Leader of the Free World?

My first response to this photo was that GW was simply having a bad hair day. But my son, who sent this photo to me told me to take a closer look.

We're obviously in good hands. Maybe it's a "special" phone just for GW.

TLS

The Legal System

Interesting choices, don't you think?


TLS

Childhood Under Fire

I just want to take this opportunity to shill for someone. In this case, I think it's a fine thing that I do.

The book cover pictured at left, My Childhood Under Fire by Nadja Halilbegovich is a wonderful, if at times heart wrenching, story of a then 12 year old Nadja's experience living in Sarajevo during the Bosnian War. The book published by Kids Can Press of Canada is written for children, say 9 or 10 years and older, but is a good read for teens or adults as well.

Nadja was a classmate of my older son at Butler University in Indianapolis. I am certain that he was initially totally smitten by her, but they evolved into great friends. We came to know her as well. Nadja is a great singer, musician. actress, writer and public speaker. She has toured over both the US and Canada to promote peace. She is a Muslim.

A few years ago, Nadja was one of 74 people featured in a book by one Michael Collopy called Architects of Peace published by New World Library in 2000. She shares space with as varied a sampling of folks as you could imagine including Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela to Jane Goodall, Margaret Thatcher, Bella Abzug and Bianca Jagger. It, too, is a good read.

Nadja's book is short, only about a 120 pages or so. It is available on Amazon. I know I should link it, but I just can't seem to master that skill. I believe that Architects of Peace is also available on Amazon. Remember: RIF (Reading is Fun.)

TLS

Just a little blog

Testing, testing, one, two, three.

Something/Nothing

Jazzy,

Below is a response by Gregg100 regarding your "why something rather than nothing" question. It does not precisely answer the question, but does deal with it somewhat obliquely.

"People who engage in this type of discussion have (1) rejected the primacy of existence, (2) have mentally required the need for some sort of "beginning" that can only result in an infinite regression of beginnings and (3) ignored the rational conclusion of starting with a universe that we know to exist. Discussions with such people can't come to any useful conclusion. Existence is the reality we deal with on a day-to-day basis. It is the reality that our sensory capability interfaces with and thus provides information on the effects of that reality and ultimately forms the basis of our knowledge. We currently have no way of knowing any information about events that occured beyond what we have estimated to be the earliest phases of the universe."

Again, I don't think that there is a definitive answer to your question. But Gregg does delineate a different perspective on the issue.

TLS

Science and Other Stuff

Agnostic Mom has been putting out a call for greater support of the sciences. Gregg100 laid out a great challenge to her and others detailing what he believes it will take. The task is formidable. Gregg also sets out a rather daunting scenario as regards the difficult future anyone looking to engineering or other sciences is likely to face. It can be a hard and uncertain road. I certainly don't dispute his assertions.

However, I think it should be said that it's tough all over. The only areas of study which seem to pretty much always promise a bright future are business management and marketing. MBAs seem to generally write their own ticket. Otherwise, finding good and steady work is generally difficult for about everyone. It's even tough for graduating doctors, dentists and attorneys.

I have a nephew who has a PhD in English Literature. Over the last 3 years or so he has sent out several hundred resumes in response to available teaching positions at colleges and universities all over the country. He has taken dozens of interviews. He can't get arrested. He is hardly alone.

Things do change. Who knows, maybe someday there will be an administration more friendly to the sciences. Perhaps there will be a shift in attitudes. Maybe astronomers will detect an asteroid on a collision course with earth, and there will be a call for scientists of all kinds to figure out how to save our bacon.

Maybe not.

As I note above, business seems to be the only area which consistently offers a rosy future. Of course, business at any level is competitive, even cut throat. But it is consumerism that rules the roost in this country and much of the west. A few months ago I was perusing a rack of novelties at a truck stop on the way to Chicago. Prominently displayed at the top of the rack were several packages of plastic vomit. Yeah, plastic vomit! A closer look at the brightly printed package revealed to me that it wasn't just plastic vomit. It was "New and Improved" plastic vomit. New and improved? Who improved it? How? Why? How good does plastic vomit have to be?

I immediately conjured an image of a group of r&d people spending months, perhaps years, of their professional lives researching how to improve plastic vomit. Imagine all their efforts. All the mis-steps, the disappointments, the blind alleys, the taking one step forward, only to wind up taking two steps back. Then, that eureka! moment. Perhaps, just as the young chemist is settling in for a long winter's nap, it comes to him in a flash. By jove, he's got it!!! He rips the covers off, and barely dressed, his shirt mis-buttoned, his pocket protector askew, he speeds off to his workplace in his '79 Plymouth Volare, excitedly calling his colleagues beseeching them to drop everything and make haste to the lab while repeatedly pushing his bottle lensed glasses back up the bridge of his nose. After they mull over hundreds of complicated mathematical equations and various chemical formulae, they mix the proper polywhatevers, and voila! THE PLASTIC VOMIT FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. Oh, the glory!!!

I often wonder how good many products we use have to be? Razors? Toothbrushes? Detergents? How much time, effort and money are going into continually improving these and other products? How many talented and well educated design engineers, chemists, geneticists, even physicists are involved? What more useful things could they be doing with their time, education and talents? Do we really need improved razors or toothbrushes or detergents? Or plastic vomit?

TLS

PS - To Agnostic Mom - You Arizonans got our splendid running back. The Edge is now a Cardinal. A Cardinal for crying out loud! Oh, Edgerrin, we hardly new ye! And Peyton? Watch your back!

Overwhelming stuff

As I noted in my last post, I have been commenting on other blogs, among other things. I've decided to stop dabbling around with cold fusion and get back to business. But the reality is that I am overwhelmed. Overwhelmed by all that I have missed. All that I don't know. It's actually rather odd. Over the last few years, I have searched the Indianapolis Library catalogue for books regarding atheism, evolution, etc. I found some works by S.T. Joshi and little else. Actually, they have a number of the books I have lately become aware of, but without a title or author's name, that is - just using a subject for my searches were more or less fruitless.

Of course, what I have discovered is that there is a plethora of material to be had, and it's daunting. Unfortunately, I am not a fast reader. Nor am I able to devote much time on a day to day basis on reading; maybe a half hour or so. Consequently, it may take me a couple of weeks or more to read a single book. I spoke with a woman a few days ago who claimed to be a speed reader, and that she gets through 2 to 4 books every day. I could probably do that as well if I stuck to the likes of Benji's Dog House or Colby's Big Book of Horses. But, alas, I have moved on.

I have begun reading Richard Dawkin's Unweaving The Rainbow. His collective work alone is enough to keep me busy for months. I don't suppose I'll read all of his stuff, but, while his work seems to be very readable, it's not like reading John Grisham. I have also begun Michael Shermer's Science Friction which Noell, Agnostic Mom, had mentioned.

Concomitently, my wife has taken an interest in making Italian bread. She is of Italian heritage and her brother runs an Italian Restaurant. Her grandmother and great-grandmother made Italian bread which they sold in their small grocery in the old neighborhood back in the day. She is researching in an attempt to duplicate their efforts. I am doing some of the reading as well. Who of any of you all knows what a biga is?

Also, as my older son in Germany is attempting to get a singing career off the ground, I have wanted to begin reading Renee' Fleming's bio, The Inner Voice: The Making of a Singer. Supposedly, she went through many of the same experiences my son is now living through. And she details a number of the technical problems she dealt with as a developing singer.

My younger son is waiting for responses from the 14 or 15 graduate schools he applied to. He has been admitted to a couple, and I find myself going onto their web sites to scope them out. Hmmm. Should my son go to school in Boston, Rhode Island or Florida or ??? Of course, it's not my decision, but it's fun to think about the different places he may wind up.

I know, I am not any more busy or harried than most anyone else. But there is my inherent laziness to factor in. I am pretty adept at vegging. I have become numb watching Antiques Road Show and the History Channel. I think there actually may be more "Law and Order" on TV than there is in all of our courts.

And there is the walking thing. By the way, I came in 16th out of about 2500 participants in last Saturday's 10K. And I walked! (16th slowest, that is.) That makes 15 losers out there in my book. I passed a guy at about the 2 mile post. As I came even with him he started making lame excuses. (Torn ACL indeed!) In my efforts to look good during my walks, I must admit that hard leather soled wing tips were probably a poor choice. I think I'll go with Birkenstock sandels for the 15K. Now that would make a statement, don't you think?

TLS

More Random Thoughts

I haven't posted here in a few days. I have spent a great deal of time reading and commenting on other sites - Agnostic Mom, Open Campus, even a word or two at Sweet Jazzy Cat's. It's hard to keep up. I walked in a 10K yesterday and am still a bit sore for it. I am watching the Oscars while writing this. I don't think Jon Stewart is quite up to the task. Nobody has achieved the level of Billy Crystal. Otherwise, the bits that are supposed to be funny, have, for the most part, not been. The show just seems disjointed and generally out of sinc. I don't know why that should surprise me. The Oscars are usually disjointed and out of sinc. I guess it's just that when Billy Crystal hosted, he was usually able to joint and sinc it when needed.

I'm gonna let this go for now. I got nothin'. I just want to thank Joan, my wife for putting up with me all these years, Nick and Chris, my sons for keeping me hard at work, and the 4 dogs I've had during my life for their remarkable achievement in shedding and piddling.

Thank you and good nite everybody.

Dying TV Guys

In the last couple of days three old TV guys have passed on to the next realm. (As to what that is, well, this and hundreds of other sites are at least partly dedicated to figuring that out.) Yesterday Darrin McGavin, Don Knots and today I heard that Dennis Weaver have shuffled off their mortal coils. I guess none of them would really qualify as icons. McGavin was always kind of a second stringer in the title role on Mickey Spillane's Mike Hammer and later as Kolchak on the original Night Stalker. Many will remember Knotts from 3s Company which I never watched, but, of course, his main claim to fame was his stint on The Andy Griffith Show as the bumbling Barney Fife. Fewer will remember Knott's first real exposure on The Steve Allen Show as the nervous, bug eyed "man on the street." Dennis Weaver's most memorable role was his rather short lived tenure on the original Gunsmoke as the hobbling Chester Goode. (Remember him awkwardly running along a wooden sidewalk yelling "Mr. Dillon, Mr. Dillon.") Of course, he later managed a fairly long running modern day western/detective series, McCloud. He was, some may not remember, the beleaguered traveler in Steven Spielberg's directorial debut, Duel about the homicidal semi.

All three appeared in countless TV and film roles during the course of their respective careers. None were ever true headliners. But, man. All three of these guys were a part of the fabric of early American TV. A good deal of the work they did, would be considered by today's standards stilted and obvious. But at the time, back in the '50s and '60s, they were progenitors of those standards. .

Actually, probably the best actor of the three, McGavin was also the least well known. Again, his stuff was never quite "A" list, even for network TV. Often, Mike Hammer and the later Night Stalker ran on less vital Friday or Saturday nites. But Gunsmoke and later McCloud were always pretty much "A" list shows as were Andy Griffith and 3s Company. They were three of the many faces that one expected to see on a nightly basis on the television shows I grew up with.

I will miss Chester, Barney and Mike.

TLS

The godless community

Just a short note here. I am happy to report that the godless community is larger than, until recently, I had imagined. There are bunches of sites - some great - some not so great - devoted to non-belief. I will endeavor to add links to some of the better ones I have found, or been led to in the next few days, and I will continue to add any I believe are of interest.

I know that I still have a rather insignificant readership, but it is growing incrementally. I remain pleased with my discourse with Sweet Jazzy Cat. I kind of feel like a kid at kindergarten coming home to tell mommy about my new friends. Agnostic Mom has been gracious enough to join in the fray (Not James Frey, I should clarify.) Of course she has a great site of her own which has an impressive following. New to the short list of visitors is one OVER2U who has recently established a site - Open Campus (1opencampus.blogspot.com.) I hope to hear from him in the future. He has but a few posts at this time, but they are, I think, insightful and well written. I should note that OVER2U is not monolithic in his interests, which in turn interests me. I endeavor not to be a johnny one note here.

Now, in that spirit I offer the following:

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am "in training" for the Indy Mini-Marathon as a walker. I am an older endomorph, not properly packaged for running or jogging. So I walk. Even so. For anyone who has not endeavored to get into or remain in decent physical condition, the prospect of walking 13.1 miles is daunting. I walked about 6 miles earlier today, and I must tell you, I don't exactly feel great right now. In a way, the fact that I walked The Mini a couple of years ago, somehow makes it more daunting. I vividly remember just how bad I felt along about mile 11. I truly did not believe that someone could feel so bad and still be able to move, let alone walk. I well remember how pained and dazed I was at the walk's end when first I had to stop and sit down so they could remove the timing chip from my shoe. I doubted strongly that I could get back up out of the chair, but I apparently did. Then, I had to run the gauntlet of people shoving things at me, various fruit, bottles of water, chips, cookies. Then someone motioning toward me to come over and get my picture taken. Leave me alone! was my only thought. I walked back into Military Park, juggling all my new found treasures, where all participants were supposed to meet up with whatever family member, friend, or neighbor was assigned the task of getting us home. I saw that the "S's" were gathered out in the, by then, too hot sun. Screw that! I found a large old tree and gingerly collapsed between its exposed roots where I spent the next several minutes staring straight up at the tree and the sky beyond wondering what kind of an idiot willingly puts himself through such torture. Walking 13.1 miles. I could have driven it in a lot less time, and would have felt infinitely better when I arrived.

Every now and then a face would loom over me, its mouth moving, asking if I was all right. While I really had no idea, I just nodded and said I was fine. Actually, I am now certain that I was on the brink of death. I was dehydrated. My electrolytes were askew. I finally managed to dig my cell phone out of my fanny pack (Yes, I had a fanny pack. What of it?) and called my son who was wandering around looking for me. He eventually found me and said, "You look like crap, dad. Well come on, let's go to the car. " "Where is it?" I queried. "At Circle Center Mall." he replied. (For those of you unfamiliar with downtown Indy - Military Park and Circle Center Mall do not rub elbows with each other. Circle Center is probably about a half mile or more from the park.) Once again. Screw that! I calmly stated, "You go and bring the car as close to this spot as you can get it. Just don't run over me."

Well, of course, as these marathony kind of things tend to cause numbers of street closings and blockades, he was only able to get the car to within about 3 blocks of where I continued to lie prostrate under the big tree. By this time I had probably been lying there about 45 minutes or so. The park was clearing out. The little tents were closing up or coming down. I think that if my son had not returned, I would likely have been left there to dry up and blow away. But, never fear, return he did. I drank some water - I can't stand Gatorade, it makes me want to - how you say? - hurl chunks - and finally managed to get to my feet with not a little difficulty. I hobbled along beside my 20 something son, who had, while I was struggling along in the Mini, gone up to Butler University and run several miles along the Monon Trail. (Again, if your not familiar . . . oh, who gives a rat's ass?) He was fine and fit. Ready for anything. I was ready for cortisone shots.

So, in that light, I look forward to my next adventure in mini-marathon land with high hopes.
I'm sure my training regimen will render me far more fit and ready to fiddle my way along for another 13.1 miles. May 6th can't get here soon enough! I wonder if we've got any whole grain beer?

TLS

P.S. The photo above is apropos of nothing. It was taken on a property that I appraised a couple of years ago. I just thought it would look pretty good to anyone who has grown tired of winter. I know I have.

Random Thoughts

Cheney's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The whole gun totin' Cheney affair was a non-starter for me. As I may have mentioned, I think hunting is hardly an adult passtime. However, while the shooting was an unfortunate incident, I don't see how there is any political traction here. It was, afterall, nothing more than an accident. I am hardly a Cheney fan. What I know of him, I don't like. But, enough all ready. Let it go. It means nothing. Find something worth chewing on.

The Dubai Port Authority: Well, I really don't know enough about it to make an informed comment. All I can say is that it seems dumb. So much of politics is concerned with appearances. How does having an Arab/muslim country in charge of running our seaports look? Circumstances being as they are, it just looks bad. I suppose it just came down to dollars and (lack of) sense. Obviously, there was no transparency in the selection process. Apparently not even the pres (bless his little Texas heart) knew about it.

Winter Olympics: Americans are doing okay, I guess. As of this AM the US was second in the medal count. The biggest flop obviously has been Bode Miller. What a piece of work. Other disappointments are too numerous to mention. Delights? Well, of course, so far Sasha Cohen has been great. Belbin & Agosto also did us proud. (I guess it doesn't hurt that both the ladies are - to use the technical term - hot!)

Agnostic Mom: Several days ago I read one of Agnostic Mom's posts (or possibly a comment on one of her posts) wherein she stated that she doesn't know whether or not there is a god. For that reason she believes that she is an agnostic. That's not how I define the term. An agnostic, as I understand it, has not decided what she or he believes. It's not a question of knowing.

I don't know that there is no god. I definitely don't believe in the existence of any god. Regardless of how much anyone believes, or doesn't believe, no one can know that there is or isn't a god. At this stage of our knowledge, we cannot prove either position. I have read some of the "proofs" for and against god's existence on The Carnival of the Godless, other sites, books, etc. No matter the often excruciating extent some go to state their case, if god suddenly materialized and forced us all to listen endlessly to John Tesh music, all such arguments would be rendered moot. Of course, there is even less likelyhood that some proof against god's existence will present itself. Proving the negative is more problematic. Nevertheless, I don't believe in god's existence. I am an athiest.

Cartoons: The cartoons above are not in any way provocative. They are scans of a couple of pen and ink drawings my father drew, probably around 75 to 80 years ago. He attended some type of school to learn the process of lithography, which at the time was still done by etching images on limestone. While I never knew these drawings existed until well after his death, I assume that he created these and other drawings we found while attending the school which, I believe, was located in Dayton, Ohio. He later became a lithographer, more specifically a stripper which had to do essentially with cutting and pasting in the photo-lith process. Ultimately, he and a couple of co-workers at a large offset company in Indianapolis, Burfords Printing Co., started their own shop in the late '40s. They named it Modern Litho Arts. It was a struggle, but they eventually achieved some small success. My dad retired, selling his interest in the company to the one remaining partner in the early '70s. Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer in 1972. It finally claimed him just over 28 years ago on February 20th, 1978. I miss my dad.

TLS

Those Darn Cartoons

Some scurrilous individual indicated that the "cartoon" at the left is a likeness of the prophet Mohammed. But I have it on good authority that it is actually a caricature of one Mickey Podherz, a high school classmate and inveterate nose picker who had a problem with early onset facial hair.

Any resemblence to the prophet is purely coincidental.


Any muslim cleric who places a bounty on anyone who offends them should be kidnapped and forced to perform karaoke versions to Barry Manilow's "At the Copa." repeatedly on Al- Jazeera's "E."

Personally, I think that every newspaper and periodical in the west should publish all of the offending prophet cartoons. Who would they target then?

No doubt pious muslims would never consider publishing anything offensive against jews or christians. Their hypocrasy is without equal.

TLS

Ecumenical?

On January 28th Jazzy Cat wrote a short piece on the impropriety of religious pluralism. He makes the point that among all of the various religions, only one can be genuine. All others must needs be wrong. Well, now that's the ultimate problem. That's how we all wind up as pink mist, isn't it? (My thanks to tv's Grey's Anatomy for the pink mist thing.)

Every person of faith believes that he or she is on the one true path to eternal paradise. All others, presumably, are on the slippery slope to the nether world. All christians, actually not just all christians, but all methodists, all baptists, all presbyterians, all nazarenes, all lutherans, all catholics, etal, believe that they are the chosen of god. Never mind that the jews, muslims, hindus, sikhs and, well, everyone else of faith believe the same. Each is convinced that they are on the path of absolute truth. In the end, is there any possibility of these people finding common ground? Or will it all end in the eventual armagedden that the Raptiles predict?

If it can be said that athiests have any kind of mission, it may well be to do everything possible to forestall such an eventuality. It may not be enough to just batter ideas back and forth, or to spend time delving into the absurdities and contradicitions in the christian bible. I believe that agnostics, athiests, secular humanists, or whatever, must try to become more involved in the larger society. We must come out of our godless closets. We must involve ourselves in our respective communities. We must get involved in politics at all levels.

I understand that it will be an uphill battle to say the least. Anyone trying to get elected to public office as an admitted athiest or agnostic will likely encounter an openly hostile electorate. I suppose there are small enclaves in some communities which have embraced an avowed secular candidate, but they would surely be few and far between. I live in a solidly red state - a bastion of the bible belt. I don't believe that I am currently in a position to make any kind of political move, but that could change. I don't believe that politics is the only road to take. Organizations like the Council for Secular Humanism are good, great in fact, but often, I feel like they are essentially preaching to the choir.

What else can be done? I'm looking for suggestions. As much as I enjoy this, I doubt that blogging is going to get it done.

TLS

Mohammed and other stuff

First: I have been out of the loop for a while. If you have read my last couple of entries, you know that my neighbor, Susie, died unexpectly several days ago. There is to be a memorial service for her tomorrow. Several members of her husband's family have stayed with him for support. Soon, though, he will have to face the first days alone in his house. He is essentially retired, so he has a lot of time on his hands. He generally stays busy doing yard work and otherwise working around the house. But, of course, February is not a great time for yard work. While he is an inveterate tinkerer, I imagine he will have times when he becomes painfully aware of the silence, the emptiness. My wife and I will do what we can; have him join us for meals either at home or when we go out, and just checking in.

I am not close enough to Ernie to know how he will respond. He may be fine. Or not. Again, we will do what we can.

Now, on to other things.

Images of Mohammed:

Obviously, I could care less about someone printing caricatures of mohammed or any other religious figure. I responded to a poll taken on the MSNBC web site which asked if those who created and printed the images of mohammed should be punished. I voted no. (big surprise.) I clicked on results to find that something more than 80% agreed with me.

It then occured to me it was likely that most of the respondents were christians. Most christians would not likely be overly concerned with images of mohammed. What if the images had been of jesus? I suppose the numbers would have revealed another bias.

There is a difference, however. As most predominantly christian countries enjoy (or endure) a free press, it is likely that any number of less than flattering images of jesus have been printed in all manner of media. Certainly, some would voice their displeasure, but there would probably not be a massive angry response with thousands of people taking to the streets firing automatic weapons in the air, burning flags and effigies, and making murderous threats.

Muslims should get over themselves. Why should the rest of the world walk on proverbial eggshells whenever an issue arises which might affect members of the nation of islam? Political life is often not polite. If you expect to be able to make accusations against someone else, you have to expect to take them as well. Do muslims imagine that mohammed's feelings are hurt?

A look at the history of much of the Muslim world - including current history - reveals a people who have long been and, in many countries, continue to be violent in nature. A book I cited in an earlier post - The End of Faith - goes to some length in revealing the root of Islamic violence. Current protestations notwithstanding, the koran makes literally dozens of pronouncements in support of violence against anyone not of the faith, or against any muslim believed to be insufficiently devout.

Of course, it should be noted that the christian bible also reveals a vengeful god, especially in the old testament.

I am fearful that, unless cooler heads prevail, there will ultimately be a major conflagration between muslims collectively against the western, and largely christian, world. I am making no predictions about how or when such a conflict might happen, but my gut is, at best, queasy about the future. I hope this fear is foolishly alarmist.

However, I find it not a little alarming that many of our political leaders, both Rs and Ds, have recently stated they believe it to be almost inevitable that the USA will suffer a nuclear (or nuculer) attack(s,) and/or chemical and/or biological attacks at the hands of fundmentalist muslim terrorists. That's just dandy! Where might it happen? New York? DC? LA? Gnawbone?
(Yeah, there is a town in Indiana named Gnawbone.) Do you suppose that the politicos making such statements know something? Are they guessing? Or just hedging their bets?

What would our response be to such an attack? Who would we retaliate against? And how?

Good questions!

TLS

My Neighbor II

Susie died.

My Neighbor

I have become friends with my neighbor, Ernie, over the last 3 or 4 years since he and his wife moved in. We both are gardeners. He is far more experienced and accomplished than I, but we enjoy discussing our veggies, flowers and lawns.

Recently his wife, Susie had been having back problems, and it was determined that she should have surgery to repair it. Prior to the operation, however, a pre-surgical ex-ray revealed spots on a breast. A biopsy revealed cancer, which necessitated a single mastectomy. After some recovery time, she and Ernie took a trip to Florida to relax and kind of chill out. Four days into their trip Susy suffered a serious stroke. After the first day or so she seemed to be recovering. Then, she had an additional episode, and it was determined that it would be necessary to remove a portion of her skull to relieve pressure. Subsequently, they removed another section of her skull. Now, apparently a significant portion of her brain is effectively gone. Should she survive, she will likely be totally paralyzed. She is 53 years old. If she hadn't had bad luck over the last few weeks, she wouldn't have had any.

I can't say that I know Susie well. She has always been pleasant. She and Ernie have been consistently hard workers. When they moved into their home, it was not in good shape. It had been repossessed and left vacant for several months. The former owners had been a young couple with 2 young children, who also, as it happened, had a thriving drug franchise. A true cottage industry. It's hard to keep up the mortgage payments from jail. Ernie and Susie have made a world of difference next door. Ernie's efforts in their yard have rendered it into a sort of small park. It includes a pond, new perennials, shrubs, fruit and other trees, and the aforementioned veggie garden. They are, by any measure, good neighbors. Ernie is diabetic. I have spotted him lying face up in his back yard a couple of times, when he had worked too hard in the hot sun, and was overcome with out of control sugar levels. Ernie is about 59.

I won't make any "god" comments here, although I'm tempted.

I know Susie has a really rough road ahead of her. I wish her the best. The same for Ernie, and of course, their families.

Get well, Susie.

TLS

Marriage

Jazzy made a post a few days ago regarding marriage. More specifically, same sex marriage. She's not for it.

The first thing that comes to mind is why does anyone care? Why is this an issue? Now, my being an non-believer, the issue of "marriage" in the religious sense is of little importance to me. As to the "legal" status of same sex couples, it's just not anyone's business. Certainly not the state's.

When people (or a cat) state that the proper home for a child has a mother and father, a woman and a man, and that 2 women or 2 men cannot provide a proper home is just too broad a statement. And often incorrect.

I know a few same sex couples. One of these couples, 2 men, has a daughter. I suppose she's about 8 or 9 by now. Both of these men are well educated. They both hold positions of responsibility in highly visible organizations in Indianapolis. They are, to say the least, doting parents. Their daughter, by any measure I can muster, appears to be very happy and well adjusted. As I understand, she does well in school and has a number of friends. Any problems she has or may encounter owing to her situation at home are more likely to come from without than from within.

What is significant about the above is that it is not a unique situation. Most same sex couples have proven to be at least average, and in many cases well above average parents. I suppose it at least sometimes may be owing to their understanding of the situation as regards the adverse opinions they and their children may encounter from society at large. People of all ages can be, and often are, quite cruel. There are far more examples of abuse and neglect of children of hetero couples.

But Jazzy insists on citing biblical passages to support male/female marriages. I kind of go crazy with that as I think that the bible is irrevelant.

Why do people of faith feel compelled to get involved in other people's private lives? Religious faith, or the lack of it is in my mind a totally personal thing. Each of us has a natural right to make choices about who we love, who we live with, and with whom we chose to couple. How do the sexual proclivities of one person affect anyone else? Again, I believe that it has little to do with altruism. It has nothing to do with concern for the souls of people who choose to go their own way. It has to do with fear. Allowing such behavior in others might reflect badly on the faithful. It may hurt their chances of getting through the pearly gates. I find it difficult to believe otherwise as the response to homosexuality is so often angry and hateful. It is wrong minded to believe that gays are misguided or mentally ill. Hey, if god exists, and he/she/it doesn't like homosexuality, let him/her/it deal with it.

I am not gay. I can't say that I understand the nature of homosexuality. But, I do not believe for a moment that being "gay" is an illness or that it is born of evil. It is simply people who love each other. For whatever reasons, they find fulfillment and/or happiness in relationships, sexual or otherwise, with people of the same sex. I am probably oversimplifying all this, and, perhaps, missing the mark. Someone who is gay could write this much better than I. Suffice it to say, that I believe that anyone should have the right to create a legal and, if it is important to them, a spiritual union with each other. Again, if you don't like the notion of having an intimate relationship with anyone of the same sex, don't have one.

TLS

Other Blogs?

I started blogging because I started reading a very popular blog created by my nephew. He lives in NYC and has been writing his blog for over a year. It is often very entertaining and at times informative. He is a good writer. He enjoys an average of over 200 visits a day, and any number of comments left on his various postings. Of course he is 30 something and lives the life of a younger generation. Many of his contemporaries are companion bloggers.
Check it out at http://darrenmclikeshimself.blogspost.com.


I, on the other hand, am on the verge of fogeyhood. I started this site a couple of months ago, and so far I've had only a few more total visits than the number my nephew averages daily.

Considering the subject matter that I generally deal with herein, I certainly didn't think I would build a following anything like my nephew has. I am truly grateful for Jazzy Cat's visits and involvement in this effort. I have endeavored to return the favor.

But, jeez!

Isn't there anyone else who has stumbled in here who has any interest in any of this, or who has any opinions to offer? Is it all just too boooooorrrrrrring? Would it help if I dealt with pop culture, or if I shared my Ipod downloads? (Just for the record, I don't actually own an Ipod.)
Obviously, I just don't get it. I suppose it was predictible that I would make a post venting my frustration. There are millions of bloggers. My son just shakes his head. "What did you expect?" says he.

Actually, I enjoy doing this regardless of the fact that I am largely talking to myself. It has, as I mentioned to Jazzy Cat, got me writing, thinking and writing. Just sitting down here and organizing my thoughts on any given topic, writing it all down, and going back to edit, is kind of exciting. But I do have enough of an ego that it would be gratifying if a few people acknowledged their presence.

I will strive on regardless. Jazzy Cat and I have gotten some momentum in our discussions.
My lithe fingers will continue to caress the keys of my Dell making magic at the flick of a word.

TLS

Any one know where the statue pictured above is located? It depicts a legendary story teller, but not one you would likely have heard of.

More Hate Crime Stuff

At left is a photo of unblind justice, a statue at the entrance of the municipal courts building in Ulm, Germany. Neat, huh?

It is my understanding of our legal system that motives for crimes are often taken into consideration when determining charges, trying cases and in the sentencing process.

Jazzy Cat suggests that hate itself will become a crime. That people will be brought to justice for spouting hate speech. Of course, I suppose such a danger exists.

What I find amusing here is that Jazzy's concern puts her in agreement with the hated ACLU. It was, in fact, the ACLU which defended the Klan back in (I believe) 1978 and their right to march in heavily jewish Skokie, IL. The ACLU has aided in the defence of individuals and groups from all points on the political spectrum over the years when it appeared that their rights of free speech and/or their right to assemble were being infringed.

While I admit that we are edging onto dangerous ground, I don't believe that it is logical to assume that hate, itself, will become unlawful. It is, however, true that what is considered to be PC in any given environment can have repurcussions in the work place or in society in general. Oddly, there were faculty at a number of universities who were censured or even fired for speaking out either in support of or against the Iraq war. The response was dependent upon the political stance of the respective institutions. Believe it or not, there are a number of conservative universities out there. Not all are bastions of liberalism.

Jazzy states that it is assumed that "to be against same sex marriage is to hate homosexuals." Well, of course, that's not too much of a stretch. But laws pertaining to hate crimes does not extend to those who voice opposition to such unions. However, these laws do pertain to physical violence done to homosexuals or their supporters, if it can be determined that the violence was perpetrated in response to the issue of homosexuality.

Jazzy, how would you respond if you woke in the morning to find that there was suddenly a swell of hate which included a number of verbal and physical attacks on, say, Baptists, or Nazarenes? And these attacks were made simply because the victims were Baptists or Nazarenes? How do you suppose Afro-Americans feel? What went through the minds of European jews in the 1930s and 40s? Do you suppose that they felt that they were victims of hate? Look what those hate crimes wrought.

By the way, the photo in the previous post is of the Holacaust memorial in Berlin. It is built directly over hitler's bunker.

TLS

P.S. Jazzy, I still like your pics. I do have more snowy scenes, I suppose, owing to my living in a somewhat more temperate climate than you. But you've got some great mountain and aerial shots which do have snow in them. Actually, I'm not a big fan of snow, or winter for that matter. My job includes working outside to some extent. When the weather is good, not too hot, cold or wet, it's pretty good. But when we get hit with the extremes that sometimes come our way, I can't say that I enjoy it much. The worst in my opinion is wind and rain with temps in the upper 30s or low 40s. That is the pits. I'd rather it be, say, 25 degrees and snowing (sans wind.) At least I don't get rain down the back of my neck, or all over my trusty clipboard.

Later

Hate Crimes

Jazzy Cat made a recent post regarding hate crime laws. Jazzy doesn't care for them. Regards them as laws which make thought a crime. I believe Jazzy is mistaken.

It is in fact the thought behind the crime which is targeted by such laws. It defines the nature of the crime. Hate is at its core. The motive of such crimes is not robbery, or passion as in domestic violence. Most hate crimes are committed against people unknown to the perpetrater(s.) The only motive is hate. Hate for the victim's race, religion, sexual preference, or whatever.

One cannot be arrested for hating others. But one can be held accountable for violent actions born of hate. It is proper for our legal system to recognize this distinction. People have been obsessed with race since before our country's beginning. White people began enslaving native Americans shortly after Columbus first dropped anchor. Soon after, red people were joined in servitude by black people. We made concerted efforts to complete our genocide against native Americans but fell short. The Emancipation Proclamation put an official (if not actual) end to slavery. But the hate has lived on.

Over the last 25 or 30 years targets of hate crimes have come to include homosexuals. More recently still, the polarization of the country into conservative and liberal camps has spawned new, almost equally virulent hatred. Legislation concerning crimes motivated by hate is both proper and necessary.

What is seen in the above image?

TLS