FALLUJA, Iraq, March 31 - An enraged mob attacked a group of foreign contractors here today, shooting four people to death, burning their vehicles, dragging their bodies through the downtown streets and then hanging the charred corpses from a bridge over the Euphrates River.
Three of the victims were identified as Americans, a State Department spokesman, Lou Fintor, said today, adding that work was continuing to identify the nationality of the fourth.
Meanwhile, less than 15 miles away, in the same area of the increasingly violent Sunni Triangle, five marines were killed in one of the deadliest roadside bomb incidents for coalition troops in weeks. The marines were traveling through a dusty village along a supply route when the explosion ripped into their vehicles.
I don’t know what I think anymore. I have always believed getting rid of Hussein was a legitimate goal, but I’ve felt very uncomfortable with the whole WMD debacle. Now I don’t know what I think. I don’t know why we are there, I don’t know if we should be there, and I don’t know what should be done in the future.
After the attacks of September 11, 2001, I felt such a sense of loss; yet I was so far removed from New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania. I decided the least I could do was to read the obituary of every victim in the attack. The NY Times ran a special section of 9/11 victim obituaries every day, and, if I remember correctly, it took about a year to print all the obituaries.
I think I am going to do the same with the war in Iraq. Rather than ignore the news or pretend it is not happening, I want to read every story about every death in Iraq. Not just the deaths of Americans, but the deaths of Iraqis as well. I don’t know what this will accomplish, but as I said earlier, I don’t know what else to think or to do.
Wednesday, March 31, 2004
"You're Terminated!"
The Donald has a fight on his hands. In 1998 Susan Brenner filed for the “You’re fired” trademark. She didn’t pay her renewal fee, but she is claiming common-law rights to its use and challenging The Donald. Her lawyer sent The Donald a letter warning him not to license merchandise in the areas reached by Brenner’s mailing list. Ha! Cnn link.
American Idol (group 19 is replacing Karl Rove)
George Huff is it. I’m calling it now. He is the next American Idol. Last night was his night. I predict the bottom three will be Camile, John, and JPL (the stormin’ mormon). JPL will be saved another week or two because Camile and John both had terrible performances. I kind of wish Diana would go. She has a great voice, but I really don’t like her performances. She bugs me. Go George.
Monday, March 29, 2004
Planes Down
Its been an expensive week for the Navy: Two F-18s, one in NC and the other in Tenn, and an F-14 off the coast of Cal.
F-18s are 40 million if they are the older ones, 60 if they are superhornets.
F-14s are 38 million.
F-18s are 40 million if they are the older ones, 60 if they are superhornets.
F-14s are 38 million.
Thursday, March 25, 2004
Cats or Kids
"Cynthia Warner said her daughter, Heather was stabbed at least 47 times in her eighth month of pregnancy. Fliegelman's husband was convicted of her murder. He could have faced four additional years in jail for killing the family cats under Maine law, but he faced no extra charges for the death of the fetus, Warner said."
That is an excerpt from this article. This is a very interesting issue. Right to lifers say it protects the mother and unborn baby, and right to choicers claim it is a thinly veiled attempt to give rights to an unborn fetus. Why not make it a subjective test, if the woman wants the attacker to be charged doubly, once for her, and once for the unborn child, then the attacker should be charged charged doubly. Then the rights of the mother are protected, and her unborn child if the mother wishes. There are no rights created in the unborn fetus, (though I think there should be). That allows lifers and choicers to be happy.
From a constitutional standpoint, I can respect the rights of women who want to make a choice. However, when the law places greater punishment on those who would kill a cat as opposed to those who kill an unborn baby, our priorities are screwed up.
I think a person would be somewhat hypocritical to promote rights for animals but not rights for unborn children. I will concede it is not a perfect parallel. However, on a basic premise, is there a meaningful difference? We get completely bent out of shape as a society when someone kills a cat. Why not get the same upset when someone attacks an unborn child? I think this law is a step in the right direction.
That is an excerpt from this article. This is a very interesting issue. Right to lifers say it protects the mother and unborn baby, and right to choicers claim it is a thinly veiled attempt to give rights to an unborn fetus. Why not make it a subjective test, if the woman wants the attacker to be charged doubly, once for her, and once for the unborn child, then the attacker should be charged charged doubly. Then the rights of the mother are protected, and her unborn child if the mother wishes. There are no rights created in the unborn fetus, (though I think there should be). That allows lifers and choicers to be happy.
From a constitutional standpoint, I can respect the rights of women who want to make a choice. However, when the law places greater punishment on those who would kill a cat as opposed to those who kill an unborn baby, our priorities are screwed up.
I think a person would be somewhat hypocritical to promote rights for animals but not rights for unborn children. I will concede it is not a perfect parallel. However, on a basic premise, is there a meaningful difference? We get completely bent out of shape as a society when someone kills a cat. Why not get the same upset when someone attacks an unborn child? I think this law is a step in the right direction.
Wednesday, March 24, 2004
Not dead, yet
Yin and I are on spring break, and so the posting is going to be a little thin for the next few days. The only real exciting news I have is that I took a Myers Briggs test and I am ESTJ-- if thats exciting.
Thursday, March 18, 2004
Crazy
Next time you are fired by an employer, you can seek comfort in the fact that your boss may have to send royalties to Trump. He apparently wants to trademark "you're fired." Maybe I'll try to trademark "hello," or "that sucks." Does this sound crazy to all you trademark and patent types out there, or is it just me?
The American Idol- receiving more votes than the President.
Time to come out all you closet American Idol fans! Sadly, our own NW girl, Leah, was voted off this week. She was the best looking girl (besides Jasmine), but her voice wasn’t as strong as the others. I think I want George Huff to go all the way, but my opinion is likely to change next Tuesday. There is Jon Peter Lewis representing (uh…representing Idaho…), but I don’t think he is good enough to last much longer. Yeah, I love my weekly pop culture fix.
Not Appeasement
Friedman's editorial says that the Spanish vote will be remembered as an act of appeasement if they pull their troops out of Iraq. I don’t think pulling Spanish troops out of Iraq is appeasement. If anything, it is a good example of democracy in action. The Spanish people didn’t want to be part of this war, and they voted for the socialist party because of its opposition to the war. Had the tragic events of 3/11 not occurred, the Spanish people would probably have voted out the pro-Bush government, and the socialist party would have made good on its campaign promises and pulled troops out of Iraq. Why should the Spanish people change their demands because of a terrorist attack? They have the courage to do what they were planning on doing, despite terrorism.
Wednesday, March 17, 2004
WARNING: Personal Rambling Below
Yesterday I received feedback from my A paper writing professor. One of his comments was particularly painful because I realize the comment was not just a critique of my paper, but indicative of a larger problem in my education and thinking. He commented that I “really bought the alternative dispute resolution mantra hook, line and sinker.”
I think I lack quality critical thinking skills. I remind myself of my Chinese students, who never seriously questioned the propaganda of official governmental newspapers. I would always tell them not to take what they read at face value, but to think about the arguments and potential flaws. Yet, here I am in law school, taking too much of what I read at face value. I have a hard time cutting through the fluff, isolating the true argument, and identifying weaknesses.
Why do I have a hard time evaluating the merits and flaws in academic writing? Am I alone in this? I have thought of two possible explanations for my educational weakness. First, I am not yet smart enough or well-read enough. Second, this problem originated because of my unique upbringing and my primary education. (It is probably a combination of the two).
Reason one: I believe I am fairly well educated and relatively intelligent, but I do not spend enough time reading academic journals and books. If this is the cause of my weakness in thinking, then it can be cured by continuing education and a stronger commitment to independent study. There is hope.
Reason two: Let me explain a bit, and please take what I write with a grain of salt. I was raised in a very religious setting (both in my home and in my community). As a child I was taught that there are certain absolute truths and I should not really question them. I was taught to take my religious teachings and scripture at face value. Now, as I got older I had to question my religious views and come to individual understanding of and belief in religious doctrines—which I did. However, there was a certain amount of “propaganda” in my early education. (I don’t want to propagate the idea that Mormon kids are brainwashed. We aren’t. To a certain extent, I think all children are told to believe things “just because.” As we get older, we fill in the “just because” when we can grasp difficult concepts.) If this is the reason for my educational weakness, then there still is hope. Everyone has to learn to critically think. I may have started my critical thinking at a later stage than most students, but there is no reason that I can’t catch up. I’ll just have to try harder. Somehow I’ll have to catch up between now and when I turn in my final draft of my A paper.
So, there you have it. I am suffering through a not-quite-mid-life educational crisis.
I think I lack quality critical thinking skills. I remind myself of my Chinese students, who never seriously questioned the propaganda of official governmental newspapers. I would always tell them not to take what they read at face value, but to think about the arguments and potential flaws. Yet, here I am in law school, taking too much of what I read at face value. I have a hard time cutting through the fluff, isolating the true argument, and identifying weaknesses.
Why do I have a hard time evaluating the merits and flaws in academic writing? Am I alone in this? I have thought of two possible explanations for my educational weakness. First, I am not yet smart enough or well-read enough. Second, this problem originated because of my unique upbringing and my primary education. (It is probably a combination of the two).
Reason one: I believe I am fairly well educated and relatively intelligent, but I do not spend enough time reading academic journals and books. If this is the cause of my weakness in thinking, then it can be cured by continuing education and a stronger commitment to independent study. There is hope.
Reason two: Let me explain a bit, and please take what I write with a grain of salt. I was raised in a very religious setting (both in my home and in my community). As a child I was taught that there are certain absolute truths and I should not really question them. I was taught to take my religious teachings and scripture at face value. Now, as I got older I had to question my religious views and come to individual understanding of and belief in religious doctrines—which I did. However, there was a certain amount of “propaganda” in my early education. (I don’t want to propagate the idea that Mormon kids are brainwashed. We aren’t. To a certain extent, I think all children are told to believe things “just because.” As we get older, we fill in the “just because” when we can grasp difficult concepts.) If this is the reason for my educational weakness, then there still is hope. Everyone has to learn to critically think. I may have started my critical thinking at a later stage than most students, but there is no reason that I can’t catch up. I’ll just have to try harder. Somehow I’ll have to catch up between now and when I turn in my final draft of my A paper.
So, there you have it. I am suffering through a not-quite-mid-life educational crisis.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
Fuzzy Facts
"If you're going to make an accusation in the course of a presidential campaign, you ought to back it up with facts," Mr. Bush told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende of the Netherlands. (NYT Reports.) (Regarding Kerry’s claim of support from international leaders).
But, apparently, if you are going to make an accusation in the course of invading another country (even if the motives of removing a megalomaniacal monster are pure), backing it up with “fuzzy” facts is sufficient. Hmmm.
But, apparently, if you are going to make an accusation in the course of invading another country (even if the motives of removing a megalomaniacal monster are pure), backing it up with “fuzzy” facts is sufficient. Hmmm.
Brilliance in Action
Can you think of a worse way to commit suicide?
I understand there are those who are emotionally unstable or distraught, but come on, this is seriously not thinking it through.
I understand there are those who are emotionally unstable or distraught, but come on, this is seriously not thinking it through.
Monday, March 15, 2004
Just Walk it Off
Life is hectic right now—not just for me but for everyone. We have law review, A papers, B papers, class work, “real life” work, first year moot court training camp (for us writing TAs), life, significant others, eating right, exercising, trying to think of the right answer to the question of “what type of law do you want to practice,” etc. I would not say that I am overly stressed, but I am not very pleasant or happy, either. So, I went for a walk in the park with Chaitna this afternoon. I forgot the power of a walk outside—especially in Tryon State Park in Portland, Oregon on a sunny day. Man, life is good.
House Hunting
"You have to kiss a lot of frogs to find that prince." The words out of my realtor's mouth as we stood in the back yard of a house where the neighbor's two 150 pound Rots were trying to jump over the fence and eat us. It is scary when a dog that big can jump high enough to show his head over the top of a 6 foot fence.
Anyway, we looked at a pair of houses in a neighboring community. They were not terrible, but somehow not exactly what we wanted. Renting looks more and more advantageous for us all the time.
Anyway, we looked at a pair of houses in a neighboring community. They were not terrible, but somehow not exactly what we wanted. Renting looks more and more advantageous for us all the time.
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Random Philosophical Conversation of the Day
So I was approached by two classmates, regarding a very interesting question. If I donated my body to science, and then my body was used for testing in land mine protective gear, does that qualify for "scientific purposes?" Should my family be upset with that use?
I think on this one I would have to say that if I donated my body to science, then I would likely think my family would not be upset, because the purpose of donating ones body is for the betterment of society. Sometimes that betterment comes via teaching new doctors. Sometimes that betterment comes via using spare parts. Sometimes for medical and pharmacological research, but for whatever reason, for the betterment of society.
If my body was used in land mine protective gear research, I think that is for the betterment of society too. This would especially be true if as a result of the research, those who live in landmined areas, or those who are charged with removing them mines get the benefit of the research.
Come to think of it, this is likely a rather fitting way for my crusty old dead body to be used. I think I am going to look into this. Time to call the estate lawyer.
I think on this one I would have to say that if I donated my body to science, then I would likely think my family would not be upset, because the purpose of donating ones body is for the betterment of society. Sometimes that betterment comes via teaching new doctors. Sometimes that betterment comes via using spare parts. Sometimes for medical and pharmacological research, but for whatever reason, for the betterment of society.
If my body was used in land mine protective gear research, I think that is for the betterment of society too. This would especially be true if as a result of the research, those who live in landmined areas, or those who are charged with removing them mines get the benefit of the research.
Come to think of it, this is likely a rather fitting way for my crusty old dead body to be used. I think I am going to look into this. Time to call the estate lawyer.
More on China
Xinhua reports that the Chinese government may add a clause to their constitution protecting the right to own property. The days of ideological purity in China are long past. Unfortunately, only the incredibly wealthy can afford to buy property in China, and they are too afraid the goverment will not respect the constitution.
More importantly, Beijingren finally get to watch LOTR: Return of the King! Hooray! (That is assuming they haven't already purchased a street copy for a dollar).
More importantly, Beijingren finally get to watch LOTR: Return of the King! Hooray! (That is assuming they haven't already purchased a street copy for a dollar).
Madrid Train Attack
Always tragic to see another mindless taking of life. So completely mindless, that perhaps even the perpetrators aren't going to claim responsibility, because the death was too extensive to do them any political good.
10 coordinated zero hour explosions, secondaries for police and rescues... Either ETA has been to school or this is someone better organized then they are. Whoever they are I hope they are caught and dealt with quickly. Tim Mcveigh can welcome them into hell.
Completely tragic.
10 coordinated zero hour explosions, secondaries for police and rescues... Either ETA has been to school or this is someone better organized then they are. Whoever they are I hope they are caught and dealt with quickly. Tim Mcveigh can welcome them into hell.
Completely tragic.
Wednesday, March 10, 2004
The China Environmentalist
These events in China, as reported by the NYT, are as encouraging as they are discouraging. China wants to dam the Nu river in an effort to create more energy. However, the river and surrounding areas is a world heritage site, which hosts many endangered plant and animal species. In contrast to the Three Gorges Dam project, which has and continues to garner intense international outcry, resistance to the Nu Dam project comes mostly from within China.
This new is encouraging because of its socio-political ramifications. There is a grass roots movement within China against this project. That is amazing! According to the article,
“The dam proposal became public last August after reports appeared in the Chinese news media, including China Environment News, the official newspaper of the national environmental agency. It ran several front-page articles, including one titled ‘The Pristine Environment of the Nu River Should Be Preserved.’”
An official news paper is voicing opposition to a Beijing project. I can only imagine the discussions going on in Chinese universities and business places. Instead of focusing on the evils of the world outside China, the people may actually be questioning and discussing the relative merits of their own nation’s policies. Wow.
I think it is awesome to see increased environmental awareness in China. When Yang and I were in Beijing, we were amazed at the pollution. Beijing was polluted on all levels: industrial pollution (mostly from burning coal for energy); agricultural pollution (copious pesticide use in farming and the dust storms from the desertification of areas around the Gobi); and individual pollution (people threw trash in the streets and rivers, people spit in the streets and indoors, and most shockingly- we actually saw a mother let her child defecate on the street). While we were there (1999-2000), people around us were barely starting to realize the seriousness of the problem. It reminds me of the U.S. in the 1980s. I am just old enough to remember the environmental TV ad of the Indian on the hill crying as he watched the teenagers dump their fast food waste out the window of their car. Remember- we used to dump trash on the streets too. Attitudes changed in America and they are changing in China. I don’t mean to be paternalistic or patronizing to China. I love the place. But the pollution is shocking.
The discouraging news is that the dam project will likely materialize. China is short on energy, and its economy only continues to grow. Pressure has been placed on Beijing to become less dependent on coal and more dependent on cleaner forms of energy. That is exactly what China is doing with this dam project. The giant has awakened and it is hungry. It needs energy to fuel its growth. Hopefully Beijing can weigh its present needs with its future needs and follow the best course of action.
This new is encouraging because of its socio-political ramifications. There is a grass roots movement within China against this project. That is amazing! According to the article,
“The dam proposal became public last August after reports appeared in the Chinese news media, including China Environment News, the official newspaper of the national environmental agency. It ran several front-page articles, including one titled ‘The Pristine Environment of the Nu River Should Be Preserved.’”
An official news paper is voicing opposition to a Beijing project. I can only imagine the discussions going on in Chinese universities and business places. Instead of focusing on the evils of the world outside China, the people may actually be questioning and discussing the relative merits of their own nation’s policies. Wow.
I think it is awesome to see increased environmental awareness in China. When Yang and I were in Beijing, we were amazed at the pollution. Beijing was polluted on all levels: industrial pollution (mostly from burning coal for energy); agricultural pollution (copious pesticide use in farming and the dust storms from the desertification of areas around the Gobi); and individual pollution (people threw trash in the streets and rivers, people spit in the streets and indoors, and most shockingly- we actually saw a mother let her child defecate on the street). While we were there (1999-2000), people around us were barely starting to realize the seriousness of the problem. It reminds me of the U.S. in the 1980s. I am just old enough to remember the environmental TV ad of the Indian on the hill crying as he watched the teenagers dump their fast food waste out the window of their car. Remember- we used to dump trash on the streets too. Attitudes changed in America and they are changing in China. I don’t mean to be paternalistic or patronizing to China. I love the place. But the pollution is shocking.
The discouraging news is that the dam project will likely materialize. China is short on energy, and its economy only continues to grow. Pressure has been placed on Beijing to become less dependent on coal and more dependent on cleaner forms of energy. That is exactly what China is doing with this dam project. The giant has awakened and it is hungry. It needs energy to fuel its growth. Hopefully Beijing can weigh its present needs with its future needs and follow the best course of action.
Tuesday, March 09, 2004
Rubens
NYT reports that an art exhibition in France is finally giving Rubens his due recognition. Apparently, France rejected Rubens for nationalistic reasons. Glory for Rubens meant less glory for the French painter of the time, Poussin. Furthermore, France at the time only appreciated Italian art. I think this shows that art is not independent of politics--It wasn't in the 17th century and it isn't today. What a fascinating class that would be- politics and art. *Thinking I should have been an art history major*
Personally, I love Rubens for his "extravagant regard for female flesh" (as the NYT puts it). His room at the Louvre Museum was my favorite.
Personally, I love Rubens for his "extravagant regard for female flesh" (as the NYT puts it). His room at the Louvre Museum was my favorite.
Give junior a ballot
I think allowing kids the ability to vote is a great idea, but it should be qualified in ways other than just age. Why not give them a half vote if they pay any significant income taxes, and a full vote if they drive? Aside from entering the military and being able to legally drink, what is the difference between a responsible, tax paying, driving 16 year old and an 18 year old who votes? I cannot see a meaningful one. Are kids fickle? Probably. Are they irresponsible voters? Probably some of them. That doesn't make them any different than most adult voters.
230 years ago a handful of us got bent out of shape over, among other things, being taxed without any represetation. I don't see how this is any different of an issue. Perhaps our public schooling problems wouldn't be as dire as they are if we would allow students the ability to vote.
Ideas?
230 years ago a handful of us got bent out of shape over, among other things, being taxed without any represetation. I don't see how this is any different of an issue. Perhaps our public schooling problems wouldn't be as dire as they are if we would allow students the ability to vote.
Ideas?
Monday, March 08, 2004
Ah, Utah.
SCM pointed out that I haven’t posted lately. Sorry. Real life is my only excuse. I am actually posting this during Business Associations. This is not the best time because BA is about as RL as it gets for me, but this class is really boring. I can’t help it.
On to the point of my post: I stumbled on this link via times and seasons. There has existed an unfortunate baby name trend in Utah- especially among Mormons. The trend is that parents are naming their children really horrible names! Be creative with pet names- play it safe when naming your child! Some of my favorite Utah names: Liberty Lulu, Zion Anakin, Tithing, Xione (pronounced Zion), and LaVoid. Ha! (See the best of the list linked above: the cream of the crop). In addition to pioneer-esque names, I have noticed many religion-specific names (generally only Mormons recognize the significance- Nephi, Lehi, Liahonna, Nauvoo, Kirtland) and alternative spellings (Jaxon, Kayte, etc). I haven’t always been very fond of my name, but my parents could have done a lot worse! (Kori is my name in rl).
I am sure this is not a phenomenon unique to Utah, or to Mormons for that matter. Maybe the names with alternative (made-up) spellings are not a Utah/Mormon trend, but rather a small town trend? I know biblical names have been around for a while, but people generally stick with the simple biblical names (John, James, Matthew, and the occasional Isaiah). Do people pick more “unique” biblical names in the Bible belt? The entertaining hippie-name trend seems to have ended in the 70s- what is the name trend that will characterize our generation?
Enough. Back to the differences between preferred stock and common stock.
On to the point of my post: I stumbled on this link via times and seasons. There has existed an unfortunate baby name trend in Utah- especially among Mormons. The trend is that parents are naming their children really horrible names! Be creative with pet names- play it safe when naming your child! Some of my favorite Utah names: Liberty Lulu, Zion Anakin, Tithing, Xione (pronounced Zion), and LaVoid. Ha! (See the best of the list linked above: the cream of the crop). In addition to pioneer-esque names, I have noticed many religion-specific names (generally only Mormons recognize the significance- Nephi, Lehi, Liahonna, Nauvoo, Kirtland) and alternative spellings (Jaxon, Kayte, etc). I haven’t always been very fond of my name, but my parents could have done a lot worse! (Kori is my name in rl).
I am sure this is not a phenomenon unique to Utah, or to Mormons for that matter. Maybe the names with alternative (made-up) spellings are not a Utah/Mormon trend, but rather a small town trend? I know biblical names have been around for a while, but people generally stick with the simple biblical names (John, James, Matthew, and the occasional Isaiah). Do people pick more “unique” biblical names in the Bible belt? The entertaining hippie-name trend seems to have ended in the 70s- what is the name trend that will characterize our generation?
Enough. Back to the differences between preferred stock and common stock.
Religion gone way too far.
Do a search for "lambuel" and prepare to be shocked. I won't link to it for fear they would hunt me down and shoot me. To think this kind of stuff is geared towards kids. I like how the pastor there has a degree in Theobiology. Zach and I were thinking that is definitely not a hard science, likely not a soft one either. We decided it would be a meringue science, light and airy.
More Beagle
The Brits are still looking, but no thanks to the Germans who have offered their help.
I think the last couple of lines of this article are quite good. At least someone besides me is getting a charge out of this.
I think the last couple of lines of this article are quite good. At least someone besides me is getting a charge out of this.
Quote of the day.
I love it when the press ask stupid questions. This response from a Col. in Haiti is classic.
Asked how he knew the man killed was a gunman, Gurganus said: "He had a gun and he was shooting at Marines, that's what I call a gunman."
Asked how he knew the man killed was a gunman, Gurganus said: "He had a gun and he was shooting at Marines, that's what I call a gunman."
Thursday, March 04, 2004
Alternative version of "Footprints in the Sand"
Below is a different version of a very cheesy religious poem.
One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.
But then some strange prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord, they are too big for feet."
"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you along.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."
"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt."
"Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."
Thanks to Ben over at Times and Seasons.
One night I had a wondrous dream,
One set of footprints there was seen,
The footprints of my precious Lord,
But mine were not along the shore.
But then some strange prints appeared,
And I asked the Lord, "What have we here?"
Those prints are large and round and neat,
"But Lord, they are too big for feet."
"My child," He said in somber tones,
"For miles I carried you along.
I challenged you to walk in faith,
But you refused and made me wait."
"You disobeyed, you would not grow,
The walk of faith, you would not know,
So I got tired, I got fed up,
And there I dropped you on your butt."
"Because in life, there comes a time,
When one must fight, and one must climb,
When one must rise and take a stand,
Or leave their butt prints in the sand."
Thanks to Ben over at Times and Seasons.
Wednesday, March 03, 2004
Moms
Never underestimate the determination and wit of a mother.
"Hey kid, there is some gum in your hair. Let me pull it out for you." That's pretty cagey. I am very impressed.
"Hey kid, there is some gum in your hair. Let me pull it out for you." That's pretty cagey. I am very impressed.
Cambodia?
After seeing that Zach was quizzed out to have "questions about... sexual promiscuity and the threat of disease," I figured I should try this one out.
You're Cambodia!
Life's been really rough, but it's slowly improving. You know
way too much about the skeletal structure of humans, mostly from being forced to study
it. This has given you a fear of many things, most especially the color red.
The future has to be more promising though, and your greatest adversary can now
never come back to hurt you any more.
Take
the Country Quiz at the href="http://bluepyramid.org">Blue Pyramid
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Point of Clarification
Yin would never say Jackass, nor would she ever watch the movie. Her actual words were, "that MTV show that I have heard about where they try to outdo each other with stupid stunts."
FYI
FYI
Landing on a Comet
Some of the recent news has renewed my geek driven interest in space. I confess, I went to Space Camp as a kid and loved every minute of it. They made me Mission Commander of our simulated shuttle mission, and I even bought a little blue flight suit and lots of patches to sew on it. Bad, I know.
Anyway, the Mars Rovers have been fun to follow. I was expecting a little more of a dog and pony show for today's press release. The anticipation leading up to it reminded me of Forest Gump: my friends had told me how great it was, when I finally came around to seeing it, disappointment was the only possible outcome.
I laugh every time I see the Diet Pepsi commercial that shows the Martians taking the wheels off the rover and putting it up on cinder blocks. That's clever.
Anyway, I am reading about this comet chasing mission and thinking- no way. There is no way this will be pulled off. Landing a washing machine sized probe on a comet? I just don't think that is going to happen. Another article I read said the probe was going to have to harpoon the comet and reel itself in, seeing as how there isn't enough gravity to actually "land" on it.
I hate to be pessimistic, but my prediction is bleak. Hitting a comet, which can't be very big, 10+ years from now millions of miles away? No offense to the Europeans who worked on it, but considering their recent adventures in space-- the failed Arianne rocket launch recently, and the M.I.A. Beagle, their track record is not so hot. Good luck, you are really going to need it.
Yin says, "Why do people do things like this? Its like Jackass for geeks. Somewhere there are a bunch of people sitting together thinking up the next craziest thing to try to pull off."
Anyway, the Mars Rovers have been fun to follow. I was expecting a little more of a dog and pony show for today's press release. The anticipation leading up to it reminded me of Forest Gump: my friends had told me how great it was, when I finally came around to seeing it, disappointment was the only possible outcome.
I laugh every time I see the Diet Pepsi commercial that shows the Martians taking the wheels off the rover and putting it up on cinder blocks. That's clever.
Anyway, I am reading about this comet chasing mission and thinking- no way. There is no way this will be pulled off. Landing a washing machine sized probe on a comet? I just don't think that is going to happen. Another article I read said the probe was going to have to harpoon the comet and reel itself in, seeing as how there isn't enough gravity to actually "land" on it.
I hate to be pessimistic, but my prediction is bleak. Hitting a comet, which can't be very big, 10+ years from now millions of miles away? No offense to the Europeans who worked on it, but considering their recent adventures in space-- the failed Arianne rocket launch recently, and the M.I.A. Beagle, their track record is not so hot. Good luck, you are really going to need it.
Yin says, "Why do people do things like this? Its like Jackass for geeks. Somewhere there are a bunch of people sitting together thinking up the next craziest thing to try to pull off."
Don't get mad
So there's a study out now that says if you get angry a lot you are likely to have a heart attack. I wonder if there is money in this medical research, because it doesn't appear to be too difficult. Some ideas I have for possible studies: I would like to establish that if you don't sleep, you are likely to become tired. Or even better, those who don't exercise and eat too much are likely to be overweight. I am reminded of the SNL weekend update where it is announced "in another study, it was found that 75 percent of all people equals three quarters of us."
Will someone buy me a subscription to this magazine? I think Circulation would be a real conversation maker for the coffee table.
Will someone buy me a subscription to this magazine? I think Circulation would be a real conversation maker for the coffee table.
Monday, March 01, 2004
Off to the dentist
Poor Yin. She had a bridge come loose this morning. I feel for anyone who has significant dental work to constantly worry about.
When I was a kid I broke one of my front teeth off in a bicycle accident at a cousin's house. They were a little rougher than I was used to (though it was good for me, looking back). After I stood up and realized my tooth was broken off, we searched the ground looking for it. We actually found a different tooth, but not mine. I didn't really think much of that then, but looking back now, thats pretty funny.
When I was a kid I broke one of my front teeth off in a bicycle accident at a cousin's house. They were a little rougher than I was used to (though it was good for me, looking back). After I stood up and realized my tooth was broken off, we searched the ground looking for it. We actually found a different tooth, but not mine. I didn't really think much of that then, but looking back now, thats pretty funny.
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