A librarian friend informed me this morning of a horrific occurrence, the shooting death of two Officers in a town around 30 miles away from Norman. This article in the norman transcript gives a brief summary of the circumstances and events happening Sunday.
While serving a warrant Sunday, two Sheriffs deputies were shot and killed, and a bystander was wounded as she was passing across the street. The shooter, Ezekial Holbert, is currently in custody charged with first-degree murder.
A horrific crime committed because of a domestic abuse warrant. The crime committed Sunday was not worth the lives of two Sheriffs deputies. The fact that a domestic abuse warrant lead to their deaths truly is a tragedy. The domestic abuse charge would most likely be minor, compared to a conviction of first-degree murder.
That is the real tragedy here is that the domestic abuse charge would not have been anything life-ending. But just like the small sum the killers collected from the death of the Clutter family, this story really is unfortunate.
Yeah I know, I'm going to edit and polish!
July 27, 2009
Palin: A young woman's mavericky journey from Wasilla to the White House?
Last weekend, Sarah Palin gave a series of farewell picnics throughout the state of Alaska. These were her last few days as governor of Alaska, before that position was transfered to Sean Parnell. How else would Palin do it?
After all, she announced July 3rd that she wouldn't be seeking another term as governor, and further that she would be resigning at the end of the month. It was a shocking announcement. (Yes I tried for the most obscure source as possible.)
John McCain seemingly plucked her out of thin air last August when he picked the Alaska governor as a running mate. It's debatable whether or not that was a great move, as most estimation is askew considering what happened to the economy. To say that Mrs. Palin is controversial would be an understatement. She can definitely push the correct buttons to generate media.
Regardless, Palin made great late night fodder, even if Letterman probably crossed a line or two, and Saturday Night Live used her verbatim. I do admit, this is tough to take day after day, especially for someone not used to practically any media coverage.
I tend to be a Palin apologist. Yes I know, "But Darren, you're a liberal, communist, socialist, hippie, bum. How could you possibly be for Palin?" In a nutshell, she is just so darned entertaining. I loved how she winked at the camera during the Vice Presidential debate. I loved how every sentence had one of two themes: being a maverick, or incoherent speech. (The king of political sentences is Guiliani however. Mr Noun Verb and 9/11 has everyone beaten.)
Palin is the type of whiskey tango that really grows on you. I was at first horrified by this woman. She is having crazy bouts of religious outburst show up on youtube. Then she started with her William Ayers attacks. Then the media attacks. It was a never ending barrage of scrutiny for Mrs. Palin.
This is one liberal, who hopes to see Palin again in 2012, then 2016 and beyond. She will eventually stop playing the political comedian, but until that day, I won't be able to get enough of her. I hope she tours OK soon with her book. I'll be waiting in line.
After all, she announced July 3rd that she wouldn't be seeking another term as governor, and further that she would be resigning at the end of the month. It was a shocking announcement. (Yes I tried for the most obscure source as possible.)
John McCain seemingly plucked her out of thin air last August when he picked the Alaska governor as a running mate. It's debatable whether or not that was a great move, as most estimation is askew considering what happened to the economy. To say that Mrs. Palin is controversial would be an understatement. She can definitely push the correct buttons to generate media.
Regardless, Palin made great late night fodder, even if Letterman probably crossed a line or two, and Saturday Night Live used her verbatim. I do admit, this is tough to take day after day, especially for someone not used to practically any media coverage.
I tend to be a Palin apologist. Yes I know, "But Darren, you're a liberal, communist, socialist, hippie, bum. How could you possibly be for Palin?" In a nutshell, she is just so darned entertaining. I loved how she winked at the camera during the Vice Presidential debate. I loved how every sentence had one of two themes: being a maverick, or incoherent speech. (The king of political sentences is Guiliani however. Mr Noun Verb and 9/11 has everyone beaten.)
Palin is the type of whiskey tango that really grows on you. I was at first horrified by this woman. She is having crazy bouts of religious outburst show up on youtube. Then she started with her William Ayers attacks. Then the media attacks. It was a never ending barrage of scrutiny for Mrs. Palin.
This is one liberal, who hopes to see Palin again in 2012, then 2016 and beyond. She will eventually stop playing the political comedian, but until that day, I won't be able to get enough of her. I hope she tours OK soon with her book. I'll be waiting in line.
Cuban economics
Raul Castro gave a speech commemorating the 56th anniversary of the Cuban revolution on Sunday. He mostly acknowledged the global financial crisis, and how the Cuban government will be adjusting to deal with it. As exports are down, and the price of imports, such as food are up, the Cuban economy is making due regardless of the U.S. embargo since 1962.
The Cuban people, as previously noted, have been dealing with a hamstrung economy for nearly 60 years. They have made it through this disadvantage and will weather the global economic storm as well. The Cuban government has informed businesses that they must cut energy consumption or face sanctions.
I am personally a champion of the Cuban government. Although they have committed numerous acts of human rights, so has the U.S. (I'm willing to debate anyone on this topic if interested.) Should the U.S. embargo against Cuba be removed? I think yes. What has it done, other than hamstring millions of people from reaching their full potential? Cuba is still a communist country, and a Castro is still in office. Obviously this policy has worked like a charm.
The Cuban people, as previously noted, have been dealing with a hamstrung economy for nearly 60 years. They have made it through this disadvantage and will weather the global economic storm as well. The Cuban government has informed businesses that they must cut energy consumption or face sanctions.
I am personally a champion of the Cuban government. Although they have committed numerous acts of human rights, so has the U.S. (I'm willing to debate anyone on this topic if interested.) Should the U.S. embargo against Cuba be removed? I think yes. What has it done, other than hamstring millions of people from reaching their full potential? Cuba is still a communist country, and a Castro is still in office. Obviously this policy has worked like a charm.
July 23, 2009
Clinton launches verbal war with NK
“We cannot but regard Mrs. Clinton as a funny lady as she likes to utter such rhetoric, unaware of the elementary etiquette in the international community,” the North Korean statement said. “Sometimes she looks like a primary schoolgirl and sometimes a pensioner going shopping.”
That was from a North Korean statement at a regional asian meeting, Asean. Clinton, for her part, called the North Korean leaders "unruly children".
The international consensus regarding North Korea has hit a precipice, with nearly all countries worldwide condemning and overall recognizing the threat the nation poses. Clinton is set to meet with China to further discuss the regional implications of North Korea's missile testing, as well as shipping embargoes China has recently requested help in monitoring. Progress is slow and sometimes catalyzed by a common enemy.
I personally have the utmost confidence in Hillary Clinton. She is an incredible mind, a valued American asset, and she deserves all the leeway anyone can afford. She knows exactly what she is doing, and how to handle the situation in the best of possible manners.
That was from a North Korean statement at a regional asian meeting, Asean. Clinton, for her part, called the North Korean leaders "unruly children".
The international consensus regarding North Korea has hit a precipice, with nearly all countries worldwide condemning and overall recognizing the threat the nation poses. Clinton is set to meet with China to further discuss the regional implications of North Korea's missile testing, as well as shipping embargoes China has recently requested help in monitoring. Progress is slow and sometimes catalyzed by a common enemy.
I personally have the utmost confidence in Hillary Clinton. She is an incredible mind, a valued American asset, and she deserves all the leeway anyone can afford. She knows exactly what she is doing, and how to handle the situation in the best of possible manners.
July 22, 2009
Crazy cult leader goes beyond nutjob guidelines
MAUSTON, Wis.
A cult leader was sentenced to a two year term today for keeping a rotting follower on a toilet for two months. Alan Bushey, 59, is the man who was sentenced, accused of keeping the body at another follower's home for weeks in order to collect social security, annuities, and to wait for her impending resurrection.
Yes, to wait for her impending resurrection.
There was a 16 and 14 year old living in the house with their mother while this woman's body was rotting in the bathroom. Bushey informed them that a demon was destroying her body, and that they should pray harder to remove the demon and bring back the woman.
I don't even know where to begin. I personally know nothing about this cult, and don't wish to really. Tending to not have a problem with people's personal beliefs, this story is really over that line-- in that Bushey clearly lost touch with reality, and is now endangering others. Claiming a body will be resurrected is one thing, blaming the kids who live there is another. He is awarded my crazed religious leader award of the month.
A cult leader was sentenced to a two year term today for keeping a rotting follower on a toilet for two months. Alan Bushey, 59, is the man who was sentenced, accused of keeping the body at another follower's home for weeks in order to collect social security, annuities, and to wait for her impending resurrection.
Yes, to wait for her impending resurrection.
There was a 16 and 14 year old living in the house with their mother while this woman's body was rotting in the bathroom. Bushey informed them that a demon was destroying her body, and that they should pray harder to remove the demon and bring back the woman.
I don't even know where to begin. I personally know nothing about this cult, and don't wish to really. Tending to not have a problem with people's personal beliefs, this story is really over that line-- in that Bushey clearly lost touch with reality, and is now endangering others. Claiming a body will be resurrected is one thing, blaming the kids who live there is another. He is awarded my crazed religious leader award of the month.
July 19, 2009
Lunar golf anyone?
Image courtesy of NASA
Today, July 20th, 2009, is the 40th anniversery since that footprint (left) was made by Neil Armstrong on the surface of the Moon. It is still there, 200,000 miles away. A footprint made possible by computers the size of a room, containing no more than 1/10 the power of the one I'm currently writing this on. People watched this feat, with a short delay. Glued to their televisions. As the late, space-enthusiast Walter Cronkite broke journalistic objectivity.
It was something depicted by the French Science Fiction film, "A Trip to the Moon." Of course, in 1902, those famous Wright brothers hadn't even taken flight at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. How absurd the French are! Predicting a capsular landing on the moon before a a fixed-wing plan had even taken off.
From someone who has visited the National Air and Space Museum, I can report that the Mercury Freedom 7II craft (below) was from my estimation, hastily built. Assuming some normal wear and aging, I also observed noticeable exposed wiring and circuit boards. This was indeed a legitimate "race" with the Russians. With political and propaganda purposes at stake, the goal was set by President Kennedy, a man on the moon by the end of the decade. In hindsight, it was perhaps a reckless undertaking.
Image courtesy of National Air and Space Museum
Following the Mercury and Gemini programs, Apollo was the program to ultimately put human footprints on the Moon. The culmination of years of research by brilliant individuals working for the impossible. (Some might argue it still is impossible.) The participants knew there was nothing that could ever possibly top this experience in human history. Fourty-five hundred years after the Sphinx was built in Giza, human civilization had advanced in understanding to the point of landing a craft on the surface of what was once thought to be diety, or barrier to the heavens.
When you ask people what news they remember, or where they were on certain days, this is certainly one of those days they remember vividly. My mom was watching the broadcast on a portable TV from the beach. People around the world squinted at their black and white TVs, anxiously anticipating history.
"I didn't believe it. Come on, Darren. They had computers the size of this room, and they had a video from the Moon?" mom said when I asked her. (Bear in mind, this is a woman who is a devoted Trekkie! We saw the new Star Trek twice!) I'll fully admit that she has a point, it is awesome to think about the distance, and the pure scale of it.
If we have advanced further technologically, then why haven't we gone back? Primarily it's been due to financial reasons. The space race was a significant chunk of change. I would argue that we didn't just land, take samples, and play golf (below). There were numerous technological advancements to come from the space race, beyond rockets, suits and landers. By pushing the limit of what is possible, we limited what is impossible.
Image courtesy of NASA
The U.S. has pledged to return to the Moon, by the year 2018. Stephen Hawking has been calling for extraterrestrial colonization by humans for years. "2001: A Space Odyssey", envisioned a space Hilton hotel, and regular travel to and from. Most recently the movie, "Moon", has renewed science fiction fan's (myself) hope that these current fictions can soon become realities.
In the larger sense, I believe it to be a human directive to explore and discover. Ever since the advent of science, humans have utilized a systematic approach to solving complex and harrowing problems. However, since 1972 we have been adrift on a sea of stagnation. Yet with a president who believes in the "final frontier", I hope we not only return, but reach toward a newer goal: Mars and beyond.
We are but a speck in a grandiose existence. In the largest sense, Humans are nearly infinitely small compared to what is out there. As humans, we worry about paying the bills, and doing menial tasks, but space is benevolent to us. It has been there extremely longer than we have, and will exist longer than anyone can imagine.
Image courtesy of NASA
I can personally imagine at some point in my life, as remarkable as this may sound, taking a picture identical to the one above. I may be an old man at the time, but I think I might be able to play a few holes of golf too. With 1/8th the gravity helping me, I think I can manage a par 5.
"Will you tell Jesus that we're hungry."
Frank McCourt, the author of Angela's Ashes, has died over the weekend.
From someone who loved the book, and considers the movie among his favorites, this is a very unfortunate and sad post. I plan on watching the movie in the next couple of days, and I would urge anyone who hasn't, to read the fantastic book.
It's written from a child's point of view and writing skill, and it is an enjoyable read -- remarkably eye-opening. McCourt truly had an incredible life, and was a master storyteller.
When Jellyfish invade!
IMAGE: AFP/GETTY IMAGES/FILE
Nomura's jellyfish (pictured) are currently being pushed to the Sea of Japan by coastal currents. They have devastated the natural fishing communities of Japan during 2005 and 2007 invasions of the waters, and are expected this year.
Believed to be from the Yellow Sea of China, these giant jellyfish are known to grow up to 450lbs, and 6 feet in diameter. They grow to this size primarily because they rely on the natural currents for transportation. They are generally seen in large groups.
July 15, 2009
Epic fail
When I went to work this afternoon I asked my boss curiously what she was reading. My frail boss turned and gave me the single greatest quote of the day. "Well Darren, people are just idiots."
She was referring to the story she was reading, which was printed in the Norman Transcript. It's about Bank of the West, which has been robbed three times since June, and twice since Friday. That's right, two times within a week.
First off, I think there might be a trend here. I'm no statistician, but wouldn't they beef up security after the second one at least.
Second, I think the robbery community is onto this bank. The story informs that the description and method of crimes are conflicting from all three accounts.
I'm no genius, but I would have hired someone to stand in the corner of the lobby and look ominous. What do you think?
http://www.normantranscript.com/archivesearch/local_story_195011442
She was referring to the story she was reading, which was printed in the Norman Transcript. It's about Bank of the West, which has been robbed three times since June, and twice since Friday. That's right, two times within a week.
First off, I think there might be a trend here. I'm no statistician, but wouldn't they beef up security after the second one at least.
Second, I think the robbery community is onto this bank. The story informs that the description and method of crimes are conflicting from all three accounts.
I'm no genius, but I would have hired someone to stand in the corner of the lobby and look ominous. What do you think?
http://www.normantranscript.com/archivesearch/local_story_195011442
Cheered home after not even leaving
I love the space race, and believe that we're making a huge mistake by not making outer space a higher priority. The Russians are beating us, and they haven't even left the atmosphere.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/world/europe/15mars.html?_r=1&ref=science
Russian scientists locked a crew of participants into tubes simulating 105 days of a mission to mars. The main purpose was to observe the crews potential behavior and ways to mediate the year and a third of transit to the red planet. A longer experiment is going to take place next year, which will be over 500 days long.
There were no major incidences during the 105 day experiment. (Meaning no one killed each other.) It's hard enough for most people to sit still and silent for less than 10 minutes. I commend the Russian's for making space a noble endeavor.
I watched NOVA last night, and they were discussing Franklin Chang-Diaz's research into rockets. His testing and rocket propulsion could make a space flight trip to mars in a matter of days.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/15/world/europe/15mars.html?_r=1&ref=science
Russian scientists locked a crew of participants into tubes simulating 105 days of a mission to mars. The main purpose was to observe the crews potential behavior and ways to mediate the year and a third of transit to the red planet. A longer experiment is going to take place next year, which will be over 500 days long.
There were no major incidences during the 105 day experiment. (Meaning no one killed each other.) It's hard enough for most people to sit still and silent for less than 10 minutes. I commend the Russian's for making space a noble endeavor.
I watched NOVA last night, and they were discussing Franklin Chang-Diaz's research into rockets. His testing and rocket propulsion could make a space flight trip to mars in a matter of days.
July 13, 2009
Live long and eat less
http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/60-second-science/post.cfm?id=fewer-calories--longer-life-a-new-p-2009-07-09
I can't imagine the dedication it takes to perform a 20 year long experiment. The amount of mistakes made on a typical day long experiment are exponential, 20 years is unfathomable. Regardless, greater men have prevailed and successfully performed procedures on primates to test low-caloric intake diets in the hopes of finding increased lifespans.
Rhesus monkeys typically have a lifespan of 27 years. In this recent study, scientists have shown that rhesus monkeys, fed a third less food, have a higher survival rate. With 63% of low-caloric dieting monkeys still alive versus 45% with non-restricted diets still being alive after 20 years of experimentation. This study is significant, and qualified, meaning all factors were monitored and strickly controlled. Deaths not relating to old age were not quantified in this research.
Does this mean that humans need to split every meal into thirds and walk out with one portion every time we eat. Possibly. As the study is not on humans, and although backed by this and studies on lesser complex animals, there is not enough evidence supporting this hypothesis.
However, that isn't going to stop me from cutting down my food anyway. I'm from the camp which believes that portion sizes, especially restaurant portions. I realize that if they made them into normal sizes that they couldn't charge 10 dollars a plate, but come on I don't need to eat a full plate of that crap.
The problem with this experimentation on human's is that we're notorious sneak-eaters. How can you keep your trails factors controlled? It's very close to impossible.
I can't imagine the dedication it takes to perform a 20 year long experiment. The amount of mistakes made on a typical day long experiment are exponential, 20 years is unfathomable. Regardless, greater men have prevailed and successfully performed procedures on primates to test low-caloric intake diets in the hopes of finding increased lifespans.
Rhesus monkeys typically have a lifespan of 27 years. In this recent study, scientists have shown that rhesus monkeys, fed a third less food, have a higher survival rate. With 63% of low-caloric dieting monkeys still alive versus 45% with non-restricted diets still being alive after 20 years of experimentation. This study is significant, and qualified, meaning all factors were monitored and strickly controlled. Deaths not relating to old age were not quantified in this research.
Does this mean that humans need to split every meal into thirds and walk out with one portion every time we eat. Possibly. As the study is not on humans, and although backed by this and studies on lesser complex animals, there is not enough evidence supporting this hypothesis.
However, that isn't going to stop me from cutting down my food anyway. I'm from the camp which believes that portion sizes, especially restaurant portions. I realize that if they made them into normal sizes that they couldn't charge 10 dollars a plate, but come on I don't need to eat a full plate of that crap.
The problem with this experimentation on human's is that we're notorious sneak-eaters. How can you keep your trails factors controlled? It's very close to impossible.
July 6, 2009
Local Student
http://www.normantranscript.com/localnews/local_story_186011450
Valparaiso University student Elizabeth Thompson has spent a 10 day trip to Tanzania. The organization Engineers Without Borders is currently planning 5 years of trips there to improve the water quality, canal flows and irrigation, among other initiatives. They hope to begin improving local hydrological concerns in the coming years.
This is one of the only local stories I found to write about that wasn't related to criminal action, or people drowning in a lake. I appreciate the plight this student has chosen to assist in, and I think the nobility of even a 10 day preliminary trip is a great thing to spread the word about.
I believe that Africa has the potential to be an emerging continent in global affairs. The impoverished nations of today, can be the thriving nations of tomorrow. I remember a TED conference talk, or two, that I found particularly interesting, which pertain opportunity that Africa has.
I think with more initiatives that this young lady was involved in, and a continued resurgence of peace and evolving economies, Africa will indeed become regarded as something other than mostly 3rd world.
Valparaiso University student Elizabeth Thompson has spent a 10 day trip to Tanzania. The organization Engineers Without Borders is currently planning 5 years of trips there to improve the water quality, canal flows and irrigation, among other initiatives. They hope to begin improving local hydrological concerns in the coming years.
This is one of the only local stories I found to write about that wasn't related to criminal action, or people drowning in a lake. I appreciate the plight this student has chosen to assist in, and I think the nobility of even a 10 day preliminary trip is a great thing to spread the word about.
I believe that Africa has the potential to be an emerging continent in global affairs. The impoverished nations of today, can be the thriving nations of tomorrow. I remember a TED conference talk, or two, that I found particularly interesting, which pertain opportunity that Africa has.
I think with more initiatives that this young lady was involved in, and a continued resurgence of peace and evolving economies, Africa will indeed become regarded as something other than mostly 3rd world.
Afghanistan "surge"
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapcf/07/06/afghanistan.marine.standoff/index.html
Above is a link to a CNN article on the progress of Marines currently fighting in Afghanistan. This new surge of Marines has cast new attention on the Afghanistan "War on Terror", as much focus has been made recently of US personnel leaving the cities of Iraq.
The standoff currently in the town of Khan Neshin is a uneasy one at best. Once considered a Taliban stronghold, the capture of this town marks a slight shift in policy. The new directives for the Marines include respecting Afghan customs regarding women, and protecting civilian soilders. The article also mentions the US military's restraint in calling in air strikes on cities.
The insurgents dressed as women to escape the city during the fighting. In essence utilizing the new rules of engagement to their advantage.
This fall will mark the 8th year that U.S. forces have been engaged in Afghanistan. With this new "surge" of Marines, are we ever planning to withdrawl from the country? It's been reported that Hamid Karzai has no real influence beyond the capitol of Kabul. His brother has been accused of being involved in the drug trade, as well as many of his governmental officials.
The country is in terrible shape economically, politically, regionally. What should(can) the U.S. do?
Above is a link to a CNN article on the progress of Marines currently fighting in Afghanistan. This new surge of Marines has cast new attention on the Afghanistan "War on Terror", as much focus has been made recently of US personnel leaving the cities of Iraq.
The standoff currently in the town of Khan Neshin is a uneasy one at best. Once considered a Taliban stronghold, the capture of this town marks a slight shift in policy. The new directives for the Marines include respecting Afghan customs regarding women, and protecting civilian soilders. The article also mentions the US military's restraint in calling in air strikes on cities.
The insurgents dressed as women to escape the city during the fighting. In essence utilizing the new rules of engagement to their advantage.
This fall will mark the 8th year that U.S. forces have been engaged in Afghanistan. With this new "surge" of Marines, are we ever planning to withdrawl from the country? It's been reported that Hamid Karzai has no real influence beyond the capitol of Kabul. His brother has been accused of being involved in the drug trade, as well as many of his governmental officials.
The country is in terrible shape economically, politically, regionally. What should(can) the U.S. do?
17-year-old Magellan
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-zac-sunderland6-2009jul06,0,6103005.story
The Los Angeles Times story linked above is about my new personal hero. Zac Sunderland is on the final leg of a 13-month odyssey circumnavigating the globe. The article describes the adversities this young man has encountered in his remarkable journey.
Pirates, treacherous straits, incorrect satellite beacons, 15 foot seas, gale-force winds, freighter near-miss, (continues on for hours) ... Needless to say Zac will have great cocktail moments, yet not all harrowing. He has seen some exhilarating moments as well, such as ubiquitous hospitality, native greetings on the Marshal Island, the unbelievable moments of awe and speed.
He can also claim to have seen rampant poverty and unrest. Routinely repairing in 3rd world ports, Zac has seen a world very few have seen. He has seen that part of the world that you don't see if you're on a cruise and happen to stop at a Bahaman Island.
His journey is an amazing globe-trotting roller-coaster ride. How many people can claim to have experienced something as such? When Zac reaches home, he'll also reach that incredible plateau of Magellan.
This story is personally befitting, as sailing the globe is something I must do before my time is up. He definitely has a leg up on me, as his family is in shipwrighting, and as I'm in a landlocked state. Someday. Since he will be the youngest, maybe I can be the oldest.
Until you can wish me good luck, wish Zac well on the last leg of his journey, as he is due to arrive home in around 2 weeks.
The Los Angeles Times story linked above is about my new personal hero. Zac Sunderland is on the final leg of a 13-month odyssey circumnavigating the globe. The article describes the adversities this young man has encountered in his remarkable journey.
Pirates, treacherous straits, incorrect satellite beacons, 15 foot seas, gale-force winds, freighter near-miss, (continues on for hours) ... Needless to say Zac will have great cocktail moments, yet not all harrowing. He has seen some exhilarating moments as well, such as ubiquitous hospitality, native greetings on the Marshal Island, the unbelievable moments of awe and speed.
He can also claim to have seen rampant poverty and unrest. Routinely repairing in 3rd world ports, Zac has seen a world very few have seen. He has seen that part of the world that you don't see if you're on a cruise and happen to stop at a Bahaman Island.
His journey is an amazing globe-trotting roller-coaster ride. How many people can claim to have experienced something as such? When Zac reaches home, he'll also reach that incredible plateau of Magellan.
This story is personally befitting, as sailing the globe is something I must do before my time is up. He definitely has a leg up on me, as his family is in shipwrighting, and as I'm in a landlocked state. Someday. Since he will be the youngest, maybe I can be the oldest.
Until you can wish me good luck, wish Zac well on the last leg of his journey, as he is due to arrive home in around 2 weeks.
July 1, 2009
Inhofe... um....
http://newsok.com/sen.-jim-inhofe-retreats-from-comment-about-epa/article/3382062?custom_click=pod_lead_usworld
I live in Oklahoma, and as such I'm currently represented by Senator Inhofe, republican. Well, I'm not being represented. Case-in-point, the following.
The link above is to an article appearing on NewsOK and has within it the best quote ever given by one sitting senator(Inhofe) of another senator(Al Franken): "I’ll tell you what a lot of people are thinking, and that is it looks like things are going to be over and we are going to get the clown from Minnesota." He is referring to a recent move by the Minnesota Supreme Court to certify the Senatorial Elections from November.
First of all, a clown is distinctly different from a comedian and writer. Second of all, he is now your colleague. Come-on Jim. I've seen your commercials, if you "are Oklahoma", then treat him like all Oklahomans would treat him. From my experience, most Oklahomans would be respectful and generous to their fellow coworker, as they have been to me.
With that out of the way, I'd like to address the real focus of the article-- allegations that the EPA should be investigated for suppressing a climate change report. Actually I'm confused by the article. It talks about the allegations, then a new climate bill, then the new senator that Inhofe talks down to, then back to the EPA.
Maybe I'm too liberal to be able to decipher Inhofes skepticism of climate change. Am I to understand that the person he accuses the EPA of quelling was a supporter of skepticism? That is the only way Inhofe would investigate the EPA. However the article states the suppressed employee was in fact, and not a scientist.
For once, I'm willing to admit that Inhofe is justified in his climate change skepticism. I'm a lifelong skeptic. I always think the null hypothesis is required. However an investigation is politically motivated, a waste of time, and reflects badly on OK. Isn't there a more pressing concern for our esteemed senator?
I live in Oklahoma, and as such I'm currently represented by Senator Inhofe, republican. Well, I'm not being represented. Case-in-point, the following.
The link above is to an article appearing on NewsOK and has within it the best quote ever given by one sitting senator(Inhofe) of another senator(Al Franken): "I’ll tell you what a lot of people are thinking, and that is it looks like things are going to be over and we are going to get the clown from Minnesota." He is referring to a recent move by the Minnesota Supreme Court to certify the Senatorial Elections from November.
First of all, a clown is distinctly different from a comedian and writer. Second of all, he is now your colleague. Come-on Jim. I've seen your commercials, if you "are Oklahoma", then treat him like all Oklahomans would treat him. From my experience, most Oklahomans would be respectful and generous to their fellow coworker, as they have been to me.
With that out of the way, I'd like to address the real focus of the article-- allegations that the EPA should be investigated for suppressing a climate change report. Actually I'm confused by the article. It talks about the allegations, then a new climate bill, then the new senator that Inhofe talks down to, then back to the EPA.
Maybe I'm too liberal to be able to decipher Inhofes skepticism of climate change. Am I to understand that the person he accuses the EPA of quelling was a supporter of skepticism? That is the only way Inhofe would investigate the EPA. However the article states the suppressed employee was in fact, and not a scientist.
For once, I'm willing to admit that Inhofe is justified in his climate change skepticism. I'm a lifelong skeptic. I always think the null hypothesis is required. However an investigation is politically motivated, a waste of time, and reflects badly on OK. Isn't there a more pressing concern for our esteemed senator?
Coup, like soup without the S
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8129787.stm
An article by the BBC is confirming that the new government in Honduras has rejected The Organization of American States' call for the Honduras government to reappoint the former President Zelaya.
With President Obama calling on the government to reappoint Zelaya, as well as nearly every government around the world doing the same, the pressure is building. The Organization of American States, otherwise known as NAMBLA, has threatened to throw them out of the regional organization of states.
Doesn't this coup sound surreal to you to. This sounds like something the CIA would do in the 60s to... I don't know some... Central American country. Crazy isn't it? We've meddled enough around the world to fully know the consequences, a dangerous Middle East, impoverished Africa, exploited South America, etc. I know. I know. Foreign policy is way more complicated than my simple paragraphs here, but those experts on the TV who act like they know what they're talking about have been wrong so many times.
The US has the arrogance to assume that they hold any morality in the world. President Obama is just a man. He's going to most likely have 8 years to get some books written about him, and try to make a difference. I don't consider his Presidency alone a gamechanger for US foreign policy.
We supported Musharraf when he overthrew the Pakistani government ten years ago. What's the difference? Oh wait, Honduras doesn't have a terrorist harboring state next to it geographically.
Should the new government of Honduras be recognized after this coup?
An article by the BBC is confirming that the new government in Honduras has rejected The Organization of American States' call for the Honduras government to reappoint the former President Zelaya.
With President Obama calling on the government to reappoint Zelaya, as well as nearly every government around the world doing the same, the pressure is building. The Organization of American States, otherwise known as NAMBLA, has threatened to throw them out of the regional organization of states.
Doesn't this coup sound surreal to you to. This sounds like something the CIA would do in the 60s to... I don't know some... Central American country. Crazy isn't it? We've meddled enough around the world to fully know the consequences, a dangerous Middle East, impoverished Africa, exploited South America, etc. I know. I know. Foreign policy is way more complicated than my simple paragraphs here, but those experts on the TV who act like they know what they're talking about have been wrong so many times.
The US has the arrogance to assume that they hold any morality in the world. President Obama is just a man. He's going to most likely have 8 years to get some books written about him, and try to make a difference. I don't consider his Presidency alone a gamechanger for US foreign policy.
We supported Musharraf when he overthrew the Pakistani government ten years ago. What's the difference? Oh wait, Honduras doesn't have a terrorist harboring state next to it geographically.
Should the new government of Honduras be recognized after this coup?
Climate bill promises the farm
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/01/us/politics/01climate.html?_r=1&ref=science
A climate bill, containing a cap-and-trade program in the US, has passed the US House of Representatives. However, (and this is a big however) the bill is largely stocked full of watered down compromises, out and out bribes in the form of "deals", and relaxed regulations from those proposed by environmentalists.
The bill is still supported by President Obama, who lobbied hard for this bill's passage, as this seems in keeping with Obama's ambitious first year of office.
I think, in a philosophical sense, our government needs to rethink business as usual. This bill is a prime example of lobbyist, interests groups, and stubborn party politics getting in the way of what most citizens and scientists consider necessary.
Maybe I'm in a particularly earnest anarchist mood tonight, but the governmental process to me seems so illogical. From a scientific background, this makes no logical sense as a way to govern. *shakes head* Just because things are the way they are doesn't mean that's the way they should be.
Do you think our government should continue business as usual?
A climate bill, containing a cap-and-trade program in the US, has passed the US House of Representatives. However, (and this is a big however) the bill is largely stocked full of watered down compromises, out and out bribes in the form of "deals", and relaxed regulations from those proposed by environmentalists.
The bill is still supported by President Obama, who lobbied hard for this bill's passage, as this seems in keeping with Obama's ambitious first year of office.
I think, in a philosophical sense, our government needs to rethink business as usual. This bill is a prime example of lobbyist, interests groups, and stubborn party politics getting in the way of what most citizens and scientists consider necessary.
Maybe I'm in a particularly earnest anarchist mood tonight, but the governmental process to me seems so illogical. From a scientific background, this makes no logical sense as a way to govern. *shakes head* Just because things are the way they are doesn't mean that's the way they should be.
Do you think our government should continue business as usual?
June 26, 2009
Local legacy longlasting
A few tid bits before the actual article: Blake Griffin was chosen No. 1 overall. Wow! Two remarkable people passed on Thursday and it would be wrong not to mention them. Rest in peace Michael Jackson, and Farrah Fawcett. You will both be remembered and missed dearly. On to local topic!
http://www.normantranscript.com/localnews/local_story_177011535
The OU Board of Regents will be retrofitting buildings for the purpose of conservation. I applaud the move.
The move retrofitting will be affecting older buildings on the OU campus, and will improve energy savings, and make the buildings overall more efficient. A "green" campus is something to be poud of, and something that in the long run will see much more money returned to OU than if no retrofitting were to occur.
There are "green" steps that anyone can take to improve their homes, and make them more efficient simulataneously. OU is ahead of the state on these "green" issues. Regardless of your position on global warming, there is nothing wrong with being an environmentalist right?
I recommend you visit this website for further "green" info.
http://www.normantranscript.com/localnews/local_story_177011535
The OU Board of Regents will be retrofitting buildings for the purpose of conservation. I applaud the move.
The move retrofitting will be affecting older buildings on the OU campus, and will improve energy savings, and make the buildings overall more efficient. A "green" campus is something to be poud of, and something that in the long run will see much more money returned to OU than if no retrofitting were to occur.
There are "green" steps that anyone can take to improve their homes, and make them more efficient simulataneously. OU is ahead of the state on these "green" issues. Regardless of your position on global warming, there is nothing wrong with being an environmentalist right?
I recommend you visit this website for further "green" info.
Firearms frequent for flock
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/26/us/26guns.html?_r=1&ref=us
An article in the New York Times is particularly interesting to me. If only because it has the phrase "God, Guns, Gospel and Geometry" in the first paragraph, a feat I have been trying to attain as a writer for quite some time. Anyway...
The article is describing a Kentucky church which is celebrating the United State's Constitution's Second Amendment, or the right of the people to keep and bear arms. They're showing their celebration with sermons, events, and even a bring-your-gun-to-church day.
This is an emblematic piece for what is happening all over the country. NRA membership is up since November, people are buying more guns and there is a general fear that the Obama admnistration will stick the hounds on their guns, and confiscate or severly limit them.
I don't see any reason why these people are so concerned. The Obama administration has not made any moves toward gun control issues. Neither has the democrat controlled congress made any moves toward harsher moves regarding guns. The public response is to a fear that he may at some point begin to crack down on guns. But I don't see that happening.
I am keeping a lookout though, but considering I don't own any guns I don't know why I'm on watch.
An article in the New York Times is particularly interesting to me. If only because it has the phrase "God, Guns, Gospel and Geometry" in the first paragraph, a feat I have been trying to attain as a writer for quite some time. Anyway...
The article is describing a Kentucky church which is celebrating the United State's Constitution's Second Amendment, or the right of the people to keep and bear arms. They're showing their celebration with sermons, events, and even a bring-your-gun-to-church day.
This is an emblematic piece for what is happening all over the country. NRA membership is up since November, people are buying more guns and there is a general fear that the Obama admnistration will stick the hounds on their guns, and confiscate or severly limit them.
I don't see any reason why these people are so concerned. The Obama administration has not made any moves toward gun control issues. Neither has the democrat controlled congress made any moves toward harsher moves regarding guns. The public response is to a fear that he may at some point begin to crack down on guns. But I don't see that happening.
I am keeping a lookout though, but considering I don't own any guns I don't know why I'm on watch.
China confers currency controversy
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8120835.stm
The BBC article, describes a report from the People's Bank of China, which states that a "super-sovereign " currency change should occur.
The implications are that an international monetary fund dominated by a single currency , specifically the US dollar could not be regulated as much as required by the country of issue. Basically the report claims that the US dollar's weakness is the primary reason for the current economic crisis worldwide.
The chief of the Chinese central bank aroused worldwide attention last year when he claimed the US dollar could be replaced as the world's primary currency by the Special Drawing Right. The Special Drawing Right was created during the late 60s by the International Monetary Fund.
The logic for this move is that no country should have control over the world's reserve currency. The article quotes the PBOC as claiming a debt-based consumption model is unsustainable.
I tend to agree with the statement that debt-based consumption is an inteniable position. The US has $11.3 trillion in national debt. Paul Krugman, nobel prize winning economist, in his book "The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008" has noted that consumer debt is equal to the US GDP. The last time this happened was a few years before the Great Depression. Dire predictions.
I read in the Norman Transcript on Thursday an article from the AP entitled something like "Fed sees end to recession". I apologize but I gave my copy away otherwise I'd get you the specific article.
The article was describing the recent move by the Federal Reserve to maintain interests rates. It also quoted several economists regarding the situation, and how much longer or deeper a recession could be. My first thought goes to Phil Gramm, former economic advisor to the McCain campaign, who was caught on video saying, "We've(US) become a nation of whiners."
My problem and why I bring this up, is the fact that people like Gramm are regarded as experts on this economy, when clearly in that statement they are out of touch, and have no idea what is going on.
I would recommend questioning everything that one hears about the economy. Read multiple diverse sources of information. Do not assume that the current capitalistic model of economics is the best in the world. A few hundred years ago, the feudal system was regarded as the best economic model ever invented.
What does this all mean? Is the recession over? Should a monetary fund be allowed to create and control a country-independent currency?
Recommended reading: Chomsky, Noam: Profits Over People. Paul Krugman in the New York Times, as well as his numerous books. Marx, Karl: Das Kapital.
The BBC article, describes a report from the People's Bank of China, which states that a "super-sovereign " currency change should occur.
The implications are that an international monetary fund dominated by a single currency , specifically the US dollar could not be regulated as much as required by the country of issue. Basically the report claims that the US dollar's weakness is the primary reason for the current economic crisis worldwide.
The chief of the Chinese central bank aroused worldwide attention last year when he claimed the US dollar could be replaced as the world's primary currency by the Special Drawing Right. The Special Drawing Right was created during the late 60s by the International Monetary Fund.
The logic for this move is that no country should have control over the world's reserve currency. The article quotes the PBOC as claiming a debt-based consumption model is unsustainable.
I tend to agree with the statement that debt-based consumption is an inteniable position. The US has $11.3 trillion in national debt. Paul Krugman, nobel prize winning economist, in his book "The Return of Depression Economics and the Crisis of 2008" has noted that consumer debt is equal to the US GDP. The last time this happened was a few years before the Great Depression. Dire predictions.
I read in the Norman Transcript on Thursday an article from the AP entitled something like "Fed sees end to recession". I apologize but I gave my copy away otherwise I'd get you the specific article.
The article was describing the recent move by the Federal Reserve to maintain interests rates. It also quoted several economists regarding the situation, and how much longer or deeper a recession could be. My first thought goes to Phil Gramm, former economic advisor to the McCain campaign, who was caught on video saying, "We've(US) become a nation of whiners."
My problem and why I bring this up, is the fact that people like Gramm are regarded as experts on this economy, when clearly in that statement they are out of touch, and have no idea what is going on.
I would recommend questioning everything that one hears about the economy. Read multiple diverse sources of information. Do not assume that the current capitalistic model of economics is the best in the world. A few hundred years ago, the feudal system was regarded as the best economic model ever invented.
What does this all mean? Is the recession over? Should a monetary fund be allowed to create and control a country-independent currency?
Recommended reading: Chomsky, Noam: Profits Over People. Paul Krugman in the New York Times, as well as his numerous books. Marx, Karl: Das Kapital.
June 25, 2009
Odd angles
Hey long time no blog, expect multiple posts regarding things happening now, tomorrow.
I can report that school is bogging me down, my home internet is screwy, and I need to do laundry.
On to better news, I have joined the Fellowship of the Sun Church, and am currently working on part three of The Box (for my 3 devoted fans of that). Check out the trailer for the movie of the same name.
I will debut another original serial short story ,still untitled, within a few weeks. Also expect an in depth analysis of Lost, which I think will finally explain everything coherently and predict precisely what will happen next season.
So something to look forward to.
I can report that school is bogging me down, my home internet is screwy, and I need to do laundry.
On to better news, I have joined the Fellowship of the Sun Church, and am currently working on part three of The Box (for my 3 devoted fans of that). Check out the trailer for the movie of the same name.
I will debut another original serial short story ,still untitled, within a few weeks. Also expect an in depth analysis of Lost, which I think will finally explain everything coherently and predict precisely what will happen next season.
So something to look forward to.
June 19, 2009
New books abound
Do you think the reason that Apple partitioned the previously called 13 inch macbook into the macbook pro lineup is to make room for a new macbook model? Maybe a macbook touch?
I've been reading a lot of internet chatter, and honestly they're wrong more often than they're right.
Personally I want to see what they have in R & D. Macbook wheel anyone?
I've been reading a lot of internet chatter, and honestly they're wrong more often than they're right.
Personally I want to see what they have in R & D. Macbook wheel anyone?
June 17, 2009
Fanning for public image?
OG and E will be distributing fans to elderly and low-income individuals across it's 30,000 square mile area. They are joining with nearly 300 locations referred to as "Cool Zones", or through charitable agencies such as the Salvation Army, and Areawide Aging Agency.
This is a great idea, and the story is basically written by OG and E public relations people. It's the type of impact story that warms my heart. Really secures my belief that in a system long devoid of human compassion good things still happen.
Too often the local news is distilled to: (Noun) (criminal action) (noun). Or some ramifications of that sentence form?
I'm tired of hearing about depressing things. I think people who don't have fans are tired of hearing about these stories. At least now the people without fans who hate hearing these stories can enjoy them with fans.
Thank you OG&E for giving back in any way that you can.
This is a great idea, and the story is basically written by OG and E public relations people. It's the type of impact story that warms my heart. Really secures my belief that in a system long devoid of human compassion good things still happen.
Too often the local news is distilled to: (Noun) (criminal action) (noun). Or some ramifications of that sentence form?
I'm tired of hearing about depressing things. I think people who don't have fans are tired of hearing about these stories. At least now the people without fans who hate hearing these stories can enjoy them with fans.
Thank you OG&E for giving back in any way that you can.
Close encounters: of the asbestos kind
In a Libby, Montana, which can blame nearly 200 deaths to asbestos posioning, has been declared a "public health emergency" by the Obama administration.
This marks the first ever such emergency declared by the EPA. As such they will provide assistance to the town which has been attempting to clean up the asbestos for 10 years.
In may, officials and mine operators were acquitted by a federal jury for their parts in the contamination.
The Libby mining operation began producing vermiculite, a mineral used for insulation. However this vermiculite was contaminated with tremolite asbestos, which causes the cancer mesothelioma. In other words the mine was contaminating the area, ultimately being linked to the death of 200 people.
Beyond the obvious class action suit, this is a very serious concern. The company has reimbersed people for their medical costs, and agreed to pay the EPA for it's cleanup efforts.
All noble steps.
This is a drastically larger issue than you probably think. When you drink water, even bottled water (it's tap water too) you're ingesting accumulated chemicals from billions of sources.
People urinate out prescription drugs, microbes in the water source, chemical contamination from nearby industry. Sometimes these compounds are in active concentrations in your body.
Another problem with creating a cause and effect, is the number of factors already present in the open system, this cause a 12,000 person town. Causationally the asbestos no doubt has caused an increase in mesothelioma cases. However I just want to make you consider that a certainty is impossible.
Some of those people would have developed a form of cancer anyway. Some residents could live there their entire life, and never get a symptom or illness from the asbestos.
Cause/effect variables are hard to quantify, and harder to prove. I'm off on a tangent. Sorry
I hope the town cleans up this asbestos. After 10 years of ongoing clean-up i wonder if declaring this an emergency is redundant.
Maybe the government is hiding something?
Wasn't it a chemical spill in Close Encounters?
This marks the first ever such emergency declared by the EPA. As such they will provide assistance to the town which has been attempting to clean up the asbestos for 10 years.
In may, officials and mine operators were acquitted by a federal jury for their parts in the contamination.
The Libby mining operation began producing vermiculite, a mineral used for insulation. However this vermiculite was contaminated with tremolite asbestos, which causes the cancer mesothelioma. In other words the mine was contaminating the area, ultimately being linked to the death of 200 people.
Beyond the obvious class action suit, this is a very serious concern. The company has reimbersed people for their medical costs, and agreed to pay the EPA for it's cleanup efforts.
All noble steps.
This is a drastically larger issue than you probably think. When you drink water, even bottled water (it's tap water too) you're ingesting accumulated chemicals from billions of sources.
People urinate out prescription drugs, microbes in the water source, chemical contamination from nearby industry. Sometimes these compounds are in active concentrations in your body.
Another problem with creating a cause and effect, is the number of factors already present in the open system, this cause a 12,000 person town. Causationally the asbestos no doubt has caused an increase in mesothelioma cases. However I just want to make you consider that a certainty is impossible.
Some of those people would have developed a form of cancer anyway. Some residents could live there their entire life, and never get a symptom or illness from the asbestos.
Cause/effect variables are hard to quantify, and harder to prove. I'm off on a tangent. Sorry
I hope the town cleans up this asbestos. After 10 years of ongoing clean-up i wonder if declaring this an emergency is redundant.
Maybe the government is hiding something?
Wasn't it a chemical spill in Close Encounters?
Let's wear a silly French hat for a minute
You and I are sitting at a Parisian cafe. We're talking about life, love and loss over a cup of coffee.
I pick up the newspaper at the table next to me. It's called Le Parisien, and in the international section I find the most interesting article. (Scroll down to article IRAN: ARM WRESTLING CONTINUES)
Since we both can obviously read French now, we start talking about it.
Apparently the situation in Iran is deteriorating, as 7 prostestors have been killed in clashes with the Iranian government, the challenger to Ahmadinejad has called for a nullification of the election results from earlier this month, and western journalists are being heavily sanctioned.
If you've watched any news recently you'll notice that the American press is relying heavily on internet blogging and tweeting to obtain information from inside Iran. (This could be the first case study of new age journalism.)
You'll also notice that the election's results are heavily contested by outside international groups, and by the reformist Iranian sentiment. It is noted that the election was performed using paper ballots, and the results were post before the polls closed, a feat which America can only marvel at.
The results given by the Iranian government give Ahmadinejad a 33% margin of victory over Mousavvi. Winning handidly in nearly every area, including Mousavvi's home town.
I do wish to make the implication that this election is fraudulent. Without any international oversight, I can safely make this implication.
Beyond the results, the intense clashing of the protestors and government forces continues. With 7 dead protestors, this is no laughing matter. The rallies and organizations are happening daily in the Tehranian streets.
A situation like this happening in America, would result in nearly twenty-four hour coverage, and every talking head on TV spewing their liquids on the screen.
President Obama believes that most of the publicity surrounding Mousavvi is disregarding his political leanings. It is valid to to postulate that Mousavvi holds much of the same as Ahmadinejad's political positions.
However, going even further into irrelevance over this Ahmadinejad vs Mousavvi is that as the President of Iran your power is limited to what the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, instructs you to do.
As an Islamic theocracy, Iranian governance is ultimately up to Khamenei, not Ahmadinejad or Mousavvi. For his time in office Ahmadinejad has been the willing puppet of Khamenei. So would Mousavvi be the Iranian "Obama". I doubt that.
Overall the situation in Iran is terrible. Factoring in the relative insignificance of the election results it becomes just depressing. Iran is obviously unstable, and attempting to develope nuclear capabilities. What should America do in response? Should we get involved in a sovereign countries electorial process?
Aiya, let's go back to our coffee.
I pick up the newspaper at the table next to me. It's called Le Parisien, and in the international section I find the most interesting article. (Scroll down to article IRAN: ARM WRESTLING CONTINUES)
Since we both can obviously read French now, we start talking about it.
Apparently the situation in Iran is deteriorating, as 7 prostestors have been killed in clashes with the Iranian government, the challenger to Ahmadinejad has called for a nullification of the election results from earlier this month, and western journalists are being heavily sanctioned.
If you've watched any news recently you'll notice that the American press is relying heavily on internet blogging and tweeting to obtain information from inside Iran. (This could be the first case study of new age journalism.)
You'll also notice that the election's results are heavily contested by outside international groups, and by the reformist Iranian sentiment. It is noted that the election was performed using paper ballots, and the results were post before the polls closed, a feat which America can only marvel at.
The results given by the Iranian government give Ahmadinejad a 33% margin of victory over Mousavvi. Winning handidly in nearly every area, including Mousavvi's home town.
I do wish to make the implication that this election is fraudulent. Without any international oversight, I can safely make this implication.
Beyond the results, the intense clashing of the protestors and government forces continues. With 7 dead protestors, this is no laughing matter. The rallies and organizations are happening daily in the Tehranian streets.
A situation like this happening in America, would result in nearly twenty-four hour coverage, and every talking head on TV spewing their liquids on the screen.
President Obama believes that most of the publicity surrounding Mousavvi is disregarding his political leanings. It is valid to to postulate that Mousavvi holds much of the same as Ahmadinejad's political positions.
However, going even further into irrelevance over this Ahmadinejad vs Mousavvi is that as the President of Iran your power is limited to what the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, instructs you to do.
As an Islamic theocracy, Iranian governance is ultimately up to Khamenei, not Ahmadinejad or Mousavvi. For his time in office Ahmadinejad has been the willing puppet of Khamenei. So would Mousavvi be the Iranian "Obama". I doubt that.
Overall the situation in Iran is terrible. Factoring in the relative insignificance of the election results it becomes just depressing. Iran is obviously unstable, and attempting to develope nuclear capabilities. What should America do in response? Should we get involved in a sovereign countries electorial process?
Aiya, let's go back to our coffee.
June 14, 2009
Box III teaser trailer
Deep male voice: "In a world where a mysterious box can change your life"--
Clip of man walking over a hill carrying a carcass filled with light.
DMV: "What is in the box, will change the entire story"
Clip of little boy placing box into back of mothers car.
DMV: "Will you imagine the truth?"
Clip of box being opened with bright light emanating from inside.
DMV: "Can you imagine the truth?"
Clip of box closing dramatically.
DMV: "Read it as it happens to find out."
Coming soon.
Clip of man walking over a hill carrying a carcass filled with light.
DMV: "What is in the box, will change the entire story"
Clip of little boy placing box into back of mothers car.
DMV: "Will you imagine the truth?"
Clip of box being opened with bright light emanating from inside.
DMV: "Can you imagine the truth?"
Clip of box closing dramatically.
DMV: "Read it as it happens to find out."
Coming soon.
June 12, 2009
Longevity: Or how I learned to stop worrying and trust the double helix
According to a growing number of biologists life doesn't have to be so short.
Think of your body as a machine. A well oiled, well lubricated machine can last longer than one not properly maintained. We've seen an increased lifespan over a historically small period of time, that it'd be safe to assume this trend increasing. Although the computer principal for for double power every year may be slowing, this bodily principal has room to get better. Aging scientists are now intriqued by the growing evidence that long life is a relatively few base substitutions away.
If the body is a machine, then genetics would be the central command. It's believed that parts of this command structure are self-limiting. In other words there is a pre-established time limit from the moment your DNA begins expression into protein. Theortically this limit could be removed right. Bypassed? Without a time limit, the DNA could replicate endlessly right?
No. There are a lot more details glossed over in this blog, I would recommend reading "The Molecular Biology of the Gene" written by James Watson, among others. It is on a regulatory basis that these news studies are hopeful for people, if the longevity pathway can be elucidated, then it could potentially apply to anyone.
Personally I can see human beings aging to a tremendously rip age of well over 100. However skeptical you are now, 100 years ago for you to say that people would be averaging an age of 70, you'd call me crazy as well. My problem with living this long is what to do? As a theory capitalism is not giving everyone a job, a feat which the communists have managed FYI. I can't imagine doing a job for 50 years, or 75 years. The same task every day.
On top of what to do, what will you see? People you know will eventually being dying of random accidents. It happens now, but with medicine providing longer life, you'd only start seeing people dropping dead from freak occurrences.
I think I'll revisit this post in the future. Till then keep aging.
Think of your body as a machine. A well oiled, well lubricated machine can last longer than one not properly maintained. We've seen an increased lifespan over a historically small period of time, that it'd be safe to assume this trend increasing. Although the computer principal for for double power every year may be slowing, this bodily principal has room to get better. Aging scientists are now intriqued by the growing evidence that long life is a relatively few base substitutions away.
If the body is a machine, then genetics would be the central command. It's believed that parts of this command structure are self-limiting. In other words there is a pre-established time limit from the moment your DNA begins expression into protein. Theortically this limit could be removed right. Bypassed? Without a time limit, the DNA could replicate endlessly right?
No. There are a lot more details glossed over in this blog, I would recommend reading "The Molecular Biology of the Gene" written by James Watson, among others. It is on a regulatory basis that these news studies are hopeful for people, if the longevity pathway can be elucidated, then it could potentially apply to anyone.
Personally I can see human beings aging to a tremendously rip age of well over 100. However skeptical you are now, 100 years ago for you to say that people would be averaging an age of 70, you'd call me crazy as well. My problem with living this long is what to do? As a theory capitalism is not giving everyone a job, a feat which the communists have managed FYI. I can't imagine doing a job for 50 years, or 75 years. The same task every day.
On top of what to do, what will you see? People you know will eventually being dying of random accidents. It happens now, but with medicine providing longer life, you'd only start seeing people dropping dead from freak occurrences.
I think I'll revisit this post in the future. Till then keep aging.
June 10, 2009
What cost $20 billion, and could end civilization?
This site is a news compilation website which relies on translators to read and decipher foreign press articles, particularly those articles reporting on the United States.
Today's international articles: "DPRK's Nuclear Test Hailed as Just Measure for Self-Defence" (actual article is under PAST NEWS, then from June 9th). In addition, I will also be reading an article on the same event but from an american press source: "Clinton Warns N. Korea on Missiles".
More often than not soceity considers objectivity to be a singular stance, wholly absent the human element. However removed from humanity an individual writes, it's impossible to completely purge this fundamental trait. Take the first article from the Korean Central News Agency operating out of Pyongyang N. Korea. It is written by propagandists, who are strictly sanctioned and regulated. It can clearly show bias, and descriptive language which implicates bad connotation for america. This individual has no choice though. Nothing is published without the approval of the N. Korean government, who according to the west is a totalitarian extremist terrorist state.
The message from the N. Korean press is that they are the overall victims in this relationship. The missile test is a necessary step toward overall national security. To them America has allied with the traitorous South Koreans, and are currently positioned along the same DMZ which has been for nearly 60 years. It seems alien to my intellect to have a constant military border with say another state like Texas. Oklahoma would be N. Korea in this scenario. All trade has international embargoes against it. On top of that the United Nations now considers Oklahoma one of the worst regimes on the planet in regards to human rights. You get the message! It's dire here in Oklahoma(N. Korea).
Regarding the New York Times short article on Clinton's warning to N. Korea, the article reads neutrally, however still contains language which implicates negative connotation. Admittingly, a part of that, is that this diction is perfectly available and fully justified in its use. However America's arogance in foreign policy is not a polarizing view. The so-called experts hold mostly the same contempt and bull pulpit stance for the rest of the world. America still hold's an embargo against Cuba, we still invaded Iraq, and we are currently deploying more troops to Afghanistan.
The assumption that America has any more morality than N. Korea is intellectually unsound. It is impossible to quantify, and therefore the adventurist stance of America is no better than an extremist of Al Qaeda.
Saying that, America's foreign policy will never change. The power circles of the policy machine will always influence the President toward more bombs, more troops in endless bases around the world, and less isolationism. The imperalist always win this argument because they are the ones making the most money. Back to topic.
Should N. Korea be allowed to have nuclear weapons, or long range missiles. That answer from my nuclear submarine brother Ethan, is hell no. He believes that America has the right to parade around the worlds ocean with instruments of war capable of blowing the earth out of orbit. I salute you sir! However I disagree. If only the world was a big school yard, then the weapons of mass death would be like the bully who grew tallest first. (Which was me) But evently America will have to learn that the other kids will grow tall as well, and our big guns need to shrink.
These "rogue nations" are not collapsing due to our economic and military influence, perhaps we need to rethink our strategy. Media is the first step in this campaign. The N. Korean media is never going to be pro-American, however it's a dubious claim to think they have any real influence over the population. However American media, need to realize that foreign policy is relatively the same for both parties, our international attitudes are the same, and as such the media is exascerbating the situation. If say for instance a genuine argument was brewing in America, and yet never covered fairly, or with only one argument, then it would seem logical that the elite foreign policy stance that we see now is prevelant. I belive there is a legitimate debate presently about America's stance in the world. the Obama administration has made a cautious step forward, say with Cuban travel policies, American temperment abroad, yet we have much further to go. N. Korea isn't going anywhere! Neither are we. We need a change in approach. Conventional thinking isn't working, and unless a new approach to American thinking is hashed out, nothing will ever change.
Today's international articles: "DPRK's Nuclear Test Hailed as Just Measure for Self-Defence" (actual article is under PAST NEWS, then from June 9th). In addition, I will also be reading an article on the same event but from an american press source: "Clinton Warns N. Korea on Missiles".
More often than not soceity considers objectivity to be a singular stance, wholly absent the human element. However removed from humanity an individual writes, it's impossible to completely purge this fundamental trait. Take the first article from the Korean Central News Agency operating out of Pyongyang N. Korea. It is written by propagandists, who are strictly sanctioned and regulated. It can clearly show bias, and descriptive language which implicates bad connotation for america. This individual has no choice though. Nothing is published without the approval of the N. Korean government, who according to the west is a totalitarian extremist terrorist state.
The message from the N. Korean press is that they are the overall victims in this relationship. The missile test is a necessary step toward overall national security. To them America has allied with the traitorous South Koreans, and are currently positioned along the same DMZ which has been for nearly 60 years. It seems alien to my intellect to have a constant military border with say another state like Texas. Oklahoma would be N. Korea in this scenario. All trade has international embargoes against it. On top of that the United Nations now considers Oklahoma one of the worst regimes on the planet in regards to human rights. You get the message! It's dire here in Oklahoma(N. Korea).
Regarding the New York Times short article on Clinton's warning to N. Korea, the article reads neutrally, however still contains language which implicates negative connotation. Admittingly, a part of that, is that this diction is perfectly available and fully justified in its use. However America's arogance in foreign policy is not a polarizing view. The so-called experts hold mostly the same contempt and bull pulpit stance for the rest of the world. America still hold's an embargo against Cuba, we still invaded Iraq, and we are currently deploying more troops to Afghanistan.
The assumption that America has any more morality than N. Korea is intellectually unsound. It is impossible to quantify, and therefore the adventurist stance of America is no better than an extremist of Al Qaeda.
Saying that, America's foreign policy will never change. The power circles of the policy machine will always influence the President toward more bombs, more troops in endless bases around the world, and less isolationism. The imperalist always win this argument because they are the ones making the most money. Back to topic.
Should N. Korea be allowed to have nuclear weapons, or long range missiles. That answer from my nuclear submarine brother Ethan, is hell no. He believes that America has the right to parade around the worlds ocean with instruments of war capable of blowing the earth out of orbit. I salute you sir! However I disagree. If only the world was a big school yard, then the weapons of mass death would be like the bully who grew tallest first. (Which was me) But evently America will have to learn that the other kids will grow tall as well, and our big guns need to shrink.
These "rogue nations" are not collapsing due to our economic and military influence, perhaps we need to rethink our strategy. Media is the first step in this campaign. The N. Korean media is never going to be pro-American, however it's a dubious claim to think they have any real influence over the population. However American media, need to realize that foreign policy is relatively the same for both parties, our international attitudes are the same, and as such the media is exascerbating the situation. If say for instance a genuine argument was brewing in America, and yet never covered fairly, or with only one argument, then it would seem logical that the elite foreign policy stance that we see now is prevelant. I belive there is a legitimate debate presently about America's stance in the world. the Obama administration has made a cautious step forward, say with Cuban travel policies, American temperment abroad, yet we have much further to go. N. Korea isn't going anywhere! Neither are we. We need a change in approach. Conventional thinking isn't working, and unless a new approach to American thinking is hashed out, nothing will ever change.
June 3, 2009
The Box II
The Box II
Continued unadulterated bile from the sewers of Darren Jaworski
1
"Mom I don't get it. What is it? Why is there only a key in the box? What does it go to?" The boy contains the singular face of puzzlement, ineptitude. He holds the key outward toward his mother in the kitchen.
"Dinner is in 5 minutes dear," says the mom as she stirs a pot facing away from the boy.
"What are you talking about? What key?" She turns to the boy, grabs the key and now possesses the boy's puzzled expression. "I do not know," she says with a curious eye.
"That was all that was in the box."
"I didn't buy you a box with a key in it. I bought you a brand new Unmentionable
Adventure action figure. Supposed to contain the map to hidden treasure, and the most dangerous place on earth. What a rippoff! I can't believe this!" She turns back to cooking, giving back the key to the boy. "We'll go tomorrow after work and return the sham to the store. I believe I'll have words."
"Can I keep the key?" The boy is a master of supplication.
"Why do you want it? What could you possibly do with a key, nothing to use it on?"
Thinking, the boy finally just asks again, and again.
With quandaries abound, the mother agrees.
2
The glass distorted the streaking yellow light to the west, which is running like an overly excited firefly in the distance. The man lowers the bottle, rubs his eyes, and profunctly gazes toward the evening sky. The light is bigger than an airship, however without a reference point, size is undeterminable now. The subtle movements of the source indicates a peculiarity beyond the drunkards comprehension, or sobriety. Capable of a multitude of acrobatics, and incomprehensible movement. The yellow now has become a red, which becomes a orange. Westward it appears, moving up, down any imaginable direction.
Then from behind the man, who is repositioning himself to higher ground, comes another immersion of light. Filling the valley the man is running through, the light passes a few hundred feet directly above him. It leaves a residue which falls behind it, losing vibrance as it goes to the ground. From the east, it is rapidly approaching the other source.- His vision is obscured by the top of the hill as the light flies over the crest.
The man runs up the face, eventually running over the top of the hill.
3
"Well, I'd prefer a refund sir. I bought a specific product from you, and you give me an empty box. I demand to speak to your manager." At this point the woman had been speaking for around 10 minutes.
"Miss, I am the manager, owner, and currently only worker. If you're accusing anyone of making a mistake, I take that personally. You bought a mystery box right? It should have been left unopened, thus preserving the mystery. Now I don't recall any sort of Unmentionable Action figure. You're the one who is mistaken." The man speaking is a rotund, stalky fellow. heavy at the waist. His condescending attitude is peaked by his ability to snobbishly look at the mother.
"Just give me my money back, you can have your empty box, and everyone is satisfied.--"
"No"
"I'm not satisfied, I want at least a refund of some of my money."
"No"
"What is my son going to do with an empty box?"
"I have no idea, and it isn't my problem."
"You're a waste."
"There is the door miss, have a nice day."
"I'm well on the way. I'm not ever coming into your crap store."
She exits to her son in the car. Throws the box through the back window, and gets in the driver seat. She takes off down the road.
"Stop the car, mom!" The boy screams.
To the mother's protests and attempt to lock the door, the boy climbs out and scurries toward a dumpster behind the toy shop. By the time mother gets out of the car and finds her son, he has retrieved what caught his eye. A large wooden crate with a large T on the side.
4
By the time he caught his breath, the collision had occurred roughly one hundred feet above his head. The trees scattered the light creating rays, and a brilliant effect of running through stars. He saw where the west light had fallen, beyond two trees a few yards away. It had dimmed, weakened from the events occurring previously. The man cautiously approached the fading light, walking on uncovered ground, lest not to startle the being.
Only a few feet now. He can see the ground where it lay.
The glowing light was no larger than a fist, yet was vibrant as a well fueled torch.
As he pushed aside the brush, he knelt to a knee just over the source. It moved.
Continued unadulterated bile from the sewers of Darren Jaworski
1
"Mom I don't get it. What is it? Why is there only a key in the box? What does it go to?" The boy contains the singular face of puzzlement, ineptitude. He holds the key outward toward his mother in the kitchen.
"Dinner is in 5 minutes dear," says the mom as she stirs a pot facing away from the boy.
"What are you talking about? What key?" She turns to the boy, grabs the key and now possesses the boy's puzzled expression. "I do not know," she says with a curious eye.
"That was all that was in the box."
"I didn't buy you a box with a key in it. I bought you a brand new Unmentionable
Adventure action figure. Supposed to contain the map to hidden treasure, and the most dangerous place on earth. What a rippoff! I can't believe this!" She turns back to cooking, giving back the key to the boy. "We'll go tomorrow after work and return the sham to the store. I believe I'll have words."
"Can I keep the key?" The boy is a master of supplication.
"Why do you want it? What could you possibly do with a key, nothing to use it on?"
Thinking, the boy finally just asks again, and again.
With quandaries abound, the mother agrees.
2
The glass distorted the streaking yellow light to the west, which is running like an overly excited firefly in the distance. The man lowers the bottle, rubs his eyes, and profunctly gazes toward the evening sky. The light is bigger than an airship, however without a reference point, size is undeterminable now. The subtle movements of the source indicates a peculiarity beyond the drunkards comprehension, or sobriety. Capable of a multitude of acrobatics, and incomprehensible movement. The yellow now has become a red, which becomes a orange. Westward it appears, moving up, down any imaginable direction.
Then from behind the man, who is repositioning himself to higher ground, comes another immersion of light. Filling the valley the man is running through, the light passes a few hundred feet directly above him. It leaves a residue which falls behind it, losing vibrance as it goes to the ground. From the east, it is rapidly approaching the other source.- His vision is obscured by the top of the hill as the light flies over the crest.
The man runs up the face, eventually running over the top of the hill.
3
"Well, I'd prefer a refund sir. I bought a specific product from you, and you give me an empty box. I demand to speak to your manager." At this point the woman had been speaking for around 10 minutes.
"Miss, I am the manager, owner, and currently only worker. If you're accusing anyone of making a mistake, I take that personally. You bought a mystery box right? It should have been left unopened, thus preserving the mystery. Now I don't recall any sort of Unmentionable Action figure. You're the one who is mistaken." The man speaking is a rotund, stalky fellow. heavy at the waist. His condescending attitude is peaked by his ability to snobbishly look at the mother.
"Just give me my money back, you can have your empty box, and everyone is satisfied.--"
"No"
"I'm not satisfied, I want at least a refund of some of my money."
"No"
"What is my son going to do with an empty box?"
"I have no idea, and it isn't my problem."
"You're a waste."
"There is the door miss, have a nice day."
"I'm well on the way. I'm not ever coming into your crap store."
She exits to her son in the car. Throws the box through the back window, and gets in the driver seat. She takes off down the road.
"Stop the car, mom!" The boy screams.
To the mother's protests and attempt to lock the door, the boy climbs out and scurries toward a dumpster behind the toy shop. By the time mother gets out of the car and finds her son, he has retrieved what caught his eye. A large wooden crate with a large T on the side.
4
By the time he caught his breath, the collision had occurred roughly one hundred feet above his head. The trees scattered the light creating rays, and a brilliant effect of running through stars. He saw where the west light had fallen, beyond two trees a few yards away. It had dimmed, weakened from the events occurring previously. The man cautiously approached the fading light, walking on uncovered ground, lest not to startle the being.
Only a few feet now. He can see the ground where it lay.
The glowing light was no larger than a fist, yet was vibrant as a well fueled torch.
As he pushed aside the brush, he knelt to a knee just over the source. It moved.
June 2, 2009
The Box I
The Box I
Unedited, fresh from the disturbed mind of Darren Jaworski.
1
"So what's in the box?"
"That's for you to decide," was the reply from his mother.
2
They're taking it down the canal. Pushing the swamped roofs of two centuries past, the man in lead has done this before. Calmed by the whooshing of the high tide, gossiped about by closing windows. The other man is motionless. Watching the next turn.
The case is at the bow of the boat, the lead mid, and the lagging man in relapse behind the two. The bottle makes a similar sound to the water on the buildings they pass. Almost there.
3
"It isn't a puppy."
She laughs. "No, it is not a puppy."
4
A man stands at the end of pier, he will be the one to throw the rope. Tethering the boat, the two men disembark, greet the pier man properly, and unload the box from the bow. The lead is first, grasping the handle firmly and waiting for his stumbling companion. The latter finds the weight considerably heavier than the first. He finds footing on the dock, and the two walk the box to a waiting cart.
The two silhouettes walk from the dock, one walking the cart. They stop at the first firm footing. The last building had cleared their pathway into the back alley to their left.
5
"I'm going to my room."
"Dinner is in 30 minutes."
6
The two are alone. Sitting in the alley, occasionally looking in each eyes. The bottle goes up, then down again on the box top. Their wait is benign, yet unforgiving....
A changing light shapes its way into the alley's opening. Both men are eager, and perk. This is their shape. The box is now in motion again. They take it to across a bridge, then further through the city outskirts. A man waves to them from his stoop.
1.1
The boy sits in his room, staring at the box. Inconspicuous enough, as it contains no discernable marks of any kind, other then wear. His brother is, lying silent. Covered in brown paper, the box resembles a cereal box. That perfectly proportioned rectangular shape.
Placing the box on his desk, just in front of his wooden dinosaur model. He sits in the chair at the desk. Waits. There could be a puppy in there.
1.2
"Welcome gentlemen."
"We have no time, sir," retorted the man as he lowered the bottle.
1.3
He is reminded of his last birthday party. The other boys sitting around a table, awkwardly listening to his mother on the phone. She was crying like when they visited the home where he last saw grandpa. It was that same cracking voice, same desperate breathing. The box was unemotional.
To imagine the fate of his life was beyond his years. The subtle movement of time would grab him every now and then, whispering to him with that same desperation as his mother's crying. Today was his birthday.
1.4
"Can you believe they found giant fossils at Stonesfield?"
"Where is your wife?"
2.1
The bottle rests in his coat pocket as he splays the box on the ground. The weight has obviously taken it's toll, as evidenced by his sweaty brow. A moment later he will be joking with the gentleman's wife. Until then she would lay motionless.
His companion prepared the husband's expectations by taking him to another room. The man was worried, torn in belief. He would be vindicated, or disappointed soon. She will laugh again.
2.2
"Do you want to fix the dinosaur," said the boy as he held up the broken wooden rib.
No reply was audible.
2.3
Another swig from the bottle, then an intrepid hand reached for the latch on the box, as it opened the other man recoiled. The key was turned, revealing a T on the metal. After a brief respite from unhinging, both men stood above the box. The light emanating reflected in their eyes. Their face's show awe--
The woman lying in bed, hours before was death, is now laughing.
2.4
The boy opens the box by cutting the paper with the prong of a fork, removing the paper fully, then prying open the top slit. He turned it upside down. Nothing happens. He shakes it repeatedly. Frustrated, the boy looks into the box from the open side.
A metallic shimer is clinging to the inside of the box on the width side of the box. It is helped by a a piece of tape strewn across it. The boy reaches in, grabs the object and pulls it free. A key, with the letter T on it. The boy looks up at his brother, sitting motionless, as the heart monitor blinks.
Unedited, fresh from the disturbed mind of Darren Jaworski.
1
"So what's in the box?"
"That's for you to decide," was the reply from his mother.
2
They're taking it down the canal. Pushing the swamped roofs of two centuries past, the man in lead has done this before. Calmed by the whooshing of the high tide, gossiped about by closing windows. The other man is motionless. Watching the next turn.
The case is at the bow of the boat, the lead mid, and the lagging man in relapse behind the two. The bottle makes a similar sound to the water on the buildings they pass. Almost there.
3
"It isn't a puppy."
She laughs. "No, it is not a puppy."
4
A man stands at the end of pier, he will be the one to throw the rope. Tethering the boat, the two men disembark, greet the pier man properly, and unload the box from the bow. The lead is first, grasping the handle firmly and waiting for his stumbling companion. The latter finds the weight considerably heavier than the first. He finds footing on the dock, and the two walk the box to a waiting cart.
The two silhouettes walk from the dock, one walking the cart. They stop at the first firm footing. The last building had cleared their pathway into the back alley to their left.
5
"I'm going to my room."
"Dinner is in 30 minutes."
6
The two are alone. Sitting in the alley, occasionally looking in each eyes. The bottle goes up, then down again on the box top. Their wait is benign, yet unforgiving....
A changing light shapes its way into the alley's opening. Both men are eager, and perk. This is their shape. The box is now in motion again. They take it to across a bridge, then further through the city outskirts. A man waves to them from his stoop.
1.1
The boy sits in his room, staring at the box. Inconspicuous enough, as it contains no discernable marks of any kind, other then wear. His brother is, lying silent. Covered in brown paper, the box resembles a cereal box. That perfectly proportioned rectangular shape.
Placing the box on his desk, just in front of his wooden dinosaur model. He sits in the chair at the desk. Waits. There could be a puppy in there.
1.2
"Welcome gentlemen."
"We have no time, sir," retorted the man as he lowered the bottle.
1.3
He is reminded of his last birthday party. The other boys sitting around a table, awkwardly listening to his mother on the phone. She was crying like when they visited the home where he last saw grandpa. It was that same cracking voice, same desperate breathing. The box was unemotional.
To imagine the fate of his life was beyond his years. The subtle movement of time would grab him every now and then, whispering to him with that same desperation as his mother's crying. Today was his birthday.
1.4
"Can you believe they found giant fossils at Stonesfield?"
"Where is your wife?"
2.1
The bottle rests in his coat pocket as he splays the box on the ground. The weight has obviously taken it's toll, as evidenced by his sweaty brow. A moment later he will be joking with the gentleman's wife. Until then she would lay motionless.
His companion prepared the husband's expectations by taking him to another room. The man was worried, torn in belief. He would be vindicated, or disappointed soon. She will laugh again.
2.2
"Do you want to fix the dinosaur," said the boy as he held up the broken wooden rib.
No reply was audible.
2.3
Another swig from the bottle, then an intrepid hand reached for the latch on the box, as it opened the other man recoiled. The key was turned, revealing a T on the metal. After a brief respite from unhinging, both men stood above the box. The light emanating reflected in their eyes. Their face's show awe--
The woman lying in bed, hours before was death, is now laughing.
2.4
The boy opens the box by cutting the paper with the prong of a fork, removing the paper fully, then prying open the top slit. He turned it upside down. Nothing happens. He shakes it repeatedly. Frustrated, the boy looks into the box from the open side.
A metallic shimer is clinging to the inside of the box on the width side of the box. It is helped by a a piece of tape strewn across it. The boy reaches in, grabs the object and pulls it free. A key, with the letter T on it. The boy looks up at his brother, sitting motionless, as the heart monitor blinks.
May 26, 2009
Glenn Beck? Really?
I am amazed at fox news. I don't understand this channel. I tuned in three times tonight. All reruns from earlier. It is memorial day, so these are most likely tapes from last week.
1. Hannity talking to Jeb Bush about education. Really a competent source on education! The Bush family should have no legitimacy by now. Hannity on the other hand... well....
2. Oreilly... Do people still watch this guy? He routinely says "I'm giving you the last word", then promptly bookends their comment with his own crap!
3. Glenn Back. A lineup of diversity I know. All fat white dudes. Glenn is a particularly troubling nutcase. I'm sure he has some righteous intentions, however I saw his "View" appearance. Makes me wonder. How much of the rest is just fabricated as well. Half truthed. His show has turned into an hour of conspiracy, and drivel. Propagating the most baseless theories.
The three stooges are great entertainment. Don't confuse them for anything more please!
1. Hannity talking to Jeb Bush about education. Really a competent source on education! The Bush family should have no legitimacy by now. Hannity on the other hand... well....
2. Oreilly... Do people still watch this guy? He routinely says "I'm giving you the last word", then promptly bookends their comment with his own crap!
3. Glenn Back. A lineup of diversity I know. All fat white dudes. Glenn is a particularly troubling nutcase. I'm sure he has some righteous intentions, however I saw his "View" appearance. Makes me wonder. How much of the rest is just fabricated as well. Half truthed. His show has turned into an hour of conspiracy, and drivel. Propagating the most baseless theories.
The three stooges are great entertainment. Don't confuse them for anything more please!
May 22, 2009
May 21, 2009
Mac discoveries
My mom has the nasty habit of assuming something is broken if it doesn't work precisely every time. This is a ridiculous benchmark, especially for computing. She also has the nasty habit of tweaking things minutely so as they don't work anymore.
She sits on the couch, with the computer around 2 meters away from her eyes, straining to see the 12 point font. I, in order to maintain my uber mac guru status, feel imperative to increase the font size. A couple of command +'s later, and voila. No more straining.
Sorry to take up two paragraphs to illustrate my point, but the Mac is a computer that will frustrate you, and surprise you simultaneously. There are thousands of shortcuts to make life easier, tweaks to increase productivity. The machine will never be fully discovered or completely mastered.
It's an unwieldy animal that has wild tendencies to obscure it's processes just when you think you figured it out. I have experimented, read macrumors.com for hours, and I'm still a novice. Better than my mother. I will try to update regularly with freeware, shortcuts, and fun Apple posts.
She sits on the couch, with the computer around 2 meters away from her eyes, straining to see the 12 point font. I, in order to maintain my uber mac guru status, feel imperative to increase the font size. A couple of command +'s later, and voila. No more straining.
Sorry to take up two paragraphs to illustrate my point, but the Mac is a computer that will frustrate you, and surprise you simultaneously. There are thousands of shortcuts to make life easier, tweaks to increase productivity. The machine will never be fully discovered or completely mastered.
It's an unwieldy animal that has wild tendencies to obscure it's processes just when you think you figured it out. I have experimented, read macrumors.com for hours, and I'm still a novice. Better than my mother. I will try to update regularly with freeware, shortcuts, and fun Apple posts.
May 20, 2009
Island Operations
In the course of human events, it becomes necessary to.... um... you know... well everyone does it, and it requires tissue paper. (Although, I guess tissue is optional) I was in what could be considered a situation as such, a neighborhood wal-mart marketplace.
Normally I would go as far to say that this type of operation would require my home base. However, again necessity comes in many forms. In this case it came in the form of Chinese buffet two hours earlier. Regardless, I attempted my luck with a public restroom. (If 4 years of microbiology has taught anything, it's that microbial transfer via one bottom to another is gross to think about, yet not going to kill you.)
I walk slowly through the outer door, thinking to myself: "when this was bathroom last cleaned, and by whom." The dude I just passed with a blue Wally World shirt on that smiled. I wouldn't want him to clean anything! (4 years dude) Beyond the obvious misgivings, the restroom is small, with a single stall equipped for this style of operation. I acquaint myself with the latch closing the stall door, and appropriately fashion it shut.
Problem 1 arises: the door doesn't fully lock, or shut properly. It leaves a space sufficient enough to peek an eye through and peer upon unsuspecting partyers.
Problem 2: the apparatus of operation is positioned as such to be both clearly visible from the door, and at the immediate epicenter of the stall. So that a human would be unable to lodge against the door to bar intruders, and simultaneously away from all walls and points of leverage.
This "island" of operation permits a man to do business, and yet not defend himself from nature. Curiosity.
IDA to take over world: one evolution skeptic at a time.
As of this posting, the buildings are still standing. People are still breathing oxygen, and I am perfectly capable of going to a Chinese restaurant (definite sign of the apocalypse if not on that one).
Ida, what they (scientists) are calling a nearly 50 million year old "bridge" animal from primates to humans. What is exciting about this unveiling, and what most people are missing? This find doesn't make a difference.
To science, and boldly going where no one has gone? Yes, it's exciting. However Darwin died in 1882, and the same fundamental debate has been going on. Basically: Religion vs Science. I'm not going to divulge into this argument. I will say that this fossil will be forgotten in most peoples mind in two weeks, and those on the non-scientific side haven't even heard of Ida. Which is fine.
The people in search of that illusive thing we call reality, and history. They know that every biological discovery since Darwin's Origin of Species makes sense in light of that. To them, Ida is simply one more piece of the hardest puzzle ever. To those who don't believe in evolution, it's just a bunch of rocks.
This is public discourse. "You're burning in hell!". "You're an ignoramus!". Nothing will change because as a society people insist whoever wins an election is truth. Truth is completely independent of public discourse. We could have a 100 year debate over whether Donkey Kong was indeed a real ape. That doesn't make Donkey Kong any more than the greatest imaginary video game character ever.
I realize that people will want creationism, intelligent design, or other alternatives to be taught right beside evolution in school. I'm fine with that, as it doesn't make Donkey Kong a real ape. I'm safe to say that not all in science has foundations (as I'd love to see String Theory come crashing down). I will fully admit that evolution may indeed be an imaginary ape. Keep an open mind.
Recommended reading: "Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life" by Gerald Pollack.
Ida, what they (scientists) are calling a nearly 50 million year old "bridge" animal from primates to humans. What is exciting about this unveiling, and what most people are missing? This find doesn't make a difference.
To science, and boldly going where no one has gone? Yes, it's exciting. However Darwin died in 1882, and the same fundamental debate has been going on. Basically: Religion vs Science. I'm not going to divulge into this argument. I will say that this fossil will be forgotten in most peoples mind in two weeks, and those on the non-scientific side haven't even heard of Ida. Which is fine.
The people in search of that illusive thing we call reality, and history. They know that every biological discovery since Darwin's Origin of Species makes sense in light of that. To them, Ida is simply one more piece of the hardest puzzle ever. To those who don't believe in evolution, it's just a bunch of rocks.
This is public discourse. "You're burning in hell!". "You're an ignoramus!". Nothing will change because as a society people insist whoever wins an election is truth. Truth is completely independent of public discourse. We could have a 100 year debate over whether Donkey Kong was indeed a real ape. That doesn't make Donkey Kong any more than the greatest imaginary video game character ever.
I realize that people will want creationism, intelligent design, or other alternatives to be taught right beside evolution in school. I'm fine with that, as it doesn't make Donkey Kong a real ape. I'm safe to say that not all in science has foundations (as I'd love to see String Theory come crashing down). I will fully admit that evolution may indeed be an imaginary ape. Keep an open mind.
Recommended reading: "Cells, Gels, and the Engines of Life" by Gerald Pollack.
May 19, 2009
Remarkable
In an attempt to differentiate this blog from other blogs, the continuing use of innovative and sometimes unusual postings will become more and more prevalent. I hope that this blog will slowly accumulate more followers (any), and will evolve into a fun interactive blog of meandering information. Do not be surprised if you find an original short story (fiction), or narrative of something that happened in my random encounters. Overall I hope that at least one person will find enjoyment beyond myself.
1st posting!
Welcome all.
I will attempt to contribute to this blog heavily in the coming days. Now, I can tell you that this will be a general stress relief and connection to the outside world. Refraining from sticky issues, I want this blog to be a mode of expressing my thoughts on what I'm into. You'll learn more as I go.
Welcome again.
I will attempt to contribute to this blog heavily in the coming days. Now, I can tell you that this will be a general stress relief and connection to the outside world. Refraining from sticky issues, I want this blog to be a mode of expressing my thoughts on what I'm into. You'll learn more as I go.
Welcome again.
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