people what they should do.
2. People, in general, despise being told what they should do.
If you tell someone what to do their reaction will be based upon your position of authority.
If you are in distress being told what to do can be a relief (although, you may still despise being told)
The bestest way to tell someone what they should do is via a sales pitch. This can fool the person into thinking they came up with what they should do on their own (this is the method used by politicians)
2. People, in general, despise being told what they should do.
If you tell someone what to do their reaction will be based upon your position of authority.
If you are in distress being told what to do can be a relief (although, you may still despise being told)
The bestest way to tell someone what they should do is via a sales pitch. This can fool the person into thinking they came up with what they should do on their own (this is the method used by politicians)
August 10, 2008
August 07, 2008
What worth a beloved pet?
Ms. McKinney loved her dog. The dog died. She sold her home to pay the $50,000 fee to get five cloned puppies from her dead dog. This was discounted from the $150,000 the company planned to charge for the service, believing her case will be a boon for business.
I have a hard time understanding why anyone would do this. Mostly because selling your house to buy five dogs seems over the top to me. Add to that none of these clones is her beloved Booger. (yes, she named her original K9 Booger) I guess they are in some part Booger, not unlike if Booger had puppies.
Then you have that elephant in the room (not cloned, metaphorical) about a loved one. Be it Mom or Dad, Sister or Brother, Son or Daughter, best friend, Significant other or fourth cousin on your fathers brothers side three times removed. We know that Clones will not be the same person. In my imagination looking at the clone a child I lost, would be a constant reminder of the loss. This made all the more painful, due to the mockery of who that person once was, standing before me.
Maybe that is too dramatic. Countless authors have gone over the ethical and moral arguments about cloning. And now, here it is, real flesh and blood.
the mind boggles.
August 06, 2008
True Presidential "debate"
In that old Monty Python sketch the statment "An argument is a connected series of statements intended to establish a proposition" is far removed from what we normally engage.
In the 'everyone has a soap box' day we are free to post opinion as fact, contridition as soul proof and ridicule for not accepting a premise, flawed or not. Yes, I too am one of those opinion spouters.
So a buddy of mine recently deconstructed an opinion as fact editorial blog in such a sublime manner I was made to think more on what a debate is .vs. what it seems to become.
Debate, in political arena, is not a debate at all rather a posing and soundbite compitition with aftermath of spinning it as a victory reguardless of what actually occured. So style over substance and perception over reality.
Public debate are two teams of two. Each team is given their topic with the side at the beginning. The teams are given 15 minutes to create an outline before they begin. The topic of the debate is unknown until the start of the debate, it requires little planning and a wide knowledge of topics.
I would love to see a couple of Prez .vs. Prez nominee teams engage in this kind of debate.
In the 'everyone has a soap box' day we are free to post opinion as fact, contridition as soul proof and ridicule for not accepting a premise, flawed or not. Yes, I too am one of those opinion spouters.
So a buddy of mine recently deconstructed an opinion as fact editorial blog in such a sublime manner I was made to think more on what a debate is .vs. what it seems to become.
Debate, in political arena, is not a debate at all rather a posing and soundbite compitition with aftermath of spinning it as a victory reguardless of what actually occured. So style over substance and perception over reality.
Public debate are two teams of two. Each team is given their topic with the side at the beginning. The teams are given 15 minutes to create an outline before they begin. The topic of the debate is unknown until the start of the debate, it requires little planning and a wide knowledge of topics.
I would love to see a couple of Prez .vs. Prez nominee teams engage in this kind of debate.
August 05, 2008
MMORPG's appeal
Women are playing computer games, no shock there really. Yes, the XY set have the lions share. Slowly this section of the public is doing more then that solo card game.
Personal experience: My wife first had a character in Asherons Call back in 2000. While it was an interesting change from watching TV and later a way of getting her exercise in the appeal shot way up with two things.
The addition of dresses and hats.
While we have long since dropped AC for WoW (World of Warcraft), the guild we played in still honors her memory by allowing people to wear 'Fez's' in game meetings.
yeah, weird to me too. Still....
So WoW has non-combat, non-functional pets in game, various clothing items and fun events widely incorporated, that obviously panders to the XX set. Which is a good thing.
House of Teens
Cousin Dan is camping in the back yard (brought a tent and a hard hat, the kids prepared). Leonie is sharing Diana's room and Trevor is in the bottom bunk of the boys room. Connor is not a teen yet.
So we have seven people here. It's fun actually. Busy, the fair is in town.
Rodney Atkins plays tonite.
The Doobie Brothers play Wednesday.
Bad Company and The Edgar Winter Band Thursday.
Kellie Pickler rounds it out on Friday.
With the standard rides, games and booths.
Unlike the OC fair I grew up with, our fair is something I can go to every year. Not sure why.
So we have seven people here. It's fun actually. Busy, the fair is in town.
Rodney Atkins plays tonite.
The Doobie Brothers play Wednesday.
Bad Company and The Edgar Winter Band Thursday.
Kellie Pickler rounds it out on Friday.
With the standard rides, games and booths.
Unlike the OC fair I grew up with, our fair is something I can go to every year. Not sure why.
August 04, 2008
Fixing Schools?
If you spend much time observing the school system behind the scenes you start to see some really odd things.
Year long weekly committee meetings to resolve issues like 'communication', the first six of these meetings outline the problems. Contract negotiations with budget busting agreements that both sides 'agree' on. Retirement packages that pay 100% of original salary. etc.
My personal feeling has long been the lack of a 'bottom line'. That is to say, in business, if you do not make x-amount of money to cover expenses you either cut back or go under. Voucher programs kinda can do that, however you run into really bad situations with special needs kids.
I ran across this interesting article Swedish School system. So I looked deeper.
in 1992 they moved to private run schools using public monies. The students are learning, the teachers, while concerned about job security, are enjoying being able to teach subjects, not to tests. Even the Swedish Teachers' Union now doesn't "have an opinion about which owner (i.e., the state or private enterprise) is better."
I have been unable to see how they handle special needs. But, I am still digging.
Year long weekly committee meetings to resolve issues like 'communication', the first six of these meetings outline the problems. Contract negotiations with budget busting agreements that both sides 'agree' on. Retirement packages that pay 100% of original salary. etc.
My personal feeling has long been the lack of a 'bottom line'. That is to say, in business, if you do not make x-amount of money to cover expenses you either cut back or go under. Voucher programs kinda can do that, however you run into really bad situations with special needs kids.
I ran across this interesting article Swedish School system. So I looked deeper.
in 1992 they moved to private run schools using public monies. The students are learning, the teachers, while concerned about job security, are enjoying being able to teach subjects, not to tests. Even the Swedish Teachers' Union now doesn't "have an opinion about which owner (i.e., the state or private enterprise) is better."
I have been unable to see how they handle special needs. But, I am still digging.
August 03, 2008
Indian Food
Garlic flake pict.I recently added a gadget to my igoogle page to search out veggie Indian recepies.
I came across this gem called Onion Chutney. Seeing as how I am a fan of Maui onions I looked at the ingrediants:
onions - 6 to 8 (No problem, I can just get 6 big maui's)
tomatos - 3 (Get three nice ripe ones)
red chillies - 8 to 10 (indian Chili's are thin, red and usually dried. Flakes can work)
garlic - 5 to 5 flakes minced (um... Garlic flakes... quick google search finds them:
corainder - 1/2 bunch (easy)
comin seeds - 1 tsb (cumin??)
gingly oil - 1/4 cup (wtf? oh Sesame oil. whew)
Now instructions: Fry the cumin seeds and onions until onions become transparent.Then fry the tomatos until it is well cooked.Now switch of the gas and allow it to cool little bit.Now add the red chillies, garlic, coriander leaves, salt and little bit of water.
This chutney should not be loosy. If it is too spicy add little bit of oil.
If I can just make sure the Chutney is not loosy I'm good to go.
http://www.ivu.org/recipes/indian-chutney/vidhya-p.html
August 01, 2008
Oil .vs. Government
So there is high gas prices and depending upon editorial policy, it is either the Oil companies at fault or OPEC. 18.4 cents per gallon go to the Federal government plus 8 cents to 28 cents depending upon your state. My state the total taxes are 42 cents per gallon. According to the EIA the average profit of Gas is 28 cents per gallon. (That shows me who is really gouging...)
July 30, 2008
Obama's media .vs. hearts and minds of American voters
Gallup tracking poll out of registered voters has Obama up by eight. If you look at likely voters, McCain is up by four, and McCain among likely voters has had a swing of ten points since last Friday. Of course this is WAY to Early in the election season. Still, its rather interesting.
A NYT writer Adam Nagourney wrote this piece on the campaign Why is Obama not improving in the polls?
This article got him tarred and feathered by Obama's press operations.
So Obama is behind where he wants to be. When he is in unscripted situations he falters badly. And his resume is very thin. The Democrats want this election bagged tagged and delivered and I am wondering if the DNC is questioning Obama's ability.
A NYT writer Adam Nagourney wrote this piece on the campaign Why is Obama not improving in the polls?
This article got him tarred and feathered by Obama's press operations.
So Obama is behind where he wants to be. When he is in unscripted situations he falters badly. And his resume is very thin. The Democrats want this election bagged tagged and delivered and I am wondering if the DNC is questioning Obama's ability.
July 28, 2008
Another orbit accomplished!
Yesterday was my birthday. We had a really nice day. I came up with the idea of each of my three suggesting something to do one on one. Trevor wanted to go to the movies, we saw Batman, luckily Trevor had done some yard work for cash the day before. Connor wanted to go on a bikeride (he was VERY excited about this). Diana and Leonie came along. We drive to a school next to our big city park, went around the outskirts and crossed the river, then we had to go around the steam train engine that is displayed in the park. Past the sporting park, past the walmart-wetlands, by the skate park. Across the road for a soda and fries at Burger King, then back across the road and along the trail next to the I5 and the frisbee golf course, ending with a traverse of the steel bridge over the river.
Diana wanted to go Roller skating. Unfortunatly, my skates are at the shoe repair shop, so that will be later in the week.
My niece Crystal is back in the States visiting and was able to stop by and partake in Dinner at Red Robin (high class dining in Roseburg), then we forced her to watch Diana's episode of MADE.
Diana's friend from Germany, Leonie, and her parents are here in Roseburg to tour some of the sights. They presented me with a laser etched crystal of the Lueneburg town hall.
After all else was said and done we had a chocolate cake (Connor insistance) and a fresh picked Blueberry, home made pie, Tina lovingly made.
All in all it was a nice way to celebrate another Orbit.
July 27, 2008
Holy Rusted Metal prez. Bush!
George W. Bush aka The Batman! Andrew Klavin writes for the Wall Street Journal Opinion page. I came across his article he wrote comparing Pres. Bush to The Batman, Yeah, I thought it was going to be another mean spirited joke. I found it to be insightful and as a friend put it "Spot-On"
Quote:
"Leftists frequently complain that right-wing morality is simplistic. Morality is relative, they say; nuanced, complex. They're wrong, of course, even on their own terms.
Left and right, all Americans know that freedom is better than slavery, that love is better than hate, kindness better than cruelty, tolerance better than bigotry. We don't always know how we know these things, and yet mysteriously we know them nonetheless.
The true complexity arises when we must defend these values in a world that does not universally embrace them -- when we reach the place where we must be intolerant in order to defend tolerance, or unkind in order to defend kindness, or hateful in order to defend what we love."
Anyways, I liked the piece, wanted to share.
July 26, 2008
Attacked
Have you ever assumed you have been attacked, only to have the person you thought was attacking you say they are not attacking you?
When attacked, people defend themselves. So if you were not actually attacked, but thought you were and acted to defend, then wouldn't that defense become an attack?
If you did attack someone and they defended, then you told said person you hadn't attacked, wouldn't that be a kind of defense against the defensiveness caused by you the attacker?
Umkay, time for ibuprofen.
When attacked, people defend themselves. So if you were not actually attacked, but thought you were and acted to defend, then wouldn't that defense become an attack?
If you did attack someone and they defended, then you told said person you hadn't attacked, wouldn't that be a kind of defense against the defensiveness caused by you the attacker?
Umkay, time for ibuprofen.
dang werds....
A while back I was asking my son if he had pride in his accomplishments. His response was to point out that pride is a sin. This comes from the seven deadly sins, which comes from a monks writings Evagrius Ponticus, who listed eight "evil thoughts" Gluttony; fornication; avarice; sorrow; anger; discouragement; vainglory; pride.
Later Pope Gregory the Great would edit this list down to the "Seven Deadly Sins" we all know and love... pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth. (gotta love Wiki's. I originally thought Dante came up with these).
Pride is excessive love of self (especially holding self out of proper position toward God). Dante's definition was "love of self perverted to hatred and contempt for one's neighbor."
After my talk I was grappling for some synonym to use other then pride. Dang if the thesaurus didn't come up with stuff I thought sounded much worse: arrogance, haughtiness, hauteur, insolence, loftiness, lordliness, overbearingness, presumption, pridefulness, proudness, superciliousness, superiority.
So back to using pride with the explanation in the usage of the word not falling under the sinful definition. You can be proud of a job well done. Rubbing it in the face of others and discounting what they have done is where the 'bad-Pride' comes in...
If I was in Germany I could make a word like Doingagoodjobbutnotbeinganassaboutit.
Oh BTW Prudence, Justice, Restraint, Courage, Faith, Hope and Love are the seven heavenly virtues. (they dint seem to be as famous)
Later Pope Gregory the Great would edit this list down to the "Seven Deadly Sins" we all know and love... pride, avarice, envy, wrath, lust, gluttony, and sloth. (gotta love Wiki's. I originally thought Dante came up with these).
Pride is excessive love of self (especially holding self out of proper position toward God). Dante's definition was "love of self perverted to hatred and contempt for one's neighbor."
After my talk I was grappling for some synonym to use other then pride. Dang if the thesaurus didn't come up with stuff I thought sounded much worse: arrogance, haughtiness, hauteur, insolence, loftiness, lordliness, overbearingness, presumption, pridefulness, proudness, superciliousness, superiority.
So back to using pride with the explanation in the usage of the word not falling under the sinful definition. You can be proud of a job well done. Rubbing it in the face of others and discounting what they have done is where the 'bad-Pride' comes in...
If I was in Germany I could make a word like Doingagoodjobbutnotbeinganassaboutit.
Oh BTW Prudence, Justice, Restraint, Courage, Faith, Hope and Love are the seven heavenly virtues. (they dint seem to be as famous)
July 25, 2008
Getting fit, loosing fat
Turn your speakers off. Music is very annoying.
In an ongoing effort to loose weight and stay in shape I opted for 'bodyweight' exercises and walking the dog.
Above is a video with the three exercises I am attempting to do everyday. Long term I want to do a set of 50 of the pushups. 100 of the squats and hold the bridge for 60 seconds.
These really do kick your fanny and they are not terribly time consuming or cost a bunch of gym membership monies. The walking the dog is great for getting into shape. Our Dog has never looked fitter... I still have a ways to go...
This morning I had Red Cross Appointment to donate blood. (got my two gallon pin). They are across town and I figured I would walk there and Tina and I estimated 45 minute walk.
Well we were wrong. As I reached the bike path next to the river, a mental calculation prompted me to run the rest of the way, about three miles, and I was late by two minutes. This also meant that taking my pulse and blood pressure had to wait a bit as well.
the phlebotomist, was chatty as usual and asked if I had run in, I joked that running home would be easier because I would not have to carry the extra blood weight. I learned that I had just lost about 10% of my oxygen carrying vessals and running wouldnt be good. As it was the walk home was fine, I did start to feel a bit out of sorts while taking my shower.
I think I am going to take it easy for the next couple of hours.
July 24, 2008
life as I see it
There are huge social cycles that occur. A large butterfly like effect that you can intellectually trace back to some nexus.
kids today, they are raised by schools, Internet, television and games. Parents are both working hard to provide for their family that they just don't have energy to put the effort into.
This is a generalization, of course. How did we get here?
Well you could Nexus back to the moratorium on offshore drilling, and stopping nuclear power. The cost of power going up effects all goods as does the cost of delivery. Add to that ongoing, on growing government programs taking bigger and bigger chunks of your salary, along with regulations requiring businesses provide, unneeded, unwanted insurance plans. Making one persons wages not enough to sustain a family. Illusion or not.
How about WWII and women entering the job market? Quite a few ego's shattered because of that. And of course most men not comprehending the situation. Suddenly you have an 80% (wild guess) increase in the labor pool. Supply and demand means that wages would drop. That puts dual income as a must have.
My mom was a stay at home mom. We grew up, sharing the days events around the dinner table. On some weekends we would get in the car and drive places as a family. We knew the neighbors. I can still mentally go down the street imagining the houses and recall the last names of the inhabitants. I am not sure a majority of people could do that today.
Because my mom and so many moms on the street were stay at home, they would tend to get out of the house, garden, bowl, go to PTA meetings, see each other shopping etc. They would make plans and in general have that 'watering hole' or Laundry mat experience that is largely gone.
There are a lot of good parents out there. They are the ones asking if they are doing the right by their kids. The kids of these good folks, invite friends over. Some of these friends see and note something is different at this household and be attracted to something about that. The real observational thinkers, will actually ask questions and talk to the parents.
These kids have the potential to incorporate what they saw lacking in their own home life when they get to that point. This is already happening.
kids today, they are raised by schools, Internet, television and games. Parents are both working hard to provide for their family that they just don't have energy to put the effort into.
This is a generalization, of course. How did we get here?
Well you could Nexus back to the moratorium on offshore drilling, and stopping nuclear power. The cost of power going up effects all goods as does the cost of delivery. Add to that ongoing, on growing government programs taking bigger and bigger chunks of your salary, along with regulations requiring businesses provide, unneeded, unwanted insurance plans. Making one persons wages not enough to sustain a family. Illusion or not.
How about WWII and women entering the job market? Quite a few ego's shattered because of that. And of course most men not comprehending the situation. Suddenly you have an 80% (wild guess) increase in the labor pool. Supply and demand means that wages would drop. That puts dual income as a must have.
My mom was a stay at home mom. We grew up, sharing the days events around the dinner table. On some weekends we would get in the car and drive places as a family. We knew the neighbors. I can still mentally go down the street imagining the houses and recall the last names of the inhabitants. I am not sure a majority of people could do that today.
Because my mom and so many moms on the street were stay at home, they would tend to get out of the house, garden, bowl, go to PTA meetings, see each other shopping etc. They would make plans and in general have that 'watering hole' or Laundry mat experience that is largely gone.
There are a lot of good parents out there. They are the ones asking if they are doing the right by their kids. The kids of these good folks, invite friends over. Some of these friends see and note something is different at this household and be attracted to something about that. The real observational thinkers, will actually ask questions and talk to the parents.
These kids have the potential to incorporate what they saw lacking in their own home life when they get to that point. This is already happening.
July 21, 2008
Final Nail for Global warming
Christopher Monckton of Brenchley has put out a paper titled Climate Sensitivity Reconsidered. Which is being touted as both the start of real science on the earths climate and the death of the religion of global warming.
"the conclusion is that, perhaps, there is no “climate crisis”, and that currently-fashionable efforts by governments to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions are pointless, may be ill-conceived, and could even be harmful."
A much easier read that wont glaze over your eyes is here.
"the conclusion is that, perhaps, there is no “climate crisis”, and that currently-fashionable efforts by governments to reduce anthropogenic CO2 emissions are pointless, may be ill-conceived, and could even be harmful."
A much easier read that wont glaze over your eyes is here.
July 20, 2008
news media
MSNBC, CNN, FOX all crank out less then news items and show little care for fact checking or balance. Someplace along the lines Truth took second place to ratings.
When you have to fill 24 hours a day with news in this format you need to have filler and the path of least resistance appears to be Hollywood Train wrecks.
Worse then that, when you trivialize information everything gives the appearance of having the same weight. You will see that Angelina Jolie's babies are 'cute' right next to Iran's nuclear talks.
The mistakes, the opinion, the editorial, the snarkyness, and the arrogance really makes me wonder if this industry should be regulated by the government for quality and fairness....
When you have to fill 24 hours a day with news in this format you need to have filler and the path of least resistance appears to be Hollywood Train wrecks.
Worse then that, when you trivialize information everything gives the appearance of having the same weight. You will see that Angelina Jolie's babies are 'cute' right next to Iran's nuclear talks.
The mistakes, the opinion, the editorial, the snarkyness, and the arrogance really makes me wonder if this industry should be regulated by the government for quality and fairness....
July 18, 2008
Bigger Fatter America
Obesity is based on the body mass index, a calculation using height and weight. A 5-foot, 9-inch adult who weighs 203 pounds would have a BMI of 30, which is considered the threshold for obesity. Mississippi, Alabama and Tennessee lead the nation when it comes to obesity.
The CDC put the adult obesity rate at 34 percent in 2005 and 2006. I wonder when Peolosi will declare it a crises...
A study, published in the July 17, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine made headlines seeming to state that a low-carbohydrate is the best for health. The Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Research Foundation funded the study
So whats to do? The price of food going up will help, I guess. Higher gas prices means not driving and walking and bike riding more? Still obesity is rampant among the poor, chances are their habits will not change.
Tax breaks for the fit? Higher premiums for the not-so-fit? Government food centers that carefully administer the right amount of calories and exercise in some kind of a fat internment camp? Re-instate the draft for anyone over 34 BMI? Fine any restaurant or grocery store that sells unhealthy stuff? Make obesity a hate crime against ones self? Liposuction machines sold retail with a good instructional video? Public shunning? Asking religious leaders to tend to the issue? A nationwide reality show with prizes? Government checks to all citizens to use on fitness equipment?
The CDC put the adult obesity rate at 34 percent in 2005 and 2006. I wonder when Peolosi will declare it a crises...
A study, published in the July 17, 2008 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine made headlines seeming to state that a low-carbohydrate is the best for health. The Dr. Robert C. and Veronica Atkins Research Foundation funded the study
So whats to do? The price of food going up will help, I guess. Higher gas prices means not driving and walking and bike riding more? Still obesity is rampant among the poor, chances are their habits will not change.
Tax breaks for the fit? Higher premiums for the not-so-fit? Government food centers that carefully administer the right amount of calories and exercise in some kind of a fat internment camp? Re-instate the draft for anyone over 34 BMI? Fine any restaurant or grocery store that sells unhealthy stuff? Make obesity a hate crime against ones self? Liposuction machines sold retail with a good instructional video? Public shunning? Asking religious leaders to tend to the issue? A nationwide reality show with prizes? Government checks to all citizens to use on fitness equipment?
Advances in Science
I was looking up the original version of a joke the other day and I came across a discussion about the fallacy of the Big Bang.
The Big Bang is the theory that for some reason the universe exploded into being. For those of you who do not like the idea of an exploding universe, Terence Witt presents an intricate, four-dimensional expression of our universe in which energy and space constitute existence.
Most importantly, the universe is infinite and eternal; it did not begin with a bang nor will it end with a whimper.
So take that Physics FAT CATS!
The Big Bang is the theory that for some reason the universe exploded into being. For those of you who do not like the idea of an exploding universe, Terence Witt presents an intricate, four-dimensional expression of our universe in which energy and space constitute existence.
Most importantly, the universe is infinite and eternal; it did not begin with a bang nor will it end with a whimper.
So take that Physics FAT CATS!
July 16, 2008
Brad on Letterman
Reasons I posted this. I love this song! Ronn would appreciate Brads Axe skills. Also, the character in the song could be portrayed by Byron. At least thats who my minds sees.
Oh, check out the guitar strap.
July 14, 2008
Schools in General
At the turn of the last century, Alfred Binet wanted to identify those students who needed special help in school. This idea has been horribly misused time and time again.
Educators and anyone with more then one kid, knows that there are different learning styles.
Dr. Kolb identified and categorized four of them. (this was probably a mistake, oh well)
Converging - the decision maker (active experimentation-abstract conceptualization) Accommodating - the do-er (active experimentation-concrete experience)
Assimilating - the planner (reflective observation-abstract conceptualization)
Diverging - the creator (reflective observation-concrete experience)
From the two above idea's, wouldn't you want to group children by ability and learning style to most effectively teach kids?
The current method of age grouping may have some kind of advantage, I just am not sure I can figure out what that would be.
I have two kids... geeze, One Adult and one young adult, who went through the public education system, did very well and came out with enough tools to deal with life. My youngest is unique in ability and learning style and trying to find teachers with the skills and understanding is a challenge.
I have found quite a few educators have sever limits they cannot overcome when dealing with children outside of a certain behavior variable. These teachers and their peers seem unaware of said limits until the teacher is put into the situation. Then getting the feedback that makes enough sense to change, or alter the situation is VERY difficult.
You heard that Cops have a code of silence? Teachers turn a blind eye to there comrades abilities and lack there of a lot.
Educators and anyone with more then one kid, knows that there are different learning styles.
Dr. Kolb identified and categorized four of them. (this was probably a mistake, oh well)
Converging - the decision maker (active experimentation-abstract conceptualization) Accommodating - the do-er (active experimentation-concrete experience)
Assimilating - the planner (reflective observation-abstract conceptualization)
Diverging - the creator (reflective observation-concrete experience)
From the two above idea's, wouldn't you want to group children by ability and learning style to most effectively teach kids?
The current method of age grouping may have some kind of advantage, I just am not sure I can figure out what that would be.
I have two kids... geeze, One Adult and one young adult, who went through the public education system, did very well and came out with enough tools to deal with life. My youngest is unique in ability and learning style and trying to find teachers with the skills and understanding is a challenge.
I have found quite a few educators have sever limits they cannot overcome when dealing with children outside of a certain behavior variable. These teachers and their peers seem unaware of said limits until the teacher is put into the situation. Then getting the feedback that makes enough sense to change, or alter the situation is VERY difficult.
You heard that Cops have a code of silence? Teachers turn a blind eye to there comrades abilities and lack there of a lot.
July 12, 2008
Hypocrit.com
So I'm reading this article about overstock.com is going to stop selling fur. Now if you have a business of selling stuff to people I fully support you choosing what products to carry and what not to carry. If by choosing to carry or not carry some item you are making some kind of political or ethical statement which is being made into company policy, I would think that you would want some consistency to avoid looking foolish or hypocritical.
For instance if your the owner of Buy-N-Large and you decide to stop selling digital cameras because of the picture of atrocities in the country of Guilder that were published on the Internet. In your prepared statement you state that you will no longer carry Sony, Fuji, Olympus camera's in support of the genocide fighters (or some such). Now everyone knows that Buy-N-Large carries Kodak as well and that they will continue to sell those after the policy is in place.
Back to reality - Chief Executive Patrick Byrne stated:
“You don’t have to think about it very much before you realize … you’re completely objectifying an animal when you say I’m going to wear it as a decorative object. That’s over the line for anyone who gives it any thought, I would think.”
What about when the animal is made into skirts, pants, jackets, shoes, or belts...?
For instance if your the owner of Buy-N-Large and you decide to stop selling digital cameras because of the picture of atrocities in the country of Guilder that were published on the Internet. In your prepared statement you state that you will no longer carry Sony, Fuji, Olympus camera's in support of the genocide fighters (or some such). Now everyone knows that Buy-N-Large carries Kodak as well and that they will continue to sell those after the policy is in place.
Back to reality - Chief Executive Patrick Byrne stated:
“You don’t have to think about it very much before you realize … you’re completely objectifying an animal when you say I’m going to wear it as a decorative object. That’s over the line for anyone who gives it any thought, I would think.”
What about when the animal is made into skirts, pants, jackets, shoes, or belts...?
July 06, 2008
the Hero Shot
Once in a great while, a movie will provide a hero shot. This is one of those that get your heart going sucking you into the drama of the movie providing that "GOAL" moment of excitement.
For instance, the first time you saw Star Wars (a new hope). And Han Solo comes from out of no where to save Luke from Darth Vaders TIE fighter.
Some of the ones I recall fondly:
Neo stopping the bullets in mid air with curious ease. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/
Rick Latimer (James Belushi) catching the punks punch with his hand and delivering the line "My Turn!" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093780/
Ellen Riply (Sigourney Weaver) in the load lifter exo-suit fighting the queen "Get away from her, you 'bitch!'" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090605/
When the blast doors open and instead of Reavers pouring through, River Tam (Summer Glau) stands alone clutching an axe and a sword. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379786/
Was wondering if you (the reader) has one.
For instance, the first time you saw Star Wars (a new hope). And Han Solo comes from out of no where to save Luke from Darth Vaders TIE fighter.
Some of the ones I recall fondly:
Neo stopping the bullets in mid air with curious ease. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0133093/
Rick Latimer (James Belushi) catching the punks punch with his hand and delivering the line "My Turn!" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093780/
Ellen Riply (Sigourney Weaver) in the load lifter exo-suit fighting the queen "Get away from her, you 'bitch!'" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090605/
When the blast doors open and instead of Reavers pouring through, River Tam (Summer Glau) stands alone clutching an axe and a sword. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379786/
Was wondering if you (the reader) has one.
July 04, 2008
To honor our Independance
Hero's still fighting to insure our Independence
*DUNHAM, JASON L.
Rank and Organization: Corporal, United States Marine CorpsFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
*McGINNIS, ROSS A.
Rank and Organization: Private First Class, United States ArmyFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an M2 .50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on 4 December 2006.That afternoon his platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort to reduce and control sectarian violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through the gunner's hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled "grenade," allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade's blast. Then, rather than leaping from the gunner's hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the courageous decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion.Private McGinnis' gallant action directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death. Private First Class McGinnis' extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
*MONSOOR, MICHAEL, A.
Rank and Organization: Master-At-Arms Second Class (Sea, Air And Land), United States Navy For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as automatic weapons gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army Sniper Overwatch Element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor distinguished himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element’s position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy’s initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor’s chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
*SMITH, PAUL R.
Rank and Organization: Sergeant First Class, United States ArmyFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne,” and the United States Army.
*DUNHAM, JASON L.
Rank and Organization: Corporal, United States Marine CorpsFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while serving as Rifle Squad Leader, 4th Platoon, Company K, Third Battalion, Seventh Marines (Reinforced), Regimental Combat Team 7, First Marine Division (Reinforced), on 14 April 2004. Corporal Dunham's squad was conducting a reconnaissance mission in the town of Karabilah, Iraq, when they heard rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire erupt approximately two kilometers to the west. Corporal Dunham led his Combined Anti-Armor Team towards the engagement to provide fire support to their Battalion Commander's convoy, which had been ambushed as it was traveling to Camp Husaybah. As Corporal Dunham and his Marines advanced, they quickly began to receive enemy fire. Corporal Dunham ordered his squad to dismount their vehicles and led one of his fire teams on foot several blocks south of the ambushed convoy. Discovering seven Iraqi vehicles in a column attempting to depart, Corporal Dunham and his team stopped the vehicles to search them for weapons. As they approached the vehicles, an insurgent leaped out and attacked Corporal Dunham. Corporal Dunham wrestled the insurgent to the ground and in the ensuing struggle saw the insurgent release a grenade. Corporal Dunham immediately alerted his fellow Marines to the threat. Aware of the imminent danger and without hesitation, Corporal Dunham covered the grenade with his helmet and body, bearing the brunt of the explosion and shielding his Marines from the blast. In an ultimate and selfless act of bravery in which he was mortally wounded, he saved the lives of at least two fellow Marines. By his undaunted courage, intrepid fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty, Corporal Dunham gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.
*McGINNIS, ROSS A.
Rank and Organization: Private First Class, United States ArmyFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Private First Class Ross A. McGinnis distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an M2 .50-caliber Machine Gunner, 1st Platoon, C Company, 1st Battalion, 26th Infantry Regiment, in connection with combat operations against an armed enemy in Adhamiyah, Northeast Baghdad, Iraq, on 4 December 2006.That afternoon his platoon was conducting combat control operations in an effort to reduce and control sectarian violence in the area. While Private McGinnis was manning the M2 .50-caliber Machine Gun, a fragmentation grenade thrown by an insurgent fell through the gunner's hatch into the vehicle. Reacting quickly, he yelled "grenade," allowing all four members of his crew to prepare for the grenade's blast. Then, rather than leaping from the gunner's hatch to safety, Private McGinnis made the courageous decision to protect his crew. In a selfless act of bravery, in which he was mortally wounded, Private McGinnis covered the live grenade, pinning it between his body and the vehicle and absorbing most of the explosion.Private McGinnis' gallant action directly saved four men from certain serious injury or death. Private First Class McGinnis' extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.
*MONSOOR, MICHAEL, A.
Rank and Organization: Master-At-Arms Second Class (Sea, Air And Land), United States Navy For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty as automatic weapons gunner for Naval Special Warfare Task Group Arabian Peninsula, in support of Operation IRAQI FREEDOM on 29 September 2006. As a member of a combined SEAL and Iraqi Army Sniper Overwatch Element, tasked with providing early warning and stand-off protection from a rooftop in an insurgent held sector of Ar Ramadi, Iraq, Petty Officer Monsoor distinguished himself by his exceptional bravery in the face of grave danger. In the early morning, insurgents prepared to execute a coordinated attack by reconnoitering the area around the element’s position. Element snipers thwarted the enemy’s initial attempt by eliminating two insurgents. The enemy continued to assault the element, engaging them with a rocket-propelled grenade and small arms fire. As enemy activity increased, Petty Officer Monsoor took position with his machine gun between two teammates on an outcropping of the roof. While the SEALs vigilantly watched for enemy activity, an insurgent threw a hand grenade from an unseen location, which bounced off Petty Officer Monsoor’s chest and landed in front of him. Although only he could have escaped the blast, Petty Officer Monsoor chose instead to protect his teammates. Instantly and without regard for his own safety, he threw himself onto the grenade to absorb the force of the explosion with his body, saving the lives of his two teammates. By his undaunted courage, fighting spirit, and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of certain death, Petty Officer Monsoor gallantly gave his life for his country, thereby reflecting great credit upon himself and upholding the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
*SMITH, PAUL R.
Rank and Organization: Sergeant First Class, United States ArmyFor conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty:Sergeant First Class Paul R. Smith distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action with an armed enemy near Baghdad International Airport, Baghdad, Iraq on 4 April 2003. On that day, Sergeant First Class Smith was engaged in the construction of a prisoner of war holding area when his Task Force was violently attacked by a company-sized enemy force. Realizing the vulnerability of over 100 fellow soldiers, Sergeant First Class Smith quickly organized a hasty defense consisting of two platoons of soldiers, one Bradley Fighting Vehicle and three armored personnel carriers. As the fight developed, Sergeant First Class Smith braved hostile enemy fire to personally engage the enemy with hand grenades and anti-tank weapons, and organized the evacuation of three wounded soldiers from an armored personnel carrier struck by a rocket propelled grenade and a 60mm mortar round. Fearing the enemy would overrun their defenses, Sergeant First Class Smith moved under withering enemy fire to man a .50 caliber machine gun mounted on a damaged armored personnel carrier. In total disregard for his own life, he maintained his exposed position in order to engage the attacking enemy force. During this action, he was mortally wounded. His courageous actions helped defeat the enemy attack, and resulted in as many as 50 enemy soldiers killed, while allowing the safe withdrawal of numerous wounded soldiers. Sergeant First Class Smith’s extraordinary heroism and uncommon valor are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Third Infantry Division “Rock of the Marne,” and the United States Army.
July 03, 2008
Reasons why CFL blubs are not the bulbs you might think they are.
- The old EPA figures most often cited are incorrect for several reasons. The basic one is that they assume 100% of electricity in the US is from coal plants. Not true. 50% of electricity does not come from coal plants in the US and coal plants are now being mandated to reduce their mercury emissions by between about 70% and 90% over the next several years in at least 15 States and the Feds are likely to do the same in the next Administration. The most recent calculations from the DOE indicate that, on the average, CFL's are worse than incandescent bulbs in terms of mercury.
- Places like California produce little energy from coal plants, and several states produce none. So any CFL energy reductions will not cut much, if any, mercury there.
- The 5mg of mercury generally claimed for CFL's is largely a goal and not the current reality which is as much as 600% higher for some major manufacturers according to suppliers of CFL's to the State of New Jersey. All but one of the CFL's offered there had more than 5mg.
- CFL's are almost all made in China with energy from mostly very dirty coal plants that emit ten times the amount of mercury per KWH asUS coal plants emit. Since China gets about 80% from coal and the US only about 50%, the comparison is much worse. Also, it likely takes the equivalent of about 25% of the CFL's energy savings to produce them there including the extra energy for the packaging and shipping compared to incandescent bulbs which are almost all made here. That represents a lot more mercury per CFL. Since fuel and power in China emit up to twice as much CO2 as in the US, on average, there may go up to half the CO2 savings. And since places like California are twice as clean in terms of CO2 as the rest of the US, there may be only nominal CO2 savings realized from CFL's in some States. The same holds for SO2and the Nitrogen Oxides.
- Partly due to the increasing demand for their CFL's, China is one of the few places left on Earth that still mines specifically for new mercury. And it is unlikely that these mines would meet our environmental and safety standards. Similarly, to meet the increased demand from a massive CFL program in the US, China will need to construct many new manufacturing plants using dirty energy to build and requiring much more dirty power to operate. This in turn will contribute to the need for even more new dirty coal plants there.
- As much mercury is spilled into the environment in the manufacture of CFL's in China as goes into the CFL's according to recent statements from industry representatives.
- CFL's are delivered here on ships using bunker oil, the worst mercury and CO2 producer of the fuel oils. Not to mention all the other really bad heavy metals and toxins that it emits. Overall, it is1,000 times dirtier than standard transportation fuel. Again,incandescent bulbs are still almost all made in the US in existing industrial facilities and shipped using cleaner standard fuel.
- There is no recycling program in place or planned that could handle the number of CFL's proposed. Only 2% of CFL's are recycled.And after many years, even the industrial recycling programs only handle about 25% of fluorescent lights, with no verification of how much of the mercury is actually captured.
- It is likely that if any major recycling program is set up, the CFL's will be shipped back to China for reprocessing in newly built plants using dirty energy.
June 30, 2008
Hinted world
While in Canada Connor and I spent a lot of time together. We travelled the city on foot and by Bus to the City park, the Mall, and the local park.The public transit system in Kewlona BC has a wide variety of Buses, Double Decker, Hybrid, Electric, Small and slinky middles long ones. Gas being around $6.00 a gallon and knowing that Connor enjoys various forms of travel I delved into the website and found that the local stop was just at the end of the block. As with most bus lines they have the overhead straps for standing passengers. You may not realize this, but, to a kid like Connor these are the greatest thing in the world!
Getting Connor to talk about something that has already occurred has been a challenge. Unprompted is downright miraculous. The inertia feeling as the bus stopped, started and took corners was amazingly exciting for him. I had to pay very close attention to the road and the route to anticipate any problems. There were none and when we arrived home he ran upstairs and related the tale, best he could, to Tina and Omi.
June 26, 2008
Wikipedia
http://www.wikipedia.com/ is a really wonderful thing. It is an online encyclopedia that is a group effort by everyone. It is self correcting in this way and the bottom of the pages there are links for more information.
In high school my kids were not allowed to use Wikipedia as a resource, however they could use the links. Most of the information they were looking up was more accurate or more complete then using archaic resources (like Britannica). The reason the teachers would not allow wikipedia is because the information is gathered from everyone and not people hired to write and research.
As such Britannica is considered a more authoritative source.
Of course Wikipedia has a corrections page for Britannica
In high school my kids were not allowed to use Wikipedia as a resource, however they could use the links. Most of the information they were looking up was more accurate or more complete then using archaic resources (like Britannica). The reason the teachers would not allow wikipedia is because the information is gathered from everyone and not people hired to write and research.
As such Britannica is considered a more authoritative source.
Of course Wikipedia has a corrections page for Britannica
June 23, 2008
pulling kids outta water
Oddly as it may seem, pulling kids out of water is something I find myself doing. Yesterday Connor and I were running around Mission Park here in Kelowna, a couple were watching their two year old (guess at age there) running around. The park has a three foot channel that is about a foot deep that has something to do with fish breeding. As the mom turned to talk to the dad, the little tyke, made a quick left and ran right towards the water. I was able to blurt out, "Hey little kid stop" thinking the adult voice would make him pause... It didn't He hit the drink and went under like the proverbial rock. So I find myself in a headfirst dive on the bank and fishing him out with my right hand. If I hadn't been there the parents would have been in another second.
So, go back a few years and my nephew Aaron is playing in a jacuzzi at a local hotel and he steps into the middle and sinks. Again I find myself up and reaching for him, not being able to grab him I jump in sweats and all (man those things are heavy when wet, sweats that is...).
Go back prior to being married, Tina and I are at a pool party with people I am meeting and should probably be able to relate how Tina knows them, but I cant. We are sitting chatting whilst various kids are frolicking in the water. I noticed one little kid not quite making the side, her second grab fell short, and again I find myself on the other side of the pool grabbing her wrist and pulling her up and out.
In each of the cases the kids were not in danger for their lives, I just seemed to be the closest. So either I have been in the right place at the right time, or my subconscious, on occasion, can make kids submerge, I prefer to assume the former.
So, go back a few years and my nephew Aaron is playing in a jacuzzi at a local hotel and he steps into the middle and sinks. Again I find myself up and reaching for him, not being able to grab him I jump in sweats and all (man those things are heavy when wet, sweats that is...).
Go back prior to being married, Tina and I are at a pool party with people I am meeting and should probably be able to relate how Tina knows them, but I cant. We are sitting chatting whilst various kids are frolicking in the water. I noticed one little kid not quite making the side, her second grab fell short, and again I find myself on the other side of the pool grabbing her wrist and pulling her up and out.
In each of the cases the kids were not in danger for their lives, I just seemed to be the closest. So either I have been in the right place at the right time, or my subconscious, on occasion, can make kids submerge, I prefer to assume the former.
George Carlin passes this mortal coil (adult language)
One tribute came to mind:
Shit
Piss
Fuck
Cunt
Cocksucker
Motherfucker
Tits
This isnt TV or Radio so it falls short.
Shit
Piss
Fuck
Cunt
Cocksucker
Motherfucker
Tits
This isnt TV or Radio so it falls short.
June 18, 2008
It's not what you do its how you felt at the time?
There is a story on CNN about some students who plagurized and got caught. Thier parents went to the school board and got the teachers decision of failing marks for that assignement overturned, the reason being 'They didn't intend to cheat'
This reminded me of a Woody Allen joke: "I got caught cheating on my metaphysics final, I peered into the soul of the boy next to me"
Cheating as with crime needs access, availability and motive. Intent is not a factor. If you intended to talk to someone and ended up murdering them, I am pretty dang sure you 'intent' will not factor into an aquittal.
"Your Honor we find the defendent NOT Gulity of murder because he did not intend to do it"
This reminded me of a Woody Allen joke: "I got caught cheating on my metaphysics final, I peered into the soul of the boy next to me"
Cheating as with crime needs access, availability and motive. Intent is not a factor. If you intended to talk to someone and ended up murdering them, I am pretty dang sure you 'intent' will not factor into an aquittal.
"Your Honor we find the defendent NOT Gulity of murder because he did not intend to do it"
June 13, 2008
Movie Award shows duex
I happened to click onto the MTV movie awards. What a fun romp!
Mike Meyers was a great host, it was irreverent and edgy. Great movie spoofs as well (most of these make it onto the actual DVDs of the actual movies.)
female\male performance, fight, breakthrough performance, best kiss, best movie, best summer movie (so far), etc.
Categories that make you smile with winners that click with what we have seen on the screen.
This show gets a much higher rating and share then the Oscars. However, the awards do not seem to have that much prestige (or do they?). There appeared to be a box office and search engine jump for the winners. So its a nice bit of marketing at the least.
check out the spoofs when you can. http://www.mtv.com/ontv/movieawards/2008/spoofsvote.jhtml
Mike Meyers was a great host, it was irreverent and edgy. Great movie spoofs as well (most of these make it onto the actual DVDs of the actual movies.)
female\male performance, fight, breakthrough performance, best kiss, best movie, best summer movie (so far), etc.
Categories that make you smile with winners that click with what we have seen on the screen.
This show gets a much higher rating and share then the Oscars. However, the awards do not seem to have that much prestige (or do they?). There appeared to be a box office and search engine jump for the winners. So its a nice bit of marketing at the least.
check out the spoofs when you can. http://www.mtv.com/ontv/movieawards/2008/spoofsvote.jhtml
June 11, 2008
Newsers
New Mini Ice age signs "In the past, they observed that the sun once went 50 years without producing sunspots. That period, from approximately 1650 to 1700, occurred during the middle of a little ice age on Earth that lasted from as early as the mid-15th century to as late as the mid-19th century."
Excellent news for Skiing, the SLOPES ARE OPEN! "Aspen Skiing Co. said it will open the top of Aspen Mountain for skiing this weekend because it still has so much snow available"
Speculation-valuable social function "Financial speculators reap profits from global hunger."
Worst Presidental crop since 1972 "Not since 1972 have we been presented with two such painfully inadequate candidates. When Election Day came that year, I could not bring myself to vote for either George McGovern or Richard Nixon. I stayed home."
Some of the better stories I found yesterday.
Excellent news for Skiing, the SLOPES ARE OPEN! "Aspen Skiing Co. said it will open the top of Aspen Mountain for skiing this weekend because it still has so much snow available"
Speculation-valuable social function "Financial speculators reap profits from global hunger."
Worst Presidental crop since 1972 "Not since 1972 have we been presented with two such painfully inadequate candidates. When Election Day came that year, I could not bring myself to vote for either George McGovern or Richard Nixon. I stayed home."
Some of the better stories I found yesterday.
June 10, 2008
Wotta Weekend
If you check out Tinas Blog you have seen all the Diana accolades around her graduation. Having two kids graduated from High School is quite a milestone for Tina and I, 2007/2008 has been quite a ride, and its not over yet.
As parents we have been getting quite a few kudos as of late, if great kids are a direct result of parenting I suppose its deserved. I would chaulk it up to being very consistant and working as a team.
With the recent passing of Wolfgang, my father-in-law, I found the gathering of family very comfortable and enjoyable. We came together in grief and still celebrated the life of a great man. I really do have love for my in-laws and enjoy the time spent.
On Sunday, my 'side' of the family came to celebrate my daughters graduation. This too struck me as a wonderful time. Seeing the support and commemoration, hearing the laughter and striking up important and trivial conversations with family and friends.
Often you hear horror stories about family's. I am grateful to say those are alien to me. The Lord has seen fit to bless me with wonderful relatives, to which I am humbly grateful.
As parents we have been getting quite a few kudos as of late, if great kids are a direct result of parenting I suppose its deserved. I would chaulk it up to being very consistant and working as a team.
With the recent passing of Wolfgang, my father-in-law, I found the gathering of family very comfortable and enjoyable. We came together in grief and still celebrated the life of a great man. I really do have love for my in-laws and enjoy the time spent.
On Sunday, my 'side' of the family came to celebrate my daughters graduation. This too struck me as a wonderful time. Seeing the support and commemoration, hearing the laughter and striking up important and trivial conversations with family and friends.
Often you hear horror stories about family's. I am grateful to say those are alien to me. The Lord has seen fit to bless me with wonderful relatives, to which I am humbly grateful.
June 09, 2008
Jet Travellering
Fifteen hours of flying last week and four airports updated me on the state of travel in the US. The last time I climbed on board a flight the kids were pre-school and homeland security was still a tragedy away.
My longest flight prior to this week was going Florida to LAX with my Mom, Pop and sister. It took six hours and we got some hot food on plates with entertaining coverings (read, not stretch wrap). There was no in flight movie no LCD like optical media (Cd's DVDs) were just being invented. There was a definite pampering of the passenger and most of the commercials focused on comfort in flying. You got a headset that was rubber tubing that allowed you to listen to eight channels of rotating music and comedy. My sister and I would listen for the song 'Nothin from nothin" to come back around.
LAX was an interesting but sterile place, United Airlines had moving walkways, TWA, Northwest, Eastern, BOAC, Braniff all had big shiny jets out on the tarmac and you could go to the boarding gate to see your traveling friend depart. You could then head to the observation platform on the roof and watch them taxi and take off. There was that big spider looking restaurant, which served poor food with lousy service for a high price. Likewise all the eateries were run by the airport and run badly.
This time around we took off from Eugene airport EUG. Which had a Pacific Northwest flavor, a fairly nice looking pub and various museum like displays of the local area. You had to put everything into grey bins, including your shoes. Toothpaste had to be on top, readily viewable. No one wants to check luggage, they all have roller bags that are designed to just fit in the overhead storage. There is an imposing set of uniforms glass mazes and queue tape that makes saying goodbye seem a bit final. More like your sending someone off to be 'processed'
The International Airport next was more friendly and plenty of recognizable places to nosh. The little lunch bar I ate breakfast in had a fairly good egg and potato platter for a reasonable price. I am not sure how I feel about Wendy's and Panda Express being in the airport food mall.
On board the plane, in this case a 737, it had tight uncomfortable chairs that leaned back just enough that you thought you hadn't leaned it back. They charged me a buck for a headset uniquely designed for that particular aircraft. There are little LCD screens that came down from the roof every other seat or so and it played clips a TV show and a movie (spiderwick cronicals). The music stations were fairly esoteric and aside from a Peggy Lee tune, not much I could get into. Improvisational piano Jazz for 30min is a bit much when your feeling claustrophobic.
Seeing the movie was novel and fun as I knew you would be doing that. The food was less then special. They give you lots to drink and two tiny bathrooms...
All in all not a 'fun' experience, but an adventure. The flight back was superior. Better seats and they handed you a dictionary sized player that gave you a bunch of selections and let you use standared earplugs. Jumper and the Bucket list with an episode of Raymond.
There was enough good experiences, if you could get them rolled into one, it would have been quite enjoyable. Some of the annoyances, however do seem to stand out.
Then you get to pricing. I overhear eveyone talking about thier tickets and what a deal or ripoff it was. The cost of flying is the price of the fuel, the Jet, the crew and however much airports charge for rent. Jet, crew, and rent can be fixed costs. Fuel depends on the current market prices and the amount consumed by the passenger.
There are other items, like marketing dealing with Government regulations, International regulations etc.
So if your going to set a price to fly someplace you should be able to determine your cost, add to it your profit and boom, good to go. Right?
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