Repetitive Tautology

Laughing at Christianbook.com

2010-08-23T18:06:00.000-07:00

Today I am going to laugh at Christianbook.com Not because I have anything against them, but rather that I have an odd sense of humor. So here are a few links to click on. See if you can figure out what I find funny about them. If you know, feel free to comment. In a day or two (or whenever a couple people have guessed) I will reveal what about these items made me chuckle.

Link 1

Link 2
Note: Link 2 actually my wife laughed at, so you have to understand her sense of humor here, not mine.

Link 3

Link 4

None of these may make you laugh if you are a normal, well adjusted human being. If, however, you are like me, you may find unintended humor in odd places.

My wife, 1980's era

2010-05-20T20:16:00.000-07:00

My wife used to dress like the ladies in this video, complete with the makeup.

And I still married her.

P.S. At 1:36 of this video my wife says that this looks like her youth group when she was younger-just the dancing part apparently, not the drinking and such.

Tea and Sympathy by Jars of Clay

2010-05-06T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here are some rules to this post. I didn't follow them perfectly, since no one is being tagged. Anyway, here ya go.

RULES:
1. Put your MP3 player, iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc. on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS.
4. Tag at least 17 friends
5. Everyone tagged has to do the same thing.
6. Have Fun!

IF SOMEONE SAYS 'ARE YOU OKAY' YOU SAY
Walk Away from Love by PFR

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF?
Tell Us What We Want to Hear by Grover Levy

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Come and Listen by David Crowder Band

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Hatch of the Mayflies by Phil Keaggy

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Landmarks by Plankeye

WHAT'S YOUR MOTTO?
At Your Feet by The Waiting

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
A Furiousa by Los Angeles Guitar Quartet

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
The Book of Job, part 5 by Bible

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
The Sons of Scotland by the London Symphony Orchestra

WHAT IS 2 + 2
Na Na by Superchick

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
The Double by Sarah Masen

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Arnold, Willis, and Mr. Drummond by Five Iron Frenzy

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Trinity by Jennifer Knapp

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Ben's Death/Fighter attack from Star Wars original soundtrack

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
If You Want to Lead Me to Jesus by Grover Levy

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Undo Me by Jennifer Knapp

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
What Child is This? by Rebecca St. James

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST FEAR?
These Hands by Everybody duck

WHATS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Freak Out by Echoing Green

WHAT DO YOU WANT RIGHT NOW?
The Runaway by Pillar

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
We're Getting Nowhere (fast) by This Train

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Tea and Sympathy by Jars of Clay

Don't like your adopted kid? Return 'em!

2010-04-11T19:46:00.000-07:00

Recently a story about the adoption of a Russian child and his rather abrupt return to Russia has been bugging me. The "mother" (I am not sure that is the right word for the woman) has said that the child (seven years old) had emotional issues and was dangerous.
So let's see if I have the facts right: she adopted a child who had to learn a new language, become part of a new culture, learn how to interact as a member of a family, and expected him to not have any issues with that. And he was to do all of this in seven months, since they had just adopted him in September. She also changed his name to Justin, after he had been Artyom for seven years.

I do not condone the actions of the child, but he is a child. We are not to expect him to act as an adult would. Yes, he does have emotional issues. But that is part of being a parent. You do not simply get to choose to have a perfect child (regardless of what my in-laws may say) and never have any issues. The degree of the issues does not matter. She legally adopted Artyom. Sending him back, alone, on a flight from Washington State to Moscow should be considered child abandonment. A stewardess is not a suitable supervisor for a seven year old child with emotional issues. Nor is it acceptable to "send" back a child, for any reason, whom you have legally adopted.

The ancient Romans understood something that this woman does not. In their legal system, when you adopted a child the record was changed to show that this had always been your child, with the same rights as any other child. This is what Paul was referring to in Galatians 4:4-6.
Torry Hansen (the "mom") has failed as a parent. She does not deserve the last name that she has. Hansen literally means son of Hans (which is Germanic and Scandinavian for John). But Hans comes to us from the Hebrew via Latin, Greek, and the European languages over the years. In Hebrew John is Yochanan (if you are curious Strong number H3110). As is common with Hebrew words, this word is made up of two separate words. Yo refers to YHWH, and chanan means to have mercy on/be gracious to (H2603). So the name all together means the Lord is gracious. Which is who needs to have grace upon her, because right now I am feeling a bit more Old Testament towards her as opposed to New Testament and forgiving.

Scientists confirm a new species of dragon!

2010-04-06T18:12:00.000-07:00

Science can make me laugh.
Take this story, for example.
Scientists have confirmed a type of fruit eating lizard as a new species.
Of course, it is not really new, but new to scientists. People living in the Philippines have been hunting this creature for its flesh already. Hard to call something that has been dinner for probably thousands of years a new species, but the science types do anyway.
They also call the lizard the size of a dragon. But it is only six feet long and weighs 22 pounds.

THAT IS NOT DRAGON SIZED!

Dragons are supposed to be huge. Dozens of feet tall, with tails equal to the length of their body. Forty feet or more of wingspan is typical for a fearsome dragon. The fact that the Catholic Church has a Saint named George that killed a dragon would indicate that killing a dragon is a big deal. Killing a 22 pound fruit eating lizard may put food on the table but fails to impress compared to killing a fire breathing (mythical) creature.
Anyway, scientists need to get their facts straight.
This is serious.
Dragons are big.
And if a group of people regularly hunt a creature as a food source it probably is not a new species.

Human echolocation

2010-04-02T12:42:00.000-07:00

I recently read an article in Psychology Today about people that are blind that use echolocation to go mountain biking. To me, that sounded a bit crazy. I never thought of people being able to "see" like a bat does. Well, here is a video of a guy that pioneered the technique apparently.

Note: the video is from some TV show and the host of the show believes in psychics and other "rubbish". The video is interesting, just be aware the host is a bit out there.

Happy April First

2010-04-01T21:30:00.001-07:00

Saw this at Politico and thought others might enjoy it.

Conceal Carry Permit

2010-03-15T18:21:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, I took a class at Gander Mountain to obtain my conceal carry permit in MN. I learned a few things as well.

1. You're only as good as how much you practice
One guy in class had a Springfield XD, with lots of accessories. A large case, four large magazines, an attachable flashlight, a holster for his gun and his magazines, and one or two other items. He also was probably the worst shot in the class. At 15 feet, he missed the target 6 out of 30 times. Another guy in class used an old Colt revolver. A gun his dad bought many years ago. His shot groups were just fine.

2. I can take a gun to school.
It just has to remain in my trunk, that way my gun will be safe.

3. Dry firing a gun is ok.
I have been told many times to never dry fire a gun, since that is bad for the gun. Well, now I am told (by a former LA police officer and Army Vet) that dry firing is good cheap practice for gaining familiarity with the gun and to train proper muscle memory. Doing three clearance checks before dry firing was emphasized.

4. Don't buy ammo at L and M if you are in a hurry.
They have cheap ammo, but it can also take a few hours to find someone that is able to help you.

5. I am leaning towards a double action pistol instead of a revolver as a carry weapon.
The Ruger (why does spell check think Ruger is not a word?) LCP seems a little too small to me. Maybe the new SR9 compact? Although I have heard in MT that some people like to go jogging with something like this strapped on.

Neon Horse

2009-12-26T16:50:00.000-08:00

So, do you like rock music from the 70's to 80's?
Glam Rock?
AC/DC?
David Bowie?
But what if you want to listen to something that is Christian?
If that is the case, I have the band for you.
Check out Neon Horse.
They are different. Very good, but different.
Great music to listen to when stealing neighborhood signs, or when changing letters on other neighborhood signs.

A Shofar and a Llama?

2009-11-08T19:16:00.000-08:00

Click on this link.
Now scroll to the bottom of the page.
See the red slider that moves the page left and right?
Move it all the way to the right.
What do you see?

Red Green gets a job with NASA

2009-10-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

So, NASA wanted to find out if there is any water on the moon.

Did they send a manned mission? Nope.

Did they send a rover like the Mars Mission? Nope.

They took an empty rocket hull, pointed it at the moon, then sent it at full speed into the moon. Just in case that was not enough, shortly after the first impact they sent a satellite behind it to also crash into the moon.

Ideally the resulting plume of moon dust could then be studied and scientists could possibly find a trace of water.

So, with all the expertise, knowledge, and technology at the disposal of NASA they basically come up with a plan that sounds like a Red Green idea. Literally. I am positive part of the satellite is (or at this point was) held together by duct tape, fishing line, and bungee cords.

Oh, and it cost 79 million dollars, if you were wondering. Just think of that next April 15.
Where did your tax money go?

Towards crashing space junk into the moon!

Kardelen is eaten by a horse!

2009-09-30T06:33:00.000-07:00

Just kidding.

The government stole my ipod

2009-09-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

According to the US government, my family is in poverty. We make less than the poverty limit for a family of four. I think our breakfast this morning would prove otherwise.

We had oatmeal for breakfast. Everyone in the family eats it a little differently. The youngest likes cinnamon sugar and butter. The oldest likes peanut butter, cinnamon sugar, and brown sugar in hers. Mom likes walnuts and chokecherry syrup. I had peanut butter and brown sugar. Picture a table with all that food on it. Does that sound like a table in an impoverished household

My point? If this is poverty, I think the rest of the world would like to be impoverished the way we are in America. The World Bank figures that 1.4 billion people worldwide live on $1.25 or less a day. Based on taxes last year, we were nearly 40 times that limit.

I think that we are blessed.

Here is a random video.

The Nature Biscuit Bible

2009-06-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

Here is a quote from Archbishop Desmond Tutu to a forward to a new translation of the Bible:

"His (Jesus) supreme work is to reconcile us to God and to one another, and indeed, to reconcile all of us to God's creation. It is possible to have a new kind of world, a world where there will be more compassion, more gentleness, more caring, more laughter, more joy for all of God's creation, because that is God's creation. And God says, "Help me, help me, help me realize my dream."

This is from the Green Bible, an NRSV translation that places text of scripture that are of importance to the environmental crisis in green (of course). For those that are interested, the NRSV comes from the KJV. The KJV begat the American Standard Version, which begat the Revised Standard Version, which begat the New Revised Standard Version.

So, what passages are in green you wonder? I am glad you asked. Here is a selection that I found skimming this Bible.

Genesis 1, 2:1-12. This is an interesting selection. Genesis 2:11-12 mentions the river Pishon and the land around it. It is in green. The next verse the river Gihon, and is not in green. Are some rivers more green than others? Ah well, moving on.

Daniel 2:22
"He reveals deep and hidden things, He knows what is in the darkness, and light dwells with Him."

I am not sure what about this verse is "green". Any ideas?

Matthew 4:4

"But He answered 'It is written, one does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes for the mouth of God.'"

Green? I guess.

2nd Corinthians 2:17

"For we are not, like so many, peddlers of God's word, but as men of sincerity, as commissioned by God, in the sight of God we speak in Christ."

A good verse. I have no problems with it, but how is it green?

I could go on. My point is that this version of the Bible is being published to push an environmental agenda. No surprise there, and I doubt that the publisher and editor would disagree. Is this really going to change the debate on environmentalism? Printing a Bible on recycled paper with soy ink (maybe the Matthew 4 passage can be interpreted by us as actually eating the Bible?) may make a few people feel good about making a difference, but that is all it will do. Including an essay in the Bible entitled "Jesus is coming--Plant a Tree!" may make Al Gore smile, but does it make any difference to supposed anthropogenic global warming?

No.

In the preface to the Green Bible, it describes how passages were chosen. One of the reasons is

"How all the elements of creation-land, water, air, plants, animals, humans-are interdependent."

Is that statement true? No. The sun, center of our solar system, is not interdependent on humans. Yet it most certainly is part of creation. Or maybe they are just referring to creation here on earth? Even then the statement does not work. While human beings are certainly dependent on water for life, water is not dependent on us to exist. For items to be interdepentent they would need to depend on each other, yet water and humans do not seem to. Humans can affect water quality, but the water still exists. It is still water. Without water, humans do not exist. That seems to be a very odd form of interdependence. A casual read of Genesis would seem to indicate that water and humans were not created in a manner that would cause both to mutually depend on each other. In fact, water seems to be around before humans. Yet if we are mutally dependent on each other, how did that happen?

I could continue but you get the point. Christians should care about the environment. That is a given. But the priorities and philosophy behind much of the work of this Bible do not appear to be consistent or factual. Skip this Bible and simply enjoy God's creation, instead of reading why you should feel guilty for destroying it.

Artdog and Catman in 20 years

2009-05-31T20:39:00.000-07:00

My wife was watching this video (she finds the oddest things online) and commented that this could be Artdog and Catman in 20 years. The drummer's expression at the beginning especially reminded her of Artdog.

In fact, she just about fell off the futon laughing at the idea.

It is time for all odd wives to go to bed now.

Enjoy!

Sotomayor is only for some Amendments, can you guess which one she doesn't like?

2009-05-28T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here is a link to a story about the potential next Supreme Court Justice appointed by Obama.

Basically, Sotomayor says that the states get to choose whether or not to follow the Second Amendment. She bases her decision on a poor interpretation of a previous decision back in the 1800's (read the story if you want to know more). So I wonder what other rights the states get to choose to allow citizens to have?

Does she think that the states can choose to get rid of the right of trial by jury?
Since the newspapers are dying, do we still need a freedom of the press? Outdated if you ask me.
Maybe the 13th amendment, you know the one outlawing slavery, is actually a state decision. Then white people could be enslaved as well, making the world a much more fair place to people like Sotomayor.
How about poll taxes? Can some states charge to vote? Then only rich elites could vote. That sounds like a good state right.

Would the states choosing rights extend beyond the amendments? Could the states also have fun with other parts of the Constitution such as Article IV? Maybe people can begin to flee from one state to another when committing crimes? Instead of a city of refuge we could have entire states! This could be a way for states to get people to move in and increase tax revenue.

So, what silly extra part of the Constitution do you want to give to the states? I think Sotomayor should be a verb to describe the action of taking a section of the Constitution of the US and giving it over to the states.

With that in mind, what part of the Constitution do you want to sotomayor (extra credit for which state as well and why)?

Rant

2009-05-18T10:15:00.000-07:00

Ok I need to rant. If you do not care for what I have to say, then don't read. Usually I provide links to articles, in case you want to read what I have read and comment on my interpretations and to help provide sources. Today, no links. I just need to complain.

With that said, let me now comment on the pathetic condition of the Church in America as shown by Miss California, Carrie Prejean. Her claim to fame seems to be that she believes marriage should be between a man and a woman, and she said so during the Miss America competition. The question was a loaded question, asked by a homosexual that was pushing his agenda. And she did a good job responding to the question. And she did not win the competition. That should be the end of the story. But it wasn't. Far from it.

Miss Prejean soon became, rather quickly, a symbol and a martyr for the evangelical movement (she has said she is an evangelical Christian) to help fight the homosexual push to change the laws regarding marriage. Here is an attractive, succesful woman and she is a Christian. Hooray! Suddennly we had someone on our side that had all the right markings to be a success in the world and make Christianity look better, more marketable and attractive. But often when we try to make things marketable, you can lose much of the instrinsic worth that made the item worth marketing in the first place.

Take Miss Prejean. We are to hold her as a role model for all of us, at least that is what I am hearing so much from various sources, Christian and wordly (though all conservative). Yet, here is a young lady that has had plastic surgery to enhance her looks to win a beauty pagent and posed nude. Yeah, great role model. Just how I hope my daughters grow up to be. An organization called National Organization for Women has picked her to be a spokesperson. Not sure who they are but I am guessing I won't be supporting them.

I live in a free country. All of what she has done is legal. All that has been done to her is legal. The question asked of her was loaded, but life is not always fair. We have the right to free speech in this country, but that right allows others to disagree with us. Ok, so I have no problems here.

I just don't see how, as a Christian with a capital C, one can defend her actions. Morally, ethically, theologically, philosophically, and just plain common sense says that if you belive that the Bible is the living Word you try to live by it. That does not mean you have to be perfect. That does not mean you can't make mistakes and sin (Let the one with no sin throw the first stone), but choosing actions that directly go against the Bible just ain't right. It is no different than two "christian" men living together in "marriage". Both are living "christian" lives, yet living a life that directly conflicts with the teaching of the Bible, which is what God said. Am I way off base here?

The reason I am ranting and dragging the Church into this is that I have not heard condemnation from the Church regarding this. It is probably out there, and I am sure some have spoken. But should I have to go searching for it, looking to find out that Miss Prejean aint the Proverbs 31 women that DC talk was singing about.

Sorry, I know that I said no links but I needed to include something to lighten the mood for a second.

Maybe I am missing something. Maybe our scripture has changed and nudity is now acceptable if one is a model, since models do not need to be concerned with passages regarding modesty. Maybe implants are now scriptural, for it does say in Psalm 23 my cup runneth over. Maybe I am just an old fashioned guy that needs to get with the times.

Or maybe the Church is the proverbial frog in the water, and the water is starting to boil.

Ugh. I need to go listen to FIF now.

A discussion on Socialism

2009-04-22T20:16:00.001-07:00

I was in class on Tuesday, and learned that socialism is alive and well in America today.

As a discussion was slowly moving from a look at the current culture of college age students to other topics, an older than average student in class decides that all the problems currently faced today can be blamed on capitalism, which is obviously evil. Being rather astonished, I make the rather sensible claim that capitalism itself is not evil. I was looked at rather oddly and the teacher moved on with the topic before the conversation went down a road she was not interested in pursuing.

After class, Shirley (the student) felt that she needed to convert me to socialism. Here is a rough recollection of how the conversation went:

Shirely: "But don't you think that we need to return to socialism now that we can see how much capitalism has hurt everyone?"

Me: "No. We cannot return to something that we have never been, and socialism is not the answer to our problems. "

S: "Just look at all the Hardees and McDonalds. All the mom and pop stores are closed. That's sad. That is what these greedy capitalistic companies have done."

Me: "Under socialism, you would not have mom and pop stoes either. They will be run by the government."

S: "No, that would be communism."

Me: "No, under socialism the desire for profit and the attempt to make a profit is punished. Why work hard and have your own business if you have to give large amounts of your income to the government? Just work at a store own by a company or the government and earn the same by working less."

S: "But look at France. There, people only work 35 hours a week, everyone gets 5 weeks of vacation a year, everyone gets free maid services in their house. Don't you want a life like that?"

Me: "France has also struggled with high unemployment at various times in the last few years, has had riots in the streets because people can't find work, executives at companies are held hostage during contract negotiations, strikes are common, and they have one of the largest tax burdens in Europe." (If I had been more clear headed and not surprised I might have suggested that she move there and let me live in America, but alas I did not).

S: "But people have free healthcare. Isn't that something that we should all have?"

Me: "The healthcare is not free. You are paying for it with your taxes."

S: "Fine. If I can get healthcare they can tax me more. At least I will have free healthcare."

Me: "No, you will have taxed, government run, healthcare."

S: "Whatever. But don't you think that socialism would benefit us all? I mean, don't you see how America has infected the rest of the world?"

Me: Here I really do not remember exactly what I said. I was too surprised to say anything. I do remember disagreeing with her. This viewpoint is completely alien to me.

S: "Just think on it tonight. I think you will understand better."

Me: "I respectfully disagree. I will not be thinking on it tonight, or ever."

Yeah, maybe I wasn't really disagreeing respectfully. I was trying to not lose my cool. I was simply amazed at the idea that America is destroying the world. No talk of Ahmadinejad and his desire to destroy another country with nuclear weapons.

I could have answered her questions much better, but at the time was more surprised than anything.

How long until I talk with a student defending Stalin and his policies?

My wife made a apron

2009-04-13T06:38:00.000-07:00

My wife made an apron*. She is irrationally happy about it.

This makes my life happier.

Therefore, I like my wife's apron, even if it is goofy looking. My first memory of my wife is seeing her wearing a goofy hat.

I thought she was odd.

Now she wears goofy aprons.

*Note: Not actual apron. My wife's is much goofier.

Seals to the Rescue

2009-04-12T18:58:00.000-07:00

During the standoff between the US Navy and the pirates over a hostage, many people have wondered why don't we send in the Seals?

Well we have. And the mission went down perfectly.

Pirates that the AP interviewed for the story (it always amazes me what kind of people the AP is able to interview) said that they are out for revenge. The US is now their number one enemy.

Maybe they missed the part where the Seals took out three pirates at once, at night, in choppy waters, and the hostage was completely unharmed.

So, to Abdullahi, Jamac, and any other pirate that feels like capturing American ships and killing hostages, think again. You may be able to kill some Americans, but the US Navy is going to come looking for you. And an AK-47 is not going to do much damage to this. (OK, it could damage it but the MK V has enough firepower and speed you probably shouldn't try.)

One other thought. International Law either needs to be changed or the US needs to start disregarding it. The law for International shipping is that the crew is not allowed to be armed. Fine. Then hire some former Marines to be security for these ships. Not allowing weapons or soldiers on these boats seems to make these a slight target for the Somalis, among others. It seems like just a small change like that would work. Maybe the founding fathers had an idea when they included the 2nd amendment. (For a laugh read this pdf put out by the International Maritime Organization where they suggest shining bright lights on pirates and spraying them with hoses but not to use guns because it may escalate the situation and cause attackers to carry guns too. Page 11 is funny.)

Finally, a big thanks to the Seals. The military may not be real popular with many, but you have shown why we need you.

My wife says I am crazy

2009-04-08T06:15:00.000-07:00

My wife says I am crazy because I want an older diesel vehicle, such as a diesel Toyota. But here is the proof that maybe I am not crazy (or at least not for my want of an old diesel). Here are three links to 3 videos from a British TV show where they try to destroy an older Hilux diesel. I will admit they go a bit easy on the truck at times, but I was still impressed by how the truck held up, especially after the last trial.

Killing a Toyota 1

Killing a Toyota 2

Killing a Toyota 3

Enjoy.

An Economic Imperative for Abortion?

2009-04-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

One way to measure the success of a society is how it cares for those that are unable to care for themselves, such as the unborn. Based on that, I just read an article that would suggest our society and culture are utter failures.

The article states that an unwed mother and her boyfriend made the right decision in getting an abortion of their fourth child because the boyfriend lost his job and the economy was so bad they didn't think they could afford the fourth child. I am deeply grieved by the choice to kill the baby before it ever had a chance at life. But then a talking head at PBS tells us that this is a good thing, and we should be proud of this family for making the right decision in these difficult times. That sent me over the top.

I need to cry now.

A reason NOT to join the Obama Cabinet

2009-03-02T19:32:00.000-08:00

Unless you want to be kissed by Obama.

Here is the new Health and Human Services Secretary, Governor of Kansas Kathleen Sebelius. I guess Obama is happy to have her in his cabinet.

Note: Apparently the picture is of Obama about to kiss her on the cheek, though it doesn't look that way.

True Sportsmanship

2009-02-19T21:55:00.001-08:00

Not too long ago there was a ladies high school basketball game where one team won 100-0. The winning coach had no class, as his goal was not just to win but to score 100. Well, here is a different basketball story that is also from the high school ranks. I am not going to write about it, as the two links I am providing more than do justice to the story. I will just say that sportsmanship is alive and well in Illinois and Wisconsin. If my kids ever play sports I pray that they have a coach like Dave Rohlman.

Enjoy the best sports story I have heard in a couple of years.

Link 1

Link 2

Happy Birthday Ronald Regan

2009-02-06T06:29:00.000-08:00

Today is Ronald Reagan's'es'* Birthday.

Happy Birthday Mr. President.

On a brief side note, it may also be my birthday today, since I was born on the same day as Reagan but 68 years later. If you are still looking for a gift, here is a website for your consideration: Icon 4X4

I would prefer a FJ 45 from them, but will take any model you purchase.

Please note that I do not promise to give a gift back on your birthday of equal value.

*the odd punctuation is added for my wife, since she abhors mistakes made with punctuation and speelin'. This may be because she came in third in the state spelling bee many many years ago.

Addition to the Al Gore post on Mercury and Venus

2009-02-04T06:09:00.001-08:00

I forgot to mention the fact that Venus is three times hotter than Mercury. Well, that is true and false.

The temp of Venus is usually in the ballpark of 740 degrees Kelvin.

The temp of Mercury is the more variable temperature. See, at night it can get down to 100 degrees Kelvin. But during the day, Mercury gets to 720 degrees Kelvin. If you average the temperatures you can get it to sound like Venus is 3 times hotter than Mercury.

But those are just the averages.

It is true that Mercury flucuates because it has no atmosphere (it is small and the solar wind keeps it from having much atmosphere) and Venus stays warm due to its atmosphere. But to say that Venus is three times warmer makes it sound like Mercury is always cold. 720 degrees Kelvin equals out to almost 840 degrees Farenheit. So it is hot. And it is hot because it is close to the sun.

Being 43 million miles from from a giant ball of nuclear fusion will do that to you.

Al Gore talks to the Senate

2009-02-03T19:53:00.000-08:00

So late in January, Al Gore spoke before the Foreign Relations Committee on global warming. Why to the Foreign Relations Committee? Good question. Environment and Public Works would make more sense you might think, but you have to think a bit more politically and less logically. Richard Lugar is the ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee. And he believes in anthropogenic (man made) global warming. On Environment and Public Works the ranking Republican is James Inhofe, a man that has been a thorn in Al Gore's side for years. So Al goes to speak with friends, instead of someone that may ask him a difficult question.

Now for some excerpts of what the silly man (Gore) said. Gore tries to scare us (again) by going into detail regarding the amount of CO2 in our atmosphere, and then comparing it to Venus. Well, I am no scientist but his statement is plain silly by any method of logic. Here is a quote from Gore:

"The difference is that the average annual temperature on earth is 59 degrees and on Venus it's 855 degrees and it rains sulfuric acid, not the kind of weather forecast you would like to wake up to. Not because Venus is closer to the sun, it's three times hotter than Mercury that is next to the sun. It is the CO2 and this illustrates why it is a problem to follow a global strategy to pull out as much carbon out of the atmosphere as quickly as possible and burning it in ways that leave it in the atmosphere."

Ok, so here goes some basic logic for you. Yes, Venus is hotter. Part of the reason is that it is closer. Part of the reason is the CO2. But here are some CO2 facts for you. 965,000 parts per million of the Venusian atmosphere is CO2. If that percent occurred here on Earth, it would certainly be very hot. But the percent on Earth? Oh, about 380 parts per million. That works out to be .038%. That is the number that he is concerned about. Because before the Industrial Revolution the number was about 280 parts per million. So for our planet to be as warm as Venus we only have 964,620 parts per million to go! Obviously we are not going to get there anytime soon. Or ever, to be perfectly honest. Besides, if it is gases that sequester solar energy and create the greenhouse effect, water vapor is more common (about 8000 parts per million) and acts similarly to co2 as far as warming is concerned.

To finish, look closely at the picture I put on of Gore in his office. Notice the three computer screens that are on, as well as the TV. Very energy efficient. Don't worry though, the carbon has been sequestered.

In the atmosphere.

I get to own a dog park!

2009-01-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

This guy wants to create a dog park in the Twin Cities. And he wants me to pay for it.

Let me explain. MN had a constitutional amendment on the ballot this year, which asked if you would like to increase sales tax (by 3/8 of one percent) to pay for things like clean water, arts, culture, and the outdoors. Well I guess a dog park counts as one of those things, because it has been proposed down in the state legistature. And the aformentioned legislator is the one who proposed it.

This is a perfect reason I am against more and more taxes. Instead of doing something good, they decide to spend a million dollars on a dog park. Real important. I can see the debate now.

House Rep 1: We need a dog park.

House Rep 2: Should we help the homeless with our illgotten tax funds?

House Rep 1: No, dogs need an environment that is less stressful and chaotic in the sustainable urban core which they can meander and sniff. A park is necessary for dogs, for if they sniff and explore in the inner city, they may breathe in fumes and toxins. In the long run, we will save money by not having to spend money to help the poor dogs that don't have health care.

House Rep 2: Right then. Cheerio good chap (apparently house rep 2 is from England for some odd reason).

So, anyone want to visit my dog park in 2010?

Sarah Palin enters DC politics, again

2009-01-27T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sarah Palin is keeping her name in the news, and has started a new political action committee.

I feel like I should not mention the name of the PAC, but I suppose I have to.

Here it goes.

SarahPAC.

I am never a fan when one includes their own name in a business/political entity. Maybe this is just my thinking, but one might as well yell

"HEY, LOOK AT ME, I AM IMPORTANT!!!! MY NAME IS PART OF AN ORGANIZATION."

I remember thinking the same thing when Hillary Clinton formed HillPAC, the now defunct PAC.

And if you go to the link for SarahPAC, look at the logo. The continental 48 with Alaska inside. My question is "Where did Hawaii go?" Maybe she wishes Hawaii was not a state, then she could be Vice President right now, instead of the next Dan Quayle. (after viewing that video, go here.)

Seriously, though, the signifigance of this new PAC is yet to be seen. Palin has good ideas and a large following, but changing the party won't be easy.

Here is an excerpt from her page:

Dedicated to building America's future, supporting fresh ideas and candidates who share our vision for reform and innovation.

SarahPAC believes America's best days are ahead. Our country, founded on conservative principles and the fight for freedom, must confront the challenges of the 21st century with integrity, innovation, and determination.
SarahPAC believes energy independence is a cornerstone of the economic security and progress that every American family wants and deserves.
SarahPAC believes the Republican Party is at the threshold of an historic renaissance that will build a better future for all. Health care, education, and reform of government are among our key goals. Join us today.

Some of the topics she is bringing up makes me a bit curious about how she is positioning herself. With health care and education being at the top of her list, I have to wonder if she is going a little to the left? She also talks about energy independence, something most Americans agree is important, but drastically disagree with how to accomplish it.

Not much for actual information, but it sounds like a good start. With Ron Paul in one corner, Sarah Palin in another, the Republican party could start to get interesting. If they keep it up, there just may be room in the party for me (but I won't be holding my breath). As long as big city elitists control the party (for example John McCain winning the primaries) I shall happily be independent and vote for whomever I like.

Crazy Bill

2009-01-25T18:07:00.000-08:00

Bill Ayers was recently interviewed by an NBC affiliate in Chicago (here is the story) regarding Obama winning the Presidency. I won't go through the article, you can read it if you want, but do want to point out a few things.

Here is a direct quote from Ayers:

"I couldn't stop crying a couple of times. I found the exact spot where I was beaten 40 years ago," Ayers said. But I've never been in a crowd that large that wasn't edged with either anger or drunkenness or gluttony, and it was really an extraordinary feeling."

I think that quote would say more about Ayers himself than it does about Obama winning. The context of the quote is Ayers standing in the same place in Chicago where he lead riots and against the Democratic convention back in '68. I guess he is used to being with angry drunks.

Then there is this quote by his wife:

"Without the struggles of the 60s ... there would be no President Obama," Dohrn
said.

I guess they figure that if it wasn't for their terrorism (which they call "activism"), Obama would not be President today. The ends justify the means, it appears. How they never went to jail I will never understand.

Obama tests new powers

2009-01-24T00:24:00.000-08:00

Spike Lee claimed Bush destroyed the dikes in New Orleans that wiped out the 8th Ward.

Obama has promised change, and he has delivered. Instead of attacking the south, Obama has decided to flood the north.

This unedited photo is proof Obama tried to flood our daughters room at approximately 11:00 central time tonight. There he is, in the water, planning to shut down Guantanamo Bay and flood an innocent child's room. If this is not proof enough, I don't know what is.

Disturbing? Yes.
If Spike Lee can blame the flooding of an entire city on Bush, I figure a rookie President is probably up to flooding the room of my 3 year old and almost two year old.

Kardelen sleeps underwater

2009-01-23T23:45:00.000-08:00

About 45 minutes ago, I was sitting in the living room and I heard splashing. Curious, I went to find the source of the sound. In the girls room I noticed that the ceiling had sprung a leak, and water was flowing freely. Kinda like a room flowing with milk and honey, only it was warm water instead of milk and honey. And it was 11:00 or so at night. Antics ensued.

Heather may post on this later. I think she took a picture or two. I don't remember.

Luckily, the girls themselves were never hit with water. Sofia is asleep, but Kardelen seems a little too awake. We have moved her mattress to our room. We shall see if anyone sleeps much tonight. More antics may ensue. Kardelen is asking to play games right now. I am sleepy, as it is almost midnight.

Heather wants the computer, so I had better go. It sounds like we may be without water for a day or so. I think I am getting used to that.

Islamic public school in MN?

2009-01-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

Ever have one of those moments where you find yourself agreeing with an organization that normally you detest?

That has just happened to me. The ACLU of Minnesota is going after a charter school in MN that is called the Tarek ibn Ziyad Academy. They argue that this school is using taxpayer money to promote religion. The academy disagrees, but has yet to make any public statements. I say that they disagree because they are careful to not promote Islam on their website. They are trying to just be an "Arab" school, or so it appears to me.

In Minnesota, every charter school is required by the state to have a sponsor. This school's sponsor is an organization called Islamic Relief Worldwide. I don't know much about them, but I will be looking at their website, as many likely have already.

Not too many public schools in Minnesota that I am aware have time off for eid al fitr (the end of Ramadam) or eid al adha, which occurs during the hajj and is a time to remember Abraham and his almost sacrificing Ishmael before a ram appears. In Islam, it is stated that Ishmael, not Isaac, was the one to be sacrificed. Anyway, this school year the students got September 26 to October 3 off for eid al fitr, and December 8-12 off for eid al adha. Back in school I just may have agreed to be a Muslim if I could have gotten 12 extra days off of class. This gives them 167 total days of school for 2008, as opposed to the 173 to 177 that most schools have and that is recommended by the state.

Where will this case go? Beats me. I could easily see this going a number of directions. I will do some more reading about this on the schools site and the relief groups site and see what I learn. Personally, I am still a bit surprised the ACLU took on this case. I wonder how long it will be before Keith Ellison has something to say on this....

7mm 08

2009-01-20T22:38:00.000-08:00

Since my wife is posting on girly things, I thought I would post something a bit more manly.

I am considering getting a 7mm 08 as my hunting rifle.

The above gun is what I am thinking about getting.

For those that do not feel like clicking on the picture, the gun is a Savage 11G.

That is about all I know. It is cheaper than some other companies guns, and it comes in a 7mm o8, which seems like a good deer hunting option. Or so other places I have read say.

The only downside that I can see is that it is wood. I may need to get a gun with a sythetic stock to help when I am hiding underwater breathing through a reed.

But don't you realize, that's where I sail!

2009-01-20T22:00:00.000-08:00

The above statement was uttered by Ted Kennedy. See, there has been a plan since 2001 to build a wind farm in the ocean off the coast of Massachusetts. Normally, a good democrat like Kennedy would be likely to support alternative energy. The problem is, Kennedy will be able to see this windfarm from his house. This would give him, and the other millionaire and billionaires that live in the area, a less than picture perfect view.
A group was formed to protect the "environment", but the government has just said that the windfarm would not have any major environmental impacts.
Personally, I have no problem with Kennedy being against the windfarm, except for one little thing. He is for windfarms, and has stated such. He is simply a hypocrite.
It may be time for Kennedy to get used to the idea of a windfarm, since it is likely that Obama will be for the project. If you heard the inaugural speech today, it is likely that Cape Cod will get a new wind farm.

Will it save the world from global warming? No.

Does the fact that Kennedy has been fighting this for years only because it is in his backyard make me laugh? Yes.

Berets and such

2009-01-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

My wife likes to wear odd hats.

Such as this hat.

Or this hat (scroll down to the bottom).

Or this hat.

And even this hat.

But this is her favorite hat, since she loves chihuahuas.

Why I want a Suzuki Samurai

2008-12-31T15:10:00.000-08:00

Any questions?

Fashion: Ninja style

2008-12-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

There are those that have asked for a post on fashion. Since the only fashion I can post on is ninja fashion, here we go.

1. Wear black

Camouflage does not work as well at night. Unless the moon is really bright. And you should ask yourself what are you doing sneaking around vandalizing property on a moonlit night. Everyone knows you wait for a darker night.

2. Match your shades of black

Black can come in different shades. Dark black, charcoal, 100,000 mile motor oil, Michael Jackson (actually changes colors from dark to light like the old hypercolor shirts), black forest, black forest at night, etc. If you are not careful with your choices of black, you will be seen as you scale a building to steal the latest Versace designs. Remember, black is not a lack of color but the combination of all colors, so if the mix of colors isn't equal, you can end up with black forest instead of black forest at night.

3. Accessories

Always important. The naginta is often unnecessary, merely slowing down a mission. Best to always have caltrops, throwing stars, climbing shoes and gloves, a breathing straw made to look like a reed, smoke bombs, collapsible grappling hook, mission specific equipment, and animal crackers.

4. Don't save money on a balaclava

There are areas where you can save a few dollars. Your balaclava (or ninja mask if you enjoy being so yesterday) needs to conceal your identity, instill fear in your enemies, yet wick away moisture and breathe so you don't have to scratch your head. You also want the fabric on the side of your eyes to be tight to the side of your head. A small pucker in the fabric can reduce peripheral visibility by as much as 8.9% in each eye. That could mean be the difference between a stolen sign and jail time.

5. Be confident

No matter how well designed your outfit is or how good it looks, it doesn't mean much if you don't exude confidence. Ninjas must instill fear in their opponent so they can escape with whatever items we have been hired to re appropriate. Lack of confidence can lead to poor posture, and poor posture can lead to noise. Slumping shoulders and a bent over posture can cause even the stealthiest ninja to make as much noise as a cat on carpet. Not good. Remember, you are a ninja. Act like it.

2008-12-18T23:28:00.000-08:00

Well, I decided to do the occasional post I will call odd websites.

1. Office max will guess what you want for Christmas. I laughed, but just a little.

2. Man was created 450,000 years ago by aliens called the Anunnaki. To bolster his argument he uses the book of Genesis. OK. Moving right along to number 3.

3. And the best link of all. Weird Al spoofing a Bob Dylan video.

Randy Foye or Brandon Roy

2008-12-18T22:45:00.000-08:00

Roy just went for 52 points in a win against the Suns.
Nice.
For some reason I feel like I did when Ray Allen was scoring like mad years ago...

The auto industry

2008-12-17T22:38:00.000-08:00

I am probably wrong on this, so feel free to correct me.

The government tells us it needs to gives gobs of money (the technical term) to help Ford, GM, and Chrysler or else the sky will fall. Or something equally bad.

Let us compare Toyota and GM and see if all the car companies are struggling as much as the American companies.

Toyota sold 9.3 million cars worldwide last year. Just a few thousand short of GM, so essentially the same number. Toyota made about 17 billion dollars, where GM lost about 38 billion dollars.

Toyota has certain advantages that helped it make money, but GM has different benefits yet managed to lose the equivalent of 65% of Bill Gates fortune. That is a lot of money. And now the taxpayers are supposed to write a blank check for them as well as the banking and insurance companies.

On second thought, maybe it is not fair to compare the two companies.

Oh well, life isn't always fair, is it?

First Post

2008-12-17T22:24:00.000-08:00

Here is my first post to introduce you to this new blog.

The world could use another blog I figure, so here it is.

This blog is not designed to make lots of money or solve any major problems.

The goal is simply to share what I think and let people share what they think.

Feel free to disagree with me. I know I am wrong, but I am very unclear what I am wrong about.

I plan to write about a variety of subjects.