Monday, October 16, 2023
Human Stupidity and Arrogance
Sunday, October 15, 2023
The Banality of Evil in the Middle East
by J.R. Turner, 2023
The people of Jewish faith have been killed, persecuted, harassed and ridiculed for over a millennia, and more. Why? Is it because they claim to be God’s chosen people? Is it because Jews sent Jesus to the Romans to be crucified? Is it because people believe the Jews unjustly displaced the Palestinian Arabs? Or perhaps because there are a disproportionate number of them who are affluent and prosperous? This hatred of Jews is perfectly illustrated by the name given to the land by the conquering Romans: Palestine. This was done to mock and humiliate them, because the ancient enemy and foe of the Jewish state were the Philistines (Latin, Palestina). Now, the rebellious Hebrews lived in a land named after their enemies. Apparently the Romans thought this was cute, but the name stuck over the ensuing millennia, but only to refer to the region.
Friday, October 6, 2023
Expensive Medical Costs
Recently, I came down with an umbilical hernia (a distinct bulge in my navel). The pain from this was occasionally severe, and one day I decided to go to the emergency room at the hospital where I work. They told me that the hernia was not an emergency, despite the pain, and therefore they could not do anything unless it became "strangulated". In the meantime, I would have to go to a specialist and get referred for surgery. I was in the emergency room for no more than thirty minutes, they did nothing except draw two vials of blood, and check my vital signs. An MD talked with me for five minutes during this process. I repeat: they did not treat me at all. Total bill: $275.00. The MD sent me a bill as well, this one for $600.00 dollars. Neither the hospital nor the MD informed me that I would not only be charged for the emergency room visit, but also for the MD's brief consultation with me. An interesting side note here is that had I not been an employee of the hospital, the bill for the visit would have been $1,200. 00 (plus the 600 for the doctor to talk to me for five minutes). Who makes $3,600.00 an hour? Why, doctors, of course. How is it that this MD felt justified in charging me 600 bucks for seeing me for five minutes, and did nothing? I don't have medical insurance (but I will next month during open enrollment).
Having experienced this gross overcharge, I started thinking about our medical system here in America, about how many can afford to pay cash for medical services. Insurance is the only practical solution to the burdensome cost of medical care. Why? Granted that nurses and doctors should be paid well, but $1,800.00 for thirty minutes of their time? That's how much I would've had to pay if I were not an employee of the hospital. I still owe a total of $875.00, and that's way too much money to charge anyone for not doing anything to help at all.
The solution to overly expensive health care is tort reform, in order to make it difficult to sue a doctor for malpractice. As it stands, a lot of people resort to this type of lawsuit in order to avoid paying the bill, or to enrichen themselves. Any health care professional that injures a patient due to incompetence should be sued, but the law should restrict those who game the system by calling for a high standard of proof for any claim to malpractice. I haven't mentioned the fact that another reason health care is so expensive is the myriad regulations and mandates put on the industry by the government. Along with tort reform, there should also be an environment where the market-and the market only-determines what doctors can charge their patients, or risk losing customers.
Thursday, August 24, 2023
Is Using ChatGPT a Form of Plagiarism?
This morning I've got a bad case of writer's block. "Write about anything", I keep telling myself. So I sit down at my desk and instead of thinking of what subject to write about, I click on the ChatGPT tab and entertain the idea of letting artificial intelligence do all the thinking, and typing for me. "That's lazy", or, "that's really a form of plagiarism" says my inner voice, and so here I am, writing directly out of my own mind, for you today. Here is what the search engine Google says about the matter:
"ChatGPT content is not plagiarism insofar as it is not copying the work of someone else outright. However, it is somewhat questionable from an academic integrity standpoint, in the sense that if you use an answer or essay generated by the chatbot, you have not created the work yourself."
And asking chat GPT about it:
"While I can provide assistance and generate text based on your instructions, it's important to use the generated content as a starting point and then add your own ideas, insights, and personal touch to it. This way, you'll be using the generated content as a tool for inspiration rather than a direct copy. "
There are two major reason why plagiarism against a human being is bad: it's a form of theft with legal consequences, and it's dishonest; a self-aggrandizing lie, if you will. However, if you "plagiarize" an AI program like ChatGPT, no one is harmed in any way. The lie, however, still remains. A new word needs to be coined to describe this sort of semi-plagiarism. It's a fraud, yes combined with laziness. Oh wait, there's the word charlatan: a person falsely claiming to have special knowledge and skill, a fraud.
Here is an article from Mozilla on the subject.
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Focus on Frank Herbert's "Dune": The Spice Melange
The spice, also known as melange, is a highly sought-after resource due to its numerous valuable attributes. It grants extended life, enhances mental capabilities, and augments psychic abilities. Moreover, it enables space travel by facilitating the navigational calculations of the Guild Navigators, who rely on its prescience-inducing effects to safely guide spaceships across vast distances. Without the spice, interstellar travel would be severely limited, stifling the expansive ambitions of humanity.
Friday, June 2, 2023
Text-to-Image Technology
Technology continues to push boundaries, bringing us new and exciting innovations. One such marvel is text-to-image technology, a remarkable development that can transform written descriptions into vivid visual representations. This groundbreaking technology holds immense potential across various industries, from creative endeavors to practical applications.
Text-to-image technology combines the power of natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision to generate visual content based on textual descriptions. It essentially bridges the gap between the realm of words and the realm of visuals, allowing us to transform written information into tangible imagery.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
Evolve This
It seems that liberals like to think that they are evolving constantly, that they are so beyond certain things (like hydrocarbon fuels, Christianity, grocery bags, and the Constitution). I wonder sometimes, have they also evolved past the passion for excellence, past the drive to succeed and prosper? Are they even truly alive, like James Taggart from Atlas Shrugged? I say this because the liberals won the last Presidential election, and if their man is any indication of the liberal ideal, their role model for all aspiring liberals to follow, then...apparently liberals have evolved past humanity itself, and are now a new species of, er, uh...
Monday, May 22, 2023
The Dan Bongino Show
With his razor-sharp wit, unwavering commitment to liberty, and unparalleled expertise, Dan Bongino brings you the latest breaking news, cutting-edge analysis, and insightful commentary that will leave you informed, inspired, and ready to take action. Get ready for an exhilarating ride as he fearlessly dissects the most pressing issues of our time, exposing the lies, hypocrisy, and corruption that threaten our cherished freedoms.
The Dan Bongino Show is not just another talk show—it's an immersive experience that takes you deep into the heart of the political battlefield. Dan fearlessly dives into the trenches of current events, debunking mainstream narratives and uncovering the hidden truths that the media often tries to suppress. Armed with facts, logic, and an unyielding dedication to the Constitution, Dan dismantles the left's flawed arguments and provides the intellectual ammunition you need to defend your beliefs.
America in Decline: The Policies of the Biden Administration
In recent times, conservative pundits and news outlets have voiced concerns about the trajectory of the United States, arguing that the policies implemented by the Biden administration are contributing to the decline of the nation. Today I will explore the reasons behind these claims, focusing on key policy decisions that have allegedly hindered economic growth, weakened national security, and undermined traditional American values.
Economic Consequences:
One of the primary arguments made by conservative voices is that the economic policies pursued by the Biden administration are detrimental to the nation's prosperity. Critics argue that the administration's emphasis on increasing government intervention and regulation stifles entrepreneurship and discourages private investment. The proposed tax hikes on businesses and high-income individuals are seen as disincentives to economic growth and job creation, potentially leading to a decline in American competitiveness on the global stage.
Sunday, May 21, 2023
A.I. Prompts
AI prompts are instructions or questions provided to an AI model to generate a specific response or complete a given task. By learning how to formulate effective prompts, individuals can harness the power of AI to their advantage. AI prompts enable users to extract relevant information, generate creative ideas, make informed decisions, and automate tasks efficiently.
Friday, May 19, 2023
Prominent Leftist Thinkers
That said, several thinkers have had significant influence on modern-day leftists and their ideas. Some prominent figures include:
1. Karl Marx: Marx's ideas on class struggle, capitalism, and socialism have been foundational for leftist thought. His works, such as "The Communist Manifesto" and "Capital," continue to shape the understanding of economic and social inequality.
2. Michel Foucault: Foucault's work on power, knowledge, and the construction of social institutions has been influential among leftists. His ideas have been applied to understanding various forms of oppression and social control.
Sunday, May 7, 2023
The Dark Triad
The dark triad is a fascinating and complex phenomenon that has captured the attention of psychologists and the public alike. It refers to three personality traits that are often associated with negative outcomes and unethical behavior: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
Narcissism is characterized by a grandiose sense of self-importance, a lack of empathy for others, and a need for admiration and attention. Machiavellianism is characterized by a manipulative and exploitative approach to relationships and a willingness to use others for personal gain. Psychopathy is characterized by a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a disregard for social norms and moral principles.
Sunday, April 30, 2023
The Budapest Gambit
The Budapest Gambit is a chess opening that starts with the moves 1.d4 Nf6 2.c4 e5. It is a relatively uncommon opening, but it can be a tricky surprise weapon for black to use against white.
The Budapest Gambit is a gambit because black offers a pawn on move two with the idea of gaining rapid development and attacking chances in return. White can either accept the gambit pawn with 3.dxe5 or decline it with 3.Nf3. If white accepts the gambit, black will gain a lead in development and try to use their lead in piece activity to create threats against white's position. If white declines the gambit, black will have a more solid position and will try to use their active pawn structure to gain control of the center of the board.
Sunday, April 23, 2023
English
With the arrival of the Romans in the first century AD, Latin became the language of administration, trade, and education in Britain. The influence of Latin on the British Isles was significant and lasted for centuries, with Latin words continuing to be used in English even today.
The influence of Celtic languages, however, did not disappear with the arrival of the Romans. In fact, many words in English have Celtic roots, such as "crag," "bog," and "loch," to name a few. These words have been a part of English's evolution since the beginning and continue to shape the language today.
Sunday, April 16, 2023
Dr. Victor Davis Hanson
Throughout his academic career, Hanson has written extensively on ancient Greek and Roman history, military history, and contemporary politics. He has authored or edited more than two dozen books, including "The Western Way of War: Infantry Battle in Classical Greece" (1989), "The Soul of Battle: From Ancient Times to the Present Day, How Three Great Liberators Vanquished Tyranny" (1999), and "Mexifornia: A State of Becoming" (2003).
Chess: the Ultimate Game of Consequences
The chessboard is an 8x8 square grid, consisting of 64 squares of alternating colors. Each player has 16 pieces: one king, one queen, two rooks, two knights, two bishops, and eight pawns. The pieces move in different ways, and each piece has its own value and importance.
The Objective
The objective of the game is to checkmate the opponent's king. This means that the opponent's king is in a position to be captured (in check), and there is no legal move that the opponent can make to get out of check. The game can also end in a draw if neither player is able to checkmate the other.
The Basque Language
Thursday, April 13, 2023
Jack Vance
Jack Vance (1916-2013) was an American writer of science fiction and fantasy, widely regarded as one of the most important and influential writers in the genre. He was born in San Francisco and grew up in the Bay Area, where he studied mining engineering at the University of California, Berkeley. After serving in the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II, Vance worked as a bellhop, a copper miner, and a seaman before turning to writing full-time in the early 1950s.
Vance's early stories appeared in pulp magazines like Thrilling Wonder Stories and Astounding Science Fiction, and he quickly gained a reputation for his inventive world-building, complex plots, and distinctive prose style. His first novel, "The Dying Earth" (1950), established him as a major new talent in the field of science fiction and fantasy. He went on to write more than 60 novels and numerous short stories over the course of his long career.
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand was a Russian-American novelist, philosopher, and political thinker, born Alisa Zinovyevna Rosenbaum on February 2, 1905, in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Rand's family was well-educated and financially successful, but they lost their wealth and status after the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917. Rand studied philosophy and history at Petrograd State University but was forced to leave after her father's business was seized by the Soviet government.
In 1926, Rand emigrated to the United States, where she began her career as a screenwriter in Hollywood. She later turned to writing novels and became famous for her works of fiction, including "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged." Her philosophy of Objectivism, which emphasized individualism, reason, and laissez-faire capitalism, had a significant impact on conservative and libertarian thought in the United States.
Throughout her life, Rand was an outspoken critic of collectivism and totalitarianism, and she believed that individual rights were paramount. She also believed that artistic and intellectual pursuits were essential to the human experience, and she celebrated the virtues of individualism, rationality, and self-interest.
We the Living, by Ayn Rand
The novel centers around the life of Kira Argounova, a young woman who, despite her intelligence and independent spirit, is unable to escape the oppressive regime that dominates her life. Throughout the novel, Rand portrays the Soviet system as a suffocating force that crushes the individual spirit and ambition of its citizens.
Sunday, April 2, 2023
The Tyrannical Impulse and Social Justice
There is no such thing as "social justice"; it is a null concept allegedly first-coined by Luigi Taparelli, a Catholic priest, c. 1840. If you try to find a definition of this term, you'll get something like this:
(from the Oxford English Dictionary): "justice in terms of the distribution of wealth, opportunities, and privileges within a society."
(from The UN, 2006): "the fair and equitable distribution of economic, political, and social resources, based on the principles of equality, human rights, and non-discrimination."
Just take a few minutes and digest that. Important questions arise. What are economic resources? Who decides what is fair, and just? Who distributes these things? And more importantly, who produces them?
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Jean Valjean and Cosette
from Les Miserables, by Victor Hugo.
The story of Jean Valjean and Cosette is one of the central threads in Victor Hugo's novel "Les Misérables." Jean Valjean is a former convict who is transformed by the kindness of a bishop and becomes a compassionate and selfless man, dedicated to helping those in need.After his release from prison, Valjean struggles to find work and is turned away from every opportunity because of his criminal past. Desperate and hungry, he steals silverware from the bishop's home but is caught and brought back to face punishment.
To everyone's surprise, the bishop tells the authorities that he gave Valjean the silverware as a gift and even gives him additional valuable items. The bishop's act of mercy changes Valjean's life, and he begins to live as an honest man, determined to make amends for his past mistakes.
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
What is Ray Tracing?
Ray tracing is a rendering technique used in computer graphics to simulate the behavior of light in a 3D environment. It works by tracing the path of individual rays of light as they travel from the camera through the virtual scene, interacting with objects and surfaces along the way until they reach a light source or are absorbed.
In the ray tracing process, each pixel in the image is traced back to the light source, allowing for accurate calculation of lighting, shadows, reflections, and other visual effects. This results in highly realistic and detailed images with accurate lighting and shadows, making ray tracing a popular technique in fields such as architecture, product design, and visual effects.
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
Government Overreach
Is it appropriate for any sane government to do anything but govern?
One topic that has increasingly come to the forefront of public discourse is that of government overreach. It is a concept that is not new, but one that has certainly become more pressing in recent years. As we grapple with the challenges of a rapidly changing world, it is worth taking a moment to reflect on what exactly we mean by government overreach, and why it is so important to guard against it.Friday, March 17, 2023
The Elian Gonzalez Affair, 1999-2000
Elian's father, who was still in Cuba at the time, demanded that his son be returned to him. However, Elian's maternal relatives in the United States, who had taken him in after his rescue, refused to give him up and sought to keep him in the United States. The situation quickly became a political and diplomatic controversy, with supporters of Elian's relatives in the United States arguing that he should be granted asylum and allowed to remain in the country, while the Cuban government and Elian's father insisted that he be returned to Cuba.
The United States government initially allowed Elian to remain in the United States while the custody battle was resolved through legal and diplomatic means. However, after several months of legal proceedings, the United States government ultimately decided to return Elian to his father in Cuba. In April 2000, armed federal agents stormed the house where Elian was staying with his relatives in Miami and took him into custody. Elian was eventually returned to Cuba, where he was reunited with his father.
The Elian Gonzalez affair was highly controversial and divisive, with many people on both sides of the issue passionately arguing for their position. It was also significant in the larger context of U.S.-Cuba relations, as it highlighted the ongoing tensions between the two countries and the contentious issue of immigration between Cuba and the United States.
Sunday, March 5, 2023
Edge of Town, by Middle Kids
Middle Kids is an indie rock band from Sydney, Australia that has been gaining attention for their catchy melodies and introspective lyrics. Their song "Edge of Town" is a prime example of their musical talent and emotional depth.
From the first notes of the guitar, "Edge of Town" sets a melancholic tone that perfectly matches the lyrical content. Lead singer Hannah Joy's voice is raw and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and regret that is palpable. The lyrics describe a feeling of being stuck on the outskirts of society, looking in at the rest of the world and feeling disconnected.
Despite the heavy subject matter, the chorus is uplifting and anthemic, with the band's harmonies and driving rhythm section providing a sense of hope and resilience. It's the kind of song that can make you feel both melancholic and empowered at the same time, and that's a testament to the band's ability to balance different emotions and sounds.
"Edge of Town" is a standout track from Middle Kids' repertoire, showcasing their ability to write catchy hooks and poignant lyrics that stick with you long after the song has ended. If you're a fan of indie rock that's both introspective and anthemic, Middle Kids is definitely a band to keep on your radar.
Friday, March 3, 2023
12 Rules for Life, by Dr. Jordan Peterson
The book consists of twelve chapters, each one representing a rule that Peterson believes can help individuals live a meaningful and successful life. Here is a summary of the twelve rules:
The Best Rock Song Ever Written
The song is a powerful, emotional ballad that tells the story of a woman who is struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one. The lyrics are deeply personal and poignant, and Chrissie Hynde's vocals are both raw and heartfelt, conveying a sense of vulnerability and pain.
The music itself is also beautifully crafted, with a haunting melody that is both powerful and melancholy. The song features a driving beat, jangling guitars, and a soaring chorus that is sure to get stuck in your head.
"Back on the Chain Gang" is a timeless classic that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful and emotive song that has resonated with fans for over four decades. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to the power of Chrissie Hynde's songwriting and the band's musical talents. Below is a copy of the official video.
Thursday, March 2, 2023
Atlas Shrugged, by Ayn Rand
The novel begins with a series of inexplicable events: important industrialists and inventors are disappearing without a trace, leaving their businesses to falter and collapse. Dagny finds herself at the center of this mystery as she attempts to keep her railroad running amidst the chaos.
As the novel progresses, Dagny begins to uncover a complex conspiracy that reaches to the highest levels of government and industry. She discovers that the disappearances are not random, but rather a deliberate plan orchestrated by a secretive group of brilliant minds who have gone on strike against a society that they see as unjust.
What Orwell's 1984 Was Really About
George Orwell's 1984 is a masterpiece of dystopian literature, often studied for its political and social commentary. However, a lesser-known interpretation of the novel is that it can be seen as a doomed romance story between Winston and Julia.
At the beginning of the novel, Winston Smith is a disillusioned member of the ruling Party in Oceania, while Julia is a passionate young woman who finds pleasure in acts of rebellion against the Party. The two fall in love, and their relationship becomes the centerpiece of the novel. Their romance is doomed from the start. In the totalitarian world of 1984, love and intimacy are considered crimes against the state. Winston and Julia are acutely aware of the dangers of their relationship, but they cannot resist the pull of their attraction to one another. Their love is a small but significant act of resistance against the oppressive regime, and it provides them with a brief respite from the grim reality of their existence.
However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that their love cannot survive in the face of the Party's power. Winston and Julia are eventually discovered by the authorities and subjected to the Party's brutal methods of torture and brainwashing. In the end, they betray each other, and their love is destroyed along with their individuality and humanity.
As a doomed romance story, 1984 is both tragic and poignant. Winston and Julia's love is a fragile and fleeting thing, a small but meaningful act of rebellion against the dehumanizing forces of totalitarianism. Their story is a reminder of the power of love to inspire hope and resistance, even in the darkest of times, and of the hideous evil lurking behind all forms of totalitarianism.
A Letter From the Past
The blame that was placed on you by your half-sister and mother for the divorce and break-up of the family likely added to the already significant burden of trauma and emotional pain you were carrying. It's understandable that these experiences may have impacted your ability to commit to long-term goals or remain in jobs for extended periods.
It's important to acknowledge that experiences of trauma and abuse can have a profound impact on a person's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, even if they also have positive experiences and interests. It's possible that the abusive part of your childhood influenced the way you thought about yourself, others, and the world around you.
For example, you may have developed beliefs about yourself as someone who deserved to be mistreated or who was not worthy of love and care. You may have also developed a mistrust of others or a sense of isolation, even if you had close friends and enjoyable activities. Additionally, the trauma and stress of your childhood experiences may have impacted your ability to regulate your emotions, leading to impulsive or risky behaviors like quitting jobs or joining the military.
Despite the challenges and difficulties you faced in your childhood and beyond, it's important to remember that you are a survivor who has overcome significant obstacles. You have shown resilience and strength in the face of adversity, and have pursued your interests and passions despite setbacks.
While it's understandable that you may feel discouraged or frustrated at times, it's important to recognize that you have the capacity to create a fulfilling and meaningful life for yourself. You have unique talents and abilities, and the potential to achieve your goals and aspirations. It may take time and effort to work through the effects of your childhood experiences, but it's possible to heal and grow with the right support.
Friday, February 24, 2023
Stranger in a Strange Land/A Synopsis
"Stranger in a Strange Land" is a science fiction novel written by Robert Heinlein, first published in 1961. The story follows Valentine Michael Smith, a human born on Mars, who returns to Earth as an adult and struggles to understand and integrate into human society.
Something happened to the first humans who landed on Mars. All contact with them had been lost. The book therefore begins with the arrival of a rescue mission to Mars, which discovers the protagonist, Valentine Michael Smith, who has been born and raised on Mars, by native Martians. He possesses extraordinary abilities due to this unique upbringing. Smith is brought to Earth by the mission and becomes a subject of intense interest and scrutiny, especially by the media and religious groups.
As Smith learns about human culture and customs, he becomes disillusioned with the selfishness and materialism of society. He starts to question traditional morality and social norms, including monogamy and organized religion.
Thursday, February 23, 2023
Who is Wolf Alice?
If you're a fan of alternative rock music, then you may have already heard of the band Wolf Alice. This London-based four-piece group has been making waves in the music scene since their formation in 2010. They have released three studio albums and have earned critical acclaim for their unique sound and powerful live performances.
Wolf Alice's music is hard to pin down to a single genre. They draw inspiration from a variety of sources, including grunge, shoegaze, and indie rock. Their songs are characterized by fuzzy guitar riffs, dreamy synths, and the haunting vocals of lead singer Ellie Rowsell. The band's sound is both atmospheric and hard-hitting, creating a sonic landscape that is both expansive and intimate.
Ayn Rand and Objectivism
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
Legalize Marijuana
Monday, February 20, 2023
Capitalism 101
Capitalism is the only economic system that is consistent with the principles of individualism, freedom, and prosperity. It is a system based on the idea that individuals have the right to own and control their own property and pursue their own self-interest, free from the interference of government or other external forces.
At the heart of capitalism is the concept of the free market. This is a system in which individuals are free to buy and sell goods and services on the basis of voluntary exchange. Prices are determined by supply and demand, and competition ensures that prices remain fair and reasonable. In this system, there are no restrictions on who can enter the market or what they can produce. This creates a level playing field that allows individuals to compete and succeed based on their own abilities and efforts.
Morning Entry, February 20, 2023/Conspiracy Theory
Well, so here it is, February 20th, 2023. I am sitting at my desk writing this, thinking about a variety of things. I have a conspiracy theory: the Chinese government arranged for President Trump to leave office by rigging, cheating, and gaming the elections, in collusion with certain US politicians.
The number of US politicians with ties to the Chinese is noteworthy here. Especially the Biden family. Yes, I believe that there are people who would easily sell out this country for personal gain. OK, so where's the evidence of this? Let me ask you a question: how in the FUCK did a Chinese spy balloon get completely across North America-a distance of over 3,000 miles-without being shot down? Radio and TV commentator Dan Bongino discusses the China situation in depth. US Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) spoke on the matter of Twitter interfering in the election by suppressing and eliminating news information that would have had an impact on the election. Here is a link to an overview of the so-called "Twitter Files".
Wednesday, February 15, 2023
There Will Never be a Way
What is art? Here is a definition from Google:
(art is) "...The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power."
Or this, from the Britannica on-line dictionary:
"...Something that is created with imagination and skill and that is beautiful or that expresses important ideas or feelings."
Now the question is, are these valid definitions? All art is simply the expression of human creative skill and imagination ? That sounds good enough for me, but I would have to add that art also has a deeply subjective value, either to the artist or to his patrons, or both. People are willing to spend time and money on producing art, and consuming art. There are both spiritual and material components involved here that the vast majority of us take very seriously.
A Symptom of Cultural Rot
It seems like the absolutely coolest thing in the world to do, is to scoff at even the very idea of sexual morality. Not only that, but there's also this thing about scoffing at traditional gender roles. Women are told that they don't have to be women, and men are told they don't have to be men. Holding these attitudes at the same time makes you warmly accepted on social media. Just say "men can have periods", and you're in.
Then there's the biological male athletes who identify as trans competing against biological women. They think everyone should be focused on the tranny's struggle to overcome sexual dysphoria and social conditioning. Fairness-justice-to the real women athletes-is irrelevant. Also, there are men who honestly believe that the best way to get a mate is to feign suspicion and contempt for maleness-and essentially, become feminine.
All of this is clearly absurd, and irrational. In this worldview, the law of identity (everything is what it is) does not apply. Contradictions exist.
Wednesday, February 8, 2023
Music 101: An Example of Artificial Intelligence at Work
Monday, February 6, 2023
Morning Entry
February 6, 2023
I had yesterday and Saturday off, but since today is Monday, I must go back to work. I get every other weekend off.It's not so chilly this morning, as it has been for the past few days. Fortunately, I find myself looking forward to work today.
The picture at left shows my work desk at home. I know how to read and write music, but lately, all I've been doing is just playing.
I'm well into a work-a-day routine, and I probably should take a few days off in the future and go someplace different.
Sunday, February 5, 2023
Morning Entry
February 5, 2023/0243
The picture at left was taken at the Salvation Army homeless shelter in Savannah. I lived here for 9 months before I found a job, saved money, and moved into an apartment. If you're wondering why it took so long, it's because they require you to wait 6 months-a veritable vacation from life itself-in order to do a lot of thinking and praying about what, exactly, got you to this point. Meanwhile, they put you to work around the shelter 40 hrs. a week (I worked in their warehouse, and did a stint as a front desk clerk).
But today, I am no longer homeless, working a full-time job at a local hospital about a mile and a half from my apartment. Today, I am grateful to the Salvation Army in Savannah for helping me get back on my feet again.
Saturday, February 4, 2023
Victor Davis Hanson's lecture Hillsdale College
“Mr. Hanson, an accomplished classicist and a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution, is one of the great amalgamators of American political writing. He has a particular gift for bringing together a dizzying array of events, controversies and ideas and making sense of them by advancing a coherent argument that incorporates thousands of years of history… Mr. Hanson hits hard, but I don’t find his analysis unfair or partisan. There is enormous value, moreover, in thinking about toxic political developments not as problems of the moment but as destructive pathologies to which all societies are prone at all times.”―Wall Street Journal
Friday, February 3, 2023
Morning Entry
Politics and the English Language
Most people who bother with the matter at all would admit that the English language is in a bad way, but it is generally assumed that we cannot by conscious action do anything about it. Our civilization is decadent and our language — so the argument runs — must inevitably share in the general collapse. It follows that any struggle against the abuse of language is a sentimental archaism, like preferring candles to electric light or hansom cabs to aeroplanes. Underneath this lies the half-conscious belief that language is a natural growth and not an instrument which we shape for our own purposes.
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
SONG AND DANCE MAN
WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IN THE SEVENTIES, I (and most of my peers) thought of Bob Dylan as someone our parents listened to, along with others like Jefferson Airplane, The Grateful Dead, and the hundreds of bands popular in the 1960's. That in itself was enough to relegate Dylan to the "uncool" list, as far as we were concerned. Besides, most of us were busy listening to bands like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Foreigner, AC/DC, et al...and Dylan had an air of being highbrow, of being "relevant" and "meaningful", which alone was enough to make that fabled teen-age list of the uncool.
Saturday, January 28, 2023
Elian Gonzalez Revisited
It seems like so long ago now, but I remember when I first became really interested in politics. It was the Elian Gonzalez affair, about twenty or so years ago now, that caught my attention.
Monday, January 23, 2023
Individual Human Rights
Friday, January 13, 2023
On Abortion
Tuesday, January 3, 2023
Do Not Tolerate Evil
It was with a feeling of dismay and anger that I watched yet another news report about the emergence of another variant of "the virus", sometimes referred to as "covid". I just don't know anymore what to call it; it's a coronavirus, sure, but what the etiology of the disease it causes entails, what is the exact mortality rate of the disease, and how this rapidly mutating virus ever got out there in the first place confounds me.
It sure looks like a lot of people are still trying to capitalize on the hysteria surrounding the virus and the disease it causes. Irrational mandates and enforced vaccinations, cancelling of cultural events and the masking of children, the arrest and internment of people who violate these new rules, and the numerous deleterious consequences of these rules all have proven to be much worse than the disease itself.
Who is responsible for ginning up the hysteria? "The media" is the first thing that comes to mind, and they certainly played a large part in it. But what we are seeing is just a symptom of a much larger problem facing America today. What is this problem? Americans have given evil a place at the table. Most of our teachers say evil is just another choice that some people make; morality is relative at any rate, and who are we to say what is good, or not? Reality is purely subjective, and whatever you want can come to you simply by wishing it. So goes the zeitgeist, so goes the lessons our students are being taught, lessons that have now gravitated to the mainstream. In such a poisonous atmosphere, it is easy to exploit disasters, calamities and mishaps for one's personal gain, without being concerned about the moral implications.
What's interesting is that evil used to hide in dark corners, running at the first sound of a human footstep, like cockroaches. Now it is out in the open, naked and smirking with malevolent glee. What else can you say about the fact that kindergartners are being taught about sexuality? older kids are being taught critical race theory? somebody successfully orchestrated the takedown of Donald Trump on a grand scale? American oil production could easily solve our current problems, but is being restricted and even forbidden? What else can you say about the fact that the Democrats first order of business after stealing the Presidency was to undo all the positive good that Donald Trump and his administration accomplished, out of vindictive spite? So why do evil people feel so emboldened these days? Why are skeletons smirking at us, demanding that we self-immolate? Why did we give evil a place at the table of society and culture?
Because of the world-view taught in the high schools, colleges, and universities. It started in the sixties, and is now bearing full bloom. What is this world-view? Basically, it's about denying the existence of objective reality and the validity of truth. Tolerance of differing opinions, thoughts, cultures and lifestyles are core values. Tolerance of others should not include tolerance of their evil. That's a good place to start.