You know, It's a lot more difficult to write these on the weekend! The other problem I have is that it takes forever to think of a topic, and then invariably when you get a good one, you get several at once...
Today's topic was one that I thought of as I was wondering around the outside of our Church building with my 1 year old on my shoulders - My experience has shown that 1 year olds don't appreciate hours of sitting and listening... Come to think of it, neither do I really - we have a very mutually beneficial relationship, my son and I!
A very good friend made a comment this week that has got me thinking... She said that she had only ever met 1 true Christian. I am pretty much 100% sure I'm not in the running for that position, but I started thinking about what exactly that meant and if it was something that I would like to aim for.
Actually the more I have thought about it, I think that a true Christian might actually appear the same as a true Muslim, a true Buddhist, maybe even a true Atheist.
My wife and I were discussing this the other day, that sometimes we seem to form the opinion that people who don't subscribe to the same belief system as us, don't have any morals... Problem is I have met plenty of Christians, Hindus, Muslims and a host of others who are all really good people. I have also met a bunch from the same groups that are not good people.
I think the key comes with being true to yourself and honestly seeking truth. I think that journey will lead you to a greater understanding of who you are and who God is. With that understanding, I think you develop a greater respect for all around you, and that makes you a true Christian, Muslim or whatever flavor of religeon or no religeon you choose to follow. Athiests could probably leave out the part about understanding God, but I think the rest of it would probably hold true.
Finally in parting a quick question: A friend and I are trying to determine the most important value which we can instill in our kids. Our finalists are gratitude and humility - mine is humility. Does anyone have any other ideas for top value and why? I'm hoping to blog on it a little later this week.
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Saturday, November 03, 2007
Pakistani Writers
OK, so this post isn't really about Pakistani writers, but it will cover the topics of the writers strike in Hollywood, as well as the recent events in Pakistan. This first will be an attempt at humor, the second likely more serious, crtitical and sarcastic...
So the writers in Hollywood have decided to strike. It appears that the first casualties will be the daily comedy shows like The Late Show with Jay Leno and Letterman with David Letterman. I guess we'll see how funny these guys are really when they're up on the stage trying to ad lib through their monologues themselves. I actually don't find Letterman all that funny. Well, the top ten list is occasionally, but other than that I just don't get his humor most of the time, either that or it isn't funny. My moneys on option 2 though. I did however see an interview he did with Paris Hilton a while back... Rumor had it that she stormed off the stage, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. The first half of the interview was really good though, as she tried to talk up her product lines, and Dave kept hammering on her time in prison. I would highly recommend watching it, if you missed it... Heck, even if you did see it, it's worth a second viewing!! Click here to watch it on YouTube!
The second thought I had tonight was on the situation in Pakistan. I know very little of this situation, except what I saw on the news, although it does seem to follow a familiar pattern. Basically Pakistan have declared a State of Emergency (Not sure why, but their president said it was necessary) and the US (Condi Rice, and Bush) are very upset about it and doing all kinds of things to stop it from happening. Way to stand by your friend Bushy! Wasn't Musharraf one of the few in that region that backed your in your war plans despite taking remarkable heat from his population? But that aside, it really hacks me off the way the US Government feels the need to dictate how the rest of the world handles itself. Islamic Extremest Terrorists attack the US, and we launch attacks on Afganistan and Iraq (Who wasn't really involved). Another country attacks Isreal (who supported our attacks) and we feel we should tell them not to overreact. Pakistan calls a State of Emergency and now we tell them they can't... What the hell?
Mr President, please explain why you throw your weight around overseas, but you can't even build a simple fence on the Mexican border, or tell the Mexican border to quit supporting all the illegal aliens escaping their country. Don't even get me started on the rapist that Bush is trying to get freed, simply to try and appease the corrupt politicians in Mexico. I'll stop there, lest I offend younger readers...
So the writers in Hollywood have decided to strike. It appears that the first casualties will be the daily comedy shows like The Late Show with Jay Leno and Letterman with David Letterman. I guess we'll see how funny these guys are really when they're up on the stage trying to ad lib through their monologues themselves. I actually don't find Letterman all that funny. Well, the top ten list is occasionally, but other than that I just don't get his humor most of the time, either that or it isn't funny. My moneys on option 2 though. I did however see an interview he did with Paris Hilton a while back... Rumor had it that she stormed off the stage, but unfortunately that wasn't the case. The first half of the interview was really good though, as she tried to talk up her product lines, and Dave kept hammering on her time in prison. I would highly recommend watching it, if you missed it... Heck, even if you did see it, it's worth a second viewing!! Click here to watch it on YouTube!
The second thought I had tonight was on the situation in Pakistan. I know very little of this situation, except what I saw on the news, although it does seem to follow a familiar pattern. Basically Pakistan have declared a State of Emergency (Not sure why, but their president said it was necessary) and the US (Condi Rice, and Bush) are very upset about it and doing all kinds of things to stop it from happening. Way to stand by your friend Bushy! Wasn't Musharraf one of the few in that region that backed your in your war plans despite taking remarkable heat from his population? But that aside, it really hacks me off the way the US Government feels the need to dictate how the rest of the world handles itself. Islamic Extremest Terrorists attack the US, and we launch attacks on Afganistan and Iraq (Who wasn't really involved). Another country attacks Isreal (who supported our attacks) and we feel we should tell them not to overreact. Pakistan calls a State of Emergency and now we tell them they can't... What the hell?
Mr President, please explain why you throw your weight around overseas, but you can't even build a simple fence on the Mexican border, or tell the Mexican border to quit supporting all the illegal aliens escaping their country. Don't even get me started on the rapist that Bush is trying to get freed, simply to try and appease the corrupt politicians in Mexico. I'll stop there, lest I offend younger readers...
Friday, November 02, 2007
Drug sequel and Chinese Food
So I just came off two weeks of having daily high doses of Pseudoephedrine... The effects of this drug are a lot like ephedra which used to be a great weight loss tool before it was pulled from the market for killing people. It's sad that stuff has to be pulled because people neglect to follow guidelines on the packet and then kill themselves, but this is supposed to be a funny entry.
In the last 3 months I have dropped over 20 pounds... This was in large part due to a diet I made up consisting mostly of protein shakes - No Whey!! is the joke in the office. Any about 80% of the weight came off the first month, and as my fat reserves have dropped and my will power weakened, that curve has leveled off.
My doctor put me of the stuff to clear up large deposits of thick slimy green and yellow stuff in my sinuses - I probably should have clarified to begin with that the humor in this post could likely be categorized in the "Bodily Functions" category, and it will get worse... As a side effect, I was pretty excited about the prospect of souping up my diet with the supplemental help. I'm not normally a drug man, but hey... You've got to follow the doctor's orders. Anyway, in the midst of this, we moved house. Ferrying several truck loads of junk from our tiny house of the last 8 years to our new one that I am not planning on moving from ever!! kind of put the brakes on any working out. In addition I found I was getting minimal sleep each night, which increases cortisol production, and really hammers your chances of losing belly fat... Three days of McDonalds, Burger Kind and Taco Del Mar probably weren't helping either.
On the last day I was on it, so old colleages too me to PF Changs in Salt Lake for lunch. It's a chinese restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprized to find the food absolutely excellent. Lettuce wraps, mongolian beef, sweet and sour chicken and some Singapore Street noodles, and I was a happy man. I was even planning to bring the wife down for a date some time. Then I walked a mile or two back to work and tried to finish up friday... That's when the discomfort started. I endured a couple of hours and then went home. I love seeing my family when I get home, and they seemed extra loving when I walked through the door. With two kids hugging my legs, a wife who needed some adult speak and another 2 kids excited about what had happened at school time stood still. Fortunately I was able to extricate myself from the mob without too many hurt feelings and tore upstairs to my fortress of solitude.
I'm not planning on going to PF Changs again any time soon. The food was excellent but the after effects were less than desirable. As I went running on Monday with a group of friends we discussed our weekend exploits. My description was a subtle description of events describing how I was feeling much better. 1 person not as familiar with the cause as the other asked if the food had tasted as good coming back up. I quietly replied that that had not been the particular problem I had faced, to which another young lass, well know for her ability to tell it how it is responded - "Nope, it came shooting out his butt!!"
The lesson from all of this... The drugs didn't really help with the weight loss like I had planned, but I think that PF Changs did help with a half pound of so. The other lesson that you are likely all hoping I had learnt prior to writing this, is that I really need to start putting content warnings at the tops of my stories.
In the last 3 months I have dropped over 20 pounds... This was in large part due to a diet I made up consisting mostly of protein shakes - No Whey!! is the joke in the office. Any about 80% of the weight came off the first month, and as my fat reserves have dropped and my will power weakened, that curve has leveled off.
My doctor put me of the stuff to clear up large deposits of thick slimy green and yellow stuff in my sinuses - I probably should have clarified to begin with that the humor in this post could likely be categorized in the "Bodily Functions" category, and it will get worse... As a side effect, I was pretty excited about the prospect of souping up my diet with the supplemental help. I'm not normally a drug man, but hey... You've got to follow the doctor's orders. Anyway, in the midst of this, we moved house. Ferrying several truck loads of junk from our tiny house of the last 8 years to our new one that I am not planning on moving from ever!! kind of put the brakes on any working out. In addition I found I was getting minimal sleep each night, which increases cortisol production, and really hammers your chances of losing belly fat... Three days of McDonalds, Burger Kind and Taco Del Mar probably weren't helping either.
On the last day I was on it, so old colleages too me to PF Changs in Salt Lake for lunch. It's a chinese restaurant, and I was pleasantly surprized to find the food absolutely excellent. Lettuce wraps, mongolian beef, sweet and sour chicken and some Singapore Street noodles, and I was a happy man. I was even planning to bring the wife down for a date some time. Then I walked a mile or two back to work and tried to finish up friday... That's when the discomfort started. I endured a couple of hours and then went home. I love seeing my family when I get home, and they seemed extra loving when I walked through the door. With two kids hugging my legs, a wife who needed some adult speak and another 2 kids excited about what had happened at school time stood still. Fortunately I was able to extricate myself from the mob without too many hurt feelings and tore upstairs to my fortress of solitude.
I'm not planning on going to PF Changs again any time soon. The food was excellent but the after effects were less than desirable. As I went running on Monday with a group of friends we discussed our weekend exploits. My description was a subtle description of events describing how I was feeling much better. 1 person not as familiar with the cause as the other asked if the food had tasted as good coming back up. I quietly replied that that had not been the particular problem I had faced, to which another young lass, well know for her ability to tell it how it is responded - "Nope, it came shooting out his butt!!"
The lesson from all of this... The drugs didn't really help with the weight loss like I had planned, but I think that PF Changs did help with a half pound of so. The other lesson that you are likely all hoping I had learnt prior to writing this, is that I really need to start putting content warnings at the tops of my stories.
Country Music and the Pains of Hell
I wrote and posted this a few days ago. It contained a lot of personal stuff that I thought best not to impose upon the rest of the world, however someone did a search on "Mickey Avalon is Stupid" and this post was ranked 4th on Google - Seriously - have you ever seen a Mickey Avalon video? The fact that it was 4th really shocked me. So I have stripped the personal stuff (The pains of hell part!) and left the rest, which actually wasn't that bad - There was still a fair amount of self-loathing, but it fits I think!
I generally don't like country music... When I was a kid there was a joke about backtracking a country song, the punch line being that the guy would get his dog, wife and his truck back - Not a really funny joke, but it pretty much sums up my view of that genre of music. Some years back I would occasionally get the urge to tune into the country station... I sunsequently learned that I am not a pleasant person after listening to it for any amount of time. Kind of like when I used to listen to Michael Jackson - There's self loathing point #1.
There are a handful of country artists that I do like, Toby Keith writes and sings some excellent stuff, and I really like Trace Atkins. My wifes likes some of his stuff too, although I think she's toned that like down a little after she caught my 3 and 1 year olds shaking it to Honky Tonk Badonkadonk... To be fair the look I got on that one was better than the one I got when my 5 year old started singing Mickey Avalon's Jane Fonda as we walked into Church one day - Self loathing point #2
Anyway onto the matter at hand... I was thinkin of a song by Garth Brooks yesterday - He's the only other country guy I like, mostly because he's got Friends in Low Places, but thats another story.
He has a song called The Dance that kind of ties into what I have been thinking about the last few days, but then again not really. It's a typical country song, kind of mellow and sad, so I don't listen to it much. Bascically the story is this... He's married and whilst taking his wife to the local football game runs into his old girlfriend from high school. He talks about how they have changed, and how grateful he is for the prayers which God hasn't answered, since things have turned out better than they would have if he had answered them.
Sometimes though, I think we can look back and find that is isn't so much a case of unanswered prayers, it just that our decisions take us in interesting directions. Not necessarily for better or worse, just different.
I'll no doubt still think back occasionally, but I defintely think the best course is to continue forward and hopefully not make those same mistakes again. I'm grateful in the extreme for second chances though.
I generally don't like country music... When I was a kid there was a joke about backtracking a country song, the punch line being that the guy would get his dog, wife and his truck back - Not a really funny joke, but it pretty much sums up my view of that genre of music. Some years back I would occasionally get the urge to tune into the country station... I sunsequently learned that I am not a pleasant person after listening to it for any amount of time. Kind of like when I used to listen to Michael Jackson - There's self loathing point #1.
There are a handful of country artists that I do like, Toby Keith writes and sings some excellent stuff, and I really like Trace Atkins. My wifes likes some of his stuff too, although I think she's toned that like down a little after she caught my 3 and 1 year olds shaking it to Honky Tonk Badonkadonk... To be fair the look I got on that one was better than the one I got when my 5 year old started singing Mickey Avalon's Jane Fonda as we walked into Church one day - Self loathing point #2
Anyway onto the matter at hand... I was thinkin of a song by Garth Brooks yesterday - He's the only other country guy I like, mostly because he's got Friends in Low Places, but thats another story.
He has a song called The Dance that kind of ties into what I have been thinking about the last few days, but then again not really. It's a typical country song, kind of mellow and sad, so I don't listen to it much. Bascically the story is this... He's married and whilst taking his wife to the local football game runs into his old girlfriend from high school. He talks about how they have changed, and how grateful he is for the prayers which God hasn't answered, since things have turned out better than they would have if he had answered them.
Sometimes though, I think we can look back and find that is isn't so much a case of unanswered prayers, it just that our decisions take us in interesting directions. Not necessarily for better or worse, just different.
I'll no doubt still think back occasionally, but I defintely think the best course is to continue forward and hopefully not make those same mistakes again. I'm grateful in the extreme for second chances though.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Patriotic Banking
There are some things in my life that I am a control freak about. One big thing is my finances... The area I'm freakish over, isn't the spending and that kind of thing, it's just knowing where my money is, and being able to move it around as I see fit.
I currently have money with 2 Credit Unions. For those not sure what a Credit Union is... It's kind of like a bank, except it is member owned, so any dividends come back to the member. I have found the interest higher, the fee's non-existent, and I like their level of customer service.
Anyway, so a couple of times a month I'll sit down and do my bills. I'll set up the auto payments, transfer money from my savings to my checking, pay any other bills, double check my calculations, and generally by the end of the night, I've made 5 or 6 transfers back and forth to make sure all my accounts are in synch.
A few months ago while transferring a couple of dollars from my savings, I noticed that message saying that I had just completed a Regulation D transfer. Subsequent investigation revealed that it is part of a Government Program that tracks all my transfers and limits transfers from a Savings account to any other account (except loan payments) to 8 transfers a month. It was hard to determine if this is a plan on their part to encourage people to save, or if it has to do with the war on terror and trying to track money used to fund terrorists, but if I remember right I think it kind of tried to cover both.
For the NSA and CIA agents who read this post when it gets flagged for using the words terrorist, funding and government in the same piece of writing...
I'm not a freaking terrorist! I'm just a normal guy trying to manage his money and contribute to the American economy. Putting these restrictions in place makes it harder for me to save money, and why the hell are you concerned about my banking decisions when you can't even secure the Mexican border?
Regulation D is one of the dumbest pieces of legislation that the boneheads in Washington have passed recently.
America, land of the free - free to be abused by an out of control government that is...
I currently have money with 2 Credit Unions. For those not sure what a Credit Union is... It's kind of like a bank, except it is member owned, so any dividends come back to the member. I have found the interest higher, the fee's non-existent, and I like their level of customer service.
Anyway, so a couple of times a month I'll sit down and do my bills. I'll set up the auto payments, transfer money from my savings to my checking, pay any other bills, double check my calculations, and generally by the end of the night, I've made 5 or 6 transfers back and forth to make sure all my accounts are in synch.
A few months ago while transferring a couple of dollars from my savings, I noticed that message saying that I had just completed a Regulation D transfer. Subsequent investigation revealed that it is part of a Government Program that tracks all my transfers and limits transfers from a Savings account to any other account (except loan payments) to 8 transfers a month. It was hard to determine if this is a plan on their part to encourage people to save, or if it has to do with the war on terror and trying to track money used to fund terrorists, but if I remember right I think it kind of tried to cover both.
For the NSA and CIA agents who read this post when it gets flagged for using the words terrorist, funding and government in the same piece of writing...
I'm not a freaking terrorist! I'm just a normal guy trying to manage his money and contribute to the American economy. Putting these restrictions in place makes it harder for me to save money, and why the hell are you concerned about my banking decisions when you can't even secure the Mexican border?
Regulation D is one of the dumbest pieces of legislation that the boneheads in Washington have passed recently.
America, land of the free - free to be abused by an out of control government that is...
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Defining the Koda
I signed up for a group a while back called NaBloPoMo. National Blog Posting Month. Basically the idea is that during the month of November every member of the group has to post something every day. I'm going to try my best to do this, but we'll see at the end of November.
So since I'm about to start a month of daily blogging, I figured it would be good to kick it off with a discussion of who and what the Urban Koda stands for...
My identity is somewhat of a secret... A few people know who I am, and I try and keep it that way. I'm not so worried of people finding out my true identity, I'm more worried about people who know my true identity, finding out about the Urban Koda. This worried me a little because I am not one who likes to live a double life, but I have found that certain people, mostly family, just can't handle some of this stuff... So in my normal life I discuss these topics with care, whilst as the Urban Koda, nothing is sacred!
Originally this blog was supposed to be about the power of the human soul... It's somehow morphed into a hodge podge of political commentary, religeous observations and just random thoughts I have had.
So if I were to define the Urban Koda...
So that's me, or at least part of me... I'll be interested to see where I end up after 30 straight days of posting.
So since I'm about to start a month of daily blogging, I figured it would be good to kick it off with a discussion of who and what the Urban Koda stands for...
My identity is somewhat of a secret... A few people know who I am, and I try and keep it that way. I'm not so worried of people finding out my true identity, I'm more worried about people who know my true identity, finding out about the Urban Koda. This worried me a little because I am not one who likes to live a double life, but I have found that certain people, mostly family, just can't handle some of this stuff... So in my normal life I discuss these topics with care, whilst as the Urban Koda, nothing is sacred!
Originally this blog was supposed to be about the power of the human soul... It's somehow morphed into a hodge podge of political commentary, religeous observations and just random thoughts I have had.
So if I were to define the Urban Koda...
- I believe in freedom. No-one is a slave unless they choose to be.
- I beleive in the infinite power of the human soul. Your body may limit your physical interaction with the world around you, but your mind and soul are limitless.
- Generally religeon is for weak minded individuals who want to be part of the herd. True religeon should help a man realize his full potential. Realizing that full potential shifts power from a religeous organization to the individual, and therein lies the conflict of interest.
- I believe in God and Christ. However not in the way most people do. I would tell you, but conversations like this normally end with the other party testifying about Satan and telling me I'm headed straight to hell...
- I don't like politicians. Most of greedy self centered scum bags.
- I'm not a republican
- I'm not a democrat
- I don't think you can do something good based on a foundation of deceit. Sorry Bush, but the Iraq war and your plans to form an American Union don't sit well with me for that exact reason.
- Everything should be questioned.
- Pure Religeon, Pure Science should take us to the same place.
- I cannot control you, and you cannot control me. Attempting to do so is the reason for all the crap going on in the world right now.
- I love exercise - to the point that it I might have an obsesssion with it. This is new for me, but I hope it continues. I would like to compete in an IronMan triathlon before I turn 40.
- I believe that all men are created equal. We're all born into different circumstances, but we can all succeed.
- Success is not wealth. Wealth is not success. Success is being headed in the right direction for you.
- I'm frequently sarcastic - Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, but it's still a form!!
- I abhore violence
- I believe in the American Constitution. I choose to believe in it. I think that it should be held up as a light to the world, but never imposed upon them.
- I like most music, movies and just life in general.
- I would like to strip my life of all prejudices. Prejudice is just another way of defining fear and ignorance.
So that's me, or at least part of me... I'll be interested to see where I end up after 30 straight days of posting.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Morons Anonymous
I feel a little like I'm in some 12 step program and I'm up to the part where I'm going around apologizing to people.
About a month or so back I discovered Face-book... In the last month, I have reconnected with people from Elementary School, High School and various other periods in my life. I did a blog about that time about how much I have changed over the last 15-20 years and that still holds true.
Amongst the old friends I have reconnected with, are 2 ex-girlfriends. With one exception none of the girls, I dated and I were still on speaking terms. That one exception was a mutual break-up. She was in New Zealand and me in South Africa, and we both sent a letter about the same time indicating that things probably weren't going to work out. We ended up as excellent friends, although I have kind of lost touch in recent years. It's tricky balancing relationships with past flames and a wife. My wife is incredible, and I would never even consider leaving her, so when it comes down to it, if something is going to jeapardize that relationship, it gets given up really quickly.
Anyway, back to the ex-girlfriends... I was a social moron as a teenager. I approached relationships as an all or nothing type thing, and then followed Hitler's idea of using a strict scorched earth policy if things went wrong - it pretty much worked out as well for me as it did for him though.
For the past decade or so, I've often worried about how I left things with some of these young ladies, and while hopefully I have learned from those experiences, it still bugged me how things ended.
In the last month though I have been able to make contact with 2 of them, and have decent civil email conversations with them. Time is definitely a great healer, but also I have apologized to both for my being a complete moron all those years ago. I have been pleasantly surprized at how good it has felt to get those monkey's off my back, especially when I wasn't even really aware the monkey was there.
I'm hoping at this point though that I can figure out how to help my kids learn these lessons before they start dating. Pretty much the only advise I got from my parents was that "I was being too physical" and then some other really bad advise based on how they perceived the various girls. It seems like they always really liked the ones they shouldn't have, and disliked they should have, thinking they were the other way around.
It feels good to apologize and right past wrongs - Of course it would be better if I learned my lessons earlier rather than later, but I'm sure I'll be finding things to apologize for later in life that I am doing now, because I'm still a moron at times.
About a month or so back I discovered Face-book... In the last month, I have reconnected with people from Elementary School, High School and various other periods in my life. I did a blog about that time about how much I have changed over the last 15-20 years and that still holds true.
Amongst the old friends I have reconnected with, are 2 ex-girlfriends. With one exception none of the girls, I dated and I were still on speaking terms. That one exception was a mutual break-up. She was in New Zealand and me in South Africa, and we both sent a letter about the same time indicating that things probably weren't going to work out. We ended up as excellent friends, although I have kind of lost touch in recent years. It's tricky balancing relationships with past flames and a wife. My wife is incredible, and I would never even consider leaving her, so when it comes down to it, if something is going to jeapardize that relationship, it gets given up really quickly.
Anyway, back to the ex-girlfriends... I was a social moron as a teenager. I approached relationships as an all or nothing type thing, and then followed Hitler's idea of using a strict scorched earth policy if things went wrong - it pretty much worked out as well for me as it did for him though.
For the past decade or so, I've often worried about how I left things with some of these young ladies, and while hopefully I have learned from those experiences, it still bugged me how things ended.
In the last month though I have been able to make contact with 2 of them, and have decent civil email conversations with them. Time is definitely a great healer, but also I have apologized to both for my being a complete moron all those years ago. I have been pleasantly surprized at how good it has felt to get those monkey's off my back, especially when I wasn't even really aware the monkey was there.
I'm hoping at this point though that I can figure out how to help my kids learn these lessons before they start dating. Pretty much the only advise I got from my parents was that "I was being too physical" and then some other really bad advise based on how they perceived the various girls. It seems like they always really liked the ones they shouldn't have, and disliked they should have, thinking they were the other way around.
It feels good to apologize and right past wrongs - Of course it would be better if I learned my lessons earlier rather than later, but I'm sure I'll be finding things to apologize for later in life that I am doing now, because I'm still a moron at times.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Something for everyone...
I remember hearing a montage of John Kerry sound clips back in 2004. Basically they illustrated how he was on both sides of every argument. The end message was that no matter what your view, John Kerry believed the same way as you. Funny in a way, but also a disturbing view of what politics has become.
When you look at the field for the 2008 election season, I think what we have is a field of establishment supported politicians, who care more about their personal comfort than the American people. I find their lack of integrity sickening and am not sure if I would trust any of them to sit the right way on a toilet seat, let alone run a great nation.
2008 will also be the first year that I will be able to participate in the Presidential Election, courtesy of the Immagration and Customs Enforcement agency of Homeland Security, so this is of particular interest to me.
In this field of what could only be described as scum bags, there are however 2 exeptions. Barrock Obama is an interesting candidate, his desire to work for the people and not take money from sources which he feels are corrupting politicians has definitely interested me a lot more in him. I don't know enough about him to make an educated analysis of his platform, but I would definitely like to find out more.
Ron Paul is the other exception, not only in the Presidential Race, but in almost every aspect of politics. The more I read about him, hear him and learn about him, the more I like him. Some of his idea's seem a little extreme, but he has excellent logic to support those ideas. He is a politician of the people who calls it as he sees it, and does not change his views based on what he thinks you want to hear from him.
The thing that I like about him the most is that he believes that the more complex an issue, the more localized it needs to be.
Schools shouldn't be handled federally, they should be handled locally, so you can have more say on how things are done.
Abortion and other hot topics are much the same.
Ron Paul is a candidate that will let you live you live and continue to pursue life, liberty and happiness. He is a true American and in the race to make a difference to the country not for himself.
A vote for Ron Paul, isn't a wasted vote, it's a vote for you, me and America.
When you look at the field for the 2008 election season, I think what we have is a field of establishment supported politicians, who care more about their personal comfort than the American people. I find their lack of integrity sickening and am not sure if I would trust any of them to sit the right way on a toilet seat, let alone run a great nation.
2008 will also be the first year that I will be able to participate in the Presidential Election, courtesy of the Immagration and Customs Enforcement agency of Homeland Security, so this is of particular interest to me.
In this field of what could only be described as scum bags, there are however 2 exeptions. Barrock Obama is an interesting candidate, his desire to work for the people and not take money from sources which he feels are corrupting politicians has definitely interested me a lot more in him. I don't know enough about him to make an educated analysis of his platform, but I would definitely like to find out more.
Ron Paul is the other exception, not only in the Presidential Race, but in almost every aspect of politics. The more I read about him, hear him and learn about him, the more I like him. Some of his idea's seem a little extreme, but he has excellent logic to support those ideas. He is a politician of the people who calls it as he sees it, and does not change his views based on what he thinks you want to hear from him.
- If you are against the Iraqi war, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
- If you are for border security, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
- If you are concerned with all the meddling we do in world affairs, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
- If you would like to see America get out of debt and limit government spending, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
- If you would like to help people become self sufficient and succeed, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
- If you believe in freedom, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
- If you believe in Civil Liberties, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
- If you feel something is very wrong with modern politics, Ron Paul is an excellent candidate.
The thing that I like about him the most is that he believes that the more complex an issue, the more localized it needs to be.
Schools shouldn't be handled federally, they should be handled locally, so you can have more say on how things are done.
Abortion and other hot topics are much the same.
Ron Paul is a candidate that will let you live you live and continue to pursue life, liberty and happiness. He is a true American and in the race to make a difference to the country not for himself.
A vote for Ron Paul, isn't a wasted vote, it's a vote for you, me and America.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Gay Marriage
As promised, albeit late here is the posting on Gay Marriage.
I used to be very against gay marriage. I used to think some pretty low things of any one with homosexual leanings. I owe the whole community an apology.
I'm not sure why I felt that way, but the feeling went pretty deep and was significant.
I think the change happened a year or two back, while talking to an excellent friend of mine. He asked me what I was scared of.
That's an interesting question. If you've been reading this blog from the beginning, you'll know my feelings on fear and how overused and abused it is in our society. On the subject of Gay Marriage I have heard the following arguments...
It will destroy the traditional family
It diminishes the sanctity of marriage
It's a sin
OK, first off, how are two people committing to live together going to destroy my family? This is almost a non-argument. They love each other, respect each other and are committed to work together to achieve something better than either could achieve on their own. When you think about it, doesn't America need more people who are willing to make these kinds of decisions.
The sanctity of marriage.... Hmmmm. Britney Spears likes being in the spotlight so lets look at her. She had a 'traditional' marriage, and I'm not sure there was too much sanctity in that one - Actually isn't this marriage #2 for her? Liz Taylor, Pamela Anderson and the list could go on for weeks. How an earth can you claim that our society believes in any kind of sanctity of marriage when this is going on, and don't even get me started on the divorce rate in traditional marriages.
It's a sin! Do you know what I think is worse... Raising kids who are self-righteous bigots. Who determines what is a sin and what isn't. Sure I may not choose to live a homosexual lifestyle, but that doesn't make it a sin.
So before I launch to much further into my tirade, let me summarize my feelings thought and beliefs on Gay Marriage. I think it's a good and fair thing. If two consenting adults want to commit to live together and take care of one another, by all means let them get married. Let them have access to all the benefits of medical insurance of a spouse, tax advantages and everything else. It's the right thing to do, it's fair and I think it would make the world a better place.
Please feel free to disagree, just make sure you back it up with some solid reasons why.
I used to be very against gay marriage. I used to think some pretty low things of any one with homosexual leanings. I owe the whole community an apology.
I'm not sure why I felt that way, but the feeling went pretty deep and was significant.
I think the change happened a year or two back, while talking to an excellent friend of mine. He asked me what I was scared of.
That's an interesting question. If you've been reading this blog from the beginning, you'll know my feelings on fear and how overused and abused it is in our society. On the subject of Gay Marriage I have heard the following arguments...
It will destroy the traditional family
It diminishes the sanctity of marriage
It's a sin
OK, first off, how are two people committing to live together going to destroy my family? This is almost a non-argument. They love each other, respect each other and are committed to work together to achieve something better than either could achieve on their own. When you think about it, doesn't America need more people who are willing to make these kinds of decisions.
The sanctity of marriage.... Hmmmm. Britney Spears likes being in the spotlight so lets look at her. She had a 'traditional' marriage, and I'm not sure there was too much sanctity in that one - Actually isn't this marriage #2 for her? Liz Taylor, Pamela Anderson and the list could go on for weeks. How an earth can you claim that our society believes in any kind of sanctity of marriage when this is going on, and don't even get me started on the divorce rate in traditional marriages.
It's a sin! Do you know what I think is worse... Raising kids who are self-righteous bigots. Who determines what is a sin and what isn't. Sure I may not choose to live a homosexual lifestyle, but that doesn't make it a sin.
So before I launch to much further into my tirade, let me summarize my feelings thought and beliefs on Gay Marriage. I think it's a good and fair thing. If two consenting adults want to commit to live together and take care of one another, by all means let them get married. Let them have access to all the benefits of medical insurance of a spouse, tax advantages and everything else. It's the right thing to do, it's fair and I think it would make the world a better place.
Please feel free to disagree, just make sure you back it up with some solid reasons why.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Gay Marriage and My Drug of Choice
Sorry folks, this week has flown by and this will be my first posting for it. If it makes you feel any better, I'm three or four days behind on my reading of the Dilbert blog too...
I'll start off with a discussion on my drug of choice... well, let start off with a funny story! I was involved in a leadership council at the Church I attend. This was about a year ago. At the time I was working full time, had an almost full time home business and was struggling to keep family, sleep and everything else in balance. I figured I could cut down on sleep, but caffeine only helps so far. So there we sit, three or four of us, and an idea comes to mind... Being an idiot, I open my mouth. I say idiot, because invariably when I say something wacky with a straight face, people think I am serious and all kinds of problems ensue. "Do you think God would be OK with us taking Crystal Meth to help us be more effective in our positions as Church leaders? I mean we would have so much more energy and could get a lot more done..." STUNNED SILENCE, and then the stammering..., "Um, uh, well, um, a God would, well um, drugs, bad..." - "No seriously guys, as long as we used it in a responsible way, I don't think he would mind" - "Um uh, well um, I er" Anyway, I am no longer in that council - Not sure if my ideas for greater effectiveness had anything to do with that though.
So why Crystal Meth - well personally, I wouldn't choose to use it purely because of the side effects. I had a friend who tried it once, and he described it as if he had thousands of alarm clocks going off at once, and while he had the energy, he just didn't know how or what to do. I guess the brain damage would be a factor in my decision as well.
I was sick last week, and so the doctor prescribed a bunch of stuff, including some souped up Psuedoephedrine pills. You have to sign all kinds of Department of Justice stuff when you get them, since they are trying to crack down on Meth production (and these are a major ingredient, aparently). I like pseudoephedrine - it ramps up the heart and makes you feel really good. I don't think I've slept more than 4 or 5 hours each night all this week, but even now I feel FanFreakingTastic!
Psuedoephedrine is my drug of choice, now I just need to learn how to spell it right!
I wanted to touch on my opinions on Gay Marriage as well, but this post is getting a wee bit long... Perhaps later in the day!
For the record... I do not endorse Crystal Meth production or use. I was kidding when I raised it at the Church Council meeting. And I only use Psuedoephedrine when I have a major cold or other sinus infection - besides if you use it too much, it does't pack the same punch each time and that just not a responsible way to use drugs!
I'll start off with a discussion on my drug of choice... well, let start off with a funny story! I was involved in a leadership council at the Church I attend. This was about a year ago. At the time I was working full time, had an almost full time home business and was struggling to keep family, sleep and everything else in balance. I figured I could cut down on sleep, but caffeine only helps so far. So there we sit, three or four of us, and an idea comes to mind... Being an idiot, I open my mouth. I say idiot, because invariably when I say something wacky with a straight face, people think I am serious and all kinds of problems ensue. "Do you think God would be OK with us taking Crystal Meth to help us be more effective in our positions as Church leaders? I mean we would have so much more energy and could get a lot more done..." STUNNED SILENCE, and then the stammering..., "Um, uh, well, um, a God would, well um, drugs, bad..." - "No seriously guys, as long as we used it in a responsible way, I don't think he would mind" - "Um uh, well um, I er" Anyway, I am no longer in that council - Not sure if my ideas for greater effectiveness had anything to do with that though.
So why Crystal Meth - well personally, I wouldn't choose to use it purely because of the side effects. I had a friend who tried it once, and he described it as if he had thousands of alarm clocks going off at once, and while he had the energy, he just didn't know how or what to do. I guess the brain damage would be a factor in my decision as well.
I was sick last week, and so the doctor prescribed a bunch of stuff, including some souped up Psuedoephedrine pills. You have to sign all kinds of Department of Justice stuff when you get them, since they are trying to crack down on Meth production (and these are a major ingredient, aparently). I like pseudoephedrine - it ramps up the heart and makes you feel really good. I don't think I've slept more than 4 or 5 hours each night all this week, but even now I feel FanFreakingTastic!
Psuedoephedrine is my drug of choice, now I just need to learn how to spell it right!
I wanted to touch on my opinions on Gay Marriage as well, but this post is getting a wee bit long... Perhaps later in the day!
For the record... I do not endorse Crystal Meth production or use. I was kidding when I raised it at the Church Council meeting. And I only use Psuedoephedrine when I have a major cold or other sinus infection - besides if you use it too much, it does't pack the same punch each time and that just not a responsible way to use drugs!
Friday, October 12, 2007
And the Nobel Prize for Credibility Assassination goes to...
...The Nobel Prize committee.
I have always considered the Nobel Prize to be an award for those who achieve excellence in a particular field.
Recently a University of Utah professor received it for discovering a method to genetically alter DNA in mice to simulate various diseases. Simply amazing stuff.
Nelson Mandela received it for his contribution to world peace, and having heard him speak in person, I think it was very well deserved.
Jimmy Carter got it for peace as well, and while I personally feel he does more to cause problems, you have to admire a man who tries his best to resolves situations without resorting to war.
Al Gore was just nominated to receive the award for his contribution to informing the Globe about the dangers of Climate Change. Well he has done a good job propogating this flawed philosophy, you would think that a committee such as the Nobel Prize committee would be able to rise above the hype that Global Warming has become.
There is one way in which I guess he may have earned it...
With politician on both sides of the political spectrum now running to jump on the Climate Change bandwagon, this is an issue which could have the potential to bring people on all sides together. By focussing on a common enemy (although in this case the enemy is just an illusion) it could have had the potential to bring the world together.
The flaws with this approach though are definitely worse than the potential problems with global climate change.
1. People are being manipulated to stand together on an issue because it is being used to instill fear into them. Fear is a great tool to shut down logical thinking and stimulate a group to follow a single idea, unquestioningly.
2. Almost everytime this is raised by a politician, they invariably end up promising legislation to prevent this calamity. The last thing this world needs is more government intervention and involvement.
3. Global warming is a myth. It's not science and at some point it will be debunked on a global level. I call the resulting effect of this, the 'Santa Claus Effect', because as a child, when I discovered the truth of Santa Claus, I started to wonder what else my parents had lied about. While it will cause people to question what they are told, which is good in and of itself, but it will also cause a significant amount of ill feeling and mistrust. Mistrust is something that politicians and other supporters of Climate Change deserve right now, but I don't think it would form a very good basis for a functional society.
So in summary, while the Nobel prize may indeed be a great honor to receive, awarding it to someone like Al Gore, seriously diminishes that honor. Sorry guys, but you really should have thought this one through.
I have always considered the Nobel Prize to be an award for those who achieve excellence in a particular field.
Recently a University of Utah professor received it for discovering a method to genetically alter DNA in mice to simulate various diseases. Simply amazing stuff.
Nelson Mandela received it for his contribution to world peace, and having heard him speak in person, I think it was very well deserved.
Jimmy Carter got it for peace as well, and while I personally feel he does more to cause problems, you have to admire a man who tries his best to resolves situations without resorting to war.
Al Gore was just nominated to receive the award for his contribution to informing the Globe about the dangers of Climate Change. Well he has done a good job propogating this flawed philosophy, you would think that a committee such as the Nobel Prize committee would be able to rise above the hype that Global Warming has become.
There is one way in which I guess he may have earned it...
With politician on both sides of the political spectrum now running to jump on the Climate Change bandwagon, this is an issue which could have the potential to bring people on all sides together. By focussing on a common enemy (although in this case the enemy is just an illusion) it could have had the potential to bring the world together.
The flaws with this approach though are definitely worse than the potential problems with global climate change.
1. People are being manipulated to stand together on an issue because it is being used to instill fear into them. Fear is a great tool to shut down logical thinking and stimulate a group to follow a single idea, unquestioningly.
2. Almost everytime this is raised by a politician, they invariably end up promising legislation to prevent this calamity. The last thing this world needs is more government intervention and involvement.
3. Global warming is a myth. It's not science and at some point it will be debunked on a global level. I call the resulting effect of this, the 'Santa Claus Effect', because as a child, when I discovered the truth of Santa Claus, I started to wonder what else my parents had lied about. While it will cause people to question what they are told, which is good in and of itself, but it will also cause a significant amount of ill feeling and mistrust. Mistrust is something that politicians and other supporters of Climate Change deserve right now, but I don't think it would form a very good basis for a functional society.
So in summary, while the Nobel prize may indeed be a great honor to receive, awarding it to someone like Al Gore, seriously diminishes that honor. Sorry guys, but you really should have thought this one through.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Scientific Cascades Amongst Others
Scott Adams referred to an article in the New York Times in this morning's blog. He used evolution as an example in explaining the article, but I would like to look at 2 or 3 other examples to which it could be applied. The article itself is very informative, itself using the debate over the benefits of low-fat diets to illustrate the point. I would highly recommend reading it...
NY Times - Diet and Fat: A Severe Case of Mistaken Consensus
So basically what seems to happen is that a scientist or other notable person makes a discovery, observes something, or comes up with a theory. Other scientists then follow his lead, adding their voices to the cause, and before long a significant consensus is built, not based on scientific fact, but simply on the idea that, that many smart people can't be wrong.
So let's look at a few examples:
I posted an entry yesterday on Global Warming. If you reviewed some of the supporting material I provided, you will no doubt have seen that the initial idea about the temperature change was from a graph showing average temperatures with a sharp increase in the early 80's. Recently it was found that a change was made in the way average temperatures were calculated, this change however was not retroactively applied to temperatures prior to the change, and the result was a graph showing irrefutable evidence that the planet is warming.
I have found that human nature seems to see what it wants to see if it approaches a problem with a presumed idea of the outcome. I had a co-worker years ago come and ask me to speak with the boss about a potential idea. I forget the specifics, but lets say the employee thought making widget A was a good idea, but felt that the boss would just shoot it down. We entered the office. Coworker presented the idea that widget A would be a good idea. The boss agreed. The coworker then provided every possible reason as to why widget A was a bad idea, and had no chance of succeeding. The boss listened, and then agreed with him, that it might not be in the best interests of the company. We left the office, and co-worker turned to me, and said something to the effect of... "Did you see how he just shot my idea down? He does it all the time."
Something else where this happens is religeon. A significant leader proposes an idea, whether from a divine source or his own brain. Followers assume he speaks for God and start to teach it as coming from a divine source, and before long, a simple musing or idea turns into a rigid doctrine. Some years ago, a leader in the denomination with which I affiliate made a comment on preparing to be a missionary... He said that it required a certain amount of preparation, and that you could not base your efectiveness purely on "how many kills you had achieved in a video game." He got some good laughs, and I think the intent of his message was not that video games were bad, but that the preparation was needed in other area's of life as well. Last year, our local leader decided that it was innappropriate for any member of the congregation to engage in video game tournaments, citing the point made by the afforementioned leader. Blindly everyone followed - except me! My house went up for sale shorly thereafter! I'd prefer not to live amongst men who abuse their presumed authority and a bunch of sheep who follow them blindly, but that's beside the point!
The more I think about this, the more I can see it in the world around me... Politics, Academics, Sports, and the list goes on and on.
I think the key is getting people to think for themselves. When an idea is articulated by a person, that idea should be judged on it's own merits, rather than on the merits of the person who proposes it.
NY Times - Diet and Fat: A Severe Case of Mistaken Consensus
So basically what seems to happen is that a scientist or other notable person makes a discovery, observes something, or comes up with a theory. Other scientists then follow his lead, adding their voices to the cause, and before long a significant consensus is built, not based on scientific fact, but simply on the idea that, that many smart people can't be wrong.
So let's look at a few examples:
I posted an entry yesterday on Global Warming. If you reviewed some of the supporting material I provided, you will no doubt have seen that the initial idea about the temperature change was from a graph showing average temperatures with a sharp increase in the early 80's. Recently it was found that a change was made in the way average temperatures were calculated, this change however was not retroactively applied to temperatures prior to the change, and the result was a graph showing irrefutable evidence that the planet is warming.
I have found that human nature seems to see what it wants to see if it approaches a problem with a presumed idea of the outcome. I had a co-worker years ago come and ask me to speak with the boss about a potential idea. I forget the specifics, but lets say the employee thought making widget A was a good idea, but felt that the boss would just shoot it down. We entered the office. Coworker presented the idea that widget A would be a good idea. The boss agreed. The coworker then provided every possible reason as to why widget A was a bad idea, and had no chance of succeeding. The boss listened, and then agreed with him, that it might not be in the best interests of the company. We left the office, and co-worker turned to me, and said something to the effect of... "Did you see how he just shot my idea down? He does it all the time."
Something else where this happens is religeon. A significant leader proposes an idea, whether from a divine source or his own brain. Followers assume he speaks for God and start to teach it as coming from a divine source, and before long, a simple musing or idea turns into a rigid doctrine. Some years ago, a leader in the denomination with which I affiliate made a comment on preparing to be a missionary... He said that it required a certain amount of preparation, and that you could not base your efectiveness purely on "how many kills you had achieved in a video game." He got some good laughs, and I think the intent of his message was not that video games were bad, but that the preparation was needed in other area's of life as well. Last year, our local leader decided that it was innappropriate for any member of the congregation to engage in video game tournaments, citing the point made by the afforementioned leader. Blindly everyone followed - except me! My house went up for sale shorly thereafter! I'd prefer not to live amongst men who abuse their presumed authority and a bunch of sheep who follow them blindly, but that's beside the point!
The more I think about this, the more I can see it in the world around me... Politics, Academics, Sports, and the list goes on and on.
I think the key is getting people to think for themselves. When an idea is articulated by a person, that idea should be judged on it's own merits, rather than on the merits of the person who proposes it.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Egg on my face...
The Salt Lake Tribune had a terrifying headline today, and it just got worse as I read the first paragraph:
Greenhouse pollution: Utah warming faster than anywhere else on Earth
Utah is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions per capita than the rest of the nation. The state is warming faster than anywhere else on the planet. And if nothing changes, prolonged, extreme droughts and heat waves are virtually assured.
The grim findings released Tuesday in the final report from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change are bad news for coming generations. But they also underpin scores of suggestions for an action plan to shrink the state's carbon footprint, a goal the governor intends to pursue.
KSL TV had the same story, only a little less dire.
Task Force Makes Suggestions about Global Warming
Global warming is for real, human activity is likely causing most of it, and it could mean serious consequences for Utah. The Governor's office released those scientific conclusions today, along with recommendations for doing something about the problem.
The governor appointed a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Climate Change more than a year ago. They in turn asked climate experts for a scientific report. But whether you believe the conclusions in their final report issued today, the Task Force is asking you to be part of the solution.
Is the earth's climate warming up? The science report for the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force says, "There is no longer any scientific doubt... There is very high confidence that human-generated increases in greenhouse gas concentrations are responsible for most of the global warming observed during the past 50 years."
Let me begin by apologizing to the rest of the world for causing your problems with global warming. I and every other Utah hang our heads in shame.
There are a few tips to follow when telling a good lie. These stories followed half of those tips, but missed the boat on the others.
Tip #1: Clever liars give details, but the cleverest don't. I think this was how my parents knew when I was lying, because it always involved some elaborate story. These two articles contain no details about any scientific evidence what-so-ever. Of course in the case of this article it might be handy to be able to look up those references for yourself, but since there is "No longer any scientific doubt..." I guess I don't need to.
Tip #2: A lie needs to be 95% truth. The idea here is you want the lie to be believable. For so time, I have been seeing reports about Beijing, especially in light of the Olympics there next year. They have problems with pollution, due to all the green house gases being pumped out by power plants. Surprisingly though, UT, a state with an abundance of forests and open land is worse than China - at least that is what the idiot reporters would have us believe.
Seriously though folks, this is the biggest load of CRAP I have even read - well except for when the HR Rep at my last employer tried to explain their compensation philosophy or complete lack there-of, but that could be the subject for another blog!
I have stated before, that I feel it is important to take care of the environment, but I believe we should do that out of personal responsibility, rather than by being manipulated by moron politicians and reporters after a story.
If you would like to understand why this is such a big deal, I would really recommend reading Michael Crichton's State of Fear
Chester the Bear has also written some excellent posts on this matter, and providing this link to an excellent series of video's from the Scientific Community about why the climate data is faulty, as well as the natural cycles of the earth, through which the earth is continuing to go.
As for the reporters, politicians and everyone else involved in the BS that is this 'news' story... Most of probably just well-meaning, yet absolutely and completely ignorant, to which I say... tsk, tsk, tsk!
Greenhouse pollution: Utah warming faster than anywhere else on Earth
Utah is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions per capita than the rest of the nation. The state is warming faster than anywhere else on the planet. And if nothing changes, prolonged, extreme droughts and heat waves are virtually assured.
The grim findings released Tuesday in the final report from Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr.'s Blue Ribbon Advisory Council on Climate Change are bad news for coming generations. But they also underpin scores of suggestions for an action plan to shrink the state's carbon footprint, a goal the governor intends to pursue.
KSL TV had the same story, only a little less dire.
Task Force Makes Suggestions about Global Warming
Global warming is for real, human activity is likely causing most of it, and it could mean serious consequences for Utah. The Governor's office released those scientific conclusions today, along with recommendations for doing something about the problem.
The governor appointed a Blue Ribbon Task Force on Climate Change more than a year ago. They in turn asked climate experts for a scientific report. But whether you believe the conclusions in their final report issued today, the Task Force is asking you to be part of the solution.
Is the earth's climate warming up? The science report for the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force says, "There is no longer any scientific doubt... There is very high confidence that human-generated increases in greenhouse gas concentrations are responsible for most of the global warming observed during the past 50 years."
Let me begin by apologizing to the rest of the world for causing your problems with global warming. I and every other Utah hang our heads in shame.
There are a few tips to follow when telling a good lie. These stories followed half of those tips, but missed the boat on the others.
Tip #1: Clever liars give details, but the cleverest don't. I think this was how my parents knew when I was lying, because it always involved some elaborate story. These two articles contain no details about any scientific evidence what-so-ever. Of course in the case of this article it might be handy to be able to look up those references for yourself, but since there is "No longer any scientific doubt..." I guess I don't need to.
Tip #2: A lie needs to be 95% truth. The idea here is you want the lie to be believable. For so time, I have been seeing reports about Beijing, especially in light of the Olympics there next year. They have problems with pollution, due to all the green house gases being pumped out by power plants. Surprisingly though, UT, a state with an abundance of forests and open land is worse than China - at least that is what the idiot reporters would have us believe.
Seriously though folks, this is the biggest load of CRAP I have even read - well except for when the HR Rep at my last employer tried to explain their compensation philosophy or complete lack there-of, but that could be the subject for another blog!
I have stated before, that I feel it is important to take care of the environment, but I believe we should do that out of personal responsibility, rather than by being manipulated by moron politicians and reporters after a story.
If you would like to understand why this is such a big deal, I would really recommend reading Michael Crichton's State of Fear
Chester the Bear has also written some excellent posts on this matter, and providing this link to an excellent series of video's from the Scientific Community about why the climate data is faulty, as well as the natural cycles of the earth, through which the earth is continuing to go.
As for the reporters, politicians and everyone else involved in the BS that is this 'news' story... Most of probably just well-meaning, yet absolutely and completely ignorant, to which I say... tsk, tsk, tsk!
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Look to your left and look to your right ...
one of them is going to become a terrorist. I remember being told this in a high school assemby one morning. Statistics then were that 1 in every 3 youths would run off to join one of the terrorist factions fighting the apartheid regime. Back then I figured it would probably be me. Not that I believed in the principles of terrorism then, or even now. But something was wrong, and needed to be changed.
I do not now, nor have I ever advocated the use of force to overthrow a government.
My wife and I watched "The Interpreter" over the weekend. I've seen it before, but I've been watching a few movies lately with political themes linked to Southern Africa, and it seemed like this would be a good time to see it again. I would highly recommend this movie.
Last weekend I watched a movie called "Stander". This film was based on the true story of a Police Captain turned bank robber in South Africa in the later 70's and early 80's. When I remember them talking about him on the news, I recall that he was always painted as a criminal and little reference was ever made to his political motivations. His story is incredible, although not one with a 'Happily Ever After' ending.
These movies have got me thinking about a lot of things. Most especially about making a difference.
When I was a kid living under the Apartheid government, I knew something was wrong. Subsequent time spent amongst the Zulu people of South Africa, revealed to me the utter hell that this time was for these people, and the incredible deception perpetrated by the government.
I think there is a lot of similar deception going on now with the US government as well, and likely most governments through out the world.
In 'The Interpreter' they speak about how a liberator will use force to free his country from an oppressive dictator, only to turn into an even worse dictator, once he gets a taste of power.
I'm tired of being lied to. I'm tired of corrupt men who have positions of authority, but yet use those positions for selfish means. I'm tired of the polarization of our society.
I think that more than 90% of the worlds population are good decent people. The percentage is likely even higher than that. The problem is that we are taught separation from the time we are kids. We are taught to manipulate others to get them to think the same way as us, because we have a better government, we have a better way of living, we are part of a true church and everyone else is wrong.
This way of think permeates every part of our culture. It's the reason we go to war and probably causes most other problems as well - if not all of them.
I think it would be overly ambitious to believe that I could change the world, but I think I would be failing as a human if I didn't try...
The key is going to be... What is the best way to break out of this horrible cycle?
War is definitely not the answer, but I'm still not sure what is.
I do not now, nor have I ever advocated the use of force to overthrow a government.
My wife and I watched "The Interpreter" over the weekend. I've seen it before, but I've been watching a few movies lately with political themes linked to Southern Africa, and it seemed like this would be a good time to see it again. I would highly recommend this movie.
Last weekend I watched a movie called "Stander". This film was based on the true story of a Police Captain turned bank robber in South Africa in the later 70's and early 80's. When I remember them talking about him on the news, I recall that he was always painted as a criminal and little reference was ever made to his political motivations. His story is incredible, although not one with a 'Happily Ever After' ending.
These movies have got me thinking about a lot of things. Most especially about making a difference.
When I was a kid living under the Apartheid government, I knew something was wrong. Subsequent time spent amongst the Zulu people of South Africa, revealed to me the utter hell that this time was for these people, and the incredible deception perpetrated by the government.
I think there is a lot of similar deception going on now with the US government as well, and likely most governments through out the world.
In 'The Interpreter' they speak about how a liberator will use force to free his country from an oppressive dictator, only to turn into an even worse dictator, once he gets a taste of power.
I'm tired of being lied to. I'm tired of corrupt men who have positions of authority, but yet use those positions for selfish means. I'm tired of the polarization of our society.
I think that more than 90% of the worlds population are good decent people. The percentage is likely even higher than that. The problem is that we are taught separation from the time we are kids. We are taught to manipulate others to get them to think the same way as us, because we have a better government, we have a better way of living, we are part of a true church and everyone else is wrong.
This way of think permeates every part of our culture. It's the reason we go to war and probably causes most other problems as well - if not all of them.
I think it would be overly ambitious to believe that I could change the world, but I think I would be failing as a human if I didn't try...
The key is going to be... What is the best way to break out of this horrible cycle?
War is definitely not the answer, but I'm still not sure what is.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Rat Head Safe to Eat
This article in the Salt Lake Tribune is a piece of journalistic genius. It took a while to read, since I kept having to stop to catch my breath from laughing so hard, but it was well worth it.
Rat Head Safe To Eat
Rat Head Safe To Eat
6th Continent Added...
I added a tool to this blog a couple of weeks back, to track the locations of my visitors. As of a couple of days ago, it has been visited by people from 6 continents. The final one to fall was Africa, and if it was who I suspect it was, I owe a very special young lass, a huge thank-you. Not only has she had a remarkable effect on my life since I first met her some 20 years ago, but hitting 6 continents in no small accomplishment.
Thanks to all who have read, commented and otherwise influenced this blog - I really appreciate each of you.
As a side note, if anyone visits from Antarctica... Please let me know in a comment - I don't think the map utility knows what or where Antarctica is.
Thanks to all who have read, commented and otherwise influenced this blog - I really appreciate each of you.
As a side note, if anyone visits from Antarctica... Please let me know in a comment - I don't think the map utility knows what or where Antarctica is.
Testify
Before I begin this blog... I just added the Dilbert blog to the list of links on the right. It's a lot more edgy than the cartoon, but Scott Adams raises very valid points, in a very humorous way. Today's contribution tackles Our Alleged Freedom, a very well written analogy of the situation we face in the US, and likely in other countries too.
Now to the topic at hand. First a bit of a warning... I had a friend a long time ago, who tried to get a boycott going against a local radio station because they dared to start a show with the question... "Does God Exist?". If you would have supported him in that move, this blog entry probably isn't for you... Actually, I would think most of the entries in this blog aren't for you! Personally I don't think there is a problem questioning something, as long as your approach is to find truth. If you choose to ignore this warning, and then write nasty comments because you choose to be offended by it, please understand that I do retain the right to tear you down!
So I was at the gym last night, doing a good cardio workout, and my buddy and I were watching a women's soccer game on TV. The station is run by a local religeous school, and often has religeous programming. Following the game, a scene appeared with a women walking through the desert with a pot on her head. I'll be honest that I was expecting the new Ford Focus or the Nissan Rogue to fly out of the dust and have some momentous event happen as part of an ad, but it never did.
Turns out the ad, was actually a program on the story of "The Woman at the Well" in the New Testament... We switched back to the Music station a little while later, but that small portion I did see, got me thinking...
Let me switch to the point of this entry, and then I'll come back to the woman at the well. The religeon I affiliate with, as well as numerous others, teaches the principle of having a testimony, based on your faith. To lay it out, faith is basically believing in something you haven't seen. A testimony is the expression of that faith. A believer might share something like, "I believe in God, I believe in Christ, I believe in the Resurection..." etc.
While religeons may differ in aspects of this, I was taught that this whole process begins with a desire to believe, from then, you start to express this desire as a belief, and the more you share it, the stronger it gets. If you stop sharing it, and working on it, it gradually fades away...
So back to the well. If you are not familiar with the story, the cliffnotes version is this. Lady comes to the well. Jesus is sitting there. He asks her to draw him some water. They discuss some other stuff - cultural differences etc. Jesus tells her that anyone who drinks from the well will thirst again, whereas he can offer a drink that they will never thirst again from.
This story is often used to teach testimonies and other related things with the Gospel. But as I listened to the story, and thought about what I know about testimonies, I see a problem.
The human brain is immensly powerful. So powerful in fact, that it can actually take an illusion and place it as a filter to reality. People who have these illusions (and most do) see things the way they want to see them, and not necessarily as they are. The process to gain a testimony that I described before, is the process of talking yourself into an illusion of God. Ironically, when you compare it with the story, it's like the water from the well. You can drink it, but unless you keep drinking, it goes away, leaving you thirsty.
So what then is the water that will leave you not being thirsty for ever more? I think that it is finding truth, rather than convincing yourself of faith. Finding truths that are verifiable and eternal in nature will start you on a life long journey of finding more truth. You won't have to keep trying to convince people of your beliefs in God and other spiritual things, you'll know what you know, and know that you cannot convince others of it.
I had a testimony as prescribed by my Church until a year or two back. It was kind of like a house of cards, and when one card got moved by a friend, the whole thing came down - not a pleasant experience, let me tell you! But at the same time, it has turned out to be the best experience of my life. I have discovered some amazing things, and will yet discover many more. The best part is, I am no longer being sucked into a religeous fanatical void, where I have to continually convince myself of what is true... I know, and it's definitely not what I thought, and I also know that I know very little too.
Now to the topic at hand. First a bit of a warning... I had a friend a long time ago, who tried to get a boycott going against a local radio station because they dared to start a show with the question... "Does God Exist?". If you would have supported him in that move, this blog entry probably isn't for you... Actually, I would think most of the entries in this blog aren't for you! Personally I don't think there is a problem questioning something, as long as your approach is to find truth. If you choose to ignore this warning, and then write nasty comments because you choose to be offended by it, please understand that I do retain the right to tear you down!
So I was at the gym last night, doing a good cardio workout, and my buddy and I were watching a women's soccer game on TV. The station is run by a local religeous school, and often has religeous programming. Following the game, a scene appeared with a women walking through the desert with a pot on her head. I'll be honest that I was expecting the new Ford Focus or the Nissan Rogue to fly out of the dust and have some momentous event happen as part of an ad, but it never did.
Turns out the ad, was actually a program on the story of "The Woman at the Well" in the New Testament... We switched back to the Music station a little while later, but that small portion I did see, got me thinking...
Let me switch to the point of this entry, and then I'll come back to the woman at the well. The religeon I affiliate with, as well as numerous others, teaches the principle of having a testimony, based on your faith. To lay it out, faith is basically believing in something you haven't seen. A testimony is the expression of that faith. A believer might share something like, "I believe in God, I believe in Christ, I believe in the Resurection..." etc.
While religeons may differ in aspects of this, I was taught that this whole process begins with a desire to believe, from then, you start to express this desire as a belief, and the more you share it, the stronger it gets. If you stop sharing it, and working on it, it gradually fades away...
So back to the well. If you are not familiar with the story, the cliffnotes version is this. Lady comes to the well. Jesus is sitting there. He asks her to draw him some water. They discuss some other stuff - cultural differences etc. Jesus tells her that anyone who drinks from the well will thirst again, whereas he can offer a drink that they will never thirst again from.
This story is often used to teach testimonies and other related things with the Gospel. But as I listened to the story, and thought about what I know about testimonies, I see a problem.
The human brain is immensly powerful. So powerful in fact, that it can actually take an illusion and place it as a filter to reality. People who have these illusions (and most do) see things the way they want to see them, and not necessarily as they are. The process to gain a testimony that I described before, is the process of talking yourself into an illusion of God. Ironically, when you compare it with the story, it's like the water from the well. You can drink it, but unless you keep drinking, it goes away, leaving you thirsty.
So what then is the water that will leave you not being thirsty for ever more? I think that it is finding truth, rather than convincing yourself of faith. Finding truths that are verifiable and eternal in nature will start you on a life long journey of finding more truth. You won't have to keep trying to convince people of your beliefs in God and other spiritual things, you'll know what you know, and know that you cannot convince others of it.
I had a testimony as prescribed by my Church until a year or two back. It was kind of like a house of cards, and when one card got moved by a friend, the whole thing came down - not a pleasant experience, let me tell you! But at the same time, it has turned out to be the best experience of my life. I have discovered some amazing things, and will yet discover many more. The best part is, I am no longer being sucked into a religeous fanatical void, where I have to continually convince myself of what is true... I know, and it's definitely not what I thought, and I also know that I know very little too.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Fairness
I heard a quote by Ted Kennedy on the radio the other night... It was in reference to the Childrens Health Insurance Program and how it was a very fair program, and since American's understand fairness, they wanted the bill to be passed.
You might remember good ol' Teddy as the poster child for "It's OK to get drunk and drive your girlfriend into a river, and forget to tell anyone, as long as your family are well connected."
So in a nutshell, here's the deal... People have kids, and then decide that they can't afford to provide them with basic medical care. Since obviously I am to blame for their bad decisions, taxes which are taken from me in an unconstitutional manner are then used to provide insurance for these kids. Sounds fair to me so far, I mean it's all about the kids right?
I am especially proud that the kids of a relative of mine are covered under this program as well. Here you have two people who chose to have kids, who could barely afford a recent trip abroad, fancy furniture for their home and a host of other 'necessities'. Fortunately because we believe in fairness, my taxes pay for their kids insurance, and my kids were more than happy to settle with a big summer vacation which was pretty much just an afternoon at the local swimming pool.
Yes, Mr. Kennedy I understand fairness real well...
You might remember good ol' Teddy as the poster child for "It's OK to get drunk and drive your girlfriend into a river, and forget to tell anyone, as long as your family are well connected."
So in a nutshell, here's the deal... People have kids, and then decide that they can't afford to provide them with basic medical care. Since obviously I am to blame for their bad decisions, taxes which are taken from me in an unconstitutional manner are then used to provide insurance for these kids. Sounds fair to me so far, I mean it's all about the kids right?
I am especially proud that the kids of a relative of mine are covered under this program as well. Here you have two people who chose to have kids, who could barely afford a recent trip abroad, fancy furniture for their home and a host of other 'necessities'. Fortunately because we believe in fairness, my taxes pay for their kids insurance, and my kids were more than happy to settle with a big summer vacation which was pretty much just an afternoon at the local swimming pool.
Yes, Mr. Kennedy I understand fairness real well...
Friday, September 28, 2007
Ghosts from the Past...
I've had a busy week, hence the posts have been a little lacking. It has been an interesting one too... Let me start with a little history.
I'm African, born and raised. The only thing missing is the nice dark skin, but other than that the African Sun glows in my eyes and her blood runs through my veins. When I was about 16, I was whisked away to New Zealand, and then when I was 22, I voluntarily moved to the US (The cute young lady to whom I am now wed, was largely instrumental in this however). I love the principles that the US is built on, I love the freedom, and I love the opportunities that my kids have, but I still think back to Africa on occasion.
Wednesday afternoon, as my mind drifted back to the neighborhood I grew up in, I thought of an old friend who I have tried to get back in touch with, but have never been able to track down. Well, a couple of Google searches later, and I found someone with the same name, in the same area, and working as a webmaster (He and I were both computer nerds growing up). It seemed like a good possibility this could be him.
A couple of emails later, I am back in contact with him, as well as a handful of other friends. It was so exciting I had a hard time falling asleep that first night.
Aside from the exciting emotions of finding lost friends, also came the realization that I have changed dramatically...
As a kid, I had no social skills, my best friend was likely the family dog, and I was an ultra conservative, homophobic, devoutly Mormon kid. The one area where I was a little different was on my views that all men are created equal - not the most popular opinion under an Apartheid government, but that was about as radical as I got.
Now lets jump forward 15+ years...
Fortunately I think I have picked up some social skills along the way, so right off, it's tricky knowing if old friends will recognize me. My current greeting of "Hey! What's Up?" is a far cry from the little boy who sat quietly in the corner.
I've graduated from the conservative way of thinking, where I believed that the purpose of government and other leaders was to make rules and enforce them. I now adopt the more libertarian approach that all people are basically good, and can be trusted to do the right thing (even if it's different from what I think should be right).
I must admit that I did raise my eyebrows a little when I found out that one friends brother just had a Civil Union performed with his boyfriend, now spouse. But in the grand scheme of things, that isn't going to affect me. While I may not practice or feel personally that homosexuality is they way things were intended to be, the fact that two people love each other enough to make a life commitment to each other is honorable.
The final area is the one I think has bothered me the most... When I describe myself as a devout Mormon, I am meaning someone who holds rigidly to the doctrine and the instruction handed down from leaders with rigid and often blind obedience. Experiences, more particularly in recent years, have allowed me to realize that such a course of action is (in my humble opinion) contrary to how God created us. The main belief taught by the LDS Church is that men (and women) have the potential to become like God, but unfortunately, the way the principles are taught is often manipulative and induces fear into the followers, thus appearing to limit their freedom and be in direct opposition to how things should be.
I'll be the first to admit I don't know much. I have some personal beliefs that I have come to find out for myself regarding God, eternal life, and how the principle of a Savior applies to me, but I think this understanding is something that resembles more of a journey than a destination. I still affiliate with the LDS Church, and personally feel that many of the principles that the church has and teaches are useful in finding truth, but I'm not the blindly obedient robot that I once was. I guess that that I would classify myself as an Agnostic, Christian Mormon with Deist influences and still searching for more.
My old friends are still very devout Christians, just in different Churches and following slightly different paths. One is currently studying to be a minister and doing some amazing things with you. The hardest thing was knowing how to talk to someone who believes that God controls every aspect of his existence, when my thoughts are... "Hey God gave you a brain, figure it out yourself - It's time to put the big boy pants on!" But in reality, who am I to impose my views on him. Ultimately we're just two people trying to make it through this life - why complicate it with an argument that neither of us can win, because neither are right and neither are wrong.
Anyway, sometimes it is good to look back into the past to see where we have come from, what experiences have shaped who we have become and then I think it is important to realize that we are not tied to our pasts, or our futures. The past is unchangeable, the future is ours for the taking, and right now I am glad to be alive and be free to choose for myself.
I'm African, born and raised. The only thing missing is the nice dark skin, but other than that the African Sun glows in my eyes and her blood runs through my veins. When I was about 16, I was whisked away to New Zealand, and then when I was 22, I voluntarily moved to the US (The cute young lady to whom I am now wed, was largely instrumental in this however). I love the principles that the US is built on, I love the freedom, and I love the opportunities that my kids have, but I still think back to Africa on occasion.
Wednesday afternoon, as my mind drifted back to the neighborhood I grew up in, I thought of an old friend who I have tried to get back in touch with, but have never been able to track down. Well, a couple of Google searches later, and I found someone with the same name, in the same area, and working as a webmaster (He and I were both computer nerds growing up). It seemed like a good possibility this could be him.
A couple of emails later, I am back in contact with him, as well as a handful of other friends. It was so exciting I had a hard time falling asleep that first night.
Aside from the exciting emotions of finding lost friends, also came the realization that I have changed dramatically...
As a kid, I had no social skills, my best friend was likely the family dog, and I was an ultra conservative, homophobic, devoutly Mormon kid. The one area where I was a little different was on my views that all men are created equal - not the most popular opinion under an Apartheid government, but that was about as radical as I got.
Now lets jump forward 15+ years...
Fortunately I think I have picked up some social skills along the way, so right off, it's tricky knowing if old friends will recognize me. My current greeting of "Hey! What's Up?" is a far cry from the little boy who sat quietly in the corner.
I've graduated from the conservative way of thinking, where I believed that the purpose of government and other leaders was to make rules and enforce them. I now adopt the more libertarian approach that all people are basically good, and can be trusted to do the right thing (even if it's different from what I think should be right).
I must admit that I did raise my eyebrows a little when I found out that one friends brother just had a Civil Union performed with his boyfriend, now spouse. But in the grand scheme of things, that isn't going to affect me. While I may not practice or feel personally that homosexuality is they way things were intended to be, the fact that two people love each other enough to make a life commitment to each other is honorable.
The final area is the one I think has bothered me the most... When I describe myself as a devout Mormon, I am meaning someone who holds rigidly to the doctrine and the instruction handed down from leaders with rigid and often blind obedience. Experiences, more particularly in recent years, have allowed me to realize that such a course of action is (in my humble opinion) contrary to how God created us. The main belief taught by the LDS Church is that men (and women) have the potential to become like God, but unfortunately, the way the principles are taught is often manipulative and induces fear into the followers, thus appearing to limit their freedom and be in direct opposition to how things should be.
I'll be the first to admit I don't know much. I have some personal beliefs that I have come to find out for myself regarding God, eternal life, and how the principle of a Savior applies to me, but I think this understanding is something that resembles more of a journey than a destination. I still affiliate with the LDS Church, and personally feel that many of the principles that the church has and teaches are useful in finding truth, but I'm not the blindly obedient robot that I once was. I guess that that I would classify myself as an Agnostic, Christian Mormon with Deist influences and still searching for more.
My old friends are still very devout Christians, just in different Churches and following slightly different paths. One is currently studying to be a minister and doing some amazing things with you. The hardest thing was knowing how to talk to someone who believes that God controls every aspect of his existence, when my thoughts are... "Hey God gave you a brain, figure it out yourself - It's time to put the big boy pants on!" But in reality, who am I to impose my views on him. Ultimately we're just two people trying to make it through this life - why complicate it with an argument that neither of us can win, because neither are right and neither are wrong.
Anyway, sometimes it is good to look back into the past to see where we have come from, what experiences have shaped who we have become and then I think it is important to realize that we are not tied to our pasts, or our futures. The past is unchangeable, the future is ours for the taking, and right now I am glad to be alive and be free to choose for myself.
Monday, September 24, 2007
Being had...
I just had a very interesting and thought provoking weekend, on a number of levels.
Since it is Monday morning though and I should really get a good start on my work, I'm going to start by sharing a link to a blog postings by Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert.
Let me warn you that he does use a number of powerful explitives in this post, so it probably isn't suitable for kids. It's a thinker as well, so if you standard to reponse to anything in a political discussion is something like. "But I still think Bush is 'The Man'" then this post may not be for you.
http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2007/09/a-feeling-im-be.html
Enjoy
Since it is Monday morning though and I should really get a good start on my work, I'm going to start by sharing a link to a blog postings by Scott Adams, the creator of Dilbert.
Let me warn you that he does use a number of powerful explitives in this post, so it probably isn't suitable for kids. It's a thinker as well, so if you standard to reponse to anything in a political discussion is something like. "But I still think Bush is 'The Man'" then this post may not be for you.
http://dilbertblog.typepad.com/the_dilbert_blog/2007/09/a-feeling-im-be.html
Enjoy
Thursday, September 20, 2007
BREAKING NEWS...
Last night from 9pm to 10pm residents of Salt Lake City turned off their lights. It was an initiative proposed by the current Governor to highlight the need to combat global warming. I stand with millions around the world in giving the governor and the City of Salt Lake a standing ovation in turning the tide Global Warming.
Seriously though, this is from a man who ran his campaign based on being a conservative politician.
Here's some facts:
Somewhere, somehow, sometime, someone needs to standup and say, "Why can't we build new power plants that have minimal impact on the environment. Let's surround them with a nature reserve, so we aren't in people's back yards and we're helping preserve natural habitat."
Of course that would require both sides to be open to compromise... And that's just not going to happen.
Seriously though, this is from a man who ran his campaign based on being a conservative politician.
Here's some facts:
- The Global Warming scare is mostly a pile of political BS.
- The energy crisis has more to do with political red tape getting in the way of progress than natural processes.
- Turning lights off for an hour... Come on! If this was seriously an issue, what good would it do?
Somewhere, somehow, sometime, someone needs to standup and say, "Why can't we build new power plants that have minimal impact on the environment. Let's surround them with a nature reserve, so we aren't in people's back yards and we're helping preserve natural habitat."
Of course that would require both sides to be open to compromise... And that's just not going to happen.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
The Triathlon Saga
Well, here's the long awaited saga on the Triathlon I did last weekend.
Before I begin let me give a little history... About 15 years ago, I was pretty active, swimming well over a mile a day, cycling 10 or 15 and running everywhere I went. Then I got married, and then finally managed to get myself a desk job. The result has been about 40 extra pounds packed on. At the end of 2006, I couldn't run more than about a quarter mile without collapsing in a pile of jiggling goo, and anything more than a minute or 2 wrestling with my kids would leave me flaked out on the floor.
I had a neighbor (he moved a few months back) who was kind of the same way, and so at the beginning of the year, we decided to start working out. It helped to that he is a cop and so gets free access to the City Gym where he works!!
The first 4 months were horrible. If it hadn't been for my pride and him dragging me every night, I would likely have given up.
One very important lesson I learned during this time, was that shoes matter. We tried to get out and run 3 times a week, and the pain in my legs and ankles was killing. Turns out the expensive Nikes I had bought were crappy shoes and causing the problems, so I went to a running store and they mapped out and analyzed my feet with a computer. After shelling out nice wad of cash, I got a pair of real running shoes, and they have made all the difference.
In April or May I read a story about a guy who had used a triathlon as a goal in his fitness routine. I always wanted to do one when I was a kid, so I decided to train for 1. This meant I had to add swimming and cycling to my exercise routine, but the variety really helped.
At the beginning of August I entered my first triathlon. It was a novice distance - 200M swim, 4 mile bike and 1 mile run. As my wife so nicely put it... "It's not like it's a real triathlon."
It went fairly well. I started a little too fast in the swim, and so spent the rest of the event sucking air, but I got finished in a little over 33 minutes, and came 5th overall and first in my age group.
Fresh off that success I felt the urge to try another. This last one was a Sprint Triathlon, although the Swim and Bike were a little shorter than a traditional Sprint Triathlon. 400M Swim, 9mile bike and 5k run.
Fresh off 4 hours of sleep following the Def Leppard concert, I headed down last Saturday. It took a while to get going but that helped because it gave me time to run through the race in my head and prepare mentally - I've found triathlons are very much mental! You have to be mental to try one, and then you need the mental determination to finish.
This one used chip timing which was pretty cool, and tracked every leg of the event, including the transitions. It also meant the timing was based on you starting and not the whole group.
I started the swim with the 11 minute group - mostly because I didn't want to push the swim too hard and run into the same problems as the first one. I passed a bunch of people in the pool and exited the pool in about 9 minutes. Took an easy transition and then started the bike section. It went fairly well. I borrowed my buddy's bike, since mine is about 15 years old, but I did decide that I really need to invest in a road bike, as a mountain bike just doesn't quite cut it. My average speed was 15.7mph, and the guys who came in the top places all averaged over 20.
Finished the bike strong, took another easy transition and then started the run. I did a 5k back in July in about 32 minutes - not really impressive, but it almost killed me, so I have been doing a lot more running since. The run went really well. It was a two lap course with a short and very steep hill halfway round each lap. I decided to walk that, and was very glad I did. I ended up finishing the run in 28 minutes, and the entire event in an hour and 17 minutes.
I think I'm going to give it a rest for the rest of the season. I have a 5k race in 2 weeks, and than after that I think I need to hunker down in preparing for next year. So far the plan is to run the Ogden Half Marathon in May, and then I would really like to work up to doing an open water Sprint Triathlon and an Olympic Triathlon (Twice the Sprint Distance.)
I definitely need a new road bike, probably need to get a new pair of running shoes, and need to stock up on GU packs - They're those little gooey sugar packs that marathoners use... Seemed to make the world of difference at the triathlon.
Before I begin let me give a little history... About 15 years ago, I was pretty active, swimming well over a mile a day, cycling 10 or 15 and running everywhere I went. Then I got married, and then finally managed to get myself a desk job. The result has been about 40 extra pounds packed on. At the end of 2006, I couldn't run more than about a quarter mile without collapsing in a pile of jiggling goo, and anything more than a minute or 2 wrestling with my kids would leave me flaked out on the floor.
I had a neighbor (he moved a few months back) who was kind of the same way, and so at the beginning of the year, we decided to start working out. It helped to that he is a cop and so gets free access to the City Gym where he works!!
The first 4 months were horrible. If it hadn't been for my pride and him dragging me every night, I would likely have given up.
One very important lesson I learned during this time, was that shoes matter. We tried to get out and run 3 times a week, and the pain in my legs and ankles was killing. Turns out the expensive Nikes I had bought were crappy shoes and causing the problems, so I went to a running store and they mapped out and analyzed my feet with a computer. After shelling out nice wad of cash, I got a pair of real running shoes, and they have made all the difference.
In April or May I read a story about a guy who had used a triathlon as a goal in his fitness routine. I always wanted to do one when I was a kid, so I decided to train for 1. This meant I had to add swimming and cycling to my exercise routine, but the variety really helped.
At the beginning of August I entered my first triathlon. It was a novice distance - 200M swim, 4 mile bike and 1 mile run. As my wife so nicely put it... "It's not like it's a real triathlon."
It went fairly well. I started a little too fast in the swim, and so spent the rest of the event sucking air, but I got finished in a little over 33 minutes, and came 5th overall and first in my age group.
Fresh off that success I felt the urge to try another. This last one was a Sprint Triathlon, although the Swim and Bike were a little shorter than a traditional Sprint Triathlon. 400M Swim, 9mile bike and 5k run.
Fresh off 4 hours of sleep following the Def Leppard concert, I headed down last Saturday. It took a while to get going but that helped because it gave me time to run through the race in my head and prepare mentally - I've found triathlons are very much mental! You have to be mental to try one, and then you need the mental determination to finish.
This one used chip timing which was pretty cool, and tracked every leg of the event, including the transitions. It also meant the timing was based on you starting and not the whole group.
I started the swim with the 11 minute group - mostly because I didn't want to push the swim too hard and run into the same problems as the first one. I passed a bunch of people in the pool and exited the pool in about 9 minutes. Took an easy transition and then started the bike section. It went fairly well. I borrowed my buddy's bike, since mine is about 15 years old, but I did decide that I really need to invest in a road bike, as a mountain bike just doesn't quite cut it. My average speed was 15.7mph, and the guys who came in the top places all averaged over 20.
Finished the bike strong, took another easy transition and then started the run. I did a 5k back in July in about 32 minutes - not really impressive, but it almost killed me, so I have been doing a lot more running since. The run went really well. It was a two lap course with a short and very steep hill halfway round each lap. I decided to walk that, and was very glad I did. I ended up finishing the run in 28 minutes, and the entire event in an hour and 17 minutes.
I think I'm going to give it a rest for the rest of the season. I have a 5k race in 2 weeks, and than after that I think I need to hunker down in preparing for next year. So far the plan is to run the Ogden Half Marathon in May, and then I would really like to work up to doing an open water Sprint Triathlon and an Olympic Triathlon (Twice the Sprint Distance.)
I definitely need a new road bike, probably need to get a new pair of running shoes, and need to stock up on GU packs - They're those little gooey sugar packs that marathoners use... Seemed to make the world of difference at the triathlon.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Incredible piece of writing
I often read another blog by a fellow Utahn. Usually his stuff is good. Today he went far and above good.
As he reflects many of the thoughts I have, I thought I would provide a link to this particular story.
Simple Utah Mormon Politics: Mountain Meadows and Jihad: One Lesson From Two September 11th Events
As he reflects many of the thoughts I have, I thought I would provide a link to this particular story.
Simple Utah Mormon Politics: Mountain Meadows and Jihad: One Lesson From Two September 11th Events
Pizza Hut Revisited....
If you read my ...Pizza Hut review a month or so back, do not be alarmed - I DID NOT RETURN.
After writing that review, I unsubscribed from the weekly Pizza Hut deal email - No point in getting coupons for crappy service and crappy food.
Last week I started getting the emails again, so I unsubscribed - again, and then sent an email to their corporate headquarters, describing my experience and asking them to ensure my name was removed from the mailing list.
They emailed back fairly quickly apologizing for the experience and informing me that since the local Pizza Hut is franchise owned, that they had contacted the owner and he would be contacting me within 3 days to help get the situation resolved (In my mind the only thing would be a free Papa Johns pizza) The only situation I think that exists is that they hired useless employees, but that's just my opinion.
Anyway, it's been well over a week and no word from the local franchise owner... Guessing the attitude of zero customer service goes all the way to the top!
So for the millions who read this blog... Don't go to Pizza Hut! For a more delightful and fun experience, try making your own - A certain dancing mouse in the land down under has a great recipe on her blog right here
[Post Publication Note: Just got another damn email from Pizza Hut - apparently unsubscribe means something different in the Pizza World!!]
After writing that review, I unsubscribed from the weekly Pizza Hut deal email - No point in getting coupons for crappy service and crappy food.
Last week I started getting the emails again, so I unsubscribed - again, and then sent an email to their corporate headquarters, describing my experience and asking them to ensure my name was removed from the mailing list.
They emailed back fairly quickly apologizing for the experience and informing me that since the local Pizza Hut is franchise owned, that they had contacted the owner and he would be contacting me within 3 days to help get the situation resolved (In my mind the only thing would be a free Papa Johns pizza) The only situation I think that exists is that they hired useless employees, but that's just my opinion.
Anyway, it's been well over a week and no word from the local franchise owner... Guessing the attitude of zero customer service goes all the way to the top!
So for the millions who read this blog... Don't go to Pizza Hut! For a more delightful and fun experience, try making your own - A certain dancing mouse in the land down under has a great recipe on her blog right here
[Post Publication Note: Just got another damn email from Pizza Hut - apparently unsubscribe means something different in the Pizza World!!]
Sticky Situation
Interesting headline in the newspaper caught my eye on the way to the restroom this morning... Note: Not in the restroom however! Something just not right with guys who take a paper into the restroom at work!
Anyway, the heading was "Feds sued over plant raids". I wondered if it had to do with some recent immigration raids at some meat processing plants. On my return trip a minute or 2 later I stopped to read the article, and sure enough, someone is sueing the Federal government over the conducting of immigration raids. Bloody Hell! I thought, finally the government does their job, and someone sues.
Turns out thought that the reason for the lawsuit is that there were a number of citizens who were detained during the raid until their immigration status could be determined. So I guess there is a valid reason for the lawsuit - Not so much a guess though, since it is a blatant violation of their constitutional rights.
In my mind though, I think that the government should in turn sue the plant owners for hiring illegal workers and then the employees could sue the owners as well for putting them to work, side-by-side with illegal aliens.
Anyway, the heading was "Feds sued over plant raids". I wondered if it had to do with some recent immigration raids at some meat processing plants. On my return trip a minute or 2 later I stopped to read the article, and sure enough, someone is sueing the Federal government over the conducting of immigration raids. Bloody Hell! I thought, finally the government does their job, and someone sues.
Turns out thought that the reason for the lawsuit is that there were a number of citizens who were detained during the raid until their immigration status could be determined. So I guess there is a valid reason for the lawsuit - Not so much a guess though, since it is a blatant violation of their constitutional rights.
In my mind though, I think that the government should in turn sue the plant owners for hiring illegal workers and then the employees could sue the owners as well for putting them to work, side-by-side with illegal aliens.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Corruption, Def Leppard & Styx
With all the talk about 9/11, I get really testy listening to all the politicians go on about how great they are, but aren't doing damn thing to protect the border. I'll stop this rant right now, but if you want to read an excellent blog entry on what is wrong with politics, I would highly recommend one by Frank Staheli - On 9/11, I Nominate Newt Gingrich for Dogcatcher.
Now on to the important stuff... A good friend took the wife and I to the Def Leppard concert on Friday night. We started the evening off at Biaggi's in the Gateway - Excellent, Excellent food - although personally I would not order my dish again (Some pasta name San Marco - It wasn't bad, just not my cup of tea, plus I was trying to load carbs for the Triathlon the next day, so my choices where limited) Anyway, the service, the atmosphere and everything were dead-on.
We got to the concert right as Foreigner started playing. I knew more than I thought I would, although you have to be a little creeped out by 50+ year old men singing for all the Dirty Girls to come down, because they are Dirty Boys (Yuck!!)
They were on for about 40 minutes following which there was a break while they set the stage up for Styx. Did I mention this was out at the Usana Amphitheatre?
Let me set the scene for Styx... I know "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto" and I saw an unplugged show they did for PBS on TV last year. I figured they were kind of a mellow group. That was all shattered when they came out on stage. Their entrance was phenomenal, the sound perfect and they rocked and entertained like no-one else I have even seen - except perhaps Cowboy Mouth. I'll be purchasing a few Styx CD's this weekend I think.
The final act was Def Leppard - The only group of the three that I am really familiar with. By the time they came out, the seating was packed, it was dark, and I was starting to have a headache and feel a little rocked out (I'd been up since 4am as well which didn't help).
They were pretty good. The lighting was great as where their video effects. The sound could have been a little better managed, and it seemed all they did as the concert went on was increase the volume. About half way through, the drummer to a break and the remaining 4 members of the band grabbed accoustic guitars and sang a few songs on the ramp leading out from the center of the stage. At this point, with the headache and all, it was very much appreciated and the balance for this portion was really good to.
The final song for the evening, excluding their encore was "Put some sugar on me" Which was a good thing, because I think the wife would have been pretty upset if they had skipped that one. All in all though, they did a good job, but I think Styx had a better show, if only because their sound was better managed.
Leaving the concert appeared to be the biggest challenge of the night. We parked in the premier lot, which cost a fair bit, but was supposed to make it easier to leave. The problem was all the drunken morons which parked in the same lot. Not only did I pick up a few new words for the vocabulary, but I was shocked at the attitudes of people trying to leave... I think if everyone had been patient and taken their turn trying to get out, things would have gone smoother for everyone.
2 hours later, we arrived at the in-laws house to spend the night... I pounded some Ibuprofen, set about 8 or 9 alarms, and settled in for about 4 hours of sleep.
Check back tomorrow (or later today if I get bored!) for the saga of my first Sprint Triathlon.
Now on to the important stuff... A good friend took the wife and I to the Def Leppard concert on Friday night. We started the evening off at Biaggi's in the Gateway - Excellent, Excellent food - although personally I would not order my dish again (Some pasta name San Marco - It wasn't bad, just not my cup of tea, plus I was trying to load carbs for the Triathlon the next day, so my choices where limited) Anyway, the service, the atmosphere and everything were dead-on.
We got to the concert right as Foreigner started playing. I knew more than I thought I would, although you have to be a little creeped out by 50+ year old men singing for all the Dirty Girls to come down, because they are Dirty Boys (Yuck!!)
They were on for about 40 minutes following which there was a break while they set the stage up for Styx. Did I mention this was out at the Usana Amphitheatre?
Let me set the scene for Styx... I know "Come Sail Away" and "Mr. Roboto" and I saw an unplugged show they did for PBS on TV last year. I figured they were kind of a mellow group. That was all shattered when they came out on stage. Their entrance was phenomenal, the sound perfect and they rocked and entertained like no-one else I have even seen - except perhaps Cowboy Mouth. I'll be purchasing a few Styx CD's this weekend I think.
The final act was Def Leppard - The only group of the three that I am really familiar with. By the time they came out, the seating was packed, it was dark, and I was starting to have a headache and feel a little rocked out (I'd been up since 4am as well which didn't help).
They were pretty good. The lighting was great as where their video effects. The sound could have been a little better managed, and it seemed all they did as the concert went on was increase the volume. About half way through, the drummer to a break and the remaining 4 members of the band grabbed accoustic guitars and sang a few songs on the ramp leading out from the center of the stage. At this point, with the headache and all, it was very much appreciated and the balance for this portion was really good to.
The final song for the evening, excluding their encore was "Put some sugar on me" Which was a good thing, because I think the wife would have been pretty upset if they had skipped that one. All in all though, they did a good job, but I think Styx had a better show, if only because their sound was better managed.
Leaving the concert appeared to be the biggest challenge of the night. We parked in the premier lot, which cost a fair bit, but was supposed to make it easier to leave. The problem was all the drunken morons which parked in the same lot. Not only did I pick up a few new words for the vocabulary, but I was shocked at the attitudes of people trying to leave... I think if everyone had been patient and taken their turn trying to get out, things would have gone smoother for everyone.
2 hours later, we arrived at the in-laws house to spend the night... I pounded some Ibuprofen, set about 8 or 9 alarms, and settled in for about 4 hours of sleep.
Check back tomorrow (or later today if I get bored!) for the saga of my first Sprint Triathlon.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Greatest Weekend Ever....
Ok, so it may not have been the greatest weekend of all time, but it's gotta rank up there somewhere...
I am intending about blogging on each aspect later in the week, but just to give you a taste for what is coming....
On Friday night I went to a concert here in Salt Lake. On the docket where 3 bands: Foreigner, Styx and Def Leppard. It rocked - literally and figuratively.
On Saturday morning I awoke extra early and took part in a triathlon in Salt Lake City.
The rest of the weekend was pretty lame, but with minimal sleep and the triathlon, I was pretty lame myself, so it seemed like a good mix.
I am intending about blogging on each aspect later in the week, but just to give you a taste for what is coming....
On Friday night I went to a concert here in Salt Lake. On the docket where 3 bands: Foreigner, Styx and Def Leppard. It rocked - literally and figuratively.
On Saturday morning I awoke extra early and took part in a triathlon in Salt Lake City.
The rest of the weekend was pretty lame, but with minimal sleep and the triathlon, I was pretty lame myself, so it seemed like a good mix.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Scandalous that they should die...
It was with much sadness that I listened to the news this morning that Pavarotti had passed away. I'll admit that I am not much of an opera guru, but I think I have known of Pavarotti for most of my life.
It made me think back to a few other deaths that I have been saddened by over the past decade or so.
Most recently was Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter, and the other that remains in my memory was Mother Theresa of Calcutta.
All three of these were people that I felt I knew, not so much because I what I read or heard about them, but more because of what I didn't. They went about sharing their talents with the world, and in the process of which managed to avoid the sex, money and drug scandals that seem to have become common place with the popular people of today.
Yes, these are people that I admire and will miss greatly.
It made me think back to a few other deaths that I have been saddened by over the past decade or so.
Most recently was Steve Irwin the Crocodile Hunter, and the other that remains in my memory was Mother Theresa of Calcutta.
All three of these were people that I felt I knew, not so much because I what I read or heard about them, but more because of what I didn't. They went about sharing their talents with the world, and in the process of which managed to avoid the sex, money and drug scandals that seem to have become common place with the popular people of today.
Yes, these are people that I admire and will miss greatly.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Something worse than Hillary...
I saw a couple of clips of Hillary campaigning over the weekend. It's not that I don't like the Democrats, or woman or anything like that. In fact, I don't even care what her sexual orientation is. The things that gets me, is just the blatant lying. She claims to be about everyone working together by choice, but supports "Big Government" programs. It's like she votes communist but is running a libertarian campaign. I guess if the American people are dumb enough not to see that, then it is kind of our choice to vote her in, and we'll get what we deserve.
While thinking about that in the wee hours of this morning though, our new puppy puked. Actually it was more like exploded... To save him from being tossed by the wife, I figured I needed to clean it up before heading out to work.
I don't think I have ever smelt anything so vile in my life. I would describe it, but quite frankly the sooner I can put it behind me the better.
If it came down to dealing with Hillary for 4 years and cleaning puppy puke up again, I think I might opt for Hillary...
While thinking about that in the wee hours of this morning though, our new puppy puked. Actually it was more like exploded... To save him from being tossed by the wife, I figured I needed to clean it up before heading out to work.
I don't think I have ever smelt anything so vile in my life. I would describe it, but quite frankly the sooner I can put it behind me the better.
If it came down to dealing with Hillary for 4 years and cleaning puppy puke up again, I think I might opt for Hillary...
Thursday, August 30, 2007
The problem with Black People
Raising your eye-brows are you?
Let me set the scene before I begin this...
I have experienced first hand the evils of the apartheid system in South Africa and I have a deep love for African's no matter where they live.
This morning I heard a discussion on the radio about a group in Atlanta which is trying to pass a law, banning kids from wearing their pants around their mid-thighs with their underwear sticking out.
I'll approach that issue another day, and how the government should keep their noses the hell out of that whole debate, but the part I would like to focus on is that people keep bringing up that it that this is a racial thing...
Here's how I view people of African decent living in the United States...
First a look back at their roots... Snatched from their homeland and transported across the sea in conditions somewhat like being in a tuna can, the ancestors of African Americans have shown themselves to be remarkably tough.
As they were then put to work as slaves on the cotton farms and other places, they went quietly about their work, in my mind showing exceptional dignity, despite difficult circumstances.
Their songs and culture have spawned some of the greatest music in the world.
But now we face a problem... Despite this rich heritage of excellence, the percentage of black men who end up in jail is unacceptable, as are images of gangs, violence and the other problems which this group of people now face.
I believe the problem with this group of people in America, lies not with them, but with those who claim to be trying to help.
First and formost I blame the welfare system - Nothing kills a soul quicker or more effectively that giving a person money, because "they can't help themselves".
Second, slave references and reparations. Despite being able to overcome this great atrocity with dignity, black leaders and apologists continually remind young black people of this, stirring anger within them, and instilling a feeling of entitlement that dovetails with the problem caused by the welfare system.
Third, abortion... I don't know any figures, but I would suspect that abortions have done more damage to this section of the American population than any other cultural group. While we might differ on the opinion of the freedom of women to choose for themselves, the option to abort a pregnancy leaves young black men with minimal need for responsibility, again dovetailing back into the whole welfare mentality.
Racism is wrong in any form. Slavery in any form is unforgivable.
I think though that leaders both black and white who continue to push welfare on African Americans and keep them in a state of reliance on government and expectation of hand outs are about as despicable as the original slave owners.
African American People... You have a tremendous legacy, your culture has survived trememdous hardship. It's time to regain that dignity and work ethic that has made your culture shine, inspite of those hardships. Only you can make the difference...
Let me set the scene before I begin this...
I have experienced first hand the evils of the apartheid system in South Africa and I have a deep love for African's no matter where they live.
This morning I heard a discussion on the radio about a group in Atlanta which is trying to pass a law, banning kids from wearing their pants around their mid-thighs with their underwear sticking out.
I'll approach that issue another day, and how the government should keep their noses the hell out of that whole debate, but the part I would like to focus on is that people keep bringing up that it that this is a racial thing...
Here's how I view people of African decent living in the United States...
First a look back at their roots... Snatched from their homeland and transported across the sea in conditions somewhat like being in a tuna can, the ancestors of African Americans have shown themselves to be remarkably tough.
As they were then put to work as slaves on the cotton farms and other places, they went quietly about their work, in my mind showing exceptional dignity, despite difficult circumstances.
Their songs and culture have spawned some of the greatest music in the world.
But now we face a problem... Despite this rich heritage of excellence, the percentage of black men who end up in jail is unacceptable, as are images of gangs, violence and the other problems which this group of people now face.
I believe the problem with this group of people in America, lies not with them, but with those who claim to be trying to help.
First and formost I blame the welfare system - Nothing kills a soul quicker or more effectively that giving a person money, because "they can't help themselves".
Second, slave references and reparations. Despite being able to overcome this great atrocity with dignity, black leaders and apologists continually remind young black people of this, stirring anger within them, and instilling a feeling of entitlement that dovetails with the problem caused by the welfare system.
Third, abortion... I don't know any figures, but I would suspect that abortions have done more damage to this section of the American population than any other cultural group. While we might differ on the opinion of the freedom of women to choose for themselves, the option to abort a pregnancy leaves young black men with minimal need for responsibility, again dovetailing back into the whole welfare mentality.
Racism is wrong in any form. Slavery in any form is unforgivable.
I think though that leaders both black and white who continue to push welfare on African Americans and keep them in a state of reliance on government and expectation of hand outs are about as despicable as the original slave owners.
African American People... You have a tremendous legacy, your culture has survived trememdous hardship. It's time to regain that dignity and work ethic that has made your culture shine, inspite of those hardships. Only you can make the difference...
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Who I'm voting for in 2008
This guy takes a lot of heat on some of his positions, but the biggest reason is because he sticks to his guns and doesn't make decisions based on what he thinks will make him popular, instead he makes the right decision. I feel Ron Paul is the only candidate from any party with any integrity. But that's just my opinion... You can vote however you would like, but before you decide for sure, check out his record:
Brief Overview of Congressman Paul’s Record:
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
Congressman Paul introduces numerous pieces of substantive legislation each year, probably more than any single member of Congress.
Brief Overview of Congressman Paul’s Record:
He has never voted to raise taxes.
He has never voted for an unbalanced budget.
He has never voted for a federal restriction on gun ownership.
He has never voted to raise congressional pay.
He has never taken a government-paid junket.
He has never voted to increase the power of the executive branch.
He voted against the Patriot Act.
He voted against regulating the Internet.
He voted against the Iraq war.
He does not participate in the lucrative congressional pension program.
He returns a portion of his annual congressional office budget to the U.S. treasury every year.
Congressman Paul introduces numerous pieces of substantive legislation each year, probably more than any single member of Congress.
Musings about Words....
Most Religeons place a great emphasis on the sacredness of the human body. I have heard it referred to as 'The Temple of God'.
So if your body is 'The Temple of God', what does that say about your soul?
So if your body is 'The Temple of God', what does that say about your soul?
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Problem with Religeon
Let me start out with a story... I heard this in relation to the question, "Why does God let bad things happen?".
In addition to the insight it provides to that question, I have found countless other applications to which it applies.
You, like me are likely a parent, or if not, simply imagine that you are. Now imagine yourself at one of your kids soccer games. As a parent, you watch from the sidelines as the game goes on. Sometimes your kids team wins, sometimes they lose. During the game, your kid might get fouled by another kid, and sometimes your kids may commit the foul. Ultimately though, you have to stand by and let the kids play the game the way they want to. Rushing out onto the field everytime something happens, does no good for anyone.
God is much the same, he stands on the side lines and watches the games. I am sure at time he is tempted to step onto the field and correct some wrongs, but ultimately, he can't because it will do no good for anyone.
Now lets take the analogy a little further... Let's put God in the role of the coach. As a player on field of life, you have access to the coach. He can't play the game for you, but he can offer advice and assistance. He might disseminate this to the team through the captain of the team, or he might give it to you directly. Ultimately though, each one of us players has direct access to the coach.
So how does this tie into religeon? The problem with religeon, is that it would appear in most cases to control the individuals access to God. A leader in the Church then takes the place of God, and disseminates a message to his followers. The problem is knowing when that message comes from the coach, and when the captain is pursuing his own agenda.
With that in mind, I've been thinking lately about the role religeon should play in a person's life. I associate with a denomination that places a very strong emphasis on families. Ironically though, once you become a devoted member of this particular organization, you end up spending most of Sunday as well as various nights during the week in meetings away from your family. From my perspective the focus has shifted from God to the organization. The organization has used the relationship with God to entice more followers and pursue an agenda. At times this agenda might follow a course which draws a person closer to God, and at times it doesn't.
Here's my opinion on the matter... A religeon should be a resource and a support towards your own relationship to God. When the religeon takes the place of that relationship, that's when you get have a problem.
Gaining this understanding of how religeon fits into the picture is vital to the revolution I spoke of in my last posting.
In addition to the insight it provides to that question, I have found countless other applications to which it applies.
You, like me are likely a parent, or if not, simply imagine that you are. Now imagine yourself at one of your kids soccer games. As a parent, you watch from the sidelines as the game goes on. Sometimes your kids team wins, sometimes they lose. During the game, your kid might get fouled by another kid, and sometimes your kids may commit the foul. Ultimately though, you have to stand by and let the kids play the game the way they want to. Rushing out onto the field everytime something happens, does no good for anyone.
God is much the same, he stands on the side lines and watches the games. I am sure at time he is tempted to step onto the field and correct some wrongs, but ultimately, he can't because it will do no good for anyone.
Now lets take the analogy a little further... Let's put God in the role of the coach. As a player on field of life, you have access to the coach. He can't play the game for you, but he can offer advice and assistance. He might disseminate this to the team through the captain of the team, or he might give it to you directly. Ultimately though, each one of us players has direct access to the coach.
So how does this tie into religeon? The problem with religeon, is that it would appear in most cases to control the individuals access to God. A leader in the Church then takes the place of God, and disseminates a message to his followers. The problem is knowing when that message comes from the coach, and when the captain is pursuing his own agenda.
With that in mind, I've been thinking lately about the role religeon should play in a person's life. I associate with a denomination that places a very strong emphasis on families. Ironically though, once you become a devoted member of this particular organization, you end up spending most of Sunday as well as various nights during the week in meetings away from your family. From my perspective the focus has shifted from God to the organization. The organization has used the relationship with God to entice more followers and pursue an agenda. At times this agenda might follow a course which draws a person closer to God, and at times it doesn't.
Here's my opinion on the matter... A religeon should be a resource and a support towards your own relationship to God. When the religeon takes the place of that relationship, that's when you get have a problem.
Gaining this understanding of how religeon fits into the picture is vital to the revolution I spoke of in my last posting.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
The Forgotten Man
I know I promised this yesterday, but wanted the suspense to build...
The Forgotten Man was an essay written in the last 1800's. I heard about this on the radio the other day, but from what I can tell, it was written by William Graham Sumner(1840-1910), a Professor of Political Economy and of Sociology at Yale.
I can't do as well a job at introducing his theory as he did, so let me quote from the first paragraph...
The type and formula of most schemes of philanthropy or humanitarianism is this: A and B put their heads together to decide what C shall be made to do for D. The radical vice of all these schemes, from a sociological point of view, is that C is not allowed a voice in the matter, and his position, character, and interests, as well as the ultimate effects on society through C's interests, are entirely overlooked. I call C the Forgotten Man.
I think you and I are C... The Forgotten Man as it were. While we can be counted on to take care of our fellow men and live a good life, government doesn't trust us to do this. As far as government are concerned D is the forgotten man, and they need to help him out, which is why our society continues on a downward spiral.
I say... "STAND UP MAN C... IT'S TIME TO REVOLT!
Over the next little while I would like to explore ways in which C can revolt. I think for it to be effective that it needs to be a non-violent revolt, and living in a country with a constitution like we do, I think this is possible. The idea is not to start a new form of government of anything like that, it's to get C to stand up, A and B to sit down and shut their mouths, and I think in the long run, the greatest benefactor may be D, who learns to help himself.
The Forgotten Man was an essay written in the last 1800's. I heard about this on the radio the other day, but from what I can tell, it was written by William Graham Sumner(1840-1910), a Professor of Political Economy and of Sociology at Yale.
I can't do as well a job at introducing his theory as he did, so let me quote from the first paragraph...
The type and formula of most schemes of philanthropy or humanitarianism is this: A and B put their heads together to decide what C shall be made to do for D. The radical vice of all these schemes, from a sociological point of view, is that C is not allowed a voice in the matter, and his position, character, and interests, as well as the ultimate effects on society through C's interests, are entirely overlooked. I call C the Forgotten Man.
I think you and I are C... The Forgotten Man as it were. While we can be counted on to take care of our fellow men and live a good life, government doesn't trust us to do this. As far as government are concerned D is the forgotten man, and they need to help him out, which is why our society continues on a downward spiral.
I say... "STAND UP MAN C... IT'S TIME TO REVOLT!
Over the next little while I would like to explore ways in which C can revolt. I think for it to be effective that it needs to be a non-violent revolt, and living in a country with a constitution like we do, I think this is possible. The idea is not to start a new form of government of anything like that, it's to get C to stand up, A and B to sit down and shut their mouths, and I think in the long run, the greatest benefactor may be D, who learns to help himself.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Is Hillary Clinton a Liberal?
Below is a portion of the transcript from the Democratic Presidential Debate:
*********************************************************************
QUESTION: Hi. My name is Rob Porter, and I'm from Irvine, California.
I have a question for Hillary Clinton.
Mrs. Clinton, how would you define the word "liberal?"
And would you use this word to describe yourself?
Thank you.
(LAUGHTER)
CLINTON: You know, it is a word that originally meant that you were for freedom, that you were for the freedom to achieve, that you were willing to stand against big power and on behalf of the individual.
Unfortunately, in the last 30, 40 years, it has been turned up on its head and it's been made to seem as though it is a word that describes big government, totally contrary to what its meaning was in the 19th and early 20th century.
I prefer the word "progressive," which has a real American meaning, going back to the progressive era at the beginning of the 20th century.
I consider myself a modern progressive, someone who believes strongly in individual rights and freedoms, who believes that we are better as a society when we're working together and when we find ways to help those who may not have all the advantages in life get the tools they need to lead a more productive life for themselves and their family.
So I consider myself a proud modern American progressive, and I think that's the kind of philosophy and practice that we need to bring back to American politics.
******************************************************************************
I like that definition of Liberal, at least what Senator Clinton describes as the original definition. The new definition she gives would seem to be more in line with her approach to politics. Universal Health Care is about big government and lowered individual freedoms, Senator Clinton is for Universal Health Care.
There was an essay written back in the 1800's entitled "The Forgotten Man". It is based on an algebraic equation as to how governments cause problems.
Stay tuned for my post on "The Forgotten Man" tomorrow.
*********************************************************************
QUESTION: Hi. My name is Rob Porter, and I'm from Irvine, California.
I have a question for Hillary Clinton.
Mrs. Clinton, how would you define the word "liberal?"
And would you use this word to describe yourself?
Thank you.
(LAUGHTER)
CLINTON: You know, it is a word that originally meant that you were for freedom, that you were for the freedom to achieve, that you were willing to stand against big power and on behalf of the individual.
Unfortunately, in the last 30, 40 years, it has been turned up on its head and it's been made to seem as though it is a word that describes big government, totally contrary to what its meaning was in the 19th and early 20th century.
I prefer the word "progressive," which has a real American meaning, going back to the progressive era at the beginning of the 20th century.
I consider myself a modern progressive, someone who believes strongly in individual rights and freedoms, who believes that we are better as a society when we're working together and when we find ways to help those who may not have all the advantages in life get the tools they need to lead a more productive life for themselves and their family.
So I consider myself a proud modern American progressive, and I think that's the kind of philosophy and practice that we need to bring back to American politics.
******************************************************************************
I like that definition of Liberal, at least what Senator Clinton describes as the original definition. The new definition she gives would seem to be more in line with her approach to politics. Universal Health Care is about big government and lowered individual freedoms, Senator Clinton is for Universal Health Care.
There was an essay written back in the 1800's entitled "The Forgotten Man". It is based on an algebraic equation as to how governments cause problems.
Stay tuned for my post on "The Forgotten Man" tomorrow.
Guest Blogger
I read a comment on the community pages behind KSL TV in Salt Lake City today, and wanted to invite the author on as a guest blogger. Unfortunately with no way to contact him, I think I'll post his comments here, and offer him full credit.
The author of the comments below is Pootananga. It was written in response to an article on a 70% increase to property taxes in a local city.
If anyone knows Poot, please thank him/her!
Here is the more important consideration...
When our nation was founded there are two perfectly clear "principles of freedom" that existed troughout all the founder's writings. They are:
1. Government shall not control private property.
2. Government shall not control the means of production.
All this discussion about "how much" property tax is appropriate is simply stunning to me. Amazing that Americans would tolerate government owning their private homes at all, their "untouchable" sanctuaries.
Every time property tax comes up I simply cringe to hear you "Americans" willingly lay down your homes at the feet of government as if the American revolution never even took place.
Untouchable private property was the SOLE reason most immigrants came to America for the first hundred+ years of our growth as a nation. The Italians, Irish, Germans ALL came to America where a person could own land unfettered by government. Uncontrolled by powers similar to the land Barrons of Ireland and kings Europe.
Property tax means that none of you will EVER own your home. EVER!
Pay off the mortgage. You will still loose your home if you don't pay the (rent) taxes. This means that you have sold the American birthright to government.
The stunning ignorance of modern Americans who know so little of why their nation was established and what originally made it the greatest nation on earth.
What we SHOULD hear on these boards is an outcry against ANY property taxes. A demand that government NOT own our homes and private property. A proud rebellion against government control of the most sacred part of being American, one that our forefathers would be proud of.
America is now little different from the former Soviet Union in that government controls both private property and the means of production and can and DOES take it away at any time on a whim. How have we lost our spirit of being free from government's control of this most sacred element?
I think that the early settlers who came here would be ashamed at what Americans have given up in the freedoms they struggled and sacrificed for.
I say end all property taxes. When a person owns their home, that should be the end of it. It should be untouchable.
Enjoy paying RENT to government for the rest of your lives everyone! Suckers!
Thanks Poot!
The author of the comments below is Pootananga. It was written in response to an article on a 70% increase to property taxes in a local city.
If anyone knows Poot, please thank him/her!
Here is the more important consideration...
When our nation was founded there are two perfectly clear "principles of freedom" that existed troughout all the founder's writings. They are:
1. Government shall not control private property.
2. Government shall not control the means of production.
All this discussion about "how much" property tax is appropriate is simply stunning to me. Amazing that Americans would tolerate government owning their private homes at all, their "untouchable" sanctuaries.
Every time property tax comes up I simply cringe to hear you "Americans" willingly lay down your homes at the feet of government as if the American revolution never even took place.
Untouchable private property was the SOLE reason most immigrants came to America for the first hundred+ years of our growth as a nation. The Italians, Irish, Germans ALL came to America where a person could own land unfettered by government. Uncontrolled by powers similar to the land Barrons of Ireland and kings Europe.
Property tax means that none of you will EVER own your home. EVER!
Pay off the mortgage. You will still loose your home if you don't pay the (rent) taxes. This means that you have sold the American birthright to government.
The stunning ignorance of modern Americans who know so little of why their nation was established and what originally made it the greatest nation on earth.
What we SHOULD hear on these boards is an outcry against ANY property taxes. A demand that government NOT own our homes and private property. A proud rebellion against government control of the most sacred part of being American, one that our forefathers would be proud of.
America is now little different from the former Soviet Union in that government controls both private property and the means of production and can and DOES take it away at any time on a whim. How have we lost our spirit of being free from government's control of this most sacred element?
I think that the early settlers who came here would be ashamed at what Americans have given up in the freedoms they struggled and sacrificed for.
I say end all property taxes. When a person owns their home, that should be the end of it. It should be untouchable.
Enjoy paying RENT to government for the rest of your lives everyone! Suckers!
Thanks Poot!
The Smell Test...
You've probably heard about the terrible situation in Utah where 6 miners have been lost underground and another 3 have died in attempts to rescue them.
Something doesn't smell right with what is going on up there...
I think the media has done an excellent job with relaying the facts and trying to stay out of the sensationalization business.
I feel that the families of those involved are having a hard time, and despite what the mine owners and government officials are saying, they are handling themselves with dignity.
The problem is the mine owners and the government officials...
I can't say for sure what it is, but someone is trying to hide something and I think the families deserve better. If the owners screwed up, it's time to cowboy up and face the music.
Something doesn't smell right with what is going on up there...
I think the media has done an excellent job with relaying the facts and trying to stay out of the sensationalization business.
I feel that the families of those involved are having a hard time, and despite what the mine owners and government officials are saying, they are handling themselves with dignity.
The problem is the mine owners and the government officials...
I can't say for sure what it is, but someone is trying to hide something and I think the families deserve better. If the owners screwed up, it's time to cowboy up and face the music.
Monday, August 20, 2007
Pizza Hut Review
We decided to try out America's Favorite Pizza last weekend... Typically we just get it from Little Ceasar's, but I was in the mood for something other than cheese and tomato paste on some cardboard.
Here's how it went:
We tried to online order process - pretty slick, except if you try and add a coupon at the end... The coupon will only work with items added onto the coupon itself, and not items already added.
We got the order placed just before 2:30pm
I went up to the store at 2:45pm, when the website said it would be ready.
It wasn't ready, and I'm not sure if the cashier was ready to be at work either. Perhaps her cat had been hit by a car, and that was why she seemed indifferent to my being there...
2:56pm the pizza's were finally done. Another cashier came to take care of me. She was OK, nothing too grand in the service department though...
She took my credit card into the back of the store to run it... If my identity gets stolen any time soon, Pizza Hut will be getting a call from me...
We finally get the Pizza home, after stopping at Great Harvest Bread - Expensive cookies, but service that was perfect, and the cookies were great!!
We open our 2 pizza's.... Now when I was young, a large pizza was pretty large. These guys measured a little over 12 inches in diameter... I checked the site, and a large is 14 inches... Guess they must have shrunk in the oven...
You would think with Pizza's that size that you would have a good concentration of toppings... My hawaiin had probably 7 pieces of ham and about 12 pieces of pineapple.
Then as I am eating I see Pizza Hut's ad on TV spouting off their 20 minutes or it's free guarantee.
I thought about complaining, but to be honest, unless they offer me a Papa Johns Pizza as a way to make up for it, I don't think anything they could offer would be worth going through that again.
America's Favority Pizza - NOT SO MUCH....
Here's how it went:
We tried to online order process - pretty slick, except if you try and add a coupon at the end... The coupon will only work with items added onto the coupon itself, and not items already added.
We got the order placed just before 2:30pm
I went up to the store at 2:45pm, when the website said it would be ready.
It wasn't ready, and I'm not sure if the cashier was ready to be at work either. Perhaps her cat had been hit by a car, and that was why she seemed indifferent to my being there...
2:56pm the pizza's were finally done. Another cashier came to take care of me. She was OK, nothing too grand in the service department though...
She took my credit card into the back of the store to run it... If my identity gets stolen any time soon, Pizza Hut will be getting a call from me...
We finally get the Pizza home, after stopping at Great Harvest Bread - Expensive cookies, but service that was perfect, and the cookies were great!!
We open our 2 pizza's.... Now when I was young, a large pizza was pretty large. These guys measured a little over 12 inches in diameter... I checked the site, and a large is 14 inches... Guess they must have shrunk in the oven...
You would think with Pizza's that size that you would have a good concentration of toppings... My hawaiin had probably 7 pieces of ham and about 12 pieces of pineapple.
Then as I am eating I see Pizza Hut's ad on TV spouting off their 20 minutes or it's free guarantee.
I thought about complaining, but to be honest, unless they offer me a Papa Johns Pizza as a way to make up for it, I don't think anything they could offer would be worth going through that again.
America's Favority Pizza - NOT SO MUCH....
Thursday, August 16, 2007
My Political Leanings
I used to consider myself a Republican because I liked the platform on which the party was based.
Recently the republican press secretary release a statement which closed with this: "despite the difficult political environment, people continue to be attracted to the fundamental ideals of the Republican Party."
I don't know if the Republicans have any fundamental ideals, with the exception of trying to screw the American people as much as they can.
I wanted to get some T-Shirts printed last year that said, "Republicans for Hillary, At least we'll know up front we're going to get screwed."
This is why I like the Libertarians, they stand for lower taxes, smaller government and more freedom.
Before you knock the rest of their platform however, go read through it on their site. They make a very clear logical argument for their side.
I like them, and will likely vote that way.
You can vote for whomever you want...
That's the America I want to live it.
Recently the republican press secretary release a statement which closed with this: "despite the difficult political environment, people continue to be attracted to the fundamental ideals of the Republican Party."
I don't know if the Republicans have any fundamental ideals, with the exception of trying to screw the American people as much as they can.
I wanted to get some T-Shirts printed last year that said, "Republicans for Hillary, At least we'll know up front we're going to get screwed."
This is why I like the Libertarians, they stand for lower taxes, smaller government and more freedom.
Before you knock the rest of their platform however, go read through it on their site. They make a very clear logical argument for their side.
I like them, and will likely vote that way.
You can vote for whomever you want...
That's the America I want to live it.
Celebrity Voice Impersonated
I think I heard at least 4 ads on my commute this morning that ended with the disclaimer of "Celebrity Voice Impersonated".
Generally I could figure out who they wanted to impersonate, but after the Golds Gym impersonator who I think was trying to copy Swartzenegger, but instead sounded like a toothless hobo women with a speech impediment, I start to ask...
Do you really need the disclaimer if the person doing the impersonation simply sucks?
Generally I could figure out who they wanted to impersonate, but after the Golds Gym impersonator who I think was trying to copy Swartzenegger, but instead sounded like a toothless hobo women with a speech impediment, I start to ask...
Do you really need the disclaimer if the person doing the impersonation simply sucks?
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Out to get me...
I was headed home last week from work, and got to a red light. I edged forward a little bit, so I could see if I could turn right, all the while rolling forward a little.
As I'm looking up at the light, the pedestrian light for those crossing in front of me, and so some people start to cross. Noticing this, and realizing that I don't want to hit them, I hit the brakes and jolt to a stop. One of the people crosses, then stops and glares at me with a "How dare you try and kill me look"
I thought about it as I drove home that day and pretty much every day since. I'm not sure how we get it, but I think most people have this feeling that everyone else on the roads is out to get us. Hence the 1 finger salute when someone cuts you off, road rage in general and just a general lack of courtesy.
I've been trying something. I've been driving as though I am amongst a group of friends... If someone needs to change lanes I let them in, if someone cuts me off, there's a good chance they didn't see me.
Interestingly enough, my driving experience has improved dramatically, and those around me have become far more friendly to drive with.
Of course there was one guy who pulled out right in front on me last week, causing me to have to brake so hard my wheels locked up. He didn't even stop at the stop sign, just came right on through. I didn't honk, didn't do anything, I actually felt pretty good.
Of course that feeling got a whole lot better when the cop, who happend to be driving behind me at the time, passed by with light going and nailed him!!!
As I'm looking up at the light, the pedestrian light for those crossing in front of me, and so some people start to cross. Noticing this, and realizing that I don't want to hit them, I hit the brakes and jolt to a stop. One of the people crosses, then stops and glares at me with a "How dare you try and kill me look"
I thought about it as I drove home that day and pretty much every day since. I'm not sure how we get it, but I think most people have this feeling that everyone else on the roads is out to get us. Hence the 1 finger salute when someone cuts you off, road rage in general and just a general lack of courtesy.
I've been trying something. I've been driving as though I am amongst a group of friends... If someone needs to change lanes I let them in, if someone cuts me off, there's a good chance they didn't see me.
Interestingly enough, my driving experience has improved dramatically, and those around me have become far more friendly to drive with.
Of course there was one guy who pulled out right in front on me last week, causing me to have to brake so hard my wheels locked up. He didn't even stop at the stop sign, just came right on through. I didn't honk, didn't do anything, I actually felt pretty good.
Of course that feeling got a whole lot better when the cop, who happend to be driving behind me at the time, passed by with light going and nailed him!!!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Shout out to the big people
I've been whining a little too much lately...
So today I want to give a shout out to some larger people I have seen lately...
This morning I saw a lady of well of 300 lbs doing some power walking down the street and a few weeks back, there was a lady who was perhaps a little smaller, jogging around the track at the high school.
It can't be easy for them, but I have the utmost respect for someone who takes their own problem and works on fixing it, rather than sitting on their butts and letting it get worse.
You guys really rock!!
So today I want to give a shout out to some larger people I have seen lately...
This morning I saw a lady of well of 300 lbs doing some power walking down the street and a few weeks back, there was a lady who was perhaps a little smaller, jogging around the track at the high school.
It can't be easy for them, but I have the utmost respect for someone who takes their own problem and works on fixing it, rather than sitting on their butts and letting it get worse.
You guys really rock!!
Monday, August 13, 2007
The Naked Priest
Today's entry will be both funny and serious, the latter part probably not really meant for a younger audience.
I heard a story on the news this morning about a priest who was caught taking a naked jog by police, somewhere in Colorado. Now bear in mind that this is coming to you 3rd or 4th hand, but from what I understand, the situation is this:
The priest was observed by Police walking home at 4:30am, wearing nothing. He told police that he had been jogging at the local high school track. Apparently he is a rather heavy man, and to help with a problem of profuse sweating when he runs, he opts to do it 'au-natural'.
Now, I could do with losing a few pounds, and to achieve that I have recently taken up various types of exercise, including running down at the local track. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find clothes a hinderance, but I personally think that I do the world a favor by not exposing my lily white skin to them, despite that fact that I too, generally run in the dark.
This is where the story takes a more serious turn. Apparently the police have charged him with a crime, and if convicted, he will be required to register as a sex-offender. Personally as long as this man has a clean past, I'm not sure why he should be lumped in with a bottom feeding scum bags who are listed on the sex-offender registry. Actually, I think this is the kind of guy that I wouldn't mind living next to me, if not just for the great conversation starter it would be at work and parties.
I have a few problems with the sex-offender registry...
1 - Statutory Rape... I used to be 16 or 17, albeit a while ago. From what I recall, my mind revolved around 1 thing most of the time. Add to that the attitudes of girls these days, and I'm not sure if a 16 year old who ends up sleeping with a 15 year old should be added to the sex-offender registry. Back in the old days, the fact that her dad owned a shot-gun (or in my case, an AK-47) was enough to make me re-think trying anything with his daughter.
2 - Kind of in line with #1, there is a guy who lives a block away from me who is listed as a registered sex-offender. His neighbors spoke to him about it, and he told them it was for statutory rape when he was a stupid teenager. So the neighbors relaxed and have no problem letting their kids play over at his house. Now I, being a little more cynical decided to investigate him a little more. This scum bag was convicted of first degree felony attempted rape of a child. So rather than being a dumb teenager this guy tried to rape a kid under the age of 10, and based on the conviction date, I would guess he was in his mid 20's. So not only should the statutory rape cases not be on the list, but scum bags like this then use that as a reason to explain while they are on the list.
3 - Last year, another scum bag from the neighborhood shared a bunch of sick activities he had done with me. I was disturbed (more so than normal) for a few weeks over it, but I am glad he told me. Based on his actions, he is following nicely in the beginning footsteps of most pedophiles out there. We used to be friends, although I use that term loosely since he is little more than a self-centered prick - but that is neither here nor there. Anyway since he shared that with me, and his kid drew a picture in Sunday School, that makes me think his might have witnessed some of his fathers escapades. Anyway, since that my wife and I have decided that neither he, nor his kids will have any contact with our kids - just to be safe.
This final case raises the final problem I see with sex offender registries... This guy confessed to an ecclesiastical leader, and so feels absolved of his crimes (at least this time around - apparently this is time number 3 or 4 through the "repentance" process) and no report was ever made to the police or anything. There are no doubt countless more scum bags like this who never get caught and so are never on the registry. Add to that the fact that offenders themselves are required to keep their information current, and I'm thinking that there is very limited value to the sex offender registry at all.
As a conclusion to the story I found out yesterday that scumbag #3 was assigned by religeous leaders to visit my family on a monthly basis to check on our welfare. Let's just say that assignment was removed very quickly after I found out about it. I'm all for forgiveness and stuff, but that doesn't mean that God expects me not to use my brain is keeping my kids safe.
I heard a story on the news this morning about a priest who was caught taking a naked jog by police, somewhere in Colorado. Now bear in mind that this is coming to you 3rd or 4th hand, but from what I understand, the situation is this:
The priest was observed by Police walking home at 4:30am, wearing nothing. He told police that he had been jogging at the local high school track. Apparently he is a rather heavy man, and to help with a problem of profuse sweating when he runs, he opts to do it 'au-natural'.
Now, I could do with losing a few pounds, and to achieve that I have recently taken up various types of exercise, including running down at the local track. I'd be lying if I said I didn't find clothes a hinderance, but I personally think that I do the world a favor by not exposing my lily white skin to them, despite that fact that I too, generally run in the dark.
This is where the story takes a more serious turn. Apparently the police have charged him with a crime, and if convicted, he will be required to register as a sex-offender. Personally as long as this man has a clean past, I'm not sure why he should be lumped in with a bottom feeding scum bags who are listed on the sex-offender registry. Actually, I think this is the kind of guy that I wouldn't mind living next to me, if not just for the great conversation starter it would be at work and parties.
I have a few problems with the sex-offender registry...
1 - Statutory Rape... I used to be 16 or 17, albeit a while ago. From what I recall, my mind revolved around 1 thing most of the time. Add to that the attitudes of girls these days, and I'm not sure if a 16 year old who ends up sleeping with a 15 year old should be added to the sex-offender registry. Back in the old days, the fact that her dad owned a shot-gun (or in my case, an AK-47) was enough to make me re-think trying anything with his daughter.
2 - Kind of in line with #1, there is a guy who lives a block away from me who is listed as a registered sex-offender. His neighbors spoke to him about it, and he told them it was for statutory rape when he was a stupid teenager. So the neighbors relaxed and have no problem letting their kids play over at his house. Now I, being a little more cynical decided to investigate him a little more. This scum bag was convicted of first degree felony attempted rape of a child. So rather than being a dumb teenager this guy tried to rape a kid under the age of 10, and based on the conviction date, I would guess he was in his mid 20's. So not only should the statutory rape cases not be on the list, but scum bags like this then use that as a reason to explain while they are on the list.
3 - Last year, another scum bag from the neighborhood shared a bunch of sick activities he had done with me. I was disturbed (more so than normal) for a few weeks over it, but I am glad he told me. Based on his actions, he is following nicely in the beginning footsteps of most pedophiles out there. We used to be friends, although I use that term loosely since he is little more than a self-centered prick - but that is neither here nor there. Anyway since he shared that with me, and his kid drew a picture in Sunday School, that makes me think his might have witnessed some of his fathers escapades. Anyway, since that my wife and I have decided that neither he, nor his kids will have any contact with our kids - just to be safe.
This final case raises the final problem I see with sex offender registries... This guy confessed to an ecclesiastical leader, and so feels absolved of his crimes (at least this time around - apparently this is time number 3 or 4 through the "repentance" process) and no report was ever made to the police or anything. There are no doubt countless more scum bags like this who never get caught and so are never on the registry. Add to that the fact that offenders themselves are required to keep their information current, and I'm thinking that there is very limited value to the sex offender registry at all.
As a conclusion to the story I found out yesterday that scumbag #3 was assigned by religeous leaders to visit my family on a monthly basis to check on our welfare. Let's just say that assignment was removed very quickly after I found out about it. I'm all for forgiveness and stuff, but that doesn't mean that God expects me not to use my brain is keeping my kids safe.
Thursday, August 09, 2007
Sir Winston Churchhill
Whether or not Mr. Churchhill made the following statement, is pretty much irrelevant. What makes it cool, it the content itself.
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
Very interesting!
"A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject."
Very interesting!
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
The Emporer Has No Clothes
I think I have mentioned the Dilbert Blog before. Scott Adams, who is the creator of Dilbert keeps a daily blog on a variety of topics. A day or two back he wrote a highly entertaining piece on Atheism and Agnosticism. It was one of those pieces that makes you think too - I think he referred to it as Philsotainment.
In response to his piece, the caretaker of the About.com site for Atheism and Agnosticism wrote a response. Scott's reponse to that was a piece about how people with certain view points get very defensive when anyone raises questions about their beliefs. He pointed out a few flaws in the response, and then 'challenged' the author to defend them. He finished with a quote, in reference to what kind of response he was expecting "Dance, Monkey, Dance"
Well the Monkey danced!! And it got me thinking about 2 characteristics that we seem to have as humans, which are kind of related.
The first is the "Emporer has no clothes" mentality. We seem to get ourselves into groups where the assumption is made that we need to follow the direction of the group. The problem is that when the group starts to go down the wrong path, everyone is afraid of causing the destruction of the group, and so no one mentions the thing that will likely destroy the group anyway.
The second is the idea that everyone needs to think the way we do. "I believe this, so if you don't you're an idiot" What's up with that? We all have our own opinions, it's what makes us unique, and variety is the spice of life. The problem is when you take your opinion and feel that you need to impose it on others, or that it needs to be defended to the death. It's your opinion... No one can take it from you.. Quit taking yourself so seriously and get on with enjoying your life.
Of course that's just my opinion! But you might not think that way... That's OK, in fact, I encourage it, especially if you want to post some comments :-)
In response to his piece, the caretaker of the About.com site for Atheism and Agnosticism wrote a response. Scott's reponse to that was a piece about how people with certain view points get very defensive when anyone raises questions about their beliefs. He pointed out a few flaws in the response, and then 'challenged' the author to defend them. He finished with a quote, in reference to what kind of response he was expecting "Dance, Monkey, Dance"
Well the Monkey danced!! And it got me thinking about 2 characteristics that we seem to have as humans, which are kind of related.
The first is the "Emporer has no clothes" mentality. We seem to get ourselves into groups where the assumption is made that we need to follow the direction of the group. The problem is that when the group starts to go down the wrong path, everyone is afraid of causing the destruction of the group, and so no one mentions the thing that will likely destroy the group anyway.
The second is the idea that everyone needs to think the way we do. "I believe this, so if you don't you're an idiot" What's up with that? We all have our own opinions, it's what makes us unique, and variety is the spice of life. The problem is when you take your opinion and feel that you need to impose it on others, or that it needs to be defended to the death. It's your opinion... No one can take it from you.. Quit taking yourself so seriously and get on with enjoying your life.
Of course that's just my opinion! But you might not think that way... That's OK, in fact, I encourage it, especially if you want to post some comments :-)
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
What is it good for?
Chester the Bear had a good post today about war. It got me thinking a little.
Now your religeous background might be different from mine, but bear with me as I try and make a point about it. I think their might be some common threads that tie into other theological beliefs...
Most Judeo/Christian beliefs are based on the Old Testament, and I think from what I understand, so are most Islamic beliefs as well. When the New Testament enters the picture is where the three seem to separate.
From what I can tell (and please correct me if I am wrong...) the Old Testament is based on very strict laws and codes of conduct. The reprecussions of breaking these laws are typically well described and rigidly enforced.
Examining Christian beliefs, the coming of Christ fulfilled this law, and ushered in a higher law, characterized by the 2 great commandments. To love God, and to love your neighbor. By following the example of Christ, which personifies these two ideals, the reward is well described, but perhaps not as rigidly as with the Old Testament law, or the law of Moses.
This reward is perhaps best described by the statement that "The yoke is easy and the burden is light".
The problem I see with many of the modern Christian sects, is that for most people the yoke they now carry is fraught with guilt, constant temptation from Satan and other perils of trying to be good enough.
I could probably go on and on about the reason for this, and likely will in the weeks to come, but let me finish up todays posts with this thought.
Conservative Christians generally support war as a means to fight evil. They are taught about the fight with Satan and sing songs like "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war". When you try to consilidate these beliefs with the 2 great commandments, you realize that something is definitely wrong. The attitude of "Kill 'em all, and let God sort it out" is in complete opposition to "Love your Neighbor"
I think war is taught as a means to rally people together. It's the same tactic used by politicians, yet it seems more acceptable in religeon.
War, what is it good for? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
Now your religeous background might be different from mine, but bear with me as I try and make a point about it. I think their might be some common threads that tie into other theological beliefs...
Most Judeo/Christian beliefs are based on the Old Testament, and I think from what I understand, so are most Islamic beliefs as well. When the New Testament enters the picture is where the three seem to separate.
From what I can tell (and please correct me if I am wrong...) the Old Testament is based on very strict laws and codes of conduct. The reprecussions of breaking these laws are typically well described and rigidly enforced.
Examining Christian beliefs, the coming of Christ fulfilled this law, and ushered in a higher law, characterized by the 2 great commandments. To love God, and to love your neighbor. By following the example of Christ, which personifies these two ideals, the reward is well described, but perhaps not as rigidly as with the Old Testament law, or the law of Moses.
This reward is perhaps best described by the statement that "The yoke is easy and the burden is light".
The problem I see with many of the modern Christian sects, is that for most people the yoke they now carry is fraught with guilt, constant temptation from Satan and other perils of trying to be good enough.
I could probably go on and on about the reason for this, and likely will in the weeks to come, but let me finish up todays posts with this thought.
Conservative Christians generally support war as a means to fight evil. They are taught about the fight with Satan and sing songs like "Onward Christian Soldiers, marching as to war". When you try to consilidate these beliefs with the 2 great commandments, you realize that something is definitely wrong. The attitude of "Kill 'em all, and let God sort it out" is in complete opposition to "Love your Neighbor"
I think war is taught as a means to rally people together. It's the same tactic used by politicians, yet it seems more acceptable in religeon.
War, what is it good for? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING!!!
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