Wednesday, May 31, 2017

The Sloth of Walden

The peaceful, mindful lifestyle of Thoreau lives on in the dreams of many Liberals. The hard work of making a living from the soil is bypassed, and glamorized in the essay "On Walden Pond". The FACTS of Thoreau's stay in that cabin are conveniently forgotten.

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Tuesday, May 30, 2017

The Peril of Gossip

The desire to be seen to be different - better - than other sinners is strong in all of us. It's probably what is the root of the decision to gossip. You share other's sins, so that yours might seem trivial.

Jesus encountered that in several well-known stories in the New Testament.

This sin is related to not following the New Commandment that Jesus taught.
Gossip is a poison that affects not only the person that is gossiped about, but also the person that spreads it around.

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Monday, May 29, 2017

The Handmaid's Tale

Far from being a disturbingly prophetic glimpse into America's future, should Trump and his ilk not get ousted, The Handmaid's Tale is a tired, dated, and slanted view of non-Democratic Party goals.

Take one aspect of the story: Offred is forced to participate in a bizarrely-described ritual to compensate for the infertility of the ruling class wives.

Well, that DOES happen today - we call it 'surrogate pregnancy'. Can't even call it 'surrogate mothering' anymore - the Progressives that favor that practice have divorced the conception part - egg meets sperm in a petri dish - from the gestation part - the fertilized egg is deliberately NOT placed into the woman who donated it, but into another woman's womb.

Why?

Because by splitting up those parts of a pregnancy, the woman who carries the child for 9 months has no genetic connection to that child, and, hence, absolutely NO messy parenthood rights.

The new 'parents' can take the kid, make their cash payment, and walk away without a thought for that woman. Who - BTW - will be feeling the natural post-partum emotional letdown and physical repair, without a child to ease the process.

It's what Elites do with those 'deplorables'. They use them, and walk away.

The actual genetic mother to that child, after selling that egg (in the process of providing eggs, she will have exposed herself to chemicals that often have devastating after-effects), will not have developed a relationship, and will, therefore, be considerably less likely to assert parental rights.

Who are those people who are most often using these surrogacy services?

Elites. Not MAGA-cap wearers. Not Bible-believing Christians - Elites are far more likely to be lukewarm 'spiritual' practitioners, or secularists. Those with the money for that process are MORE likely to ally with Progressive views.

The Handmaid's Tale is recycled Progressive lunacy (it was written while Reagan was president). I read it at that time - it was a mediocre story, even then.

Those who think this is a timely allegory for our society are engaging in Group-Think.

Group-Think is a major problem in societies. This book, and the show made from it, are attempting to inflame emotions and enforce conformity of thought.

For a look at a time period when a society tried to encourage its young people to use force to get all citizens to conform, look to the Chinese Cultural Revolution.

BTW - did you know that an early meeting of the Red Guards with Mao Ze Dong was in Tianenman Square, August 18 1966?

I am becoming passionately interested in the Cultural Revolution and the Red Guards. I will be scheduling a future post on that topic.

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Memorial Day

If you only make ONE change this weekend, stop the use of the term "Happy Memorial Day".

It is NOT a happy celebration. It is a day to remember the many servicemen/women who are no longer with us. For those who served, remembrance carries the sting of friends lost, lives cut short, and even - for many - a feeling of guilt that they lived, while others died (remember the ending of Private Ryan).

Do at least ONE thing this weekend to remember the Military Dead.

  • Go to a parade. See the representatives of those who are no longer living. Pay your respects.
  • Go to a cemetery. Spend a few minutes looking at the graves with the flags on them. Say a prayer for them.
  • Visit a vet. Let them tell you about their service, if they would want to.
  • Donate to a veterans' organization. Good ones can be found in this list (if you know a good organization that is not listed, send me the name, and I'll add them). On this list is the DAV (Disabled American Vets), which was particularly helpful when my son-in-law was navigating the VA system.
  • Bring a treat to a VA hospital, and spend some time listening to the men/women there. Pizza or chicken wings are always appreciated.
WARNING: One of the charities on that list above is the Wounded Warrior Project. It's had some controversy about wasteful spending that could have gone to veterans, but was used for administrative expenses. You might want to check with this Charity Financial Oversight site before donating or volunteering.

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Sunday, May 28, 2017

A Late Sunday Roundup

It's been a hectic week - preparing to retire, and leave a place where I've sunk in roots is exhausting, both mentally and physically.

Not to mention organizationally. I was finally reduced to throwing possessions into boxes, willy-nilly, and dropping them off at the storage locker to be sorted out later.

Just a few things to pick up on Tuesday, along with completing paperwork, and then - I'm officially retired.

I am breathless with the thought of that (well, that and my asthma has kicked up - probably related to all the dust and stuff I've been stirring up).

To begin with - Francis Porretto with a post on manliness.

A thought-provoking - if arguable - essay on Whiteness. For those who think this complete 'bollocks' - as the English say - keep in mind that this IS how the average White person thinks. Doesn't matter whether or not they are justified in their thinking. It's put here solely to give insight into WHY they feel put-upon.

Keep in mind that these working-class Americans did NOT, generally, benefit from their White skin. They attended the same schools as Black kids. They didn't get a leg up because of who they were related to, as they were generally NOT connected to powerful people.

As opposed to the common belief that White people stuck together in solidarity, White working-class members were - and are - often DESPISED by the Whites in power positions. They hate them worse than they do minorities.

REALLY good video - deserving of being shared widely on social media. Key words: "Oh, no, wait, wait..."

Link courtesy of Free North Carolina.

Originally planned to update this, will hold other links until next Sunday.

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Saturday, May 27, 2017

This is Powerful

I knew of Andrew Sullivan, in the early days of blogging. He was seemingly everywhere, commenting constantly.

It took a toll on him.

A few years ago, he abruptly quit - ALL media interaction.

I did wonder what became of him.

And, now I know.

This is one post that I think EVERYONE should read - it's about technology addiction, and how to recover.

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Friday, May 26, 2017

The Victims Don't NEED Your "Thoughts and Prayers"

They need ACTION by their governments, that reduces the chances of this happening again.

The killers were known to the authorities.

They were already on the 'watchlist' (although nobody seems to have actually been watching them).

So, why did those 22 people - including CHILDREN - die?

Because they didn't take ACTION.

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Wednesday, May 24, 2017

Tornado Watch

Which, for you not familiar with the codes, means that conditions are favorable for a tornado.

Fortunately, my kids were able to complete their final without incident.

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Tuesday, May 23, 2017

How the Culture Has Changed

I was reading something about the change in journalism (the writer called it a crisis), and I remembered an incident from my youth.

What the writer said:
DETROIT — If you are a person of a certain age it's odd to drive down a major artery in a large metropolitan American city and strain to find a newspaper box at any of the crossroads.
That's especially true in a city such as Detroit, with a storied history of competitive journalism that dug deep into holding power in check, whether it was city hall, the unions or large corporations.
It's not that those papers are gone. The lack of boxes is in part because of contractual delivery systems and partly because of vandalism. But the disappearing boxes are mostly because we consume our news differently.
What I remembered:

I was in my late teens or early twenties, and working in downtown Cleveland. Then, like so many working class girls, I was doing clerical work in some office. Not well paid, but steady work, with benefits. It paid enough to buy a flashy wardrobe, enjoy lunches out, and have cash in my pocket. As I, like so many of that generation, lived at home, other than a token part of my paycheck to my parents was mine to spend.

I usually grabbed a cup of coffee on the way to work, and generally bought a newspaper - in those days, Cleveland had TWO major papers - the Cleveland Plain Dealer (mornings), and the Cleveland Press (evenings).

I stopped at a newspaper box, and was waiting for the middle-aged Black man to complete his transaction, when he turned to me, with the door open, and said, "Go ahead, just take yours, too."

I indicated that I didn't need an unpaid paper, but he insisted - not in a threatening way, but as though he was hurt that I didn't appreciate his kindly gesture.

Finally, I took the paper, and waited until his back was turned and he was walking away. Then, I put my quarter in, and opened and closed the door.

I just couldn't ignore my upbringing and STEAL the paper. It wasn't something that fit my standards, molded by parents who didn't have much, but were honest.

But, that gentleman's standards, multiplied by all the others who DID take the paper, not-so gradually eroded cultural expectations of honesty.

And, THAT'S why the newspaper box is no more. Because the norm is to steal in situations where it is possible. Because "nobody gets hurt".

But they do.

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Friday, May 19, 2017

How Might the Progressives Take Back Power?

The Z-Man has some scary ideas.

Sometimes, there is a convergence between ideology and practicality. Importation of thuggish aliens to terrorize the non-compliant population might be such a case.

From the perspective of the Progressive Overlords (trademark pending), it's a Win-Win. They both burnish their compassionate credentials, and manage to use the 'undocumented Storm Troopers' to whip the unruly subjects into line with their agenda.

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Thursday, May 18, 2017

Miscellaneous Meanderings

I am NOT focused this week - the detritus of my changing life is leaving me with MANY loose ends, which I am trying to deal with, but - usually - only tossing into a box, with a tepid promise to deal with it later (when, presumably, I will have more time and focus).

Some tidbits I've noticed:
  • This guy actually talks sensibly about education reform. Naturally, he is relatively obscure, and likely to remain so, as long as he makes sense. This is Sponsored Content, as he is hawking a book, but - well, read it, and see what you think.
  • I don't understand why, in government, so few are fired for what are clearly firing offenses. Take a look at that article, and see if you agree with me. I'd also like those who are fired to have their pension contributions returned to them, with interest, and have NO pension rights after that. If you do something wrong, you should pay a penalty. Perhaps the possibility of that might discourage the 'Deep State' from cooperating with the ousted party.
  • Re: the above - I DO understand it, but I don't like it. Too much 'Mommy loves you' and not enough 'Daddy's gonna whup yo' a$$'. The feminization of the public arena has created more problems than it solved.
  • When all of the foo-fah of the Trump-Media war starts to get to you, remember - you always have a choice.
  • Bored? Ain't no big thing. And, used properly, boredom can transform your life.
  • Are we heading to Civil War? Well, maybe. 
    • ONE of the sides is self-righteous, claiming God is on their side, impossible to talk with, as any attempt gets an hysterical, screaming response - that is, if they bother to stop chanting in an effort to shut the other side up. For that side, NO compromise is acceptable. And, BTW, they are SURE that EVERY person that opposes their complete imposition of EVERY facet of their agenda is a Racist, Evil, Irredeemable, sub-human, who should lose ALL Constitutional Rights for all time.
    • The Other side wants to talk it out and compromise. Lots of luck with that, kids.
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Saturday, May 13, 2017

Too Busy to Blog?

Actually - Yes.

I've been nearing the end of the school year - always a stressful and busy time.

But, I've also been involved in my fitness program - down 24 pounds, so far, and MUCH more capable of walking and other activities.

And - Ta-Dah! I will be retired at the end of this school year - in only another 2-1/2 weeks!

I can't wait! I'm full up with plans for the future, chief among them to FINALLY clear out my house of detritus, and organize what remains. Other plans include:

  • Writing - I have a more-than 1/2-finished book, that I will be expanding and revising. And, a non-fiction book - How to Teach Chemistry Without Blowing Up the Lab (meant for the beginner in a high school setting). Other books to follow, now that I have time.
  • Radio fun - I am currently putting my new workbench together, and will shortly move my radio magazines, books, equipment, and work-in-progress up to the new Ham Shack. When I get my HF rig (probably sometime this fall), I will have friends over to help me set up an outdoor antenna - type to be determined after consultation with my radio club's Elmers (experienced hams willing to serve as mentors for free).
  • Visiting family and friends - some of that for FUN, but also to assist family members currently experiencing health challenges.
  • Getting in better shape - walking, swimming, and other workouts to lengthen my life, and improve its quality.
  • Putting our Physics Workshops activities into high gear - if anyone knows of a teacher/school in need of professional development, have them drop me a line. We would love to get in touch to set up a workshop for them.


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Thursday, May 04, 2017

After the LA Riots

There are two stories about them:

  • The first, one of the perps, who never served a day in prison for his actions. He is still angry, despite having benefited from the system's mercy to him - not having to pay, either in money or time, for his crime.
  • The second, one of the victims, is still suffering the after-effects of the attack - which included, beating, kicking, nearly having his ear torn off, stripping his clothes off, and spray-painting him black. Oh, and dousing him with gasoline - he is fortunate that no one had a match. He was robbed of money and tools and his truck was torched. And yet, he is married and largely supporting himself. And, not bitter.

Funny how that happens.

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NO. NO. JUST - ABSOLUTELY - NO.

On  the matter of expanding the H1-B Visa program, I am just -

NO.

Not even.

Don't even THINK of it.

I - and a whole lot of voters - will NOT - REPEAT - NOT - be mollified by other decisions you make.

No matter if you enact, lobby for, fight to your dying day for ANY other bill.

Those actions will NOT overcome my visceral disgust for your YES vote on Visas.

WHY is that such a big deal?

Goldman Sachs estimates that almost one million foreign H-1B contract workers are now employed in college-level jobs throughout the United States, even though many media outlets routinely say the federal government approves only 85,000 H-1B visas per year.


Goldman’s February estimate of the huge H-1B population also ignores multiple other visa programs which invite foreign graduates to work in the United States. These other temporary work visas are used to employ an additional 470,000 foreign college graduates in the United States, according to a study released on March 7 by the left-of-center Economic Policy Institute.
The EPI study, titled “Temporary foreign workers by the numbers,” says U.S. companies employ roughly 470,000 foreign professionals via the little-known O, L, J, OPT, and TN visas.
The EPI study estimates that the H-1B population at a much lower level of only 460,000 employees, partly because EPI says many H-1B workers quickly get permanent green cards, which converts them into legal residents, not contract workers.
Guys, it's time to hit the phones, faxes, and emails. Snail mail would be better, but we may not have the luxury of time.

This abomination is being sponsored by Senator Ron Johnson (WI), and also backed by Rep. Ken Buck (CO). Their names - and faces - should be on every latrine wall.

The CATO Institute is also pushing this.

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There is a Positive Side to This

There is an Up Side to the decision of Comey NOT to prosecute HRC and the Weiners.

This administration can decide to prosecute them ALL, with no double jeopardy involved.

And, no Obama-Pardon available.

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Is the Republican Repeal of Obamacare Bad?

Like a lot of things in politics, it's mixed.

However, the 4% that have pre-existing conditions will NOT be thrown out into the streets.

Unlike today, when those with the 'wrong' health plan - including some of those with Obamacare - will find themselves unable to get care.

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Wednesday, May 03, 2017

Dodging the Bullet

I get why the Bowie Bergdahl court martial was delayed until AFTER the election. Obama could avoid dealing with it and possibly screwing up HRC's coronation, and - most importantly - he could play hand-off to her, taking it out of his legacy and blaming her later for any reverberations.

The Republicans went along with it, because if they waited until AFTER the election, the incoming President might not pardon him.

It was put off until February 2017 - which, if you haven't noticed, has been and gone.

So, what's the status?

I couldn't find ANYTHING on a search.

Nada.

So, I'm guessing that it will wait until a more convenient - and less likely to blow up in the administration's face - time. When more important - and urgent - situations push the trial into the background.

My guess?

Bergdahl will receive a guilty verdict. Then, after getting a middling harsh sentence, be freed after a short time on some kind of a mental/emotional hardship or compassionate release.

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Monday, May 01, 2017

More on the Perfidy of Obama

The Iran Agreement (NOT treaty, because Obama refused to bring it before Congress - or to be honest about it's provisions).

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Lies of the Left

This COULD be a lengthy post. But, I'll try to winnow it down to a reasonable length. The CA Parent Bribery 'Scandal' - the 1...