Title: FRENCH FRY SPAM CASSEROLEAs if spam wasn't bad enough, but french fries, some sour cream and a bit of corn flakes to top it off? If that doesn't start your diet off, nothing will!
Categories: Main dish
Yield: 8 servings
1 pk Frozen french fry potatoes,
-thawed (20 oz)
2 c Shredded Cheddar cheese
2 c Sour cream
1 cn Condensed cream of chicken
-soup (10 3/4 oz)
1 cn SPAM Luncheon Meat, cubed
-(12 oz)
1/2 c Chopped red bell pepper
1/2 c Chopped green onion
1/2 c Finely crushed corn flakes
Heat oven to 350'F. In large bowl, combine potatoes, cheese, sour
cream, and soup. Stir in SPAM, bell pepper, and green onion. Spoon
into 13x9" baking dish. Sprinkle with crushed flakes. Bake 30-40
minutes or until thoroughly heated.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Random Disgusting Food
I was deleting spam from my GMAil account and it always has links at the top. Sometimes they are interesting so I flipped through a couple and I come to this!
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Reason To Homeschool
Reason #6: Violence.
In this latest headline making example we have a 44y/old woman driving her already suspended daughter to the school so she could fight another girl. From the article "At one point, the melee involved all four girls, both mothers and a teacher, according to police." That would be a total of 7, including two unnamed 13 y/old girls whose mothers did not participate.
I dont know if I would have attempted to break that fight up or filmed it to get my 15 minutes of youtube fame.
In this latest headline making example we have a 44y/old woman driving her already suspended daughter to the school so she could fight another girl. From the article "At one point, the melee involved all four girls, both mothers and a teacher, according to police." That would be a total of 7, including two unnamed 13 y/old girls whose mothers did not participate.
I dont know if I would have attempted to break that fight up or filmed it to get my 15 minutes of youtube fame.
Jeesh, its cold!
It is currently -1 Degree Fahrenheit right now with a wind chill of -15. Thats -18 and -26 to you Celsius guys.
Just thought I would share that with you all.
Just thought I would share that with you all.
Monday, January 08, 2007
Minimum Wage And Inflation
Colorado recently joined the ranks of the few States with a higher minimum wage than the Federal minimum. Colorado passed a Constitutional Amendment that grants an immediate increase and ties a yearly increase to the official rate of inflation.
Much has been said on both sides of this issue. One side says that the poor cannot live on $5.15 an hour. The other says that it will cause a loss of jobs and that those jobs are largely entry level, also that it will cause inflation. In reality, both have some truth to them. I thought I would add some sense of the economic to this issue.
In real terms, the minimum wage has never been lower. That is, in purchasing power, when indexed for inflation at 2006 levels, the minimum wage is lower than it was in the late 1950's when it was a nominal rate of only $1/hr. This is illustrated by the accompanying chart (taken from Irregular Times)
Also, minimum wage workers are certainly not the majority and so the effects of raising the minimum would be lower due to this. The question is, just how much would that effect be? To look at that we need to determine how many people would be effected. Currently that number is about 7.3 million. Those workers are generally part time workers so I feel it is safe to work with an average 30 hour work week. That then puts those workers at making a combined total of approx $1.13 Billion a week. If we were then to add a 50% raise to those workers it would increase $564 million a week, or a total of $29.3 Billion a year. **
Now to put this in comparison we need to take note of the largest cause of inflation. The Federal Reserve. The Fed (NOT a part of the Federal Government) creates excess money at a varying rate on a weekly basis, but rarely is that number anywhere less that $10 Billion. Last week, as reported by the Mogambo Guru, "Total Fed Credit exploded by another $6.8 billion, another $8 billion of actual cash was released... Enough money was created to allow Total Commercial Paper to jump by $23.7 billion! All in one week!"
So in one week, nearly the entire inflationary effect of a years worth of raise for the minimum wage worker was created by the Fed. What this tells me is that the entire economic downside to an increase in the federal minimum wage could be offset by simply stopping the Fed from increasing the money supply for two weeks, three weeks tops.
** I realize that raising the wage for the minimum wage worker would also sweep up others who are slightly above the minimum and so the numbers would need to be reworked but I simply do not have the numbers or the time available to quantify that. If anyone has more info on that please let me know as I would gladly take a further look at this issue.
Much has been said on both sides of this issue. One side says that the poor cannot live on $5.15 an hour. The other says that it will cause a loss of jobs and that those jobs are largely entry level, also that it will cause inflation. In reality, both have some truth to them. I thought I would add some sense of the economic to this issue.
In real terms, the minimum wage has never been lower. That is, in purchasing power, when indexed for inflation at 2006 levels, the minimum wage is lower than it was in the late 1950's when it was a nominal rate of only $1/hr. This is illustrated by the accompanying chart (taken from Irregular Times)Also, minimum wage workers are certainly not the majority and so the effects of raising the minimum would be lower due to this. The question is, just how much would that effect be? To look at that we need to determine how many people would be effected. Currently that number is about 7.3 million. Those workers are generally part time workers so I feel it is safe to work with an average 30 hour work week. That then puts those workers at making a combined total of approx $1.13 Billion a week. If we were then to add a 50% raise to those workers it would increase $564 million a week, or a total of $29.3 Billion a year. **
Now to put this in comparison we need to take note of the largest cause of inflation. The Federal Reserve. The Fed (NOT a part of the Federal Government) creates excess money at a varying rate on a weekly basis, but rarely is that number anywhere less that $10 Billion. Last week, as reported by the Mogambo Guru, "Total Fed Credit exploded by another $6.8 billion, another $8 billion of actual cash was released... Enough money was created to allow Total Commercial Paper to jump by $23.7 billion! All in one week!"
So in one week, nearly the entire inflationary effect of a years worth of raise for the minimum wage worker was created by the Fed. What this tells me is that the entire economic downside to an increase in the federal minimum wage could be offset by simply stopping the Fed from increasing the money supply for two weeks, three weeks tops.
** I realize that raising the wage for the minimum wage worker would also sweep up others who are slightly above the minimum and so the numbers would need to be reworked but I simply do not have the numbers or the time available to quantify that. If anyone has more info on that please let me know as I would gladly take a further look at this issue.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Education Reform
Here is the promised post
While our international counterparts are increasingly getting more education, their young people are getting a better education as well. American students and young adults place anywhere from the middle to the bottom of the pack in all three continuing comparative studies of achievement in mathematics, science and general literacy in the advanced industrial nations.
A swiftly rising number of American workers at every level are in direct competition with workers in every corner of the globe. So it matters very much that, increasingly, it is easier and easier for employers everywhere to get workers who are better skilled at lower cost than American workers.
In this environment, it makes sense to ask how American workers can possibly maintain, to say nothing of improve their current standard of living. Today, Indian engineers make $7,500 a year against $45,000 for an American engineer with the same qualifications. If we succeed in matching the very high levels of mastery of mathematics and science of these Indian engineers - an enormous challenge for this country - why would the world's employers pas us more than they have to pay the Indians to do their work? They would be willing to do that only if we could offer something that the Chinese and Indians, and others, cannot.
If we continue on our current course, and the number of nations outpacing us in the education race continues to grow at its current rate, the American standard of living will steadily fall relative to those nations, rich and poor, that are doing a better job. If the gap gets to a certain - but unknowable - point, the world's investors will conclude that they can get a better return on their funds elsewhere, and it will be almost impossible to reverse course. Although it is possible to construct a scenario for improving our standard of living, the clear and present danger is that it will fall for most Americans.
The above is excepted from the document linked to above. I have not had the time to get thru the entire work but I recommend reading it. These are NOT the typical recommendations that are given by the usual suspects (teachers unions etc.) These are in essence an entire overhaul of the education system. Included in the report is the need to start recruiting from the top 3rd of college students, rather than the bottom 3rd where we get them now. As enticement to those students they recommend increasing pay by lowering the retirement benefits to that which is offered by the large firms and taking that money and giving it as pay instead.
Good stuff and I will write more on it later. (Education seems to be becoming the topic of this blog...at least for now)
Romanoff favors adopting landmark education overhaulThe report can be downloaded as a PDF here.
By Jennifer Brown
Denver Post Staff Writer
Colorado should take the lead in major education reform, borrowing from a landmark national report that calls for high school exit exams and dramatic increases in teacher pay, state House Speaker Andrew Romanoff said Thursday.
The report, heard by a bipartisan panel of lawmakers and educators in Washington, D.C., says America is failing to prepare its students to compete in a global economy.
It calls for ending high school for most students after 10th grade, when they would take "rigorous state board exams." Those who pass could choose to go directly to technical colleges, and the best students could stay in high school to prepare for entrance into elite universities.
The change would save nearly $60 billion nationwide, a third of which would pay for preschool for all 4-year-olds and low-income 3-year-olds, the report says.
The savings also would go toward training and deploying teachers recruited from the top third of high school students going to college.
The report, from The New Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce, also calls for a complete revamping of education funding.
Independent contractors, operating under contracts managed by local school districts, would run public schools.
Romanoff, D-Denver, a panel member, said he plans to set up a task force of educators and parents to develop a Colorado version of the plan, which would require constitutional and legislative changes.
Sen. Peter Groff, D-Denver, said he would push for an audit of the state's public-school system and propose plans to address the national report.
While our international counterparts are increasingly getting more education, their young people are getting a better education as well. American students and young adults place anywhere from the middle to the bottom of the pack in all three continuing comparative studies of achievement in mathematics, science and general literacy in the advanced industrial nations.
A swiftly rising number of American workers at every level are in direct competition with workers in every corner of the globe. So it matters very much that, increasingly, it is easier and easier for employers everywhere to get workers who are better skilled at lower cost than American workers.
In this environment, it makes sense to ask how American workers can possibly maintain, to say nothing of improve their current standard of living. Today, Indian engineers make $7,500 a year against $45,000 for an American engineer with the same qualifications. If we succeed in matching the very high levels of mastery of mathematics and science of these Indian engineers - an enormous challenge for this country - why would the world's employers pas us more than they have to pay the Indians to do their work? They would be willing to do that only if we could offer something that the Chinese and Indians, and others, cannot.
If we continue on our current course, and the number of nations outpacing us in the education race continues to grow at its current rate, the American standard of living will steadily fall relative to those nations, rich and poor, that are doing a better job. If the gap gets to a certain - but unknowable - point, the world's investors will conclude that they can get a better return on their funds elsewhere, and it will be almost impossible to reverse course. Although it is possible to construct a scenario for improving our standard of living, the clear and present danger is that it will fall for most Americans.
The above is excepted from the document linked to above. I have not had the time to get thru the entire work but I recommend reading it. These are NOT the typical recommendations that are given by the usual suspects (teachers unions etc.) These are in essence an entire overhaul of the education system. Included in the report is the need to start recruiting from the top 3rd of college students, rather than the bottom 3rd where we get them now. As enticement to those students they recommend increasing pay by lowering the retirement benefits to that which is offered by the large firms and taking that money and giving it as pay instead.
Good stuff and I will write more on it later. (Education seems to be becoming the topic of this blog...at least for now)
Friday, January 05, 2007
Of Gays and "Blatherings"
Lauren from Twinsburg, Ohio wonders "What the heck? Why am I getting ANTI-GAY blatherings in my gay/lesbian news feed? Topix.net, I'm totally insulted.
It is a shame that she feels "totally insulted." Especially when one considers that I wasn't writing anything that was "ANTI-GAY" altho I will have to cop to the "blatherings" accusation. I seem to remember writing that the love of G-d is not for just one kind of person, not just for the already "perfect" but for sinful man, in all varieties and in whatever manner it is that we are sinning. Indeed the Christ said that as a doctor comes for those who are sick, so came He. For if we were perfect then the sacrifice of the Son would have been unnecessary.
Blathering perhaps, but not even remotely anti-gay. Lauren, next time you visit my blog, please read it to comprehend. You will get much more out of it that way.
It is a shame that she feels "totally insulted." Especially when one considers that I wasn't writing anything that was "ANTI-GAY" altho I will have to cop to the "blatherings" accusation. I seem to remember writing that the love of G-d is not for just one kind of person, not just for the already "perfect" but for sinful man, in all varieties and in whatever manner it is that we are sinning. Indeed the Christ said that as a doctor comes for those who are sick, so came He. For if we were perfect then the sacrifice of the Son would have been unnecessary.
Blathering perhaps, but not even remotely anti-gay. Lauren, next time you visit my blog, please read it to comprehend. You will get much more out of it that way.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
"Education" Spending
On my previous post on school spending there was a commenter that gave almost verbatim the various talking points in defense of the poor beleaguered schools. Apparently he was upset that I was simply throwing around budget numbers "out of context can bring you to any conclusion you want." He also defended the expenditures by saying how included in that cost ($8,618) was the need to educate the special-ed kids, some of whom, he says, "are provided with full-time aides."
From the NEA website (again, this is a bit older)
So we are looking at essentially $18,000 for special ed kids and "only" $8,618 for the regular students. And we are STILL pushing children thru the system that cannot read the diplomas they are given at graduation. Still! And it IS happening at a school near you.
I was one of those that thought that such stupidity only happened in other places, maybe the really big cities with the slums and ghettos. Nope. When I was in my 11th grade year I was attending night school and one of the teachers called upon a student to read one of the sections. That student said "no" and let me tell you that teacher wasn't too happy about that. But being the type of person he was he wanted to find out a bit more about that answer and it came out in class that despite the fact he had made it to the 11th grade he did not know how to read. 11th grade! And not one of his teachers had ever tried to work with him on it. This particular teacher (much to his credit as teacher and man) took it upon himself to teach that student to read, including spending time off the clock to do so.
Up to that point the student had received (roughly adjusted for inflation) $86,000 spent on educating him. After over $86,000 he was still not able to do that which is almost necessary in society. It was something that should have been caught by the third grade through the use of rigorous teaching methods but took another $69,000 and one chance question.
In 2006 dollars a 12 year education costs us $103,000 per student, or $216,000 if designated as a special-ed student. Am I wrong in asking for some accountability for such large outlays of money? Am I wrong in pointing out that this isn't the best way? Am I wrong in pointing out that there are better ways? I am going to post soon about some ways the Colorado Legislature is considering. Some of the changes are quite radical and completely unexpected from a Democratic Congress. I already posted some changes that Florida has put into place.
Also many other factors need to be considered when you are trying to tear down public education. Public education is required to provide handicapped students with extra support. Some handicapped students in my child's school are provided with full-time aides. That is one full-time aide per student. Colleges do not provide this support. Obviously that is another cost.I did not initially respond to this simply as I didn't have the time and I knew I would need some numbers. Having actually worked at a school district I know very well that there is extra money in the budget for special-ed kids. In fact there is even money on top of that for busing them. So today I have some numbers, albeit a titch older than the #s I was using.
There are a number of factors to consider when criticizing the cost of public education. Merely throwing out numbers out of context can bring you to any conclusion you want. Whatever your feelings are concerning public education or college are fine by me. You are allowed your opinions. But at least put those arguments into the proper context.
Ronald RayGun | 12.30.06 - 10:45 am | #
From the NEA website (again, this is a bit older)
Ever since its initial enactment, the federal law has included a commitment to pay 40 percent of the average per student cost for every special education student. The current average per student cost is $7,552 and the average cost per special education student is an additional $9,369 per student, or $16,921. Yet, in 2004, the federal government is providing local school districts with just under 20 percent of its commitment rather than the 40 percent specified by the law, creating a $10.6 billion shortfall for states and local school districts.So there is an ADDITIONAL $10,000 for each student that can be designated as "special-ed." I say designated as because I have seen some things that make me believe the designation is pushed on several of these students. (Again that was from working at a school district.)
So we are looking at essentially $18,000 for special ed kids and "only" $8,618 for the regular students. And we are STILL pushing children thru the system that cannot read the diplomas they are given at graduation. Still! And it IS happening at a school near you.
I was one of those that thought that such stupidity only happened in other places, maybe the really big cities with the slums and ghettos. Nope. When I was in my 11th grade year I was attending night school and one of the teachers called upon a student to read one of the sections. That student said "no" and let me tell you that teacher wasn't too happy about that. But being the type of person he was he wanted to find out a bit more about that answer and it came out in class that despite the fact he had made it to the 11th grade he did not know how to read. 11th grade! And not one of his teachers had ever tried to work with him on it. This particular teacher (much to his credit as teacher and man) took it upon himself to teach that student to read, including spending time off the clock to do so.
Up to that point the student had received (roughly adjusted for inflation) $86,000 spent on educating him. After over $86,000 he was still not able to do that which is almost necessary in society. It was something that should have been caught by the third grade through the use of rigorous teaching methods but took another $69,000 and one chance question.
In 2006 dollars a 12 year education costs us $103,000 per student, or $216,000 if designated as a special-ed student. Am I wrong in asking for some accountability for such large outlays of money? Am I wrong in pointing out that this isn't the best way? Am I wrong in pointing out that there are better ways? I am going to post soon about some ways the Colorado Legislature is considering. Some of the changes are quite radical and completely unexpected from a Democratic Congress. I already posted some changes that Florida has put into place.
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
300 The Movie
Regulars know I previously posted on a movie called 300 Spartans a few weeks back. I was highly impressed with the story of King Leonidas and his bravery in leading 300 of his personal retainer against more than a million men intent upon destroying Greece. I was not overly impressed with the movie itself as it was old and not very well written or acted.
I logged into MySpace today and lo and behold, I see a new version of this same true story. This one titled simply "300." Hollywood being what it is today, 300 has plenty of special effects and what looks like some unnecessary additions and what appears to be a few monstrosities. Not quite orcs, but not exactly human either.
It looks like Hollywood in its efforts to outdue itself may well have gone too far astray (yeah, imagine that) from a story line that is already incredibly heroic and cannot really be made more-so. What the producers/directors/writers don't quite comprehend is that sometimes you simply cannot tell a more stirring story than a true one from history. These tales often do not need embellishment. Hollywood, please stop trying! Tell the tale faithfully and let the deeds of the men and women who have shaped this world stir our blood.
Some examples of movies that stayed faithful to the tale (Yes some things have to be changed, no one except Dune fans want to see the hours of nothing)
The Patriot.
Braveheart.
Black Hawk Down.
We Were Soldiers.
The Great Raid.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Fantasy, yes. But faithful to the tale.
Brave tales simply tell themselves. No need to add to it. 300 comes out in March so I will have to wait until then to see how good or bad it is.
I logged into MySpace today and lo and behold, I see a new version of this same true story. This one titled simply "300." Hollywood being what it is today, 300 has plenty of special effects and what looks like some unnecessary additions and what appears to be a few monstrosities. Not quite orcs, but not exactly human either.
It looks like Hollywood in its efforts to outdue itself may well have gone too far astray (yeah, imagine that) from a story line that is already incredibly heroic and cannot really be made more-so. What the producers/directors/writers don't quite comprehend is that sometimes you simply cannot tell a more stirring story than a true one from history. These tales often do not need embellishment. Hollywood, please stop trying! Tell the tale faithfully and let the deeds of the men and women who have shaped this world stir our blood.
Some examples of movies that stayed faithful to the tale (Yes some things have to be changed, no one except Dune fans want to see the hours of nothing)
The Patriot.
Braveheart.
Black Hawk Down.
We Were Soldiers.
The Great Raid.
The Lord of the Rings trilogy. Fantasy, yes. But faithful to the tale.
Brave tales simply tell themselves. No need to add to it. 300 comes out in March so I will have to wait until then to see how good or bad it is.
Monday, January 01, 2007
Whiny Judges
Okay, so it isnt just teachers whining over pay. Now it is Chief Justice John Roberts. Apparently we aren't paying federal judges enough. As a matter of fact, Chief Justice Roberts says that the issue of pay "has now reached the level of a constitutional crisis."
Wow. Not only are they able to find rights to abortion in penumbras, but they are also able to find a constitutional right to higher pay. It is truly amazing how good Chief Justice Roberts is. I mean, the Constitution has been around for over 200 years and just now the right to higher pay has been discovered. Truly amazing that someone hadn't found it earlier.
So how much do they make? Federal district court judges are paid $165,200 annually; appeals court judges make $175,100; associate justices of the Supreme Court earn $203,000; the chief justice gets $212,100. I don't know about you, but I know that I couldn't live off of just 165K a year. I mean, that is practically poverty level!
They do make a point about those working as deans and whatnot making more but the issue is this. Government is a SERVANT. It is a PUBLIC SERVICE job, not a lifetime-take-care-of-everything job. Or at least it shouldn't be. Those serving in Gov are supposed to be there because of a sense altruism, of doing what is right, not to be taken care of.
Thank You Chief Justice John Roberts. You are truly an inspiration. I am going to pull out my copy of the Constitution and find my right to a Ferrari and a mansion overlooking the ocean. It must be in there. Someone just has to find it.
Wow. Not only are they able to find rights to abortion in penumbras, but they are also able to find a constitutional right to higher pay. It is truly amazing how good Chief Justice Roberts is. I mean, the Constitution has been around for over 200 years and just now the right to higher pay has been discovered. Truly amazing that someone hadn't found it earlier.
So how much do they make? Federal district court judges are paid $165,200 annually; appeals court judges make $175,100; associate justices of the Supreme Court earn $203,000; the chief justice gets $212,100. I don't know about you, but I know that I couldn't live off of just 165K a year. I mean, that is practically poverty level!
They do make a point about those working as deans and whatnot making more but the issue is this. Government is a SERVANT. It is a PUBLIC SERVICE job, not a lifetime-take-care-of-everything job. Or at least it shouldn't be. Those serving in Gov are supposed to be there because of a sense altruism, of doing what is right, not to be taken care of.
Thank You Chief Justice John Roberts. You are truly an inspiration. I am going to pull out my copy of the Constitution and find my right to a Ferrari and a mansion overlooking the ocean. It must be in there. Someone just has to find it.
Education Reform
Poor Graduation Rates Leads to a Major Offensive
Florida will be the first state in the nation to require high school students to pick a college-style major, which is being questioned by parents, but educators believe it will help boost graduation rates. The state announced a list of 400 majors on Monday to prepare for freshman registration.
Local school districts will decide which majors to offer and post them online for eighth-graders to select as early as next month. Majors range from motorcycle repair to pre-med, from fashion design to anthropology, and the list even includes the study of eurythmics, a method of interpreting music through free-style dance and exercise.
The majors program, part of the wider-ranging A-Plus-Plus law designed to increase the rigor as well as relevance of middle and high school, will be phased in over four years.
How cool is that? Actually allowing kids to determine what it is that they want to learn? If they believe that the classes they are taking will actually help them in the future they see themselves in I can almost guarantee more will graduate. There might even be less discipline issues in the school as the students wont be quite so bored.
Miscellany
Women may soon be banned or restricted from donating plasma. This is due to an antibody created during pregnancy that can cause a rare but potentially deadly lung condition. If women are banned or even restricted from donating plasma there could be a severe shortage, as women currently donate 41% of the supply (I thought it was actually higher from my own experiences)
A new polymer coating may be able to kill bacteria and viruses. it accomplishes this by creating microscopic "spikes" with polymer, which can then be "painted" onto a surface. As the viruses or bacteria come into contact with the spikes they are burst open. It has yet to be fully determined if this is actually the case or if it is a different chemical-type reaction but it is a promising technology.
A new polymer coating may be able to kill bacteria and viruses. it accomplishes this by creating microscopic "spikes" with polymer, which can then be "painted" onto a surface. As the viruses or bacteria come into contact with the spikes they are burst open. It has yet to be fully determined if this is actually the case or if it is a different chemical-type reaction but it is a promising technology.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Average Professor/Teacher Wages/Salary
Education is an important subject and is often talked about or groused about, but the conversation needs a bit more depth. I thought I would share some stats and figures that might give some focus to the discussions.
According to the NEA, the average funding nationwide for a public school is $8,618. The Average teacher salary is $47,808. With these amounts there is ever and always whining about a lack of funding and how the teachers are so poor (that is economically poor, tho a case could certainly be made for the other meaning of the word poor.)
According to Money Magazine the average college professor makes $81,491. Per CollegeBoard.com the average tuition and fees at four-year public colleges average $5,836.
Tell me something. What, besides piss poor management, could possibly explain how a college can charge less yet always have enough books and still be able to pay their staff very well when the public schools are on the verge of complete economic collapse unless the public approves yet another mill-levy tax increase.
For comparison purposes, (Per the SSA) the average American makes $35,648 a year, working 12 months a year whereas public school teachers work only 10 months and make 34% more.
According to the NEA, the average funding nationwide for a public school is $8,618. The Average teacher salary is $47,808. With these amounts there is ever and always whining about a lack of funding and how the teachers are so poor (that is economically poor, tho a case could certainly be made for the other meaning of the word poor.)
According to Money Magazine the average college professor makes $81,491. Per CollegeBoard.com the average tuition and fees at four-year public colleges average $5,836.
Tell me something. What, besides piss poor management, could possibly explain how a college can charge less yet always have enough books and still be able to pay their staff very well when the public schools are on the verge of complete economic collapse unless the public approves yet another mill-levy tax increase.
For comparison purposes, (Per the SSA) the average American makes $35,648 a year, working 12 months a year whereas public school teachers work only 10 months and make 34% more.
Sitemeter
I set off a firestorm with the previous post! Apparently it got picked up by both Yahoo and Topix and was placed on peoples homepages. I got up and checked sitemeter at about 6AM and found I already had 120 hits on it. Turned out to be something like 366 for the day
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
New Life Church Scandal
A defense of Pastor Ted Haggard?
Anyone reading this post is sure to already know about the Haggard scandal so I am not going to bother rehashing it here. I intend to point out the simple humanity found in all of us, and to point out the absurdities of those gloating over his downfall.
Today I heard, yet again, a group of people gloating over Haggard being exposed. Typically, they wondered at how a pastor could on one hand decry gay rights, but on the other hand be gay himself. They were upset at his hypocrisy. How dare a gay pastor try to keep gays down. How the church could rally around their pastor and not condemn him at the first accusation. Somewhat unfortunately they all got up at once and left the table as their break was over, as I was about to call them on their beliefs and their moral superiority.
Left out most every discussion on the air, in the papers or around the water cooler is the fact that Pastor Ted Haggard is a human. Just like everyone else. Humans have failings, weaknesses and skeletons in their closets. Every single one of us do. And we all fail to live up to our own beliefs. We all have regretted doing certain things, we all believe in ideals that we personally don't measure up to. That isn't so much hypocrisy as it is humanity.
Those who would hold themselves out to be superior because they don't have their skeletons aired are perhaps some of the biggest hypocrites around. Certainly they hold some absurd beliefs and are demonstrably full of themselves. Absurd because they believe that they don't have any moral failings, because they believe that if their deepest darkest secrets were known that they would come out smelling like roses. Full of themselves because they hold others to a standard where it only takes one mistake, one flaw, to declare that person an "untouchable." But in their arrogance their own personal failings are glossed over and "aren't a big deal."
But are those things a big deal? It may not seem like it now, and in truth they probably aren't a "big deal." But what if that person were to have their laundry aired on national TV? Making even international papers? Would it be a big deal then? You can bet on it. See, the vast majority of people would never get the media coverage for their greatest feat or worst failure that someone like Haggard gets for simply sneezing. And who wants to talk about Joe down the street coming out of the closet? After all, it is only good gossip when all involved know who is being talked about. Just look at all the gossip regarding Brangelina. The fact that such a nonsensical name means anything to you at all just goes to prove the point.
It boils down to this. Haggard was and is human. He isn't the G-d, nor is he a god. He isn't infallible nor has he claimed to be. He has failings just like you and I do. Any reasonable person should be able to see that for it is only unreasonable people who can conclude that all their actions line up with their beliefs. There is a verse in the Bible that invites the person "who is without sin to cast the first stone." As Jesus wrote in the sand it was the older and wiser that left first, as they realized that the sin they were condemning was in their own lives as well. Perhaps this wisdom could serve us as well today as it did some 2000 years ago.
As Christians we know that sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. We know that it isn't just the "big" sins that lead to death. Nor is it just the sins we don't like that lead to death. It is all sins. More precisely it is any ONE sin. One is all it takes to separate us from G-d so there is no theological basis for a hierarchy of sins nor should we attempt (in our ignorance or arrogance) to build one. Christ came that our sins could be wiped clean that we might be in the presence of the Holy G-d. That blood sacrifice covers gossip, it covers envy, it covers murder and it covers gay sex.
Anyone reading this post is sure to already know about the Haggard scandal so I am not going to bother rehashing it here. I intend to point out the simple humanity found in all of us, and to point out the absurdities of those gloating over his downfall.
Today I heard, yet again, a group of people gloating over Haggard being exposed. Typically, they wondered at how a pastor could on one hand decry gay rights, but on the other hand be gay himself. They were upset at his hypocrisy. How dare a gay pastor try to keep gays down. How the church could rally around their pastor and not condemn him at the first accusation. Somewhat unfortunately they all got up at once and left the table as their break was over, as I was about to call them on their beliefs and their moral superiority.
Left out most every discussion on the air, in the papers or around the water cooler is the fact that Pastor Ted Haggard is a human. Just like everyone else. Humans have failings, weaknesses and skeletons in their closets. Every single one of us do. And we all fail to live up to our own beliefs. We all have regretted doing certain things, we all believe in ideals that we personally don't measure up to. That isn't so much hypocrisy as it is humanity.
Those who would hold themselves out to be superior because they don't have their skeletons aired are perhaps some of the biggest hypocrites around. Certainly they hold some absurd beliefs and are demonstrably full of themselves. Absurd because they believe that they don't have any moral failings, because they believe that if their deepest darkest secrets were known that they would come out smelling like roses. Full of themselves because they hold others to a standard where it only takes one mistake, one flaw, to declare that person an "untouchable." But in their arrogance their own personal failings are glossed over and "aren't a big deal."
But are those things a big deal? It may not seem like it now, and in truth they probably aren't a "big deal." But what if that person were to have their laundry aired on national TV? Making even international papers? Would it be a big deal then? You can bet on it. See, the vast majority of people would never get the media coverage for their greatest feat or worst failure that someone like Haggard gets for simply sneezing. And who wants to talk about Joe down the street coming out of the closet? After all, it is only good gossip when all involved know who is being talked about. Just look at all the gossip regarding Brangelina. The fact that such a nonsensical name means anything to you at all just goes to prove the point.
It boils down to this. Haggard was and is human. He isn't the G-d, nor is he a god. He isn't infallible nor has he claimed to be. He has failings just like you and I do. Any reasonable person should be able to see that for it is only unreasonable people who can conclude that all their actions line up with their beliefs. There is a verse in the Bible that invites the person "who is without sin to cast the first stone." As Jesus wrote in the sand it was the older and wiser that left first, as they realized that the sin they were condemning was in their own lives as well. Perhaps this wisdom could serve us as well today as it did some 2000 years ago.
As Christians we know that sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. We know that it isn't just the "big" sins that lead to death. Nor is it just the sins we don't like that lead to death. It is all sins. More precisely it is any ONE sin. One is all it takes to separate us from G-d so there is no theological basis for a hierarchy of sins nor should we attempt (in our ignorance or arrogance) to build one. Christ came that our sins could be wiped clean that we might be in the presence of the Holy G-d. That blood sacrifice covers gossip, it covers envy, it covers murder and it covers gay sex.
The Dangers Of Soy
Turns out that, once again, accepted dietary guidelines/recommendations are incorrect. This time disastrously so. An article posted on WND today outlines numerous dangers of soy intake.
One of the trends that I am sure you have noticed is the early maturation of girls. It is simply WAY to young anymore. How young? According to one study 1% of American girls are growing breasts and/or pubic hair by age 3. Age 3! By age eight it is 14.7 percent among white girls and 48.3% amongst black girls. Almost half. It is being linked to increased soy intake.
Soy contains isoflavones, an estrogen-like compound found in that particular plant. Soy is used in most every processed food known to man and is almost unavoidable in this day. But one place where it is perhaps dangerously used is in baby formula. Babes on soy formula can receive the equivalent of 3-5 birth control pills every day. And this is in a child about a tenth of the size of a grown woman. (Note: As I posted previously, the Mayo Clinic has determined that the Birth Control pill AKA "The Pill" is linked to pre-menopausal breast cancer) This intake was found by one study to result in a blood-estrogen level ranging from 13,000 to 22,000 times the level of estrogen in the body of a milk fed baby.
Also linked to this problem are vegetarian mothers. A British study in 2000 showed that vegetarian mothers are five times more likely to give birth to a boy with hypospadias than mothers who eat a varied diet
What is Hypospadias? It is a birth defect where the urethra exits the wrong place from the penis. From the article hypospadias is far more serious. In worst case scenarios, it can require as many as 10 separate operations. Even then, the boy may not grow up to be an adult male with full sexual function. His penis typically never gets longer than one and a half inches. Now perhaps being a guy I find that particularly disturbing. But I think that any parent should be worried about the health of their child, and sexual health is no different even if we don't really want to think about it.
Is cutting out all soy the end all answer? No, probably not. Like most dietary scares this is probably a bit exaggerated too. But I think it is safe to say that the less processed the food is the better it will be for the child. Whole foods (organic when possible) are what we are made to eat: whole wheats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and real unadulterated meats.
One of the trends that I am sure you have noticed is the early maturation of girls. It is simply WAY to young anymore. How young? According to one study 1% of American girls are growing breasts and/or pubic hair by age 3. Age 3! By age eight it is 14.7 percent among white girls and 48.3% amongst black girls. Almost half. It is being linked to increased soy intake.
Soy contains isoflavones, an estrogen-like compound found in that particular plant. Soy is used in most every processed food known to man and is almost unavoidable in this day. But one place where it is perhaps dangerously used is in baby formula. Babes on soy formula can receive the equivalent of 3-5 birth control pills every day. And this is in a child about a tenth of the size of a grown woman. (Note: As I posted previously, the Mayo Clinic has determined that the Birth Control pill AKA "The Pill" is linked to pre-menopausal breast cancer) This intake was found by one study to result in a blood-estrogen level ranging from 13,000 to 22,000 times the level of estrogen in the body of a milk fed baby.
Also linked to this problem are vegetarian mothers. A British study in 2000 showed that vegetarian mothers are five times more likely to give birth to a boy with hypospadias than mothers who eat a varied diet
What is Hypospadias? It is a birth defect where the urethra exits the wrong place from the penis. From the article hypospadias is far more serious. In worst case scenarios, it can require as many as 10 separate operations. Even then, the boy may not grow up to be an adult male with full sexual function. His penis typically never gets longer than one and a half inches. Now perhaps being a guy I find that particularly disturbing. But I think that any parent should be worried about the health of their child, and sexual health is no different even if we don't really want to think about it.
Is cutting out all soy the end all answer? No, probably not. Like most dietary scares this is probably a bit exaggerated too. But I think it is safe to say that the less processed the food is the better it will be for the child. Whole foods (organic when possible) are what we are made to eat: whole wheats, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables and real unadulterated meats.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Peculiar Aristocratic Title
 | My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Lord Emunda the Innocent of Westessexchestershire Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title |
Via Birdie
I have to say this one suits me...
| My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: His Exalted Highness Duke Erik the Naive of Yetts O'Muckhart Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title |
Friday, December 22, 2006
Pikes Peak
The posted photos are of Pikes Peak with a portion of Garden Of The Gods in the foreground. This particular formation contains the Kissing Camels (top, left) But from this vantage it looks like a camel kissing an animal with Mickey Mouse ears. I shall have to get some from the flip side to post. (Taking a second look it appears more like Vulcan ears or perhaps the clipped ears of a Doberman. Just my take on it (o= I didn't create it, I just took the photos!)
In order to avoid awkwardness on my blog I am going to post sales stuff elsewhere. Feel free to comment on the pics. The good the bad and the ugly. (o= Constructive criticism is always welcome.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Ural
Andrea mentioned the movie Garden State and it got me thinking (again) on the motorcycle featured in that movie. A Ural Patrol. Essentially it is a WWII style motorcycle with sidecar, but it has a huge advantage over other sidecars. Standard on those bikes is engagable 2 wheel drive so the sidecar wheel is powered also.
I have looked at this bike in the past and think it would be loads of fun to take Lil' Bear around in once he gets a little bit older. Dress up in military fatigues and hit the town or head up to the mountains for some fishing or camping.
It's sister the Gear Up comes with a camo paint job already (but no windshield which could be bad for carrying around a tiny tot. I figure if I want a camo paint job I could probably get a better one anyways.
I have looked at this bike in the past and think it would be loads of fun to take Lil' Bear around in once he gets a little bit older. Dress up in military fatigues and hit the town or head up to the mountains for some fishing or camping.
It's sister the Gear Up comes with a camo paint job already (but no windshield which could be bad for carrying around a tiny tot. I figure if I want a camo paint job I could probably get a better one anyways.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
?
I know what part of my problem is. I love too deeply. And I have this foolish belief that if I continue to love (not that I really have much choice there) that she will come around. "Just show her an enduring love and she will come to understand it" HA. Probably not ever going to work
On a not unrelated note, I am out of whiskey. Maybe I will try that Rare Breed that Nate is so fond of.
On a not unrelated note, I am out of whiskey. Maybe I will try that Rare Breed that Nate is so fond of.
Monday, December 18, 2006
How To Save Money
Okay, not really. Well, it would save you money but I am just messing around and thinking of super cheap ways of insulating your house. Some, in fact most, may constitute a fire hazard so I dont actually recommend it.
Supplies:
Cardboard Boxes
Packing Peanuts
Bubble Wrap
Newspaper
Plastic Grocery Bags
Nails
Staples
Tape
Insulation is all about creating a barrier to heat exchange. This is usually done by creating air pockets that are more or less closed off to other air pockets and therefore slowing the transfer of heat. Well, my ideas would supplement what you already have. Let me state again, I don't recommend doing this, it is simply for amusement purposes only. Note: crumpled newspaper is excessively flammable. Don't use it
Ideas: Use cardboard boxes, cut open to layer your walls. Preferably two or more layers thick. One could also tack up bubble wrap on the ceiling ow walls. You would lose some of the bubbles in the process but the overall sheet would be okay. For the attic you could use packing peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, or crumpled newspaper. Packing peanuts would need to be in bags or boxes.
For under the house you could tack up the opened cardboard boxes to the bottom of the floor beams and then fill above them with the packing peanuts, bubble wrap, grocery bags or newspaper.
This would create a warmer house, and there really isnt a more beautiful decorating material than cardboard boxes and bubble wrap so you would be beautifying your home as well.
This information was provided with only one thing expected in return: That you dont sue me when your home goes up in flames. Enjoy (o=
Supplies:
Cardboard Boxes
Packing Peanuts
Bubble Wrap
Newspaper
Plastic Grocery Bags
Nails
Staples
Tape
Insulation is all about creating a barrier to heat exchange. This is usually done by creating air pockets that are more or less closed off to other air pockets and therefore slowing the transfer of heat. Well, my ideas would supplement what you already have. Let me state again, I don't recommend doing this, it is simply for amusement purposes only. Note: crumpled newspaper is excessively flammable. Don't use it
Ideas: Use cardboard boxes, cut open to layer your walls. Preferably two or more layers thick. One could also tack up bubble wrap on the ceiling ow walls. You would lose some of the bubbles in the process but the overall sheet would be okay. For the attic you could use packing peanuts, bubble wrap, plastic grocery bags, or crumpled newspaper. Packing peanuts would need to be in bags or boxes.
For under the house you could tack up the opened cardboard boxes to the bottom of the floor beams and then fill above them with the packing peanuts, bubble wrap, grocery bags or newspaper.
This would create a warmer house, and there really isnt a more beautiful decorating material than cardboard boxes and bubble wrap so you would be beautifying your home as well.
This information was provided with only one thing expected in return: That you dont sue me when your home goes up in flames. Enjoy (o=
Sunday, December 17, 2006
No babysitter, again
Know what? Fuck this shit. I am sick to death of having to try to find a new babysitter every damn week. Maybe I will go sit my arse down at the welfare office tomorrow since I cant go to work.
Whatever. I am going to see what I can do from home.
Whatever. I am going to see what I can do from home.
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Rollercoaster
Today has been quite the rollercoaster. I woke up after a very vivid dream of my wife and I was rather upset from that. I got up and around and my boy and I went to a Messianic synagogue and immediately my boy was giving a big smile with the music. After worship they bring all the children in and hold a sort of prayer cloth over the children and we got to go up for that. I appreciate the prayers for him greatly and he enjoyed being up there with the other kids and looking at the cloth above us. Service was good, people were genuinely friendly and made us feel very welcome. They even fed us afterwards and it was very good food!
The service was interesting. The history and traditions are still alive and flesh out the faith. And I don't know if I can express how good it is to see that there are men there. Most churches are gathering places for women and are too effeminate for a guy to feel comfortable. That also gives the impression that a relationship with G-d is girly when that isn't the truth.
Anyways, more of the rollercaoster, I spoke with hmmm Beloved doesnt really work anymore tho I still do love her, but ya know of whom I speak. So anyways that never goes well, cuz even if it does it still causes me to hurt afterwards. Tonight after laying down Lil'Bear I watched some Friends episodes (I bought two DVDs with about 5 shows each at Entertainmart for $5.98) and that of course is funny but it brings up issues and memories so it is kinda bittersweet for me. Part of the reason I am not watching any more tonight.
The service was interesting. The history and traditions are still alive and flesh out the faith. And I don't know if I can express how good it is to see that there are men there. Most churches are gathering places for women and are too effeminate for a guy to feel comfortable. That also gives the impression that a relationship with G-d is girly when that isn't the truth.
Anyways, more of the rollercaoster, I spoke with hmmm Beloved doesnt really work anymore tho I still do love her, but ya know of whom I speak. So anyways that never goes well, cuz even if it does it still causes me to hurt afterwards. Tonight after laying down Lil'Bear I watched some Friends episodes (I bought two DVDs with about 5 shows each at Entertainmart for $5.98) and that of course is funny but it brings up issues and memories so it is kinda bittersweet for me. Part of the reason I am not watching any more tonight.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Econ 103 a.k.a The Inflation Monopoly Game
I touched upon inflation and it really needs more explanation as people dont really understand it or what it does.
Dictionary.com defines inflation as "a persistent, substantial rise in the general level of prices related to an increase in the volume of money and resulting in the loss of value of currency." And since I cannot improve upon that this lesson is concluded! (haha, you wish!)
So it is a rise in the general level or prices because there is more dollars in circulation, which causes each dollar to be worth less. Essentially you have an actual wealth pool of, say 100 million dollars. Now if there are 100M worth of bills floating around then the price of everything will stay the same (subject to the decreases indicated in Econ 102.) But if you add $1,000 to that 100M then what you get is a dollar that is worth just a little bit less and as a result will buy just a little less than it did before.
Inflation is a process of continually adding that $1,000 to the money supply. Each little bit isn't really noticed but together they add up to steal away the money that you have and that which you have saved. But it isn't just a piddly $1,000 being added here and there. It is usually several BILLION added. Every week. Last week it was $9.7 billion. In one week. ONE FREAKING WEEK!
If you need a mental picture or some sort of hands on activity try this. Pull out the monopoly board game. Actually, pull out two as you will need it. Have everyone start out with the regular amount of money and begin play. But everytime it is your turn, add $100 to your bank (this would grow over the course of the game). Not everyones, just yours, and watch what happens. First off you are going to have complaints, but secondly you are going to notice that as the first person to have that money you are going to benefit from it to the detriment of the other players. This is because you will be better able to buy property or pay fees. But as you start paying those fees or buying properties you are going to find that more and more money are demanded for those fee or for those properties. $400 for boardwalk? Please. Try $10,000. Why? Because you have devalued each and every dollar by adding more to what is in circulation. But what you aren't going to do is change the real cost of each property. This is because their "real cost" hasn't changed, what has changed is the value of the medium you are using for exchange so you see increased prices.
One other thing that should be easy to see in that game of Inflation Monopoly is that the other players have a hard time making ends meet. This is because they are behind the curve of the inflation. This is inevitable. Inflation must end for them to catch up but if you stop inflating then you lose your advantage over the others. An easy choice for the readers of this blog, and I would say an easy choice for power hungry politicians, bankers and behind-the-scenes power brokers. It just wouldn't be the same choice.
Dictionary.com defines inflation as "a persistent, substantial rise in the general level of prices related to an increase in the volume of money and resulting in the loss of value of currency." And since I cannot improve upon that this lesson is concluded! (haha, you wish!)
So it is a rise in the general level or prices because there is more dollars in circulation, which causes each dollar to be worth less. Essentially you have an actual wealth pool of, say 100 million dollars. Now if there are 100M worth of bills floating around then the price of everything will stay the same (subject to the decreases indicated in Econ 102.) But if you add $1,000 to that 100M then what you get is a dollar that is worth just a little bit less and as a result will buy just a little less than it did before.
Inflation is a process of continually adding that $1,000 to the money supply. Each little bit isn't really noticed but together they add up to steal away the money that you have and that which you have saved. But it isn't just a piddly $1,000 being added here and there. It is usually several BILLION added. Every week. Last week it was $9.7 billion. In one week. ONE FREAKING WEEK!
If you need a mental picture or some sort of hands on activity try this. Pull out the monopoly board game. Actually, pull out two as you will need it. Have everyone start out with the regular amount of money and begin play. But everytime it is your turn, add $100 to your bank (this would grow over the course of the game). Not everyones, just yours, and watch what happens. First off you are going to have complaints, but secondly you are going to notice that as the first person to have that money you are going to benefit from it to the detriment of the other players. This is because you will be better able to buy property or pay fees. But as you start paying those fees or buying properties you are going to find that more and more money are demanded for those fee or for those properties. $400 for boardwalk? Please. Try $10,000. Why? Because you have devalued each and every dollar by adding more to what is in circulation. But what you aren't going to do is change the real cost of each property. This is because their "real cost" hasn't changed, what has changed is the value of the medium you are using for exchange so you see increased prices.
One other thing that should be easy to see in that game of Inflation Monopoly is that the other players have a hard time making ends meet. This is because they are behind the curve of the inflation. This is inevitable. Inflation must end for them to catch up but if you stop inflating then you lose your advantage over the others. An easy choice for the readers of this blog, and I would say an easy choice for power hungry politicians, bankers and behind-the-scenes power brokers. It just wouldn't be the same choice.
Econ: 102
Another Econ lesson. Leave now or you will be forced to either learn something or take a nap.
Things get cheaper over time, in real terms. This is ALWAYS the case. Dont confuse the rising price of something with things actually getting more expensive. Things arent really getting more expensive, your dollar just buys less. That is called inflation. NOT THE SAME THING.
In Econ, "real terms" means you have to adjust the dollar for inflation from one year to the next so that you can compare apples to apples. For instance, the cost of electricity at the local co-op was 5.01 cents per kilowatt hour in 1935. The same per unit price in 2005 was 9.42 cents. But that is misleading. In "real terms" one has to adjust the cost of the two years so that they can be compared properly. If one normalizes the prices to 2005 dollars the cost of electricity in 1935 was 59.09 cents per. Quite the difference, but it is the accurate way to compare the two.So electricity was essentially 6 times higher 70 years ago. In that time the demand for electricity has skyrocketed! Back then it was a single bulb in one or maybe two rooms. Today it is well, everything.
Now you might try to apply another economic principle, that higher demand equals higher price so that it doesn't outstrip supply. Doesn't that conflict with the lower costs we see today?
Not at all. As a technology (or a manufacturing process or product) matures, more ways are found to streamline the process. New technologies are created in an attempt to make more for less. These new processes and technologies build upon each other enabling the manufacturer to make the product more efficiently, with less waste and less labor. This causes the cost of the product to fall as less money is put into the product and allows the manufacturer to sell for less in an attempt to win more market share.
So if I make 100 widgets today at a real cost of $500 today, improved techniques/processes/technologies will most likely allow me to make 100 widgets for only $400 real cost ten years down the road.
Things get cheaper over time, in real terms. This is ALWAYS the case. Dont confuse the rising price of something with things actually getting more expensive. Things arent really getting more expensive, your dollar just buys less. That is called inflation. NOT THE SAME THING.
In Econ, "real terms" means you have to adjust the dollar for inflation from one year to the next so that you can compare apples to apples. For instance, the cost of electricity at the local co-op was 5.01 cents per kilowatt hour in 1935. The same per unit price in 2005 was 9.42 cents. But that is misleading. In "real terms" one has to adjust the cost of the two years so that they can be compared properly. If one normalizes the prices to 2005 dollars the cost of electricity in 1935 was 59.09 cents per. Quite the difference, but it is the accurate way to compare the two.So electricity was essentially 6 times higher 70 years ago. In that time the demand for electricity has skyrocketed! Back then it was a single bulb in one or maybe two rooms. Today it is well, everything.
Now you might try to apply another economic principle, that higher demand equals higher price so that it doesn't outstrip supply. Doesn't that conflict with the lower costs we see today?
Not at all. As a technology (or a manufacturing process or product) matures, more ways are found to streamline the process. New technologies are created in an attempt to make more for less. These new processes and technologies build upon each other enabling the manufacturer to make the product more efficiently, with less waste and less labor. This causes the cost of the product to fall as less money is put into the product and allows the manufacturer to sell for less in an attempt to win more market share.
So if I make 100 widgets today at a real cost of $500 today, improved techniques/processes/technologies will most likely allow me to make 100 widgets for only $400 real cost ten years down the road.
Misc-Blog
I snuck into a room where a training class was taking place during their break so I could check my email and saw a slide on the screen describing the temperatures at which metals melt. The exception was that the temp for steel was the temp at which it begins to lose strength. The temp listed? 2600-2700 degrees. Please note that JetA does not burn near that temp yet despite the insurance industries acknowledgment that it wont lose strength at that temp the official gov story is that 3 steel towers came down for the first and last time due to fire on 9-11.
There is lots of talk about the dollar collapsing. Well of course it is. It is fiat money. One might as well exclaim water is wet. And I am certainly pessimistic about the future of the dollar, but I don't think it will fall just yet. The Gov simply wont allow it to happen under the current President's watch. Look for the interest rate to fall over the next three months, possibly starting in January, in an attempt to awaken the housing market giant again. There isnt much more life left in that giant, his work has been done and his time is over. Look for him to be pressed into service for a while longer.
I would expect another 28-30 months of relative prosperity (as it now seems to be defined) before a serious slump. I base this on a few things I can see. 1, the housing market will carry us thru for a time, and 2, President Rodham will be the preferred one to take the fall. The Repugs will likely do everything in their power to ensure that Bush doesn't usher in the coming recession.
The Colorado Gov is finally starting to get vocal about the problems faced by Colorado's forests. Currently some 640,000 acres are infested by the Pine Beetle, a small little bug that cores into certain pines and over the course of about 3 years kills the tree. We have millions upon millions of dead dry trees that need to be removed and the StateGov is starting to push to get regulations/laws eased on logging these trees and are also encouraging various uses for them such as biomass generators. I, of course, do not approve of the Gov getting involved but I hardily approve of them getting out of the way and removing legal barriers to the free market removing these trees and finding markets for them.
There is lots of talk about the dollar collapsing. Well of course it is. It is fiat money. One might as well exclaim water is wet. And I am certainly pessimistic about the future of the dollar, but I don't think it will fall just yet. The Gov simply wont allow it to happen under the current President's watch. Look for the interest rate to fall over the next three months, possibly starting in January, in an attempt to awaken the housing market giant again. There isnt much more life left in that giant, his work has been done and his time is over. Look for him to be pressed into service for a while longer.
I would expect another 28-30 months of relative prosperity (as it now seems to be defined) before a serious slump. I base this on a few things I can see. 1, the housing market will carry us thru for a time, and 2, President Rodham will be the preferred one to take the fall. The Repugs will likely do everything in their power to ensure that Bush doesn't usher in the coming recession.
The Colorado Gov is finally starting to get vocal about the problems faced by Colorado's forests. Currently some 640,000 acres are infested by the Pine Beetle, a small little bug that cores into certain pines and over the course of about 3 years kills the tree. We have millions upon millions of dead dry trees that need to be removed and the StateGov is starting to push to get regulations/laws eased on logging these trees and are also encouraging various uses for them such as biomass generators. I, of course, do not approve of the Gov getting involved but I hardily approve of them getting out of the way and removing legal barriers to the free market removing these trees and finding markets for them.
Monday, December 11, 2006
Trivia
The walls of an igloo, made entirely of natural material - stand
up better to modern artillery than a concrete barricade,
according to tests conducted by a Swedish army. The walls absorb
an artillery blast, are almost invisible from the air, and can't
be spotted by the infrared sensors that guide today's missiles.
up better to modern artillery than a concrete barricade,
according to tests conducted by a Swedish army. The walls absorb
an artillery blast, are almost invisible from the air, and can't
be spotted by the infrared sensors that guide today's missiles.
Sunday, December 10, 2006
The Question
In response to my writing this "is one justified in doing anything to try to stop the pain as long as it doesn't violate the Rights of others?"
Res Ispa writes this "Not if you're serious about being a Christian."
Res is right. And that is a good question. Am I? My faith is in tatters and has been for quite some time. It isn't that I don't believe. Its that I just don't really care. I know I should care and I know it should bother me that I don't. But I don't and it doesn't. And I don't really know which way to head from here. Or even where I am.
Res Ispa writes this "Not if you're serious about being a Christian."
Res is right. And that is a good question. Am I? My faith is in tatters and has been for quite some time. It isn't that I don't believe. Its that I just don't really care. I know I should care and I know it should bother me that I don't. But I don't and it doesn't. And I don't really know which way to head from here. Or even where I am.
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Historical Tidbits
Munitions Ship Explodes
On December 6th, 1917, at 9:05 a.m., in the harbor of Halifax in
the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, the most devastating
man-made explosion in the pre-atomic age occurred when the Mont
Blanc, a French munitions ship, exploded 20 minutes after
colliding with another vessel.
As World War I raged in Europe, the port city of Halifax bustled
with ships carrying troops, relief supplies and munitions across
the Atlantic Ocean. On the morning of December 6, the Norwegian
vessel Imo left its mooring in Halifax harbor for New York City.
At the same time, the French freighter Mont Blanc, its cargo
hold packed with highly explosive munitions--2,300 tons of
picric acid, 200 tons of TNT, 35 tons of high-octane gasoline,
and 10 tons of gun cotton--was forging through the harbor's
narrows to join a military convoy that would escort it across
the Atlantic.
At approximately 8:45 a.m., the two ships collided, setting the
picric acid ablaze. The Mont Blanc was propelled toward the
shore by its collision with the Imo, and the crew rapidly
abandoned the ship, attempting without success to alert the
harbor of the peril. Spectators gathered along the waterfront to
witness the spectacle of the blazing ship, and minutes later it
brushed by a harbor pier, setting it ablaze. The Halifax fire
department responded quickly and was positioning its engine next
to the nearest hydrant when the Mont Blanc exploded at 9:05 a.m.
in a blinding white flash.
The massive explosion killed more than 1,600 people, injured
another 9,000--including blinding 200--and destroyed almost the
entire north end of the city of Halifax, including more than
1,600 homes. The resulting shock wave shattered windows 50 miles
away and the sound of the explosion could be heard for hundreds
of miles.
More can be found on Wikipedia
On December 6th, 1917, at 9:05 a.m., in the harbor of Halifax in
the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, the most devastating
man-made explosion in the pre-atomic age occurred when the Mont
Blanc, a French munitions ship, exploded 20 minutes after
colliding with another vessel.
As World War I raged in Europe, the port city of Halifax bustled
with ships carrying troops, relief supplies and munitions across
the Atlantic Ocean. On the morning of December 6, the Norwegian
vessel Imo left its mooring in Halifax harbor for New York City.
At the same time, the French freighter Mont Blanc, its cargo
hold packed with highly explosive munitions--2,300 tons of
picric acid, 200 tons of TNT, 35 tons of high-octane gasoline,
and 10 tons of gun cotton--was forging through the harbor's
narrows to join a military convoy that would escort it across
the Atlantic.
At approximately 8:45 a.m., the two ships collided, setting the
picric acid ablaze. The Mont Blanc was propelled toward the
shore by its collision with the Imo, and the crew rapidly
abandoned the ship, attempting without success to alert the
harbor of the peril. Spectators gathered along the waterfront to
witness the spectacle of the blazing ship, and minutes later it
brushed by a harbor pier, setting it ablaze. The Halifax fire
department responded quickly and was positioning its engine next
to the nearest hydrant when the Mont Blanc exploded at 9:05 a.m.
in a blinding white flash.
The massive explosion killed more than 1,600 people, injured
another 9,000--including blinding 200--and destroyed almost the
entire north end of the city of Halifax, including more than
1,600 homes. The resulting shock wave shattered windows 50 miles
away and the sound of the explosion could be heard for hundreds
of miles.
More can be found on Wikipedia
Looking Ahead
I hear talk all the time of how we should be teaching kids a foreign language at a young age. Usually the language mentioned is Spanish. I agree that it is good to teach them young, and I agree that Spanish would be useful. But I think more useful will be Mandarin. Not the orange. The language spoken by China.
Why Chinese? Because there is currently 1 billion people over there. Because there is currently a middle class that numbers 300 million and is expected to grow to 500 million in the next 10-15 years. Because consumerism is growing rampantly over there. Because there are markets untapped, niches galore. It is so crazy over there that name brands sponsor school age sports teams (think nike, adidas etc.) Because having the latest and greatest is a huge social bonus to the younger generation (basically anyone under35) The Chinese can choose from over 800 different cell phones, compared to Americas maybe 50?, and the Chinese replace their cell phones every 3-6 months because of the social status of having a new phone, not because they are broken.
In 30 years China will be the dominant economic power in the world. There isnt anything, short of nuking them into the stone age, that America can do about it. It is all about the numbers. We can't compete* and soon will be servicing China's need for consumer goods where they now serve us. Knowing this, it would be wise to learn the language as sooner rather than later it will become a hot commodity.
* We actually can compete but only if we are rich beyond anything the world knows today. This would require sound economic principles being practiced by our Gov. Things such as gold backed currency and complete elimination of the national debt are where we need to start. Also necessary is (greatly) easing regulations on new business and lowering/eliminating the taxation on the individual citizens. Without all of these things happening there is no chance to compete and since we all know Gov isnt going to do it.... xue Zhong–wen
Why Chinese? Because there is currently 1 billion people over there. Because there is currently a middle class that numbers 300 million and is expected to grow to 500 million in the next 10-15 years. Because consumerism is growing rampantly over there. Because there are markets untapped, niches galore. It is so crazy over there that name brands sponsor school age sports teams (think nike, adidas etc.) Because having the latest and greatest is a huge social bonus to the younger generation (basically anyone under35) The Chinese can choose from over 800 different cell phones, compared to Americas maybe 50?, and the Chinese replace their cell phones every 3-6 months because of the social status of having a new phone, not because they are broken.
In 30 years China will be the dominant economic power in the world. There isnt anything, short of nuking them into the stone age, that America can do about it. It is all about the numbers. We can't compete* and soon will be servicing China's need for consumer goods where they now serve us. Knowing this, it would be wise to learn the language as sooner rather than later it will become a hot commodity.
* We actually can compete but only if we are rich beyond anything the world knows today. This would require sound economic principles being practiced by our Gov. Things such as gold backed currency and complete elimination of the national debt are where we need to start. Also necessary is (greatly) easing regulations on new business and lowering/eliminating the taxation on the individual citizens. Without all of these things happening there is no chance to compete and since we all know Gov isnt going to do it.... xue Zhong–wen
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Prepping for work
Some sort of work anyways. I pulled out an old, ancient in fact, tome from the library and am reading thru it to help land me a job should I be back in tech support again. The tome? MCSE Networking Essentials for Dummies, circa 1998. I made it to page 218 in just a couple hours maybe? Partly cuz it is easy info, partly cuz some of it is so outdated as to just skip over.
I can't seem to escape the tech world, but I cant ever rise above the pee-on level either. I wonder if the local library keeps any of the dummies books that are a bit more current? Not that I have the money to take tests but I could win the lotto. It could happen ya know.
Maybe if I get the CCNA, CCNP and an MCSE someone might notice me and make me more than a pee-on, but I doubt it. (the "but I doubt it" was done in my very bestest (or a pathetic attempt at) Eeyore)
*Update
According to TCPMag the average salary in 2004 (latest figures I could find) for CCNA was 60K. I checked out MCPMag and their 2006 salary survey showed an MCSA Win2003 worth 95k in Colorado with a whopping 112K in Denver. 112K would buy a little bit of happiness and bring lots of women to my door.
I can't seem to escape the tech world, but I cant ever rise above the pee-on level either. I wonder if the local library keeps any of the dummies books that are a bit more current? Not that I have the money to take tests but I could win the lotto. It could happen ya know.
Maybe if I get the CCNA, CCNP and an MCSE someone might notice me and make me more than a pee-on, but I doubt it. (the "but I doubt it" was done in my very bestest (or a pathetic attempt at) Eeyore)
*Update
According to TCPMag the average salary in 2004 (latest figures I could find) for CCNA was 60K. I checked out MCPMag and their 2006 salary survey showed an MCSA Win2003 worth 95k in Colorado with a whopping 112K in Denver. 112K would buy a little bit of happiness and bring lots of women to my door.
When choosing...
When choosing between two evils, I always like to try the one I've never tried before -- Mae West.
When faced with a decision that you will regret either way you decide, is Mae West's philosophy a wise guide? And when your heart is fucking broken and life just hurts does it really matter which one you choose? And is one justified in doing anything to try to stop the pain as long as it doesn't violate the Rights of others?
When faced with a decision that you will regret either way you decide, is Mae West's philosophy a wise guide? And when your heart is fucking broken and life just hurts does it really matter which one you choose? And is one justified in doing anything to try to stop the pain as long as it doesn't violate the Rights of others?
Monday, December 04, 2006
Layoff
A new experience for me. I got laid off this morning. Lucky me. The first layoff in the companies 6 years of existence. I have been applying at places since Thursday tho so I am a titch ahead of the game, but not much.
If anyone knows of a decent job, even if it is just a seasonal job please let me know. Prayers are much appreciated.
If anyone knows of a decent job, even if it is just a seasonal job please let me know. Prayers are much appreciated.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Sometimes...
Sometimes you get results from these little quizzes that are so far off. This seems to be one of them.
Honestly, if you could bottle my psyche and sell it to depressed people you would be amongst the most cruel and evil of the world. It would likely be highly illegal to do so. I mean, just imagine the lawsuits of selling something so toxic to someone already depressed.
Honestly, if you could bottle my psyche and sell it to depressed people you would be amongst the most cruel and evil of the world. It would likely be highly illegal to do so. I mean, just imagine the lawsuits of selling something so toxic to someone already depressed.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Molon Labe
It has been some time since I have added to the Manly Poetry collection. Part laziness but mostly that it simply doesnt really exist. Or if it does I cannot find it. One of events in history that one would expect would be immortalized in proper verse would be the battle at Thermopylae. King Leonidas led but 300 of his Spartans (his own personal guard) against King Xerxes with an army that may have numbered in the millions.
Thermopylae was some distance from Sparta but it was the ideal spot to hold off the Persians as it was only about 55 feet wide at its narrowest point with the sea on one side and soaring cliffs on the other. Sparta, however, did not want to march so far away from home, nor did they want to leave during a religious holiday. Leonidas was inspired by the message from the Oracle (which also happens to be the only verse worthy of posting) which said that the city would be lost if a King was not sacrificed (Sparta was ruled by two kings.) In the following verse the "He" in the second paragraph refers to Xerxes.
The burial stone for these heroes reads (as translated by Michael Dodson)
Friend, tell the Spartans that on this hill
We lie obedient to them still.
Thermopylae was some distance from Sparta but it was the ideal spot to hold off the Persians as it was only about 55 feet wide at its narrowest point with the sea on one side and soaring cliffs on the other. Sparta, however, did not want to march so far away from home, nor did they want to leave during a religious holiday. Leonidas was inspired by the message from the Oracle (which also happens to be the only verse worthy of posting) which said that the city would be lost if a King was not sacrificed (Sparta was ruled by two kings.) In the following verse the "He" in the second paragraph refers to Xerxes.
O ye men who dwell in the streets of broad Lacedaemon!Leonidas led his men knowing that no more reinforcements from Sparta would come to his aid. On the way others joined, for a total of maybe 5200 Greeks arrayed against a Persian army so large that one refered to them as drinking up entire rivers. Xerxes, wanting to prevent bloodshed (or perhaps further bloodshed) and thinking that he was dealing with reasonable men offered to spare their lives if they laid down their weapons. To this offer King Leonidas responded "Molon Labe" which means Come and get them. On the morning of the third day of battle, Xerxes had found a path through the mountains to flank the Spartans. Learning of this Leonidas ordered all of the troops back but his Spartans. However the Thespians, numbering approximately 700, stayed and went to meet the flanking troops. They made their final stand there at the pass of Thermopylae. Ctesias, a Greek historian, estimated 50,000 of Xerxes army were cut down over those 3 days.
Either your glorious town shall be sacked by the children of Perseus,
Or, in exchange, must all through the whole Laconian country
Mourn for the loss of a king, descendant of great Heracles.
He cannot be withstood by the courage of bulls nor of lions,
Strive as they may; he is mighty as Jove; there is naught that shall stay him,
Till he have got for his prey your king, or your glorious city.
The burial stone for these heroes reads (as translated by Michael Dodson)
Friend, tell the Spartans that on this hill
We lie obedient to them still.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
Air Support
While this hasnt been in the blogosphere recently a recent conversation with Roci got me to thinking on the foot soldier. Quite frankly, there is no other way to win a war than by use of the "lowly" foot soldier. Unless, of course, one decides to just nuke the entire country. That would probably be a win too. But the foot soldier shouldnt be regarded as lowly. The are how territory is taken. How an enemy is either killed or subdued.
During WWII today's Air Force was part of the Army. And there were two theories as to what their role should be. Simply, tactical or strategic? Quite obviously the proponents of the strategic theory won out and were able to convince Congress to make them a separate entity. The effectiveness of the strategic use of the Air Force is up for debate and is indeed even debated (still) in the AF, but I think it is safe to say that during the Cold War having the AF focus on strategic use was perhaps their best use. But the Cold War is, for the time being, dead. What we have now is a strong need for tactical use of the AF. What we dont have is much tactical capability. Why? Cuz jets, by and large, dont work very well for close in support. Yes our F-18s are incredible, as are our (beloved) A-10s. But with the extremely high cost of our jets as well as their lack of fuel capacity they are of limited use in today's theaters.
I feel that we need some new, simple designs for close in support. Actually, when I say new I mean well, old. It seems that we must have only new things. Shiny things. If it isnt "new" it cant possibly be good is the mentality. But there are well established platforms and technologies that would work quite well. Take for instance the p-51D Mustang. 4 cannons, 127mm rockets and two hardpoints for bombs (or fuel) and the ability to place it where it would be of great use to the ground forces. And with a cost of say 2 Million a piece (being generous here due to expected gov largess which can always be counted upon) it would be a complete bargain compared to the cost of the F-22 which is about 102 million a piece.
Scrapping just two of the proposed 360+ F-22s would yield a fleet of 100 of these small fighters. And I am betting that with the technology available today we could come up with something even better then the Mustang (I know, that is almost sacriligious!) What do you say Roci. Can you swing the Pentagon around? I'll be more than happy to help them with the design and all that as long as I get one!
During WWII today's Air Force was part of the Army. And there were two theories as to what their role should be. Simply, tactical or strategic? Quite obviously the proponents of the strategic theory won out and were able to convince Congress to make them a separate entity. The effectiveness of the strategic use of the Air Force is up for debate and is indeed even debated (still) in the AF, but I think it is safe to say that during the Cold War having the AF focus on strategic use was perhaps their best use. But the Cold War is, for the time being, dead. What we have now is a strong need for tactical use of the AF. What we dont have is much tactical capability. Why? Cuz jets, by and large, dont work very well for close in support. Yes our F-18s are incredible, as are our (beloved) A-10s. But with the extremely high cost of our jets as well as their lack of fuel capacity they are of limited use in today's theaters.
I feel that we need some new, simple designs for close in support. Actually, when I say new I mean well, old. It seems that we must have only new things. Shiny things. If it isnt "new" it cant possibly be good is the mentality. But there are well established platforms and technologies that would work quite well. Take for instance the p-51D Mustang. 4 cannons, 127mm rockets and two hardpoints for bombs (or fuel) and the ability to place it where it would be of great use to the ground forces. And with a cost of say 2 Million a piece (being generous here due to expected gov largess which can always be counted upon) it would be a complete bargain compared to the cost of the F-22 which is about 102 million a piece.
Scrapping just two of the proposed 360+ F-22s would yield a fleet of 100 of these small fighters. And I am betting that with the technology available today we could come up with something even better then the Mustang (I know, that is almost sacriligious!) What do you say Roci. Can you swing the Pentagon around? I'll be more than happy to help them with the design and all that as long as I get one!
Burlington Declaration
We, the participants in the First North American Secessionist Convention, though representing many different and diverse groups and constituencies, agree on the following principles as representing the truths of natural law and historical experience:I really only take issue with one thing. Universal Suffrage. They would gain their Liberty, only to lose it thru Universal Suffrage. What a waste.
1. Any political entity has the right to separate itself from a larger body of which it is a part and peaceably to establish its independence as a free and legitimate state in the eyes of the world.
2. Governments are instituted among peoples, deriving their just powers from the consent of their citizens, and whenever any form of government becomes destructive of the legitimate goals of life, liberty, prosperity, and self-determination, it is the right of the people in democratic fashion to alter or abolish it, and to institute
new government in such form as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness.
3. Any government formed by and dependent upon a constitution to regulate its actions and affairs has certain legitimate powers delegated to it, but any powers not so delegated are reserved to the people of that state and their democratically chosen political bodies.
4. Nations once independent should engage in peace, commerce, good will, and honest friendship with all nations, and observe good faith, justice, and harmony toward all, but establish entangling relationships with none, nor engage in colonial dominance, political or economic, over any.
5. Direct democracy, with one vote for each and every citizen (as the polity shall designate citizenship), has proven to be a desirable form of governance among people, but it can operate with justice and equality only when at a small enough scale that each person may be known to every other person; when representative forms of government are undertaken, they should likewise best be established at a scale
small enough so that each representative can be informed of the opinions and beliefs of the general run of the people in the constituency or community which that person is chosen to represent.
It is within this body of principles that we ask all governments to operate and it is by them that we ourselves, individually and the organizations we represent, intend to be guided.
Burlington, Vermont
November 4, 2006=
Monday, November 27, 2006
Reason To Homeschool #47
New Math
Apparently the teachers are using new math to grade the students. My niece (unfortunaely this isnt a story of some unknown child...) had a test/quiz this past week. It had 20 questions on it. She missed 5. Now to those of us that know old math, we would say that she then lost 25% and would then get a 'C.' New math dictates otherwise. The actual score was an A. Because each question was worth 2 points.
What does this mean? It means that you could miss every single question and still get a 'D.' When I was in school, oh so long ago... 12 years or so ago, missing every single question would have been a resounding 'F' and big fat ZERO. Not anymore. In fact many schools dont even have an 'F' anymore as it is simply too damaging to the students psyche.
Ridiculous. Homeschool your children people! Even if you are some ignorant socialist/commie, your child will get a better education.
Apparently the teachers are using new math to grade the students. My niece (unfortunaely this isnt a story of some unknown child...) had a test/quiz this past week. It had 20 questions on it. She missed 5. Now to those of us that know old math, we would say that she then lost 25% and would then get a 'C.' New math dictates otherwise. The actual score was an A. Because each question was worth 2 points.
What does this mean? It means that you could miss every single question and still get a 'D.' When I was in school, oh so long ago... 12 years or so ago, missing every single question would have been a resounding 'F' and big fat ZERO. Not anymore. In fact many schools dont even have an 'F' anymore as it is simply too damaging to the students psyche.
Ridiculous. Homeschool your children people! Even if you are some ignorant socialist/commie, your child will get a better education.
Saturday, November 25, 2006
Signs Of Creation: II
There are some creatures that simply defy evolution. They are so unique that there really is no way they could have evolved.
One example is the Orchid. Several types of orchids (mainly in Australia) produce "exactly the same compounds, and in similar relative proportions as those in the sex pheromone of the female bee." This causes the male bees to pollinate the orchid in greater numbers and frequency then otherwise would happen.
The standard theory of Natural Selection isnt satisfactory in this instance. Nor in the other plants that are specific in their scents. An example of this is the Corpse Flower. This flower emits a foul odor akin to a rotting corpse (hence the name.) This scent attracts beetles which are the primary bug used to pollinate the plant. The beetles crawl thoughout the entire plant searching for the decay, then move on to the next with the same behavior.
One example is the Orchid. Several types of orchids (mainly in Australia) produce "exactly the same compounds, and in similar relative proportions as those in the sex pheromone of the female bee." This causes the male bees to pollinate the orchid in greater numbers and frequency then otherwise would happen.
The standard theory of Natural Selection isnt satisfactory in this instance. Nor in the other plants that are specific in their scents. An example of this is the Corpse Flower. This flower emits a foul odor akin to a rotting corpse (hence the name.) This scent attracts beetles which are the primary bug used to pollinate the plant. The beetles crawl thoughout the entire plant searching for the decay, then move on to the next with the same behavior.
Signs Of Creation
There are some creatures that simply defy evolution. They are so unique that there really is no way they could have evolved. I noticed the Lancet Fluke mentioned on VoxPop and looked it up. Essentially this organism depends on three specific animals for its life cycle. Snails then ants then cows sheep or goats.
The lancet fluke (Dicrocoelium lanceolatum) belongs to the order Trematoda. Like other flukes, scientifically called trematodes, it as well shows a generation cycle with a change of reproduction as well as a change of hosts. The terminal host are mammals, usually sheep or goats. The distribute the fluke's eggs by their excrements on plants, on which snails feed. Those snails again are the intermediate host.
Those snails, mostly hygromiid snails of the species Helicella or enid snails (Zebrina), take in the flukes eggs together with their food. In the snail's digestive gland the fluke' first larval generation hatches. That generation is called miracidium. A miracidium is a simply built larva with few resemblance to the adult fluke. It is able to swim or at least to float by a ciliar crest. The miracidium makes a metamorphosis inside the snail, resulting in the next larval stage, that more resembles the adult fluke. The so called cercary has got a tail that propels it in the water. The cercaries change themselves in endurance stages called cystes, that the snails surrounds with a mucus layer and excretes them.
Ants eat those mucus balls (obviously the mucus also contains certain pheromones that makes it highly attractive to ants) and then are afflicted by the cercaries. The cercaries grow in the ants' abdomen (terminal body part) and then one of them moves into the head. There they afflict the ant's nervous system and cause a change of behaviour, that makes Bernard Werber call them "zombie ants". The ants now, very untypically, climb up plant stems and attach themselves with their mandibles to exposed positions such as leaves. Grazing mammals, such as sheep or goats, eat the plants together with the ants and then infect themselves with the lesser liver fluke. Inside this terminal host the cercaries change into the fluke's adult stage which reproduces sexually and then lays eggs that are excreted by the mammal - the generation cycle is closed when the next snail eats the eggs.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Pressure Cooker
I finally bought me a pressure cooker. I've been wanting one for years and I found one on sale for only $20 so I went ahead and got it. Reasons for wanting one include, well, I want one just cuz its a cool kitchen gadget and it greatly reduces cooking times on anything you can put in it. Also, due to the reduced cooking times, more nutrients/vitamins in the food are preserved.
Cooking times are even faster than a microwave assuming we arent talking about top ramen. For example a 3lb pot roast would take about 135 minutes in the oven, a minumun of 100 minutes in a microwave (I hope none of you out there actually cook meat in your microwave... ICK!) but only 35 minutes in a pressure cooker. Time is always the key for me. I am not at all good at planning out meals. When I am hungry I eat, if I am not hungry I dont think about food. And if one is buying organic then it makes even more sense. A side benefit is that it uses less energy thean running the oven or microwave for all that time and lower utilities is a great thing.
Cooking times are even faster than a microwave assuming we arent talking about top ramen. For example a 3lb pot roast would take about 135 minutes in the oven, a minumun of 100 minutes in a microwave (I hope none of you out there actually cook meat in your microwave... ICK!) but only 35 minutes in a pressure cooker. Time is always the key for me. I am not at all good at planning out meals. When I am hungry I eat, if I am not hungry I dont think about food. And if one is buying organic then it makes even more sense. A side benefit is that it uses less energy thean running the oven or microwave for all that time and lower utilities is a great thing.
Prevailing Wages
As a trucker (well as anyone really) I am interested in finding out how much I could make should I decide to move. So I have looked up some info on "Prevailing Wages." This is not the market wage, rather the Davis-Bacon wage. Basically, if you are working for the State you must get paid that much. Not just State employees but the contractors working on things for the State (such as roads)
Here in Colorado PW for dump trucks is $20.20 when wage and benefits are combined. In Wyoming it is $14.92 (exept Laramie and Natrona Counties which are lower) In Washington it varies greatly. In Tacoma (Pierce County)you are looking at $22.56 but just up the road in Seattle (King County) it is $37.94, with the same in Everett (Snohomish County) Portland and Bend Oregon come in at $23.57.
Like I said, prevailing wage isnt the market wage (which is lower) but it is a pretty good indicator of the wages in the area. If one were lucky enough to get on a year long project in Seattle you could very easily make $80,000 as an employee. Anyways, thats all for now.
Here in Colorado PW for dump trucks is $20.20 when wage and benefits are combined. In Wyoming it is $14.92 (exept Laramie and Natrona Counties which are lower) In Washington it varies greatly. In Tacoma (Pierce County)you are looking at $22.56 but just up the road in Seattle (King County) it is $37.94, with the same in Everett (Snohomish County) Portland and Bend Oregon come in at $23.57.
Like I said, prevailing wage isnt the market wage (which is lower) but it is a pretty good indicator of the wages in the area. If one were lucky enough to get on a year long project in Seattle you could very easily make $80,000 as an employee. Anyways, thats all for now.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Wants & Needs
I think I have mentioned in the past that I want to buy a dump truck. Well, I found one. A 1988 International S2574. It is a tandem, red cab and cowling: paint is great, black bed: a bit beat up (its a dump truck folks!) frame, wheels, tires, brakes suspension: all good condition. The only thing I am thinking I would want to replace is the driver seat at a cost of approx $500 (it looks original?) Cost of truck: $14,000.
That was the "need" the want is a Nintendo Wii. This looks like a very fun system. The graphics arent anywhere near the PS3 (the Sony graphics look more real than a movie!) but the Wii costs $250 vs. the $600 for a PS3... The neat thing about the Wii is that it is interactive. Have you ever noticed how everyone moves along with the controller even tho doing so has no affect? We all do it, and you do to. Stop lying. It is natural when trying to avoid a blow or to not crash to lean to one side or the other. Well the Wii is sensetive to that motion and indeed it requires that motion. If you are playing a boxing game you have to actually throw the punches and the system responds to you. Swinging a sword? Fishing? Driving? All those things require you to move your hands/arms to make it work. It looks like a very fun system and I am hoping to be able to afford the extra $250 by years end.
That was the "need" the want is a Nintendo Wii. This looks like a very fun system. The graphics arent anywhere near the PS3 (the Sony graphics look more real than a movie!) but the Wii costs $250 vs. the $600 for a PS3... The neat thing about the Wii is that it is interactive. Have you ever noticed how everyone moves along with the controller even tho doing so has no affect? We all do it, and you do to. Stop lying. It is natural when trying to avoid a blow or to not crash to lean to one side or the other. Well the Wii is sensetive to that motion and indeed it requires that motion. If you are playing a boxing game you have to actually throw the punches and the system responds to you. Swinging a sword? Fishing? Driving? All those things require you to move your hands/arms to make it work. It looks like a very fun system and I am hoping to be able to afford the extra $250 by years end.
Saturday, November 18, 2006
ThanksGiving Recipe Bleg
Alright, ThanksGiving is coming up. A day to reflect upon the blessings that our G-d has bestowed upon us. A day to remember His grace. A day to share in the bounty of what He has provided for us.
And to that end I am asking y'all for your favorite ThanksGiving foods. If you want to include a recipe that'd be awesome.
I'll update this later today or so with some of my favorites.
And to that end I am asking y'all for your favorite ThanksGiving foods. If you want to include a recipe that'd be awesome.
I'll update this later today or so with some of my favorites.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Dare To Be Stupid
I dont know if anyone has heard this song before but it is one of my favorites from Wierd Al Yancovic.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Princess Leia
Princess Leia belly dancing. What more needs to be said?
You can find her at her website AmiraDance.com
You can find her at her website AmiraDance.com
Monday, November 06, 2006
The Collapse Of The Free Press
From an article by Paul K. McMasters of the First Amendment Center:
The latest survey of global press freedoms, released last week by Reporters Without Borders, shows the United States falling another nine places since the previous year to 53rd, tying with Botswana, Croatia and Tonga. Cited as part of the reason for the steady decline in the rankings was the sharp tension between the Bush administration and the press that has developed since 9/11 and the federal courts’ refusal to recognize a reporter’s right to protect confidential sources.Botswana and Croatia? That doesnt bode well for us. And where is Tonga? I havent even heard of them before.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
Pierced: Part 2
Got pierced again today, 'bout an hour ago. Nothing overly crazy, just a nipple. Right now, it hurts (imagine that!) but it seems to have been well done this time as opposed to the last time where it wasn't done well.
For those of you keeping track, I no longer have the other piercing due to it not healing. It wasnt straight anyways so it isn't too big a loss tho I liked it.
The girls at the pizza place informed me that it is going to hurt really bad in the cold. Great! Have I mentioned my new job? I am driving a concrete mixer and I have to get outside in the cold and freeze my butt off. Granted I dont have to do the hard physical labor, indeed I don't do any real physical labor besides washing the truck. But therein lies the problem. When I am outside I am just standing there being cold. Maybe the girls were wrong. I dont care really, they were cute and I was talking to them and that is what mattered there (o=
For those of you keeping track, I no longer have the other piercing due to it not healing. It wasnt straight anyways so it isn't too big a loss tho I liked it.
The girls at the pizza place informed me that it is going to hurt really bad in the cold. Great! Have I mentioned my new job? I am driving a concrete mixer and I have to get outside in the cold and freeze my butt off. Granted I dont have to do the hard physical labor, indeed I don't do any real physical labor besides washing the truck. But therein lies the problem. When I am outside I am just standing there being cold. Maybe the girls were wrong. I dont care really, they were cute and I was talking to them and that is what mattered there (o=
Friday, November 03, 2006
Roci vs. The Libertarian Party
It seems Roci is Anti-Libertarian Party. This is kinda odd because he leans to the right of the Repugnicans. The following is from the previous post and also from the post prior to that (His comments on that are too long to repost in their entirety and can be found here.)
The LP isnt tackling that one right now. Why? Because in the end one must choose their battles. The issue of marriage isnt terribly high on their priority list and rightly so. There are far greater needs than who can or cant marry and who controls it. It seems almost (and likely is) daily that the Gov abuses the Americans of their Rights and freedoms. Daily property is taken. Daily people are thrown in jail for small drug possesion (And in response to your other comments, that number in 2005 was 776,000 people arrested that year alone for pot) Etc Etc Etc. I dont even need to go into our loss of Rights as it is plain for all to see. And that is where the LP chooses to focus its limited resources.
Good sentiments, but that is not on the ballot.Agreed. There isnt currently a proposal to remove the Gov from marriage. And certainly limiting the Govs ability to do harm is a good thing.
There is no proposal for getting government out of the marriage approval business. So the next proposition is to get government to do the least harm, followed by possibly using the power of the state to accomplish some good.
The position of the LPCO is duplicitous. Marriage, as it exists today in colorado, is not founded on religion but on a complex web of state and local laws. It reaches into contracts, inheritance, family law, divorce settlements, domestic violence, child wellfare, insurance and labor law.Regardless of how much the Gov-Behemoth has grown, religion is quite simply outside government's purview. The gov needs to be removed from it.
Until you extricate the state from those places, something the LPCO is not actively proposing to do with any legislative agenda. State and marraige are connected. Deal with it.
The LP isnt tackling that one right now. Why? Because in the end one must choose their battles. The issue of marriage isnt terribly high on their priority list and rightly so. There are far greater needs than who can or cant marry and who controls it. It seems almost (and likely is) daily that the Gov abuses the Americans of their Rights and freedoms. Daily property is taken. Daily people are thrown in jail for small drug possesion (And in response to your other comments, that number in 2005 was 776,000 people arrested that year alone for pot) Etc Etc Etc. I dont even need to go into our loss of Rights as it is plain for all to see. And that is where the LP chooses to focus its limited resources.
Dodging the issue is not taking a position other than hiding under your desk until it goes away.I am not in any way dodging, nor is the LP. You said earlier "the next proposition is to get government to do the least harm" and this is the LP position here. It isnt duplicitous nor hiding. It is recognizing that some laws only add evil or power to do harm to the necessary evil that is government.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Colorado Ballot Issues
Regarding Amendment 43 the marriage amendment the Libertarian party has this to say
I agree with this position. Lets get the Government out of Marriage. It is a religious rite, not a secular one.
Also on the ballot is an innitiative to pass what is effectively gay marriage. I am against this one for the same reason as I am against Amendment 43. It simply isnt an issue the Gov should be meddling with. I will post later on what I believe to be the best way to deal with marriage from a legal standpoint.
The LPCO Legislative Director, Richard Randall, stated "Due to the complexity of wording in certain issues, there are valid Libertarian arguments both for and against those issues for which we did not take a position."
Explaining the LPCO position regarding Amendment 43 (defining Marriage) and Referendum I (Domestic Partnerships), Randall said "The sacred institution of marriage was established by religion; and the Colorado State Constitution, Article II, Section 4, forever guarantees the free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without discrimination. An amendment to the Colorado State Constitution defining any religious term, including marriage, would create a conflict with Article II, Section 4 as it would, by its very nature, constitute an abridgment, regulation or restriction of our right to religious freedom."
I agree with this position. Lets get the Government out of Marriage. It is a religious rite, not a secular one.
Also on the ballot is an innitiative to pass what is effectively gay marriage. I am against this one for the same reason as I am against Amendment 43. It simply isnt an issue the Gov should be meddling with. I will post later on what I believe to be the best way to deal with marriage from a legal standpoint.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Making Our Streets Safer
An excerpt from PopulistAmerica.com
7 ways to make your neighborhood safer
September 3, 2006
by Harry Browne
America's crime rate has risen almost continually for the past 35 years. Very little of the great plans to reverse the trend -- whether mandatory sentences or more cops on the beat -- has helped to relieve the worst crime wave in the nation's history. And recent drops in crime rates still leave us far less safe than we were 35 years ago.
Is the situation hopeless?
No. America could be much safer -- quickly and dramatically safer.
Cutting crime
Here are seven ways to bring peace and security to your neighborhood:
1. End the war on drugs -- to release from prison the marijuana smokers and other non-violent drug offenders serving 15-year and 50-year sentences. They fill up the prisons -- allowing the murderers, rapists, and other violent criminals to go free on early release or plea-bargains, free to terrorize your neighborhood.
2. End the war on drugs -- to free up law-enforcement resources to fight violent crime instead of chasing people who may harm themselves but are no threat to us.
3. End the war on drugs -- to end gang warfare. The drug war has taken the drug business away from pharmaceutical companies and turned it over to gangs operating in a huge black market -- providing untold riches for anyone who will flout the law. This money finances criminal gangs who would be powerless without drug money. Legal drug, tobacco or alcohol companies don't conduct gang warfare and drive-by shootings but criminal gangs will do anything to secure a rich monopoly territory.
4. End the war on drugs -- to reduce police corruption. With so much black-market money and confiscated drugs floating around, it's too easy for weak policemen to become rich by breaking the law themselves.
5. End the war on drugs -- to make our schools safer. Brewers and distillers don't recruit children to run drugs or hook other kids on liquor -- nor do they give them guns to take to school. Neither would legal drug companies. Before the war on drugs, the worst schools in Los Angeles were safer than L.A.'s best schools are today.
6. End the war on drugs -- to end muggings and burglaries by addicts. If Prohibition were ended, illegal drugs selling today for $100 might cost as little as $2, because legal competition -- with no need to circumvent the law -- would drive drug prices down. So addicts would no longer need to steal to support their habits.
7. End the war on drugs -- to bring back respect for decent behavior. Because nothing can win the Drug War, it is constantly escalated -- destroying more of your liberties with asset forfeiture laws, drug-testing, snooping in your bank account, monitoring your e-mail, racial profiling, and other invasions of the liberty of all Americans. This has caused too many people to disrespect the law itself -- feeling that any kind of law-breaking, victimless or violent, is justified.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Journalism Is Hard!
Thank you AP for this beautiful item.
"From 1990 to 2005, 31 of the 39 cases of human rabies were linked to rabies, making them the leading rabies threat to humans, according to the Atlanta-based federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
What worries me is that so many cases of rabies have been linked to rabies. But what is also equally worrisome is that ONLY 31 of 39 cases of rabies has been linked to rabies. What is causing the other, umm, 273 cases?
"From 1990 to 2005, 31 of the 39 cases of human rabies were linked to rabies, making them the leading rabies threat to humans, according to the Atlanta-based federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."
What worries me is that so many cases of rabies have been linked to rabies. But what is also equally worrisome is that ONLY 31 of 39 cases of rabies has been linked to rabies. What is causing the other, umm, 273 cases?
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Laughing Babies
This is an incredibly cute video. Mom is holding her 4 babies and dad is making them laugh. Not the highest quality but still great.
babies laughing
babies laughing
Friday, October 27, 2006
Last Resort
This is my last resort
Cut my life into pieces
I've reached my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing
Don't give a fuck if I cut my arm bleeding
Do you even care if I die bleeding
Would it be wrong
Would it be right
If I took my life tonight
Chances are that I might
Mutilation outta sight
And I'm contemplating suicide
~~Papa Roach
I cant even do that. My heart has been torn out a million different ways. Lord knows I want this pain to end. It just wont end. And there isnt a damned thing I can do to end it. I start to think I am getting better, or that I just dont really care anymore and then my heart gets ripped out again.
Cut my life into pieces
I've reached my last resort
Suffocation, no breathing
Don't give a fuck if I cut my arm bleeding
Do you even care if I die bleeding
Would it be wrong
Would it be right
If I took my life tonight
Chances are that I might
Mutilation outta sight
And I'm contemplating suicide
~~Papa Roach
I cant even do that. My heart has been torn out a million different ways. Lord knows I want this pain to end. It just wont end. And there isnt a damned thing I can do to end it. I start to think I am getting better, or that I just dont really care anymore and then my heart gets ripped out again.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Freedom To Fascism
You simply MUST watch this video. Once you have watched it email the link to everyone you know. It is time to stand up for our freedoms while we still have a few left and this is but the first step... letting people know what is going on
Saturday, October 21, 2006
Miscellany
I am not sure what to make of this story... Apparently a little girl told her mother she was being molested by a neighbor. The mother told the father and the father killed the man. Turns out that the child had not been molested, or at least the police are adamant that she wasn't. On the one hand I want to stand up and applaud the father for protecting his family. On the other hand the child apparently made up the incident and so an innocent man is now dead.
As Triton wrote today and the Mogambo has been writing there has been some serious manipulation of the metals markets lately. And we have all noticed the price of gasoline going down tremendously. If you havent noticed that this sort of thing happens around election time, start taking notes. OPEC has declared that it is going to cut production starting on November 1st. This will again get the cost of gasoline up but conveniently the price wont go up much till after the election.
Action Police, a hardline police union in France has stated “We are in a civil war, orchestrated by radical Islamists.” The same news article states that an average of 112 cars have burned daily over the past year. Nicolas Sarkozy, the Interior Minister who is running for president in the may election is taking a hardline approach he "has once again taken the offensive, staging raids on the no-go areas and promising no mercy for the thugs who reign there." Of course the softies there say that it is simply that these muslims dont have jobs. Cuz everyone knows that if you dont have jobs you go burning cars.
Among other things the Devil Weed, Pot, helps with memory, especially in older subjects.
Life is found 2 miles below ground. I posted previously on other organisms living far below ground in the hostile environment found there. These are all refered to as "extremophiles." These particular ones, found in Africa, survive "on sulfate minerals and hydrogen split from water by uranium's radioactivity."
And finally a story by environmentalists about what would happen to the earth if man disappeared tomorrow. It is an interesting read on how long they think it would take for our traces to fade. Some of it I believe to be erroneous but it is entertaining nonetheless.
P.S. My boy managed to change my fonts by randomly pounding on the keyboard. Lovely
As Triton wrote today and the Mogambo has been writing there has been some serious manipulation of the metals markets lately. And we have all noticed the price of gasoline going down tremendously. If you havent noticed that this sort of thing happens around election time, start taking notes. OPEC has declared that it is going to cut production starting on November 1st. This will again get the cost of gasoline up but conveniently the price wont go up much till after the election.
Action Police, a hardline police union in France has stated “We are in a civil war, orchestrated by radical Islamists.” The same news article states that an average of 112 cars have burned daily over the past year. Nicolas Sarkozy, the Interior Minister who is running for president in the may election is taking a hardline approach he "has once again taken the offensive, staging raids on the no-go areas and promising no mercy for the thugs who reign there." Of course the softies there say that it is simply that these muslims dont have jobs. Cuz everyone knows that if you dont have jobs you go burning cars.
Among other things the Devil Weed, Pot, helps with memory, especially in older subjects.
Life is found 2 miles below ground. I posted previously on other organisms living far below ground in the hostile environment found there. These are all refered to as "extremophiles." These particular ones, found in Africa, survive "on sulfate minerals and hydrogen split from water by uranium's radioactivity."
And finally a story by environmentalists about what would happen to the earth if man disappeared tomorrow. It is an interesting read on how long they think it would take for our traces to fade. Some of it I believe to be erroneous but it is entertaining nonetheless.
P.S. My boy managed to change my fonts by randomly pounding on the keyboard. Lovely
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Sick
Sorry about the discussion on holidays. I really lost interest when I came down with the flu. I am feeling somewhat but still not very good and I cant hardly talk. Basically I cant talk. If I was still working at the call center, well, I couldnt be. I am starting a good job with a local cement company. Good pay and will be lots of hours. I spent the day freezing in the upstairs break room which is really nothing more than an unheated garage on the third floor watching videos. I got thru 46 of the 75. 75! sheesh. But that beat being out in the freezing cold weather today. I bought a jumpsuit today so I can survive out there.
And being this sick makes one lonely! I cant call anyone cuz I cant talk. I dont want anyone to be around me cuz I dont want them to get sick. I havent been playing much with my boy cuz I dont want him to get sick and I have been feeling so awful. And I worry what he thinks of that. And as I start to think I must be getting better my fever comes back tonite. UGH!
**Edit**
Okay, I finally went to the Dr. cuz I just keep not getting well and arguably worse. Daignosis: Bronchitis and tonsilitis. So I am finally on an antibiotic and hopefully will be getting better soon. As for the new job I am going to be off till monday so I can get better and not get others sick.
And being this sick makes one lonely! I cant call anyone cuz I cant talk. I dont want anyone to be around me cuz I dont want them to get sick. I havent been playing much with my boy cuz I dont want him to get sick and I have been feeling so awful. And I worry what he thinks of that. And as I start to think I must be getting better my fever comes back tonite. UGH!
**Edit**
Okay, I finally went to the Dr. cuz I just keep not getting well and arguably worse. Daignosis: Bronchitis and tonsilitis. So I am finally on an antibiotic and hopefully will be getting better soon. As for the new job I am going to be off till monday so I can get better and not get others sick.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
SNOW!!!
In case y'all didnt know, its snowing here. It isnt really on the roads right now but so far there is at least 3 inches on the grass right now.
Quite possibly the best snow picture I have ever seen is one my little brother took some time back. He didnt know it would turn out so cool tho. Just point and click out the front door and it flashed and caught the snow flakes and the car in the driveway. The effect made the car look like it was in space. Pontiac Grand Am. Boldly going where no car has gone before!
Quite possibly the best snow picture I have ever seen is one my little brother took some time back. He didnt know it would turn out so cool tho. Just point and click out the front door and it flashed and caught the snow flakes and the car in the driveway. The effect made the car look like it was in space. Pontiac Grand Am. Boldly going where no car has gone before!
Monday, October 16, 2006
Forgive Me Lord
Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions. Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me. Against thee, thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in thy sight: that thou mightest be justified when thou speakest, and be clear when thou judgest. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice. Hide thy face from my sins, and blot out all mine iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me. Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation
Lord, I have sinned against you and against my family. I have fallen away from You and I have not covered my family as You would have me do. Break me in your presence Lord. Remake me in the image of Your Holy Son. Do not leave me here, do not turn your face from me. Lead me out of this place of desolation, teach me to walk after You and follow Your commands. Teach me obedience Lord! And teach me how to listen to You that I would follow Your word first and not try to find my own way.
Deliver me from bloodguiltiness, O God, thou God of my salvation
Lord, I have sinned against you and against my family. I have fallen away from You and I have not covered my family as You would have me do. Break me in your presence Lord. Remake me in the image of Your Holy Son. Do not leave me here, do not turn your face from me. Lead me out of this place of desolation, teach me to walk after You and follow Your commands. Teach me obedience Lord! And teach me how to listen to You that I would follow Your word first and not try to find my own way.
PaxilBack
Justin Timberlake may be bringing Sexy Back (or is that Sexyback?) but Gray Kid is bringing PaxilBack
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Pagan Holidays
Astro had a post asking if Christians should celebrate Halloween. Quite a few responses and I thought I would put my thoughts over here.
Just what is a holiday? Simply put it comes from two words, holy and day. From its roots then, the term was for religious holy days. Quite obviously the term is broadly applied to include entirely secular days such as the 4th of July and Labor Day, and this might cause some confusion about days like Halloween where many apparently assume it is a secular holiday with some slight religious overtones. I am not going to deal with those holidays that are entirely secular in nature. National holidays like those mentioned above are not religious and therefore irrelevant to the conversation. It is the pagan holidays that I want to address. Three in particular are Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.
Halloween:
From the Druidic celebration Samhain (pronounced sah-ween) we get Halloween. Samhain is the day when the veil between the living and the dead is at its weakest and the dead are able to cross over. Families would put out food for their loved ones and the 'good' spirits, this is where the giving of treats comes from. To ward off the evil spirits the Druids set bonfires and would don scary masks and costumes. Various gourds were hollowed out and candles were placed inside to light the way to the covens (gathering of witches)
Christmas:
A pagan nature celebration of the rebirth of the world. Of life coming to the dark world. Evergreen plants play a prominent role as they are alive all year long and hold the promise of the life to come. Evergreens are often cut down and brought inside and decorated as part of the festivities. Other plants that are important are holly ivy and mistletoe. Mistletoe was thought to increase fertility which is why it is hung upside down so that its powers would flow into the couples who kissed beneath it. There is also the burning of the Yule Log (I dont really know the signifigance of that, yet!)
Easter:
This is from the celebration of the goddess of fertility, Ishtar. As she was the goddess of fertility the symbols used are things like eggs and rabbits. Eggs because they contain life and rabbits because they are so prolific. It seems to me that there was either not much to this celebration or that not much has survived.
All three holidays are pagan in origin. All three still contain many pagan symbols and rituals. The Church has attempted to co-opt these holidays to varying degrees of success. But can the Church cleanse or sanctify these holy days? Can a celebration to a foreign god be consecrated so as to give it to the Most Holy? We find in the Scriptures no precedent nor justification for doing so. Rather we find a G-d that is jealous, that allows for no worship of other gods. He demands complete and total obedience from His followers. So from the standpoint of the Scriptures I feel it is quite obvious that we Christians are not to dabble with foreign gods nor the celebration of or worship of foreign gods.
Christians and Jews were given numerous Feasts/Holy Days to observe and take part in. All of which point not only to G-d the Father but to the Savior of the world, the Messiah Himself. We should be chasing after His holiness but instead we chase after the things of this world, instead of being set apart for Him we don the cover of this world and "do as the Romans do."
Every year we debate over what to do, and how much to compromise with evil. And every year we come up with the answer that it is okay and it is just a little bit and it really isnt dabbling with demonic spirits. We come to the conclusion that we will somehow be a light to the world while doing no different than the world. What a sad commentary on the state of the Church.
Just what is a holiday? Simply put it comes from two words, holy and day. From its roots then, the term was for religious holy days. Quite obviously the term is broadly applied to include entirely secular days such as the 4th of July and Labor Day, and this might cause some confusion about days like Halloween where many apparently assume it is a secular holiday with some slight religious overtones. I am not going to deal with those holidays that are entirely secular in nature. National holidays like those mentioned above are not religious and therefore irrelevant to the conversation. It is the pagan holidays that I want to address. Three in particular are Halloween, Christmas, and Easter.
Halloween:
From the Druidic celebration Samhain (pronounced sah-ween) we get Halloween. Samhain is the day when the veil between the living and the dead is at its weakest and the dead are able to cross over. Families would put out food for their loved ones and the 'good' spirits, this is where the giving of treats comes from. To ward off the evil spirits the Druids set bonfires and would don scary masks and costumes. Various gourds were hollowed out and candles were placed inside to light the way to the covens (gathering of witches)
Christmas:
A pagan nature celebration of the rebirth of the world. Of life coming to the dark world. Evergreen plants play a prominent role as they are alive all year long and hold the promise of the life to come. Evergreens are often cut down and brought inside and decorated as part of the festivities. Other plants that are important are holly ivy and mistletoe. Mistletoe was thought to increase fertility which is why it is hung upside down so that its powers would flow into the couples who kissed beneath it. There is also the burning of the Yule Log (I dont really know the signifigance of that, yet!)
Easter:
This is from the celebration of the goddess of fertility, Ishtar. As she was the goddess of fertility the symbols used are things like eggs and rabbits. Eggs because they contain life and rabbits because they are so prolific. It seems to me that there was either not much to this celebration or that not much has survived.
All three holidays are pagan in origin. All three still contain many pagan symbols and rituals. The Church has attempted to co-opt these holidays to varying degrees of success. But can the Church cleanse or sanctify these holy days? Can a celebration to a foreign god be consecrated so as to give it to the Most Holy? We find in the Scriptures no precedent nor justification for doing so. Rather we find a G-d that is jealous, that allows for no worship of other gods. He demands complete and total obedience from His followers. So from the standpoint of the Scriptures I feel it is quite obvious that we Christians are not to dabble with foreign gods nor the celebration of or worship of foreign gods.
Christians and Jews were given numerous Feasts/Holy Days to observe and take part in. All of which point not only to G-d the Father but to the Savior of the world, the Messiah Himself. We should be chasing after His holiness but instead we chase after the things of this world, instead of being set apart for Him we don the cover of this world and "do as the Romans do."
Every year we debate over what to do, and how much to compromise with evil. And every year we come up with the answer that it is okay and it is just a little bit and it really isnt dabbling with demonic spirits. We come to the conclusion that we will somehow be a light to the world while doing no different than the world. What a sad commentary on the state of the Church.
The Prodigal
Rev. W. O. Taylor, 91, was the oldest man attending the Southern Baptist Convention a few years ago. At the annual free breakfast for retirees, Brother Taylor rose and recited his own alliterative version of the parable of the prodigal son, which he entitled "The Final Fixing of the Foolish Fugitive":
"Feeling footloose, fancy-free, and frisky, this feather-brained fellow finagled his fond father into forking over his fortune. Forthwith, he fled for foreign fields and frittered his farthings feasting fabulously with fair-weather friends. Finally, facing famine, and fleeced by his fellows in folly, he found himself a feed flinger in a filthy farmlot. He fain would have filled his frame with foraged food from the fodder fragments.
"'Fooey! My father's flunkies fare far fancier,' the frazzled fugitive fumed feverishly, frankly facing fact.
"Frustrated from failure and filled with forebodings, he fled for his family.
"Falling at his father's feet, he floundered forlornly. 'Father, I have flunked and fruitlessly forfeited further family favors. . .'
"But the faithful father, forestalling further flinching, frantically flagged his flunkies to fetch forth the finest fatling and fix a feast.
"But the fugitive's fault-finding frater, faithfully farming his father's fields for free, frowned at this fickle forgiveness of former falderal. His fury flashed, but fussing was futile.
"His foresighted father figured, 'Such filial fidelity is fine, but what forbids fervent festivities? The fugitive is found! Unfurl the flags! With fanfare flaring, let fun, frolic, and frivolity flow freely, former failures forgotten and folly forsaken. Forgiveness forms a firm foundation for future fortitude.'"
Vaseline
A market researcher called at a house and his knock was answered
by a young woman with three small children running around her.
He asked her if she minded replying to his questions and she
agreed.
He asked her if she knew his company, Cheeseborough-Ponds. When
she said no, he mentioned that among their many products was
Vaseline and she certainly knew of that product.
When asked if she used it, the answer was "Yes."
Asked how she used it, she said, "To help our sex life."
The interviewer was amazed. He said, "I always ask that question
because everyone uses our product and they always say they use
it for the child's bicycle chain, or the gate hinge; but I know
that most use it that way. Since you've been so frank, could you
tell me exactly how you use it?"
"Yes, we put it on the doorknob to keep the kids out."
by a young woman with three small children running around her.
He asked her if she minded replying to his questions and she
agreed.
He asked her if she knew his company, Cheeseborough-Ponds. When
she said no, he mentioned that among their many products was
Vaseline and she certainly knew of that product.
When asked if she used it, the answer was "Yes."
Asked how she used it, she said, "To help our sex life."
The interviewer was amazed. He said, "I always ask that question
because everyone uses our product and they always say they use
it for the child's bicycle chain, or the gate hinge; but I know
that most use it that way. Since you've been so frank, could you
tell me exactly how you use it?"
"Yes, we put it on the doorknob to keep the kids out."
Thursday, October 05, 2006
Stealing Clipboard Info
This is from an email sent out by Bob Osgooby. Not entirely sure where I got on the email list but it is perhaps the first newsletter that I have been signed up on that I actually read and enjoy when I do
Have you ever copied information to your clipboard, then laterBTW Firefox doesnt do this. Just how many more reasons do you need to quit using IE?
went online? If the info you copied was of a sensitive nature,
then you’ve really got to pay attention to this.
Did you know that a website can easily snatch the info on your
clipboard with about one line of Javascript? It's true. Not all
browsers are susceptible to this, but Internet Explorer is. Copy
any line of this article and click on the link below:
http://www.worldstart.com/clipboardtest/clipboard-test
Just imagine if that info had been a password, credit card
number, or bank account info! Want to know how to disable this
"feature"? Read on.
1. Open Internet Explorer and click on the Tools menu, Internet
Options.
2. Click the Security tab, then press the "Custom Level" button.
3. Under the "Scripting" section, hunt for an entry called
"Allow paste operations via script". Set to disable (or at least
prompt). I have mine set to prompt so I know who is trying to
steal my information.
4. Hit OK until you're back to Explorer.
5. That's it. Now try the page above and see what happens. With
any luck, you should find that your clipboard is no longer
accessible.
Big 3 Solution
Alright Big 3 auto manufacturers, listen up! Everyone knows you are all bleeding and it is just a matter of time till one of you goes down. Ya need to get your act together and bring in some cash and I am gonna help you do it.
Just three words. Limited Edition Models
Thats right, limited edition models. Ya see, you take one car and choose one year and you remake for us a cool muscle car from the 60s or 70s. GTOs, Fastback 'Stangs Camaros, Firebirds, Hemi Cudas. And dont sissify them. Make it look just like the originals with as much of the same feel as the originals as you can (obviously regulations wont allow it to be the exact same what with airbags and all)
Make us a certain amount of one car, one year then dont make it again for ten years or so. So deliver us the 67 Mustang and make say 2000 of them and let the public just eat them up. Remember the talk surrounding the release of the Viper? Remember how everybody wanted one and it brought in huge recognition for Dodge? Do it for yourselves. Excite the car buying populace. Even if the rarity of them precludes many of us from ever having one (just like the Viper) your bringing back the cars that we all love would make us hold you in higher esteem and perhaps we'll think more favorably of your brand when it comes time to buy our next car.
Mopar = 1970 Hemi Cuda
Chevy = 1969 Camaro
Ford = 1967 Mustang
Toyota, Nissan, VW etc, I would strongly suggest you never ever bring back your 60s and 70s era cars. We are all happily past those thank you very much.
Just three words. Limited Edition Models
Thats right, limited edition models. Ya see, you take one car and choose one year and you remake for us a cool muscle car from the 60s or 70s. GTOs, Fastback 'Stangs Camaros, Firebirds, Hemi Cudas. And dont sissify them. Make it look just like the originals with as much of the same feel as the originals as you can (obviously regulations wont allow it to be the exact same what with airbags and all)
Make us a certain amount of one car, one year then dont make it again for ten years or so. So deliver us the 67 Mustang and make say 2000 of them and let the public just eat them up. Remember the talk surrounding the release of the Viper? Remember how everybody wanted one and it brought in huge recognition for Dodge? Do it for yourselves. Excite the car buying populace. Even if the rarity of them precludes many of us from ever having one (just like the Viper) your bringing back the cars that we all love would make us hold you in higher esteem and perhaps we'll think more favorably of your brand when it comes time to buy our next car.
Mopar = 1970 Hemi Cuda
Chevy = 1969 Camaro
Ford = 1967 Mustang
Toyota, Nissan, VW etc, I would strongly suggest you never ever bring back your 60s and 70s era cars. We are all happily past those thank you very much.
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