I'd like to pose a question...
Of the two (War and Hell), which is worse?
I have recently been inclined to say War is worse. I know that probably sounds loony but hear me out. Watching an episode of M*A*S*H recently I heard a quote that immediately hit me and hasn't left me since. Read the following dialog between Frank, Hawkeye and Father Mulcahy.
Frank: War is Hell.
Hawkeye: War isn't Hell. War is war, and Hell is Hell. And of the two, war is a lot worse.
Father Mulcahy: How do you figure, Hawkeye?
Hawkeye: Easy, Father. Tell me, who goes to Hell?
Father Mulcahy: Sinners, I believe.
Hawkeye: Exactly. There are no innocent bystanders in Hell. War is chalk full of them - little kids, cripples, old ladies. In fact, except for some of the brass, almost everybody involved is an innocent bystander.
Now, the little quip at the end about 'brass' lightens the mood, but think about it. It's so true. As Christians, and humans for that matter, shouldn't we be afraid of hell? The more I think about it, I'm inclined to think I am more afraid of War.
I honestly don't know exactly what I think...
I guess the thought is moot considering I shouldn't worry about going to Hell, but still. I'd love to hear other opinions on this....if anyone still reads it.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
#19 - Find My iPhone
So, I went ahead and paid the $300+ to get the new iPhone 3G S. I was looking forward to testing out some of the new features that came with it but weren't available on my original 3G. After testing the new phone I have to say it's pretty impressive. It's probably more than twice as fast as my 3G was and switches between apps super fast.
The last thing I had left to test was the Find My iPhone feature available via a MobileMe account. So I signed up for my free 60 day trial and set up everything to start finding my iphone. Again, Apple has produced an impressive piece of software. It locates your phone and shows it to you on a map. Additionally you can send a message or wipe it. I chose to send a message to it and it sent a message instantly. Probably faster than a text message. I have found one feature that I think should probably be looked at...when you choose to play a sound with the message, it plays that sound at the volume level you have your speaker set to. So if you are like me, you turn your ringer down all the way because it's super loud, you probably won't be able to hear the sound made by the 'Find My iPhone' feature as it doesn't actually turn your speaker up.
Still, I must say, Apple has improved the OS and phone enough that I would recommend it to anyone looking for a phone (work or personal).
The last thing I had left to test was the Find My iPhone feature available via a MobileMe account. So I signed up for my free 60 day trial and set up everything to start finding my iphone. Again, Apple has produced an impressive piece of software. It locates your phone and shows it to you on a map. Additionally you can send a message or wipe it. I chose to send a message to it and it sent a message instantly. Probably faster than a text message. I have found one feature that I think should probably be looked at...when you choose to play a sound with the message, it plays that sound at the volume level you have your speaker set to. So if you are like me, you turn your ringer down all the way because it's super loud, you probably won't be able to hear the sound made by the 'Find My iPhone' feature as it doesn't actually turn your speaker up.
Still, I must say, Apple has improved the OS and phone enough that I would recommend it to anyone looking for a phone (work or personal).
Thursday, June 18, 2009
#18 - NFL, murderers, and the like
There is much ado in the NFL lately about the recent ruling on Donte Stallworth regarding a DUI manslaughter charge. The basics of the story are as follows: Donte Stallworth was driving under the influence of alcohol and he hit a man and killed him. He had a BAL of .126, well above the legal limit of .08. His sentence was 30 days in prison. Of that 30 days, he must only serve 24. Stallworth must also undergo drug and alcohol testing, will have a lifetime driver's license suspension and must perform 1,000 hours of community service. Christopher Lyons, Stallworth's lawyer, said that after five years, Stallworth could win approval for limited driving for reasons such as employment. Now, I believe, but am not positive that he avoided a Felony conviction (which could have carried a 15 year sentence) and plead guilty to misdemeanor DUI manslaughter. Not sure how that works, but I'm pretty sure I got that right.
I want to lay out my thoughts on playing in the NFL for you so that hopefully, you will more clearly understand why I think the way I do. It is my thought that playing in the NFL is a privilege. You obviously have to have God given talent and along with that work your butt off training and becoming the best. You're being payed to play a game. You're playing in the National Football League. Many argue that it is just business and that people can't be revoked their right to play in the game. I argue that point by saying this...professional sports are regulated by the government. They have anti-trust status preventing them from being declared a monopoly. The government provides them with tax breaks and in some cases gives them land allowing teams to build stadiums on that land. The government uses the anti-trust status as leverage to force leagues to do certain things, such as making baseball expand. Because of all of this, I say that playing in the NFL is a privilege.
Now, if you were to commit a felony, I say you shouldn't be allowed to play in the NFL or any other professional sport. Why? If you commit a felony, depending on the severity, you lose your right to serve your country in the military. In some states, you lose your right to vote. Also, you can lose your right to bear arms! Being a felon can actually make you lose some rights given you by the Constitution of the United States! Now, I'm not here to argue whether that is right or wrong, I'm just saying that because of the way things are currently, we must continue down this path. If someone is willing to change those laws, then so be it, I'll change my view. In addition to all of that, you can also lose your right to be on a jury, therefore, making you peerless as it were.
What does all of this have to do with Donte Stallworth? Well, honestly, I can't say it has anything to do with him. Technically I believe he was found guilty of a misdemeanor. (Should have been a felony). What this DOES have to do with is Michael Vick. He HAS been convicted of a felony. I am so tired of hearing people say they want to see him make a triumphant return. I'm even tired of people saying they want him to make a return and flop! He shouldn't be allowed to play! He committed a felony, he's out. Period. (Side note: If they do let him back, I hope he comes out on the field and a fan runs on with a pit bull and the dog chews his legs off)
What about Pacman Jones? Well, this is where things get confusing. I love my NFL. I love what Roger Goodell has done by implementing a strict player conduct policy. The policy only applies to the player's personal lives and image in the public spotlight. I like this policy. It makes my NFL appear to be law abiding whether the players are or not. Jones was suspended because he had too many run-ins with the law. No, he was never convicted of any felonies (or misdemeanors??), but he was too often caught up in felonies and misdemeanors. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time all the time.
Well..I kind of ended that quickly, but I'm burned out on talking about the problems in the NFL.
I want to lay out my thoughts on playing in the NFL for you so that hopefully, you will more clearly understand why I think the way I do. It is my thought that playing in the NFL is a privilege. You obviously have to have God given talent and along with that work your butt off training and becoming the best. You're being payed to play a game. You're playing in the National Football League. Many argue that it is just business and that people can't be revoked their right to play in the game. I argue that point by saying this...professional sports are regulated by the government. They have anti-trust status preventing them from being declared a monopoly. The government provides them with tax breaks and in some cases gives them land allowing teams to build stadiums on that land. The government uses the anti-trust status as leverage to force leagues to do certain things, such as making baseball expand. Because of all of this, I say that playing in the NFL is a privilege.
Now, if you were to commit a felony, I say you shouldn't be allowed to play in the NFL or any other professional sport. Why? If you commit a felony, depending on the severity, you lose your right to serve your country in the military. In some states, you lose your right to vote. Also, you can lose your right to bear arms! Being a felon can actually make you lose some rights given you by the Constitution of the United States! Now, I'm not here to argue whether that is right or wrong, I'm just saying that because of the way things are currently, we must continue down this path. If someone is willing to change those laws, then so be it, I'll change my view. In addition to all of that, you can also lose your right to be on a jury, therefore, making you peerless as it were.
What does all of this have to do with Donte Stallworth? Well, honestly, I can't say it has anything to do with him. Technically I believe he was found guilty of a misdemeanor. (Should have been a felony). What this DOES have to do with is Michael Vick. He HAS been convicted of a felony. I am so tired of hearing people say they want to see him make a triumphant return. I'm even tired of people saying they want him to make a return and flop! He shouldn't be allowed to play! He committed a felony, he's out. Period. (Side note: If they do let him back, I hope he comes out on the field and a fan runs on with a pit bull and the dog chews his legs off)
What about Pacman Jones? Well, this is where things get confusing. I love my NFL. I love what Roger Goodell has done by implementing a strict player conduct policy. The policy only applies to the player's personal lives and image in the public spotlight. I like this policy. It makes my NFL appear to be law abiding whether the players are or not. Jones was suspended because he had too many run-ins with the law. No, he was never convicted of any felonies (or misdemeanors??), but he was too often caught up in felonies and misdemeanors. He was in the wrong place at the wrong time all the time.
Well..I kind of ended that quickly, but I'm burned out on talking about the problems in the NFL.
#17 - REALLY, North Korea?! REALLY!?!
Over the past few weeks, I'm sure everyone has seen the tensions rising in the East as Korea has stepped closer and closer to the land mine that is Nuclear Armament. I understand the need for concern on the part of world powers. Someone as 'off' as Kim Jong Il having nuclear capabilities is not something to be shrugged off.
That said....
Dear Kim (Can I call you that, or should I say Mr. Jong Il? Or should it be Mr. Il, or Kim Jong?)
REALLY, North Korea?! REALLY?! You seriously think that you can threaten other countries with destruction and get away with it? REALLY?! The whole problem here is that you have nothing that we want! If you were in possession of something that another country wanted (Excluding SKorea because I'm sure they'd love to have the whole peninsula to themselves), I could understand using your military powers to push someone around and get something. Unfortunately for you, your not in possession of such a thing. Add to that, the fact that your closest ally, China, has left you standing alone, you're looking pretty silly!
On top of all of that - you say, 'If the US and its followers infringe upon our republic's sovereignty even a bit, our military and people will launch a one hundred- or one thousand-fold retaliation with merciless military strike.' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8104709.stm) Let me get this straight....you're saying that if we were to, I dunno, stop a NKorean ship at high seas, you're going to retaliate a thousand-fold? Do you have any idea how dumb that would be?! You've just threatened the most powerful military in the world! If we wanted to, we could vaporize you and rewrite history as if you never existed! Of course, we wouldn't, because we would make an example of you. In essence, we would bend you over Deliverance style and make you squeal like a pig! How ignorant are you?!
Let's review - You're pursuing nuclear armament. You're closest ally, China, has had enough of your stupidity and could/probably will single-handedly cripple you by cutting off trade. You've threatened the most powerful military in the world. Looks like a good start. Maybe in a few months you can even invade South Korea! That would only make an end come quicker.
My advice to you, is this: Stop it. Stop. Stop. Stop it. You've been bad. We'll put you in timeout this time but if it happens again we'll have to punish you.
Your not-so friend,
Kevin
That said....
Dear Kim (Can I call you that, or should I say Mr. Jong Il? Or should it be Mr. Il, or Kim Jong?)
REALLY, North Korea?! REALLY?! You seriously think that you can threaten other countries with destruction and get away with it? REALLY?! The whole problem here is that you have nothing that we want! If you were in possession of something that another country wanted (Excluding SKorea because I'm sure they'd love to have the whole peninsula to themselves), I could understand using your military powers to push someone around and get something. Unfortunately for you, your not in possession of such a thing. Add to that, the fact that your closest ally, China, has left you standing alone, you're looking pretty silly!
On top of all of that - you say, 'If the US and its followers infringe upon our republic's sovereignty even a bit, our military and people will launch a one hundred- or one thousand-fold retaliation with merciless military strike.' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8104709.stm) Let me get this straight....you're saying that if we were to, I dunno, stop a NKorean ship at high seas, you're going to retaliate a thousand-fold? Do you have any idea how dumb that would be?! You've just threatened the most powerful military in the world! If we wanted to, we could vaporize you and rewrite history as if you never existed! Of course, we wouldn't, because we would make an example of you. In essence, we would bend you over Deliverance style and make you squeal like a pig! How ignorant are you?!
Let's review - You're pursuing nuclear armament. You're closest ally, China, has had enough of your stupidity and could/probably will single-handedly cripple you by cutting off trade. You've threatened the most powerful military in the world. Looks like a good start. Maybe in a few months you can even invade South Korea! That would only make an end come quicker.
My advice to you, is this: Stop it. Stop. Stop. Stop it. You've been bad. We'll put you in timeout this time but if it happens again we'll have to punish you.
Your not-so friend,
Kevin
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
16 - So much happening...
There is so much happening, you might notice a few posts here in the next few hours. I've got so many things I want to say about world events! Should be a fun time.
Here's something fun to do: http://www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/driftnburn365.jsp
Here's something fun to do: http://www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/driftnburn365.jsp
Monday, April 27, 2009
15 - By the way...
I don't know if anyone realized it, but 2009 is shaping up to be a phenomenal movie year. The last time we've had a year like this was probably 2003 when the last 2 Matrix movies came out, Pirates of the Carribean, and LOTR: Return of the King...just to name a few.
This year is looking to be truly epic. Let me just prepare you for it....
May 1 - X-Men Origins: Wolverine
May 7 - Star Trek
May 15 - Angels and Demons
May 21 - Terminator Salvation
June 24 - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
July 15 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
August 7 - G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra
November 20 - The Twilight Saga: New Moon
December 25 - Sherlock Holmes
And honestly, I'm sure I'll go see more than just those, but they are really the big blockbusters. There will be several family movies coming out this year which will make the year all around fantastic.
I love me some good movies...
This year is looking to be truly epic. Let me just prepare you for it....
May 1 - X-Men Origins: Wolverine
May 7 - Star Trek
May 15 - Angels and Demons
May 21 - Terminator Salvation
June 24 - Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
July 15 - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
August 7 - G.I. Joe: The Rise of the Cobra
November 20 - The Twilight Saga: New Moon
December 25 - Sherlock Holmes
And honestly, I'm sure I'll go see more than just those, but they are really the big blockbusters. There will be several family movies coming out this year which will make the year all around fantastic.
I love me some good movies...
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
#14 - CADIE
This is a truly amazing time for science. Check out the link below about Google's new CADIE. This brings forth almost unlimited scientific applications and tests. I can't wait for this to be put into an actual free standing machine.
http://mail.google.com/mail/help/autopilot/index.html
Exciting times!!!
http://mail.google.com/mail/help/autopilot/index.html
Exciting times!!!
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