Given the recent debate amongst the Vox Volk I thought I would post something a bit more substantive. You see, I used to be an evolutionist/theistic evolutionist myself. I loved science, especially astronomy and dinosaurs. One day while reading a bit more about astronomy I found some info that truly changed my beliefs. I read the theory of the Big Bang.
What is the Big Bang theory? Well, it's detractors state it best... "First there was nothing, then it exploded." Nothing indeed! The BB wasn't an explosion of some superdense star/mass. It wasn't even a star that exploded. Nope. It was "nothing" that exploded. The BB was less than a Planck Length, or 1.6*10^-35 meters. That would be 10^-20 smaller than a proton. Nothing indeed!
From that moment on, evolution was viewed through a jaundiced eye. What was the real story and not just the headline? Was some piece of news being spun into something larger than it really was? The answer most often was "yes." Very few of the "proofs" that are pointed out are truly proofs or even supportive of the theory of evolution.
I'll post more specific things in a soon to come post.
Thursday, March 10, 2005
Sunday, March 06, 2005
3rd time is a charm
At least, the third time was the charm for me. I didnt fall over today!!! YaY I am quite happy about that as the last two times I rode my bike I fell over. Not crashed mind you... fell. The cause of the falling has been me unable to get unclipped from my pedals. 1st time, no harm done, 2nd time (yesterday) I am bearing wounds from it. Not too bad but I haven't done that in some time and wasn't really wanting to ever do it again. But today I rode to church (3.25 miles) then hopped the bike into beautiful Nikki's SUV and went out to lunch and rode home from there (8.75 miles). I got some good speed going too. 38 MPH in one spot and 38.5 MPH on the last hill before my house.
"How do you know" you ask? a little computer (a Cateye Enduro, avail from REI for $30) mounted on the handlebars with a sensor on the front tire. I love that thing. Helps to push me. At the push of a button I have current speed(always on), average speed, time ridden, max speed, distance ridden since last reset, and distance ridden since last battery change.
A few more rides like this and I might just feel confident enuff to hit a trail or two.
"How do you know" you ask? a little computer (a Cateye Enduro, avail from REI for $30) mounted on the handlebars with a sensor on the front tire. I love that thing. Helps to push me. At the push of a button I have current speed(always on), average speed, time ridden, max speed, distance ridden since last reset, and distance ridden since last battery change.
A few more rides like this and I might just feel confident enuff to hit a trail or two.
Monday, February 28, 2005
Lincoln on Slavery
As I have mentioned this to Nikki several times, and as she has yet to actually believe me since it goes contrary to textbook after textbook, I am posting some quotes by the aggressor in an unnecessary war. Abraham Lincoln. These quotes are not in any order but the all show the man's heart towards the negroes.
"I will say then that I am not, nor ever have been in favor of bringing about in anyway the social and political equality of the white and black races - that I am not nor ever have been in favor of making voters or jurors of negroes, nor of qualifying them to hold office, nor to intermarry with white people; and I will say in addition to this that there is a physical difference between the white and black races which I believe will forever forbid the two races living together on terms of social and political equality. And inasmuch as they cannot so live, while they do remain together there must be the position of superior and inferior, and I as much as any other man am in favor of having the superior position assigned to the white race. I say upon this occasion I do not perceive that because the white man is to have the superior position the negro should be denied everything."
"My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union; and what I forbear, I forbear because I do not believe it would help to save the Union. I shall do less whenever I shall believe what I am doing hurts the cause, and I shall do more whenever I shall believe doing more will help the cause.
An article of interest is posted on Lew Rockwell.com written by Myles Kantor. Kantor writes of a case Lincoln took (he was a lawyer) in Illinois concerning a woman, Jane Bryant, and her four children who were escaped slaves. Rather than taking Ms. Bryant's side, Mr. Lincoln argued for her re-enslavement.
Did I mention he was a lawyer? 'nuff said.
An article of interest is posted on Lew Rockwell.com written by Myles Kantor. Kantor writes of a case Lincoln took (he was a lawyer) in Illinois concerning a woman, Jane Bryant, and her four children who were escaped slaves. Rather than taking Ms. Bryant's side, Mr. Lincoln argued for her re-enslavement.
Did I mention he was a lawyer? 'nuff said.
Labels:
Law
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The Next Revolution (We're Doomed)
That's right. Doomed.
Why? Well let's look at some of the differences between two revolutions in western history. The American Revolution and the French Revolution. These have both had large impacts on history (the former moreso than the latter IMAO) The French Revolution was, well, bloody. Evil turned in upon itself at times. Both the elite and the clergy were distrusted by the masses and tortured, mutilated and killed by depraved men who saw the opportunity to act out.
In stark contrast stands the American Revolution. The revolutionaries concerned themselves (largely) with combatants or those giving direct aid to the enemy and in any case were no where near as cruel. (excepting perhaps the tar and feathering of tax men) The American revolution also lasted for over 100 years (till Lincoln) whereas the French could not have sustained theirs even without Napoleon coming along.
What was the difference? Leaders. The French were lead by some of the "great" thinkers of the Enlightenment Age like Rousseau. The Colonials were lead by men of integrity, men of education. Most often those men were their pastors or men of great faith. And that is where the problem for today comes in.
today's pastors are almost single minded in their support for the government. The old "No king but King Jesus" has been replaced by "King Bush." The willful blindness of our clergy will hand over the ideological backing of any revolution to the likes of the "freethinkers." The result? A French style revolt that would be bloody and lack the support necessary to sustain it.
And that, folks, is why we are doomed.
Unless things change that is. It isn't too late for the clergy to pick up the reins of society and lead us to freedom, either within the bounds of our current government or the next. The alternatives are horrifying.
Why? Well let's look at some of the differences between two revolutions in western history. The American Revolution and the French Revolution. These have both had large impacts on history (the former moreso than the latter IMAO) The French Revolution was, well, bloody. Evil turned in upon itself at times. Both the elite and the clergy were distrusted by the masses and tortured, mutilated and killed by depraved men who saw the opportunity to act out.
In stark contrast stands the American Revolution. The revolutionaries concerned themselves (largely) with combatants or those giving direct aid to the enemy and in any case were no where near as cruel. (excepting perhaps the tar and feathering of tax men) The American revolution also lasted for over 100 years (till Lincoln) whereas the French could not have sustained theirs even without Napoleon coming along.
What was the difference? Leaders. The French were lead by some of the "great" thinkers of the Enlightenment Age like Rousseau. The Colonials were lead by men of integrity, men of education. Most often those men were their pastors or men of great faith. And that is where the problem for today comes in.
today's pastors are almost single minded in their support for the government. The old "No king but King Jesus" has been replaced by "King Bush." The willful blindness of our clergy will hand over the ideological backing of any revolution to the likes of the "freethinkers." The result? A French style revolt that would be bloody and lack the support necessary to sustain it.
And that, folks, is why we are doomed.
Unless things change that is. It isn't too late for the clergy to pick up the reins of society and lead us to freedom, either within the bounds of our current government or the next. The alternatives are horrifying.
Saturday, February 26, 2005
Interesting Week
Quite the time here. I am on my fourth cell phone in a little over a week. Had my car in the shop cuz it was shredding belts, got stuck at other peoples houses for two straight nights (not bad that) and got told I cant return to work without a work release.
This cell phone seems to be working, I replaced the pulley that was shredding the belts today and that now seems to be working, and I got to play about 7 hours of Gauntlet on the PS/2 with my sister. I just might have to get me one of those.
Here's to hoping your week was a little less exciting, but that it turned out (in the end) as well as mine.
This cell phone seems to be working, I replaced the pulley that was shredding the belts today and that now seems to be working, and I got to play about 7 hours of Gauntlet on the PS/2 with my sister. I just might have to get me one of those.
Here's to hoping your week was a little less exciting, but that it turned out (in the end) as well as mine.
Sunday, February 20, 2005
2005 Goals: Update
Well I am starting to make good on the whole goals for 2005
I went out and spent $200 on shoes (Specialized, Sport MTB) and pedals (Time, Alium) Looking at my biking equipment you might think I was rather partial to Specialized, as my bike, shoes, helmet, gloves etc. are all from them, and you would be right to think it. That is because Specialized makes some awesome bikes, tho they dont make tandems. I suppose that will have to be a Cannondale (also a fine maker of bicycles.) Tho that is a future purchase as one costs about a months pay ($2300)
And not to forget some of the other goals, I am on track to getting out of school in early March. I am aiming to have the Cisco Certification by March 15th.
I went out and spent $200 on shoes (Specialized, Sport MTB) and pedals (Time, Alium) Looking at my biking equipment you might think I was rather partial to Specialized, as my bike, shoes, helmet, gloves etc. are all from them, and you would be right to think it. That is because Specialized makes some awesome bikes, tho they dont make tandems. I suppose that will have to be a Cannondale (also a fine maker of bicycles.) Tho that is a future purchase as one costs about a months pay ($2300)
And not to forget some of the other goals, I am on track to getting out of school in early March. I am aiming to have the Cisco Certification by March 15th.
Saturday, February 19, 2005
Republican Trifecta
Looks like the Repugnicans are going to pull out a three-peat in the White House.
Rumours are flying of a Cheney's retirement next year with Condi Rice taking the VP position. With Rice running for Prez in '08 that will take some support away from Hillary, and put the Pugs in a good position to steal the black and Fem-First crowd away from the Demoncrats.
Funny thing is, those groups are so solidly democrat that they wont think twice about voting Republican. Still, it is a good strategic move for the Pugs.
Rumours are flying of a Cheney's retirement next year with Condi Rice taking the VP position. With Rice running for Prez in '08 that will take some support away from Hillary, and put the Pugs in a good position to steal the black and Fem-First crowd away from the Demoncrats.
Funny thing is, those groups are so solidly democrat that they wont think twice about voting Republican. Still, it is a good strategic move for the Pugs.
I'm Back
It's been forever since I last posted here. No one reason, really more of a combination of them. School, work, hurt my back, more school and work... And let me tell you, working with a hurt back (cuz they made me) wipes you out. I can rarely get even 8 hours of sleep at a time but in the past week or two I managed eleven or twelve hours multiple times. I am happy to report that I am getting better, tho still not in fighting shape, if indeed I ever was in fighting shape.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
Thursday, January 27, 2005
Sex in the news
Today in class, being the dutiful student and paying attention as always, I went out and checked the news. And what do I see? A million articles about sex. so here goes...
A Pittsburgh drive thru strip-club is up for sale on ebay. Only 299,000. No touching tho, which would fit right in with the ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upholds a law prohibiting touching the strippers.
But while you cant touch, you can hear. Jenna Jameson is hawking her new "moan tones," a collection of moans, grunts and lurid sexual noises in place of the usual ring tones. Said one potential customer who still desired more from the service, "If you can get her to say my name then I would buy it. I need that kind of personal attention." And finally, a little too much heat in the fire house gets four California firefighters suspended for having sex while on duty.
A Pittsburgh drive thru strip-club is up for sale on ebay. Only 299,000. No touching tho, which would fit right in with the ruling by the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which upholds a law prohibiting touching the strippers.
But while you cant touch, you can hear. Jenna Jameson is hawking her new "moan tones," a collection of moans, grunts and lurid sexual noises in place of the usual ring tones. Said one potential customer who still desired more from the service, "If you can get her to say my name then I would buy it. I need that kind of personal attention." And finally, a little too much heat in the fire house gets four California firefighters suspended for having sex while on duty.
Saturday, January 22, 2005
Soldiers
I woke up today with our men and women in uniform on my heart. Thinking on an article by Michelle Malkin about our boys taking care of tsunami victims. Thinking on various articles in SOF about the forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, both their lethal side (think snipers) and their humanitarian side. I have Mark Schultz' song Letters from War going thru my head also.
Dont forget to include in your prayers the sons and daughters; the husbands and wives; the mothers and fathers that are in the fight overseas. You dont need to agree with the 'war' to pray for the safety of our men.
Dont forget to include in your prayers the sons and daughters; the husbands and wives; the mothers and fathers that are in the fight overseas. You dont need to agree with the 'war' to pray for the safety of our men.
Friday, January 21, 2005
IWB Holster
I found a Inside the Waist Band (IWB) holster for my hammerless .357 revolver. It isnt actually hammerless, but a 'zero-profile' hammer, but it works out to be much the same. Since most holsters depend upon a strap behind the hammer to keep the gun secure there is a lack of concealed carry holsters for mine.
However, the good people at DeSantis have provided me with a worthy option. One of the other holsters I have been looking at is the Thunderwear. It is best to have multiple holsters for each gun for the various occasions one comes across. (Dressing up, dressing down, semi-dressy, play etc. etc.)
However, the good people at DeSantis have provided me with a worthy option. One of the other holsters I have been looking at is the Thunderwear. It is best to have multiple holsters for each gun for the various occasions one comes across. (Dressing up, dressing down, semi-dressy, play etc. etc.)
Sunday, January 16, 2005
Dont Mess With...
West Virginia?
The 57 year old Govenor, Bob Wise, just got his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do on saturday (Jan 15th)
The 57 year old Govenor, Bob Wise, just got his Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do on saturday (Jan 15th)
Saturday, January 15, 2005
A Sockdolager
I saw a quote on Wes's site today which reminded me of an article about the legendary Davey Crockett.
The article is from The Life of Colonel David Crockett, by Edward S. Ellis (1884) It is a story of the time Crockett learned the value of the Constitution.
A farmer speaking to Crockett "So you see, that while you are contributing to relieve one, you are drawing it from thousands who are even worse off than he. If you had the right to give anything, the amount was simply a matter of discretion with you, and you had as much right to give $20,000,000 as $20,000. If you have the right to give to one, you have the right to give to all; and, as the Constitution neither defines charity nor stipulates the amount, you are at liberty to give to any and everything which you may believe, or profess to believe, is a charity, and to any amount you may think proper. You will very easily perceive what a wide door this would open for fraud and corruption and favoritism, on the one hand, and for robbing the people on the other. No, Colonel, Congress has no right to give charity."
"So you see, Colonel, you have violated the Constitution in what I consider a vital point. It is a precedent fraught with danger to the country, for when Congress once begins to stretch its power beyond the limits of the Constitution, there is no limit to it, and no security for the people. I have no doubt you acted honestly, but that does not make it any better
The article is from The Life of Colonel David Crockett, by Edward S. Ellis (1884) It is a story of the time Crockett learned the value of the Constitution.
A farmer speaking to Crockett "So you see, that while you are contributing to relieve one, you are drawing it from thousands who are even worse off than he. If you had the right to give anything, the amount was simply a matter of discretion with you, and you had as much right to give $20,000,000 as $20,000. If you have the right to give to one, you have the right to give to all; and, as the Constitution neither defines charity nor stipulates the amount, you are at liberty to give to any and everything which you may believe, or profess to believe, is a charity, and to any amount you may think proper. You will very easily perceive what a wide door this would open for fraud and corruption and favoritism, on the one hand, and for robbing the people on the other. No, Colonel, Congress has no right to give charity."
"So you see, Colonel, you have violated the Constitution in what I consider a vital point. It is a precedent fraught with danger to the country, for when Congress once begins to stretch its power beyond the limits of the Constitution, there is no limit to it, and no security for the people. I have no doubt you acted honestly, but that does not make it any better
Friday, January 14, 2005
Glowing Squid
Some people ask how a good G-d could allow suffering in this world, why there are disease and illness. Sooner or later an answer comes up that might actually make some sense of the mess.
It has been recently discovered that the Hawaiian bobtail squid, which glows from its belly, actually does so thru the use of bacteria. The chemical produced by the bacteria, tracheal cytotoxin, kills off certain cells in the squid which creates a chamber which becomes a permanent home for the bacteria. This chamber is lit from the bacteria which allows the squid to hide from its predators.
How does this fit into the suffering thing? Simply that G-d created all the variety He did so that all His creation could fulfill a purpose. The very bacteria and chemicals that enable this squid to survive is the very same chemical that causes Whooping Cough and Gonorrhea in us humans. Truly all things are for a purpose whether we see it or not.
**Update**
I forgot to put in the link to the article.
It has been recently discovered that the Hawaiian bobtail squid, which glows from its belly, actually does so thru the use of bacteria. The chemical produced by the bacteria, tracheal cytotoxin, kills off certain cells in the squid which creates a chamber which becomes a permanent home for the bacteria. This chamber is lit from the bacteria which allows the squid to hide from its predators.
How does this fit into the suffering thing? Simply that G-d created all the variety He did so that all His creation could fulfill a purpose. The very bacteria and chemicals that enable this squid to survive is the very same chemical that causes Whooping Cough and Gonorrhea in us humans. Truly all things are for a purpose whether we see it or not.
**Update**
I forgot to put in the link to the article.
What is a "Constitution"?
It seems that is the question our judges need to be asking. Apparently they have no idea what it means or even says. Here in Colorado the Supreme Court installed a judge to one of the higher courts even tho our Govenor refused to do it stating there must be more than the two choices for it. Appointing judges is one of the Constitutional duties of the Govenor, one the the courts have no power over.
In another case, U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper ruled that the Alabama county that required a sticker on their science books violated the constitution. The stickers say "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered." Somehow this violates the non-existant "separation of church and state."
Perhaps judges and lawyers can be required to take a class on the Constitution, and be required to actually {GASP} read it.
In another case, U.S. District Judge Clarence Cooper ruled that the Alabama county that required a sticker on their science books violated the constitution. The stickers say "This textbook contains material on evolution. Evolution is a theory, not a fact, regarding the origin of living things. This material should be approached with an open mind, studied carefully and critically considered." Somehow this violates the non-existant "separation of church and state."
Perhaps judges and lawyers can be required to take a class on the Constitution, and be required to actually {GASP} read it.
Labels:
Law
Tuesday, January 11, 2005
Reason to Saab?
Just yesterday I went out and purchased a different car. a 1999 Saab 9-3. This car has about anything you could want. A/C, tinted windows, leather interior, power windows, heated seats (mirrors too?) and most importantly, turbo! Now perhaps it is just that I have that new (to me) car love or perhaps that I have always thought Saabs cool, but hearing that GM might ax the whole Saab line bums me out.
I'll just have to enjoy it while I have it. And in the meantime figure out all the nifty features. Like the turbo for instance. The owners manual states the 9-3 begins to be limited by manifold pressure at 143 MPH. Fun Fun.
I'll just have to enjoy it while I have it. And in the meantime figure out all the nifty features. Like the turbo for instance. The owners manual states the 9-3 begins to be limited by manifold pressure at 143 MPH. Fun Fun.
Friday, January 07, 2005
Fit Cities
According to Men's Fintess, Colorado Springs ranks 3rd on the fittest cities list. Behind Seatle and Honolulu, with San Francisco and Denver following. However, Houston Mayor Bill White, called the survey "mostly voodoo and fraud." The magazine said it looked at factors such as the number and types of restaurants, park space, air quality, weather and the number of health clubs.
Seems an incomplete list of criteria to me. But whatever way you look at it, Colorado Springs consistently is at the top of these surveys because of the active lifestyle here and the proximity to the mountains. It is hard to have an excuse to not ever exercise here.
Seems an incomplete list of criteria to me. But whatever way you look at it, Colorado Springs consistently is at the top of these surveys because of the active lifestyle here and the proximity to the mountains. It is hard to have an excuse to not ever exercise here.
Sunday, January 02, 2005
To-dos for the New Year
A partial listing of some things to do this year.
Education
Get Cisco Certified (CCNA, Cisco Certified Network Associate)
Get a good job with said Cisco Certification.
Enroll for the CCNP program (Network Professional)
Buy a...
.30-06 Rifle
.22 Rifle
MP3 player
Clipless pedals and shoes for the bike
Fitness Goals
Ride my bike more
Ride up Rampart Range Road and down Highway 24 back to the Springs from Woodland Park
Ride down Phantom Canyon, coming back into the Springs via Canyon City.
Education
Buy a...
Fitness Goals
A Who-ville Christmas
In light of our society trying to wipe out Christian influence from every aspect of life, from the display of the Decalogue to the blatant attempt to deny Christians a religious Christmas (but where your money is more than welcome) I am proposing a new holiday. A "Who-ville Christmas" to be exact.
Everyone knows the story of the Grinch. He also tried to steal Christmas by stealing all the decorations and presents, but found that even without all these things the Whos down in Who-ville came together and celebrated the spirit of Christmas anyways.
How is a Who-ville Christmas to be celebrated? On January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. Your celebration can be the exact same as your Christmas celebration is now. One change however is to focus on the birth of the Christ child on the 25th and not have presents until Jan 6th, and to avoid shopping as much as possible between Thanksgiving and Christmas. By avoiding shopping until Dec. 26th retailers would feel the financial squeeze because of the loss of Christian's money during the one time of the year they count on most.
As money is the one thing the world listens to, taking this action will quickly put a stop to the retail world trying to make this holiday into nothing more meaningful than an orgy of spending.
Everyone knows the story of the Grinch. He also tried to steal Christmas by stealing all the decorations and presents, but found that even without all these things the Whos down in Who-ville came together and celebrated the spirit of Christmas anyways.
How is a Who-ville Christmas to be celebrated? On January 6th, twelve days after Christmas. Your celebration can be the exact same as your Christmas celebration is now. One change however is to focus on the birth of the Christ child on the 25th and not have presents until Jan 6th, and to avoid shopping as much as possible between Thanksgiving and Christmas. By avoiding shopping until Dec. 26th retailers would feel the financial squeeze because of the loss of Christian's money during the one time of the year they count on most.
As money is the one thing the world listens to, taking this action will quickly put a stop to the retail world trying to make this holiday into nothing more meaningful than an orgy of spending.
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