9/25/2008
A Well Deserved Spanking on the Economy
Victor Davis Hanson's column today points out that greedy, irresponsible consumption on the part of the American consumer has as much to do with the current financial crisis as the greedy, irresponsible behavior of the Wall Street fat cats. He's right.
9/24/2008
A Smart Move Politically: McCain Campaigning Halt and Call for a Debate Postponment to Work on Wall Street Bailout
John McCain is the underdog in the '08 presidential election (my official prediction for months now has been that Barack Obama wins by about 4% in the popular vote and gets about two more states than he needs in the Electoral College). However, I have been very impressed by the campaign his political advisers have run for him. From the "superstar" ads to the pick of Sarah Palin, they've made some bold moves, probably because they realize they are going to have to take some chances to win. McCain's announced suspension of campaign activities and Friday's foreign policy debate for the purpose of going back to Washington to work on the Wall Street bailout legislation is another bold move and one that I believe will work in McCain's favor.
Senator McCain had pulled even with Sen. Obama in the polls following the Republican convention. However, the failure of Lehman Bros., the government bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG, and the proposed $700 billion bailout of the financial services industry through purchases of troubled mortgage backed securities is a potentially fatal blow to McCain's campaign. The average American is angry that over $1 trillion dollars could be used in assistance to Wall Street companies, while similar feeding from the government trough is not afforded the common man. Because people generally associate Republicans with favoring big business and Wall Street, that anger is being directed more towards Republicans and thus John McCain, as shown by recent polls that McCain is falling behind by about 5%-10%. Even if the bailout were approved and it succeeds in stabilizing the market, voters will still be extremely angry about such a large expenditure of taxpayer money going to the rich, which will allow Sen. Obama to use populist rhetoric effectively against McCain by associating his party with favoritism to Wall Street.
McCain's only hope is to come out strongly as an advocate for the "common man" and hammer "big business" and Wall Street for its irresponsibility. McCain's move to suspend his campaign and head back to Washington to work on the pending economic legislation is a gambit that can help him do this, particularly if Obama is stupid enough to keep campaigning and isn't a major part of the negotiations in Congress. For it to work, McCain will need to be out in front of the issue, lambasting Wall Street and demanding it be held responsible, while also insisting on reforms to protect the common man; news reports will not be able to avoid reporting on McCain if he is forceful and loud enough. McCain will also need to actively criticize both proposals by liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans as needed to establish his reformer credentials in a time of crisis. Then, he needs to pick a limited number of negotiating demands and either make sure they are in the bill or rip the President and Congress for not enacting his proposals. Through this, McCain can portray himself as a man of action who is fighting "for the people" and putting "country first" while Obama talks about the problem in his campaign stops. McCain will have to be forceful and get some results, the latter of which makes this the risky move that it is since Congress could certainly pass something deeply unpopular with the American people, or even worse see the market go into a tailspin despite passing a plan which will result in McCain being more closely identified with a failed plan even if both he and Obama vote for it. However, when the odds are against you, you need to make bold political moves and I think this one was worth making. It also has the additional value of being the right thing to do as John McCain is an member of the Senate and as such should be involved in negotiating the bailout package.
Senator McCain had pulled even with Sen. Obama in the polls following the Republican convention. However, the failure of Lehman Bros., the government bailouts of Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and AIG, and the proposed $700 billion bailout of the financial services industry through purchases of troubled mortgage backed securities is a potentially fatal blow to McCain's campaign. The average American is angry that over $1 trillion dollars could be used in assistance to Wall Street companies, while similar feeding from the government trough is not afforded the common man. Because people generally associate Republicans with favoring big business and Wall Street, that anger is being directed more towards Republicans and thus John McCain, as shown by recent polls that McCain is falling behind by about 5%-10%. Even if the bailout were approved and it succeeds in stabilizing the market, voters will still be extremely angry about such a large expenditure of taxpayer money going to the rich, which will allow Sen. Obama to use populist rhetoric effectively against McCain by associating his party with favoritism to Wall Street.
McCain's only hope is to come out strongly as an advocate for the "common man" and hammer "big business" and Wall Street for its irresponsibility. McCain's move to suspend his campaign and head back to Washington to work on the pending economic legislation is a gambit that can help him do this, particularly if Obama is stupid enough to keep campaigning and isn't a major part of the negotiations in Congress. For it to work, McCain will need to be out in front of the issue, lambasting Wall Street and demanding it be held responsible, while also insisting on reforms to protect the common man; news reports will not be able to avoid reporting on McCain if he is forceful and loud enough. McCain will also need to actively criticize both proposals by liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans as needed to establish his reformer credentials in a time of crisis. Then, he needs to pick a limited number of negotiating demands and either make sure they are in the bill or rip the President and Congress for not enacting his proposals. Through this, McCain can portray himself as a man of action who is fighting "for the people" and putting "country first" while Obama talks about the problem in his campaign stops. McCain will have to be forceful and get some results, the latter of which makes this the risky move that it is since Congress could certainly pass something deeply unpopular with the American people, or even worse see the market go into a tailspin despite passing a plan which will result in McCain being more closely identified with a failed plan even if both he and Obama vote for it. However, when the odds are against you, you need to make bold political moves and I think this one was worth making. It also has the additional value of being the right thing to do as John McCain is an member of the Senate and as such should be involved in negotiating the bailout package.
9/23/2008
Merkle's Bonehead Play: The First Famous Sports American Sports Blunder
Today is the 100th anniversary of "Merkle's Blunder," which allowed the 1908 Cubs to go to the World Series (their last title) and cost the New York Giants the pennant. Late in the season, the Cubs and Giants were tied 1-1 in the 9th inning and the Giants had baserunners on 1st and 3rd base. The batter, Al Bridwell sent a base hit into the outfield and the runner on third came home. However, a young 19 year old ballplayer by the name of Fred Merkle was on first base. When the winning run scored fans stormed the field and Merkle didn't touch second base, which as it turns out was the custom of the day but was illegal under the playbook. Well, Cubs 2nd baseman Johnny Evers got the ball, went to the umpire and stepped on the bag. After deliberation late into the night (the game took place in the era before stadium lights) Merkle was called out and it wa decided that the game wouldn't count. Newspapers blared headlines about "Merkle's Bonehead play." The Cubs and Giants finished the season tied and the game was replayed at the end of the year with the Cubs winning 4-2. Poor Fred Merkle cost his team the championship and would never outlive the moment as folks called him "bonehead" for the rest of his life. There are plenty of other interesting facts about the story that can be found in an excellent New York Times story here and a good ESPN story here. If you are a fan of baseball or just a fan of sports it's worth your time to check it out.
9/22/2008
ESPN Is Right, For Us Cubs Fans There Is No Love Lost
Well, my beloved Chicago Cubs clinched the NL Central Division crown Saturday and a playoff spot where they will have the opportunity to do something that they haven't done in 100 years--win the World Series. ESPN.com recently produced a good feature on Cubs fans called No Love Lost that consists of video interviews and accompanying article of 10 different Cubs fans, each representing each of the 10 decades since the last time the Cubs won it all. Cubs fans are without a doubt the most loyal fans of any team in all of sports and you'd be surprised the number of little life lessons you can take from being a Cubs fan:
If you are a baseball fan or sports fan in general, it's worth a look, particularly for the septuagenarian Cubs fan interviewed for the 1908-1909 time period and the ex lobbyist who started the Emil Verban Society.
- The importance of loyalty and sticking by your commitments.
- Learning to enjoy the good you receive without bemoaning what you don't have.
- Having hope and optimism for better things despite experiencing disappointment after disappointment.
- Some things in life are worth waiting for.
If you are a baseball fan or sports fan in general, it's worth a look, particularly for the septuagenarian Cubs fan interviewed for the 1908-1909 time period and the ex lobbyist who started the Emil Verban Society.
9/19/2008
Who, Exactly, is Irrational and Superstitous?
Many people like to portray religious believers as superstitous rubes who do not believe in science and ignore hard facts and data in favor of superstition. However, it appears that this belief is not based on empirical facts or data. Today's Wall Street Journal has a column by Mollie Ziegler Hemingway that focuses on a recently released Baylor University poll and study conducted by Gallup indicates that Evangelical Christians are the least likely people to believe in paranormal activity than other groups, while athiests and the irreligious are the most likely. The article reveals some "interesting" beliefs held by the virulently anti-religious Bill Maher as well.
Hat Tip: NRO's The Corner
Hat Tip: NRO's The Corner
9/18/2008
Understanding the 2008 Mortgage Loan Financial Crisis
NPR’s This American Life has produced the best explanation in easily understandable layman’s terms I’ve heard regarding the causes of the current financial meltdown. This is a "must listen" if you want to understand exactly what happened. Click on the orange “full episode” link on the left side of the webpage to listen.
For a great explanation of how “credit default swaps” sunk AIG, check this article out.
Rank greed and foolishness on the parts of many homebuyers, mortgage brokers, banks, investment houses, and investors has resulted in the meltdown we currently face. Understanding the financial crisis is simply exercising wisdom. The sad thing is that simple common sense would have saved many people a lot of money and heart ache. It made as much sense as the price of a Toyota Camry rising from $21,000 to $40,000 and expecting the same person who can essentially afford to make a $400 a month car payment over 5 years to pay off that $21K Camry to now be able to pay off the $40K Camry during the same time frame simply by giving them a low interest rate at the start. On its face, it is a ludicrous proposition.
For a great explanation of how “credit default swaps” sunk AIG, check this article out.
Rank greed and foolishness on the parts of many homebuyers, mortgage brokers, banks, investment houses, and investors has resulted in the meltdown we currently face. Understanding the financial crisis is simply exercising wisdom. The sad thing is that simple common sense would have saved many people a lot of money and heart ache. It made as much sense as the price of a Toyota Camry rising from $21,000 to $40,000 and expecting the same person who can essentially afford to make a $400 a month car payment over 5 years to pay off that $21K Camry to now be able to pay off the $40K Camry during the same time frame simply by giving them a low interest rate at the start. On its face, it is a ludicrous proposition.
9/15/2008
Understanding the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Crisis
Here is a great C-Span video interview with Peter Wallison, who served as general counsel to the Regan Administration and counsel to the US Treasury Department. Definitely worth watching if you want an education on the reasons why they failed and the irresponsible actions that lead to their failure.
LINK
Hat Tip: Jonah Goldberg, NRO's The Corner
PS: I'm going to try and blog a bit more and get back in the swing of things. Let's hope I keep up with things...
LINK
Hat Tip: Jonah Goldberg, NRO's The Corner
PS: I'm going to try and blog a bit more and get back in the swing of things. Let's hope I keep up with things...
2/28/2008
William F. Buckley, RIP
In honor of the life of Bill Buckley, here are some links and videos that pay proper tribute to the man:
The New York Times Obit
Buckley on Faith in God
An anecdote showing Buckley's good humor, character, and his respect of ideological opponents.
(hat tip to National Review Online)
The New York Times Obit
Buckley on Faith in God
An anecdote showing Buckley's good humor, character, and his respect of ideological opponents.
(hat tip to National Review Online)
2/12/2008
Emergent Church Pretensions
Quite frankly, this little spoof article does more to explode some of the internal contradictions and pretensions of the "emergent church" movement than most any scholarly article could.
The Speak Foundation
Here is the link to The Speak Foundation website, the non-profit that Miss Kathryn Bryant is starting to help childiren and young adults with physical disabilities. The foundation is focusing first on creating mentoring programs in public schools for children with physical disabilities, the goals of which are to help youngsters learn to deal with their disability, encourage them to achieve great things with their lives in spite of the disability, and to provide the opportunity for friendship with people who have experienced the challenges that such disabilities pose. It's a good idea and a great cause. Keep it in mind once the non-profit status is achieved if you have some additional money to give to charity.
8/03/2007
Knut Goes on a Diet
Knut the polar bear (no longer a cub) is back in the news again--he has to go on a diet. (Click here for the video story)
I can relate. As a young boy I was quite heavy, and like Knut, I enjoyed eating croissants whenever I could--in my case the one's from Burger King that included egg, sausage, and cheese. Unfortunately for me, when I was in grade school people who saw me (like the girls in 7th grade who were my classmates) did not say that I was "a growing boy, and should be able to eat what I want." However, I would like to tell Knut--if he could understand and would not maul me--that his diet will be a good thing in the long run. He'll be more physically fit and more able to enjoy the sorts of things polar bears enjoy. And besides, I'm told that the lady polar bears have to have a man that enjoys fish, not croissants.
I can relate. As a young boy I was quite heavy, and like Knut, I enjoyed eating croissants whenever I could--in my case the one's from Burger King that included egg, sausage, and cheese. Unfortunately for me, when I was in grade school people who saw me (like the girls in 7th grade who were my classmates) did not say that I was "a growing boy, and should be able to eat what I want." However, I would like to tell Knut--if he could understand and would not maul me--that his diet will be a good thing in the long run. He'll be more physically fit and more able to enjoy the sorts of things polar bears enjoy. And besides, I'm told that the lady polar bears have to have a man that enjoys fish, not croissants.
7/17/2007
Humor: Community in the Church
I look forward to the time (in the not too distant future) when this spoof story becomes true.
(via LarkNews.com)
Fickle Younger Generation Decides It’s Done With Community
(via LarkNews.com)
Fickle Younger Generation Decides It’s Done With Community
G.K Chesterton--Quote Machine Vol. 1
One of the most talented yet unknown writers and thinkers of the turn of the 20th century was G.K. Chesterton. Go ahead and check this out for a quick into. Chesterton was a master of brilliant, witty turns of phrase that often contain much truth and are thought provoking. To prove this, I plan to post a few Chesterton quotes from time to time and give my thoughts on them.
"When you break the big laws, you do not get freedom; you do not even get anarchy. You get the small laws."
Working in state government, I can attest to the truth of this maxim. That the statue books increase in size each year testify to the fact that people fail to follow the law. I would also add that when you see a small law or a small change in the law, it too often creates an additional burden of regulation that is a nuisance for the private sector and creates very little actual value added. When a private sector actor wants that small change, it is usually for the benefit for a particular interest (not necessarily bad and to be expected) and too often for the purpose of using government to obtain a competitive advantage (most certainly bad).
"The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected."
I will not comment too extensively on this one for reasons of job security other than to comment on the fact that Chesterton, who lived 100 years ago, appears to have his pulse on the current mood of the electorate.
"Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up."
This is a brilliant point. Most rules, standards, or norms of conduct are designed or naturally develop in response to a need in the community. Not only this, but as Chesterton points out in his book Orthodoxy, the rules of God are often placed in order to provide safe parameters within which we may enjoy freedom. When looking at possibly wanting to change a societal norm, it is wise to think of why the norm is in place and think through the negative effects of eliminating it. We do this far too little, often not realizing the harm we do.
"Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about."
This quote from Orthodoxy points out the arrogance and lack of respect that comes from not giving consideration to tradition in the church. Chesterton would not say that tradition is sacrosanct--after all they are to have a vote, not be an oligarchy of the dead. However, to not recognize and utilize the wisdom and experience of our forebears is shortsighted, foolish, and arrogant.
Well, I hope you enjoyed these quotes and that they'll motivate you to check G.K. out. He is unlike any author I have ever read, and is not easy to read at all. If you are a Christian, I recommend picking up Orthodoxy. And if I haven't convinced you to check him out, I'll be posting more quotes.
"When you break the big laws, you do not get freedom; you do not even get anarchy. You get the small laws."
Working in state government, I can attest to the truth of this maxim. That the statue books increase in size each year testify to the fact that people fail to follow the law. I would also add that when you see a small law or a small change in the law, it too often creates an additional burden of regulation that is a nuisance for the private sector and creates very little actual value added. When a private sector actor wants that small change, it is usually for the benefit for a particular interest (not necessarily bad and to be expected) and too often for the purpose of using government to obtain a competitive advantage (most certainly bad).
"The whole modern world has divided itself into Conservatives and Progressives. The business of Progressives is to go on making mistakes. The business of the Conservatives is to prevent the mistakes from being corrected."
I will not comment too extensively on this one for reasons of job security other than to comment on the fact that Chesterton, who lived 100 years ago, appears to have his pulse on the current mood of the electorate.
"Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason it was put up."
This is a brilliant point. Most rules, standards, or norms of conduct are designed or naturally develop in response to a need in the community. Not only this, but as Chesterton points out in his book Orthodoxy, the rules of God are often placed in order to provide safe parameters within which we may enjoy freedom. When looking at possibly wanting to change a societal norm, it is wise to think of why the norm is in place and think through the negative effects of eliminating it. We do this far too little, often not realizing the harm we do.
"Tradition means giving votes to the most obscure of all classes, our ancestors. It is the democracy of the dead. Tradition refuses to submit to the small and arrogant oligarchy of those who merely happen to be walking about."
This quote from Orthodoxy points out the arrogance and lack of respect that comes from not giving consideration to tradition in the church. Chesterton would not say that tradition is sacrosanct--after all they are to have a vote, not be an oligarchy of the dead. However, to not recognize and utilize the wisdom and experience of our forebears is shortsighted, foolish, and arrogant.
Well, I hope you enjoyed these quotes and that they'll motivate you to check G.K. out. He is unlike any author I have ever read, and is not easy to read at all. If you are a Christian, I recommend picking up Orthodoxy. And if I haven't convinced you to check him out, I'll be posting more quotes.
7/11/2007
Movie Review: Transformers (**1/2)
Transformers is a movie that is interesting, facile, humorous, and ludicrous. If I were a 10 year old boy I would undoubtedly give it 4 out of 4 stars and think it is the greatest movie ever made. However, since I am a good bit older than that I cannot ignore the movie's flaws.
The plot to the movie is simple enough. Transformers are alien robots that can transform into cars, planes, military hardware, and other items as a means of disguise. As it turns out, there are good Transformers (the Autobots) and evil ones (Decepticons) and they have been battling for millenia to control their home planet. Each side wants the McGuffin (The Spark) which is incredibly powerful and would turn the tide of the war. As it turns out, the Spark is on earth and thus the two sides are going to battle for it here.
The best part of this movie are the action sequences, with robots transforming constantly and all sorts of things going on all over the screen. You really almost can't keep up, partly due to director Michael Bay's proclivity for extreme close-ups and erratic camera views. Despite this, the fight scenes between the US military and the Decepticons are quite good. Also, the movie has some chuckles and is tongue in cheek in an almost campy way, which is a must given how ludicrous the film is at times. Shia LeBouf does a good job as young Sam Witwicky who is befriended by the Autobots. The main problem with the movie is that there is no character development of the various robots. They are the stars of this film, but we have no idea why they act as they do, other than that they are either a good or evil sort of robot and that explains it. Also, the plot is rather ludicrous and has plot threads that could be completely cut from the film and not be missed at all.
Transformers are a line of toys for children that were first introduced in the USA around 1984 by Hasbro, along with an accompanying cartoon that was produced by Marvel Comics. With that as the source material, perhaps it isn't too surprising that what ends up on screen here is essentially a cartoon brought into real life. If you understand that what you are seeing is completely ludicrous and embrace that fact, I think you can enjoy Transformers as a fun movie for its action sequences and spurts of lowbrow humor, taking it all in very tongue in cheek.
RATING: **1/2 of 4 stars (fair to good); **** of 4 stars if you are a young boy.
The plot to the movie is simple enough. Transformers are alien robots that can transform into cars, planes, military hardware, and other items as a means of disguise. As it turns out, there are good Transformers (the Autobots) and evil ones (Decepticons) and they have been battling for millenia to control their home planet. Each side wants the McGuffin (The Spark) which is incredibly powerful and would turn the tide of the war. As it turns out, the Spark is on earth and thus the two sides are going to battle for it here.
The best part of this movie are the action sequences, with robots transforming constantly and all sorts of things going on all over the screen. You really almost can't keep up, partly due to director Michael Bay's proclivity for extreme close-ups and erratic camera views. Despite this, the fight scenes between the US military and the Decepticons are quite good. Also, the movie has some chuckles and is tongue in cheek in an almost campy way, which is a must given how ludicrous the film is at times. Shia LeBouf does a good job as young Sam Witwicky who is befriended by the Autobots. The main problem with the movie is that there is no character development of the various robots. They are the stars of this film, but we have no idea why they act as they do, other than that they are either a good or evil sort of robot and that explains it. Also, the plot is rather ludicrous and has plot threads that could be completely cut from the film and not be missed at all.
Transformers are a line of toys for children that were first introduced in the USA around 1984 by Hasbro, along with an accompanying cartoon that was produced by Marvel Comics. With that as the source material, perhaps it isn't too surprising that what ends up on screen here is essentially a cartoon brought into real life. If you understand that what you are seeing is completely ludicrous and embrace that fact, I think you can enjoy Transformers as a fun movie for its action sequences and spurts of lowbrow humor, taking it all in very tongue in cheek.
RATING: **1/2 of 4 stars (fair to good); **** of 4 stars if you are a young boy.
Movie Review: Life Free or Die Hard (***)
The fourth Die Hard installment once again finds John McClane taking on a group of terrorists. The movie delivers what you'd hope to get in a Die Hard movie--plenty of action and McClane showing again why he's the working man's action hero and one of the best action movie characters ever created. Bruce Willis has some good one liners, and his alliance with a young hacker (Justin Long) works pretty well. Timothy Olyphant is solid as the villain Thomas Gabriel, but I would have preferred an actor who is a bit older with a bit more gravitas in the role. I suppose that since Bruce is getting a bit older, they decided to cast a younger actor as the villain to appeal to a younger demographic (no doubt Justin Long also was brought in to do this) and the ladies. Maggie Q plays Gabriel's femme fatale far-east assassin, and does well enough, though her character is so tough in a fight scene with Willis that I laughed to myself and wondered if this girl was the female terminator from Terminator 3.
This time the plot, in a nod to our internet age, involves a terror group that uses computer nerds to create havoc. If you remember what the ultimate goal of the villian in Sneakers was, you'll have a good idea of what these villains are up to. In fact, the enormity of the villain's goals is really my main problem with this movie. The whole premise of Die Hard surrounds whether the hero can overcome overwhelming odds and defeat the criminals by himself. However, if the criminal's goals are too extravegant, then it ceases to be realistic that only one man would be involved in taking on the bad guys. In Die Hard, it made sense that an off duty cop would be in an office building where hostages were being held, and would heroically take matters into his own hands. In Die Hard 4, our terrorists are aiming so high and succeeding to such an extent, that it simply isn't believable that one man is taking them on. Quite frankly, the entire US military would be called back from Iraq and anywhere else they might be to secure the country and get the enemy. My other problem with this movie is a certain chase scene towards the end. Let's just say that when the stinking military finally shows up, it is in the form of just one jet and the resulting action is just a little too over the top.
Despite these flaws, Live Free or Die Hard is simply a fun action film. There's plenty of action to take in and some wry chuckles to be had. It's a good action film that is worth catching in the theater if you want to have a nice two hour escape and some thrills. Really, isn't that what a summer action movie is supposed to accomplish?
RATING: ***/4 (Good)
This time the plot, in a nod to our internet age, involves a terror group that uses computer nerds to create havoc. If you remember what the ultimate goal of the villian in Sneakers was, you'll have a good idea of what these villains are up to. In fact, the enormity of the villain's goals is really my main problem with this movie. The whole premise of Die Hard surrounds whether the hero can overcome overwhelming odds and defeat the criminals by himself. However, if the criminal's goals are too extravegant, then it ceases to be realistic that only one man would be involved in taking on the bad guys. In Die Hard, it made sense that an off duty cop would be in an office building where hostages were being held, and would heroically take matters into his own hands. In Die Hard 4, our terrorists are aiming so high and succeeding to such an extent, that it simply isn't believable that one man is taking them on. Quite frankly, the entire US military would be called back from Iraq and anywhere else they might be to secure the country and get the enemy. My other problem with this movie is a certain chase scene towards the end. Let's just say that when the stinking military finally shows up, it is in the form of just one jet and the resulting action is just a little too over the top.
Despite these flaws, Live Free or Die Hard is simply a fun action film. There's plenty of action to take in and some wry chuckles to be had. It's a good action film that is worth catching in the theater if you want to have a nice two hour escape and some thrills. Really, isn't that what a summer action movie is supposed to accomplish?
RATING: ***/4 (Good)
6/18/2007
Science: Issac Newton's Tehological Papers
A collection of religious papers authored by Sir Issac Newton has now gone on public display. For those who seek to assert that a man of science must be a strict materialist, the papers clearly show that it was not so with Newton who was a strong believer in Christianity. Regardless of the fact that Newton lived 300 years ago, his life proves that a belief in religion hardly stands in the way of scientific inquiry. Newton is perhaps the most prolific scientist in history (go read up on his accomplishments if you are unsure) which goes to show that a desire to discover how God's universe works is just as effective a motivator for a scientist as the belief that matter is all that exists.
5/29/2007
Video: Malibu!
Folks who live in Malibu, California apparently like to have license plate frames and other items that say, "Malibu, a Way of Life." Not being a Californian, I didn't know what they are referring to...until now. Behold!...the glory that is Malibu.
*Hat tip to David Peacock for the link.
*Hat tip to David Peacock for the link.
5/20/2007
The Arts: Sarah Mac Attack
Saturday evening, I received a phone call from my friend Jay Woodham inviting me to join him over at the American Legion Post 13 hall in Tallahassee to listen to The Sarah Mac Band. The band is a local group featuring two guitarists (one on bass) and the lead singer who also plays the keyboard on some songs. I'm pleased to say that they were quite good, singing their own songs for the most part with a few covers sprinkled through the show. Sarah Mac definitely has a powerful voice, and both guitarists did a nice job too. I was struck by the fun the band was having on stage--they weren't full of themselves and interacted with members of the audience that they knew like they were old friends. It is nice to see folks who are serious about their craft, and yet also having fun and being joyful, and encouraging the crowd to join in their joy with them. If you get a chance to catch The Sarah Mac Band, you should do it.
PS: Check out their website if you want to know more about the band and where they will be performing.
PS: Check out their website if you want to know more about the band and where they will be performing.
5/19/2007
Finance: Forever Doesn't Pay
The US Postal Service is now offering a "Forever Stamp" that can be purchased for the new regular price (.41) but can be used forever. However, does it make financial sense to buy loads of them? No.
5/14/2007
Christianity: Knowing and Loving God--Good News From the University of Kentucky
I traveled back to Rockledge, FL, this past weekend to visit my mom for the Mother's Day holiday. It was a nice weekend with her, if not a bit awkward since it was my first time back home since finding out about my parent's divorce. On Sunday, my mom and I attended church services at Suntree United Methodist Church in Viera, FL. We caught a guest speaker, a young man (at least younger than me, I think) by the name of Philip Tallon who is working on his PhD in theology at the University of St. Andrews. Mr. Tallon spoke on the importance of Christians loving God with their minds, and he did a solid job. This is an important issue that needs to be addressed within the church and on college campuses in particular. A person cannot know another person intimately, much less God, without learning who that person is, and that process includes both the mind and the emotions.
The most intimate relationship that most people will ever experience is a serious romantic relationship that (hopefully) ends in marriage. Imagine a man who says to his beloved, "I love you with all my heart; my whole being overflows with love for you. I desire you more than anything and love you truly." The woman awkwardly says, "Thank you so much. However, we've never really talked about who we are. You've never asked me about what is important to me, or about my life's story, or even about what I want out of our relationship. In fact, we never talk at all. I am a little confused, how can you love me if you don't really even know me." Our man then responds, "Oh, I don't care about any of that. Love is what is important, and I love you with all my heart and it feels wonderful. You will always have my love. I know all that I need to know--that I love you." Our woman, who is a smart cookie, wonders to herself "he says he loves me, but he doesn't even want to get to know who I am, my history, my desires, my character. He doesn't love me, he loves either a fabricated idea of who I am, or simply loves the feeling of being in love."*
Similarly, a person cannot know God intimately without learning who God is--His character, nature, and purposes. A person who loves another will want to learn all about the other. Note the use of the word learn. The person who learns about another engages their whole being--their mind along with the other faculties to learn about the other, and the same goes for the true love of God. Please note that I am not saying that a deep theological education or a genius IQ is required. The person who loves God desires to know who God is, and since the mind is the organ of knowing, it will be engaged in learning about God throughout life.
The person who learns who God is with their mind and heart then (and only then) is prepared to think about how the truths of God can be applied in all areas of life, not simply in a segment of life that is religious. This enables that person to have the wonderful experience of being prepared to use their mind in areas (such as the person's career) outside of theology (for not all of us are professional theologians, thank goodness) to the Glory of God. Thinking about God and then taking that truth and applying it to the world around us can and should be done at all times, but the university is a particularly important and strategic setting for this to happen in. It is the time in life dedicated to thinking and learning, and a time when men and women decide what their profession will be. Thus the Christian who learns truths and how to apply them with wisdom will be prepared to tackle all the areas of life from a Christian point of view, including their careers.
During Mr. Tallon's sermon, he mentioned his website and organization Appleseed Ministries which I looked over today. Mr. Tallon and another campus minister Brian Marshall are helping to foster an environment on the University of Kentucky campus where students and scholars can think Christianly. The group hosts various debates on campus and is seeking to start a Christian Study Center on campus where students can take courses and receive college credit for them. It is exciting to see what is going on at UK, at UF at the Christian Study Center there, and with people such as Jay Woodham through InterVarsity Grad Fellowship at Florida State.
*Of course, a person cannot truly love another by engaging only the mind and not the emotions. For instance, if our man provided a logical proof to the woman he was seeing that proved that he loves her and showed it to her explaining that, "the light of reason indicates that I love you, so therefore I must" he would be laughed at by our woman. She would realize that he doesn't really love her; at best he loves thinking about things and using her as a discussion parter (assuming they talk intelligently about all sorts of issues). He is willing to think because he finds it pleasurable, but does not truly desire her other than an object of thought or means to thinking via conversation. In the same way, the Christian thinker can love thinking about God (no one is more interesting), but not love God Himself.
The most intimate relationship that most people will ever experience is a serious romantic relationship that (hopefully) ends in marriage. Imagine a man who says to his beloved, "I love you with all my heart; my whole being overflows with love for you. I desire you more than anything and love you truly." The woman awkwardly says, "Thank you so much. However, we've never really talked about who we are. You've never asked me about what is important to me, or about my life's story, or even about what I want out of our relationship. In fact, we never talk at all. I am a little confused, how can you love me if you don't really even know me." Our man then responds, "Oh, I don't care about any of that. Love is what is important, and I love you with all my heart and it feels wonderful. You will always have my love. I know all that I need to know--that I love you." Our woman, who is a smart cookie, wonders to herself "he says he loves me, but he doesn't even want to get to know who I am, my history, my desires, my character. He doesn't love me, he loves either a fabricated idea of who I am, or simply loves the feeling of being in love."*
Similarly, a person cannot know God intimately without learning who God is--His character, nature, and purposes. A person who loves another will want to learn all about the other. Note the use of the word learn. The person who learns about another engages their whole being--their mind along with the other faculties to learn about the other, and the same goes for the true love of God. Please note that I am not saying that a deep theological education or a genius IQ is required. The person who loves God desires to know who God is, and since the mind is the organ of knowing, it will be engaged in learning about God throughout life.
The person who learns who God is with their mind and heart then (and only then) is prepared to think about how the truths of God can be applied in all areas of life, not simply in a segment of life that is religious. This enables that person to have the wonderful experience of being prepared to use their mind in areas (such as the person's career) outside of theology (for not all of us are professional theologians, thank goodness) to the Glory of God. Thinking about God and then taking that truth and applying it to the world around us can and should be done at all times, but the university is a particularly important and strategic setting for this to happen in. It is the time in life dedicated to thinking and learning, and a time when men and women decide what their profession will be. Thus the Christian who learns truths and how to apply them with wisdom will be prepared to tackle all the areas of life from a Christian point of view, including their careers.
During Mr. Tallon's sermon, he mentioned his website and organization Appleseed Ministries which I looked over today. Mr. Tallon and another campus minister Brian Marshall are helping to foster an environment on the University of Kentucky campus where students and scholars can think Christianly. The group hosts various debates on campus and is seeking to start a Christian Study Center on campus where students can take courses and receive college credit for them. It is exciting to see what is going on at UK, at UF at the Christian Study Center there, and with people such as Jay Woodham through InterVarsity Grad Fellowship at Florida State.
*Of course, a person cannot truly love another by engaging only the mind and not the emotions. For instance, if our man provided a logical proof to the woman he was seeing that proved that he loves her and showed it to her explaining that, "the light of reason indicates that I love you, so therefore I must" he would be laughed at by our woman. She would realize that he doesn't really love her; at best he loves thinking about things and using her as a discussion parter (assuming they talk intelligently about all sorts of issues). He is willing to think because he finds it pleasurable, but does not truly desire her other than an object of thought or means to thinking via conversation. In the same way, the Christian thinker can love thinking about God (no one is more interesting), but not love God Himself.
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