October 24-26, 2006 - Intelligent Design Symposium at the University of DelawareMynym might like that, although I don't know whether he actually reads my blog or not.
Tuesday, October 24 - "Introduction to Evolution and Intelligent Design for the Non-Scientific Type," University of Delaware Trabant Center, Newark, DE Multi-purpose Room, Noon to 1 pm
Wednesday, October 25
4 PM “An Engineer Looks at Darwinism and Intelligent Design" University of Delaware Trabant Basement Movie Theatre.
Thursday, October 26
7:30 PM Lecture “What is Truth - Darwinism or Intelligent Design? - University of Delaware Mitchell Hall
Sunday, October 22, 2006
God: Inquiry for Truth
I have been involved with the Inquiry for Truth lecture series on and off since I was a student. These are lectures at the University of Delaware that discuss Christian topics. This week they'll have a three lecture series on Intelligent Design:
Friday, October 20, 2006
Fun: It's a Bird, It's a Plane, It's Not Superman!
Well the cat just woke me up for his morning feeding, so I thought I would post this...
The Orionid meteor shower starts tonight and will keep going until Sunday night. You should be able to see it with the naked eye if light pollution is low and you look towards the border of Orion and Gemini. If you need more detail than that, follow the link.
The Orionid meteor shower starts tonight and will keep going until Sunday night. You should be able to see it with the naked eye if light pollution is low and you look towards the border of Orion and Gemini. If you need more detail than that, follow the link.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Politics: Silver Linings
What would happen to John McCain if the Democrats regain control of the Senate?
Yes, I'm kidding. But I'm also not a McCain fan. Frankly there aren't many Republicans on the national scene that I am happy about.
I think I'd just commit suicide.Well there's always a bright side I guess.
Yes, I'm kidding. But I'm also not a McCain fan. Frankly there aren't many Republicans on the national scene that I am happy about.
Politics: Winning Points with the Soccer Moms
So you're Fred Head, a Democrat running for State Comptroller. What do you pick as your big leading campaign issue? Head chose to campaign against his opponent, Sue Combs, on the basis that she wrote a romance novel in 1990 and is therefore a "pornographer." Unfortunately I'm not kidding.
Via Instapundit.
Via Instapundit.
Fun Gear: Nerf Warfare
Hasbro has come out with a nerf sniper rifle. I'm sure the obvious people will be vocally outraged. I think it's kind of cool. Or it would be if the electric blue and blaze orange didn't give away your position. Or if it had a range of more than 35 feet. 35 feet? Why would you need or want a scope or a bipod at that distance?
I know, I know, it's a kids toy. It's really just supposed to look cool, which it does. But if my office ever breaks out in nerf violence, I'll take a brace of N-strike Mavericks with a couple of nerf speedloaders. Better yet, a nerf pump-action shotgun.
Man, now I'm going to have nerf weapon designs running through my head all day...
UPDATE: On the other hand one of these would work great in the office. Especially if I secured my cube properly.
I know, I know, it's a kids toy. It's really just supposed to look cool, which it does. But if my office ever breaks out in nerf violence, I'll take a brace of N-strike Mavericks with a couple of nerf speedloaders. Better yet, a nerf pump-action shotgun.
Man, now I'm going to have nerf weapon designs running through my head all day...
UPDATE: On the other hand one of these would work great in the office. Especially if I secured my cube properly.
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Politics: Big Round Numbers
I used to have a Dilbert strip from the '90s where Saint Dogbert explained to everyone that Jesus was returning in 2000 because "God likes big round numbers." Between the recent 300 million people tomfoolery and the Dow hitting 12000 today, I'm getting the feeling that at least the media likes arbitrary big round numbers.
Oh and by the way, the Dow hitting 12k does not mean now is a great time to get into the market. It means that a year ago was a great time to get in the market. Tomorrow might be a great time to get into the market too. All those stock analysts are real happy about the current milestone, but they're also looking at their portfolios wondering if now is a good time to sell. Keep that in mind and don't buy until the decline stops. When it does, I recommend investing in any companies involved with healthcare and helping old people because the Baby Boomers make those into sure bets.
Oh and by the way, the Dow hitting 12k does not mean now is a great time to get into the market. It means that a year ago was a great time to get in the market. Tomorrow might be a great time to get into the market too. All those stock analysts are real happy about the current milestone, but they're also looking at their portfolios wondering if now is a good time to sell. Keep that in mind and don't buy until the decline stops. When it does, I recommend investing in any companies involved with healthcare and helping old people because the Baby Boomers make those into sure bets.
Reviews: Over the Hedge
Amybear has been wanting to see this movie since it came out. For some reason we didn't have an opportunity to catch it in theaters so Amybear rented it the day it came out on DVD.
This is a great movie. The voice talent is excellent. Good lines, good physical comedy, clever script. One of the major villians of the piece is the president of the local Home Owners Association. What's not to like about seeing the local lawn nazi get hers? Nothing, that's what.
This is a great movie. The voice talent is excellent. Good lines, good physical comedy, clever script. One of the major villians of the piece is the president of the local Home Owners Association. What's not to like about seeing the local lawn nazi get hers? Nothing, that's what.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Fun: Plumbing the Dark Knight's Depths
Somehow I missed this one-off Scott Kurtz Batman comic. His story behind it (and associated comment commentary) are here. Truly he understands the Dark Knight as only he, and Frank Miller, can.
"My Parents Are Dead!" Face!
"My Parents Are Dead!" Face!
Guns: Bad Defense Advice
Instapundit linked to this supposedly knowledgeable article by Confederate Yankee. This is the good advice:
While it can be deadly at close range, birdshot is a notoriously poor penetrator. Remember when our Vice President "peppered" that old man in the face and neck last year? Happens all the time. At short range birdshot can do more serious damage, but most of it is still superficial. If your attacker is wearing heavy winter clothing, that is additional layers the shot has to go through. Buck shot will generally penetrate the 12 inches you want in a self defense round, bird shot generally will not. Use the one that can hit important organs, not the one that hurts your target but will not incapacitate him.
My post after the hurricane insanity of last year still stands. About the only thing that has changed is that 7.62x39mm has started getting a lot more expensive recently. But I still say a shotgun is a good choice. If a .410 is all your shoulder can handle, then please load it with the biggest buckshot you can. Otherwise move up to 20 or 12 gauge. 00 or 000 buck might be overkill (slugs certainly will be), but #1 buck is a pretty good choice especially in a 12 gauge at short range.
UPDATE: In the comments, Steamboat Willy suggests .38s using standard pressure glaser safety slugs or wadcutters due to overpenetration concerns. Overpenetration is when the bullet either misses or goes through the bad guy and then goes into what is behind him (like your kid's room). This is obviously a bad thing.
The guys at the Box O' Truth have looking into this stuff. When they tested wallboard penetration they found that pistol and rifle rounds generally go through a lot of walls (more than 6 walls), but will have trouble if they actually hit structural members like pine boards and studs. In comparison glaser "safety" slugs and shotgun rounds generally only penetrate 3 walls (6 layers of sheetrock). So you get essentially the same overpenetration problem with the shotgun as with Willy's pistols and, trust me, the shotgun packs much more of a wallop.
There is no "one size fits all" solution for home defense.This is the bad advice:
While sniffed at by the experts, a .410-bore shotgun loaded with birdshot possesses more close-range stopping power than any popular handgun caliber, with far less danger of overpenetration. It is also much easier to operate and shoot accurately in high-stress situations than any handgun (which required well-practiced fine motor skills). The fact that this particular variant came with a laser-sight made it even more appropriate for these specific customers.Birdshot is for birds, small fragile flying critters with hollow bones. All you have to do ruin their flight dynamics and the fall will probably kill them. People are not birds.
While it can be deadly at close range, birdshot is a notoriously poor penetrator. Remember when our Vice President "peppered" that old man in the face and neck last year? Happens all the time. At short range birdshot can do more serious damage, but most of it is still superficial. If your attacker is wearing heavy winter clothing, that is additional layers the shot has to go through. Buck shot will generally penetrate the 12 inches you want in a self defense round, bird shot generally will not. Use the one that can hit important organs, not the one that hurts your target but will not incapacitate him.
My post after the hurricane insanity of last year still stands. About the only thing that has changed is that 7.62x39mm has started getting a lot more expensive recently. But I still say a shotgun is a good choice. If a .410 is all your shoulder can handle, then please load it with the biggest buckshot you can. Otherwise move up to 20 or 12 gauge. 00 or 000 buck might be overkill (slugs certainly will be), but #1 buck is a pretty good choice especially in a 12 gauge at short range.
UPDATE: In the comments, Steamboat Willy suggests .38s using standard pressure glaser safety slugs or wadcutters due to overpenetration concerns. Overpenetration is when the bullet either misses or goes through the bad guy and then goes into what is behind him (like your kid's room). This is obviously a bad thing.
The guys at the Box O' Truth have looking into this stuff. When they tested wallboard penetration they found that pistol and rifle rounds generally go through a lot of walls (more than 6 walls), but will have trouble if they actually hit structural members like pine boards and studs. In comparison glaser "safety" slugs and shotgun rounds generally only penetrate 3 walls (6 layers of sheetrock). So you get essentially the same overpenetration problem with the shotgun as with Willy's pistols and, trust me, the shotgun packs much more of a wallop.
Blogging: The Delaware Blogosphere
Hube has an Unabashedly Thorough Guide to the Delaware Blogosphere up over at Colossus. Here is his review of my humble abode:
Any ideas on how I can bring that layout score up?
Politics: Right.Sounds about right.
Blog Software: Blogger.
Layout Appeal Grade: B.
Notes: Member of the Delaware Conservative Bloggers Alliance. Jeff's post run a gauntlet of topics, covering local, national and international politics, as well as cultural tidbits and entertainment. Jeff's also a big proponent of the Second Amendment.
Any ideas on how I can bring that layout score up?
Reviews: Lucky Number Slevin
Amybear and I picked this movie up over the weekend mostly because I couldn't find anything else interesting at the video store. Gone are the halcyon days of summer when no college students were around to hog the new releases at Blockbuster. This week we joined Hollywood video in hopes that they would be far enough off campus that we could actually find something to watch.
Anyway LNS is a twisty turney catchy crime drama. Sort of like Snatch, but grittier, less British, and less stylized. The plot centers around Josh Hartnett's character getting involved with an assassin played by Bruce Willis and two mob bosses played by Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley. Twists, turns, and dark humor ensues. I can't say too much because I'll give things away. I liked it for the most part and Amy didn't, which is about to be expected for this sort of film.
I think Amybear's renting Over the Hedge today, so we should have a Willis movie of a different sort for our nightly viewing.
Anyway LNS is a twisty turney catchy crime drama. Sort of like Snatch, but grittier, less British, and less stylized. The plot centers around Josh Hartnett's character getting involved with an assassin played by Bruce Willis and two mob bosses played by Morgan Freeman and Ben Kingsley. Twists, turns, and dark humor ensues. I can't say too much because I'll give things away. I liked it for the most part and Amy didn't, which is about to be expected for this sort of film.
I think Amybear's renting Over the Hedge today, so we should have a Willis movie of a different sort for our nightly viewing.
Guns: Cleaning after Weekend Shooting
This weekends trip to the range went well. I stuck to pistols after shooting my rifles for the better part of a month. It really put the wimpiness of the handguns in perspective for me. I've gotten used to the bang and crack of a short-barreled AR-15 with a flash hider. Those guns are loud, especially for such a small gun with shooting such a small round. My .22 and 9mm sound like just pop guns in comparison. Which is great because I have a tendency to flinch.
My handgun performance was competent. I'm not an amazing shot, but when I get into my groove I'm capable of putting a multiple rounds into the center rings pretty quickly. I suppose that lack of patience and emphasis on speed over technique is probably part of the reason I'm not a better shot.
Once I got home it was gun cleaning time. Cleaning guns gets almost as much discussion as shooting them in the firearms community, as Geek with a .45 clearly demonstrates. I generally clean my guns by field stripping and using a fair amount of patches, Q-tips (for the nooks and crannies), and lots of CLP. The bore gets cleaned with an appropriately size boresnake using CLP or Rem Oil. I probably should get in the habit of using real bore cleaners instead of just using CLP all the time, but I haven't yet.
The exception is my Buckmark. Since it's a target pistol, field stripping the Buckmark requires tools and is far less fun than guns actually designed as weapons. I just swab it out without taking it apart and then do a more thorough cleaning when it starts to act up on me. It's a rimfire and I feed it cheap (and dirty) ammo, so I expect some reliability problems anyway. It's about due for a detail strip and cleaning soon.
My handgun performance was competent. I'm not an amazing shot, but when I get into my groove I'm capable of putting a multiple rounds into the center rings pretty quickly. I suppose that lack of patience and emphasis on speed over technique is probably part of the reason I'm not a better shot.
Once I got home it was gun cleaning time. Cleaning guns gets almost as much discussion as shooting them in the firearms community, as Geek with a .45 clearly demonstrates. I generally clean my guns by field stripping and using a fair amount of patches, Q-tips (for the nooks and crannies), and lots of CLP. The bore gets cleaned with an appropriately size boresnake using CLP or Rem Oil. I probably should get in the habit of using real bore cleaners instead of just using CLP all the time, but I haven't yet.
The exception is my Buckmark. Since it's a target pistol, field stripping the Buckmark requires tools and is far less fun than guns actually designed as weapons. I just swab it out without taking it apart and then do a more thorough cleaning when it starts to act up on me. It's a rimfire and I feed it cheap (and dirty) ammo, so I expect some reliability problems anyway. It's about due for a detail strip and cleaning soon.
Monday, October 16, 2006
God: Sickness in the Family
A friend of mine, who incidentally suggests a large number of my post topics, needs some prayer. Doctor's have found some spots on his mother's lungs and he is justifiably worried. He lost his Dad about a year ago to cancer and could really use some spiritual and emotional support in this time of need. Let's get on our knees and get to work.
UPDATE: It's just small bits of scar tissue, not cancer. The doctors want to keep an eye on things, but they're definitely out of the woods on this one.
UPDATE: It's just small bits of scar tissue, not cancer. The doctors want to keep an eye on things, but they're definitely out of the woods on this one.
Politics: Jihadi Statistics
People are trying to make waves with the latest flawed Lancet study. Meanwhile Michelle Malkin is asking what the heck is wrong with the people when 10% or more of a national population supports religious violence. She uses Indonesia as an example. I'm going to steal one of her charts shamelessly (actually I hosted it on blogger, it seems Michelle's server is theft proof) though, because it disproves a major lefty meme:
While approval of religious violence is still high in absolute terms, it is generally on the decline. Jordan's approval rate is half of what it was a year ago. Pakistan and Indonesia have dropped to a third of where they were too. Turkey is up, but not by much and possibly not by more than the margin of error. So much for the War on Terror creating more terrorists. If anything it may be showing people that pro-muslim violence isn't working.
UPDATE: QandO is reporting that even anti-war groups like Iraq Body Count are saying that the Lancet study is total crap.
While approval of religious violence is still high in absolute terms, it is generally on the decline. Jordan's approval rate is half of what it was a year ago. Pakistan and Indonesia have dropped to a third of where they were too. Turkey is up, but not by much and possibly not by more than the margin of error. So much for the War on Terror creating more terrorists. If anything it may be showing people that pro-muslim violence isn't working.
UPDATE: QandO is reporting that even anti-war groups like Iraq Body Count are saying that the Lancet study is total crap.
Politics: How Not to Get Answers
The Captain's Journal is complaining that the Marines aren't supporting his blog after they refused to answer some of his questions. This response doesn't surprise me because the question he asked were stupid:
So upon receiving this request for classified materials, the Marines said "who the hell are you again?" At which point the Captain said "a blogger" and the Marines told him where to stick it. Good for them.
Via Instapundit
UPDATE: The original post has been updated since I wrote this. A Light Colonel responded with:
Basic Operational Security (OPSEC for short) regulations very obviously cover all of these questions. You are not allowed to discuss specific troop deployments (1). You are not allowed to discuss the equipment of specific units (2, 3, and 4). It may be allowable to answer the third and fourth question with a simple yes or no, but the use of the word "units" implies they want to know which ones. That's not going to happen.
- What units will deploy between now and mid-2007?
- Will these units be issued the new “Modular Tactical Vest” prior to deployment?
- Will there be any units deployed without having been issued the Modular Tactical Vest?
- Will any of the units deployed between now and mid-2007 be deployed without having been issued the new helmet padding system in lieu of the webbing or sling suspension? (Editorial note: This last question pertains to a new helmet padding system that will help prevent traumatic and permanent brain injury from IEDs).
So upon receiving this request for classified materials, the Marines said "who the hell are you again?" At which point the Captain said "a blogger" and the Marines told him where to stick it. Good for them.
Via Instapundit
UPDATE: The original post has been updated since I wrote this. A Light Colonel responded with:
- Elements of some very large units, but we aren't giving too much in the way of specifics. Oh and we can't tell you when.
- Beats me.
- See number two.
- Everyone is getting the new helmet liner system and will have it when they deploy (meaning this is not sensitive information).
Friday, October 13, 2006
Reviews: Eragon
I picked up Christopher Paolini's first book, Eragon, a while back and actually finished it a few weeks ago. Eragon got a fair bit of press attention because Paolini started writing it when he was 15 and it was published in the mainstream when he was 19. It isn't a bad book. I've read some bad derivative fantasy over the years, largely thanks to reading stuff too closely related to D&D to be healthy. Bad derivative fantasy. In contrast Eragon is pretty good derivative fantasy.
Eragon is the story of a farm boy who lives in the backwoods of a country ruled by an mad evil Dragon Rider. After finding a mysterious stone on a hunting trip deep into the wilderness, Eragon becomes first new dragon rider in centuries. The book is largely about his coming of age and the many groups who wish to use or kill him.
The main problem is that Eragon is a somewhat original story constructed largely from unoriginal parts. It is as if Paolini read a lot of fantasy and adapt the best parts to his own work. Eragon's world has "true tongue" languaged-based magic just like Le Guin's Earthsea novels. There are the familiar looking dragons, dwarves, and elves from Lord of the Rings and D&D. The dragon riders themselves borrow heavily from McCaffrey's Pern books.
The book itself is enjoyable. The writing isn't amazing, but it is good enough that I stopped paying attention once the story actually got going. I'm sure I'll pick up the sequel, Eldest, once its out on paperback. And frankly fantasy literature is pretty unoriginal stuff these days. When did fantasy come to mean swords, wizards, elves, and dwarves? At some point these things stop being fantastical and just start being cliche.
Eragon is the story of a farm boy who lives in the backwoods of a country ruled by an mad evil Dragon Rider. After finding a mysterious stone on a hunting trip deep into the wilderness, Eragon becomes first new dragon rider in centuries. The book is largely about his coming of age and the many groups who wish to use or kill him.
The main problem is that Eragon is a somewhat original story constructed largely from unoriginal parts. It is as if Paolini read a lot of fantasy and adapt the best parts to his own work. Eragon's world has "true tongue" languaged-based magic just like Le Guin's Earthsea novels. There are the familiar looking dragons, dwarves, and elves from Lord of the Rings and D&D. The dragon riders themselves borrow heavily from McCaffrey's Pern books.
The book itself is enjoyable. The writing isn't amazing, but it is good enough that I stopped paying attention once the story actually got going. I'm sure I'll pick up the sequel, Eldest, once its out on paperback. And frankly fantasy literature is pretty unoriginal stuff these days. When did fantasy come to mean swords, wizards, elves, and dwarves? At some point these things stop being fantastical and just start being cliche.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
God: Making an Ass Out of U and Me
This one has been in my posting queue for a while so it's time to clear it out...
Feeble Knees brought up this thought provoking piece from Totem to Temple. Totem deals with the ministry of Billy Sunday, a former professional athlete and alcoholic turned evangelist, who largely preached from Christ against alcohol and vice. His piece is a bit over the top for me, but he raises a good point: don't assume everyone is going through the same spiritual struggle you are.
I have been leading small group bible studies, mostly men's bible studies, for quite a while now. But one thing that always made me feel awkward was how much I was basing my instruction and lesson plans on myself. Now I wasn't putting myself ahead of Christ or anything like that, but I have found myself planning bible lessons that are more about what is going on in my life than in the group's lives.
Sometimes it works. Especially if your spiritual struggles are attuned to your group's struggles. Maybe most people are having trouble at work or in their prayer lives. Great, everyone is happy. But maybe not. And so instead of equipping those people you are shepherding, you are using them to equip yourself. It is a very easy trap to fall into, especially if your group doesn't give you a lot of feedback about what it needs. I wish there was an easy solution, but like most things in the Christian walk, what is really required is discernment in what you need to do. Being told is easy. Figuring it out is hard, and leadership seems to mean a lot of figuring things out for yourself and hoping you don't screw people up too much before you do.
Feeble Knees brought up this thought provoking piece from Totem to Temple. Totem deals with the ministry of Billy Sunday, a former professional athlete and alcoholic turned evangelist, who largely preached from Christ against alcohol and vice. His piece is a bit over the top for me, but he raises a good point: don't assume everyone is going through the same spiritual struggle you are.
I have been leading small group bible studies, mostly men's bible studies, for quite a while now. But one thing that always made me feel awkward was how much I was basing my instruction and lesson plans on myself. Now I wasn't putting myself ahead of Christ or anything like that, but I have found myself planning bible lessons that are more about what is going on in my life than in the group's lives.
Sometimes it works. Especially if your spiritual struggles are attuned to your group's struggles. Maybe most people are having trouble at work or in their prayer lives. Great, everyone is happy. But maybe not. And so instead of equipping those people you are shepherding, you are using them to equip yourself. It is a very easy trap to fall into, especially if your group doesn't give you a lot of feedback about what it needs. I wish there was an easy solution, but like most things in the Christian walk, what is really required is discernment in what you need to do. Being told is easy. Figuring it out is hard, and leadership seems to mean a lot of figuring things out for yourself and hoping you don't screw people up too much before you do.
Family: Aging Like Fine Wine
Having been kept from watching our favorite shows by the baseball playoffs, Amybear and I took to channel surfing last night. Somehow we wound up on this horrible funny mummy movie on Disney or Nick. It was then that I realized I was getting older. Why? I found myself becoming annoyed at the pre-teen protagonist and identifying with his parents. Wow. When did that start happening?
I ended up watching the History channel after Amybear fell asleep and they were discussing the history of spiritous liquors like brandy. It was interesting and had me thinking about picking something up. Of course I don't actually drink much, which means I don't know what I like and liquor hangs around for years. The only liquor I have at home is a bottle of scotch I bought in college. The prospect of having something I hate sitting around for that long makes me nervous. I ran across the product reviews over at Tastings which should give me a place to start.
I ended up watching the History channel after Amybear fell asleep and they were discussing the history of spiritous liquors like brandy. It was interesting and had me thinking about picking something up. Of course I don't actually drink much, which means I don't know what I like and liquor hangs around for years. The only liquor I have at home is a bottle of scotch I bought in college. The prospect of having something I hate sitting around for that long makes me nervous. I ran across the product reviews over at Tastings which should give me a place to start.
God & Family: Finding Family
After a lifetime of avoiding parental responsibility for reasons of pure selfishness, Dale Franks will be helping to take care of his wife Christine's granddaughter Lexie for reasons of pure unselfishness. Dale is understandably a bit overwhelmed and is asking any prayers on the subject you wish to offer.
UPDATE: Fixed the link. And by fixed I mean I actually put one in this time...
UPDATE: Fixed the link. And by fixed I mean I actually put one in this time...
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Reviews: Battlestar Galactica
Ok, so I'm a big nerd. This should come as no surprise to anyone who has either met me or read this blog for any length of time. Big Nerd. Me. It should not, therefore, be any surprise that I watch Sci-fi Channel and read that sort of fiction. But it may surprise you that I don't actually think that much of the current Battlestar Galactica.
It isn't because it isn't the original '70s series. Lets face it, the original had it's problems. Like they seem to have about four special effects shots (the fleet flyby, the viper launch, the viper shooting the cylon raider, and a shuttle sequence). So while Katee Sackhoff isn't Dirk Benedict, they aren't playing the same character anyway. Really we're talking two shows with the same names and a somewhat similar concept, but wildly different characterizations and themes. I can just disassociate the two and call it good.
No my problem is that Galactica isn't badly overrated right now. It isn't the greatest thing on TV no matter what Time and Newsweek seem to think. While the show has the sort of overwrought dramatic tone that would earn that sort of acclaim, it also has large continuity problems from episode to episode. And that really doesn't work for me in dramatic sagas. It is one thing if, as in Star Trek, junk science words get all turned around an misused. It is another if two episodes have completely conflicting premises as with first season's Water and second season's Resistance. This isn't to say that the show is meritless. But it's good TV not great TV.
Anyway on a similar theme, Hube has several Galactica posts up over at Colossus. One on the start of the new season and another on thematic differences with the original series. Both are worth reading. Myself, I think the political makeup of the original show owes a lot to the time it was made and proximity to the first and second world wars. The US was largely unprepared for both of them. They even turned the Guns of Navarone into the Pulsar on Ice Station Zero.
It isn't because it isn't the original '70s series. Lets face it, the original had it's problems. Like they seem to have about four special effects shots (the fleet flyby, the viper launch, the viper shooting the cylon raider, and a shuttle sequence). So while Katee Sackhoff isn't Dirk Benedict, they aren't playing the same character anyway. Really we're talking two shows with the same names and a somewhat similar concept, but wildly different characterizations and themes. I can just disassociate the two and call it good.
No my problem is that Galactica isn't badly overrated right now. It isn't the greatest thing on TV no matter what Time and Newsweek seem to think. While the show has the sort of overwrought dramatic tone that would earn that sort of acclaim, it also has large continuity problems from episode to episode. And that really doesn't work for me in dramatic sagas. It is one thing if, as in Star Trek, junk science words get all turned around an misused. It is another if two episodes have completely conflicting premises as with first season's Water and second season's Resistance. This isn't to say that the show is meritless. But it's good TV not great TV.
Anyway on a similar theme, Hube has several Galactica posts up over at Colossus. One on the start of the new season and another on thematic differences with the original series. Both are worth reading. Myself, I think the political makeup of the original show owes a lot to the time it was made and proximity to the first and second world wars. The US was largely unprepared for both of them. They even turned the Guns of Navarone into the Pulsar on Ice Station Zero.
Guns: Muzzleloading Magic
I know I said that muzzleloaders stink. And they do. Stink is the natural result of firing a propellant made from 10% sulphur and 75% concentrated crap (also known as "saltpeter").
But there are a few cool things about them. The traditional designs are classics. Metal, wood, and nothing else. A good hawken harkens back to a bygone age. But more importantly, muzzleloaders and black powder arms are considered archaic by the US Government. Which means they are almost completely unregulated. Unlike most other guns, you can still buy a black powder rifle or pistol through the mail like it was 1922. Lack of regulation also means they're cheap. I could by an inexpensive inline for less than a hundred bucks. I could make my own great plains rifle out of a kit for under three hundred.
Man, Amy's going to have to look out if we ever get room for me to put up a workbench.
But there are a few cool things about them. The traditional designs are classics. Metal, wood, and nothing else. A good hawken harkens back to a bygone age. But more importantly, muzzleloaders and black powder arms are considered archaic by the US Government. Which means they are almost completely unregulated. Unlike most other guns, you can still buy a black powder rifle or pistol through the mail like it was 1922. Lack of regulation also means they're cheap. I could by an inexpensive inline for less than a hundred bucks. I could make my own great plains rifle out of a kit for under three hundred.
Man, Amy's going to have to look out if we ever get room for me to put up a workbench.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Politics: Army Slogans
The Army is replacing its current advertising slogan, "An Army of One," with a new one: "Army Strong." Joe Carter, an ex-Marine, thinks that sounds like the Army hired the Incredible Hulk or Captain Caveman to write their ad copy. Ughh. Army Strong!
Can't we just go back to "Be all that you can be" already? I think the general that came up with that one was so proud of it, he had it engraved on his tombstone.
Can't we just go back to "Be all that you can be" already? I think the general that came up with that one was so proud of it, he had it engraved on his tombstone.
Gun Fun: Replacing Skeet Shooting
Unfortunately, when that DCBA trip to Ommelanden does finally happen, we still won't be able to do this. Alas they don't have a Carl Gustaf anti-tank rifle range there.
By the way, is it just me or is Jeremy Clarkson a really bad shot with that over-under at the start of the clip?
By the way, is it just me or is Jeremy Clarkson a really bad shot with that over-under at the start of the clip?
Reviews: Sly 3: Honor Among Thieves
I'm a big fan of the Sly Cooper games. I liked Sly 1 and Sly 2. No surprise that I really liked number 3 as well.
This game has similar gameplay to Sly 2. There are six levels, called "episodes" within the game, each of which has it's own city map. Missions (or "jobs" in Sly thief lingo) are split between ones taking place on the city map and others occurring in separate dedicated mission maps. Many of the minigames from Sly 2 (like various RC vehicles) are back. Sly 3 also has several jobs requiring air-to-air combat in Sly's biplane and strategic ship-to-ship combat on the gang's pirate ship. Both of these are incredibly fun and are worthy of being a game unto themselves. Thankfully the replay modes from Sly 1 are back, so you can start up Sly 3 and just play some air ace or some ship-to-ship combat if you want.
The difference from Sly 2 is in the characters. In Sly 1, you essentially played Sly. In the second game, you played Sly, Murray, and Bentley. In Sly 3, the gang expands to include several more characters and you even get to play Carmelita Fox a few times. This makes for well varied gameplay. If Sly 3 does have a criticism, it is that the game play is now a bit too varied and the game itself risks loosing focus. That and there aren't any bottles to find for secrets, which was a lot of fun in Sly 2. But generally, I really enjoyed the game a lot as you can probably tell.
This game has similar gameplay to Sly 2. There are six levels, called "episodes" within the game, each of which has it's own city map. Missions (or "jobs" in Sly thief lingo) are split between ones taking place on the city map and others occurring in separate dedicated mission maps. Many of the minigames from Sly 2 (like various RC vehicles) are back. Sly 3 also has several jobs requiring air-to-air combat in Sly's biplane and strategic ship-to-ship combat on the gang's pirate ship. Both of these are incredibly fun and are worthy of being a game unto themselves. Thankfully the replay modes from Sly 1 are back, so you can start up Sly 3 and just play some air ace or some ship-to-ship combat if you want.
The difference from Sly 2 is in the characters. In Sly 1, you essentially played Sly. In the second game, you played Sly, Murray, and Bentley. In Sly 3, the gang expands to include several more characters and you even get to play Carmelita Fox a few times. This makes for well varied gameplay. If Sly 3 does have a criticism, it is that the game play is now a bit too varied and the game itself risks loosing focus. That and there aren't any bottles to find for secrets, which was a lot of fun in Sly 2. But generally, I really enjoyed the game a lot as you can probably tell.
Family: The Weekend
I had a four day which was largely spent sleeping and catching up on non-blog related things. Carpets were cleaned, bills were paid, junk was organized, video games were played. Amy and I did a little look around at townhouses in the Glasgow area. I went to my dentist. Good stuff. Even the dentist surprisingly enough.
I use Bear-Glasgow Dental and I've been pretty happy with them. They take my insurance, they do good work, and they don't try to make me pay for crazy crap I don't need. My old dentists, Dental Associates of Brandywine, once tried to book me for immediate oral surgery I didn't need when they didn't take my insurance and I had just paid them $500 to have the bondings on my front teeth fixed (they chip regularly). Contrast that my current dentist who threw in a free patch job on one of my front teeth because he didn't think it should have chipped again so soon.
Everyone at Bear Glasgow likes to talk though. Which is kind of weird. I like it. It makes the place feel friendly. My hygenist remembered me from my last visit before the wedding and asked how everything went. I asked her about her neighborhood because she lives close to where Amy and I are looking at houses. My dentist is a relative newlywed too so we talked about that for a bit. He's also jewish so we schmoozed about the High Holy Days.
But at some point it's just ridiculous. How the heck to do you hold a conversation with someone when they have their hands in your mouth? "So Jeff how was your weekend?" "Gooaah!" "That's great!"
I use Bear-Glasgow Dental and I've been pretty happy with them. They take my insurance, they do good work, and they don't try to make me pay for crazy crap I don't need. My old dentists, Dental Associates of Brandywine, once tried to book me for immediate oral surgery I didn't need when they didn't take my insurance and I had just paid them $500 to have the bondings on my front teeth fixed (they chip regularly). Contrast that my current dentist who threw in a free patch job on one of my front teeth because he didn't think it should have chipped again so soon.
Everyone at Bear Glasgow likes to talk though. Which is kind of weird. I like it. It makes the place feel friendly. My hygenist remembered me from my last visit before the wedding and asked how everything went. I asked her about her neighborhood because she lives close to where Amy and I are looking at houses. My dentist is a relative newlywed too so we talked about that for a bit. He's also jewish so we schmoozed about the High Holy Days.
But at some point it's just ridiculous. How the heck to do you hold a conversation with someone when they have their hands in your mouth? "So Jeff how was your weekend?" "Gooaah!" "That's great!"
Friday, October 06, 2006
Fun: Scare a Liberal
With Halloween approaching, these t-shirtsmight be useful for people who want to scare their leftward friends and coworkers.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Guns: The Coming Zombie War
Max Brooks, author of the Zombie Survival Guide, has a book out called World War Z about fighting the great Zombie War. It is supposed to be very good and takes the form of oral accounts of the conflict. I had mixed emotions about the Zombie Survival Guide. Much of the weapons analysis was rather weak, but then again I work for the Army.
I took his Zombie survival test and only scored a 27%. I think it's because I live in the suburbs on the east coast and don't have easy access to a boat. I had much better luck with other zombie quizzes. Tamara scored better with 42%.
I took his Zombie survival test and only scored a 27%. I think it's because I live in the suburbs on the east coast and don't have easy access to a boat. I had much better luck with other zombie quizzes. Tamara scored better with 42%.
God: The Reason for the Law
Anna Venger has a great post on the topic of rules, the law, and their purpose. Here is a teaser:
The whole concept of rules and freedom comes up a lot. And to explain it, I often trot out the airplane analogy.
People are airplanes. We are supposed to fly. It is what we were made for. But most of us can't. Either we're weighed down by cargo or we don't have enough power to take off. Christ removes that weight and gives us the power we need to fly. Without him we can only taxi about on the ground and live in the shadow of what we are meant to be.
In return for flying we have rules that don't make sense to the airplanes that never leave the ground. The grounded planes don't need to pay attention to airspeed or altitude. They don't really need to worry about weather conditions or anything else. They don't understand the flyers and say that we don't know freedom, we're all about those rules. After all they can drive around on the ground all they want and have much fewer rules to worry about. And our rules don't make any sense to them anyway, because they aren't living the kind of life those rules were meant for.
Anyway, that's my two cents on the subject. Have you read Anna's post yet? Go do that.
Laws. Rules. Boundaries. There is something in the heart of man that balks at having to obey rules. We feel that we are being confined, restricted. We feel less free. No doubt there are some man-made laws that are intrusive and annoying. Many are outdated and should be repealed, having served their purposes. Yet properly enacted laws are a blessing, providing a more harmonious environment for all of us and in the end bestowing greater liberty and peace of mind upon us.Go read it all.
The whole concept of rules and freedom comes up a lot. And to explain it, I often trot out the airplane analogy.
People are airplanes. We are supposed to fly. It is what we were made for. But most of us can't. Either we're weighed down by cargo or we don't have enough power to take off. Christ removes that weight and gives us the power we need to fly. Without him we can only taxi about on the ground and live in the shadow of what we are meant to be.
In return for flying we have rules that don't make sense to the airplanes that never leave the ground. The grounded planes don't need to pay attention to airspeed or altitude. They don't really need to worry about weather conditions or anything else. They don't understand the flyers and say that we don't know freedom, we're all about those rules. After all they can drive around on the ground all they want and have much fewer rules to worry about. And our rules don't make any sense to them anyway, because they aren't living the kind of life those rules were meant for.
Anyway, that's my two cents on the subject. Have you read Anna's post yet? Go do that.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Fun: Dark Spot Discovered on Uranus
Resulting jokes could be seen coming by people from almost as far away.
UPDATE: There is no word whether Klingons are involved.
UPDATE: There is no word whether Klingons are involved.
Guns: This Weekends Range Report
While Amy was at work this Saturday, I was at play at the range. This time I remembered to bring my targets and my milspec AR-15 zeroing instructions with me. Now Mabel shoots to point of aim at 25 meters. I was shooting groups with all or most of the bullets touching. Now that isn't actually that spectacular at 25 meters, but I'm very happy with it since my rifle skill is weak, I was shooting with irons, and I was shooting bullets that are only a .22 inches wide.
There was some bad of course. As I pulled into the parking lot at Ommelanden, it started to rain. It continued to rain until I started packing my rifle up at which point the sun came out. Go figure. It also seems muzzleloader season is upon us and most of the people at the range were getting their rifles ready. And for those not in the know, muzzleloaders stink. Not in a this-gun-is-bad way. No they actually smell because black powder contains healthy amounts of sulphur. Most people were shooting substitutes, but they still smell like stinkbombs going off. I would be more than willing to put up with this if the individuals in question were firing historic sidelock muzzleloaders like flintlocks or cap-locks. Hell, I'd have stopped shooting and just watched them shoot. Unfortunately everybody had inlines, which just bore me.
There was some bad of course. As I pulled into the parking lot at Ommelanden, it started to rain. It continued to rain until I started packing my rifle up at which point the sun came out. Go figure. It also seems muzzleloader season is upon us and most of the people at the range were getting their rifles ready. And for those not in the know, muzzleloaders stink. Not in a this-gun-is-bad way. No they actually smell because black powder contains healthy amounts of sulphur. Most people were shooting substitutes, but they still smell like stinkbombs going off. I would be more than willing to put up with this if the individuals in question were firing historic sidelock muzzleloaders like flintlocks or cap-locks. Hell, I'd have stopped shooting and just watched them shoot. Unfortunately everybody had inlines, which just bore me.
Family: Culinary Kryptonite
Amybear and I received a breadmaker as a wedding present and we finally got around to using it last night, four months later. We also got around to using that bread knife in the knife set we received as well. Very tasty.
There are few foods I have trouble resisting, but fresh warm baked goods are tough. I can chow down on dinner rolls and fresh bread like nobody's business and have been this way for as long as I can remember. My mom always made sure I didn't get rolls until I was well into dinner for this reason. If we keep using the breadmaker, my carb intake is going to skyrocket as will my waistline.
Last night, we made a wholewheat honey banana bread. The bread itself turned out well or at least it was warm, fresh, and tasty which is what I like in a bread. We thought it would be more of a flavorful desert bread (like a zucchini bread), but it turned out to be more of the garden variety sort. The banana flavor in particular is a lot more subtle than Amy wanted. Perhaps it's because I added a smidge too much yeast and it rose a bit higher than expected. Or perhaps not. I'm not much of a baker so how should I know?
There are few foods I have trouble resisting, but fresh warm baked goods are tough. I can chow down on dinner rolls and fresh bread like nobody's business and have been this way for as long as I can remember. My mom always made sure I didn't get rolls until I was well into dinner for this reason. If we keep using the breadmaker, my carb intake is going to skyrocket as will my waistline.
Last night, we made a wholewheat honey banana bread. The bread itself turned out well or at least it was warm, fresh, and tasty which is what I like in a bread. We thought it would be more of a flavorful desert bread (like a zucchini bread), but it turned out to be more of the garden variety sort. The banana flavor in particular is a lot more subtle than Amy wanted. Perhaps it's because I added a smidge too much yeast and it rose a bit higher than expected. Or perhaps not. I'm not much of a baker so how should I know?
Family: A Novel Approach to Teen Pregnancy
Michael pointed me to this story. Teenagers are smoking in hopes of dropping their babies birthweights so labor will hurt less. This is wrong on so many levels. Other than the obvious, low birthweight babies don't actually have less painful deliveries. But no one ever accused teenage mothers of being geniuses.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Politics: The Foley Scandal
I have very little sympathy for the Republicans right now. They've made their bed and now they have to lie in it. And they deserve it.
That said I don't think the Democrats are any better. In '83 Massachusetts Representative Gerry Studds was caught doing the exact same thing as Foley. Well not exactly. Studds actually had a prolonged affair with a 17 year-old male page, instead of just being a sicko over email. Studds was censured by the House, which he essentially ignored, and served 5 more terms in office until he retired in 1997.
Compare that to Foley, who has already resigned, or Dan Crane, another Republican Representative implicated in the '83 sex scandal who was defeated for re-election after having sex with a 17 year-old female page.
I'll try to track down a link to sex scandals over the years, but suffice it to say that with Republicans the scandal always destroys their careers. I have yet to find an exception (but one may exist). With Democrats, they often get away with it. So all this righteous indignation from the left really comes off as just so much hypocrisy to me.
UPDATE: Gary Hart was a Democrat who lost his career to a sex scandal. Democrats do still have career-ending sex scandals, but they do not always have them. But for Republicans, at least on the national level, sex scandals always end their career and I have yet to find an exception to that rule.
That said I don't think the Democrats are any better. In '83 Massachusetts Representative Gerry Studds was caught doing the exact same thing as Foley. Well not exactly. Studds actually had a prolonged affair with a 17 year-old male page, instead of just being a sicko over email. Studds was censured by the House, which he essentially ignored, and served 5 more terms in office until he retired in 1997.
Compare that to Foley, who has already resigned, or Dan Crane, another Republican Representative implicated in the '83 sex scandal who was defeated for re-election after having sex with a 17 year-old female page.
I'll try to track down a link to sex scandals over the years, but suffice it to say that with Republicans the scandal always destroys their careers. I have yet to find an exception (but one may exist). With Democrats, they often get away with it. So all this righteous indignation from the left really comes off as just so much hypocrisy to me.
UPDATE: Gary Hart was a Democrat who lost his career to a sex scandal. Democrats do still have career-ending sex scandals, but they do not always have them. But for Republicans, at least on the national level, sex scandals always end their career and I have yet to find an exception to that rule.
Guns: Perfect Use of the Word Riddled
After wounding one deputy and killing a canine officer and his dog, the drug dealer (who used many aliases including Eswardo Ramclaim and Angilo Freeland) was shot 68 times (out of 110 rounds fire) by 10 SWAT officers. Why did they use so many bullets?
“That’s all the bullets we had, or we would have shot him more,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd told the Orlando Sentinel newspaper.Man, they're not screwing around in Florida. I'm not sure I like the overmatch, but then again he was armed and dangerous and would be just as dead if they had only hit him 10 times. I guess I have no room to complain.
Family: Bugs
So our cat actually did this yesterday, only without talk smack. Pounce! Crunch, crunch, crunch.
Amy is pretty torn about this particular feline behavior. She'd much rather the cat kill the bugs. But she'd rather he didn't eat them afterwards.
Amy is pretty torn about this particular feline behavior. She'd much rather the cat kill the bugs. But she'd rather he didn't eat them afterwards.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Reviews: The Ragamuffin Gospel
We're just about finished with Brennan Manning's Ragamuffin Gospel in my small group, so I thought I would share my thoughts. To be blunt, it's over-rated. I expected a great book. A life changer. What I actually read was a pretty good book with some obvious issues.
The point of Ragamuffin Gospel is that God loves you despite your flaws. We are all screw-ups. We're ragamuffins. We're squalid beggars in the eyes of God. Yet because God's love is unconditional, he still loves us and he will always love us. So just accept his love. Don't beat yourself up about not being good enough or not doing the right things. God knew how much of a screw up you were when you were saved and he knew what a total screw up you were going to be too. So stop it and embrace the love of God already.
I learned this lesson when I went through a rough spot in college and grad school. I think it has the potential to be a life changer for a lot of people who, like Manning himself, have suffered under false legalistic approaches to righteousness and have issues with their own self worth. If there is anything this book does well, it is hammering repeatedly against those things for chapter after chapter. And often this is a lesson that needs to be hammered on repeatedly, so it works.
But the lesson wasn't new for me and in the end I found the book unbalanced. Ragamuffin is like someone who had a legalistic crisis of faith and so they went in the complete opposite direction: love and freedom. In defeating legalism and legalistic righteousness, Manning generally overcorrects. The right way is the middle way. Love of God informed by the Word including the law. Manning is so busy scathing legalists, that he never discusses the proper Biblical purpose for the law, to inform people of sin and therefore bring about repentence.
In the end I found the Ragamuffin Gospel to be a one trick pony, but it is admittedly a very good trick that some people need to see.
The point of Ragamuffin Gospel is that God loves you despite your flaws. We are all screw-ups. We're ragamuffins. We're squalid beggars in the eyes of God. Yet because God's love is unconditional, he still loves us and he will always love us. So just accept his love. Don't beat yourself up about not being good enough or not doing the right things. God knew how much of a screw up you were when you were saved and he knew what a total screw up you were going to be too. So stop it and embrace the love of God already.
I learned this lesson when I went through a rough spot in college and grad school. I think it has the potential to be a life changer for a lot of people who, like Manning himself, have suffered under false legalistic approaches to righteousness and have issues with their own self worth. If there is anything this book does well, it is hammering repeatedly against those things for chapter after chapter. And often this is a lesson that needs to be hammered on repeatedly, so it works.
But the lesson wasn't new for me and in the end I found the book unbalanced. Ragamuffin is like someone who had a legalistic crisis of faith and so they went in the complete opposite direction: love and freedom. In defeating legalism and legalistic righteousness, Manning generally overcorrects. The right way is the middle way. Love of God informed by the Word including the law. Manning is so busy scathing legalists, that he never discusses the proper Biblical purpose for the law, to inform people of sin and therefore bring about repentence.
In the end I found the Ragamuffin Gospel to be a one trick pony, but it is admittedly a very good trick that some people need to see.
God: Imagine...
John Lennon's Imagine is one of those songs that people think is wonderful, deep, and profound. Yet when you actually analyze the lyrics, it is utter crap. Paul Smith brought some recent Catholic bashing of the song to light.
I was flipping channels a while back and saw a Kathy Griffin standup routine on Bravo. Kathy recalled headlining a charity dinner being run by Sharon Stone. Stone started the night off by getting weepy while reading Imagine in all its profundity. Kathy responded by getting all weepy about Hound Dog by Elvis Presley. Various stars in the audience (among them Rosie O'Donnell) had put her up to it with pledges of large donations to the charity. I guess I was bound to agree with Rosie sometime.
In general Imagine reminds me of a scene in Three Men and a Baby. Tom Selleck is putting the baby to sleep by reading the paper to her. He's not reading the funnies though, he's reading the blow-by-blow account of a boxing match. But he does it in a soft and gentle tone of voice. "You see," he explains, "it's not about what you say, it's all about the tone you use." Oh how I wish that principle was just confined to infants.
Fortunately I like traditional booming organ hymns and guitar rock, so I am immune to Imagine's "charms."
I was flipping channels a while back and saw a Kathy Griffin standup routine on Bravo. Kathy recalled headlining a charity dinner being run by Sharon Stone. Stone started the night off by getting weepy while reading Imagine in all its profundity. Kathy responded by getting all weepy about Hound Dog by Elvis Presley. Various stars in the audience (among them Rosie O'Donnell) had put her up to it with pledges of large donations to the charity. I guess I was bound to agree with Rosie sometime.
In general Imagine reminds me of a scene in Three Men and a Baby. Tom Selleck is putting the baby to sleep by reading the paper to her. He's not reading the funnies though, he's reading the blow-by-blow account of a boxing match. But he does it in a soft and gentle tone of voice. "You see," he explains, "it's not about what you say, it's all about the tone you use." Oh how I wish that principle was just confined to infants.
Fortunately I like traditional booming organ hymns and guitar rock, so I am immune to Imagine's "charms."
Blogging: A First Time for Everything
Over the weekend a college student emailed me and asked if he could quote me in a paper he's writing. What has the world come to when collegians are asking to use me as a quoted reference in supposedly scholarly work?
My response was that he could, but why would he want to? I'm just some guy with a blog. Even scarier, the quote he was using was actually a comment I left on another blog. So I was just some semi-anonymous blog commenter. Man, there is a weak source of authority.
Since I had actually paraphrased the quote he wanted from somewhere else (and had said so in the comment), I gave him the reference I used instead. Hopefully he'll use that, but it's not my problem if he quotes me.
My response was that he could, but why would he want to? I'm just some guy with a blog. Even scarier, the quote he was using was actually a comment I left on another blog. So I was just some semi-anonymous blog commenter. Man, there is a weak source of authority.
Since I had actually paraphrased the quote he wanted from somewhere else (and had said so in the comment), I gave him the reference I used instead. Hopefully he'll use that, but it's not my problem if he quotes me.
Friday, September 29, 2006
Politics: Climate Change
This speech by Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) is worth a read. He makes several good points like:
It is current about 20 C (67 F) at my desk. Which is a little cooler than I'd like. Lets say it goes up by a couple of degrees. Now I'm more comfortable. How much did it change? Well 22 degrees from 20 degrees is a 10% increase right? That's a lot, right? Well yes and no. I'm a lot more comfortable, but in actuality it didn't get that much warmer in the grand scheme of things. You see when doing thermodynamic and heat transfer calculations, especially using radiative heat transfer (like we get from the sun) you do not use the Celsius or Fahrenheit temperature scales. You use absolute temperature in Kelvin. So it is actually 293K in my office. That 2 degree difference is actually a 0.7% absolute temperature change. A lot smaller than you probably thought.
Now we can easily track down the reason for that temperature shift in my office, because it is a simple closed system. But global climate? As a system, the global inputs and outputs are fairly well characterized (in terms of energy in and out), but simple? Not on your life. With global climate change, we're still talking about temperature shifts of perhaps a percentage point or two in average absolute temperature. Which makes analyzing these changes very difficult because a lot of individual phenomenon or groups of phenomena can actually produce such a small shift.
So I'm not saying that we don't have global warming or anything like that. What I'm saying is that this issue is something that the academics like to call "a non-trivial problem." It is a toughie and anyone that says they have it completely figured out (especially when extrapolating their conclusions into the future) deserves to receive a skeptical reception in my opinion.
Via Lawdog
- Scientists and the media have been alternating from publicizing global cooling to publicizing global warming for over a hundred years. If it isn't one possible ecological disaster it is another.
- Climate change is a fact. The climate changes. In 900-1300, the climate was warmer than it is now. When the Vikings first came to Greenland, it was actually green. From 1500-1850 we had the little ice age. Since then we have warmed up a bit with some hotter and some cooler years. Global temperature shifts are nothing new and are nothing to get overly excited about.
- Most of the public discourse on this topic is badly oversensationalized. There are a lot of downright lies. This is true for Al Gore's movie and a lot of other work.
It is current about 20 C (67 F) at my desk. Which is a little cooler than I'd like. Lets say it goes up by a couple of degrees. Now I'm more comfortable. How much did it change? Well 22 degrees from 20 degrees is a 10% increase right? That's a lot, right? Well yes and no. I'm a lot more comfortable, but in actuality it didn't get that much warmer in the grand scheme of things. You see when doing thermodynamic and heat transfer calculations, especially using radiative heat transfer (like we get from the sun) you do not use the Celsius or Fahrenheit temperature scales. You use absolute temperature in Kelvin. So it is actually 293K in my office. That 2 degree difference is actually a 0.7% absolute temperature change. A lot smaller than you probably thought.
Now we can easily track down the reason for that temperature shift in my office, because it is a simple closed system. But global climate? As a system, the global inputs and outputs are fairly well characterized (in terms of energy in and out), but simple? Not on your life. With global climate change, we're still talking about temperature shifts of perhaps a percentage point or two in average absolute temperature. Which makes analyzing these changes very difficult because a lot of individual phenomenon or groups of phenomena can actually produce such a small shift.
So I'm not saying that we don't have global warming or anything like that. What I'm saying is that this issue is something that the academics like to call "a non-trivial problem." It is a toughie and anyone that says they have it completely figured out (especially when extrapolating their conclusions into the future) deserves to receive a skeptical reception in my opinion.
Via Lawdog
Politics: Do Deer Poop in the Woods?
In Maryland they do. It's giving environmentalists and government officials fits because the bacteria from their poop ends up the water supply and raises certain bacteria levels above EPA acceptable limits. Turns out the water standards might be flawed and overly strict. Gee, who woulda guessed?
Fun: Dr. Who
Sci-fi is starting the new season of Dr Who tonight with the Christmas special at 8pm and the first episode at 9:30pm. They're also showing last season's episodes all day today. The last episode, where they change Doctors from the 9th (Christopher Eccleston) to the 10th (David Tennant), airs at 3pm today. It's a two-parter though and the first part airs at two if you want to catch the whole thing.
UPDATE: I have a great wife who tape the last two episodes of Dr. Who from last season for me. We watched them Sunday night. We also watched the premiere of the new episodes on Friday. It was pretty good stuff and I plan to keep watching.
UPDATE: I have a great wife who tape the last two episodes of Dr. Who from last season for me. We watched them Sunday night. We also watched the premiere of the new episodes on Friday. It was pretty good stuff and I plan to keep watching.
Gun Politics: Political Actions
Geek with a .45 is reporting on pro-gun developments (or at least anti-anti-gun developments) coming out of the Pennsylvania legislature. Anti-gun proposals coming from Philadelphia politicos are being soundly defeated by a coalition of national and state groups.
Perhaps we need to form something like this in Delaware to get House Bill 359 moving and the stupid amendments stripped out of it.
Perhaps we need to form something like this in Delaware to get House Bill 359 moving and the stupid amendments stripped out of it.
Blogging: New Looks
DCBA blog Jokers to the Right has a new look. I think Ryan is planning on tweeking it a bit, but its looking good.
Ryan is also reporting that 7-11 won't be carrying Citgo gas any more because of Hugo Chavez's recent comments at the UN. Hmmm perhaps a slurpee does sound good today...
Ryan is also reporting that 7-11 won't be carrying Citgo gas any more because of Hugo Chavez's recent comments at the UN. Hmmm perhaps a slurpee does sound good today...
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Fun: Life as a Green Suiter
As an Army civilian, I often wonder how different my life would be if I wore one of those fancy uniforms. Sometimes I don't want to know what I'm missing. Here are a few highlights:
174. Furby ® is not allowed into classified areas. (I swear to the gods, I did not make that up, it's actually DOD policy).This is actually true. Furbies can learn words and phrases and then they will speak them at random. Therefore they are technically considered recording devices. I believe this came about when some analyst had a furby on his or her desk and then had it learn some things it shouldn't. If you bring one into a classified area, you have just created a classified furby. We have trouble with a lot of cell phones, mp3 players, and cameras for similar reasons.
167. Not allowed to operate a business out of the barracks.This is actually a lot less funny than you might think. With the gender integration of the military, soldiers/sailors making porn themselves when they can't get it somewhere else is not unheard of. They get bored and find things to do. When you have a sexually integrated military, sometimes the things they find to do are each other. Sometimes they bring cameras along. The military is not at all happy about this.
168. Especially not a pornographic movie studio.
169. Not even if they *are* "especially patriotic films."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Fun: Feats of Archery
This video may be in Korean, but the archery tricks they're doing translate well into any language. Wow.
Politics: Results Others Would Dispute
I got this one from Jokers to the Right. Somehow I don't think others would define me as a centrist though.
Link: The Politics Test written by brainpolice on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test
| Centrist You scored 48% Personal Liberty and 57% Economic Liberty! |
| A centrist believes in moderate government intervention in both personal and economic matters. They tend to be somewhat ambiguous, as they may have the oppurtunity to pick the side of any group surrounding them on any given issue. They generally believe in a moderate social safety net and what they consider to be a balanced stance on personal liberty. Centrists tend to emphasize compromise and cooperation between partisan groups. |
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Link: The Politics Test written by brainpolice on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test
Guns and Politics: More from Jeff Cooper
Lawdog is trying to familiarize his readers with Cooper by reprinting one of the Guru's more salient Guns & Ammo articles from 1975; Cooper vs. Terrorism. Here is a taste:
One bleeding-heart type asked me in a recent interview if I did not agree that "violence begets violence." I told him that it is my earnest endeavor to see that it does. I would like very much to ensure—and in some cases I have—that any man who offers violence to his fellow citizen begets a whole lot more in return than he can enjoy.The complete article is here.
Politics: Frank Miller on Patriotism
Comic books artist and writer Frank Miller has a This I Believe essay up at NPR. Here is the jist:
Via Thinklings.
For the first time in my life, I know how it feels to face an existential menace. They want us to die. All of a sudden I realize what my parents were talking about all those years.Kind of explains why he wants to write Batman vs. Al Qaeda, doesn't it?
Patriotism, I now believe, isn't some sentimental, old conceit. It's self-preservation. I believe patriotism is central to a nation's survival. Ben Franklin said it: If we don't all hang together, we all hang separately.
Via Thinklings.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Guns and Politics: The Well Armed Town of Greenleaf
Miss Anonymous Opinion pointed me to this story so I shall comment.
The rural community of Greenleaf, Idaho is working to pass the Civil Emergencies Ordinance. They're looking at crime rates in other communities bordering Greenleaf and they don't like what they see. The ordinance would require heads of Greenleaf households to own guns and would also promote emergency planning, civilian response, and neighborhood watch groups. I haven't read the proposed law, so I can't comment on it directly, but why let that stop me, right?
Anyway, this kind of law usually works. But not because it promotes firearms ownership. Generally, places with these laws are communities like Greenleaf that already have nearly universal firearms ownership. What these laws do is publicize that the town is well armed. Kennesaw, GA passed a similar law after the easy highway access to town shopping centers also gave criminals easy highway access to their community for criminal activities like theft. They advertised their new law on a billboard next to their exit off the interstate. Their crime rate plummeted because criminals realized they aren't a soft target.
So yes it will work, although largely due to changing people's perception. But I do hope there is a conscientious objector clause in the law as in Kennesaw. I have the same problem with people forcing others to own guns as I have with prohibiting them by force. Many gun control supporters don't trust themselves with guns, therefore they don't trust others with them either. While they may not respect my rights, I will still respect theirs and not force them to arm themselves. I will take them to the range if they ask though.
The rural community of Greenleaf, Idaho is working to pass the Civil Emergencies Ordinance. They're looking at crime rates in other communities bordering Greenleaf and they don't like what they see. The ordinance would require heads of Greenleaf households to own guns and would also promote emergency planning, civilian response, and neighborhood watch groups. I haven't read the proposed law, so I can't comment on it directly, but why let that stop me, right?
Anyway, this kind of law usually works. But not because it promotes firearms ownership. Generally, places with these laws are communities like Greenleaf that already have nearly universal firearms ownership. What these laws do is publicize that the town is well armed. Kennesaw, GA passed a similar law after the easy highway access to town shopping centers also gave criminals easy highway access to their community for criminal activities like theft. They advertised their new law on a billboard next to their exit off the interstate. Their crime rate plummeted because criminals realized they aren't a soft target.
So yes it will work, although largely due to changing people's perception. But I do hope there is a conscientious objector clause in the law as in Kennesaw. I have the same problem with people forcing others to own guns as I have with prohibiting them by force. Many gun control supporters don't trust themselves with guns, therefore they don't trust others with them either. While they may not respect my rights, I will still respect theirs and not force them to arm themselves. I will take them to the range if they ask though.
Guns: Jeff Cooper Dies at 86
From his blog:
He is responsible for most of the technique and doctrine surrounding "modern" pistolcraft and defensive shooting including: the four carry conditions for the M1911 pistol, the color code for combat awareness (later adapted by several military and police organizations), and popularizing the four rules of gun safety. He founded the American Pistol Institute (also called Gunsite) in 1976 to instruct military personnel, law enforcement officers, and responsible civilians in guncraft. He also founded the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and the US Practical Shooting Association in 1976 to promote practical defensive shooting.
I'm going to have to snap up some of his books, like Art of the Rifle, before they fall out of print.
At the request of the family it is our sad duty to report the passing of Jeff Cooper on the afternoon of September 25, 2006. Jeff died peacefully at home while being cared for by his wife Janelle and daughter Lindy.Lt. Colonel Cooper served in the Marines in both World War II and Korea. He was also editor-at-large for Guns&Ammo. He was also a historian and a big game hunter with both rifle and pistol.
He is responsible for most of the technique and doctrine surrounding "modern" pistolcraft and defensive shooting including: the four carry conditions for the M1911 pistol, the color code for combat awareness (later adapted by several military and police organizations), and popularizing the four rules of gun safety. He founded the American Pistol Institute (also called Gunsite) in 1976 to instruct military personnel, law enforcement officers, and responsible civilians in guncraft. He also founded the International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC) and the US Practical Shooting Association in 1976 to promote practical defensive shooting.
I'm going to have to snap up some of his books, like Art of the Rifle, before they fall out of print.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Fun: Robert E. Howard
Although most well known for his Conan stories, Howard restrict his writing to Hyborean fantasy. Up until Conan and Kull, he wrote a lot of historical adventures. He originally created the setting of his Hyborean Age so that he could write "historical" fiction without having to extensive and time consuming historical research. So India became Wendiha, etc.
Well Howards Conan stories are coming back into print in their original forms. Fortunately, that isn't where it stops. It seems the University of Nebraska Press is putting out collections of his Westerns, boxing stories, and crusades fiction. Excellent.
Well Howards Conan stories are coming back into print in their original forms. Fortunately, that isn't where it stops. It seems the University of Nebraska Press is putting out collections of his Westerns, boxing stories, and crusades fiction. Excellent.
Fun: Cats Do the Funniest Things
Thankfully, ours hasn't figured out how to work the toilet for it's own amusement. We don't pay a water bill, but I don't need to be serenaded to sleep by the sounds of flushing toilets every night.
I've discovered that cats are just funny creatures. Dogs can be funny too, usually because they're stupid. But cats have dignity so they're both stupid and offended by your laughing. It's a double wammy.
I've discovered that cats are just funny creatures. Dogs can be funny too, usually because they're stupid. But cats have dignity so they're both stupid and offended by your laughing. It's a double wammy.
Reviews: 300 Trailer
Tamara and others really like the trailer for the movie adaptation of Frank Miller's 300. 300 is a retelling of the story of the Spartan exploits at the Battle of Thermopylae.
I love the story of Thermopylae. I wouldn't mind reading Miller's graphic novel or Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire which is recommended reading in some US Army units. It is a tale of heroes fighting insurmountable odds with little more than good ground, good tactics, and good dialogue ("Come get them" and "Good, then we will fight you in the shade") to aid them.
But I don't know whether 300 will beat out 1962s The 300 Spartans for me. 300 copies the comic's art style and frankly it really doesn't do anything for me. Miller's art has just become too stylized for my tastes. Instead of fighting in proper phalanx formation with proper armor and equipment, we have a bunch of bare-chested well-oiled homo-erotic warriors battling gallantly and somewhat stupidly. But I'll probably see it anyway.
It is nice to see Gerard Butler getting good work. He's done period work before with TNT's Attila. Often times he's a standout in otherwise dreadful movies like Dracula 2000 or Timeline.
I love the story of Thermopylae. I wouldn't mind reading Miller's graphic novel or Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire which is recommended reading in some US Army units. It is a tale of heroes fighting insurmountable odds with little more than good ground, good tactics, and good dialogue ("Come get them" and "Good, then we will fight you in the shade") to aid them.
But I don't know whether 300 will beat out 1962s The 300 Spartans for me. 300 copies the comic's art style and frankly it really doesn't do anything for me. Miller's art has just become too stylized for my tastes. Instead of fighting in proper phalanx formation with proper armor and equipment, we have a bunch of bare-chested well-oiled homo-erotic warriors battling gallantly and somewhat stupidly. But I'll probably see it anyway.
It is nice to see Gerard Butler getting good work. He's done period work before with TNT's Attila. Often times he's a standout in otherwise dreadful movies like Dracula 2000 or Timeline.
Blogging: Nerd Scores
40, another 40, 48, 54, 59? Bah! Bow before my giant nerd brain.
Update: Holy Crap! I've gotten even nerdier! Kneel before Zod!
Update2: Ryan at Jokers to the Right put up a good showing at 86.
Update: Holy Crap! I've gotten even nerdier! Kneel before Zod!
Update2: Ryan at Jokers to the Right put up a good showing at 86.
Hube, Paul Smith, Jr., Miss AO, and Jeff the Baptist have taken it too. All of them, except for the latter, are lightweights.
Pushes up glasses
Saturday, September 23, 2006
God: Happy Jewish New Year
Say hello to year 5767.
Amybear, Milo, and I are in Virginia celebrating Rosh Hashanah (and her dad's birthday) with Amy's parents and grandmother. It's good to see everybody and the cat did remarkably well traveling. No complaints.
Ok one complaint: temple services. I wish I could say that Rosh Hashanah services formed a deep understanding of Christianity's Jewish roots for me, but generally they were just really boring. Most synagogues are heavily liturgical and about half of the service is in Hebrew, which I can't read, speak, or understand. Having to sit through three and a half hours of services made be really appreciate the far more brief hour and a half of a normal Christmas or Easter.
UPDATE: I've done several seder's over the years. At least four or five now. Not a big deal and nowhere near as bad as Rosh Hashanah services. Seder's are generally done in homes by Jews who really want to just eat the food already. Amy's dad is more than willing to streamline his seder a bit for this reason. Even the long ones aren't that bad and I had to read the Four Questions for one of them. Besides matzoh with haroset is yummy.
Yom Kippur is worse than Rosh Hashanah though. The Jews are a people who like to eat. It's a cultural thing. I don't want to be in a synagogue full of 400-800 fasting, and therefore grumpy, Jews.
Amybear, Milo, and I are in Virginia celebrating Rosh Hashanah (and her dad's birthday) with Amy's parents and grandmother. It's good to see everybody and the cat did remarkably well traveling. No complaints.
Ok one complaint: temple services. I wish I could say that Rosh Hashanah services formed a deep understanding of Christianity's Jewish roots for me, but generally they were just really boring. Most synagogues are heavily liturgical and about half of the service is in Hebrew, which I can't read, speak, or understand. Having to sit through three and a half hours of services made be really appreciate the far more brief hour and a half of a normal Christmas or Easter.
UPDATE: I've done several seder's over the years. At least four or five now. Not a big deal and nowhere near as bad as Rosh Hashanah services. Seder's are generally done in homes by Jews who really want to just eat the food already. Amy's dad is more than willing to streamline his seder a bit for this reason. Even the long ones aren't that bad and I had to read the Four Questions for one of them. Besides matzoh with haroset is yummy.
Yom Kippur is worse than Rosh Hashanah though. The Jews are a people who like to eat. It's a cultural thing. I don't want to be in a synagogue full of 400-800 fasting, and therefore grumpy, Jews.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
God: Failings of the Church
The "Mainstream" churches get a very bad rap from conservatives for their theology. Largely we blame their theology on the decline of their churches. But John the Methodist has an excellent piece on other issues operating within the liberal branch of the church. And unlike liberal theology which conservatives don't suffer from, we share most of those form-over-substance issues with the liberal church.
Fun: More RPG Posters
What ho! This thread sired all these posters. This one is my new favorite.
Enjoy 700+ pages of RPG-inspired non-productivity.
Enjoy 700+ pages of RPG-inspired non-productivity.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
God and Politics: The Pope
I thought about posting on the Pope's remarks, but its been done. I will touch on these from Junkyard Blog via John the Methodist.
Actually the Anglicans were probably a pretty good choice ... most Anglican churches are pretty safe to attack. ... Baptists? They will shoot you. The choir probably has Tec-9s stashed under those robes.
Please. We don't all have guns. Granted those of us who do have enough to spread around should the need arise though. And we would never go with Tec-9s under choir robes. Choir robes are like +14 to concealment. You can fit much better stuff under there like shotguns and AR-15s. It gets even better in states that allow Class III licenses.
Actually the Anglicans were probably a pretty good choice ... most Anglican churches are pretty safe to attack. ... Baptists? They will shoot you. The choir probably has Tec-9s stashed under those robes.
Please. We don't all have guns. Granted those of us who do have enough to spread around should the need arise though. And we would never go with Tec-9s under choir robes. Choir robes are like +14 to concealment. You can fit much better stuff under there like shotguns and AR-15s. It gets even better in states that allow Class III licenses.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Blogging: Mojo Ain't Working
Man, maybe its the cat waking me up this morning by farting on my head and yowling for food, but I just can't seem to get my blog on today. Ah well. I guess I'll keep trying.
Fun: Shiver Me Timbers!
It do be International Talk Like a Pirate Day! Stop yer lilly-livered land-lubbery, me hearties. Where be me grog?
Monday, September 18, 2006
Fun: Puzzle Games
Politics: Research Politics
I would say that this comic is funny, but unfortunately it is too true to be funny.
Back when I was getting my Master's I learned a few things about research. Number one is that your research is always driven by the person paying for it. If the grant manager doesn't end up happy, you won't end up happy. Number two is that your research work is always decided by your advisor who generally is paying your bills.
The practical impact of this that research is a political game. I had often had to balance the wishes of two advisors. Even with one advisor, I had to test the theories they were already invested in even if I knew they were wrong. On a larger scale, grant money means doing their research their way. Telling someone the answer they want to hear is easy. Telling that they are wrong (and continuing to get paid for it) is tougher. Telling someone that they have been wasting their money for years is downright challenging.
And that doesn't even get around to the fact that peer review generally just checks to see if your articles are written well and has nothing to do with actually looking at your data.
Back when I was getting my Master's I learned a few things about research. Number one is that your research is always driven by the person paying for it. If the grant manager doesn't end up happy, you won't end up happy. Number two is that your research work is always decided by your advisor who generally is paying your bills.
The practical impact of this that research is a political game. I had often had to balance the wishes of two advisors. Even with one advisor, I had to test the theories they were already invested in even if I knew they were wrong. On a larger scale, grant money means doing their research their way. Telling someone the answer they want to hear is easy. Telling that they are wrong (and continuing to get paid for it) is tougher. Telling someone that they have been wasting their money for years is downright challenging.
And that doesn't even get around to the fact that peer review generally just checks to see if your articles are written well and has nothing to do with actually looking at your data.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
God Blogging: Never Darken My Blog Again
Welcome to today's dissection of "Christian" comment spam.
-Ephesians 2:8-9
-Hosea 6:7
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-
-Romans 5:12
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
-Romans 8:29-30
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him."
-Romans 6:6-9
-Acts 10:46-47
Jesus answered him [the unbaptized criminal hanging next to him], "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
-Luke 23:43
-Matthew 5:17-19
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
-John 14:6
-2 Samuel 6:5
I know I know, it ain't piano and organ.
UPDATE: The whole John the Baptist thing is related to Landmarkism. It is mentioned in the Wikipedia article on Baptists (which means it must be true right?) Essentially some Baptist churches, especially in the 19th century, claimed seperate descent back to the first century church independent of the Catholic/Orthodox Church.
Question the baptist cult can not answer with the bible:For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.
1. Where do they come up with the doctrine of faith only saves? Not from the bible!!!!
-Ephesians 2:8-9
2. Where do they come up with the false doctrine of original sin? Not from the Bible!!!Like Adam, they have broken the covenant— they were unfaithful to me there.
-Hosea 6:7
Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned-
-Romans 5:12
3. where do they come up with the doctrine of predestination? Not from the bible!!!Not all Baptists are Calvinists, so where he gets this one I'll never know. But here is a good verse on it anyway.
For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
-Romans 8:29-30
4. Where do they get the false doctrine of once saved always saved? not from the bible!!!Again Calvinism does not equal Baptist. But...
"For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin— because anyone who has died has been freed from sin.
Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no longer has mastery over him."
-Romans 6:6-9
5. Where do they come up with the doctrine of John the baptist started the church? not from the bible!!!Yeah I'll admit that is traditional and not biblical. It is also tradition that I don't hold to and that has absolutely no effect on anything.
6. Where do they come up with the false doctrine of baptism is an out ward sign of an inward faith, and that a person is saved before they are baptized? Not from the bible!!!Then Peter said, "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have."
-Acts 10:46-47
Jesus answered him [the unbaptized criminal hanging next to him], "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise."
-Luke 23:43
7. where do they come up with the false doctrine that the 10 commandments are still in force today? Not from the bible!!!Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Anyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
-Matthew 5:17-19
8. where do they come up with the doctrine that it does not matter what you believe, as long as you believe in Jesus? Not from the bible!!!I wouldn't characterize this as true, but Jesus is what really matters:
Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
-John 14:6
9. where do they come up with the use of instramentle music in worship service? Not from the bible!!!David and the whole house of Israel were celebrating with all their might before the LORD, with songs and with harps, lyres, tambourines, sistrums and cymbals.
-2 Samuel 6:5
I know I know, it ain't piano and organ.
10. Where do they come up with the false doctrine of chiors in worship service? Not from the bible!!!!Choral worship is not a doctrine. It is a tradition. Unfortunately congregations are being torn apart by things like worship style right now.
Can you see friend that the baptist religion is not from God, and if it is not from God it must be from the devil!!!! It is a Cult!!! Follow them and Go to hell.I'll go to hell if you go to there first. And the horse you road in on. Seriously, I can't imagine the quality of your website (who's URL I shall not post) if your scholarship is so poor that anyone can rebut it with a simple search on Bible Gateway. This whole post took me less than an hour of research, mostly because I was stupid and had to write most of this post twice.
UPDATE: The whole John the Baptist thing is related to Landmarkism. It is mentioned in the Wikipedia article on Baptists (which means it must be true right?) Essentially some Baptist churches, especially in the 19th century, claimed seperate descent back to the first century church independent of the Catholic/Orthodox Church.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Wheels: Ok, Tracks
Today is the 90th anniversary of the first use of the tank in combat. On September 15, 1916, 49 British Mark I tanks were used in the Battle of the Somme. Well, actually 21 were used since the other 28 had already broken down before the battle began.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Fun: Today's Trivia
Which is heavier, an ounce of gold or an ounce of feathers?
Which is heavier, a pound of gold or a pound of feathers?
Answers are in the comments.
Which is heavier, a pound of gold or a pound of feathers?
Answers are in the comments.
Family: Catnip
So we have two bags of the stuff at home now. Various cat products came with it. But, being from a dog family, I had no idea how the plant works. I really didn't want to come back from work to find the cat wearing tie-die, looking to me for some munchies and a fresh hit.
I was going to say "fix" but I doubt a cat would ever really ask for that.
So I checked Wikipedia. Turns out catnip is mostly harmless and triggers some sort of instinctual sexual-olfactory response. Most cats really like it, although the magnitude of the response has to do with genetics so every cat doesn't have the same reaction. Fortuneately this particular wikipedia articles seems to be cribbed from somewhere else, so it should be pretty trustworthy.
On a different cat tangent, he woke me up at 4:30 today which is a heck of a lot better than 2:30 like yesterday. At least this way I got about six hours of good sleep. He seems to wake me up when he's hungry and wants food, so we'll try adjusting his feedings and the amount of dry food we leave out for him overnight. When Amy and I said we wanted a cat to help prepare us for parenthood, we didn't mean by waking us up several times over the course of a night.
UPDATE: Oh and Milo's flea problems seem to be much better. We need to vacuum the carpets, but I flea combed him last night and I didn't find anything. Tuesday night I did the same thing and found five fleas. I'm guessing the stuff on the back of his neck (which also treats the ear mites) also got most of the fleas. We're going to continue keeping an eye on him just in case.
I was going to say "fix" but I doubt a cat would ever really ask for that.
So I checked Wikipedia. Turns out catnip is mostly harmless and triggers some sort of instinctual sexual-olfactory response. Most cats really like it, although the magnitude of the response has to do with genetics so every cat doesn't have the same reaction. Fortuneately this particular wikipedia articles seems to be cribbed from somewhere else, so it should be pretty trustworthy.
On a different cat tangent, he woke me up at 4:30 today which is a heck of a lot better than 2:30 like yesterday. At least this way I got about six hours of good sleep. He seems to wake me up when he's hungry and wants food, so we'll try adjusting his feedings and the amount of dry food we leave out for him overnight. When Amy and I said we wanted a cat to help prepare us for parenthood, we didn't mean by waking us up several times over the course of a night.
UPDATE: Oh and Milo's flea problems seem to be much better. We need to vacuum the carpets, but I flea combed him last night and I didn't find anything. Tuesday night I did the same thing and found five fleas. I'm guessing the stuff on the back of his neck (which also treats the ear mites) also got most of the fleas. We're going to continue keeping an eye on him just in case.
Wheels: Thats a Truck Alright
This is what happens when you mount a Peterbilt cab and sheet metal on a Dodge Ram 1500 frame. It looks pretty good to me, actually. The funny thing is that this monster is actually lighter than the stock Ram, because all the big rig parts are aluminum instead of steel. The driver train is stock and he gets 20 mpg out of the 380 horsepower Cummins common rail diesel.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Political Fun: Innovative Torture Techniques
Responding to Bill O'Reilly's accusations that playing the Red Hot Chili Peppers for detainees is cruel and unusual punishment, GOP Vixen suggests some more appropriate options like Celine Dion or a fashion makeover from the Queer Eye guys.
Fun: Gabe Channels Amybear
I think I finally broke Amybear of this habit a while back. But I can't swear to it.
UPDATE: Sorry about that, I linked to the September 11th comic, not the 13th. Fixed now.
UPDATE: Sorry about that, I linked to the September 11th comic, not the 13th. Fixed now.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Family: More Cat Stuff
Amybear took Milo to the vet yesterday. He has ear mites and was behind on some shots. They wanted to deworm him again as well, just to be safe.
The ear mites are annoying because not only is he getting medicine once a month, but we (meaning mostly Amybear because I was at work) had to clean everything the cat might have left mites upon lest he reinfect himself. And now we have to periodically clean out mite debris from his ears. And cats just love having people poke around in their ears, let me tell you.
So Milo was not a happy camper when I came home yesterday. And he remained an unhappy camper until after Amybear and I went to bed. He seemed happier when he woke us up at 3am though. We're going to have to do something about that.
Oh and the vet suggested we not leave dry foot out for him to eat 24-7. Instead we should put food down and take it up if he doesn't eat it. This will teach him to eat what he is given when he is given it. It is also contrary to everything I have ever heard about feeding cats dry food (to leave it down and let him eat at his leisure). Of course we are controlling the amount of dry food he eats in a day to prevent him getting fat.
UPDATE: Well we gave him a laser pointer workout last night, but he still woke me up at 2 am. I also found some fleas on him last night. Joy. The good news is that his ear mite medicine should also kill off the fleas. If this pest problem continues we may just damn our flea collar concerns and put a collar on him anyway.
The ear mites are annoying because not only is he getting medicine once a month, but we (meaning mostly Amybear because I was at work) had to clean everything the cat might have left mites upon lest he reinfect himself. And now we have to periodically clean out mite debris from his ears. And cats just love having people poke around in their ears, let me tell you.
So Milo was not a happy camper when I came home yesterday. And he remained an unhappy camper until after Amybear and I went to bed. He seemed happier when he woke us up at 3am though. We're going to have to do something about that.
Oh and the vet suggested we not leave dry foot out for him to eat 24-7. Instead we should put food down and take it up if he doesn't eat it. This will teach him to eat what he is given when he is given it. It is also contrary to everything I have ever heard about feeding cats dry food (to leave it down and let him eat at his leisure). Of course we are controlling the amount of dry food he eats in a day to prevent him getting fat.
UPDATE: Well we gave him a laser pointer workout last night, but he still woke me up at 2 am. I also found some fleas on him last night. Joy. The good news is that his ear mite medicine should also kill off the fleas. If this pest problem continues we may just damn our flea collar concerns and put a collar on him anyway.
Guns: My Hero
When Arthur Winters saw two armed robbers terrorizing his neighborhood, he did the only thing he could think of: He asked his wife to bring him his AK-47.I want to live next door to that man. Unfortunately they only make them like that in Texas.
"I had to get it to protect my family and the neighbors and all that," Winters said.
To bring my gun news up to date, I took my AR-15 and he took his newly reconditioned Mauser Broomhandle. Once again, I forgot to bring stuff. In this case it was targets and the milspec zeroing instructions for an AR-15. Fortunately my brother remembered targets and I remembered most of the zeroing instructions. Unfortunately "most" wasn't enough.
I came out better in the functional testing. The broomhandle wasn't especially reliable and more importantly the front sight started to walk off the barrel. The solder job didn't hold. My brother was quite annoyed. My AR fed flawless from all magazines and I didn't have any hickups.
Unfortunately I got the zeroing wrong so I'll have to redo it. My gun's rear sight isn't exactly milspec. It is set up in "half-clicks" not "clicks." So while I was shooting at 25 meters and was one click up from bottom, I should have been two clicks up. If I had been smart, I would have noticed where the "Z" was on the dial for the "zero" location. I also need to make sure the carry handle is tightened down well. When I got home one of the screws was loose. Either it was never tight or it had walked. Which means my sights might be anywhere. Oh well I'll have fun zeroing it again later.
Cleaning the gun wasn't the horror story I had always heard. There was a lot less debris than in a typical rimfire rifle for instance. Hopefully that doesn't mean I missed a lot of debris somewhere.
Politics: Delaware Primary Day
Remember folks, today is primary day in Delaware. I'm going to stop by my polling place when I get home tonight. Initial reports indicate that turnout is pretty low.
Monday, September 11, 2006
God: Denying the Faith
Did you know that most cops and armed security guards are horrible with guns? Many soldiers unfortunately aren't much better. These people carry guns all the time, but rarely shoot or maintain them. Cops often only shoot once or twice a year around proficiency qualifications. In contrast, I've never worn a gun in my life and I go shooting once or twice a month.
Let me tell you a story from a police firearms instructor. His job is to give the proficiency qualifications to the street cops. Well one brash officer comes in, shoots his course of fire, and fails his requalification. He responds by saying "Well that is only because I'm on a range. Out in the real world, I could really do it if I had to..."
Now the instructor knows that range shooting is actually much easier than defensive shooting. Paper targets don't move and don't shoot back. You don't have adrenaline fight-or-flight response screwing up your fine motor skills. "Fine," the instructor says "now you have to. If you don't pass this one, I'll revoke your firearms qualification." The cop pulls his chin off the floor, reshoots, fails again, and drives a desk while he improves his pistolcraft until he can qualify.
Where am I going with this? This excellent post at Physics Geek, Jesus Freak is where I am going (and you should go too.) In a reaction to Fox News reporters gunpoint conversion to Islam, a talk show host had this to say:
Perhaps, but perhaps this person really doesn't know himself. If you aren't willing to consider dying for the God you worship, the God who died for you, are you really capable of living for him? Or are you just a cop walking around with a rusted revolver he couldn't shoot if he wanted to?
I don't know which I am. I hope and pray I never have to really find out the hard way like those reporters did.
Let me tell you a story from a police firearms instructor. His job is to give the proficiency qualifications to the street cops. Well one brash officer comes in, shoots his course of fire, and fails his requalification. He responds by saying "Well that is only because I'm on a range. Out in the real world, I could really do it if I had to..."
Now the instructor knows that range shooting is actually much easier than defensive shooting. Paper targets don't move and don't shoot back. You don't have adrenaline fight-or-flight response screwing up your fine motor skills. "Fine," the instructor says "now you have to. If you don't pass this one, I'll revoke your firearms qualification." The cop pulls his chin off the floor, reshoots, fails again, and drives a desk while he improves his pistolcraft until he can qualify.
Where am I going with this? This excellent post at Physics Geek, Jesus Freak is where I am going (and you should go too.) In a reaction to Fox News reporters gunpoint conversion to Islam, a talk show host had this to say:
This is not the test! This is not the test! Some crazy guy holds a gun to your head and says 'convert or die'? That's not the test of faith God wants! God knows what's in your heart! What good does it do God if you're dead?Physics Geek points out that a choice between martyrdom and renouncing Christ is, in fact, one of the classic tests of faith. The talk show host is just like the brash cop in the previous story. God knows I can do it in real life! What good will my martyrdom do anyone?
Perhaps, but perhaps this person really doesn't know himself. If you aren't willing to consider dying for the God you worship, the God who died for you, are you really capable of living for him? Or are you just a cop walking around with a rusted revolver he couldn't shoot if he wanted to?
I don't know which I am. I hope and pray I never have to really find out the hard way like those reporters did.
Fun: Architectural Predilections
Ok, so I really like the "silo" that Chatham financial has on their new headquarters. Were I to design my home, I really want a similar tower feature. Why?
One of these days I need to work on designing a house for myself. It think it would be a really cool way to keep my brain occupied in boring meetings.
- It is a unique look found on many older home styles that just hasn't come across to more modern architecture.
- It is a great sniper post for the inevitable zombie apocalypse. Mabel and I could take out veritable horde of shambling undead brain afficianadoes from up there.
- It would make for easy roof access so I could clean the gutters and do other house maintenance without having to haul a big ladder around.
- I could send the kids or cat to the tower if they've been bad.
- Or I could hide from the wife there if she's really mad.
- Dilbert's Ultimate House had one and I plan to
stealborrow a lot of his ideas.
One of these days I need to work on designing a house for myself. It think it would be a really cool way to keep my brain occupied in boring meetings.
Politics: Packing Pistols
I heard this story listening to Preston and Steve on my way to work this morning, but Anna Venger also mentioned it.
A guy tries to mug a wheelchair bound woman in Harlem. She is on her way to a local shooting range. Bad timing. She shoots him with her .357 magnum. In the elbow. Looks, like she really needed that range trip after all.
A guy tries to mug a wheelchair bound woman in Harlem. She is on her way to a local shooting range. Bad timing. She shoots him with her .357 magnum. In the elbow. Looks, like she really needed that range trip after all.
God: Mundane Miracles
Joe Cathey is showing off his newborn son Andrew along with Joe's questionable fashion sense. Congrats Joe!
Blogging: That's Why They Call Them Beta
According to Mitchell Lewis, the Blogger Beta is not all it's cracked up to be. Which is a shame because labels and heirarchical archive listings are things I really want.
I've been on Blogger for over two years now. For the first few months, Blogger regularly ate posts and spontanteously stopped working. It hasn't really done that for over a year. It sounds like Blogger Beta takes us back to the bad ole days of blogger. It's blogger so eventually they'll get it right.
Via John the Methodist.
I've been on Blogger for over two years now. For the first few months, Blogger regularly ate posts and spontanteously stopped working. It hasn't really done that for over a year. It sounds like Blogger Beta takes us back to the bad ole days of blogger. It's blogger so eventually they'll get it right.
Via John the Methodist.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Blogging: Cat Blogging Will Now Commense
Milo is settling in well:
He's acting like a normal cat:
And has made himself comfortable:
So far so good. We set up the usual cat items when we got home last night. Unfortunately we set them up in the master bathroom, which he doesn't seem to like. They're near our walk-in closet now and he's using them normally. He ate his food this morning and has already used the litter box so all is well.
Now hopefully waking us up at 3:30 am by sitting on our faces will not become a regular event.
He's acting like a normal cat:
And has made himself comfortable:
So far so good. We set up the usual cat items when we got home last night. Unfortunately we set them up in the master bathroom, which he doesn't seem to like. They're near our walk-in closet now and he's using them normally. He ate his food this morning and has already used the litter box so all is well.
Now hopefully waking us up at 3:30 am by sitting on our faces will not become a regular event.
Friday, September 08, 2006
God and Politics: The Left's God Problem
Robert Parham's essay on why the left is still losing ground with people of faith is quite excellent. The left embraces faith in much the same way the embrace minorities. With soundbites and scaremongering. That might be enough to keep voters you already have, but it isn't enough to get voters you don't.
Bruce Prescott, an Oklahoma Baptist and voting Democrat, has this to say:
UPDATE: Michael asked my thoughts about Faithful Democrats. Well I definitely prefer them to the athiest variety. But while I may share my faith in God with them, I doubt I share their likely faith in government. I would much rather have a small government that empowers citizens to perform good works instead of a large government that empowers itself to perform good works at the expense of its citizens.
My sister and brother-in-law are most likely faithful democrats. They go to church regularly. But in terms of practical values, I probably share more with athiests like Kim and Connie du Toit than I do with them. Which is a shame, but unfortunately no less true.
Bruce Prescott, an Oklahoma Baptist and voting Democrat, has this to say:
Few Democrats that I know are concerned about preserving liberty of conscience for persons of minority faith, they are primarily concerned about preserving votes for their next election.Republicans are certainly guilty of the preserving votes phenomenon too, especially in the last few years. But I'd like to see American government take a leading role in advocating for religious rights, especially on the international scene. I think either party would do well if they advocate for it.
UPDATE: Michael asked my thoughts about Faithful Democrats. Well I definitely prefer them to the athiest variety. But while I may share my faith in God with them, I doubt I share their likely faith in government. I would much rather have a small government that empowers citizens to perform good works instead of a large government that empowers itself to perform good works at the expense of its citizens.
My sister and brother-in-law are most likely faithful democrats. They go to church regularly. But in terms of practical values, I probably share more with athiests like Kim and Connie du Toit than I do with them. Which is a shame, but unfortunately no less true.
Fun: Kitty Time
We'll be picking up our kitty tonight at 6 at the Brandywine PetSmart. Amybear is the winner of the name the kitty contest with "Milo." She has the story behind the name on her blog.
UPDATE: Yes Amybear is married to the contest judge. I guess life just isn't fair in love, war, and kitty naming contests with unspecified prizes.
UPDATE: Yes Amybear is married to the contest judge. I guess life just isn't fair in love, war, and kitty naming contests with unspecified prizes.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Politics: Good Politics and Good Policy
Newt Gingrich seems to have a pretty good 11 point plan for Republicans to run on in November. Now if only they had the spine to do it.
Via Kim du Toit.
Via Kim du Toit.
God: Time Discipline
As always, Steve is giving good advice:
Some people tend to be too busy. My mother is like this. She volunteered for a lot of activities because they need to be done. But of course they don't need to be done by her. While I was in college she kept herself almost crazy busy for several years. She wore herself down in the process and it seemed like she never had anything finished. Recently she has cut back a lot partly because she is getting a little older but mostly because my grandparents are getting a lot older. She wants to visit them a lot more which means she can do a lot less in other places. A time budget would probably show her that she is generally doing too much.
I'm probably on the opposite end of the spectrum. When I get home from work I want to sit on my rump, snuggle with my wife, eat some dinner, and watch TV. I'm not that interested in doing things as a general rule. For guys like me a good time budget would probably show me how much more I could be doing without sacrificing anything meaningful.
In any case, this kind of activity can't really hurt anybody.
I sketched out a personal time budget tonight. I needed to see for myself how thin my margins are and make sure I'm not spending my energy in such a way that I am depleting my personal capital.Why yes he does work in finance, how did you know?
Some people tend to be too busy. My mother is like this. She volunteered for a lot of activities because they need to be done. But of course they don't need to be done by her. While I was in college she kept herself almost crazy busy for several years. She wore herself down in the process and it seemed like she never had anything finished. Recently she has cut back a lot partly because she is getting a little older but mostly because my grandparents are getting a lot older. She wants to visit them a lot more which means she can do a lot less in other places. A time budget would probably show her that she is generally doing too much.
I'm probably on the opposite end of the spectrum. When I get home from work I want to sit on my rump, snuggle with my wife, eat some dinner, and watch TV. I'm not that interested in doing things as a general rule. For guys like me a good time budget would probably show me how much more I could be doing without sacrificing anything meaningful.
In any case, this kind of activity can't really hurt anybody.
God: Prayer for Joe's Growing Family
As I type, Joe Cathey's wife Nancy will be giving birth to their second child. She was scheduled to be induced at 8:30 EST. Prayers are always appropriate.
UPDATE: Actually I got that wrong, she was due to be induced yesterday. No word from Joe yet though.
UPDATE: Actually I got that wrong, she was due to be induced yesterday. No word from Joe yet though.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Politics: Marriage Amendments
Instapundit agreed with this article by Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson. To put it bluntly I think the article is crap. I was going to give the article a thorough fisking, but frankly I don't have the time. There is just too much wrong with it. Here are a few highlights:
- Wilkinson suggests that ordinary legislation will suffice to settle this issue. Since he already admits that the Massachusetts Supreme Court invented state constitutional rights in their ruling, obviously this is not the case. Only a state constitutional amendment will settle the issue.
- Wilkinson states that a constitutional amendment (state or federal) will "shackle future generations" to this policy. Remember Prohibition? Well no probably not, it was repealed before most of us were born. Hey wasn't that a constitutional amendment?
- He states that constitutions are not the place to enact policies. Except for things like the Federal budget cycle and many other important policy considerations which are in the US Constitution.
- He states that the Federal Marriage Amendment is giving the states "constitution fever." Actually the FMA is going nowhere, but Massachusetts pointed out that state amendments are necessary to prevent local abuses of power. They are cropping up everywhere because of checks and balances not a few conservatives.
Wheels: The New Swift Sport
The "high performance" Suzuki Swift Sport is featured in a World Car Fans article. I'm pretty excited about this car, provided I could actually fit into the drivers seat. It is passably quick, great in the corners, and gets good fuel economy. Think of something like a Mini Cooper, but lighter by several hundred pounds and about ten thousand dollars. Sounds pretty good to me. Suzuki is talking about bringing the car to US shores the 2007 to 2008 timeframe.
Via Autoblog.
Via Autoblog.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
Fun: Cat Names
I mentioned that Amy and I will probably be adopting an orange tabby soon. His name is "Skippy" and he's about 1 to 2 years old. Not a kitten, but still a kitty. Amy and I don't like his name very much. We have a few alternatives like "Dexter", "Ginger," "Loki," and "Gizmo." If you have a preference or a suggestion, go ahead and make it in the comments. Oh and while he is an orange tabby we won't be naming him Garfield or Heathcliff.
God: Paying the Pastorate
John the Methodist asks:
Pastoral compensation is a pretty tricky subject. While the pastoral staff at my church seems to earn their keep, we also seem to be picking up full-time non-pastoral staff right and left. And those folks are often in much more of a gray area of effectiveness. Other churches have pastors who are overburdening the (often shrinking) congregation with their high salaries. But they are very respected ministers in the denomination, I assure you.
So it's a tricky subject and I don't have an easy answer. Since I prefer congregational church government, I'd like to see the individual churches hammer this out for themselves on a case by case basis. I doubt the Methodist church has that option since ministers are almost certainly paid by the denomination and not the individual church.
What do you think? What should be the basis of pastoral compensation?The conversation over there is worth the read, but one aspect that hasn't been brought up much yet is scripture. The bible actually has something to say on this very subject in 1 Corinthians 9:
Don't we have the right to food and drink? Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas? Or is it only I and Barnabas who must work for a living?Paul goes on to discuss how he and Barnabas foreswore compensation from the Corinthian church, instead they worked themselves in order to pay their own way and further serve that church. But it is the minister who can refuse payment, not the ministry which can refuse to pay.
Who serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its grapes? Who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk? Do I say this merely from a human point of view? Doesn't the Law say the same thing? For it is written in the Law of Moses: "Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain." Is it about oxen that God is concerned? Surely he says this for us, doesn't he? Yes, this was written for us, because when the plowman plows and the thresher threshes, they ought to do so in the hope of sharing in the harvest. If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn't we have it all the more?
Pastoral compensation is a pretty tricky subject. While the pastoral staff at my church seems to earn their keep, we also seem to be picking up full-time non-pastoral staff right and left. And those folks are often in much more of a gray area of effectiveness. Other churches have pastors who are overburdening the (often shrinking) congregation with their high salaries. But they are very respected ministers in the denomination, I assure you.
So it's a tricky subject and I don't have an easy answer. Since I prefer congregational church government, I'd like to see the individual churches hammer this out for themselves on a case by case basis. I doubt the Methodist church has that option since ministers are almost certainly paid by the denomination and not the individual church.
Blogging: In the News
Delaware blogging was covered in yesterday's News Journal, Paul Smith represented the DCBA and did it well. The conclusion worries me though:
Scott, of "Delaware Liberal," is ready for that new era to begin.He must be a liberal if Mike the Megamoderate Castle is too far to the right for him. The only difference between Castle and Tom Carper is the letter next to his name.
"I'm waiting on the edge of my seat for Castle's announcement speech, because I'm going to pull that thing apart," he said.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Fun: Kitty Cats
It looks like Amy and I will soon be adopting a cat. We think that this should work better than a dog, because cats are more self sufficient and don't need facilities, like a fenced in yard, that we don't have.
Amy had a cat when she was younger. I've never had one, so this will really be a learning experience for me.
Amy had a cat when she was younger. I've never had one, so this will really be a learning experience for me.
Not So Fun: Steve Irwin, Dead at 44
Amybear and I have enjoyed his various antics and television series for a long time. Sure he seemed suicidal, but I always had a certain sense that he knew what he was doing and I didn't. Now he's gone, killed because he swam too close to a sting ray on Austrailia's Great Barrier Reef. He left behind his wife Terri, an 8 year-old daughter, and a 3 year-old son. We'll miss you Steve.
Via Physics Geek, Jesus Freak.
Via Physics Geek, Jesus Freak.
Friday, September 01, 2006
God: Jesus is the Answer
But what is the question? According to Jared at Thinklings, you just have to pick a question. Any question.
God in each of his three beings is ultimately what we, as Christians, should care about. Jesus is so important because he allows us to reconnect to God and is God. He is the Way to God, but he is not the entirety of God. Which is why I have a problem with that philosophy. It seems like you are leaving out two thirds of the story.
Let me illustrate. Think about the Golden Gate Bridge. It is gorgeous. The American Society of Civil Engineers proclaimed it a Wonder of the World. It is perhaps the most photographed bridge in the world and ultimately many of us have only seen pictures of it. But ultimately, it wasn't constructed to be in pictures. It wasn't built to be the symbol of San Francisco. It was built to bridge opening of the San Francisco Bay from the city in the South to Marin County in the North.
Jesus is like the Golden Gate Bridge. He is the Wonder of the Universe. He is the central figure of all Christianity and the symbol of our faith. People come to Christianity just to get to see Jesus. But in the end he is so important because he is the reconciler and redeemer. He is the final sacrifice. He is the bridge through whom Christians gain access to the Spirit and the Father in a deep and personal way. I think if you asked Christ what made him so special, he would have pointed to the Father.
Ultimately making everything about Jesus is not a good idea. It is about losing sight of the Spirit and the Father. It is about sacrificing meaning not creating it. I cannot worship the Prince of Peace so deeply that I lose sight of his father the King. After all, he came to me solely to make the introduction.
I donÂ’t believe in this day and age the Church can stress enough that the "point" of Christianity is Jesus himself. The point of Scripture, the point of prayer, the point of faith - all Jesus.I can understand where Jared is coming from. Jesus is the most important, most significant, and most unique figure in our religion and our faith. He is what sets us apart from everyone else. When we lose sight of him we suffer. To the extent that Jared talks about the Gospels, he still has it right.
Here is my guiding principle for reading the Gospels: The point is Jesus. Every saying, every story - Jesus. If the main point you're getting out of the story doesn'’t center squarely on Jesus, I respectfully suggest your aim is off.Yes the Gospels are all about Jesus. They are his biographies after all. But I have a real problem with this whole all Jesus and nothing else philosophy. For instance Acts is all about the Holy Spirit. If you leave out the Holy Spirit, you miss the point. Large parts of the Old Testament are all about the power of the Father.
God in each of his three beings is ultimately what we, as Christians, should care about. Jesus is so important because he allows us to reconnect to God and is God. He is the Way to God, but he is not the entirety of God. Which is why I have a problem with that philosophy. It seems like you are leaving out two thirds of the story.
Let me illustrate. Think about the Golden Gate Bridge. It is gorgeous. The American Society of Civil Engineers proclaimed it a Wonder of the World. It is perhaps the most photographed bridge in the world and ultimately many of us have only seen pictures of it. But ultimately, it wasn't constructed to be in pictures. It wasn't built to be the symbol of San Francisco. It was built to bridge opening of the San Francisco Bay from the city in the South to Marin County in the North.
Jesus is like the Golden Gate Bridge. He is the Wonder of the Universe. He is the central figure of all Christianity and the symbol of our faith. People come to Christianity just to get to see Jesus. But in the end he is so important because he is the reconciler and redeemer. He is the final sacrifice. He is the bridge through whom Christians gain access to the Spirit and the Father in a deep and personal way. I think if you asked Christ what made him so special, he would have pointed to the Father.
Ultimately making everything about Jesus is not a good idea. It is about losing sight of the Spirit and the Father. It is about sacrificing meaning not creating it. I cannot worship the Prince of Peace so deeply that I lose sight of his father the King. After all, he came to me solely to make the introduction.
Politics: Detainees and the Geneva Conventions
John the Methodist is discussing the legal nature of detainees. While I agree with his interpretation, unfortunately the Supreme Court did not. I would like to bring up one of his points:
The way the conventions actually work is that, out of the entire population within a warzone, it creates two protected groups. These are "prisoners of war" who are former "combatants" and "civilians" who were not "combatants." These groups are mutually exclusive, so you can't be in both. However it doesn't divide the population into one of those two groups. They are not all-encompassing, so that you can be in neither. If you do not meet the definition of a "prisoner of war" or a "civilian" then you are simply not protected by the Geneva Conventions at all.
By unlawful combatant, the administration is essentially saying that these detainees are in the "neither" group. They are fighting and therefore they are not "civilians." They are non-uniformed irregular combatants who blend in with the civilian population and therefore they are not "prisoners of war." Therefore they are simply not protected. These rules were changed significantly by Protocol I, Section III, Article 44 which is an amendment to the Geneva Conventions. The USA has not ratified Protocol I and so they are non-binding on the US.
The Geneva Conventions were deliberately written to exclude people in this way. Russia used this loophole to crush dissent across most of Eastern Europe after WWII. No one wanted to grant unaligned irregular forces any international rights or protections for obvious reasons. Nations treat unprotected groups however they see fit within the structure of their own laws. Which is how we should be dealing with them, by creating our own laws not by inventing things out of thin air or fat heads.
...they argued that the Geneva Conventions class people in only two ways: prisoners of war and civilians. There is no such thing as an 'unlawful combatant' -- a term that never appears in the text of the Geneva Conventions. Captured terrorists are actually civilians.I have heard this rhetoric before and I would like to expose it's half-truthfulness. The half-truth is that the Geneva Conventions do not use the term unlawful combatant. That is true. The half-lie is that under the Geneva Conventions an individual can only fall into one of two groups, "prisoner of war" or "civilian."
The way the conventions actually work is that, out of the entire population within a warzone, it creates two protected groups. These are "prisoners of war" who are former "combatants" and "civilians" who were not "combatants." These groups are mutually exclusive, so you can't be in both. However it doesn't divide the population into one of those two groups. They are not all-encompassing, so that you can be in neither. If you do not meet the definition of a "prisoner of war" or a "civilian" then you are simply not protected by the Geneva Conventions at all.
By unlawful combatant, the administration is essentially saying that these detainees are in the "neither" group. They are fighting and therefore they are not "civilians." They are non-uniformed irregular combatants who blend in with the civilian population and therefore they are not "prisoners of war." Therefore they are simply not protected. These rules were changed significantly by Protocol I, Section III, Article 44 which is an amendment to the Geneva Conventions. The USA has not ratified Protocol I and so they are non-binding on the US.
The Geneva Conventions were deliberately written to exclude people in this way. Russia used this loophole to crush dissent across most of Eastern Europe after WWII. No one wanted to grant unaligned irregular forces any international rights or protections for obvious reasons. Nations treat unprotected groups however they see fit within the structure of their own laws. Which is how we should be dealing with them, by creating our own laws not by inventing things out of thin air or fat heads.
Guns: Why I Support Israel
Hot female Israeli soldiers. Jewish women are both beautiful and dangerous, a fact which is not lost on me. After all I married one. And pretty Jewish girls with guns? Hey even better.
A lot of pictures show these femme fatales with their rifles which I found especially interesting. It looks the Israeli M-16s all use A1 sights. Some of their guns are definitely A1s, at least they have the triangular handguards of A1s. But their A2s and M4s also use A1 sights.
I always considered the A2 sight superior to the A1, I wonder why they didn't switch? Perhaps it has to do with standardized training their troops or arsenal refinishing older rifles into newer variants.
A lot of pictures show these femme fatales with their rifles which I found especially interesting. It looks the Israeli M-16s all use A1 sights. Some of their guns are definitely A1s, at least they have the triangular handguards of A1s. But their A2s and M4s also use A1 sights.
I always considered the A2 sight superior to the A1, I wonder why they didn't switch? Perhaps it has to do with standardized training their troops or arsenal refinishing older rifles into newer variants.
Fun: Kitchen Myths
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