tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-311020242011-12-20T01:15:24.437-05:00The MissalThere is but one way to advise – by example.Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.comBlogger3491100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-44540777255933686262011-09-29T10:51:00.001-05:002011-09-29T10:51:58.436-05:00What Should Be, and What Actually is...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><strong>What the Federal government can and should and must do if it is to survive, (<em><span style="color: #cc0000;">and frankly I don't care if it does</span></em>) and to encourage Capitalism, Free Enterprise, and the Building of Wealth among American Citizens:</strong><br /><br />1. Lower Rates of Taxation, at both the Corporate and Individual Levels, and abolish many forms of taxation, such as Social Security taxes, institute a fair tax or consumption tax, and thereafter encourage the development of just and beneficial allodial and fee-free tax systems.<br /><br />2. Abolish much of government.<br /><br />3. Spend far less on government.<br /><br />4. Assist in educating Private Citizens and the entire Society on the advantages of Capitalism, Free Enterprise, Private Industry and Individual Wealth Building, and how these things are actually accomplished (versus the socialistic and communistic principles now being taught as pseudo-science and distorted macro-economics in Federally supported public schools and universities).<br /><br />5. Abolish many forms of regulation, and severely curtail many other forms of regulation to the lowest possible level in order to still maintain acceptable safety protocols, as well as abolishing subsidies to industry.<br /><br />6. Eradicate Social Security and all others forms of failed socialistic economic policies and instead replace these with tax incentives and education programs to encourage and develop individual savings and investment and insurance accounts.<br /><br />7. Abolish Public Education at the Federal level.<br /><br />8. Return the Federal government to its necessary and very limited functions. Acknowledge and eradicate its numerous and unnecessary losses, rather than encouraging and subsidizing constant and continual states of failure.<br /><br />9. Employ far fewer people at far less pay and benefits (especially at the Congressional, Court, and Administrative levels), see itself as a Service Oriented and temporary Career or Profession, rather than as a permanent and fixed political class (America should be political-class-free) and a personal benefits industry and life-long occupation. Government is not a "calling," service in government is a calling. But government is not, and should never be, a life-long enterprise. It is public service, not life-long employment at Public Expense. Americans are not Imperial-era Romans, and neither should we be run like a Third World Banana Republic. To this end it is also extremely necessary to institute Tort and Court reform.<br /><br />10. Actually become Pro Business, Capitalism, Free Enterprise, Industry, and Private Wealth Creation, as well as becoming Self-Limited and self-limiting, and self-disciplined. <br /><br /><br /><em><strong>What the Federal Government actually does:</strong></em><br /><br />1. Seeks any and every opportunity to raise tax rates and to increase the bureaucratic tax burden.<br /><br />2. Seeks constantly to grow itself at the expense of the nation, the culture, and the People.<br /><br />3. Seeks constantly to spend more, and to bankrupt itself, the nation, and the American People.<br /><br />4. Seeks constantly to engage in Socialistic Care-taking policies like Social Security, subsidizing failed enterprises, and seizing control of whole industries like the Medical and Defense Industries.<br /><br />5. Seeks constantly to increase the regulatory burden of government on every sector of the economy, finance, and enterprise, and even on individual behavior even when the evidence is clear that such regulations cripple or destroy market and national competition and entire sectors of industry and the economy.<br /><br />6. Constantly grows socialistic programs while at the same time funding them by means that would in every other circumstance be considered illegal and immoral, while suppressing the development of Individual Business and Saving and Investing and Charity and Philanthropy incentives and programs that would actually work, both societally and financially.<br /><br />7. Constantly fails to educate most people, at great and ever increasing public expense, and the educational efforts it does operate are inefficient and more often than not outright erroneous and inaccurate.<br /><br />8. Constantly seeks to enlarge and spread its creeping, corrupting, and nefarious influence into all aspects of American life and culture. Continually excuses and subsidizes its own abysmal rates of failure, moral and financial bankruptcy, and horrendous and miserable acts of unrepentant incompetence.<br /><br />9. Seeks constantly to swell its rank of employees, dependants, unionized collectives, and supporters to give its gargantuan and bloated bulk an apparent and superficial legitimacy it does not really enjoy.<br /><br />10. Engages in constant acts of sabotage, injury, regulatory destruction, and burdensome taxation and exhaustion against Individual and Corporate acts of Business, Capital Accumulation, Charity and Philanthropy, Free Enterprise, Market Development, Productive Industry, and Private Ownership and Wealth Creation.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><img alt="Digg!" height="10" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /> </a><br /><a href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-4454077725593368626?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-71658585310490828952011-08-11T14:45:00.000-05:002011-08-11T14:45:02.059-05:00The Guv'ner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Rick Perry is In!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><img alt="Digg!" height="10" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /> </a><a href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7165858531049082895?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-29473658226877421102010-08-14T16:34:00.001-05:002010-08-14T16:39:15.557-05:00The Nature of Work and Productivity<span style="font-size: large;"><strong>Pesharim - <em><span style="color: red;">The Nature of Work and Productivity</span></em></strong></span><br /><br /><br />Work is a subject upon which I have spent much time, labor, and effort (pun intended). I have also spent much time studying Work, how it operates, how to improve my own productivity and the productivity of others, what it achieves, what the limitations of work may be, and so forth. Work is also a subject very dear to my heart, for I think Work is an extremely important aspect of human life. One of the fundamental aspects.<br /><br />That being the case I'll present my own views about Work and productivity, which have changed over time as I've experimented with different work methods and with different means to increase my own productivity. Now I have to first admit, in the interest of fairness, that I do many different kinds of work and that each different kind of work may require a different method of efficiency and action (as regards the particular details). I suspect that is true for everyone, no matter what kind of work they do.<br /><br />So, that being said, here are my general observations about work, how to be more productive, and the relationship between vacation and occupation.<br /><br /><br /><strong>1.</strong> People are supposed to spend far more time working than they are entertaining themselves. Or being entertained. That seems counter-intuitive in modern society, but it is true.<br /><br /><strong>2.</strong> Most of the time it is better to work than to be entertained. Work is good for people and part of the expression of their soul, it is not just something you do for cash. If it is something you just do for cash you're in the wrong line of work. (Nothing wrong with money, I'm not saying that, but money is just one kind of motivation for doing good work, it should not be the only motivation for doing good work.)<br /><br /><strong>3.</strong> Good work is good for you, bad work is bad for you. Seems self-evident but you'd be surprised the people that never figure this out.<br /><br /><strong>4.</strong> A certain percentage of your work time should be spent in a relaxed and casual mode, this helps you to problem solve, and then again a certain percentage of your time should be spent in a very serious even stressful mode - this helps you to focus and concentrate on the task. Percentages of work-mode activity will probably vary by individual.<br /><br /><strong>5.</strong> Socializing all of the time at work makes you less productive and lazy. Socializing efficiently, or a certain percentage of the time, probably makes you more, not less, efficient. No man is an island, but no man should be nothing more than a social butterfly either. If you want to be a social butterfly, be that on your own time. At work socialize efficiently and casually, not obsessively and constantly.<br /><br /><strong>6.</strong> Vacations are vital to help you recover from the stress of long or extended work periods. Take them, in moderation. I think a lot about work when on vacation, then again for some of my work, like writing and inventing, vacations are perfect times to get new ideas and to take notes. This doesn't bother me at all, and makes my vacations far more enjoyable to me. But if you don't wanna think about work at all on vacation, then don't. But take vacations when you can. They are good for you. They help you recuperate and regain your energy and focus. They generate new ideas. They allow you to travel. They are beneficial. In moderation. Like wine is good for you in moderation. But drink all the time and you're a lush and a drunk. Vacation constantly and you do nothing more than avoid work constantly. You're slothful.<br /><br /><strong>7.</strong> The same is true for entertainment. There is nothing wrong with entertainment. Enjoying yourself is very good for you. But there is something very, very wrong with the modern idea that you must be entertained at all moments of the day and night, even at work. Let a certain part of each day be reserved for entertainment. Otherwise do your work. And work before entertainment, certainly not the other way around. That's laziness and lack of ambition.<br /><br /><strong>8.</strong> Relaxation is good for you. A certain percentage of your time should be devoted to relaxation, to hobbies, personal enjoyments. Relaxation is like a mini-vacation you can take each day or week. In moderation of course, but nevertheless such time periods are very good for you. And they are good for the people around you, and they are excellent times to associate and socialize with others freely and without restriction. Your main socializing times should be during periods of relaxation, vacation, and entertainment. Not during work cycles.<br /><br /><strong>9.</strong> The proper amounts of rest, sleep, entertainment, relaxation, vacation, exercise and sex will all improve your productivity. Suppression of these things tends to make you less efficient, less effective, and less productive. A good diet will also certainly improve your overall efficiency. A bad diet will make you stupid, slow, inefficient and unproductive. Improper amounts, and improper kinds, of anything decrease or suppress productivity. Proper amounts, and the proper kinds of most things, make you far more productive. Proper and improper amounts probably vary by individual. And by period. At least in some matters. (I.e. Everyone needs necessary levels of water and air to live, not everyone needs the same levels of exercise, sleep, or sex.)<br /><br /><strong>10.</strong> Self-disciple is more important to high levels of productivity than is discipline inflicted by outside forces. Self-discipline is the one virtue without which no-one can ever be truly efficient or highly productive. So cultivate it as an operating principle in your own life. If you desire to work well or do important work.<br /><br /><strong>11.</strong> Everyone should experiment with different methods and techniques for improving their own productivity and work capabilities. Adopt those principles which work best, discard inefficient and ineffective techniques and methods. I'd say the same is true in every area of your life. Too much of life is spent wasted pursuing ineffective and bad techniques for work, in relationships, even in entertainment. Experiment, and if something is a failure discard it, if something works then adopt it, and if something works modestly then improve it. <br /><br /><strong>12.</strong> Seek out work which makes you happy and which is of benefit and profit not only to yourself but to the rest of the world. You'll be glad you did, and so will others.<br /><br /><strong>13.</strong> You're not wedded to the same work or job for your whole life. If you're dissatisfied with your work then improve your current work, find another occupation, make your own work, or start your own business. That might be nearly impossible in some parts of the world, but probably not for you. What prevents you from being satisfied with your work is you. Plain and simple. Everything else is just excuse making. You might not find or make satisfactory and enjoyable work overnight (that rarely happens), but you sure as hell won't find it sitting on your furry and flea-bitten tail howling at the moon about it. Risk scouts the way, complaint kills the day.<br /><br /><strong>14.</strong> Variety is very important to satisfaction in work involving constant change and new challenges. Consistency is very important as regards repetitive work. The quality and productivity of your work will be determined to a large extent by your individual nature. If your nature naturally seeks variety, seek out work involving constant change. If you have a nature that desires stability and consistency, seek out work that does not change much. Fit your work to your nature, and your nature to your work. As much as possible. Levels of variation between stability and change will fluctuate over time.<br /><br /><strong>15.</strong> Schedule yourself and generally speaking you will be more productive. Allow a certain level of flexibility in your schedule, but stone by stone lain rightly builds the mighty coliseum. Better to do a little well every day, than to attempt to drink up the ocean overnight. You will have to make both sacrifices and efforts for work. The disciplining of time is the disciplining of actual achievement. Fail to discipline your time and time escapes you. And time escaped cannot be recaptured.<br /><br /><strong>16.</strong> Failure is the best method of learning what won't work. Yet you'd be surprised at the people who either stubbornly won't learn that lesson, or never bother to notice it. Yet it directly affects your real productivity.<br /><br /><strong>17.</strong> Be yourself, and your work will flourish. Be what you are not, and your work will fail.<br /><br /><strong>18.</strong> Your work is important. If it isn't something is definitely wrong with either your work, with you, or with both.<br /><br /><strong>19.</strong> Work should be a natural part of your life and soul. So look first at your life and soul and this will help you determine what work is best for you to pursue. When your work is an extension of your own soul, you will love your work. When your work suppresses your soul, that is totally unnatural and counter-productive. I do not consider my work as being separate from my family, my friends, my community, state, nation, the world, or God. Rather my work integrates with all of these either things. As it should. That is the good way. It should not be the uncommon way.<br /><br /><strong><span style="background-color: red;">20.</span></strong> Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Whatever your Sabbath, keep one day devoted to being vacated from work, and to pursuing other things that are just as important (if not more-so) as work, such as family, home, your soul, and God. Working at your own soul will not only make you far more productive, it will make you a far better person. Work is supposed to make the world better, working at your own soul will make you better.<br /><br />To me these are the most important general principles of work and productivity.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><img alt="Digg!" height="10" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /> </a><a href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2947365822687742110?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-85998975077214657672009-11-19T13:21:00.000-05:002009-11-19T13:21:45.827-05:00The Foreign Affairs Brilliance of Obama and the Democrats<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Glair - <em><span style="color: red;">The Foreign Affairs Brilliance of Obama and the Democrats</span></em></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"<em><strong>Change without a difference</strong></em>. It's why 9 out of 10 tyrants now like and respect us."<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">or <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Change bowing to everyone. Because it's just really sweet and hip for Free Men to bow deeply to Emperors and Kings."<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">or<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"<em>Because being well-liked is far more important than being effective</em>. <strong>Ain't it?</strong>"<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">or<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Because if we try them in New York then every terrorist around the world will finally know they're beaten. Unless of course, <em>by some odd circumstance</em>, they don't really care what we think."<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">or<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Bankrupting both the US and China. I mean, if we both go down hard then there are no more Superpowers, and what better way for everybody to be finally and truly equal in the UN?"<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img alt="Digg!" height="10" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-8599897507721465767?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-25984145955990074332009-11-18T15:03:00.000-05:002009-11-18T15:03:38.913-05:00The Economic Brilliance of Obama and the Democrats<strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Glair - <em><span style="color: red;">T</span><span style="color: red;">he Economic Brilliance of Obama and the Democrats</span></em></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">"<em><strong>Change no-one can afford</strong></em>."<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">or<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><strong>Debts of Future Passed</strong> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">(on to the next five or six generations).<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">or<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"<strong>Saving or creating more fictional jobs that at any time in American history</strong>."<br /></div><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img alt="Digg!" height="10" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2598414595599007433?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-23068427927084017932009-08-19T15:26:00.004-05:002009-08-19T15:40:03.289-05:00Tome and Tomb<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Humours of Idleness - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Tome and Tomb</span></em></span></strong><br /><div></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><a href="http://www.enworld.org/forum/blogs/jack7/">Tome and Tomb</a></strong></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371776955503077938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 64px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 64px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Soxirh1j6jI/AAAAAAAABEs/gwTrdsImxiQ/s400/phpAYJDRu_c3AM.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div>I have a Blog on Gaming which I have been writing for awhile.</div><br /><div>Now that I have sufficient material up for reading I'm linking it to this blog in the case any of my readers are interested in gaming matters. Visit it and let me know what you think. It's called <strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">Tome and Tomb</span></strong>.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Jack.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2306842792708401793?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-71489794897352103272009-07-31T14:07:00.004-05:002009-07-31T14:53:51.721-05:00THE RENAISSANCE GILD: AN INTRODUCTION<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Pesharim - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Renaissance Gild: An Introduction</span></em></span></strong><br /><br /><strong>Synopsis:</strong> The Renaissance Gild is a simple yet effective method of fully developing a wide range of skills within a single individual, and of self-development of the polymathic capabilities and ingenuity inherent in each person.<br /><br /><strong>Introduction:</strong> I have been working on this idea for well over thirty years (in one way or another), the accompanying Theory Paper and assorted supplementary material regarding this project for about three years now, and my own <em>Personal Gild Program</em> for a little over a decade. Anyway I thought it was about time to put the idea into wider circulation, both among my friends and colleagues, and as regards the world at large.<br /><br /><strong>What the Renaissance Gild Is:</strong> The Renaissance Gild is less a formal agency, organization, group, or club, than it is intended to be an informal <em>"movement of individuals."</em> Though it could also easily become an informal movement among a vast number of individuals (my hope is that this is exactly what will develop over time), or it could even become a more formalized structure for group accomplishment, but I would not want such a movement or organization to in any way suppress or hinder the noteworthy accomplishments of individual Gild members. What is most important about the Gild is the promotion of individual achievement, not the primacy of formal group structure or exclusivity. Indeed no "membership" of any kind is required or necessary other than an honest motivation to achieve and accomplish and the steady, persistent, and patient labor demanded for real and lasting success.<br /><br /><strong>How the Renaissance Gild Operates:</strong> One needs no formal degree or training in order to participate in the Gild. One may be self-educated, formally and institutionally well educated (I am both, and I recommend both if possible, but if a formal education is not possible or practical then I definitely recommend a good, solid program of self-education), or even not very well educated. One need not worry in any case, as one may counteract a poor education through a well-developed method of Renaissance Education, which I will discuss at another time.<br /><br />The Gild is open to individuals of any age. A Gild member can be of any sex, race, background, nationality, or religion. Requirements regarding Gild members are not exclusionary, but rather progressive (not in the political sense, but in the objective sense) towards future achievement. What is actually required of the Gild member is hard work and serious study, along with much practice and persistent application to accomplish those things that are long lasting, practical, beneficial and useful, and/or broad in scope or accomplishment.<br /><br />To this end I suggest three broad areas or categories of concentration for each Gild member: those of Art, Religion, and Science. Why do I recommend these particular areas of concentration for achievement to each Gild member? The reasons are simple, historical, and profound. Throughout human history, and indeed given what we know of human pre-history the same basic conditions apply, the greatest human advances have been made within these general categories of activity. Men have made their most important (and sometimes most destructive and counterproductive – but our intent is to avoid or overcome those malignant tendencies) discoveries and advances within the fields of Art, Religion, and Science. (I do not rank these categories of achievement in order of importance within my own mind, but rather for sake of simplicity, alphabetically.) Indeed nearly every form of human activity can be roughly classified as falling within the parameters of these three general subject areas.<br /><br />For example, Art, from the very beginnings of human prehistory has been an important aspect of human expression, and perhaps just as importantly, of representing the world through images and symbols that others could understand.<br /><br />Religion, also from pre-history onwards, has been an important, if not the most important to most people, method of rendering value to the world, of shaping how men behave towards their fellow man, and of speculating about conditions and events beyond the known and immediately evident world.<br /><br />And Science (and I classify things like the earliest attempts at the creation of tools, of domesticating animals, of developing agriculture, etc. as acts of science or proto-science – even when such acts were not then understood to be scientific in the modern sense of the term) from man’s earliest roots has formed the basis for man’s attempts to control his environment and to understand and profit from his physical conditions.<br /><br />Most things that people do or achieve can be classified as arising from an artistic, a religious, or a scientific impulse. Or sometimes from one or more category of activity working in conjunction with the others. For instance was the painting of the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel a religious act of devotion, an artistic act of inspiration, or a scientific endeavor requiring great skill and technical mastery? Or was it in truth not all three?<br /><br />So these categories are certainly not hard and fixed, impenetrable the one to the other, but rather all forms of human activity are open, fluid, malleable, and osmotic, and therefore art, religion, and science far more often than not cross-fertilize one another in very productive and beneficial ways.<br /><br />There are of course also fields of human activity that could be considered sub-categories of the general fields of Art, Religion, and Science. As an example some fields of human enterprise naturally fall into more than one category of classification. For instance both Business, and Athletic performance can variously, depending on the particular circumstance involved, be considered an Art, a Science, or both. For this reason as regards my own Renaissance Program, rather than trying to determine whether I think my business and athletic enterprises are more truly Art, or Science, or both, I simply classify them as separate sub-categories of activity. I do the same with the fields of Politics, Social and Civic Activities, and Philanthropy and Charity operations. I also maintain a separate category for my various Avocations, because some are scientific in nature, and some are artistic in nature, and rather than confuse or overcomplicate the point I simply classify them separately. But generally speaking, if I wished, and for sake of simplicity, I could easily enough classify even activities like business, athletics, philanthropy, and my avocations as being Artistic, Religious, or Scientific in character. For ease of understanding I will give my example of how the Renaissance Gild works by employing the simple and general categories of Art, Religion, and Science. But first let me give my own brief descriptions of how I define Art, Religion, and Science for the sake of understanding how the Gild best functions. You are of course not bound by these particular descriptions or definitions. I offer them merely for the sake of illustration and to provide clear and concise examples of possible and pragmatically functional definitions.<br /><br /><strong><em>Art</em></strong> - All of those concerns normally associated with the Arts and with creative functions of all kinds. It is everything from sketching to film to architecture to painting to music to writing, and even to things like acting and dance (I have little personal interest in acting and dance, but they are arts, so I include them in this description). Art assists with the way one perceives the world, and with how one represents the world to others.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 670px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 469px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a0/Molenaer,_Jan_Miense_-_The_Artist%27s_Studio_.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><strong>Religion</strong></em> - How a man conducts himself towards his fellow man, towards other creatures, towards his world, and towards God. How he disciplines his behavior and does good towards others. His moral character, the practice which assists him with bettering himself and the world, and most especially important, towards establishing, maintaining, and bettering his relationship with God. The example of God he follows, the closeness of God in his soul, his actions in this world, and how he prepares himself for his life after his physical death.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 294px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 372px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://eapi.admu.edu.ph/jesuitica/story-ignatius/photos/photo33.jpg" border="0" /><br /><em><strong>Science</strong></em> - The methods by which one seeks to perceive and understand the physical aspects (and perhaps in some cases, other aspects) of this universe, how it operates, and in what exact manner(s) it may operate. How one seeks to master and manipulate both matter and energy, and to what ultimate end and in what way. Science is both an act of seeking to understand the physical universe and to control it or shape it for the better.<br /><br /><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 404px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 500px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/3146531734_20f34997a5.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>An Example of How to Use the Renaissance Gild:<br /></strong><br />An individual chooses one major accomplishment or perhaps two or more minor accomplishments for every year to two years, as a stated goal for achievement in each of the three various categories of Art, Religion, and Science. Each person picks what is best and most natural to themselves as far as the exact goals to be attempted, and as regards the sub-categories and sub-disciplines within each general branch of Art, Religion, and Science to be undertaken.<br /><br /><strong>For Example:</strong><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">ART<br /></span></strong><br />I intend to paint three canvasses in oil detailing my famous ancestors, their backgrounds, environments, and some of their exploits – major achievement<br /><br />Or<br /><br />I will write and publish a small book of poetry, and learn to play the piano – minor accomplishments<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#33cc00;">RELIGION<br /></span></strong><br />I will go on an extended Missions trip to help the people of Madagascar with their spiritual, medical, and physical needs – major accomplishment<br /><br />Or<br /><br />I will assist the poor of my local community, and I will give more money to charity and/or volunteer more of my time to worthwhile charities – minor accomplishments<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">SCIENCE<br /></span></strong><br />I will perfect my invention to the best of my ability and thereafter market it for the benefit of the public and for my own benefit and profit – major accomplishment<br /><br />Or<br /><br />I will conduct experiments in chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine to develop a better method for preventing and treating burns, and I will use my new telescope to make detailed observations of the moon and nearby planets hoping to make a new discovery – minor accomplishments<br /><br /><br /><br />As I have previously noted one can also develop sub-categories of endeavor, such as <em>Civic Accomplishments, Political Aims, Avocational Interests</em>, etc. in which one can also detail one’s personal aims and objectives.<br /><br /><br />Of course what each individual considers a major, or a minor accomplishment will vary with the individual concerned, but I offer the following examples above as possible guidelines for developing your own Renaissance potential.<br /><br />Once one accomplishes one’s stated desire within any given field or category of activity then one records that accomplishment in one’s <em><strong>Accomplishment List</strong></em> (discussed below) and replaces the accomplished goal with a new objective.<br /><br />In time the aim of your personal Renaissance project is to develop a wide range of useful and beneficial skills, to study widely and to be able to converse ably and competently on nearly any subject, to become ever better at what you do best, and over time to fully develop and exploit your own set of talents, your own genius, and your own polymathic capabilities. What separates the ultimate objective of the Renaissance Project from a standard set of Goals and Objectives (which are usually limited and aimed at only a specific, discreet, or narrow intention) is the <em><strong>Real Purpose of the Renaissance Model</strong></em>. The aim of the Renaissance Model is not merely to achieve a certain set of goals - but to achieve a certain set of goals and objectives and thereby to accomplish certain important and worthwhile work while one lives in such a way as to master and develop one’s full range of Artistic, Religious, and Scientific capabilities simultaneously, and in conjunction with each other. The aim of the individual Renaissance Program is to develop one’s individual Artistic, Religious, and Scientific capabilities and abilities so that each field of endeavor supports and compliments the other, and so that a person can best exploit and express their own individual force of Arete. In that way one seeks to become both a polymath, and to gain a real mastery of understanding in the way different fields or disciplines of activity and knowledge interrelate the one to another. A secondary and yet vital benefit derived from the individual Renaissance Project is the fact that one becomes acutely and intimately aware of the full range and breadth of possible capabilities inherent within one’s self.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Tracking Gild Accomplishments:</strong> Various methods of Goal and Objective setting, achievement, and tracking are possible in regards to the Renaissance Gild. However I highly recommend the use of the <em>Accomplishment List</em>. The Accomplishment List is simply a list, using the same basic format as the Gild itself, that details what accomplishments and achievements you have already made or completed in regards to your own Renaissance Program. In that way you can see what you have achieved in the past, those areas of enterprise in which you have the most apparent ability or capability and tendency towards success, and furthermore you can use the information regarding your past achievements and accomplishments to set newer and better goals and objectives for what you would like to achieve in the future.<br /><br /><strong>Background on the Project and Gild:</strong> I plan on writing a long paper or essay, maybe even a short book on the Renaissance Gild. Though the idea is a simple one in execution (see sections above). I developed the idea by studying how geniuses and polymaths like Erasmus and Goethe and More and Bacon and Archimedes and Da Vinci thought and worked. I came to the very obvious and simple conclusion that many people like this achieved so much in so many wide and diverse fields of enterprise simply because they both had a wide range of interests (and thus studied widely), and most important of all attempted to do a number of different things in various disciplines or fields of activity. It may seem an obvious point that anyone wishing to become a polymath must attempt many things in separate and various fields of activity, but in our modern world and society attempting many and different things is often subtly, if not overtly, discouraged. For instance the common refrain of many in our time, <em>“that’s not my field,”</em> as if to say, that is beyond my real capabilities and expertise while unconsciously (and often falsely) supporting the idea that only the “specialized expert” could possibly know of what he speaks in that category of activity. It is extremely hard for me to imagine an Erasmus, an Archimedes, a Saint Ignatius, or a Da Vinci saying with any sense of seriousness, “that’s not my field.” That sort of self-imposed smallness of mind would be naturally repugnant and ridiculous to such men. For good reason. What one doesn’t know one can easily enough learn and then master if one is determined to do so. Only lack of imagination and desire condemns the modern man to his narrow corner of shackled enterprise and accomplishment.<br /><br />(To tell you the truth it has been my observation that most people already do a number of different things in different fields of activity. The difference between this normal state of affairs in life, however, and the idea of the Renaissance Gild is that the Renaissance Gild encourages such activities to become noticeable and formalized, to become concentrated, focused, and intentionally overt rather than merely unfocused and with no real overarching objective, aim, or purpose. For instance a person might play ball, work a job, take part in his church, invent something, and so forth and so on. But that individual sees all of these diverse activities as separate and mainly subjectively unrelated spheres of action, and rarely thinks to integrate these activities into a single, conscious, coherent, objectified, and useful method of both life examination and life achievement. The point of the Renaissance Gild is to produce a goal-oriented and integrated Great Life, one that focuses upon enjoyable, necessary, and intended achievements, and thereby is not simply a sort of meandering, unconscious, vague and listless life of seemingly accidental occurrences and achievements – regardless of whether one’s achievements are truly accidental or intentional. The aim of the Renaissance Gild then is threefold, to produce a Great Life with real purpose, to be aware of the fact that the various activities of one’s life lead towards a greater and more integrated and more thorough Union of activities, most of which, if not all of which, can be when properly perceived viewed as a coherent whole, and finally by having a Great Life and by being aware of the fuller integration of one’s various individual activities, to produce ever newer and greater Goals and Objectives that serve to increase of augment the Great Life that one already enjoys. In other words the Renaissance Man or Woman has a Great Life that is both fully integrated and perpetually improving, and ever therefore ever more progressive.)<br /><br />I, personally, even as a kid, was never by nature or interest comfortable with the Hyper-Specialization of Modern Society and Culture. The idea that people become "Experts" in an extremely narrow, or ever increasingly narrow, field of activity.<br /><br />This idea, this ideal of the modern expert and the narrow-specialist seems both a joke and a simple-minded delusion to me. It is based upon the canard common in our society, fostered by “knowledge experts and educational gurus” that there is simply too much to know, and therefore it is a basically bootless undertaking to know many things correctly, much less most things well. And that therefore it is a wasted effort to know what you do not know. But ironically, and obviously if one thinks but a short period of time upon the matter, by becoming an "expert" in an extremely narrow range of knowledge and activity one fails to be able to see the evident interactions between wide ranges of different types of activity, action, and thought in both the functions of nature, and the real behaviors demonstrated by men in their actions. The modern expert is often as blissfully ignorant of nature (and her operations) and the wider world around him, as he is of the simple observational arts, body of information and experience, and obvious human interactions that would make most of the behaviors of his fellow man far more visible and comprehensible to him. He has traded “expertise” for genuine understanding, and narrowness of contextual experience for true comprehension. All because he too often uncritically accepts the words and conclusions of others who deem themselves experts based merely upon the notion that they are satisfied with knowing more about less that at any other point in human history.<br /><br />When Hyper-specialization occurs then people willingly blind themselves and their capabilities to how the world, and to how human activity, really functions, tends to act, and to react. Hyper-specialization and the modern mania and juvenile fascination (giving rise to the corresponding false assumptions of that self-same fascination) with the "expert" does not in the long run create real experts. It instead creates a sort of pseudo-expert, a priest of sub-par and fractured knowledge, a mere facade of real expertise, an alias of and an alien identity among countless other so called experts who seem to have an intimate grasp of their subject matter but usually lack even the most basic and fundamental understanding of how their particular field or discipline functions when in contact with other forces or influences, or when in operation in the real world.<br /><br />To counter the modern mania of hyper-specialization and the ill-conceived fashion and fad of the contemporary expert I went back to the Renaissance Model (which in itself is based upon the far more ancient model of the well-rounded Classical Genius, men like Archimedes, men filled and consumed with Arete) and started to develop a counter-program and counter-cultural ideal which is really just my current reinterpretation of the Polymath and the Genius fluent in many fields of activity and productivity.<br /><br />Thankfully I see much evidence that our culture has tired of the Hyper-Specialized expert, and that it is now far more dubious and critical of such a fantastic creature. You see this counter-reaction with the development of various think tanks devoted to a wide range of enterprises and studies, you see it in more modern career paths (where people move from one field or discipline to another with relative ease and with confidence in the pursuit of their various enterprises), you see it in various books being written, in the development of the multi-capable Special Forces Soldier, and so forth and so on. There is a blurring of the lines and a breaking down of old, outmoded, and artificial divisions of thought and activity. You're even slowly seeing it in politics with the disenchantment of the idea of the "expert politician." So I'm hardly the first to notice or promote such trends in our society.<br /><br />But doing away with a thing is not the same <em>as replacing a thing with something better</em>.<br /><br />And long ago I decided to devote myself to the idea of the Renaissance Man, rather than to the modern conception and misconception of the Expert. What is needed in the contemporary world is a New Breed of Man, who is in reality merely the very best kind of man, filled with the very best kind of virtue (Arete), from the very best ages of the past. What is needed now (especially now) is the Renaissance Man (who sometimes arises from the ranks of the Professional, and just as often arises from the ranks of the Amateur). The Art, Religion, and Science of the Renaissance Man, properly undertaken, is the cure for the modern (shallow minded, narrowly accomplished, and often wrong) and artless, aimless, and ignorant Expert.<br /><br />Now don't mistake my real intention, I have nothing against the idea of Expertise, or the Expert, in general or per se. Real Experts serve a valuable and necessary function, and one should be good at what one does, and knowledgeable about any field of activity in which one is employed or engaged. But I am in truth speaking (throughout) about the difference between the modern ideal of the expert, and Real Expertise, which by its very nature requires at least as much breadth of understanding in how to interact with the rest of the world, as it requires depth of self-understanding and self-critique. You have to know what you are doing, and how. Then again you must also know why you are doing what you are doing, and where and when what you do fits together within the larger context and scope of the world.<br /><br /><br />So I began work years and years ago, back when I was a teenager actually, on an answer to and counteraction against the modern ideal of the expert and the promotion of the principle of hyper-specialization. Those who have known me for a long time probably remember at least some of the conversations we had on these and related matters, even as kids. Of course back then I didn't call my counteraction the Renaissance Gild, or anything as formal and well structured as that, as it was more a sort of vague and internalized concept of mine than a fully realized and incorporated notion. I simply spoke about my disdain for overspecialization, that I held more with the idea of anti-specialization, based more on what I didn't like about specialization than what I wanted to replace it with, because at that time I did not really know how to, or with what I should be making such replacement. I’m sure though that many of you remember me speaking of the age of Renaissance ideals and of the polymath, and of my admiration of the advances made by such Renaissance individuals. (In this particular respect I use the term Renaissance and polymath almost synonymously.) But over time I developed, in my twenties and thirties, a program, set of studies, system, and counter-ideal with which to replace the concept of over-specialization and the modern expert. I eventually called that the Renaissance Gild. So originally (when finally settled upon a real course of action, or counteraction) I set out to set up a Counterprogram of Great Work, (of how people approach Work and Career, and to what end) and a counter-cultural concept. That was my original motivation. I've worked upon my own personal concept, ideal, form, and program of the Renaissance Gild for about 10 to 12 years or so now. I would only very rarely or only in emergency situations suggest anyone undertake anything I have not first experimented with and tested upon myself. So I do not offer this program and concept as mere theory (being driven, motivated, and consumed with theory alone is unfortunately the province and proclivity of far too many modern experts), but as a personally tested method of operating.<br /><br />Eventually though (after using the Renaissance Gild as the basis of my personal way of approaching work and achievement) I decided to integrate the Renaissance Gild Ideal into the Homeschooling Educational Program I had developed for my own children. Although I have never told them this formally or openly (though I have often stressed the importance of ingenuity and wide ranging knowledge to the development of real capability), they have both been practicing their own Renaissance Gild Program for a very long time, and it is an integral and vital component of their homeschooling and wider educational program. I think the evidence bears out how well it has worked with them because I often get comments and compliments from others about how "smart and well-rounded" my children are, and how capably they act and perform. Part of this is genetic (their mother is smart and strong too, like my children, even if her capabilities are sometimes under-developed and under-utilized), part is desire and natural (innate) capability, part is the moral and educational discipline I have imposed upon them, but a large part of their capabilities derive from their <em>Renaissance Training</em> and conditioning.<br /><br />(I also strongly suspect that Renaissance Training and activities work to counteract the ennui, boredom, listlessness, and "drifting - lack of real goals and objectives in life - so common to modern societies and cultures. Unfortunately cultures and societies such as ours far too often eat-up excess energy and potential productivity on the part of the individual with distractions of unending desire for escapism and hunger for too much entertainment - as we have discussed elsewhere. Renaissance Training and Work tends to counteract this sense of listlessness, boredom, confusion, and lack of motivation and accomplishment. However as I said earlier I think the younger generations are much better qualified and prepared than we were - especially the baby boomers - in this sense. I often see a sort of intuitive understanding and counter-reaction against the ennui of modern life and culture on the part of many young people. Many young people are anxious to achieve and "do something worthwhile," even if they are often not certain or are confused as to what might actually qualify as being worthwhile. In any case it is very hard to be distracted, listless, depressed, and aimless when one is busy and consumed with meaningful work and achievement.)<br /><br />Nevertheless as I've said there is a difference between knowing what you don't want to do, and having a solution or useful method by which to achieve the opposite. So over time I developed the Renaissance Program(s) to both counteract the current situation and paradigm and to provide a model for a different way of living and working.<br /><br /><strong>End of Introduction.</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7148979489735210327?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-42594624283177768282009-07-06T14:28:00.005-05:002009-07-06T15:09:23.438-05:00Monday Political Appraisal 7/06/09<span style="color:#999999;"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Monday Political Appraisal</span></strong>
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<br /><strong><a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/07/06/south.carolina.killings/">Shooting it Out</a></strong> - I know this really doesn't qualify as politics in the most basic sense but the case has really interested me and I've been following it closely. I hope if this is true that they did in fact kill him.
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<br /><strong><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/07/06/fast-factsrobert-mcnamara/">McNamara Finally Out of Vietnam </a></strong><strong>
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<br /></strong><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355439275326190690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 270px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 387px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SlJXpYX-NGI/AAAAAAAABEU/McKusHtuzEM/s400/robert-mcnamara.jpg" border="0" />
<br /><div><p><a href="http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-07-06-voa29.cfm">Nukes Down, Anti-missiles still up in the Air </a></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355439279412360898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 351px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SlJXpnmMNsI/AAAAAAAABEc/eQkZoH8FZGA/s400/redduster.jpg" border="0" />
<br /><p><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8136944.stm">China on the Downlow</a></strong></p></div> - If China burns then who will buy our trillions of dollars of debt President Obama? Since you're in Russia already drop by Beijing and see if you can prevent a coup there like they had in Honduras. Our future healthcare could depend on it.
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<br /><strong><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0706/p06s13-wome.html">The Neolibs and "Meddlin with my Ass"</a></strong> - When you get the "meddling - then we become a fist speech" by an old SOB like this who really gives a damn? Alright, we're scared, will you please stop your nuclear weapons development program now? We're very sorry you're having to murder little girls in the streets right now because of us, but we have our own interests to look after. We're Neolibs after all. You know, <strong>"<em>freedom for everyone if it's safe enough for us.</em> "</strong> So, can't we make a deal to show how enlightened we all are? We wouldn't endanger that kinda prospect with harsh rhetoric.
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<br /><strong><a href="http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iRW0b26MHacD_FYy_nLtLQOCB-tgD9993HL80">Hooray!
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<br /><a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/soundeconomywithjontalton/2009423659_misreading_the_economy_then_an.html"><strong>Biden, Rubin, and the Neolibs misread the Economy</strong> </a>- Well, sometimes you can't win em all, and sometimes you can't even understand your own major political platform. But just keep doing what you're doing, Joe, just keep doing whatever it is you're doing. You're bound to hit bottom if you dig hard and long enough.
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<br /><strong><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,530203,00.html">Captured</a></strong> - True or not this whole scenario smells fishy to me. Like gar on a hot butcher's board.
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<br /><strong><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090706/ap_on_re_us/us_med_stem_cells">Stemmed</a>
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<br /><a href="http://www.windsofchange.net/archives/us_economy_a_long_slog_straight_into_the_icebergs.html">(WOD) The Long Slog: The War On Debtors
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<br /><strong><a href="http://www.csmonitor.com/2009/0706/p08s01-comv.html">Going the Other Way</a></strong> - I've personally had more than enough of politicians who cling to office no matter what they do. (Sanford, etc). Does this qualify as putting principle above politics. I don't know. I'm will to see what she does next. I like to see people fulfill their obligations. Then again I know there are exceptions to every rule when resistance becomes more distraction and drag than impulse to achieve. I don't know if this is one of those exceptions or not. One step at a time I reckon. <img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355439285326910322" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SlJXp9oVE3I/AAAAAAAABEk/fr-Fk7N2Y4g/s400/sarah-palin-1.jpg" border="0" />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-4259462428317776828?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-43795480884662095882009-07-04T08:18:00.003-05:002009-07-04T08:28:23.042-05:00Happy Fourth of July<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Happy Fourth of July</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354594957723028130" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Sk9XvoMtyqI/AAAAAAAABEM/WdxvreAUXD8/s400/image-20090204-vz335djxuhbgmbu3np65_t_h480.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>My nation has many problems at this point in history, mainly economic and political. Yet today is the Fourth of July. Anything is possible, and many things are still probable.<br /><br />May this day be the Rebirth of a new spirit of responsibility and liberty in this land, and a return to the Revolutionary fervor that gave us the courage to be free men and women, to reshape the world, and to bring about a new age in our own affairs, and in the affairs of men.<br /><br />God I ask that you have mercy upon my nation, and I know that you have and that you will, but most of all I ask that you guide and help us with a renewed and divine wisdom so that we may put aside our recent mistakes and terrible arrogance, that humility again reign in our hearts, and that immediate, urgent, noble, and holy ambition allow us to reform our nation and our government, both of which are disastrously sick with overmuch corruption and barren and bankrupt self-indulgence.<br /><br />I've had enough of the way we are, help us to again become what we should be.<br /><br />And we will be again. If we but try.<br /><br />Happy Independence Day my fellow countrymen.<br /><br />Let's make that phrase meaningful again.<br /><br />Free men are free of the need of an enslaving and irresponsible government.<br />Free men are free because they are not afraid to govern themselves responsibly.</div><div> </div><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354594953820789314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Sk9XvZqWWkI/AAAAAAAABEE/0uHw-BaYacU/s400/Statue_Of_Liberty_%2520NewYork%2520_Harbor.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-4379548088466209588?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-55964777554617483382009-06-25T08:05:00.004-05:002009-06-25T08:21:48.283-05:00Thursday MCW Briefing - 6/25/09<span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;"><strong>Thursday MCW Briefing (Military/Crime/War)<br /></strong></span><br /><strong><a href="http://losangeles.fbi.gov/pressrel/2009/la062409.htm">MS-13 Indictments </a></strong><div><strong></strong> </div><strong></strong><strong></strong><strong></strong><br /><strong><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351252544724742626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 250px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SkN31le5MeI/AAAAAAAABDs/dgfhItpdOP8/s400/220107mexicans4.jpg" border="0" /><br /></strong></div><strong><a href="http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/06/west_africa_in_the_new_cocaine.php">The West African Coke Line<br /></a><br /><a href="http://newyork.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/nyfo062309.htm">Hizballah of New Jersey </a><br /><br /><a href="http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/06/more_terrorists_arrests_in_ind.php">Detachment 88 </a></strong><strong></strong><br /><p><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351252554094493426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 224px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SkN32IY0PvI/AAAAAAAABD8/Ji4Jo04SBHs/s400/anti-terror-unit.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/06/defending_the_city_nypds_count.php">NYPD Counterterrorism</a><br /><br /><em><a href="http://counterterrorismblog.org/2009/06/new_bolivia_paper_into_the_aby.php">Into the Abyss<br /></a></em><br /><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DefenseTech/~3/lhrW59D9KnQ/004901.html">Murtha Speak</a><br /></strong><br /><strong><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DefenseTech/~3/S0GdE5J30hk/004900.html">The King of Korea</a></strong> - interesting analysis.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2009/06/senior_taliban_leade.php">The Predators in Pakistan</a> </strong></p><p><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351252550533681010" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 325px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 168px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SkN317H2j3I/AAAAAAAABD0/cY9hTO7yRxo/s400/a118_predator_firing_hellfire_2050081722-16359.jpg" border="0" /></p><p><a href="http://iraqthemodel.blogspot.com/2009/06/iraq-was-just-war.html">The Just War</a></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/2/hi/middle_east/8118783.stm"><strong>Fight Like You Intend to Win, Fight Like Injuns</strong> </a>- The Iranian opposition and the people are still trying to fight this thing like it's a Marquess of Queensbury match. It ain't. When you're fighting tyrants you fight like Injuns, not like Englishmen. They need a real leader and a real revolutionary with real plans and they need him now.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WindsOfChangenet/~3/GuxBpvJuwP8/iran_their_existential_challenges_-_and_ours.html">Shattering the Illusion</a><br /><br /><a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124467678369503997.html">The Strike<br /></a></strong><br /><a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn17255-ancient-warfare-fighting-for-the-greater-good.html"><strong>The Altruism of War</strong> </a>- Although I am agnostic on this study I cannot help but tithing of both the altruistic and individual motives of protesters in Iran<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE55M78920090624?feedType=RSS&feedName=technologyNews">Cybergon </p></a></strong><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-5596477755461748338?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-27426665886155134652009-06-24T17:48:00.005-05:002009-06-24T18:43:40.426-05:00Sanford's Real Sin<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Sanford's Real Sin: the Modern Hubris of the Indispensable Man</span></em></span></strong><br /><br />I would have been happy for Mark Sanford to run for president. I would have helped to elect him. Done everything I could have to made sure he became President of the United States of America. Before this.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5351042484229658882" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 367px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SkK4ydKIWQI/AAAAAAAABDk/Fnjfvk7-Oy4/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /><br />I fully admit I have no understanding of these actions at all. Maybe because for the most part they really are incomprehensible. Sometimes love makes people crazy I guess. It does teenagers anyway. But this is a nearly fifty year old man. At some point you grow beyond your immediate impulses. Or, <em>maybe not...</em><br /><br />This is exactly the kind of thinking and behavior that lost Republicans so many offices last time. With good reason. The idea that emotions, not thought and discipline and self-control should run the affairs of the individual and the affairs of the nation.<br /><br />But if I'm understanding these events correctly then even after the trial separation with his wife Sanford ran down to Argentina and spent some quality tear time with his adulterous flame. Without properly notifying the people for whom he works. In dereliction of his governmental and political duties.<br /><br />Yet far worse to me is the general attitude that Sanford seems to have that the political affairs of the state come before his own family and marriage. Now I firmly admit that I am the last person on earth to think that politics is the most important occupation in the world. Yes, I have been at one time or another deeply invested and active in politics. I'm about to become so again because of my opposition to so many of the policies of President Obama. But to me politics is not like curing cancer, or even painting the Last Supper. It just isn't the grandest contribution to life that one can make and to tell you the truth usually it achieves very little of lasting value. Most of the time that is.<br /><br />However if you're gonna be involved in politics then you have certain public obligations to meet. Sanford failed his in a particularly inexcusable way. He failed his public duties and he failed his state.<br /><br />More importantly (and this is Sanford's real sin) than even that he failed to understand that his time in office would have been of a relatively brief duration, with or without these series of events to cloud the matter, in comparison to the entire course of his life. He placed his political career (for without his political career the odds are small he would have engaged in this particular affair in any event) and his adulterous career over that of the importance of his family, his wife, his sons, and what that will represent to them in the future. In other words if your marriage and family were falling apart why not just put aside your career for at least as long as it took to make a course correction and satisfy your first, and more vital set of obligations before carrying on dutifully with a mere job? I just don't get this about modern people. They'll screw everything and everyone around them up completely in order to concentrate upon a public career that they will certainly ruin anyway by screwing up everything and everyone else around them. Did your career save either your marriage or your job-reputation Governor? How did that work out for ya? If you can go "hiking" for a few days then couldn't you have perhaps better expended that time productively working out your marriage and family problems? Hell, at least give it a try like you actually mean it. My marriage was about to fly apart at the seams about a year ago and I fought like a damned wolverine in a wolf-pack fight til it got settled. My wife deserved that much, my children certainly deserved that much, hell, I deserved that much. To try at least. You'd fight heaven and hell against fiscal and financial injustice and irresponsibility (nothing wrong with that by the way) and you'd take a separation from your wife and repentance from an affair like it's a confusing accounting maneuver you need time to more fully analyze? Or a psycho-therapy session you need to cry-out for good measure? Do you think you might have some fire left in your belly for your family man? If not then you think that maybe you should have stoked at the flame a little? You know you're not so crucial that the world can't do without you long enough to prove that there's something more important than what you desire at the moment. It's just a suggestion Mark. Take it for what it's worth.<br /><br />I hope this turns out to be some kinda lesson for the wise at heart, or soon to be that way. (I'm looking your way too young Republicans.) If your career has doomed your family then maybe it's not your family that's the main or real problem Mr. Einstein. In other words solve first things first. If your house is afire then don't worry much about the slow leak in the kitchen sink. Other things you can catch up with later. Is that really brain salad surgery, or am I just that much smarter than the average modern Joe? Cause it seems to me it's pretty much like reading a grizzly bear paw print at high noon in fresh mud with the help of a old mountain man as your tour guide. If it got anymore self evident then maybe it needs to be published in a pop-up coloring book, or an alphabet primer.<br /><br />I hope and pray that he will come to his senses for the sake of his wife (and I don't know the personal situation personally, but from her statements I think she certainly deserves better than this infidelity and betrayal) and his children. The fact that he cannot instantly grasp the full weight of his own hypocrisy (in comparison to what he says he represents) is just further proof that he's out of his mind at this point and it is his emotions that guide the autopilot. To paraphrase the ancients, "our emotions make fine steeds, but poor charioteers."<br /><br />You need to get off the ride Sanford, and if she'll have you back then you need to walk home humbly, tell your wife you're stronger than a sixteen year old in mindset and outlook, resign your office (be a man about it, because you know you need to be, and spare us a well-earned impeachment Mr. Clinton, I mean Mr. Sanford), get out of the public limelight, concentrate upon your family, and remember that your duties and your obligations are what define you as a man.<br /><br />The State will be just fine without you (God I wish more politicians understood just how really dispensable and disposable they are, their own opinions to the contrary) Governor, and you will be far better off in a state that concentrates upon what is most important, instead of just what is most politic.<br /><br />Anyway you can forget my political support in the future.<br />I'm not gonna ask that my Republican representatives be perfect, but they gotta do a lot better than this one. That's just a given.<br /><br />Get yourself straightened out and as far as I'm concerned, I'll forgive what you did. Not that that's important. You got a lot more significant people than me to re-earn the trust of.<br />But in any case get yourself straightened out now man. Right now.<br /><br />You're starting to look like a little boy playing at being Tarzan, King of the Monkeying-Around Men.<br /><br />Gird up your loins man, gird up your loins. Don't just sling em around like jungle vines for purposes of entertainment and circus shows.<br /><br /><br /><strong><a href="http://features.csmonitor.com/politics/2009/06/24/sanfords-affair-a-distraction-the-gop-doesnt-need/">Story Link</a></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2742666588615513465?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-23108531724703809862009-06-23T07:31:00.003-05:002009-06-23T07:58:33.402-05:00Tuesday Science and Technology Abstract - 6/23/09<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday Science and Technology Abstract</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5350503896361222210" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SkDO8g_0QEI/AAAAAAAABDc/93tmLCEFoR4/s400/mg20227135_900-1_300.jpg" border="0" /></strong><br /><div><a href="http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/4da6bb0/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Carticle0Cmg20A2271350B90A0A0Eemail0Epatterns0Ecan0Epredict0Eimpending0Edoom0Bhtml0DDCMP0FOTC0Erss0Gnsref0Fonline0Enews/story01.htm"><strong>Intuition, Email, and Doom</strong></a><strong> -</strong> <em>When do people know what they don't yet?<br /></em><br /><a href="http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/4dd120d/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Carticle0Cdn17346/story01.htm"><strong>The Cyborgin Impulse<br /></strong></a><br /><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/koch-0622.html"><strong>Metastatically Examined</strong></a><strong><br /><br /></strong><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/crooked-0617.html"><strong>The Tilted Mass<br /></strong></a><br />I find this one particularly interesting as personally I have often wondered at the many seeming inaccuracies and inconsistencies (both physically and mathematically) in common models of solar system formation.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/stretchable-0615.html">The Stretchable Creation<br /></a><br /><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/bio-electronics-0603.html">The Listening Ear<br /></a></strong><br />I've long been a proponent of biologically based and biologically modeled technologies, for obvious reasons. Here is a good example of why. The applications are enormous, for what if one designed chips and recovers of a molecular and genetic nature based upon the hearing capabilities of dogs and wolves?<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/electrospun-fibers-0505.html">The New Spin<br /></a></strong><br />I also have to wonder how this might effect practical applications of <em>Spintronics</em>.<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2009/cortex-0528.html">The Entrained Brain<br /></a><br /><a href="http://feeds.newscientist.com/c/749/f/10897/s/4dabe20/l/0L0Snewscientist0N0Carticle0Cdn173450Egreat0Ewhite0Esharks0Eare0Eserial0Ekillers0Eof0Ethe0Esea0Bhtml0DDCMP0FOTC0Erss0Gnsref0Fonline0Enews/story01.htm">The Great White Serial Killer</a></strong><br /><br />I'd like to see this used as the basis for developing analysis systems for violent human psycho and social pathologies. In other words develop this study into a predictive analytical tool concerning human serial killers, as one possible application. I'm not talking about the direct correlation, but the generla methodology.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news164919642.html"><strong>America's Most Twittered</strong><br /></a><br />I've recently been considering the real value (if any) of various social networking applications. Here is an application I could actually make real use of.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chemweb.com/content/alchemist/alchemist_20090610.html"><strong>The Sharp Alchemist</strong> </a><br /><br />Need I say more?<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://hardware.slashdot.org/story/09/06/22/1714202/Intel-Demos-Wireless-Resonant-Recharging?from=rss">The Resonant Recharge<br /></a><br /><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DefenseTech/~3/bMZIElSupjk/004897.html">The New Cyber-Warfare<br /></a><br /><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/DefenseTech/~3/TQrON1d5Iko/004895.html">The Sunny Devil<br /></a></strong><br />I know I have included more than the usual number of articles in the Abstract. But the past few weeks have seen some very interesting and exciting developments in the various disciplines of science and technology that I thought were well worth examining.<br /></div><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><br /><p> </p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2310853172470380986?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-24149981097969925142009-06-22T19:43:00.006-05:002009-06-22T20:14:30.425-05:00Monday Political Appraisal<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#999999;">Monday Political Appraisal</span></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528063,00.html">Iranian Protests Continue, Government pursues predictable counter-tactics </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528058,00.html">Politics by Other Means </a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,528105,00.html">Non-Burgas, Franco-style</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mideastyouth.com/2009/06/20/round-up-of-todays-protests-in-iran-from-youtube/">Iranian You Tube</a><br /><br /><a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WindsOfChangenet/~3/MLkfNCoDkDw/partisan_hackitude.html">From <em>Winds of Change</em><br /></a><br /><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/politics/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090622/ap_on_go_su_co/us_supreme_court_sex_offender_law">Sex Offenders Law</a></strong><a href="http://us.rd.yahoo.com/dailynews/rss/politics/*http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090622/ap_on_go_su_co/us_supreme_court_sex_offender_law"> </a><br /><br /><br /><strong>___________________________________________</strong><br /><p><strong></strong></p><p><em></em></p><p></p><p><em>I helped elect Jim DeMint. Both to the House and Senate. I consider him a friend and to tell the truth he is the man I am most proud of having helped to elect at this point in American history.</em></p><p><em>I really like this idea because I don't consider the Senate very highly. It is primarily a house of beasts and effetes. So I'm posting part of Jim's Letter to support his idea. </em></p><p><strong>___________________________________________</strong></p><p><br /><strong>Dear Fellow Conservative:</strong> </p><p>If it concerns you that America is sliding toward socialism, I hope you will join me in supporting a group I am leading to elect true conservatives to the U.S. Senate who will fight to save freedom. </p><p>Fighting for freedom is the reason I ran for the Senate and it's also why I wrote a new book called <em><strong>Saving Freedom</strong></em> that I would like to send you. I'll tell you more about that in a minute... But first, I need you to act if you agree that we need to elect more true conservatives to U.S. Senate who will fight for liberty. </p><p>As you know, President Obama and congressional Democrats are ramming billions in bailouts, stimulus plans, and pork-barrel projects through Congress as fast as they can. We desperately need principled leaders in the Senate to stop them, and we need those leaders now. The tea parties are great. They are a physical representation of the growing anger Americans have over the direction of our country. But now we need to channel our energy into positive action that makes a real difference. That is why I formed the<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"> Senate Conservatives Fund (SCF).</span></strong> Its mission is to bring bold leadership to Washington by supporting only the most rock-solid, conservative Senate candidates nationwide -- candidates who believe in limited government, a strong national defense, and traditional family values. SCF does this by making financial contributions to candidates, educating voters on key issues, and building a grass-roots army of like-minded conservatives across the country who will push our candidates on to victory. And let me be absolutely clear about something. SCF does not support liberal Republicans and is not affiliated with the Republican Party or any of its campaign committees. SCF only supports conservatives and will support conservative challengers in Republican primaries when it's necessary. </p><p>So if you like wishy-washy Republicans who talk out of both sides of their mouths and try to have it both ways, you won't like SCF. I will tell you that up front. But if you love America and you believe it is the world's greatest bastion of freedom, then you should join our team and help us take back our country. There are just 500 days until the 2010 elections, and we have a lot of work to do. SCF has already made three important endorsements for three impressive candidates.</p><p>In Oklahoma, we are supporting the re-election bid of conservative U.S. Senator Tom Coburn. As I'm sure you know, Senator Coburn is a one-man pork-busting machine who has done more to protect American taxpayers from wasteful Washington spending than anyone in Congress.In Pennsylvania, we are backing former Congressman Pat Toomey in his race to replace ultra-liberal Senator Arlen Specter, who helped President Obama pass the $1 trillion stimulus bill and recently switched parties to save his political hide.</p><p>In Florida, we have endorsed former Speaker of the House Marco Rubio who is running for the GOP nomination against Governor Charlie Crist. Rubio is a bright, articulate, and principled leader who has what it takes to win this important seat for conservatives.<br /><br /><br /></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2414998109796992514?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-10013539359523439922009-06-22T19:30:00.004-05:002009-06-22T19:42:12.636-05:00Iran's Electoral Swindle - from Asharq AlawsatA buddy of mine sent me this editorial from Amir Taheri.<br />I thought it extremely well written and his observations insightful.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><strong><a href="http://www.aawsat.com/english/news.asp?section=2&id=17125"><span style="color:#33cc00;">Iran's Electoral Swindle</span> </a><br /></strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-1001353935952343992?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-90019409732545956892009-06-20T13:01:00.005-05:002009-06-20T13:57:31.662-05:00Free Iranians<div align="center"><strong>Free Iranians</strong><strong><br /><br /></div></strong><strong><p></strong><strong></strong></p><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5349477650476243426" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Sj0plJKHGeI/AAAAAAAABDU/PRemI1D7UMQ/s400/Unrest-Iranian-Presidenti-001.jpg" border="0" /><em><strong></strong></em></p><p><em><strong>You are going to have to expand your tactics.<br /></strong></em><br />It is summer now. You are out of school and university. Your nation has succeeded in Revolution before. You’ve overthrown the Shah. You can overthrow the Ayatollah. Continue to push. Use the season to your advantage. Use the environment to your advantage.<br /><br /><strong>Rally</strong> at night, as well as in the day. Rally late at night and at early morning and at nightfall. When the government will have much more trouble preventing you from congregating and assembling. Rally in shifts if you have to do so. And at different locations. Exhaust the opposition.<br /><br /><strong>Encourage market and work strikes.</strong><br /><br /><strong>Get your parents and the middle class involved in your effort.</strong> It’s their nation and liberty at stake too.<br /><br /><strong>Develop new means of communications.</strong> Use word of mouth, use graffiti on walls, use paper and pen, and develop your own codes. So that you can communicate securely whenever you need and without fear. Exploit all available technologies, but do not just rely upon technologies that the government can disrupt. Also keep communicating in English when you smuggle out messages to the West. Sympathy is strong for you here and will only grow with admiration for your courage and strength.<br /><br /><strong>Organize and attack specific targets that will hamper the government.</strong> But do not attack your fellow citizens or innocents. Instead recruit them to your cause. Grow your numbers to an unstoppable host.<br /><br />When the time is right recruit the police and the military. Many of them are your relations, friends, or even direct family. They can and should be turned to support you.<br /><br />Instead attack government communications systems and munition stores and transportation networks. <strong>Engage in effective sabotage.<br /></strong><br /><strong>Have strikes, prevent commerce from occurring, and continue to rally, march, and shut down fuel networks.<br /></strong><br /><strong>Do not look at this as a defensive action.</strong> Instead think of what you can do to actively sabotage and cripple your government while making more and more of your fellow citizens your allies and supporters. Do not stop now. If you give in now then the government will just arrest, try, and imprison or kill many of you. You’re all the way in now, do not turn back though it take weeks or even months to win.<br /><br /><strong>Organize and develop effective and good leadership.</strong> Elect leaders and substitute and back-up leaders in the case that your first set of leaders are injured, arrested, out-of-action, or killed.<br /><br /><strong>You need effective Plans.</strong> You need a definite Goal and a set of real objectives. Once the revolution is won then you will have to build a new government for the people and by the people and of the people. You also need new routes of movement, and new systems of communications that are your own. So that you can not only win, but also build a new nation afterwards.<br /><br /><strong>You need persistence</strong> and this is the perfect time and the perfect season and the best opportunity you have ever had to achieve what you wish, liberty, prosperity, justice, and a real future worth having.<br /><br />You will have to take what you want but you are all well educated, smart individuals. <strong>Use what you know. Exploit where you have advantage.</strong> <em>Where there is an obstacle, adapt and overcome. </em>Find a way over, under, or behind any obstruction or opposition.<br /><br />And screw what your government says, screw what my government and president fails to say. We are with you and you can do this. <em><strong>But you will have to be smart, and organized, and effective, and persistent, and courageous.<br /></strong></em><br /><strong>You are all of those things.<br /></strong><br /><strong>Now prove it.</strong> Don’t forget that the American Revolution was fought by and achieved by the efforts of a relatively small percentage of the population. And yet you young Iranian men and women are 3/5ths of the entire population of your nation. Bring them all in on your side. Win the Hearts and Minds of your fellow citizens. Then you will have victory, real and unfettered victory.<br /><br /><strong>Now Godspeed and God be with you.<br /></strong>And He will be if you don’t give up.<br />God gives victory to the determined and the courageous.<br /><br />We are with you too.<br />Until this is finished.<br />In the right way.<br /><br /><br />Meaning, to your advanatge.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-9001940973254595689?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-40324800964533534702009-06-18T12:37:00.005-05:002009-06-18T12:50:33.269-05:00AN IRAN FOR FREE MEN AND WOMEN<span style="font-size:130%;"><em>Go you magnificent young boys and girls!</em> <em><strong>Go you Free Iranian Men and Women!</strong></em><br /></span><br /><div><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348725512003369730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 268px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Sjp9g7AHuwI/AAAAAAAABDE/beVMd1Q88yI/s400/lady-victory-atop-the.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><strong><span style="color:#009900;">I know you can do it.<br /></span></strong><br />Yes, <em>we are watching here</em>, from America. We watch you here in the United States. I watch you, my buddies watch you, and my children are watching you. <em>Gladly.<br /></em><br /><strong>You have courage; this is your moment in history.<br /></strong><br />Do not back down. Not today, not ever. Bring those bastards to their knees.<br /><br />Pressure, every day, more pressure. More liberty, more courage, more of you and what you are proving.<br /><br />You can do it. <em>You will do it if you don’t hesitate.</em> <strong>If you won’t stop.</strong><br /><strong><em></em></strong></p><p><strong><em>Victory will be yours.<br /></em></strong><br />Eventually the police will side with you. Eventually the military will side with you.<br /><br />The mullahs will flee your nation just like the Shah did.<br /><em>I’ve waited a long time to see this.</em> <strong><span style="color:#009900;">So have you.</span></strong> Don’t falter now, we’re with you. It’s your Revolution now. It’s your nation now.<br /><br /><strong>Take it!<br /></strong><br /><em>And God Almighty I’m proud of you guys!<br /></em><br />Take it and be free, and we are with you.<br />You’re an example to us all.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><strong>Now fight til you win dammit!!!</strong></em><br /></span><strong><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">FIGHT TIL YOU WIN!</span></strong></p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348725512134172610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 269px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Sjp9g7fTn8I/AAAAAAAABDM/ZKAUXciYlaI/s400/DeserveVictoryChurchill.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-4032480096453353470?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-86693050051054138322009-06-16T10:24:00.004-05:002009-06-16T10:51:03.577-05:00IRAN: No Country for Small Men<div>As many of you know I have long been a proponent of freedom and democracy in Iran. Indeed not just in Persian Iran but also in places throughout the Arab world as well, such as Saudi Arabia. </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347952704529259154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 242px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Sje-pm0OWpI/AAAAAAAABC8/sNNfjZ_nT90/s400/090616104807_protest_azadi_ap_446.jpg" border="0" />I know that due to the recent elections things have become tumultuous throughout Iran. And for good reasons. The elections there were obviously skewed and corrupt.<br /><br />I haven’t blogged in a long time, but I thought this was as good a time as any to make a public pronouncement on my sentiments. Not that my sentiments are what is important, but I just wanted the young people, the old people, indeed anyone in Iran who desires true liberty to know that this American watches your situation with great, and even personal interest. And I have been praying for your liberty and your freedom (for a long time) and for you to have the type of government you can be proud of and that kind of country in which you can flourish and fully exploit your individual and national talents. Which are obviously and historically many and great.<br /><br />I will continue to pray for the people of Iran, for you are not my enemy, nor the enemy of my nation. I know, and you know, who the enemy of your nation is, and it is not America anymore than you are our enemy. But if I can be of even more practical service in your cause I will be, and indeed I have tried to be for some time now.<br /><br />So yes, you will be attacked. Yes, I am sorry to say, some of you will be unjustly and viciously slain for the just demands you now make upon your false government and your efforts to establish a far more viable and honest and honorable and free Iran.<br /><br /><em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">God Bless you then and be with you in your cause</span></strong></em>.<br /><br />It is a good cause, a just cause, a true cause, and not just one worth dying for, but also one worth living and struggling and fighting for. So I hope and pray you are safe. But above all I pray you are successful. And with courage and determination you will be. And when this is decided in your favor remember us, for many of us in America foresaw this day long ago, as you did. We knew liberty would march throughout your region of the world and that when it did, in Iraq, in Afghanistan, in Pakistan, and in your nation, it would also free the trapped and ingenious energies and imaginations of those who know of what they are capable, but have been too long suppressed by men with small imaginations and even less wisdom.<br /><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347950703033297282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 272px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Sje81GqZqYI/AAAAAAAABC0/V6RF3HmC33I/s400/edward-moran-statue-liberty.jpg" border="0" />So to all Iranians I say, forget the naysayers, forget those who say the Wars of Liberty cannot be won in your region of the world, forget those filled with doubt and small spirits and timidity and fear. The fearful have their reward, and may they enjoy what small comfort it ever gives them. You, though, are not such people. You are part of the future of the World. Be what you were always meant to be. Be great again.<br /><br />And for my many Christian brothers and sisters in Iran, even you secret and hidden Christians. Rise up courageously and take your nation in a new and better direction. <strong>Set it free</strong>. For in Christ there is no Jew or Gentile, no Greek, no bondsman or servant, no Iranian or American separate from and disregarded from the other, but all men and women are one, and equal, and free. Your struggle is mine. Have courage and run until the race is completed. And when you win, as inevitably you will, I will see you at the finish line and I will say to you,<em> “well met my friends, I knew you would make it. It was destiny, and it was God’s will.”<br /></em><br />Liberty is your inevitable individual birthright. <em>It’s yours by nature</em>, <strong>now take and prove it with action.<br /></strong><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-8669305005105413832?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-2747353969667753122009-03-06T15:33:00.003-05:002009-03-06T15:47:28.923-05:00A New Era: Foreign Affairs<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">A New Era: Foreign Affairs</span></em></span></strong> <div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong> </div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310177968735829922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 323px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SbGKumCav6I/AAAAAAAABCs/Blo4ffcRSIA/s400/obama2f_masood.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>ABRAHAM LINCOLN: SAVING THE UNION<br />BARACK OBAMA: SAVING THE UNIONS<br /><em>NOW I GET IT!<br /></em><br /><br />A WIND POWERED CAR AND A NEW $50,000.00 TAX BILL (plus interest) FOR EVERY AS YET UNABORTED GRANDCHILD IN AMERICA. NOW, <em>AREN’T YOU GLAD YOU MADE A STATEMENT?<br /></em><br /><br />OBAMA: NOW AL-QAEDA THINKS THEY’RE SAFER TOO.<br /><br /><br />OBAMA: FOR THE VERY BEST IN HEALTHCARE THAT LIVERPOOL AND GUATEMALA CAN AFFORD<br /><br /><br />OBAMA: “I DON’T LIKE THE TERM WAR ON TERROR. I MUCH PREFER THE PHRASE, <em>‘A MISUNDERSTANDING OF DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED DIPLOMATIC OBJECTIVES.’</em> ”<br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;">OBAMA AND HIS LEGACY:</span> <span style="color:#ff0000;">MAKING BUSH LOOK MUCH, MUCH BETTER SINCE JANUARY, 2009</span><br /><br /><br />OBAMA: AT LEAST HE UNDERSTANDS THE P.R. VALUE OF A GOOD SALUTE.<br /><br /><br />ECONOMY DEVASTATED, ABORTIONS AND SUICIDES UP, NATION UNABLE TO DEFEND ITSELF, UNREST IN THE STREETS, GOVERNMENT MISTRUSTED BY EVERYONE, COUNTRY INVADED BY FOREIGN INSURGENTS. <span style="color:#ff0000;">MISSION ACCOMPLISHED PRESIDENT OBAMA.<br /></span><br /><br />OBAMA: IF PAKISTAN CAUSES TROUBLE THEN I’M NUKING IT. IF IRAN GETS NUKES THEN I’M BLAMING ISRAEL.<br /><br /><br />IF YOU WANT TO ENSLAVE YOUR PEOPLE AND OBTAIN NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR NEFARIOUS PURPOSES THEN I WANT TO HAVE A DIALOGUE. IF YOU MAKE OVER $50,000.00 A YEAR THEN <em>“I’LL SMOKE YA OUT!”</em><br /><br /><br />OBAMA: IF THERE IS ANOTHER TERRORIST ATTACK THEN DON’T BLAME ME. I TRIED MY VERY BEST TO ERADICATE THE WORD!<br /><br /><br />OBAMA: “DON’T DARE MISUNDERESTIMATE ME. I REALLY MEAN IT WHEN I SAY THINGS ARE ONLY GONNA GET WORSE.”<br /><br /><br />OBAMA TO BIN LADEN: BUSH COULDN’T GET YOU, BUT I WILL. I’VE GOT THE IRS WORKING ON IT RIGHT NOW.<br /><br /><br />OBAMA: FINALLY, AN AMERICA THAT CAN BE RESPECTED IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD - LIKE NORTH KOREA, IRAN, SYRIA, THE HAGUE, SOMALIA, AND VENEZUELA.</strong><br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-274735396966775312?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-45825243130146393602009-03-06T15:19:00.003-05:002009-03-06T15:28:42.821-05:00A New Era: Part Deux<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">A New Era: Part Deux</span></em></span></strong><br /><div><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310173802042445794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 233px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 400px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SbGG8D5TT-I/AAAAAAAABCk/wG-ph1lrH2M/s400/Obama_NapoleonBellyHandCrM.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><div><strong>I’VE GOT A WARM, TINGLING FEELING RUNNING DOWN MY LEG. OBAMA MUST BE PISSING ON MY PERSONAL WEALTH AGAIN.<br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA – IF YOU’RE GIVING A LOT OF MONEY TO CHARITY THEN I’M GOING TO TAX YOU MORE, IF YOU’RE NOT PAYING TAXES THEN YOU GET MORE MONEY FROM OTHERS FOR YOURSELF. THAT’S FAIR, <em>AIN’T IT?</em><br /><br /><br />OBAMA – I’M TIRED OF BUSINESSMEN EMPLOYING SO MANY PEOPLE. SO I’M GOING TO TAX THEM UNTIL THEY LEARN THEIR LESSON.<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – IN THE NEW ECONOMY “NEED IS GOOD” AND I’M WORKING HARD TO SPREAD IT AROUND.<br /><br /><br />WHEN IN RECESSION STEP HARD ON THE TAX PEDAL. YOU CAN’T GO WRONG THAT WAY.<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – WE’VE FINALLY OVERCOME THE BUSINESS CYCLE, BY DESTROYING IT!</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong><strong></div></strong><strong><div><br />OBAMA – SEE THE REAL PLAN WAS THIS, <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">“WRECK THE ECONOMY AND YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO WIN A WAR!”<br /></span></em><br /><br />OBAMA – “I DON’T NEED NO STINKING KATRINA, I CREATE MY OWN!”<br /><br /><br />SEE THE THING ABOUT POOR PEOPLE IS, THE MORE YOU CREATE THE BETTER YOU CAN FEEL ABOUT THEIR PLIGHT! AND IF EVERYONE IS POOR THEN WE CAN ALL FINALLY FEEL GOOD ABOUT BEING BAD OFF!<br /><br /><br />TERRORISM WAS NEVER REAL, <em>BUT TAXES ARE!<br /></em><br /><br />IN MY FIRST YEAR I INTEND TO SHUT GUANTÁNAMO, BUY UP ALL THE BANKS, SPEND ALL YOUR RETIREMENT MONEY, CREATE TRILLIONS IN DEBT, REVIVE THE UNIONS, AND BAILOUT AIG AND GM. <em>HOW YA LIKE ME NOW?<br /></em><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA – THE FIRST REAL PRESIDENT FOR THE 11TH CENTURY AND THE NEW FEDERAL FEUDALISM.<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – I’M DOING THINGS MY WAY, EVIDENCE BE DAMNED!<br />BECAUSE I’M A NEW KIND OF DEMOCRAT<br /><br /><br />“NEVER WASTE A GOOD CRISIS THAT HAS BEEN HANDED TO YOU, AND THE ONLY THING BETTER THAN A GOOD CRISIS IS A TERRIBLE ONE THAT YOU CREATE YOURSELF.”<br /><br /><br />I’M THOUGHTFUL, ENGAGED, WELL-SPOKEN, INTENSELY INVOLVED, AND I KNOW WHAT PEOPLE REALLY WANT AND NEED TO HEAR. MY NAME IS NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. (YOU THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO SAY BARACK OBAMA, <em>DIDN’T YOU?</em>)<br /><br /><br />YOU CAN’T MAKE FUN OF THE FIRST LIBERAL BLACK PRESIDENT. THE BEST YOU CAN HOPE TO DO IS ENDURE HIM.<br /><br /><br />FOR ALL OF YOU LIBERALS, I’M SORELY TEMPTED TO POINT AND LAUGH AT YOU, BUT THE SAD PART IS, WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER NOW…<br /><br /><br />IN THE NEW ECONOMY THE ONLY INDUSTRY THAT WILL BE COMPLETELY RECESSION-PROOF WILL BE THE HEALTHCARE INDUSTRY. THINK ABOUT THAT FOR A SECOND.</strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-4582524313014639360?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-33639047417571826352009-03-06T10:21:00.004-05:002009-03-06T10:41:23.115-05:00Bumperstickers for the Age of Obama<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bumperstickers for the Age of Obama</span></em></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5310098452607657906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 137px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 103px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SbFCaJYH57I/AAAAAAAABCc/A5ec5-SJCjk/s400/flag.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><strong>OBAMA: I SURE AS HELL DIDN’T VOTE FOR HIM, AND YET I’M PAYING FOR IT LIKE I DID<br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA: MY FIRST THIRTY DAYS OF COMPLETE AND TOTAL F*CK UP AND I’M JUST GETTING STARTED<br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA: BOY, IS THIS EVER GONNA BE AN HISTORIC PRESIDENCY!!!<br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA: <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">NOW AREN’T YOU GLAD YOU LISTENED TO OPRAH?</span></em><br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA AND THE US ECONOMY – IT’S WHAT HE DOESN’T UNDERSTAND THAT’S THE SCARY PART<br /><br /><br />BECAUSE IT’S ABOUT TIME FOR A US PRESIDENT WILLING SELL OUT OUR EASTERN EUROPEAN ALLIES FOR A CHANCE TO FULLY EXPLORE RUSSIAN AND IRANIAN INTEGRITY<br /><br /><br />THE STOCK MARKET – IT’S NOT MY RETIREMENT ACCOUNT, THAT’S ONLY FOR RICH PEOPLE!<br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA – FINALLY! A PRESIDENT HOLLYWOOD AND WESTERN EUROPE CAN UNDERSTAND<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – BECAUSE SOMEBODY HAS TO ACTUALLY DO WHAT CLINTON WASN’T STUPID ENOUGH TO TRY!</strong><br /><br /><strong><br />OBAMA – OUT OF IRAQ AND INTO THE FIRE!<br /><br /><br />EVEN IN CHICAGO THEY NEVER IMAGINED THIS!<br /><br /><br />THE NEW DEMOCRAT ERA – WE’RE LOOKING FOR A FEW GOOD MEN, WHO HAVE NEVER PAID THEIR TAXES<br /><br /><br />THE NEW DEMOCRATS – URBANE, SOPHISTICATED, CLUELESS!<br /><br /><br />OBAMA - IF THIS WON’T WIN US THE NEXT GENERATION THEN NOTHING WILL!!<br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA – SPENDING AND TAXING OUR WAY INTO WEALTH. BECAUSE THAT’S THE WAY THINGS WORK IN HIGH SCHOOL!<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – BECAUSE NOTHING SAYS ONE TERM LIKE THIS GUY!<br /><br /><br />DEMOCRATS - IF THE STOCK MARKET IS A TRACKING POLL THEN WHERE IS IT LEADING YOUR POLITICAL FUTURE?<br /><br /><br />LIBERALS – YOU WANTED HIM, YOU KEEP HIM! (GOD, IF IT ONLY WORKED THAT WAY!)<br /><br /><br />OBAMA AND THE NEOCRATS – HEY MAN, <em>YOU ASKED FOR IT!</em><br /><br /><br />OBAMA – IF YOU NEED A BAILOUT THEN JOIN THE NATION: LEGALLY OR ILLEGALLY, IT DON’T REALLY MATTER – WE NEED TO TAX YOU EITHER WAY<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – WORKING HARD TO ASSURE THAT YOU’LL BE BAILED OUT BY 2037<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – THE GOOD NEWS IS I’LL HAVE YOU RETIRED BY THE TIME YOU’RE 96 YEARS OLD. THE BAD NEWS IS WE’LL BE RUNNING YOUR HEALTHCARE.<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – FOR THE GOOD OF THE FUTURE I’VE ABORTED MORE BABIES AND MORE WEALTH THAN ANY PRESIDENT IN US HISTORY. NO NEED TO THANK ME.<br /><br /><br />YOU VOTED DEMOCRAT IN 2008. VOTE DEMOCRAT AGAIN IN 2012. BECAUSE WE’VE JUST STARTED CHANGING THINGS AND CHANGE ALWAYS WORKS OUT WELL.<br /><br /><br />A DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENT, A DEMOCRATIC SENATE, A DEMOCRATIC HOUSE – REALLY NOW, </strong><strong><em>YOU NEVER SAW THIS COMING?<br /></em><br /><br />OBAMA – WE DON’T NEED MORE RICH PEOPLE IN THIS NATION, WE NEED MORE GOVERNMENT JOBS!<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – IF IT’S TAXABLE THEN WE’LL GET AROUND TO IT. HELL, IT’S ONLY BEEN A COUPLE OF MONTHS SO FAR.<br /><br /><br />OBAMA – I TALK A BIG STICK AND CARRY ABOUT SOFTLY.<br /><br /><br />BARACK OBAMA – ASK NOT WHAT YOUR NATION CAN DO FOR YOU, </strong><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;">ASK WHAT I’M GONNA DO TO IT!<br /></span></em><br /><br />OBAMA TO HIS PEOPLE – IF YOU HELPED GET ME ELECTED THEN DON’T WORRY, YOU’VE GOT SOME MONEY AND A WHOLE LOT OF NEW TAXES COMING. JUST LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE.</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-3363904741757182635?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-62843454191905864672009-01-20T15:20:00.006-05:002009-01-20T15:36:42.176-05:00The People of Tomorrow<div><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:'Courier New';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:large;">The Glair - <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">The People of Tomorrow</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-family: 'Courier New'; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SXYz31N-xOI/AAAAAAAABCE/eM47PKBevA0/s400/kc_supes_pencil_drawing_thumbnail.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 292px; height: 398px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293475446292137186" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">Today, during lunch, I watched the inauguration of Barack Obama, with my two daughters (who are themselves of a genetically interracial nature – though I find the term interracial more amusing than descriptive). It was a far more interesting ceremony than I had expected. He also gave a speech that was, if somewhat weak at points, and far too wonkish in general, really rather good I thought.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">One thing that struck me positively about the language he employed, and I am not a big proponent, by any stretch of the imagination, of most of Mr. Obama’s publicly stated policy objectives (as opposed to what his real objectives may or may not be), is that in some respects it was very difficult to decide if the man was a Republican, or a Democrat. That is to say, if you had only heard the inaugural speech, and knew nothing of the past history of the man or his political affiliations, then you would be hard pressed to decide whether the man was a Republican or Democrat. In some ways the man is a frustrated preacher, more an inspirational leader than a political maven. (Though his political skills can be impressive from time to time, <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">far less so at other times</span>.)</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">And perhaps that is a good thing in a way. For policy positions and political ideals, no matter how good, true, and promising often suffer from what I like to call, “stagnation of application.” Meaning that no matter how good an idea (of any kind) or ideal (of any type) is, it can often fail to materialize in a meaningful way through calcified and determined methods of stagnant application. The idea or ideal is good, even true, just, and necessary, but the means by which it is executed and applied becomes so moribund, so inextricably bound within a Gordian knot of tradition and habitual reflex, that it cannot possibly grow, adapt, change, and progress in a useful and efficient manner. Tied to a dead method, few ideals can live well. Inspirational leaders sometimes serve a far more important primary and historical role than that of mere administrator or competent executive. They cut away obstacles in ways not previously foreseen.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SXYz3vbqxaI/AAAAAAAABB8/U7nS6c7AYpg/s400/pol_070928_obama_smsquare_5a_standard.jpg" style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 298px; height: 262px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5293475444738934178" /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">The trouble with Obama as a leader though, as I see it, is simply that he honestly still believes his own rhetoric. This will not last for long I imagine and I can already see the increase in the number of grey hairs on his head. When men are young or young at heart, as Obama is, and filled with vim and vinegar, honed sharp or dull (as the case may be) on rhetoric and ideal, they often mistake high-minded intentions and virtuous motivations with accomplishment and wisdom. They think they know far more than they really do, both about the world at large, and about some human hearts. No matter how humble the inner nature, the mind tricks the man into mistaking the mirage of a kind of arrogant certitude with the actuality of practical reality. The obverse of this position of course is the man who is advanced with age and experience thinking that every young man should know as much as they do, for the older man having learned his lessons in the withering kiln of pragmatic circumstance, often forgets to remember than at some day in the past they were likewise just as naïve as the individual they look suspect upon. C’est la vie, c’est l' homme.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">Nevertheless there is a quality to the man (Obama) I very much admire. He is not weak and retiring. The scale of his ambition is great, he may very well attempt much often, and often much more than is really possible. Especially given the fickle and febrile nature of federal and national politics.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">But will he attempt the right things in the right way? Will he be motivated by the right principles and will he execute those principles in some effective and virtuous manner? If change is a destination, then quo vadis? Only time and history will judge. Excepting of course, so will the American people (as determined by his actual actions), and since he has voluntarily set for himself such a large international stage, that he intends to please both allies and enemies alike, so also will much of the rest of the world. <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">He who demands to be judged surely will be.</span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">Still, gauged simply from the figurative flourishes of his initial Presidential speech I cannot help but think that many around the world were stunned by the less than modest vision he has of our nation, and of the past and future character of the United States of America. In that respect I can truthfully say, “I’m right there with you brother.” We still are the last best hope. And just to be honest, we’ve usually been the first best hope. As far as go the profound limits of this world, anyway.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">The people of the United States are, in this world, the People of Tomorrow. Not without a past, but never shackled to it. Not without a present, but never limited by it. We will demand, and certainly deserve, a leader who understands this fundamental quality of our nature. Or at least a leader who can come to understand this inherent quality within us, and temper himself by that lodestone.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">So, as the symbolic head of our state, as the emblematic head of our union, as the actual physical Commander in Chief and as the elected Chief Executive of our nation, my prayers will be with the man. I hope that over time he will gain much wisdom, that God will protect and prosper the man, lead him and guide him, humble, hone, and help him. That he will come to understand that government as a mechanism is as nothing compared either to the People, or to the Individual, that his job is to serve and not be served, that many will criticize him harshly and wrongly, and that many will criticize him truly and wisely, and that he come to perceive the difference and act accordingly. And all in all, do not bend where you are right man, and for God’s sake and for the sake of your own soul and the soul of this nation, change quickly when you should and when you must. God bless Barack Obama, and may you become in this world what many most need you to be, a great American, and not just an American dreaming of being great.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes"> </span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">God bless America too while we’re at it. And Godspeed as well to you, President Bush. In many ways you were the most problematic and confusing and sometimes outright bizarre Republican president I ever helped to elect. Twice. But in many other ways you were one of the most fantastic and influential and noble presidents we have ever had, and you are definitely right about this matter as well. History will judge you far differently than the faddish and foppish intellectual herd of bedeviled mental bovines that currently roam the contemporary hinterland of media-nly infused self-absorbed impuissance. </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent:.5in"><span style="Courier New"font-family:";">So, to the past - let history make yesterday a doorway to the truth of the present, and to the future – let every good thing to come be opened wide to the People of Tomorrow. For that is as it should be.</span></p></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" height="10" alt="Digg!" /><br /></a><br /><a href="http://del.icio.us/post" onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;"> Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-6284345419190586467?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-21557505315111147292008-11-11T16:22:00.002-05:002008-11-11T16:26:58.586-05:00Veterans Day - 2008<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Signal, Sygnet, and Sigil - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Veterans Day</span></em></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5267514312632801586" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 362px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SRn4W93DmTI/AAAAAAAABAM/DGR3FZ8MUbQ/s400/vetdaypix.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />There is the speaking about the value of defending Liberty and Justice, and then there is the acting upon it.<br /><br />For all of those who are acting, or have acted, in the defense of our nation, and all that we stand for,<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">Thank You.</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2155750531511114729?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-70112822225686110692008-11-04T06:59:00.003-05:002008-11-04T07:08:04.318-05:00Days of Future Cast<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Days of Future Cast</span></em></span></strong><br /><div></div><br /><div>Today, as Americans, we all have a series of serious choices to be made.<br /><br />Godspeed with making the right ones.<br />And if necessary, God save us from ourselves.</div><div> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5264772671211792418" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 129px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 128px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SRA62brDaCI/AAAAAAAABAE/9ygCbSy_YgU/s400/images.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7011282222568611069?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-9770778978878918242008-11-01T20:46:00.003-05:002008-11-01T20:50:50.044-05:00Novelization<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Pesharim - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Novelization</span></em></span></strong><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've decided to participate in the <a href="http://www.nanowrimo.org/">National Novel Writing Month</a> Project.</div><div> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5263871504816344530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 120px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 90px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SQ0HPpPhDdI/AAAAAAAAA_8/0TLhm2KJjdU/s400/participant_120x90_paper.png" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>I won't be following their rules exactly, as I think the attempt to write a 50,000 word novel (firs of all a 50,000 word novel is far too short, it is really more a novella) is not likely to yield anything much of real literary quality.<br /><br />However I do think that the idea of trying to write consistently by word count, in a compressed period of time, without an attempt to edit as I proceed (but rather to edit later - or not to overedit my fiction as I initially progress, as is the truer case with me) is a very useful exercise. So in that sense I will be following the intent of this project. Anywhere the rules interfere with producing real quality in my efforts however, then I will be ignoring or modifying those rules. For instance I will not be working on the weekends. I have learned over time that the only real benefit to working six or seven days a week, at anything, physical or mental, is lowered productivity, lessened efficiency, ever decreasing enthusiasm, and your mind and body never lay fallow long enough to recover your full capabilities or exploit all of your potential fully. Recreation, relaxation, vacation, and rest are just as important to superb effort as are work, concentration, research, thought, exercise, training, and activity. (Although during the weekends if ideas occur to me or I need to make notes I will do that, I just don't do any real or formal work writing.)<br /><br />But my novel will actually be written in about six months, I actually started in the first of October, I am averaging 500 to 1000 words a work day (I work Monday through Friday on the novel in addition to my regular work schedule), and at that rate I should have completed a 90,000 word novel (or thereabouts) by the end of March 2009, and with edits and rewrites I can expect to have completed the entire novel project by May to June 2009. I am so far about 9000 words into the work.<br /><br />Then I will start marketing it by June to July 2009.<br />If not earlier through agent contacts.<br /><br />I am also involved in other projects, such as the writing of short stories, I'm concurrently developing a script, and I have a couple of business and invention projects running as well, but this novel is one of my primary projects and one which I concentrate upon working on every workday.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-977077897887891824?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-76578164618661601462008-11-01T20:07:00.001-05:002008-11-01T20:45:24.573-05:00Real Dogs<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Real Dogs</span></em></span></strong><br /><br />The wife and I went to get our dogs their rabies vaccinations today. It was my Great Dane bitch and my American Superior puppy, who is about a year and 3 months or so old.<br /><br />Last week we took our sire mastiff American Superior.<br /><br />My two dogs towered over every other dog around.<br />Even here, in a rural area (though not nearly as rural as it used to be, even at the fringes) almost no-one had a real dog.<br /><br />A few people did. I saw one with a pretty Siberian Huskie, one guy had a German Shepherd, though it was young and small, just a pup. One Mexican guy had a cross between a Rottweiler and a Pit Bull. It was kinda snippy but well behaved enough. It wouldn't have lasted long against Bart though.<br /><br />Everyone else had these little yap-yap, nip-nip, tea-cup, I don't know what the hell they were dogs. Which is fine I guess but I kept wondering, what good are they? What use do they really serve?<br /><br />From the amount of yapping they did they seemed pretty effective noise makers, but in a real fight I thought, one hard kick to the snout and the skull of these things would cave in like a house of cards. They seemed about as dangerous and useful as a bicycle horn at a monster truck rally.<br /><br />My dogs were enormous by comparison.<br /><br />The other dogs cowered from them but for most folks they were amazing and the belles of the ball. Kids ran up to them saying, "Gosh," ooing and ahhing, petting all over them and a few of the smaller kids asked if they could be ridden. (I don't let kids ride my dogs, even though my bitch and my sire could carry them.) Adults kept saying, "what are those?" "man they are big," and "good Lord, what does that thing weigh?"<br /><br />Seeing the size of these other things though made me realize two things. People keep down-breeding the size of dogs til they are smaller and more useless than most cats. All they are really good for is cuddling on the couch with chicks like a cat. Which seems kinda shameful and downright counter-productive to me. the function of a dog, in my opinion, is not only as a pet, but also as a real companion to go in the woods with, to play, wrestle and fight with, and to serve as a faithful and fearless guardian for your family, friends, and neighborhood for when you can't be around in person. It's like people are breeding the purpose out of the animals simply so they can carry them around in their back pockets like they were some kinda weird, personal dwarf-child. I got nothing against that kinda dog as a pet, but if that's all your packing then it seems to me like you're shooting plastic pellets at potential bears when real trouble starts.<br /><br />Secondly it made me realize how to a large extent so much of the territory around me is becoming suburbanized, urbanized, feeble and febrile. Urbanization tends to take all of the power, self-reliance, strength, and health right out of a people. And not just takes it out of the people, it seems to take it even out of the animals around them and the animals they choose to have around them. Like people are downbreeidng all sense of vitality and power right out of themselves merely for the extremely questionable benefits of urban convenience and urban conformity.<br /><br />I got no interest in it myself.<br />Weakness, puniness, yappiness, being like everybody else in the herd (especially when the herd is headed downhill off a sharp cliff-face), and down-breeding.<br /><br />No interest in it for myself, my kids, my lands, or my animals.<br />More empower, more strength, more self-reliance, more capabilities, <em>not less</em>.<br /><em><strong>Certainly not less</strong></em>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7657816461866160146?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-77535114175329652412008-11-01T20:00:00.002-05:002008-11-01T20:46:36.836-05:00The Posterity of Things to Come<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Pesharim - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Posterity of Things to Come</span></em></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong></span><br /><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><em>This is the first part of the rough draft of an extended essay I'm writing. It will be partially political but mainly about the unique nature of America and her culture and civilization, and what present events might entail about the future of the United States.<br /><br />I intend to rewrite it, enlarge upon perhaps in six or seven parts then prepare it for publication and then to publish it.</em><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Part One<br /></span></strong><br />History is full of ruined nations. Nations that rose upon their summer blush to heights of great and sometimes incredible power, only to fall back in winter to an early, quiet, or a continuously shallow, complacent grave. In the course and passage of history this is the way of things. The way things have always been, and the way they shall always be. Or is it?<br /><br />Rome rose, benefactor of, and contender with, both the Greeks and the Jews, then fell, eventually in both the East, and the West, at the hands of barbarian hordes, yet in both spheres it gave birth to Christendom. Eventually Christendom rose from babe to maiden and gave birth to Europe. The peoples of Europe then in their various turns delivered up the Age of Exploration, like Christendom less a nation than a worldview of nations. And although Christendom is not thought of anymore as a political sphere of influence, it still exists, and in many ways is far more widespread and influential across the globe that at any point in her past.<br /><br />There are no more colonies or lands to explore or stake by ship or sea, yet Europe too still exists, and might even be mighty in our own day had she not squandered all her virtues in the countless and often ill-conceived and vice-filled wars of those squabbling tribes we moderns now call nation-states. The Age of Exploration that Europe fathered likewise gave birth to many things, including eventually the realms of the Americas and onwards from there to our present home, to the United States of America. What then will the United States of America give birth to? What will we bear and what will we parent? And will what America generates replace her, or merely continue on along beside her, she and her children running parallel and co-prospered through future time?<br /><br />In the United States we often see ourselves as the culmination of the inexorable grind of the forces of historical progress. And so we are, although as with all things, all events, all ages, all nations, all peoples, we are as full with our own, and sometimes indistinct and unobserved flaws, as we are pregnant with untapped, unexplored, and unexploited potential. But we sit upon the pinnacle of history at this point in time, at this age of modernity. Uneasily we sit, but then again we have always sat uneasily upon the height of power, for we have a different view of the responsibilities, and benefits, and luxuries of power than most any other nation has ever had in the history of the world.<br /><br />And because of this we are different, in many respects, in many important respects, than any who have come before us, be they Babylonian, Persian, Chinese, Greek, or Roman, or Jewish, or Frank, or French, or Italian, or German, or even Byzantine or British (those with whom we have shared the most in common politically and militarily in respect to our view of the world, and our place in it). Our work in history is different, is less easily defined, more nebulous, and yet in some respects more vital than any who have come before us along the path of recorded time.<br /><br />We are Judeo-Christian in our spirit, Greek in our philosophy, Roman in our pragmatism and methods of administration and expansiveness, British in our technologies, German in our innovation and science, Byzantine (in both the good and bad senses of the term) in our politics (both internally and externally) and military capabilities and apotheosis of warfare, European in our laws, and unlike anyone else at all, ever, in the profound nature of the immense amalgamation of peoples, civilizations, languages, and ideas and ideals which formulate and comprise our culture. And yet within this body, this unlikely organism of various and assorted traits we are also, at our soul - wild-men, frontiersmen, people along the edge of the world. What can you say of such a people other than they are a marvel the likes of which has never before been observed, and that they are a danger unlike any other peoples who have ever existed?<br /><br />Yes, the United States of America is indeed a danger. A real and persistent threat, even within the heart of the maelstrom of well-intentioned struggles we have sometimes created for ourselves. We are dangerous in the ideals we champion, dangerous in our construction, dangerous in our enormous capabilities, dangerous in our very nature. Danger is knit into our very blood, bones, and being. We were created from peril, fashioned from risk, birthed in enterprise, raised in conflict and competition, molded and tempered in challenge, and made to endeavor. We are the frontier of the future. The world did not create us from blind circumstance, and neither did the past, it is the future who is our father, and our mother, the as yet unseen horizon.<br /><br />But with parentage such as this that does indeed makes us dangerous. Dangerous and foreboding, to our enemies, to our allies, and to ourselves. You cannot be a thing of danger and not give pause to the timid heart. This is the way of things. This is our way. <em><strong>The American Way.</strong></em><br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7753511417532965241?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-10974247177974844142008-09-10T21:40:00.004-05:002008-09-10T22:16:40.427-05:00September 11th, 2008<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">September 11th, 2008</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244596949469402674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SMiNI3M4ljI/AAAAAAAAAwQ/vpZxtfqSda8/s400/September_11_2001_just_collapsed.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><span style="color:#3333ff;">To Remember is to Prevent,</span> <em>to forget is to guarantee.</em></span></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong></div><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244596957708314034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SMiNJV5MZbI/AAAAAAAAAwY/DUUTGS7oXC0/s400/American_Flag_on_9-11%252B5_years.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-1097424717797484414?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-79088310676557829402008-08-19T15:39:00.006-05:002008-08-19T17:43:56.842-05:00A Fortuitous Accident<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Humours of Idleness - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">A Fortuitous Accident </span></em></span></strong><br /><div><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236336477109739618" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKs0SFqL4GI/AAAAAAAAAvA/610NTjm1_Pc/s400/Image002.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />Yesterday I went running around the house. I live out in the country, way out in the country many would say, though it is not nearly as far out in the country as it was when I was growing up on these same lands. After my father and mother retired and moved to the city my wife and I bought the same home and lands on which I grew up.<br /><br />Even though this territory is not nearly as rural as it once was, it is still bordered by forest on nearly every side. And so it is safe to say that it still remains a sort of rural oasis, especially from my point of view. Nevertheless even paradise has her serpents.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236336467359235202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKs0RhVe_II/AAAAAAAAAu4/AOKc4m5gaII/s400/Image001.jpg" border="0" /><br />As I said, yesterday I went running, and after making the laps around the outer edges of the yard bordering the woods I had run about half a mile. Not quite that far but pretty close. About 3/8 of a mile is about as far as I can accurately reckon it with the instruments I have. Anyway I ran that distance in 3 minutes and 5 seconds. Not a huge deal you might say, and you’d be very right, when I was a kid I could run faster. About a mile in six to six and a half minutes, given the course, the roads, and how much of the length was uphill, etc. I ran a lot as a kid, and over long distances, and got very good at it. But later on I was seriously injured including breaking my lower back, and screwing my knees up, and after then running became torturous and eventually I gave it up. I still have trouble running and hadn’t done it much for nearly a decade or more. But recently I had taken up training with the P90X program (or my modification of it) and through that program I had built my back muscles up to the point, and had improved my general conditioning so much, that I had become curious if I could run again. I was throwing discus and my training had made that easy, and I was feeling little or no back strain from the effort. And even though I love throwing the discus, before my recent training the effort could often cause me back spasms. Not so recently though.<br /><br />So over the past month or so I’ve been running, really running, and building myself back up again as a runner. At first all I did was jog, extremely slowly, letting my body get used to the pounding that distance running puts on your skeletal system, especially considering my age and my prior injuries. But every day I could run a little farther without strain, a little farther before the lactic acid kicked in, and a little faster and with slightly better form. And since I have been running in the heat of summer (usually around 2 or 3 in the afternoon), I was also daily improving my aerobic conditioning.<br /><br />Which brings me back to yesterday. Well yesterday I went running with my stopwatch on, really running the course hard to see what time I could make. After running that hard and going that distance I was making good time all things considered, but I had to pull up short after going a little under half a mile because I took on a terrific cramp. So I stopped running, walked it off a bit, and then went and sat down on the trunk of an old tree that I had cut down last year and dragged to the edge of our southwestern woods by a mini-CAT. While sitting there huffing and puffing, with all of my systems returning slowly to normal I happened to glance down at my feet. Three inches from my right heel lay the coiled body of a large copperhead. (For my foreign readers, and for those not familiar with the breed, a copperhead is a venomous and mean snake with a powerful and very poisonous bite – one likely killed one of my very large dogs a while back, and he weighed the same as a small man.) I flinched and then stood up and as calmly and quietly as I could strode away but the snake was watching me the whole time and God only knows why it hadn’t struck me. It was a very fortuitous and happy accident, or God was watching out for me, or both, but if it had struck me and sunk those fangs in deep then chances are, given how hard my heart was beating from the run, how hot and sweaty I was, and how hard my lungs were working, it could have sent me into shock almost immediately. And I’m sure that the toxin from the bite would have raced through my bloodstream and to my heart extremely quickly and before it could have been counter-acted, at the very least causing long-term heart and tissue damage.<br /><br />So I went inside, got my Mossberg 12 gauge, loaded four shells on the way back down and went out to where I had seen the snake. Part of it still seemed exposed, but barely, though I was also still having trouble seeing because I was not fully recovered from my run, and sweat was pouring down my eyes, and it was well camouflaged given the terrain and background. Nevertheless I let go with two blasts at where I thought the snake was most exposed. It had apparently though slithered under the log by the time I set to fire and I doubted if I had hit anything. It had apparently made a nest underneath the tree trunk, which was too big to move, but I stepped to the far side of the log and fired two more blasts at the area where it seemed most likely to have built a nest (the area I would have chosen had I been a snake). But I couldn’t really say that I had hit anything. I went out to the log three times later that evening, hoping it would show again so I could ambush and kill it, but, no such luck.<br /><br />Today though, about eleven o’clock in the morning I went back out to the log and found it sleeping in pretty much the same position where it had coiled near my leg the day before. I went inside and loaded my shotgun and went outside, took aim, fired, and … nothing. Nothing at all. I cleared the shell and mounted another and fired, and … nothing. I tried two more shells with the same effect. It had been firing perfectly the day before but nothing now, even though I could hear the pin snapping against the shell. (I still don’t know why it wasn’t firing; I gotta take it apart later.)<br /><br />Thoroughly angered and thinking I might miss my best shot, hoping it had not heard too much or at least had not realized what I was doing, I went inside and got my .38 revolver and my 9mm semi-automatic. I went outside to find the snake again and although it had flexed out lengthwise making it harder to shoot, it had not fled and seemed oblivious to me. I got within about six or seven feet, took aim with my revolver and shot. I couldn’t see exactly because of the grass but it slinked against the log and disappeared. When it was gone I could see blood on a leaf and knew I had scored. I kept firing at the small space between the ground and the log base hoping to scare it out. I heard some pine needles and leaves crunch and walking around the other side of the trunk and into the woods I found it coiled at the base of a small tree, apparently my first shot had mortally wounded it, nearly slicing it in half. (I am well practiced with my revolver but hadn’t expected to do it that kinda damage with my first shot – snakes are hard to hit with bullets, especially lengthwise.) Nevertheless I emptied the clip on my 9mm and kept firing til the body didn’t even twitch when taking rounds.<br /><br />Then after a few moments I went and picked the corpse up and laid it out on the log. It was dead, it was female, and not only that several of my shots had dislodged baby snakes, maybe 8 to 10 of them. The lower abdomen was huge and swollen, filled with snakelets, and one shot had torn the placenta open exposing snakes about to be passed. So not only was she a big snake, and nesting within 30 yards of my house near the woodline, but she was about to brood all over the place. I could have counted on several very deadly babies cavorting around my rear yards.<br /></p><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236345802599329810" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKs8w50KcBI/AAAAAAAAAvI/rEjhuadpovg/s400/Image003.jpg" border="0" /><br />Now personally, I don’t like to kill anything. I like life, I like living things, God made everything for it’s own purpose, and generally I agree with living and let living. But when I do run across something so dangerous that it needs a good killing I’m the first one to stay on that thing and to hunt it to the ground, and to kill it good and proper. To make sure it is dead, and ain’t never gonna hurt anyone else again. Had that snake hit one of my dogs, or God forbid one of my kids, it could have possibly killed them. Had it hit me after just running it could have killed me as well. Had it laid a clutch I could have had a whole mess of dangerous copperheads slithering all around my yards.<br /><br />She was a pretty snake, for a copperhead (I don’t like the ugly head of those snakes though), good coloring, big, well camouflaged, and to tell you the truth I probably would have never noticed her had she not been so close to my leg (and that might very well be why she didn’t strike me yesterday, she was either preoccupied with, or worried about taking a chance with her young), not that is unless she had bitten my dogs or my kids. But she needed to be killed, especially filled with baby snakes, and once I discovered her I was gonna stay on her til she was finished. Nothing that dangerous gets away from me if I can possibly kill it. </div><div></div><div></div><br /><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236352952514867394" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKtDRFU3cMI/AAAAAAAAAvw/TzHP8BZGTFA/s400/Image015.jpg" border="0" /><br />So after I killed her I laid her body out on the tree trunk, took some pictures, then took my machete and cut the body into pieces, especially around the lower abdomen, making sure I had cut out and exposed all the little ones. Making sure that she wasn't close enough to still deliver something viable. A couple of times the lower part of the body coiled and twitched, but since one of my shots had snapped the spine I deduced that it might have been the young still alive in the body. So I hacked all of those out. Just to be safe.<br /><br /></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236359255514993026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKtI_91M0YI/AAAAAAAAAwA/yV2NnEoPPWk/s400/Image019.jpg" border="0" /><br />It just goes to show you that no matter how tame you think your lands are, they are never really as tame as you expect them to be, and will never be any more tame than you allow them to be, or make sure they become. So I had a lucky accident and ended up taming my lands just that little bit more. Til the next time anyways.<br /><br />Enjoy the photos folks.They’re free of charge.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236345812341090610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKs8xeGx6TI/AAAAAAAAAvQ/qFZEsYZYTLQ/s400/Image004.jpg" border="0" /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236349454799864146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKtAFfUoAVI/AAAAAAAAAvg/Q8eSNbRdIXw/s400/Image010.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236349438101029554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKtAEhHUArI/AAAAAAAAAvY/Y_ylmd09I1Y/s400/Image005.jpg" border="0" /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"> </a></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236352945036188114" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKtDQpdz2dI/AAAAAAAAAvo/YpRy-sHXk_E/s400/Image014.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236359240954973938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKtI_Hl0jvI/AAAAAAAAAv4/dJK3oGzOvYM/s400/Image018.jpg" border="0" /></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5236359264555526466" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKtJAfgoaUI/AAAAAAAAAwI/62Tyc491LUI/s400/Image021.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a> </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7908831067655782940?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-11012371476000547022008-08-12T21:58:00.006-05:002008-08-12T22:50:54.125-05:00God's Demon<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Allele - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">God's Demon<br /></span></em></span></strong><br />(This review and briefing contains spoilers. Caveat Emptor.)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233842724815479874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKJYOmbjpEI/AAAAAAAAAuo/OBuJf9tYolc/s400/page3-1001-full.jpg" border="0" /><br />Last week I started an absolutely fascinating book (as far as fiction goes) called <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">God's Demon</span></strong>. It is by the artist Wayne Barlowe, and I wanted to read it for three reasons. First, I am familiar with Barlowe's impressive and unusual artistry, secondly because I wanted to see what kind of writer he would make of himself. And finally because I had read an interview with the man in a magazine about the book and it had intrigued me. I can't remember which magazine exactly but I think it was Realms of Fantasy.<br /><br />I knew the book was coming out from the interview but had forgotten about it in the interval, and so when I happened upon it by accident in the library I got a copy immediately.<br /><br />As far as Barlowe's skills as a writer go they are impressive enough, at times even very good, though he has obvious weaknesses as well. Nevertheless for a first book (and to my knowledge this is his first real book of fictional literature) the work is quite solid, especially for a work produced by a graphic artist. Now don't get me wrong, I'm not one of those modern fellas who think artists should be artists only, or scientists scientists only, or priests priests only, or cops a cop only, or soldiers only soldiers, or bakers only bakers, or Geeks only geeks, for that matter. As a matter of fact I'm as far from that ideal as is humanly possible. My personal philosophy of life, and especially of being a free citizen of the United States, is that men and women ought to be as Renaissance and varied in their capabilities as possible, achieving as much as possible in as wide a set of (either related or disparate) fields of activity as possible, and going as far as talent, drive, motivation, skill, and training will take them.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233842717459661298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKJYOLBywfI/AAAAAAAAAuY/oxNCthal1hk/s400/300px-HellBosch.jpg" border="0" /><br />But I also know that up until recently it was common for people to think in career and professional terms, even in terms of themselves, as specialists. That it was common among large groups of people, and still is among many, to think of themselves by "classification," niche, group, or for lack of a better term, clan or tribal association. And to think and respond to the world in this fashion in every conceivable way - professionally, by social group, by religion, and even by personality and persona. Much of our educational system has been geared to this feudalistic paradigm, you choose a specialty, a technical derivation of expertise and applied effort, then you follow <em>"a career path,"</em> rather than setting out to <strong>"achieve great things."</strong> It used to be that great men and women in this nation set out to <em><strong>"achieve great and important things,"</strong></em> and too often nowadays they set out to become mere professionals, or at best a minor league <em><strong>expertiste</strong></em> (similar in fashion and capability and influence to the modern <em>“artiste”</em>). There is nothing wrong with being either a professional or an expert, but contrary to modern opinion (and that’s all it really is, a commonly held Weltanschauung of mere current fashion) there is nothing so inherently great or impressive or grand about it that any particular person need limit themselves to becoming a professional or expert at some tiny or obscure field of pursuit, or even to a single field of pursuit with far wider applications and implications. Men should be limited only by their imaginations in the range of their enterprises, and if drive and will and capability are sufficient to their cause, not limited even by their own imaginations. Barlowe is an artist, and in my opinion a good one, but he needn't stop there, nor need any man conclude his attainments to any one field of accomplishment. Modern society may be in love with the idea of the expert and the technocrat, but no society ever became great, or remained long great based upon the accomplishments of men toiling away at small and obscure things and/or based upon the idea that men pursue some singular profession to the exclusion of everything else they might accomplish. Men do not become great by narrow and petty avenues of pursuit, and societies do not become great by encouraging narrowness of interests.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233842695258400242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKJYM4UmZfI/AAAAAAAAAuQ/atzEfZLJDLw/s400/40lrc-Demons.jpg" border="0" /><br />So I was glad to see Barlowe step outside his own normal venues of accomplishment and attempt a book of literature. But, aside from Barlowe being a good writer (he is not great, yet, but this is an early attempt, much practice will make him much better, and he is already a good writer and can on occasion turn a brilliant and even poetic phrase, and that’s already a fine achievement considering much that passes as fiction and literature nowadays), two things really fascinated me about the book. The first was the fact that Sargatanas (this name is an acronym I suspect) is an excellent example of the very Renaissance Ideal I was speaking about. He is extremely able and capable in a number of fields, administrative, as a military commander, as a source of inspiration to his people, as an organizer and politician, as a builder, and as a scholar. He is in many ways the proto-typical Renaissance Man (or in this case, Demon, or Angel). The second thing that fascinated me about the book was the fact of Sargatanas’ plan as he rules in hell.<br /><br />Sargatanas decides to rebel against hell as Lucifer had rebelled against Heaven. But not just against Lucifer, whom Sargatanas early realizes was drastically wrong in both his assumptions and his actions, but against the very order of Hell itself. He plans to rebel against hell, overthrow of it what can be overthrown, and to take with him what demons and human souls he can and try to return to Heaven and achieve redemption, and reconciliation with God and his brother angels. (I have not read the entire book yet, and I am very dubious of his plan as he initially envisions it, or the fact of his being able to <em>"earn his way back into heaven,"</em> but nevertheless the very idea is enormous and tremendous and fascinating, and certainly worth the effort from nearly any point of view. And it is after all only a book of fiction. It doesn’t have to be a workable plan; it merely has to be an inspiring and heroic one.) Interestingly enough the idea of Barlowe's novel roughly corresponds to a novella that I am writing, at least in general ideology and theme (though it differs greatly in details). In my novella Christ, near the end of the Millennial Rule decides that he will, against God's explicit commands, enter hell on a mission to free Judas Iscariot, and return him to himself as one of the Apostles. (It's only a fictional story folks; retain your emails and potential outrage for more important matters.) So I was very glad to see Barlowe address the idea of hell's rule being breakable, and beatable, in his work.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233842717979792514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKJYOM9zVII/AAAAAAAAAug/9Y0EbD1eA4E/s400/Angels%2520in%2520America3.jpg" border="0" /><br />One of the truly amazing, brilliant, and ironic things Barlowe has Sargatanas do is to (re)create a chapel and shrine to God and Heaven (which they call the Above) in an underground area directly beneath his own palace in the city he founds on the river Acheron in hell. To reach heaven, or at least a sort of recreated version of it, Sargatanas goes to the underearth of hell to build his shrine. The implications are obvious and well reflect Milton's<em><strong> "the mind is it's own place, and in itself can make Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven." </strong></em>(My favorite line from Paradise Lost. You can tell both Milton, and Dante, two of my favorite poets, heavily influenced Barlowe.) But one thing about the quote above from Paradise Lost is that you cannot turn the phrase in English so that Heaven is the subject of either part of the quote. For if you <em>“make a Heaven of Hell”</em> then Hell is the real subject, and heaven is the adjective, and if you <em>"make a Hell of Heaven,"</em> then by the very nature of that, you have spoilt Heaven (when perfection is spoilt it is by definition no longer perfection), and therefore Heaven becomes Hell and Hell once again becomes the true subject of the phrase. There is no way in English to render Heaven from Hell so that Heaven becomes the true subject of intent, it can only remain an object of remembrance (see the point of the Eucharist here, and the Passover Seder, words and words alone are wholly, and holy, insufficient to the task). So ever since I first read that phrase in Milton I have been personally seeking an alche-linguistic formula by which the phrase could be reversed, and Hell could be rendered and reshaped in language to become Heaven once again. That Heaven would become the point and subject of Hell. But I never found a real and working solution to Milton’s equation. Heaven, at least in language, does not infiltrate Hell as Hell infiltrates Heaven, even though in my opinion Heaven should be the far better skilled at the subtle arts of craft, and cunning, and clever infiltration. Though maybe that is more a fault of human language and lack of vision, than a truism of Divine provenance. Yet when I read what Barlowe had done, having his Demon physically reshape the underground of Hell into a Chapel of Heaven a sort of chill ran up my spine. And even though it was not a formulaic solution resolved in an equation of language, strictly speaking, it was nevertheless a brilliant literary solution, and if I had read the book for no other reason, I think, and I credit it with having at least in part solved my Miltonian dilemma. And I think it is the most high literary moment in the book, and a very high one for any literary work. One I will not forget, and a solution to that paradox I thank Barlowe for having presented. (And I have long years pondered this arduous riddle, but now I know and see the solution - <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">“The mind is it’s own place, and in itself can break Hell, when Heaven enters in it.”</span></strong></em>)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233842727580375666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKJYOwuwmnI/AAAAAAAAAuw/idDBRYBqRgQ/s400/page3-1009-full.jpg" border="0" /><br />He also makes brilliant use of some of the secondary characters such as Lilith, Beelzebub, and Hani, the seemingly hapless soul who desires his freedom from the tyranny of hell. I do not intend to spoil the overall plot or the eventual outcome of the war against Hell so I will end my review here, but all in all, I am much enjoying this work of fiction and can highly recommend this book. Get and read it.<br /><br />You'll be sorry as hell if you don't.<br /><br />By the way, you can see Barlowe’s impressive artistry at these sites:<br /><br /><strong><a href="http://www.waynebarlowe.com/">Wayne Barlowe</a></strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong><a href="http://www.godsdemon.com/">God's Demon</a></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-1101237147600054702?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-3035131455335563882008-08-12T14:39:00.005-05:002008-08-12T15:24:19.814-05:00War and Virtual War<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Signal, Sygnet and Sigil - <span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>War and Virtual War</em></span></span></strong><br /><br /><br />A very well-informed buddy sent me this article. I present it to you for your consideration.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233724649214625922" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKHs1sikyII/AAAAAAAAAto/spQDUzf9u_Q/s400/300px-Rbn_wikipedia.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>The Telegraph - Aug 11, 2008</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/georgia/2539157/Georgia-Russia-conducting-cyber-war.html" target="_blank">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/georgia/2539157/Georgia-Russia-conducting-cyber-war.html</a><br /><br /><strong>Georgia:</strong><em> Russia 'conducting cyber war'Russia has been accused of attacking Georgian government websites in a cyber war to accompany their military bombardment</em>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233724652363198018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKHs14RQLkI/AAAAAAAAAuA/iFqBRLKGrEI/s400/RBNNetwort_127_0_0.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />By Jon SwaineLast Updated: 11:53AM BST 11 Aug 2008<br />The official website of Mikheil Saakashvili, the Georgian President, was been under external control since shortly before Russia's armed intervention<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233724649422868930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKHs1tUOUcI/AAAAAAAAAtw/Jfy4WYEdPPk/s400/Fig1_RBN_nowandthen_offices.jpg" border="0" /><br />Several Georgian state computer servers have been under external control since shortly before Russia's armed intervention into the state commenced on Friday, leaving its online presence in dissaray.While the official website of Mikheil Saakashvili, the Georgian President, has become available again, the central government site, as well as the homepages for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Defence , remain down. Some commercial websites have also been hijacked.<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233724653846797666" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKHs19y-HWI/AAAAAAAAAt4/zZPGpEuAPg0/s400/RBN_isoftpay_Order.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Georgian Government said that the disruption was caused by attacks carried out by Russia as part of the ongoing conflict between the two states over the Georgian province of South Ossetia.In a statement released via a replacement website built on Google's blog-hosting service, the Georgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said: "A cyber warfare campaign by Russia is seriously disrupting many Georgian websites, including that of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs."Barack Obama, the Democratic US Presidential candidate, has demanded Moscow halt the internet attacks as well as observing a ceasefire on the ground.<br /><br />Last April the computer systems of the Estonian Government came under attack in a co-ordinated three-week assault widely credited to state-sponsored Russian hackers. The wave of attacks came after a row erupted over the removal of the Bronze Soldier Soviet war memorial in Tallinn, the Estonian capital. The websites of government departments, political parties, banks and newspapers were all targeted.<br /><br />Analysts have immediately accused the Russian Business Network (RBN), a network of criminal hackers with close links to the Russian mafia and government, of the Georgian attacks.Jart Armin, a researcher who runs a website tracking the activity of the RBN, has released data claiming to show that visits to Georgian sites had been re-routed through servers in Russia and Turkey, where the traffic was blocked. Armin said the servers "are well known to be under the control of RBN and influenced by the Russian Government.<br /><br />"Mr Armin said that administrators in Germany had intervened at the weekend, temporarily making the Georgian sites available by re-routing their traffic through German servers run by Deutsche Telekom. Within hours, however, control over the traffic had been wrested back, this time to servers based in Moscow.<br /><br />As in the barrage against Estonian websites last year, the Georgian sites are being bombarded by a distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack, in which hackers direct their computers to simultaneously flood a site with thousands of visits in order to overload it and bring it offline.The Shadowserver Foundation, which tracks serious hacking, confirmed:"We are now seeing new attacks against .ge sites - <a href="http://www.parliament.ge/" target="_blank">http://www.parliament.ge/</a> and <a href="http://president.gov.ge/" target="_blank">president.gov.ge</a> are currently being hit with http floods.<br /><br />"Mr Armin warned that official Georgian sites that did appear online may have been hijacked and be displaying bogus content. He said in a post on his site: "Use caution with any web sites that appear of a Georgia official source but are without any recent news ... as these may be fraudulent."<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233724650523833554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKHs1xattNI/AAAAAAAAAuI/FLQu8-BO-bo/s400/russiancrim460x276.jpg" border="0" /><br />The Baltic Business News website reported that Estonia has offered to send a specialist online security team to Georgia.However a spokesman from Estonia's Development Centre of State Information Systems said Georgia had not made a formal request. "This will be decided by the government," he said.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Additional Resources:</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://bp2.blogger.com/_SvDjzn4xfyE/R2niJPPXcMI/AAAAAAAAAJY/wiZJqzT0ew8/s400/RBN_isoftpay_Order.jpg&imgrefurl=http://rbnexploit.blogspot.com/2007/12/rbn-retail-payment-systems.html&h=400&w=337&sz=29&hl=en&start=18&tbnid=yT8Zvv1qSmJmiM:&tbnh=124&tbnw=104&prev=/images%3Fq%3DRussian%2BBusiness%2BNetwork%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG"><strong>RBN Analysis</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.badmalweb.com/downloads/RBN_study.pdf"><strong>RBN .PDF</strong></a><br /><strong></strong><br /><a href="http://dustingmybrain.com/archives/002379.html"><strong>Corpse Spy</strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.spamhaus.org/rokso/evidence.lasso?rokso_id=ROK7800"><strong>Spamhaus</strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-303513145533556388?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-76185283702326184162008-08-12T12:36:00.005-05:002008-08-12T15:30:30.648-05:00Those New Russian Sonsabitches<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Signal, Sygnet and Sigil - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Those New Russian Sonsabitches</span></em><br /></span></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5233687767838291906" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SKHLS6tO98I/AAAAAAAAAs4/tToJHrk1Fio/s400/dead_bear.jpg" border="0" /> <div><br />This time the Russian bear is not in a fight with a bunch of small, helpless states supported by vague promises from the British Empire. This time the Ruskies are not in a fight with the Germans. This time they aren't poisoning men in secret under the table and trying to usurp governments by slipping toxins in their wine and employing the subterfuge of old women. This time you Russian sonsabitches are in a fight with a bunch of little states who know what you are, and are supported by the United States of America and NATO. You're not fooling anybody.<br /><br />This time old toothless and worn out bear you fight with people who are free, who are gonna stay that way, and who are friends with nations who can do more than just beat you in a fight. We can wipe out your very reason for existing as government.<br /><br />I got nothing against the Russian people (as a matter of fact I got a real affection for the Russian people going way back to the Soviet Union), nothing even against the Russian troops (used to know some Soviet troops and officers, corresponded with and liked em), <strong><em>but 'ware your asses Russian leaders.</em> </strong>Cause if you don't then we'll be wearing your asses. I got no love for you animals and neither do a lot of folks, including those that surround ya, and where I come from we hang high sonasbitches like you, and we wear pelts made out of bears who think they are matches for men. We got a whole continent full of bear-rugs to prove it. You're not nearly as tough as you think you are, and your hide is not nearly as thick as you've deluded yourself into thinking. A thousand little bees all around you and your hairy hide is stung and crippled. A single determined, screaming, fighting eagle in your face and you're blind and helpless. We don't forget our friends, and we don't start fights with punk ass bullies, but we sure as hell finish em.<br /><br />We got time, we're patient, and we know how to cripple and kill and skin wild beasts like you.<br /><br />So, your day is coming grizzly men.<br />Your day is coming.<br /><br />And when that day comes, we're gonna finish you for good this time, and your people are gonna turn and eat what ever is left. And then we're gonna set them free too.<br /><br />Until then sleep well in the knowledge that we're out there waiting for bear.<br />Cause we are.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><br />body<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7618528370232618416?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-1334694060491278622008-08-08T11:59:00.005-05:002008-08-08T12:19:12.356-05:00You Say Hello, and I Say Goodbye...<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Signal, Sygnet and Sigil - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">You Say Hello, and I Say Goodbye...</span></em></span></strong><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Well, well... <em>This couldn't have come at a sweeter time.</em></div><br /><div>Hello New World, same as the Old World.<br /><br />Thanks Ruskies.<br />We owe you one.</div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232196744343646226" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SJx_N7WO8BI/AAAAAAAAAsw/QnMrAJAyIjU/s400/ossetia+map.bmp" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article4486208.ece"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Georgia says Russian tanks mean 'war' in South Ossetia<br /></span></strong></a><br />Philippe Naughton Video: </div><br /><div><strong>Russia-Georgia standoff</strong> </div><br /><div>Russia sent troops and dozens of tanks into the breakaway Georgian province of South Ossetia today, throwing the two former Soviet neighbours into a sudden yet undeclared state of war. In the most serious regional crisis since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, at least 50 tanks – and possibly many more – rumbled through the Roki tunnel, which cuts through the Caucasus mountains separating South Ossetia from the Russian province of North Ossetia. </div><br /><div>"One hundred and fifty Russian tanks, armoured personnel carriers and other vehicles have entered South Ossetia,” President Saakashvili of Georgia told reporters in Tbilisi. “This is a clear intrusion on another country’s territory. We have Russian tanks on our territory, jets on our territory in broad daylight." </div><div> </div><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232196734142972674" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SJx_NVWNAwI/AAAAAAAAAsg/2788E89Fqjk/s400/_41928238_ossetia_416_afp.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div></div><div>Mr Saakashvili added that Georgian forces had downed two Russian jet fighters over Georgian territory. Georgia mobilised its reservists yesterday and launched a military offensive to regain control over South Ossetia, which broke away from Georgia after it gained independence. Fighting raged today around the city of Tskhinvali, the South Ossetian capital, as Georgian troops backed by tanks and warplanes pounded separatist forces, who are mostly Russian citizens backed by Moscow. This afternoon as the Russian tanks rolled in, Georgian officials declared that they had secured the city...</div><div> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5232196737789395794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SJx_Ni7lA1I/AAAAAAAAAso/H43nAHXNmSI/s400/251345211_49bf3711a7.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-133469406049127862?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-80706704379330428522008-05-15T10:38:00.005-05:002008-05-15T11:16:47.259-05:00Future Speak<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Future Speak</span></em></strong><br /></span><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/e8114732-e294-4a0d-b0b6-e5fa16857f61.htm"><strong>McCain's New Speech</strong></a>.</div><div></div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5200638340337123154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SCxhBDESP1I/AAAAAAAAAsY/dy6JoBdI5oc/s400/untitled.bmp" border="0" /><br /><div><strong>Me likey</strong>! <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">If he holds to his line</span></strong></em>, that is.<br /><br />But a lot of the points he mentioned are things I've been <a href="http://cameron.blogs.foxnews.com/2008/05/15/the-beautiful-america-after-four-years-of-president-mccain/"><strong>politically pushing for years and years</strong></a>.<br /><br />I especially like the idea of a <em>League of Democracies</em>, though for years and years I've been saying we should have a <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">League of Republics</span></strong> and like minded nations (instead) as most of you know, rather than relying on the UN. As a matter of fact a League of Republics and Allies would make the UN obsolete if it functioned properly and would cripple lingering communists and despots everywhere.<br /><br />I don't know. I'm like a lot of people I reckon, I don't really know what to make of McCain, even now, or exactly how to take him. And something about the man makes me uneasy, and always has. Psychologically and behaviorally speaking. But he's proven himself in the past and who knows, he may just end up being another Theodore Roosevelt. (Another man who was initially never expected to be President, another man of somewhat similar and radical and maverick background who became an absolutely fantastic and tremendously excellent and effective president. My favorite Presidents by the way are Lincoln, Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan, in that order, though from time to time the order shifts a bit in my mind in favor of one man or another.)<br /><br />And I know that when a man becomes President he operates differently from how he operates as a Congressman or Senator (Thank God) and this remains by hope with McCain. Despite having been a Senator for so long he will have nevertheless not been totally ruined and may yet rise above that unfortunate association. I'm still not thrilled with a former Senator for President, but since it looks like that is our national doom in any case, at least, I hope, a man who can rise above that sort of thing as a hawk can rise above a stinking carcass when he's had his fill of decomposing entrails.<br /><br />In any case at least the man is talking a good game.<br />Now run John, run, and play like you really mean it. And if your achievements match your words, then hell man, I'll fight in your corner.<br /><br />If only most other Republicans had those kinda balls.</div><br /><div>But one problem at a time I suppose.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-8070670437933042852?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-90703741703419336412008-04-23T12:40:00.004-05:002008-04-23T14:05:00.765-05:00The Generally Impressive Man<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Signal, Sygnet and Sigil - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Generally Impressive Man</span></em> </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5192518114576913970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SA-Hts0jVjI/AAAAAAAAAsQ/FrbSu4SXDjw/s400/pet+and+gates.jpg" border="0" /><br />This is an extremely important development as far as I’m concerned. <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/featuredCrisis/idUSN23327782"><strong>Petraeus is certainly the man for this job</strong></a>, for a whole host of reasons, not least of which is the astute balancing of resources by a man who knows that he has very real and competing interests in the proper execution of conflicts in both the present theatres of war and in preparing for the successful prosecution of any potential conflicts in future theatres of war.<br /><br />But I am also very hopeful that his new influence will allow for the possible systemic realignment of leadership and training towards ever-greater force-wide integration of the principles of asymmetric warfare and counter-insurgency. <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2006/10/shadows-on-moonless-midnight.html"><strong>We need a lot more officers</strong> </a>(military wide) capable of this kind of thinking, and fighting ability, when needed.<br /><br />I would also not be the least surprised to see recommendations from Petraeus, as well as implementable orders from his office covering wide-scale reforms in such operational functions as changing individual soldier deployment specifications, logistics, resource allocation, unit rotation schedules (I’m very much in favor of unit rotation instead of soldier and specialist rotation, with certain exceptions), intelligence gathering, and overall changes in theatre policy (especially and hopefully, Afghanistan.)<br /><br />I am pleased thus far with the job Gates has been doing in his assignment and I’m looking forward to Petraeus as Commander of Central Command, though I know it will be quite awhile before the real turnover and real work begins.<br /><br />The American military is changing, and mightily so. I suspect Petraeus is the man, as proven by his prior experience and adaptability and focus upon actionable success, for this job.<br /><br />I don’t envy him this job. Not at all. Or the responsibility. But I suspect he is indeed the right man for this job.<br /><br />I just have one question.<em> Where are all of the left-wing<br />General Betrayus patriots now, and how come they’re not burning their bras at CENTCOM Headquarters? </em>Maybe they’re afraid that with that many bras going up in smoke at once that their carbon footprint would be inexcusably heavy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-9070374170341933641?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-82559414079081671902008-04-16T19:07:00.003-05:002008-04-16T19:17:52.617-05:00HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENEDICT<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">HAPPY BIRTHDAY BENEDICT</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5190001389774819282" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SAaWxCVPz9I/AAAAAAAAAsI/-KA-l3Vcmaw/s400/pope.jpg" border="0" /><br />I am not a Roman Catholic. I consider myself a Christian, and nothing more, yet nothing less. I am however very warmly disposed towards Orthodox and Greek Catholicism, while in many other ways remaining Protestant (Baptist to be exact), and yet in many ways I am also warmly disposed towards Roman Catholicism.<br /><br />This is especially true as to many of her recent Popes. Both the popes of the last century, and of this century. I was a great admirer of John Paul, both during his life on earth, and in his power as a Saint, for so he was, and so he remains. After the passing of John Paul II I was doubtful, I fully admit, that any newly elected pope could give as good an account of the office as had John Paul.<br /><br />And when Benedict was elected I have to also admit, I had my personal doubts about him as successor to the Great Seat. He seemed in many ways a far lesser man, less impressive, less great, less imposing, less sure of himself, less a better future for the Roman church, and less a better overall representative of Christ as an active force in the world.<br /><br /><strong>But I was wrong</strong>. <em>Very wrong indeed</em>. I began to watch the man in action, saw his service, saw him overcome his own doubts in office, saw him overcome his own fears and shyness. I began to read his works and his papers and encyclicals, read several biographies of the man, listened to his presentations and speeches and dictates, observed his devotion. And by careful observation and meditation discovered him to be far greater in his strengths than infirm in his frailties.<br /><br />He is a true agent of Christian reconciliation and reunification, he is compassionate and yet strong, he is a wise leader, a brilliant theologian (his <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Jesus of Nazareth</span></strong></em> may be the best book on Christology I have ever read in my entire life, <em>and I very highly recommend </em>it), he is bright and thoughtful, extremely well educated, an ardent defender of the faith, he is an excellent example for Christians everywhere of moral bravery, persistence, and dignity. He is a fine pastor, a superb priest, a careful shepherd and a dedicated Holy Father, and even if he never desired the office, God has used him well. He is also a friend of my nation and a fellow brother in Christ, an open and sincere and very good man, well disciplined and in command of his own soul, and although I do not always agree with him, I am very pleased and honored to have him as one of the chief representatives of the Christian Church within the world.<br /><br />So, Happy Birthday and God bless you Pope Benedict. Thank you for your visit, it was well and mutually met. May your papacy be long and fruitful and may you accomplish and achieve much for God and Christ in this world, now and forever. Amen.<br /><br /><br /><br />Hope springs eternal from the Fountain of Life.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-8255941407908167190?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-53741020353986890202008-04-15T15:12:00.006-05:002008-04-15T16:03:07.161-05:00Love and Sunshine in the Middle East<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Love and Sunshine in the Middle East</span></em></span></strong><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><strong>By Julius Dagonet Adair for <em>the DisMissal</em><br /><br />Last Updated: 4:10 PM<br />Tuesday, April 15, 2008</strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189569234460463026" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SAUNuSVPz7I/AAAAAAAAAr4/8enDAw8IgbQ/s400/images.jpg" border="0" /><br />Today former President Jimmy Carter met with several Palestinian leaders, including a member of Hamas. Following a brief and yet cordial embrace between the two men Hamas issued a press statement describing the meeting. “It was our pleasure to exchange mutual embraces of goodwill between ourselves and President Jimmy Carter. As most people around the world now know President Carter was the man truly elected in Florida, and unlike the criminal Bush, who has killed so many Palestinians and Iraqis, President Carter is the man who best represents the will of the American people. Like so many life-long Democrats President Carter understands foreign policy in a way few other types of people ever could.” The US State Department has declared Hamas to be a terrorist organization.<br /><br />Carter expressed his many thanks for the warm reception he received by the Palestinian leaders and said that he was moving on to meet other leaders of Hamas when the opportunity presents itself later in the week. Speaking at an off-camera press conference arranged by Palestinian television Carter declared his appreciation. “Since arriving here I have been showered with wine, flowers, and chocolates. And they don’t even drink here. I feel like a real Queen of a Man.” Potential Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton expressed interest in meeting with the leaders of Hamas only if she were promised in advance plentiful shots of rum, whiskey, and tequila. Barak Obama however announced his immediate desire to meet with any leaders of Hamas or any other terrorist group at the first available opportunity and with no restrictions on what is discussed. He did however say that he would ask any terrorist leader with whom he met if it was wise to cling to guns and religion because this was likely to alienate voters in more goat conscious desert and rural areas. “Nevertheless,” Obama continued, “I think most terrorists should continue to stubbornly stick to their previous positions so as not to lose advantage with their base. Al Qaeda means the base you know, and if you lose your base then how can you scare little white women walking down the street? It just isn’t possible. You’ve got to keep your Mojo for when it can do the most good.”<br /><br />Carter seemed to agree with this assessment and while being questioned by American reporters he grabbed his crotch several times. At one point the room fell silent when an American reporter asked Carter how he felt meeting with a man who was accused of having been responsible for the murder of over two dozen American citizens? Carter responded by saying, “I didn’t see him kill anybody, did you see him kill anybody? It’s just like on the streets of Tupelo when they accuse the bearded man of doing all of the raping and killing and such without any real DNA evidence. We’ve got to stop all of this hatred of the bearded man. It’s just plain ignorant!”<br /><br />Barak Obama released a statement saying that he understood the plight of the bearded man but that bearded men should not cling to their facial hair out of fear of the baby-faced Mexican. And Hillary Clinton, asked if she feared the bearded man said, “Emphatically not! I am not now nor have I ever been a bearded man. I just drink hard and shave often, that’s all. I think it’s elitist and condescending to say that just because a woman curses a lot and has many obvious masculine traits that she is someone for the electorate to fear. If anything I think I meld the best traits of my husband with the best traits of Paula Jones after the nose job. Any terrorist would love to bag me, of course, but they would also be very afraid to snipe at me. They know I’m not afraid to launch a missile or two.”<br /><br />Later in the day President Carter stopped by for a taping of a popular Palestinian children’s television show. Carter was both entertained and amused as he watched a puppet show in which several Jewish soldiers were killed by a child puppet in an explosive vest, and puppet women lamented how Americans are causing them to starve while they grow fat off the blood of Iraqi babies. The show ended with several Fatah puppets being executed by firing squad and a rousing chorus of <em>“Allah kill the thieves.”</em><br /><br />After that Carter stepped outside to join a street riot already in progress, then finished off his schedule by firing an AK-47 in the air at passing Israelis predator drones, and neck-lacing and burning alive a Palestinian collaborator. Carter concluded his first day on the ground by calling for international observers to monitor the next election cycle, and for UN intervention in Jerusalem. “It’s time,” he said, “to give the city of peace back to the people by forcing the UN to take control of it.”<br /><br />Asked what he would do for an encore Carter replied, “I’ve already thought of that. I’m going to fight my way into Gaza and tell the Jews, <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">‘Tear Down this Wall!</span></strong></em>’”<br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189569749856538562" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SAUOMSVPz8I/AAAAAAAAAsA/JfCB8US2ikA/s400/imageshama.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><br /></p><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-5374102035398689020?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-87998227238340416012008-04-15T11:13:00.005-05:002008-04-15T12:28:01.877-05:00The Unfinished Man<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Pesharim - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Unfinished Man</span></em></span></strong><br /><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></em></strong><br /><br /><em>We are the hollow men<br />We are the stuffed men<br />Leaning together<br />Headpiece filled with straw. Alas!<br />Our dried voices, when<br />We whisper together<br />Are quiet and meaningless<br />As wind in dry grass<br />Or rats' feet over broken glass<br />In our dry cellar<br /><br />Shape without form, shade without colour,<br />Paralysed force, gesture without motion;<br /><br />Those who have crossed<br />With direct eyes, to death's other Kingdom<br />Remember us--if at all--not as lost<br />Violent souls, but only<br />As the hollow men<br />The stuffed men.<br /></em><br />From <strong>“The Hollow Men”</strong><br /><br /><br /><br />I saw a <em>Man Unfinished</em>, he bled labors by the score<br />A thousand times a million, an infinity of chores,<br />I thought to ask him "why do so, what is the pressing need?"<br />But I could not his flesh to find; above, below, beneath,<br />It seems that he was shrouded wrapt by nothing more than words<br />So everything essential always less than more occurred,<br />I left him lost a'wandering to find a path much clearer<br />And found instead a <strong>Finished Man</strong> a'staring in the mirror...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.umich.edu/~bcalab/articles/CNNArticle2001.pdf"><strong>Article on UM Study</strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.apa.org/releases/multitasking.html"><strong>Multitasking Non-Sequitur</strong></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5189522672720007074" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/SATjYCVPz6I/AAAAAAAAArw/hu1ntO7FPjc/s400/imagesCA6QD6YT.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />I more or less completely agree with the results of this study, as well as the reasons they conclude that multi-tasking is counterproductive. I learned a long time ago, by developing a set of complex time management schedules for my work and other activities, that multi-tasking, as the term is commonly employed, is actually detrimental to true attempts to become more productive, or to maintain a higher state of productivity over a long period of time.<br /><br />Now I don’t disagree with the idea of multi-tasking per se, with the idea of accomplishing a number of related, or even entirely different tasks, basically simultaneously, or at least in a fluid fashion. But I do disagree with the modern impulse and common methods of multi-tasking that seem to be pursued and executed throughout all levels of our society and culture. The truth is that nothing really productive ever gets done, as I have learned through hard experience, until things get done in their entirety. Until things are both begun, worked upon, and finally successfully concluded or completed. One cannot be engaged in a dozen activities at once and expect to complete any of them successfully, or even most of them with any real degree of accomplishment. The one absolute ingredient of true success is to finish what you start, in the very way that a thing needs to have both a head and a tail to know both where it is headed and from where it originated. A half of a man is no good to anyone, and a half-resolved task or an inconclusive result or an unfinished project is about as useful as the left half of a man sans his right half.<br /><br /><br /><br />So the only true method of productive success is to finish what you start, and to concentrate upon the task at hand until it is concluded. And far too often the person, the corporation, and the organization that is heavily involved in multi-tasking is simply taking on ever greater loads of work and effort without ever decisively completing that work or effort which needs most to be focused upon and concluded before moving on to the next task. To achieve what is true, and good, and lasting, you must complete what is unfinished. This is as true of the man, as it is of the project, or the case, or the invention, or the endeavor, or the war, or the economy, or the nation, or the enterprise. What is left to rot upon the vine is of value only to the birds of the air and the scavengers of the earth.<br /><br />This is not to say of course that multi-tasking has no place or function or value to anyone. I am not drawing such a conclusion. What I am saying in contrast is that multi-tasking, as with the effort to resolve and complete any task must be undertaken in such a way as to foster real productivity and to lessen (or at least make easier) the workload, rather than to add to or burden the workload ad infinitum. And when things are left unresolved, and other work piles upon the load that is already hard to bear, then multi-tasking causes far more havoc than it resolves to ease.<br /><br />Therefore multi-tasking, if it is to be a good and true agent working for the virtue of productivity and accomplishment, instead of being merely an operative vice of counter-productivity and unfocused and effete dispersal of effort, must also be well focused, meaningfully organized, and properly executed. In short it must be executed and employed in a logical fashion which allows small and unimportant tasks to service themselves so that the individual may work upon the important, demanding, even Herculean task unfettered by scattered focus or hamstrung by the thousand stinging wasps of nuisance toil. Put another way, many small things that are easily resolved may be competently multi-tasked or delegated, if the proper means or agents of execution may be found, but what is most important must be worked with diligent and focused effort until such time as the proper end may be brought to the necessary task. And only the determined man can conclude the indispensable effort.<br /><br />For instance, at home I may, before my real work begins, feed and water the dogs, set the dishes to washing in the washing machine, apply the applications which will defragment or repair my computer files, and then set my workload in order while consulting my worklist for the day. All of these tasks may be accomplished in short order, either because they are minor jobs, or I am well trained in them and they are reflexive, or because they require little focus or because they are executed by machines. For instance if I set the dishes to washing or my computer to repairing itself while I am at more important tasks then those things can be done at the same moment I am accomplishing far more crucial work. While my computer repairs itself I may sit down with a pad and begin writing, working on an invention, examining the details of a case, making an analysis, or even conducting an experiment. The computer does not need me to watch it defragment itself or run a systems’ analysis. I am elsewhere at far more vital tasks.<br /><br />But when I am at the vital task then I do not squander my physical, mental, or psychological resources by attempting to attend to many unimportant things in my mind at once. I set the small things to servicing themselves first, so that they may be executed while I work, and while I work I work undisturbed and focused upon the important things at hand. I do not answer the phone, unless I see the number and think it an emergency or really pressing (if it is important then the person will always call back later or leave a message, if not, it is not important – and truth be told most people constantly answer their home phone or far more stupid cell phones simply to give the illusion that they are either socially important or immensely busy, and the real truth is, the vast majority of people are simply not that important in any way and never will be, if indeed anyone is, or put another way, they are not so socially vital that the world cannot do without them – and the world certainly will one day - and not so really busy after all or they would not have time to be pissing away with handling phone messages all day like a secretary), do not allow disturbances or distractions, and try not to let my mind wander from the job to be completed. I work the thing until it is completed or until I can make no more progress at that time. In summary multi-tasking works only when unimportant things are relegated to the background or when unimportant tasks are executed in the background, and when vital efforts and projects are worked with absolute focus of concentration and drive until real progress is achieved. <em><strong>When real things are achieved and good progress is made that is true productivity.</strong></em> Everything else is a charade of effort and a façade of illusion. To do well a thing must end well, and to end well it must be attended until it is completed. You do not interrupt the birth of a child to respond to an email or make a post on a blog. You reason and decide upon the great things first, and there go your true efforts. Lesser things are for when, and if, you have the time to spare.<br /><br />The modern impulse and habit of jumping from one task to another in media res and to extolling and orating upon the enormous numbers of tasks upon which one may make multi-fluid effort (and yet no concrete gain) is not only ridiculously counterproductive, it feeds the delusion that a man achieves much merely by being involved in much. (The internet is a perfect example of such a juvenile deception. It is akin to the teenage ideal that having many acquaintances either makes one a good friend or makes one truly important. The truth is that the internet is for the most part a huge waste of time that could be much more profitably and productively spent at other and far more significant and worthwhile tasks. My advice to you is, as soon as you finish reading this, get your lollygagging, web cruising, easily distracted ass off the internet and go do something really worth doing. And don’t come back here or anywhere else on the internet ‘til you have something really worth saying, or someone else has something really worth listening to, which I’m gonna tell you right now, personal egos aside ain’t nearly as often as most people deceive themselves into believing.) It is not what you are involved in that is the real consideration, it is what you achieve by what you involve yourself with that is the true measure of your productivity and progress. You cannot be all things to all men, nor can you achieve all things in all situations. Pick your battles; fight your wars to their conclusion, and disregard and dispose of those things that would consume your time and effort and achievement with much diffusion and delay. You cannot be a Finished Man if everything about you lies incomplete, and you cannot complete what must be done if all you ever do is balance the petty and the vital in the same set of unreliable scales. Some things you do may change the world, if you apply yourself aright and towards the right end, but the vast majority of the things you do are merely killing time, and by extension, the time you have to finish what is best, and what is best not to ignore. Do not multi-task yourself into a trap-like tesseract of obscurity and triviality. Take up the Herculean task, take up your cross and finish what you start, and cast aside the petty things for they will end as they began, unnoticed and inessential. You cannot build a Finished Man, urgent, vital, and worthwhile, upon the electronic screens of your computer, upon a blog found on the internet, within the confines of a video game, or through the measureless text files of your cell phone message box. All things artificial, artificially pursued, yield but the contrived and the unreal.<br /><br />Men though are built by what they concentrate upon and by what they do, and far too often in our modern world by what they fail to do because they are too busy in their garden of infinite detritus to truly ever live. Live. Leave this place and go forth and truly live. You cannot find here what you will not attempt for yourself. And do not look for treasure in a horde of useless tasks.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-8799822723834041601?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-69785869457415305642008-03-25T10:03:00.002-05:002008-03-25T10:06:00.119-05:00A Billion Monkeys<strong>Got a really interesting new poll up about the internet. Look near the top of the page. But I gotta warn ya folks, you’re gonna hav’ta work hard for this one.<br /><br />Enjoy, and be sure and tell granma.<br />She might not have heard about it yet.</strong><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-6978586945741530564?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-68660135270966057392008-02-15T13:26:00.003-05:002008-02-15T13:58:54.048-05:00The Tormos Under the Ground<strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">The Tormos Under the Ground </span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">
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<br /></span></strong>Behind all things lie the Hidden Things.
<br />Beneath the Hidden Things lie our Secret Lives.
<br />Beyond our Secret Lives lies another kind of Mystery altogether, of a different order and magnitude to everything else we can know, or ever will know. If I could describe it, I would not; if it might be described, I would that I could not.
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<br />And that is as things are when they are known not, both for what they appear now, yet have never been, and for that night of day in which they wait patiently for what they will become when no one is intentionally watching elsewhere through the looking glass of nobody.
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<br />And that’s about the most that needs to be said about that.
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-6866013527096605739?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-48623531918820644112008-01-18T20:14:00.000-05:002008-01-18T20:30:39.319-05:00Getting X'ed<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange – <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Getting X’ed<br /></span></em></span></strong><br />Right before Christmas I saw an advertisement off the satellite dish for an exercise program called, <em>Get Ripped in 90 Days</em>.<br /><br />It looked extremely interesting to me because of the fact of the way the program was presented, and because of the apparent method by which the training operated. I have always, from a young fella on, been a big proponent of Cross Training, though when I was young I didn't really call it that, I just called it being athletically able to do a lot of different kinds of things.<br /><br /><div> </div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5156993471047800242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/R5FSPS7QFbI/AAAAAAAAArg/85d94bg7e7A/s400/discus.jpg" border="0" /><br />And because I am essentially an athlete (someone who prefers physical activities in which you basically compete either alone or singly, like in track and field events, or against yourself, like in obstacle courses, etc.) and outdoorsman by heart and by nature, and not a sportsman (someone who competes on teams, though I used to love on occasion playing soccer and football and baseball and a few other team sports) I really liked the look of the training program, at least as presented in the television ad.<br /><br />So I ordered it (<strong><a href="http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/best_sellers/p90x.do">P90X</a></strong>) as part of my Christmas present (it was about $150.00 US in price) and got it about a week and half ago.<br /><br />It came with 12 very different workout routines (though some sections overlap on the different CDs), a workout book, a chart, a very good diet and nutrition book/plan, and a few other little odds and ends. I didn't order any of the nutritional supplements since I long ago developed my own formulations and metaergogenics. But I did buy some extra Creatine.<br /><br />I tried the program for three days last week, and for all five days of this week. I will also exercise tomorrow off the program and then rest on Sunday.<br /><br />After that period of initial use I have to say that this is the single most awesome (as in God-awesome, as in totally and fearfully effective) workout/physical training routine I have ever encountered, and I've developed some pretty good ones of my own in the past. The variety of exercises offered is just plain incredible, the support is very, very good, the nutrition plan is very nice (as well as being efficient and useful), and the routines are superb, to say the least. It is based upon the idea of muscle confusion and believe me, it is extremely confusing in both the amount of strain it places upon the body, and in the variety of strains it places upon the various parts of the body. It is very taxing in that it is rather difficult for you to remain in energy reserve, and that makes it just that much more effective as a program. One of the things I really appreciate about the routines however is the relaxed and almost casual way the routines unfold, and he offers you a rather impressive set of modified routines, based upon your current level of physical development, and yet despite the casual atmosphere, because the routines unfold so quickly and move from one exercise set to another in such rapid succession, the body cannot easily peak. And without peaking development continues unabated.</div><br /><div> </div><div>Another thing I really enjoy about the program is the fact that most exercise sets only go on for about thirty seconds to a minute. Which doesn’t seem like much but those seconds tend to be incredibly intense. Then you move immediately to the next exercise set, no rest or break in most cases. Which over the course of an hour’s training time means you execute a huge variety of exercise types. And that means that cumulatively each routine gets exponentially worse, and yet that much more effective with each new set.<br /><br />In the past, for example, in weightlifting, as all weightlifters know, you hit a plateau and then your muscles become so used to strain levels and anticipate strain levels so efficiently that it becomes ever harder to make gains. This program seems to operate on totally different principles. Muscle memory becomes far more fluid in the fact that one can develop a far greater range of movements and strengths, and yet far less static in the sense that one is far slower to peak.<br /><br />And every single time I have done any particular routine it has really stressed me terrifically. Every morning when I wake up I spend about five minutes lying in bed and just stretching. After I do that then I can move normally. And my muscles ache, really ache, and sometimes my whole body aches too, like when I was a kid training for something, and so I know it's really kicking my ass and working like it should. In addition after I workout I immediately eat, and on this program I mean I really, really eat. I’ve never been a real big eater, even when I was training to put on bulk, and body build eating was far more of a chore than a pleasure. I have a high metabolism generally speaking; have always been able to burn calories quickly and easily, even by comparison as I age, and so I’ve never really needed lots of food to generate energy. Small amounts of food give me energy and then I supplement. But after running through one of these routines I eat like a mad man. And I really enjoy it for once. I’m like a pregnant woman or something, my body seems to absorb nutrients from food through osmosis, and after working out real hard my body also seems to know exactly what it wants to eat to recover (this program also has some very good recovery and recuperation advice). And I’ve also lost my appetite entirely for any kind of junk food or junk carbs. My mouth actually waters at the thought of a full and juicy orange, a good salad and a nice big slab of fish. I eat baked potatoes like popcorn. I think it’s because you use up so many different kinds of nutrients and calories with the various exercises that your body starts demanding they be replaced almost immediately, and it intuitively knows what you need to eat to recuperate. Whatever the case for the first time in my life I am eating with real gusto. And enjoying it immensely.<br /><br />I expect it to help tremendously with my discus throwing (later I'm gonna take up the shot-put like I really should), my baseball batting, and my other physical activities. Overall though I'm starting to feel extremely light (because I'm losing body fat) and yet hard as a rock too. I have to warn you though, this is no body building routine (of course at my age I have no desire whatsoever in training again to become bigger), it is designed to make an extremely competitive and slim (I mean very low body fat) athlete out of you. I started out with the <em>Classic Routine Set</em> but later this year I plan on doing the <em>Doubles</em>, which is designed to make an extremely effective athlete out of you. First though I must acclimate to the wide range of stresses it puts upon the body simultaneously. I also suspect it will greatly enhance my overall state of health.<br /><br />I very highly recommend this exercise program, though it is not for beginners per se. It is indeed an extreme program.<br />But if you want to be in excellent shape, this does the job.</div><br /><div>No doubt about that.</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-4862353191882064411?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-59785185333247697462007-12-29T22:13:00.000-05:002007-12-29T22:13:54.051-05:00SAR: Please Help<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">SAR: Please Help </span></em></span></strong><br /><br />On Sunday, Dec. 23rd we sold a puppy to her new owner, who lives in the Port Wentworth area, near Savannah, Ga.<br />On Monday, Dec. 24th the new owner tried to put her new puppy on a leash in her yard, and apparently frightened, and it being her first day in the new area, the puppy ran away.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148432445880669538" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/R3LoCC7QFWI/AAAAAAAAAq4/2HfehwOk9xo/s400/Tabby+3.jpg" border="0" /><br />We would very much like to assist in finding this puppy and in helping the new owner recover her puppy, because we bred and helped raise it, and because she had bought it as a Christmas present for her children. But we live some distance from her and cannot directly assist in the physical search.<br /><br />If anyone living in that area, or any nearby area in Georgia, South Carolina, or Florida should come across this puppy then we, and the new owners, would very much appreciate your help in recovering this puppy. We take great personal pride in the puppies we breed and raise, try our best to assure their welfare, and we do not wish to see any of them lost, or harmed in any way. We want them to thrive, and to be placed in good and loving homes where they belong. Furthermore I never leave anyone or anything behind, be that man, woman, child, or even animal companion. I am doing everything I can think of to help find her safe and sound and to return her to her new owners, but I know that my readers and anyone else who sees this on the internet will greatly multiply our chances of success that she will be found and recovered. I consider this a search and rescue operation, and although I know that at this time of year many other matters are pressing for your attention, and that many greater matters of import are occurring in the world, still I leave no one behind and feel I must do all I can in this case.<br /><br /><em><strong>Help if you can, and it will be greatly appreciated, by me, and by everyone else involved.<br /></strong></em><br />The puppy is four months old, large, weighs about 50 pounds at last sighting, mantle, with brown eyes, of very gentle disposition, a Great Dane-Saint Bernard mix. Her name is Tabitha. She is a good and valuable animal and pet, and very intelligent. Above you will see a recent photograph of her, taken right before she was sold.<br /><br />Once again, thank you immensely for your help.<br /><br />Should you find her you may contact me at:<strong> </strong><a href="mailto:occu77@netzero.com"><strong>occu77@netzero.com</strong></a><br /><br /><br /><strong>God bless you and Happy New Year.<br /></strong><br /><br />Jack.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-5978518533324769746?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-20469382443040784572007-12-29T21:29:00.000-05:002007-12-29T22:45:35.896-05:00Links of the Week 12/29/07<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Best Links of the Week 12/29/07</span></em></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"> </span></em></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></span></strong><br /><br /><p><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149597511594284402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/R3cLpy7QFXI/AAAAAAAAArA/BADYN8M1Iek/s400/chain+of+Golden+Horn.jpg" border="0" /></p></span></em></span></strong>Recently I've had very little time, or inclination, to do any blogging. Work, the holidays, life, and many other factors have thankfully conspired to bring my time usage ever more and more back to the real world. And not this virtual world, that to be perfectly honest, is often little else than a wasteful consumption of time best spent in other ways.<br /><br />However, there are times when the internet is very useful. Such as with the <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/12/sar-please-help.html"><em><strong>hunt for Tabitha</strong></em> </a>(<strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">above</span></strong>), as a means of communication with those who cannot easily be communicated with through any other means, and as both a research tool and a research method.<br /><br />To that end I am going, in the next year, to post links once a week which previously I had been posting every day, <strong><a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2006/07/site-contents.html">divided by subject matter</a></strong>.<br /><br />I am avoiding with this post any mention of events in Pakistan. The internet is already, rightfully so, a'fire with such articles. At this time I imagine I can contribute little else of value to that story. Ah hell, <em><strong>why not...<br /></strong></em><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#009900;">My Best Links of the Past Week</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://counterterrorismblog.org/2007/12/has_alqaeda_adopted_a_new_terr.php"><strong>Crave New World</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003926.html"><strong>Machine Ghost in the Man</strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003924.html"><strong>The Pirate Drone</strong></a> - Man, I've really been looking forward to this boat getting underway.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.fbi.gov/page2/dec07/counterproliferation121307.html"><strong>Majidi's Gap</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.nysun.com/article/68700"><strong>A Cheerful Giver</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=191304"><strong>The Renaissance Warrior</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.nationalpost.com/news/story.html?id=191304"><strong>Doubting Mary</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=55626"><strong>Common Word?</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2007/004/14.110.html"><strong>The Religion of God</strong> </a>- Personally I think this article makes a very good point. And to me it is this. Religion is both a science, and an art. It is an art in developing certain ideals and modes and "characteristics of God" within yourself and your own nature, through grace, through training, through discipline, through faith, through emulation, and by other means. And that is an extraordinary, and extraordinarily beneficial task. And yet a competing, and equally beneficial task, is the science of religion. Which questions what may or may not be real in our expression of that art. That doubt and skepticism serves men and women well at arriving at the real truth, God's truth, and not just those things we assume to be God's truth or want to be God's truth. That is to say, there is a way things really are, and what man can know about that, limited as we are both as individuals and as a species. Anyway I've been reading a book lately which basically deals with the same issues, <em><strong>Reaching for the Invisible God</strong></em>. I've enjoyed it a lot. I recommend it.<br /><br /><a href="http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2007/fragilex-1219.html"><strong>Fragilus Expungus?</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://feeds.wired.com/~r/wired/topheadlines/~3/208189830/MEGAUNIVERSITY_WORLD_CLASSROOM"><strong>Renaissance Courseware</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/28/health/research/28dna.html?em&ex=1199077200&en=5d67e3fbf4d381be&ei=5087%0A"><strong>The New Muties</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/usa/story/0,,2232935,00.html"><strong>Oh, what a tangled Web to weave</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.linuxinsider.com/rsstory/60965.html"><strong>Open Source: Yes-No?</strong></a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><br /><br /></span></em></span></strong></span></em></span></strong><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2046938244304078457?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-54106872930512012452007-12-24T19:14:00.000-05:002007-12-24T19:21:45.945-05:00Merry Christmas<div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;"><strong>MERRY CHRISTMAS</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong></strong></span></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5147698740912461138" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/R3BMuy7QFVI/AAAAAAAAAqw/_LKzvX05Mb8/s400/nativity.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong>AND</strong></span></div><br /><div align="center"><span style="font-size:180%;color:#009900;"><strong>HAPPY HOLIDAYS</strong></span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-5410687293051201245?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-90925516402014982762007-12-21T22:48:00.000-05:002007-12-21T23:00:49.637-05:00The Road to the Past<div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Road to the Past is Paved in the Mind</span></em></span></strong></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Tonight, while the wife and kids were away caroling for the shut-ins, and I was waiting on a call bout a case I sat and listened to <em>Wish You Were Here</em> by Pink Floyd, and then cuts off of <em>Abbey Road</em> and the <em>White Album</em>. Listening like this made me realize some things. 1. If not overplayed, then some rock music is downright artistic. Like in High Art. 2. Some music is seasonal. That is to say, for some reason some music in my mind is associated with certain times of the year. I don't know if it is because the first time I heard a particular piece of music it was a particular time of year, and it stuck in my kraw that way, or if the music really does have a kind of "set" or sound, which psychologically associates itself with a particular time of year. <em>Parsifal</em> is like that to me. Everytime I hear that opera I think of the winter, it is winter music to me. Tonight is one of the first truly cold nights we've had all season, and it is rainy, and although <em>Abbey Road</em> is my favorite album by the Beatles I had a hard time listening to it because to me it is summer music, late in the evening, near sundown kinda music. No. 3, what I like best about some rock music is the sense of melancholy it can engender in me. To me melancholy is one of the most pleasant emotions I can feel, and it doesn't make me pessimistic, but rather wistful about my past, grateful for my present, and sort of anticipatory towards my future. It also makes me feel inspired, in a poetic sense. It reminds me of something I read Keats say once, about being melancholy. "<em>That melancholy is the drug of the muses</em>." I suspect he was right. And 4. I sure do miss vinyl. Records had scratches and pops and features that added character to a recording. It was almost like another shade or layer of the music. Near perfect reproduction and resolution of music sort of reminds me of a supermodel. A little imperfection goes a long way in making a real woman more beautiful, and a good song more truly sweet.</div><div> </div><br /><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5146641770935752002" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/R2yLbC7QFUI/AAAAAAAAAqo/xdDddv9SevM/s400/images.jpg" border="0" /><br /><div><br />After that, and doing some work I went and watched Bishop Fulton Sheen on EWTN. He gave an absolutely brilliant expositionary talk and analogical comparison between Superman and Christ. The similarities and the differences. Now I have thought long and hard on this subject myself, even writing an extended essay on the <strong>Three Supermen of the Twentieth Century</strong>, the Nazi Ubermensch, the Stalin (Man of Steel - Communist superman), and the fictional American Superman, who is really a sort of Everyman American analogue of Christ. Our Superman, and our super-power is the only one which has survived by the way, because our Superman is the servant, also analogous to Christ, that is to say, our superman is not a conqueror who feels destined to use his abilities to subjugate others, nor is he a self-absorbed political power reducing everything to his planned and mechanical will, rather he is Truth, Justice, and the American Way. His powers obligate him to serve and his superiority lies not in his strength, but in his willingness to serve others. He is but a secular Christ figure, and by extension, what is best about Christianity gave birth to the American ideal of citizenship; equality, brotherhood, and liberty.<br /><br />But Sheen in his exposition said some things that I suspect will really make me rewrite that essay, at least in part. He gave a fascinating comparison of Superman moving from weakness in Clark Kent to power in Superman, and of Christ moving from divine power to weakness and humility in the incarnation. But the best thing he said was in comparing superman as an immigrant from another world, to Christ <em><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">"breaking through time"</span></strong></em> into our world. that is Superman broke through from his world to ours, but Christ broke through "time" into our world. And of Superman saving the "outer man," and of Christ saving the "inner man." It was a brilliant set of analogies.<br /><br />When I was much younger I used to love watching Sheen talk (his books were fanatic too), I always thought he was miles ahead of most priests. Seeing him talk again tonight made me remember why I wanted to be a priest when younger, and why I want to be one after I retire. He was more like one of the Saints of old, like a Francis or Patrick than most modern priests. He reminded me a lot of John Paul too in some ways. The Catholic church, and Christianity in general could use a lot more like him. Hell, the whole world could use a lot more like him.<br /><br />On good thing about modern technology, especially God technology, is this: with it we can sometimes break through time too.<br />The past can catch us again, <em>if we'll let it.</em></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-9092551640201498276?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-24377494101933063962007-11-22T22:26:00.000-05:002007-11-22T22:33:50.586-05:00Thankfulness, Repentance, and the Reconnaissance of God<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Thankfulness, Repentance, and the Reconnaissance of God<br /></span></em><br /></span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5135873711301643186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/R0ZJ7e1my7I/AAAAAAAAAqg/VUCxgJs8jtM/s400/9WWDCAXL1WEOCA17KXSNCAI124SBCABWPVRSCACRWC55CASJXU2SCAPUN0V4CA6VEUGYCAQH33K3CAMWVYEMCA7V37WOCAKBD2TPCA42F8XNCAIIJ9ZYCA87ZPNHCA3NPTEZCAUR1VBTCA01VCZN.jpg" border="0" /><br />In examining what I should, and am, thankful for this year it has occurred to me that perhaps any recounting would be insufficient. After all I have too many things to be thankful for this past year.<br /><br />The year before this past one, (2006 AD) was a personally dark one for me. Death all around me, the near dissolution of my marriage, failures great and small, any number of personal and family and professional and even national woes. But this past year (2007 AD) has been a year of an entirely different character. It has been one of the most productive and pleasing, not to mention rich in achievement and purpose, years of my entire adult life. Much of this change in my fortunes and the fortunes of my family is due of course to the fact that I (and we) radically changed our approach to life (from one of constant complaint and discouragement when things went against us to one of thankfulness for the opportunities and solutions offered us in overcoming our problems and once again prospering), repented of (not just admitted and confessed, but actively repented of) some sins which were interfering with our happiness. Our main problem and chief defect, as I look back upon those events and that situation with the passage of another years is that we were absorbed in the confluence of our problems and not concentrated upon the achievements of our important objectives. In short, our woes outweighed our wisdom, and our ungratefulness outweighed our humility, at least within the circuit of our own minds, and hearts. But thankfully, we had an Ally. One who was not so much concerned with our distrust and fears, as with our potential, one who was determined upon his steady and unflinching duty, while we were absorbed with the seeming solidity of our doubt.<br /><br />While during my dark night of the soul I was spending my time bitching and braying and barking at the moon about the injustice of how things were drifting south into a Sargasso Sea of sterile stagnation, God was out scouting a clear path through, charting a course of movement towards salvation and safety, in short reconnoitering in our favor. Then He came and got us, and steered us clear. Because we let him of course, but nevertheless while we weathered the storm, he scouted the path, he navigated us to clear port. And so I take from all of our troubles in the year proceeding, and all of our successes in the year just passing, that I can be very thankful that while I am sometimes lost in the thorny path, caught in the storm, lashed at sea on the slim and creaking bark, there is a Navigator, a Scout, a patient Guide who finds the way and then returns to lead me, and those around me, to the safer land, the better port, along the road less taken, or at least along the road less purposely chosen. In short I am thankful that when I decided that I had run a’ground there was another who would take the wheel, who could master helm, thankful that when I was lost and wandering in the trackless wilderness of my own confusion that there was another who would scout ahead and lead me beyond the desert of my own despair, beyond the limits of myself.<br /><br />Christ I am grateful for your assistance, and for what I have learned from you (and re-learned, as being a man I must on occasion be reminded of those things which are obvious, and yet nevertheless ignorantly ignored when I am in every way consumed with nothing but myself and my own interests), God I am grateful for all I have been given and enjoy, and great and Holy Ghost I am thankful that you have reminded me yet again there is a better way. And that a Ghost really does walk the earth, silent, watching, guiding, aware, waiting to turn men aside from the path of self-absorption to the trail leading through to that Undiscovered Country where all things real exceed all things imagined.<br /><br />And now remembering that there is a better way, mindful of what can be done with the proper attitude and position towards all we experience, and grateful for the fresher manner in which it seems all things have been again reborn, I thank you God, that I am but a man, and <em><strong>yet that I am but your man.</strong></em> Which says not so much about me of course, but it does say this as a matter of course, where you lead I will follow. So, lead on. I’ll follow as my limitations allow. <strong>But I will follow.<br /></strong><br />For there is no better path to roam.<br />Or surer.<br /><br /><br />© JWG, Jr. 2007<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2437749410193306396?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-8912457343323868312007-11-12T11:41:00.000-05:002007-11-12T11:52:14.713-05:00The Gaming Imperative<div><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Humours of Idleness - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Gaming Imperative</span></em></strong></span> </div><div><br /> </div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5131997500886601954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RziEiVyJ0OI/AAAAAAAAAqY/9FRMZ215rYI/s400/16546-thumb100.jpg" border="0" /><br />For those of you interested in gaming and games, visit this site all this week:<br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/thanksgiveaway.php">Free Role Playing Games and Support Materials</a></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#33ccff;">look for the links to the free materials.</span></strong><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-891245734332386831?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-72041275965768917972007-11-04T18:33:00.000-05:002007-12-30T00:54:38.209-05:00American Superior Pups<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>American Superior</em> <em>Pups</em></span></span></strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></span><br />For an article on the <strong>American Superior</strong> please see this link: <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/10/american-superior.html"><strong>The American Superior</strong></a><br /><br />Also see - <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/12/sar-please-help.html"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">SAR: Please Help</span></strong> </a><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;">All puppies have been sold.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#ff0000;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#3333ff;">We have decided to have one last litter since so many people have requested an American Superior puppy, but the litter to be born sometime between March and April 2008 will be the last litter from our female.</span></strong><br /><br />I have decided to post pictures of all of the puppies except the one we are keeping, Sam, because out of curiosity several of the new owners have asked to view pictures of all of the pups of this litter, and I am more than happy to do that. Therefore I am re-posting pictures of all of the pups, even the ones already sold or already on deposit. If they have been sold or are on deposit then this will be noted next to their name and the information about them.<br /><br />This time the litter developed from thirteen pups.<br /><br />This litter has produced two varieties, mantle (black furred with white chest), tending towards short haired, and brindled (tiger-stripe) who tend towards having fur of medium length. Most appear as if they will be Saint Dane in body shape, with a couple who will apparently be Great Bernards.<br /><br />Below are pictures of the litter for the readers of this blog, and for those who have already purchased one of the puppies.<br /><br />They are already weaned and eating both semi-solid and solid food.<br /><br />All of the pups are extremely intelligent.<br />They will all be large dogs and will make excellent family pets, and/or guard, watch, hunting, and work dogs. All pups are one-quarter Saint Bernard and three-quarters Great Dane.<br /><br />The father is a trained guard-dog. Our pups have been kept as family pets, work dogs, police dogs, and watch/guard dogs.<br />They are very protective of children and very affectionate.<br /><br />If you would like to own one of these puppies then please contact me by email: <a href="mailto:occu77@netzero.com">occu77@netzero.com</a><br /><br /><br /><strong>Marcus</strong> - male, brindle, very exploratory and playful <strong>(Already Sold)</strong><br /><br /><div><br /></div><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114299446890276066" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RvmkQA7fJOI/AAAAAAAAAmo/6Bpvd6jGFyY/s400/Marcus.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Achilles</strong> - male, black, largest of the black males, most physically powerful of entire litter, extremely protective and already good watchdog, extremely calm and affectionate <strong>(Already Sold)<br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125494315256451730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RyFp7HclEpI/AAAAAAAAApA/n3jbyfof3NY/s400/Achilles.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Goddard</strong> - male, black, most affectionate male, also very playful, good kid dog <strong>(Already Sold)</strong><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114299455480210690" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RvmkQg7fJQI/AAAAAAAAAm4/xa7pzsDuKFk/s400/Goddard.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Echo</strong> - female, brindle, very pretty and playful<strong> (Already Sold)<br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114299451185243378" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RvmkQQ7fJPI/AAAAAAAAAmw/5hRJbFsTHBI/s400/Echo.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Ivana</strong> - female, black, largest and most powerful female of entire litter <strong>(Already Sold)</strong><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114306696795071762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rvmq2A7fJRI/AAAAAAAAAnA/B_xc5EOmexE/s400/Ivana.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Mina</strong> - female, black, smaller female who is very affectionate <strong>(Already Sold)<br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114306748334679362" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rvmq5A7fJUI/AAAAAAAAAnY/Pu4i2e1W-tw/s400/Regina.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Regina</strong> - female, black, very independent and inquisitive <strong>(Already Sold)<br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114306739744744754" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rvmq4g7fJTI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/ql7_F-aRSew/s400/Mina.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Tabitha</strong>- female, black, independent and very protective<strong> (Already Sold)<br /></strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125494328141353634" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RyFp73clEqI/AAAAAAAAApI/G2swTVdgxF4/s400/Tabitha.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Jake</strong> - largest of the brindles, heaviest dog of entire litter<strong> (Already Sold)</strong></p><p></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129147232186340162" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Ry5kO3clE0I/AAAAAAAAAqI/TBSMsoCWUZY/s400/Jake.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Sasha</strong> - first sold, smallest of brindles, very fiesty and spirited <strong>(Already Sold)</strong><br /><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5129149804871750482" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Ry5mknclE1I/AAAAAAAAAqQ/UOUmnFw4lNQ/s400/Image021.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p><strong>Bart</strong> - father, Great Bernard <strong>(one-half Saint Bernard, one-half Great Dane)</strong><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114313057641637234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RvmwoQ7fJXI/AAAAAAAAAnw/eCKjZCyPaCo/s400/Image017.jpg" border="0" /><br /><strong>Noal</strong> - mother, black (mantle), full blooded Great Dane<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114317730566055314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rvm04Q7fJZI/AAAAAAAAAoA/K2plsl2ZuZI/s400/Image024.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7204127596576891797?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-84044975833730494872007-10-25T23:58:00.000-05:002007-12-30T00:52:47.364-05:00The American Superior<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The American Superior - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Creation, Development, and Training of a Brilliant New Breed of Dog</span></em></span></strong> <div><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5149637948711376274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/R3cwbi7QFZI/AAAAAAAAArQ/HUOEcIBuDxo/s400/Image028.jpg" border="0" /> <div></div><div></div><div></div><div><br /></div><div>Please see also - <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/12/sar-please-help.html">SAR: Please Help</a></span></strong><br /></div><div><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#009900;">Update:</span> We will be producing one more litter probably around March or April, 2008.<br /><br />After that we will have out female spayed and we will not breed another litter for four or five years, when the puppy we kept from this litter is fully grown and ready to mate.<br /></span></strong><br />Our method in the past has always been to breed one or two litters when our males reached four or five years of age, then keep one puppy, selling and finding good homes for the rest.<br /><br />We have made an exception this time and will breed one extra litter because the breed has become very popular, it possessing the best work, sociability, and personality traits of both parent breeds, and generally speaking exhibiting greater size, strength, and health than the parent breeds. Of course that depends a great deal upon the way they are treated, as with anything else that lives. Generally speaking however the assets of the breed become quickly apparent to almost all new owners, and we regularly receive pictures and reports from the owners (most of whom maintain contact with us) extolling the strength, size, work capabilities, gentleness, protectiveness, intelligence and affection they have for their new dogs.<br /><br />When I began this experiment, many years ago, with the intention of helping to establish this breed through the intentional cross breeding of what I consider to be the very best precursor breeds of dogs currently in existence I wanted to create a dog which was healthier, more intelligent, more flexible and capable, and larger and stronger than most other dogs, and I wanted the new breed to retain the gentleness and manner of the parent breeds.<br /><br />To that end I feel I have most definitely succeeded.<br /><br />I never though intended to become a "stock breeder," that is to breed in large numbers for various clients.<br />I really just intended to produce a Superior Dog and to carry on the parent's bloodline by breeding a new pup for us to retain every time the previous generation reached maturity and proper breeding age.<br /><br />We now have the fourth generation from the same parent stock (that is the pup we now have can trace his lineage back through the sire through to the great grandmother), though we have bred more litters than that, and been at this for many years of experimentation. So we do not breed constantly, but rather until we have the pup we want from any particular generation, then we neuter and spay the parents, retaining them as our pets and watchdogs and work dogs, and raising the pup as our pet also until he is ready to breed. By the time we breed our new pup his sire and bitch will be older and then we will find a new bitch for our pup when he is grown with whom he can mate. So we breed, then let sit fallow for four to five years until such time as our new pup becomes fully mature and ready to breed.<br /><br />So we very much appreciate all of those who have contacted us, and continue to do so regarding these dogs. But we have no intention of becoming full time, year after year breeders. We will produce one last litter because of all of the requests, and we will honor those requests, but we have no intention of breeding full time, and all of the time.<br /><br />Our dogs are very important to us, and have proven themselves time and again as highly intelligent, devoted and protective, excellent watch and guard dogs, good workers, and extremely affectionate. And we intentionally bred them to be this way. But we have neither the time nor the inclination to be full time breeders. That is, to turn this enterprise into a job. This was an experiment, a highly effective and successful one, but it is not a business enterprise for us. It has two real intentions, produce a Superior Dog, and carry on the bloodline of our original female, who was also half Great Dane and half Saint Bernard. And the best of both breeds.<br /><br />I can recommend intentionally breeding these dogs to those who are so interested.<br />The cross breed produces an extremely good and useful and valuable animal.<br /><br />But like all animals I cannot recommend breeding them just to breed them, that is just for purposes of selling them and for no other use.<br />They make incredible pets, are gentle with children, and protective, smart, and powerful. They make superb watch and guard dogs, and good work dogs. But in my opinion they should be bred for these purposes, and for other useful purposes, and not just as a collectible commodity. And of course always take care of your dog and he or she will be your faithful companion and friend. They are your responsibility as well.<br /><br />So if you want an incredibly good dog, the best of the best in my opinion, the American Superior (the cross bred Great Dane-Saint Bernard) is something you should carefully consider. But after this litter it will be another four or five years in all probability before we breed again.<br /><br />Thank you and I hope this information has been of value to you, and I hope we have done our part to establish this excellent breed in the minds of those who desire such a dog.<br />But after the next litter in 2008 we will be spaying our bitch and out of the game of producing this breed until our new pup grows to adulthood.<br /><br />Unfortunately I personally don't know of anyone else in the country who intentionally produces this breed, but maybe you can find someone else who does.<br />If so then good luck and Godspeed and drop us a line sometime and we can talk about the virtues of our dogs.<br /><br /><strong>Which are many.<br /></strong><br />Jack.<br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:180%;color:#ff0000;">THE AMERICAN SUPERIOR</span></strong> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /></div></span></em></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></em></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><p></span></em></span></strong></p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125510902420148930" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RyF5AnclEsI/AAAAAAAAApU/5Z6mKtaDHnc/s400/Image031.jpg" border="0" /><br /></span></em></span></strong>In developing a new breed of dog one naturally seeks to assure the ordinary expression of certain qualities or traits common to either, or both, precursor breeds but in certain cases to also enhance or augment desirable innate biological traits in order to produce a superior animal. To this then I have produced a superior breed of dog that I call the<strong> American Superior</strong>. Although, doubtless not the first to produce this breed, I am the only person of whom I am aware that has made a conscious effort to continue intentionally producing this breed, and furthermore because of this I have, through several generations of intentional breeding, and through the production of numerous litters come to have much understanding of this breed. I understand the inherent potential of the breed, and the obvious and instantly recognizable numerous advantages displayed by the breed, and how these various advantages factor together and work in concert to create a dog that doubtless yields a very valuable asset in the ownership of such an animal.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125519625498727186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RyGA8XclExI/AAAAAAAAAp0/O18HpuNZevA/s400/Image095.jpg" border="0" /><br />First of all let me quickly review the process whereby “pure-breed dogs” have been created in the past. All so called pure-breeds are the result of selective cross breeding by humans in order to produce a breed of dog which exhibited certain desirable characteristics, and/or which showed a tendency to be able to successfully execute certain functions. Those aware of genetic and breeding matters in relation to dogs know that the huge and useful variety of modern canine breeds is the result of selective cross breeding of various precursor breeds and sub-breeds by humans in order to ultimately produce the most useful and desirable “breeds” of dog. Once a particular breed is more or less established by these selective cross breeding processes, and a particular breed becomes popular with those who wish to own a particular breed, and enough of a particular breed can be produced to solidify desirable traits then the selection process is further narrowed by seeking to eliminate, or at least control, future cross breeding. So experiments are conducted in which various cross breeding is performed in order to produce a dog with the most desirable and popular traits at which point the cross breeding process becomes effectively frozen by breeding the desired dog with dogs of only the same set of trait lines and characteristics. A new breed is first created by cross breeding and then stabilized through the future selective breeding with other animals who only share the same types of traits, characteristics, and genetic breed profile. But in order to create the specialized breed numerous cross breeding experiments must first be conducted, as has been the case in the past. The end result is the production of a breed that people feel it is desirable to continue through further selective exclusionary (breeding only within the same “breed” or profile) breeding. However like all breeding experiments too much selective exclusionary breeding (seeking to exclude all but the selectively bred genetic traits which make the breed desirable) can lead to a declining or weakened genetic strain over time. Therefore over the passage of time it is a beneficial thing (in any given species) to introduce new genetic characteristics in order to produce greater variation and to reinforce those good genetic traits originally exposed and amplified through exclusionary breeding. In other words too much selective and exclusionary in-breeding in any species will result in lessened variation and eventually to lessened capability within that genetic (breed) strain. Because of that, and because I desired to mix the desirable traits of what are in my opinion the two very best breeds of dogs, I began my cross breeding experiments to produce the American Superior.<br /><br />The various advantages of the American Superior as I have come to observe and understand them by breeding this dog are many. Physical advantages include gracefulness of appearance, great strength, speed, the breed seems less prone to hip and bone diseases, they’re well balanced, and well proportioned, they are hardy and seem generally resistant to most canine diseases. They have excellent hearing and a superb sense of smell, as well as sharp eyesight.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125524616250725170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RyGFe3clEzI/AAAAAAAAAqA/tbtxpzWsyNY/s400/Image056.jpg" border="0" /><br />In other respects the breed also displays a great number of additional advantages. The breed is very intelligent (generally the most intelligent breed of dog I have ever observed), independent, easy to train, obedient, gentle with children and gets along well with other animals, loyal, very protective of their owner and their owners property, and they are at all times keen and alert. They make good outside dogs as well as excellent inside dogs. They make good work, police, and military dogs. They make excellent guard and watchdogs, hunters (see <em>A Very Short History of the Great Dane</em> below), excellent tracker and rescue dogs (see <em>A Very Short History of the Saint Bernard </em>below), and excellent individual and family companions and pets. Because of the beautiful and well-proportioned appearance they would also make good show dogs.<br /><br />The <strong>American Superior</strong> has two main variants, or sub breeds, the <strong><em>Great Bernard</em></strong> (a rarer variant occurring about 30% of the time), and the <strong><em>Saint Dane</em></strong>. The Great Bernard has a long snout, the heavier set body type of the Saint Bernard, a coat ranging from short fur to luxuriant, long hair and with eyes of various colors. The Saint Dane has a long snout, the thinner body type of the Great Dane, a coat that is usually short to medium in length, with eyes that are usually dark, although some dogs have blue, gray, brown, or golden colored eyes. The Saint Dane also has very long, graceful legs. Both variants produce large, powerful animals ranging in size from between 120 to 200 pounds, plus. The Great Bernard tends to be the heavier variant. In coloring either variant may tend to appear to be marked like a Saint Bernard, or will be mantle, brindle, fawn, blue or harlequin in appearance like the Great Dane.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5125514763595748082" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RyF8hXclEvI/AAAAAAAAApo/uXqiwgvE_Lc/s400/Image035.jpg" border="0" /><br />For more information on litters and the physical appearance of the <strong>American Superior</strong> see: <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/09/pups.html"><strong>American Superior Pups</strong></a> and <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/02/around-homestead.html"><strong>Around the Homestead</strong></a> and <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/03/new-pictures-of-puppies-and-dogs.html"><strong>New Pictures of Puppies and Dogs</strong></a><br /><p>If you would like to own an American Superior pup then please visit this link: <strong><a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/09/pups.html">Pups<br /></a></strong><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">A Very Short History of the Saint Bernard</span></strong> - The Saint Bernard is descended from large mastiffs of mixed blood. They were originally used as guide, search, rescue, and guard dogs for the Hospice and monastery of the great Saint Bernard, in the Swiss Alps, along the Italian-Swiss border. Eventually the original Saint Bernards were crossbred with the Newfoundland to produce the modern, longhaired Saint Bernard.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">A Very Short History of the Great Dane</span></strong> - The Great Dane was originally a German dog (<em>Deutsche Dogge</em>) descended from English mastiffs crossbred with the Irish Wolfhound. Known as courageous and skillful hunters the dog is also fast, graceful, and tall. They were originally bred as war dogs and to hunt boar. The Great Dane is often called the Apollo of dogs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-8404497583373049487?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-4041140481942548872007-10-05T18:37:00.000-05:002007-10-05T19:43:20.813-05:00Hidden Linkages<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Hidden Linkages</span></em></span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7028330.stm"><strong>Fanum Voltumnae?</strong></a><br /><br /><br />I found <a href="http://blogs.bnet.com/intercom/?p=1020&tag=nl.e713"><strong>This </strong></a>particularly interesting, both for what it means and for what it implies<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.defensetech.org/archives/003765.html"><strong>UAVs won't Fly </strong></a><br /><strong><br /><br /></strong><strong><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118010659411273218" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RwbTlA7fJgI/AAAAAAAAAo4/B9OQP1E0864/s400/uav.jpg" border="0" /><br /></strong></p><a href="http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=mg19626244.500&feedId=being-human_rss20"><strong>No Bedside manner</strong></a><br /><strong><br /><br /></strong><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news110730076.html"><strong>Ridden out on a Rail</strong></a><br /><strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118010655116305890" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RwbTkw7fJeI/AAAAAAAAAoo/yp7D1llx3Yc/s400/O1PLCAI62GU4CAMZW01OCAH4NVG0CAPMZVLVCAFZJ3J6CAXJQ69ECAV9M302CA71TG2FCAS1AY48CACY9LJ6CAB3AZV5CABIQ2SGCA32NK5WCAHAP430CAPQ4XNFCAI6US7NCAEUI4ODCA0US005.jpg" border="0" /><br /></strong><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news110738375.html"><strong>Won't Grow Up</strong></a> - It struck me that this may very well provide a vital clue in how to tame Cancer. And I suspect it does. So I'm gonna pursue it.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSN0439354420071005?feedType=RSS&feedName=scienceNews"><strong>Birdman<br /></strong></a><strong><br /><br /></strong><a href="http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=10561"><strong>Processus contra Templarios</strong></a><br /><strong><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118010659411273202" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RwbTlA7fJfI/AAAAAAAAAow/qaPEjkah3k0/s400/temp.jpg" border="0" /><br /></strong><a href="http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/10/russian_dissident_country_effe.php"><strong>KGBeed</strong></a> - I continue to follow the <a href="http://odeo.com/show/12670243/view"><strong>Litvinenko Case</strong></a>, for personal reasons. I found this little article about <a href="http://www.felshtinsky.com/index1.html"><strong>Felshtinski</strong></a> interesting.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5118010655116305874" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RwbTkw7fJdI/AAAAAAAAAog/TkiA75iyn3M/s400/6YILCA30ZSYGCAW68V3PCAKAE910CAKRVKR2CA45KTM8CA9L03Y7CAL7ZQMBCAIYN9T7CAA5UVEOCAQ2F4PKCACZ3GI5CA49O3S8CAYIF9YXCA03IPDDCAKM2OWRCAS1AE9QCA4SIE6QCAI4OZHK.jpg" border="0" /><br /><a href="http://sapphire.indstate.edu/~bmorton3/RPG_theory.htm"><strong>Role Play Game Theory</strong></a> <p></p><p><a href="http://www.1913intel.com/2007/10/05/syria-army-adopts-hizbullah-tactics-in-preparation-for-war/"><strong>Syria - 1913</strong></a></p><p><a href="http://www.atimes.com/atimes/South_Asia/IJ06Df03.html"><strong>NATINDIA</strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-404114048194254887?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-76288090724517492262007-09-28T19:47:00.000-05:002007-09-28T20:39:05.279-05:00BOLO, the Ogre, Science, and Memories of the Boy<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Humours of Idleness - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">BOLO, the Ogre, Science, and Memories of the Boy </span></em></span></strong><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><em><span style="color:#ff0000;"><br /><br /></span></em></span></strong><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115424865760781746" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rv2j0A7fJbI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/htBYBIcfT5A/s400/CPPGCA1H6X4NCA2885XVCA6YKYSXCA34CKRACAJMY6YNCAK6MQLTCAVX2J0ACABX5CSKCAMYRZDJCACFCRVWCA32QRNWCAZNJKHMCA7I9SVLCA27B63XCA01MT2CCA7SV7THCA5H5IK1CAH8N60G.jpg" border="0" /><br />Back when I was in high school I took a lot of advanced science classes. Just about every one that the school offered. Between 8th and 9th grade, I think it was, I was also nominated in my state to go take an advanced science class held at a local high school but which was given by a college professor and most of the students attending were in college studying stuff like biochemistry, physics, chemistry, (hard sciences) etc. I passed the class, but barely as the math was way over my head at the time because it was much more advanced than any thing I had ever been previously exposed to, and I especially had trouble with working out the problems concerning chemical formulations and some of the math for some of the more advanced physics problems.<br /><br />But to me the best thing about it was that all summer I got to hang out with college and university kids and do what they did for entertainment. We'd work at early versions of the university internet, I learned to vad (this was before either nerds or geeks, just brainiacs, and brainiacs tended to be quite exploratory and even liked to engage in petty vandalism, such as breaking and entering computer labs to get at MUDS and making explosive chemical mixtures to blow up miniature rockets or create tennis ball can bazookas and so forth - it was a different and much better time - you can't be a real boy anymore because if you try it then somebody thinks you're a terrorist, thanks a lot for the help again and go straight to hell Osama), we'd read, talk egghead stuff, design and invent things, stuff like that. We'd also often take field trips, such as geological expeditions or jaunts to observatories and so forth and at those times I'd play chess and other games with the guys (there was only one girl in the whole shebang, and I felt sorry for her in one way because she had more trouble with the math than me, but all the boys did pretty much whatever she asked when she batted her eyes and so I guess it worked out pretty good in the end for her). Well we played a number of interesting games when bored, or when we couldn't do anything else, such as en route from one place to another in the van.<br /><br />I remembered at that time seeing a couple of the guys playing a game, which I never at that time played, but watched with real interest. It was based, or so I was told, on a book called <em>BOLO</em>, which one of the guys gave to me to read and which I later got my own copy of for my personal library. At that time I read a lot of fiction, especially science fiction, and it became one of my favorite books of the entire genre.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115424861465814434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rv2jzw7fJaI/AAAAAAAAAoI/4LVGjXEoQfk/s400/bolo.jpg" border="0" /><br />Later on, in the 10th grade I believe, my buddies and I would often skip our lunch and stay in whatever class we had just finished before lunch (unless we went outside to play Rocker, a version of soccer we played using a rock - not because we lacked soccer balls, most all of us either played soccer, ran track, played football, or all of those things - we played with a rock because we wanted to see who was toughest and could take the most pain - so we played rocker and also played "contact soccer, which was like ghetto black-court basketball with elbows to the head and knees to the groin, only soccer), which was usually advanced biology, or some such class, and play chess or other games. Most of my buddies brought bag lunches because we couldn't stand to eat that crap they dished out at the school cafeteria. Instead we would throw that food and our left over bagged lunches on the outer walls of the school to create "food art." Well, the school administrators didn't like that mostly, except the vice principal, who was really cool and would often laugh at our designs, or give us advice on what condiment to sling next to make it look better.<br /><br />Well, one day a buddy of mine brings in a new game at lunchtime (we did that from time to time to playtest new stuff - it was sort of a competition to see who could find or invent the bets new game) and we start playing. He explains it and we barely start to play when I suddenly realize the game must have been based upon <strong>BOLO</strong>. It was called <em><strong>Ogre</strong></em>. It was a great deal of fun, probably the most fun I remember of any of the lunch time wargames we ever played. I later bought my own copy of the game, then lent it to somebody and they lost it. My buddies and I went on to start playing <em>Star Fleet Battles</em>, the original SFB wargame with the plum lines for firing arcs, and the little figures, and so forth, and I forgot about <em>Ogre</em>. </p><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5115424865760781762" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rv2j0A7fJcI/AAAAAAAAAoY/4sbEQzEayy4/s400/ogre.jpg" border="0" /><br />I had always wanted to take that game (<em>Orge</em>) and improve on it though, to make a modified and personal version of the game that was more like the book, and the real <em>BOLO</em>. To turn it into not only a tactical wargame but a role playing game as well (like I did with SFB) with the <em>BOLO </em>being the character you role play. (For those of you who don't know the <em>BOLO</em> was an Artificially Intelligent Supertank, a stand-alone, heavily armored and fiercely armed weapons and war platform. Later models operated independently because it was completely self-sufficient and artificially intelligent.) So a few months back I run into something on the internet which reminds me of BOLO, and that leads to an old memory of playing Ogre. So I get on the internet and start looking for references to Ogre (not expecting much luck since this was so long ago, I thought the game would have long ago been oblivion) and what do I find but a link to <a href="http://www.sjgames.com/ourgames/"><strong>Steve Jackson Games</strong></a>, the guy who invented the game. (I used to play some other Steve Jackson games but over time had forgotten about that, and had even forgotten that Steve Jackson had invented the game Ogre.) So I discover the game still exists. And I've ordered a copy and when I get it I'm gonna alter it with the modifications which I already have in mind to create a role playing wargame for me and my nephews and buddies to play. I'm looking forward to it.<br /><br />It's strange where your memory can lead with an examination and exploration of memories you really haven't considered for some period of time. But my memories led me back in time to one of the absolutely most outright fun periods of my life (my middle and high school career). This is one of the few things the public internet is actually good for, but I gotta say, I'm glad it is good for this kinda thing.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7628809072451749226?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-79031959133156013522007-08-31T19:59:00.000-05:002007-08-31T20:12:54.847-05:00On the Efficiency, Efficacy, and Edification of Being Alone<div><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Humours of Idleness - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">On the Efficiency, Efficacy, and Edification of Being Alone</span></em></span> </strong><strong><br /></strong><br /></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5105036202511739730" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rti7YOg4q1I/AAAAAAAAAmI/pRNhky6qhQ8/s400/hermit.gif" border="0" /><br />This past week has been the last vacation for the family and I this summer. My wife wanted to take my kids and go visit an old friend of hers (who is kinda like an aunt to my children) and so I told them to go. By all means go ahead and have fun. Which means that for a good part of this week I have been home alone (without anybody but my dogs and pups) and so I decided to use the time as productively as I could, getting a bunch of old catch-up work finished up, or at least making progress on it. At first it seemed like I was working as normal but as the time went by and I realized that I had no-one asking me to do anything other than what I wished, my attitude, and the feel of what I was doing totally changed. I became a kid again, setting my own hours, deciding what I would work on, or not work on, for how long, when, and in what way.<br /><br />No one was making any request of me; there were no deadline or timeline demands, nothing to really control either my work schedule or my entertainment or recreation. I was completely in command of my own time, alone, and steeped in solitude. It had been so long since I had really been by myself that I had almost entirely forgotten what it was like to be in solitude, how different it is than having others around you, and how utterly beneficial it is from time to time to be alone. Completely alone and without the company of other people.<br /><br />It took me awhile to adjust, but once I began to remember what solitude was like, and how much I could do (or not do as the case might be) I took as much advantage out of the situation as I possibly could. I think the best thing about solitude, in my case anyway, is that since I live so far out in the country, and since so much open land surrounds my home and estate, that aside from the occasional dog-bark, I could by simply killing the power to any form of distraction make it entirely silent. With children, clients calling me, the television, stereo, computer and video games running constantly, the piano being played - although I’m sure it is much more quiet and pleasant here than living in any city - my home can still be filled with noise and activity, despite the relative geographic isolation. But with everyone gone I could reduce my home to complete silence, could surround myself in silence. Could suppress the din until I could hear nothing but the wind, nothing but my own breathing and heartbeat, nothing but the crickets at night, or the thunder on the approaching storm. It is almost indescribable how good it is to be able to enforce silence whenever you wish.<br /><br /><br />But because I was alone I also got to do all kinds of other things, and I got to do them undisturbed and uninterrupted.<br /><br />I made some scientific observations, worked on an experiment, I drew in my sketchbook, I took photographs, took a hike in the woods, played with my dogs, tended to my puppies, lifted weights, threw the discus, did some repair work and maintenance to the home, cleaned the gutters, went to the Home Depot and got some tools, saw a couple of movies, read a couple of books, listened to a lecture, worked a case and did some night surveillance, practiced the Spiritual Exercises of Saint Ignatius, read in the Yoga Sutras, took care of a legal matter, meditated, prayed, wrote some new prayers, worked on a Mission’s Project, played my new piano, composed some music, worked on an invention, worked on my writing and art portfolios, went to the comic book store and got some comic books (<em>Justice League</em> and <em>New Avengers</em>), went to the airport and hung around the pilots, went to the new park, went to the book store and read some magazines, did some target shooting with my pistols and shotguns, went to the library and the art museum, went up to the Science Center and the old Naval telescope (but it was rainy and so got to view nothing), went out to eat and ate whatever I wanted, drank coffee and beer a’ lot, did some research for some books I’m writing, outlined part of a novel, got a story out to a publisher, listened to music, played some video and computer games, updated some computer and paper files, wrote some poetry, worked in my notebooks, worked on my newsletters, worked on my websites, reworked and redrew part of an old architectural sketch, cruised the internet, washed my car, cleaned my tackle box and went fishing for a few hours, read some intelligence reports and papers, thought about a business plan/venture I’m considering, worked on a series of essays I intend to write, watched Who Wants to be a Superhero, washed clothes, slept, and rested.<br /><br />About the only thing I haven’t done is go Vadding, and camping, and if I could have found a new place to explore, and didn’t have to tend my litter of pups I certainly would have.<br /><br />In short for the past few days I’ve been enjoying the hell outta myself.<br /><br />Now, don’t get me wrong. I love my family, more than mere words can express, and enjoy their company; again more than speaking will tell. I have important obligations as both a husband and a father that I take very seriously and I would not exchange those obligations, that company, or that part of my life for any other gain. My family is important, in a way that other things wouldn’t be, not nearly so much, if I didn’t have my family to enhance them. <em>My work is my legacy</em>, but my family is my <em><strong>Living Legacy</strong></em>. They will carry on into the future long after this body is dust, and I am far away and the cares, concerns, and duties of this world mean nothing to me anymore.<br /><br />That being said however it has been so many years since I was completely separated from them, that is, when no member of my family has been around me, and so many years since I have been in total solitude that I had almost forgotten what it was to be entirely by myself. Alone. And I had forgotten how good it is to be alone, how refreshing, how much one can achieve with no one else around and no distractions of any kind to interfere with whatever one wishes to do. I have remembered over the past few days why so many monks and hermits have sought solitude like a treasure-hoard and have spoken of it as a rare and precious gift of God, which is to be pursued when possible. It makes one efficient, relaxed, calm, and peaceful. It makes one unhurried and appreciative of life, it allows one to recreate, to organize one’s thoughts, to master the mind, attend the body, and to physic the soul. It reminds you that today is today, that hours can be long and fulfilling when not consumed with countless diversionary tasks and pointless distractions, that solitude helps to unmeasure the measure which compresses and shortens our lives by flooding them with minutiae.<br /><br />Now next week I shall return to my normal schedule of activities and work, my family shall return from their trip and their absence will be remedied. And I shall be glad for that, for by that time I shall be missing their presence. It shall be good to have them home.<br /><br />But this vacation, with them away and me here alone has reminded me of many valuable things which I had forgotten over the course of my marriage and my experiences as a father. God has made me remember, by arranging this time for me to be alone, truly alone, that time alone is good for a man, and for the first time in many, many years, that time alone is time very well spent. That there is much value, and much weal, in solitude well spent and in isolation well employed.<br /><br />Solitude is a kind of leisure for the soul, and adds a peculiar and yet very wealthy kind of benefit to the man who can and does enjoy it, when he can. When I was young I could be alone whenever I wished, and often sought to be so, but as I aged and became consumed in so many worldly affairs I forgot that dream of dreamless deep which comes when men are best alone, and best at peace.<br /><br />So in the future I intend to re-devote a certain period of my life, a certain time each year maybe, or even each month if it is possible - to solitude, to real and true and absolute solitude, and in that time alone to enjoy those timeless and eternal things of forgotten worth which make human life so much the better in all other ages and in all other circumstances.<br /><br />This is my 300th post to this blog by the way. So I guess it’s some kinda marker or something.<br /><br />Anyway, Happy Labor Day everyone.<br />Enjoy it peacefully.<br /><div><br />© JWG, Jr. 2007</div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7903195913315601352?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-15581703015982098162007-08-25T19:54:00.000-05:002007-08-25T20:12:19.258-05:00Three Days Ago<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Allele - <span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>Three Days Ago</em></span></span></strong><br /><br />Three days ago I was visited by a Wanderer in the desert, who being asked his name replied, "What is spoken is not what is known, and what is known is not the question that you would know of me.<br /><br />Nevertheless if you answer me what I would not ask of you then I will tell you who I am."S<br /><br />So I asked him how he might best be known when all he is as nothing.<br /><br />"Now I will tell you who I am, and after that, we will sit together and stare into the sky."<br /><br />So I listened, and hearing nothing, sat down to wait.<br /><br />The watch was long, and quiet...<br /><br />But I am patient.<br />And I can wait...<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Experimentis Multiplicitus<br /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong>Part the First: The Globe<br /><br /><span style="color:#009900;"><em>“Post equitem sedet atra Cura”<br /></em></span></strong><br />Upon the table where I lay the object of desire<br />I came upon an ancient thing, a thing I could admire<br /><br />A telescope of ages past, a compass lost to read<br />An experiment alone by which forsaken I accede<br /><br />A glass that mirrored back my soul<br />A branching from the bole,<br />A secret whispered back from God<br />That guile could not enroll,<br /><br />Upon the table where I lay the object of desire<br />I came upon an arcane thing, a thing I could acquire<br /><br />A ruler steep, an astrolabe<br />For shooting at the sun<br />A promise long that I did crave<br />No matter when begun<br /><br />And machinations, they did turn<br />Where assemblies did adjourn<br />Along the casement of facade<br />For by this did I learn,<br /><br />No man has ever grown so tall<br />He ever stooped the sky,<br />Then when he topples, what a fall<br />That cracks the globe nearby<br /><br />Upon the table where I lay the object of desire<br />I came upon an obscure thing, a thing which did conspire<br /><br />For reaching up upon the mast, as tall as masts will grow<br />I found what I was searching for, then lost it down below,<br /><br />The moral of this versive tale, this song of last repent<br />Is that desire never sleeps, and never does relent<br /><br />So if you come upon that thing which lingers in your heart<br />Be very careful what you take before you do depart…<br /><br />For gaining we have caught it all, and grasping we will hold<br />Seceding we cannot let off, our end is thus foretold.<br /><br /><br />© JG 2007<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-1558170301598209816?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-43812214245956224592007-08-16T17:49:00.000-05:002007-08-16T18:12:18.570-05:00The Times they are A'Changing<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <span style="color:#ff0000;"><em>The Times they are A'Changin</em></span></span></strong><br /><br />I've made a few upgrades and changes to the site.<br /><br />I've also updated my <strong><em>Favored and Approved</em></strong> lists along the bottom of the side-bar, and put up a new poll on <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Global Warming</strong></span>.<br /><br />I've also updated my <strong>Recommendations</strong> links. I'm recommending both <a href="http://likelihoodofsuccess.com/"><strong>Likelihood of Success</strong></a>, and <a href="http://www.romereborn.virginia.edu/"><strong>Rome Reborn</strong> </a>as worth taking a gander.<br /><br />I'll be making a few other improvements and updates as time goes along. I'm in no hurry and I'm in no way back to everyday blogging as to be honest, I don't really think of blogging as that important in the big scheme of things, or very important at all, and truth be told I've got a helluvah lot more important things to do with my time. Especially right now.<br /><br />But I'm gonna get things done here as quick as I can and I'm also revising many of my other sites as well, my blogs, my portfolios, and my webpages. My newsletters will probably come last.<br /><br />When I got something big coming up to post then I'll probably let you know ahead of time.<br /><br />Well, I got other stuff to keep me busy tonight so I'll see ya later.<br />Hope you're all well.<br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-4381221424595622459?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-24056907820571259892007-08-08T09:41:00.000-05:002007-08-08T09:49:22.621-05:00Wednesday Religious Assessment 8/8/07<strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Wednesday Religious Assessment</span><br /></span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=26202"><strong>Coming and Going</strong></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrnXruifPHI/AAAAAAAAAlw/eWWiGEFUAJ0/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096341599573458034" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrnXruifPHI/AAAAAAAAAlw/eWWiGEFUAJ0/s400/images.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=26205"><strong>The Illusion of Jihad?</strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.bpnews.net/BPnews.asp?ID=26165"><strong>The Adult Stem cell</strong></a> - What most everyone keeps missing is that if you take adult stem cells directly from the host (the person to be treated) and employ those then you have none of the potential problems of tissue or cellular rejection (not to mention either acute or chronic immune reactions) you would find by employing cells from any other donor. More than a century of basic understanding about tissue rejection and when stem cell research first develops it's right back to the drawing board (as if nothing were previously known about bio-medicine), ignoring the most basic ideas and understanding regarding the most fundamental aspects of biology. To be so capable in so many ways modern science is so ridiculous and juvenile in so many other ways. Modern science often makes me laugh.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.cwnews.com/news/viewstory.cfm?recnum=52800"><strong>The Pope and the Patriarch</strong></a> - Interesting after his recent visit to Turkey and the Eastern <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrnXruifPII/AAAAAAAAAl4/B06s-RFudkk/s1600-h/pat.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096341599573458050" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrnXruifPII/AAAAAAAAAl4/B06s-RFudkk/s400/pat.jpg" border="0" /></a>Orthodox churches.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/08/parents_urged_to_get_into_thei.php"><strong>Suffer the Children</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct"><strong>A bit of Commentary and Analysis</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.myocn.net/"><strong>The Orthodox Chrisitian Network</strong></a><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-2405690782057125989?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-61933839646124252672007-08-07T18:00:00.000-05:002007-08-07T18:29:50.843-05:00Tuesday Science and Technology Abstract 8/7/07<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Tuesday Science and Technology Abstract</span></strong><br /><br /><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20070806/wl_uk_afp/britainsciencelevitation"><strong>Casimir Effect</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0806lowelldiscovery0806-ON.html"><strong>The Balsa Planet</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/070807_st_meteorite_mars.html"><strong>Wetworks</strong></a><br /><strong><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rrj6DOifPGI/AAAAAAAAAlo/4Z-jnByV9Io/s1600-h/0_61_led_incapacitator.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096097911719017570" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rrj6DOifPGI/AAAAAAAAAlo/4Z-jnByV9Io/s400/0_61_led_incapacitator.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></strong><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292271,00.html"><strong>The Evil Vomit Light</strong></a> - I have always enjoyed working on, with, and developing new non-lethal weaponry. I like where this is going because combined with other types of wave-based NLWs, including sub-sonic I believe this could lead to something very like a phaser (not as a stunning weapon, but as a sensory and orientation incapacitator). The trick now will be to adapt the same basic principles to sonic and tactile weapons so that this type of weapon can incapacitate almost instantly and by use of light, sound, and by producing feeling within the body of the target. You would want it to be multi functional and be able to incapacitate in a number of different ways in order to be most effective and so it could not be easily defended against.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292464,00.html"><strong>Advanced Concept Nuclear Shield</strong></a> - But I like Bruce Willis<br /><br /> <a href="http://environment.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn12433&feedId=online-news_rss20"><strong>Global Bugging</strong></a><br /><strong><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rrj6C-ifPFI/AAAAAAAAAlg/fDONDkBtfJ0/s1600-h/0_61_asteroid_intercept_warhead.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5096097907424050258" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rrj6C-ifPFI/AAAAAAAAAlg/fDONDkBtfJ0/s400/0_61_asteroid_intercept_warhead.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /></strong><a href="http://www.physorg.com/news105722534.html"><strong>Going Under to Go Off</strong> </a>- when I was younger and contemplated becoming an astronaut I have to admit that at the same time I was simultaneously captivated by the thought of deep sea exploration. Best of both worlds here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,292296,00.html"><strong>What the Ruskies Have</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/internetNews/idUSPEK22671120070807?feedType=RSS"><strong>Good Luck </strong></a>- Hope you do better with this than you do with your food industry.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-6193383964612425267?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-68602449364833527402007-08-04T18:36:00.000-05:002007-08-04T18:50:03.771-05:00Games and Other Things<strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Games and Other Things</span><br /></em></span></strong><br />I homeschool my kids. My kids are involved in a wide variety of extra-curricular activities.<br />I found this article in the <em>Epistula</em> newsletter I receive from Marlin Detweiler so interesting I reproduced the entire article on my blog.<br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><em><strong>Games Matter <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrUQRuifPEI/AAAAAAAAAlY/M-iRPBlM1Zs/s1600-h/pole.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5094996450176089154" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrUQRuifPEI/AAAAAAAAAlY/M-iRPBlM1Zs/s400/pole.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /></strong>"An interesting and problematic phenomenon has arisen in classical Christian educational circles, schools and homeschools, and I fear I may have contributed to the problem. It’s the idea that curricular endeavors are more important than extra-curriculars.<br /><br />There have been many instances where I have been asked to speak or consult and was asked about the role of these extra curriculars—sports, musical performance, drama, etc. Until recently, I have responded by suggesting that “we must gain substantial ground and stability in the curricular realm of educational recovery before thoroughly addressing the less important extra-curricular.” At the same time I was critical of parents who removed their kids from these classical schools with already dwindling school population in upper grades. Many times these parents would indicate that the schools lack of extra-curriculars was the reason for leaving. It seemed a misplaced sense of priorities.<br /><br />After all, of my four boys I have one who will start at North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem this fall with an interest in drama and musical theater and another who played golf at Old Dominion on a golf scholarship last year and is transferring to North Carolina State University where he also will play golf. Yet another son, my 11th grader, hopes to play basketball into his college years. We’ve been able to make it work. Others certainly could, too. But that’s not really the whole story.<br /><br />Difficulties and weaknesses still remain. Team sports are the biggest challenge. Small schools, let alone homeschools, will always have great difficulty fielding a championship football team. Then, throw in basketball, football, orchestra, band and soccer and there will never be enough participants or resources. My boys would have loved to have more options.<br /><br />How many homeschooled or classically schooled student-athletes can you name that are or have played Division 1 College sports on a scholarship, let alone professionally? Not many. Initially, we might be inclined to say, “So what?”. Well, here’s what. Sports (and the arts) are a big part of life in America, in fact the world. Taking back culture will certainly involve having sports operate under the lordship of Jesus Christ.<br /><br />Furthermore, there are things we learn from functioning as a team in athletics and the arts. Look at Congress. How many senators and representatives do you expect were athletes, even stand-out athletes earlier in life? Remember Jack Kemp? Bill Bradley? Jim Bunning? The list is quite long. The things we learn from competing are both hard to learn elsewhere and very important in leadership.<br /><br />Let me concede that sports are not for everyone. Neither is drama or music (except singing, but that’s another subject). Leadership isn’t for everyone either. However, Christian community is. What I failed to see, when previously downplaying the importance of these activities, is what they do to the building of Christian community. Debate teams and mock-trial teams are wonderful. They challenge the student to apply what he has learned in important ways. They create a sense of camaraderie and connection. But nothing brings a group together like a football or basketball game. And nothing builds character like the tense moments of the games we play for the players and fans.<br /><br />As we observe the marketplace we see some trends—some good, some not. The first is the one already mentioned—we underestimate the value of these activities and suffer the consequences of not keeping our schools filled and not developing the whole of our children. The second is our culture can be quite separatist. We don’t want our kids associating with bad kids and being influenced by them so we avoid contact at all cost—even the sports teams. My observation of folks in this extreme is that they produce effeminate men who are hardly ready to be like David or Daniel for the kingdom.<br /><br />There’s another trend. Homeschool organizations and organizers bring kids together in highly competitive teams. I was thrilled to learn of some of them. Still in early stages, yet making great strides, these organizations stand ready, willing and able to make a difference. Schools are getting to it, as well. Some are realizing that planning for graduating classes of 30 may not cut it and are putting strategies in place for 200 instead.<br /><br />We should also mention the trend on the other side of the ditch. It’s the one that thinks too much of sports and other extra-curriculars. Golf, football and the like are far more likely to be our idols of the day than a wooden Baal kept on the mantel. We need to stay away from that one, as well.<br /><br />This is an enormous subject and much can be said. Suffice it for now that you should be aware of opportunities and avoid the ditches. Your children will thank you for it. And our God will be pleased to see His people called after His name ready, willing and able to do that which they are called to do."<br /></em><br />Marlin Detweiler<br /></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a> </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-6860244936483352740?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-90535137314143522042007-08-04T12:15:00.000-05:002007-08-04T18:35:49.142-05:00My Bitch Delivered<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Pesharim - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">My Bitch Delivered<br /></span></em></strong></span><br />This morning, probably between 0100 and 0200 from the looks of it, my bitch littered.<br /><br />We found her and the pups in a deep hole she had dug underneath the south deck of the house. Thirteen pups in all, a black and white one who was apparently still born from an examination of the body and a golden one apparently that she had crushed by accident later on were dead, before we found her and the litter. It’s a real shame that any of them died, they are all such beautiful looking pups and the golden one was the only one of the litter that color, and I had hoped to replace Maximius (who we lost from the last litter and was also golden) with this golden boy. But alas, things happen you cannot control or don’t see coming. That golden pup would have been a real monster too from the looks of him. He was the biggest of the lot, but I guess some things are just not meant to be. I buried the two dead ones with their brother Max.<br /><br />Anyways the good thing is that about half of the others are Tiger Stripe the extremely unusual in appearance and unique brand of Great Bernard produced by my male Great Bernard and my female Great Dane. <strong><a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/02/around-homestead.html">Pictures of previous litter here.<br /></a></strong><br />So we’re gonna keep the biggest male Tiger Stripe of this litter and probably call him Maximius Saint George after his two uncles, or just Max for short.<br /><br />I’m extremely proud of my bitch. Thirteen pups in a single litter, and eleven survivors. She’s strong, there’s no doubt about it. Never even heard a whimper out of her, just like with the last litter. She’s the best bitch I’ve ever had and I’ve had some good bitches. Kara was a good bitch, after all Bart (the sire of this litter) was her brood and he and his brother are/were the best dogs I’ve ever had. Kara was a very good bitch but Noal is even better. She’s black as midnight, tough as pig iron, beautiful as a long-legged quarter horse, fast as the wind, and sweet as a Southern lady. Damn good guard dog too. And smart as a whip. Maybe the smartest dog I've ever owned next to George.<br /><br />Apparently all of the vitamins, supplements, and metaergogenic enhancements I had been feeding her and Bart had acted like fertility drugs too. Last litter she put out ten and nine survived (one being still born). This time thirteen of eleven survived though if we had found her early enough this morning then it might have been an even dozen to live, including the golden boy. She had been huge of course, and her tits were enormous, but even I never expected her to deliver thirteen rounders in a single litter.<br /><br />If our male tiger stripe lives to six months or so then were gonna have her spayed. The others we will sell for between 400 and 500 like last time. I sure am looking forward to seeing how this litter develops. They look like they are gonna be incredible dogs, just like the last litter. I’m not making the same mistakes I made last time though, this time I’m taking lots of pictures and they will be fed <a href="http://themissal.blogspot.com/2007/07/what-i-have-learned-hard-way.html"><strong>Raw Food</strong></a> (not canned food) like their parents and given even more supplements than the previous litter. Plus, since there are so many of them we'll bottle feed em as they start to develop, like last time.<br /><br />Bart will also like having another big boy around to play with to take the place of his brother George (who was killed by cottonmouths). Even better it will be his own son.<br /><br />Well, I gotta lot a work to do today, including laying down a den for them in the basement. I’ll get pictures up as soon as I can.<br /><br />© JWG, Jr. 2007<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-9053513731414352204?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-30204176594246885472007-08-01T23:37:00.000-05:002007-08-01T23:53:21.560-05:00The Exchange - Alternative Reality Gaming<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">Alternative Reality Gaming</span></em></strong><br /></span><br />I'm kinda torn by this.<br /><br />On the one hand I see it as just another way to kill time in a useless and frivolous "<em>entertainment pursuit</em>" as if the world, and America especially, is not already full of such silly, distracting, and pointless endeavors.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrFjAuifPDI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/9bBY-PNxBJY/s1600-h/YDFICATTWE9ACAAJ3R3NCAR5NW8JCAPML2XOCACI6CJRCA3P0E6SCA7MU3WICATRK9UECAIU8GG8CAX1PZTHCAWEXAUKCAP843XWCAIZZPOGCAKS5517CAJFBTJZCAE5DUXFCAB4KKIPCAR7VHQU.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093961517676575794" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/RrFjAuifPDI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/9bBY-PNxBJY/s400/YDFICATTWE9ACAAJ3R3NCAR5NW8JCAPML2XOCACI6CJRCA3P0E6SCA7MU3WICATRK9UECAIU8GG8CAX1PZTHCAWEXAUKCAP843XWCAIZZPOGCAKS5517CAJFBTJZCAE5DUXFCAB4KKIPCAR7VHQU.jpg" border="0" /></a><br />On the other hand it doesn't take much foresight to realize the enormous potential that something like this might have in using gaming and a real world platform to practice and master <span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Real World Skills</strong></span> if the proper <strong><span style="color:#3333ff;">Transferable Skills Simulations</span></strong> could be developed.<br /><br />This could be a practical method of teaching Real World Skills in the real world through a gaming system and scenario.<br /><br />At the very least amateur skills could be learned, practiced, and developed, or the gaming scenario at the very least designed in such a way as to require or encourage players to learn or make use of some real world skill in order to compete successfully in the game.<br /><br />As for <span style="color:#009900;"><strong>Wargaming</strong></span> of various kinds this would be a perfect model, under controlled circumstances, for Real World military training scenarios (without the need for separate and expensive training centers - interacting with civilians in civilian areas while simultaneously trying to guard against mock terror attacks and also trying to avoid accidental or saboteur gamejacking), SWAT training, medical service training, manhunting, security, espionage, and practically anything of a civil service nature. But it could also be easily extended to practically any profession, as a form of Interactive Training Role-play. It could also easily be employed to develop scenarios to teach hobbies or to train someone for personal avocations, like Vadding.<br /><br />It is filled with interesting and practically unlimited potential and if combined with Virtual Reality and incorporated into Real World Training scenarios certainly would be an interesting way to learn new skills. It might even be successfully employed as a general primary and secondary Educational Technique.<br /><br />I'm gonna think more on the matter and how I might use this, as well as how it might be best interwoven into more ordinary Electronic Video and Computer games and who it might be best combined with Virtual Reality projects.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.argn.com/"><strong>Alternative Reality Gaming Network</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alternate_reality_game"><strong>Alternative Reality Gaming</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.unfiction.com/dev/tutorial/"><strong>ARG Tutorial</strong></a><br /><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://mademistakes.com/blog/dark-knight-viral-marketing-game-was-an-amazing-time-killer/"><strong>Dark Time-Killer, or Bright Road to the Future?</strong></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-3020417659424688547?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-52288036616629867832007-07-28T14:54:00.000-05:002007-07-28T17:44:19.200-05:00The Glass of Leonardo and the Holiconic Impulse<span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Invisible Hand - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Glass of Leonardo and the Holiconic Impulse</span></em></strong></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092346120347008018" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rqul0OifPBI/AAAAAAAAAlA/gn6JjN5mvzY/s400/images.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />I don't know if there is anything to this or not.<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;color:#33cc00;"><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070727/wr_nm/italy_lastsupper_theory_dc">Leonardo's Mirror</a></span></strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><br /></span><br />I have not been able to personally investigate as of yet.<br /><br />But having recently registered at the site to gain access to <a href="http://www.leonardodigitale.com/login.html"><strong>Leonardo's notebooks on-line</strong></a>, and knowing that Leonardo did enjoy experimenting with mirror and cryptic images in both his notebooks and his artwork, I find the discovery (if it is a real discovery) rather fascinating. (Such a discovery could also have impressive, highly beneficial, and potent ramifications for the fields of steganography and image encryption.)<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5092346120347008034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rqul0OifPCI/AAAAAAAAAlI/ukuN_sJ8qsk/s400/imaging_e1.jpg" border="0" /><br />It reminds me of a kind of graphic or <strong><a href="http://archimedespalimpsest.org/imaging_experimental1.html">Image Palimpsest</a></strong>. I also find the idea interesting because I have been experimenting and trying to design holographic, 3-D, moving images (actually the motion in images occur due to observational position of the viewer in relation to the object in question) placed into <strong><a href="http://www.theforerunner.org/pages/icons.htm">Icons</a></strong>. These holographic Icons, which I call <strong><span style="color:#3366ff;">Holicons</span></strong> are designed to tell a story by having the Icon morph it's static image as the observer makes his way around the Icon following the <em>Stations of the Cross</em>, or some other invented programmatic queueing point.<br /><br />So I find Leonardo's experiment in this matter more than interesting, if it does in fact prove out to be true.<br /><br /><br /><br />It also gives me another idea about how to modify the Holicons I've been developing to include secondary and tertiary (maybe even multiple or polygraphic) images in a respect similar to what Leonardo may have been doing.<br /><br />If this does prove out then I hope they dissect his methodology to try and discover his actual working techniques in this regard. That could prove extremely useful.<br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-5228803661662986783?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-76352903395248970652007-07-19T11:36:00.000-05:002007-07-19T12:03:50.185-05:00What I Have Learned the Hard Way<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rp-Yg5umjNI/AAAAAAAAAk4/6YEO4ow2o5I/s1600-h/Image035.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5088953794971471058" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rp-Yg5umjNI/AAAAAAAAAk4/6YEO4ow2o5I/s400/Image035.jpg" border="0" /></a><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Exchange - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">What I Have Learned the Hard Way<br /></span></em></span></strong><br />A couple of months ago there was a tainted pet food scare, which led to the deaths of several animal pets in the United States (and elsewhere I’m sure). Since I have dogs myself and since I breed dogs I took careful note of the situation and after some of my puppies became sick at the same time as word of the tainted food broke, eventually leading to the death of my prized pup, I did a lot of research on the situation regarding processed dog foods, especially canned foods and other so-called “wet foods.”<br /><br />As a result of that research I started feeding my dogs raw food and food made specifically for human consumption. Food processed for animal consumption is of far lesser quality and does not have to meet the same rigid standards regarding pesticide content, disease and toxicity taint, etc as food made for human consumption. In addition human food is generally packaged and transported in a safer and more efficient fashion. This is especially true regarding food imported from foreign countries and companies, such as products from China.<br /><br /><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">More information here:<br /></span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.topix.net/content/ap/2007/07/blast-at-karaoke-bar-kills-25-in-china-2"><strong>More evidence of Chinese Laxity in manufacturing, safety, and regulation standards.<br /></strong></a><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://www.topix.net/content/cbs/2007/06/china-closes-180-food-factories-9"><strong>China closes food factories<br /></strong></a><strong><br /></strong><a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070710/ap_on_re_as/china_tainted_products"><strong>China Executes Executive<br /></strong></a><br /><br />Also I have discovered when shopping for food that if I feed my animals meat and other food products meant for human consumption, and buy the cheaper brands of these products, the price of feeding my animals has actually declined. That is to say that I can feed my dogs more cheaply and less expensively, and in greater bulk, by buying packs of wieners (for example) than by buying cans of dog food, and because the human food has to meet higher safety standards the food I now give them is far safer than what I previously fed them from cans. However I should also mention the fact that we tend to buy domestic food products, not imported ones.<br /><br />I very much regret that my prized puppy died as a result of tainted food, and had I known then what I know now this could have been avoided, but from now on all of my dogs and animals will be fed inexpensive raw meat and vegetable products meant for human consumption, and despite the fact that it is cheaper than store bought canned pet-food, will nevertheless be far safer and better for them.<br /><br />As a sidenote I should mention that my two adult dogs now seem far healthier and more relaxed and in better physical condition generally speaking than ever before. Even as they age.<br /><br />Below is a list of foods I now feed my dogs and as soon as my bitch is delivered of her new litter and the puppies are able to eat solid food, the foods my puppies will also receive.<br /><br /><br /><strong>Solid Raw Food<br /></strong><br />Yogurt (basic and unflavored) – for digestive tract benefits<br />Eggs – especially good for coat<br />Hamburger<br />Tuna Fish – helpful for brain development, intelligence and training and concentration<br />Various Other kinds of Fish<br />Wieners<br />Turkey<br />Ham<br />Bratwurst<br />Bacon<br />Soup<br />Gravy<br />Peas<br />Corn<br />Baked Beans<br />Canned Carrots<br />Sweet Potatoes<br />Small Quantities of certain Chocolate as a behavior and training treat (which they like a lot)<br />Milk (occasionally, mostly to my bitch while she is pregnant)<br /><br /><br /><strong>Dry Food<br /></strong><br />Variety – we use a variety of store bought, high nutrition, commercial types of dry dog food which have proven and which we know to be safe<br />Biscuit or Bread – Human, not animal types<br />Dog Treats (which have proven safe)<br />Chews for teeth and gums<br /><br /><br /><strong>Liquid Food<br /></strong><br />Milk<br />Coffee – black, no sugar<br />Tea<br />Beer<br />Water<br /><br /><strong>Additional Foods and Nutrients<br /><br />Animal Vitamins<br /></strong><br /><strong>Metaergogenics </strong>which I developed for myself and my family (same formulae’s) dissolved in water and other liquids<br /><br /><br /><em>Most of time I present the raw foods</em> fed them as mixed topping to their dry dog food, at other times (about once or twice a week) we will blend and liquefy their solid, raw, food and pour the blended matter like a thick soup over their dry dog food. I do not feed them all of the types of food listed above at the same time or at the same meal but rather mix various types of food for different meals. During the day we allow them to free feed but for their night meals we mix the raw food with their dry food as described above.<br /><strong><br />Advantages</strong> – Healthier, eyes brighter, coat shinier, more active and prone to run and play. Seem far more intelligent, alert, observant, easier to train, and more naturally curious. Skin and coat free of disease, and cleaner. Outbreaks of ticks and fleas seem to be rare (which is a big advantage living in as rural an area as we live.) They seem to sicken very rarely if at all, and they seem to rest in a relaxed manner. Seem calmer and more relaxed generally. As for my experiments in increasing canine intelligence and producing a dog, which is generally far more intelligent and capable than normal, this change in diet has proven very helpful. See this entry:<br /><br /><strong>Other Treatments and Regimes</strong> – Including occasional deworming and other treatments to destroy parasitic infections and reduce disease.<br />Bathing – about once a week or once every two weeks in summer and about once a month or so in winter. Because of the size of our dogs we always bathe them outside.<br />Flea And Tick treatment – liquid sprays and drops which are spread along length of body, we rarely use flea collars now due to allergies, expect in the wintertime.<br /><br /><br />These are some of the lessons I learned and the benefits of the research I did as the result of the tainted food scare.<br /><br />I hope this information is useful to you and your pet. My experience with pets is limited to dogs but I imagine the same benefits might be had and enjoyed regarding your cat and other such pets.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-7635290339524897065?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-51786991624466133232007-07-04T14:44:00.000-05:002007-07-04T14:58:00.358-05:00US and the World<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rov7CvxFVHI/AAAAAAAAAko/cGt84bAiB4w/s1600-h/images.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5083432629018383474" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; CURSOR: hand" alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_pjxxJNQ1afM/Rov7CvxFVHI/AAAAAAAAAko/cGt84bAiB4w/s400/images.jpg" border="0" /></a> <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">The Glair - <em><span style="color:#ff0000;">US and the World</span></em></span></strong><br /><div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Happy </span><span style="color:#3333ff;">Birthday</span></strong><br /></span><br />The United States has been and still is and will remain for the foreseeable future the greatest nation on the face of the Earth. For a variety of reasons, not simply because of military and economic strength, though those are in and of themselves important reasons since the military and economic force of the United Sates is so often employed in rescuing the helpless, defending the defenseless, and in fights against enemies such as terrorists, who would murder women and children, and oppress and enslave men whenever such opportunities for malignant cruelty arise.<br /><br />The United States of America, for all her flaws, both obvious and subtle, still remains the last, best, and in many cases only defense, and hope of all that most civilized peoples consider greatest among human virtues.<br /><br />It is an unusual, though hardly unique, time in human history: terrorists are attacking our allies and friends in Great Britain and Iraq, disrupting nations in Africa and Asia, seeking bloodshed and mayhem in Afghanistan. Rogue regimes like Iran and North Korea seek advantage and to foist psychological, human, and material destruction throughout the world while they simultaneously cannot afford or will not attempt to feed, clothe, educate, shelter, or provide energy to their own citizens. In many corners of the world some power, force, nation, or individual is restless with the idea of their own supposed greatness and determined to plant disorder and chaos so that they may benefit from the wake of entropy they disperse outwards like ripples left by bloated and waterlogged reptiles in a stagnant swamp.<br /><br />Many hope to profit, seeking to exhaust America, and her allies, both old and new, hoping to overwhelm us with a sense of hopelessness, hoping to isolate us abroad and to isolate us within our own minds and worldview, so that we collapse from without, or collapse from within. It matters not to them, as long as we collapse. Because then the world would be as free reign to such individuals, give free reign to such self-absorbed powers, and because they would feel free to take rein and lead where they will no matter what pointless path they trample or how many innocent men, women, and children they cut down in the pursuit of their own dark ambitions.<br /><br />Against such malignant proclivities stands this nation, in this time, at this moment of history. Imperfect though she is, though her reach is ultimately limited (as is always the case with all such great and singular powers), though she cannot alone save the world, the United States of America still (and if true to her own best instincts always will) stand as both bulwark and beacon, as defensible frontier and as proclaimed invitation for, all those around the world, no matter who they be, or where they live upon this globe, who desire to thrive, prosper, live in peace, build, and create a newer, better world. Our ideals are not merely our own, they are for all men and women, all children, all nations, for all time, or they are for no one, not even ourselves. All men have every right to be free, all men should be personably responsible and live in service for others, all people should have the opportunity to live and to thrive as long as they do no harm to others, all living men and women should be free to pursue their own best virtues. All men should be free to worship as they please, to speak what is upon their minds, to exist without the threat of slavery, oppression, or condemnation from those who have another and less wholesome idea about the meaning, purpose, and pursuit of life. All men are created equal and endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, not just Americans, though as Americans we can never lack the courage to fearlessly proclaim these truths to the world beyond our immediate borders. Individuals should be free to thrive and succeed, free to engage in commerce, free to live without threat of murder and execution and terrorism from men bent upon a course of decay, destruction, despair, and ultimately degeneration of the broadest and surest kind.<br /><br />America has intrinsic in her inception and coeval with her conception ideals and virtues and concepts and philosophies of human nature, conduct, and society which are a credit to mankind in general and which are pleasing and blessed by Divinity in particular. As such she is not just the Leader of the Free World, she is the protector and defender and the hope of the World that Would be Free, and as such, as true Citizens of the First Hope and as real Men of the Great Hope, let us not forget our duties or dismiss our obligations either to ourselves, our posterity, or to that lonely and yet to be liberated segment of the world yearning to be free, to live free, and to live well.<br /><br />We are the Makers of Manners, we are the Liberators of Life, we are the Fortress of the Future, and we are the absolute and unbending Premise of the Present in this world and in this time.<br /><br />We are free men, free born, and yet, when the time comes, when we are able, we shall also strive to lift up those like ourselves, around the world, who also cry out to be Independent and at Liberty from oppression. So join us in this Eternal Cause, and we shall be your brothers. Fight with us, for your own sakes and for the sake of everyone else who would be free, who would do their own best duty in their own best way, and we shall be your friends, and we shall not fail you.<br /><br />Happy Birthday America.<br />God Bless You, and never forget that you war forever in the good cause.<br /><br />And although at times exhausting, that is a far better and more noble and more selfless cause than any other.<br /><br />© JWG, Jr. 2007<br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color:#ff0000;">The Declaration of Independence</span><br /></span></strong><br /><br /><strong>IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776</strong></div><br /><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America</strong></div><strong><br /><div><br /></strong></div>When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.<br /><div><br />We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.</div><br /><div><br />He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.<br />He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.</div><br /><div><br />He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.</div><br /><div><br />He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.</div><br /><div><br />He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people.</div><br /><div><br />He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.</div><br /><div><br />He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.<br />He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.</div><br /><div><br />He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.</div><br /><div><br />He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance.</div><br /><div><br />He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.</div><br /><div><br />He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.<br />He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation:</div><br /><div><br />For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:</div><br /><div><br />For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:</div><br /><div><br />For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:</div><br /><div><br />For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent:</div><br /><div><br />For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury:</div><br /><div><br />For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:</div><br /><div><br />For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies<br />For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments:</div><br /><div><br />For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.</div><br /><div><br />He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.</div><br /><div><br />He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.</div><br /><div><br />He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation.</div><br /><div><br />He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.</div><br /><div><br />He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.</div><br /><div><br />In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.</div><br /><div><br />Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.</div><br /><div><br />We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.</div><br /><div><br />— <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hancock.htm">John Hancock</a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><br />New Hampshire:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/bartlett.htm">Josiah Bartlett</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/whipple.htm">William Whipple</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/thornton.htm">Matthew Thornton</a><br />Massachusetts:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hancock.htm">John Hancock</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/adams_s.htm">Samuel Adams</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/adams_j.htm">John Adams</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/paine.htm">Robert Treat Paine</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/gerry.htm">Elbridge Gerry</a><br />Rhode Island:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hopkins.htm">Stephen Hopkins</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/ellery.htm">William Ellery</a><br />Connecticut:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/sherman.htm">Roger Sherman</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/huntington.htm">Samuel Huntington</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/williams.htm">William Williams</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/wolcott.htm">Oliver Wolcott</a><br />New York:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/floyd.htm">William Floyd</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/livingston_p.htm">Philip Livingston</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/lewis.htm">Francis Lewis</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/morris_l.htm">Lewis Morris</a><br />New Jersey:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/stockton.htm">Richard Stockton</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/witherspoon.htm">John Witherspoon</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hopkinson.htm">Francis Hopkinson</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hart.htm">John Hart</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/clark.htm">Abraham Clark</a><br />Pennsylvania:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/morris_r.htm">Robert Morris</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rush.htm">Benjamin Rush</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/franklin.htm">Benjamin Franklin</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/morton.htm">John Morton</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/clymer.htm">George Clymer</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/smith.htm">James Smith</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/taylor.htm">George Taylor</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/wilson.htm">James Wilson</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/ross.htm">George Ross</a><br />Delaware:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rodney.htm">Caesar Rodney</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/read.htm">George Read</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/mckean.htm">Thomas McKean</a><br />Maryland:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/chase.htm">Samuel Chase</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/paca.htm">William Paca</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/stone.htm">Thomas Stone</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/carroll.htm">Charles Carroll of Carrollton</a><br />Virginia:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/wythe.htm">George Wythe</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rhlee.htm">Richard Henry Lee</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/jefferson.htm">Thomas Jefferson</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/harrison.htm">Benjamin Harrison</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/nelson.htm">Thomas Nelson, Jr.</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/fllee.htm">Francis Lightfoot Lee</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/braxton.htm">Carter Braxton</a><br />North Carolina:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hooper.htm">William Hooper</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hewes.htm">Joseph Hewes</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/penn.htm">John Penn</a><br />South Carolina:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/rutledge.htm">Edward Rutledge</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/heyward.htm">Thomas Heyward, Jr.</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/lynch.htm">Thomas Lynch, Jr.</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/middleton.htm">Arthur Middleton</a><br />Georgia:<a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/gwinnett.htm">Button Gwinnett</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/hall.htm">Lyman Hall</a>, <a href="http://www.ushistory.org/declaration/signers/walton.htm">George Walton</a><br /></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.digg.com/"><br /><img height="10" alt="Digg!" src="http://digg.com/img/badges/85x10-digg-link.png" width="85" /><br /></a><br /><a onclick="window.open('http://del.icio.us/post?v=4&noui&jump=close&url='+encodeURIComponent(location.href)+'&title='+encodeURIComponent(document.title), 'delicious','toolbar=no,width=700,height=400'); return false;" href="http://del.icio.us/post">Save This Page</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/31102024-5178699162446613323?l=themissal.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jackhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940703663598608926noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31102024.post-60872145