Gotta love great Star Wars parody.
The Modern Adventures of Han and Kylo
Saturday, February 13, 2016
Wednesday, February 10, 2016
Two different approaches
One of those "topics I don't rant on" much lately has been the growing prevalence in society, particularly in the college student ranks, of "I must be protected from words and ideas that hurt or challenge me." Whether it is Internet censorship of conflicting views, the establishment of "safe spaces" where one needn't face differing ideas, or even the trend of hounding people out of jobs who are not in line with the appropriate group think, it all makes me fear the direction of our world. I know it isn't representative of everyone or everything - but when you see this much of academia and the media doing everything they can to avoid offense it can only lead to bad things down the road.
That's not what I want to see in our future though... and there are other things that give me hope.
One of the news stories I read this week involved young Yazidi women who had escaped or been rescued from their captors in the Islamic State. As opposed to facing words or ideas which they didn't like, these women have faced evils and horrors beyond description and which no one should ever have to deal with. Any sane and decent person could easily forgive them for hiding from society, for seeking a safe space and avoiding conflict and the threat of ever being harmed again.
Instead these women have gone to their fellow Iraqis and Kurds, have sought the opportunity to not only remain in their world, but to go forth and challenge their demons in battle, to serve alongside their countrymen in a fight for their nation against the greatest threat of our time. These women warriors are doing their best to ensure others don't suffer the same fate through actions, not words; and with the full knowledge many of them will die in the cause of freedom.
I'm not saying violence is the only answer by any means - and I have had the privilege and honor of meeting a number of people in life who are doing incredible things to change the world through peaceful means. But it is inspiring to know that where there are people afraid to even consider the idea of facing things which make them uncomfortable, there are still those souls who will stand at the gate when the enemy is near.
That's not what I want to see in our future though... and there are other things that give me hope.
One of the news stories I read this week involved young Yazidi women who had escaped or been rescued from their captors in the Islamic State. As opposed to facing words or ideas which they didn't like, these women have faced evils and horrors beyond description and which no one should ever have to deal with. Any sane and decent person could easily forgive them for hiding from society, for seeking a safe space and avoiding conflict and the threat of ever being harmed again.
Instead these women have gone to their fellow Iraqis and Kurds, have sought the opportunity to not only remain in their world, but to go forth and challenge their demons in battle, to serve alongside their countrymen in a fight for their nation against the greatest threat of our time. These women warriors are doing their best to ensure others don't suffer the same fate through actions, not words; and with the full knowledge many of them will die in the cause of freedom.
I'm not saying violence is the only answer by any means - and I have had the privilege and honor of meeting a number of people in life who are doing incredible things to change the world through peaceful means. But it is inspiring to know that where there are people afraid to even consider the idea of facing things which make them uncomfortable, there are still those souls who will stand at the gate when the enemy is near.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Things I hate re-learning
As some folks know, I have a severe case of arthritis which is (typically) well-managed by medication. Severe, as in without modern medication I wouldn't be able to work most likely. But, thanks to modern science I normally don't have to deal with more than moderate pain, some immune system issues, and remembering certain limits on my activities.
I say this, because as part of the surgery I had late last year, I've had to be off my arthritis medication for the recovery period. And, in the last week, it has definitely taken a toll on me... I'd forgotten exactly how debilitating this can be, in terms of the pain, the limits on my endurance and daily activities, and all the other things that come with it.
Not bringing this all up to gripe... more I think an appreciation of what science and medicine can do for us. Within my own lifetime my prognosis for this disease would have been pain management at best, and even that would have limitations. Yet nowadays I'm looking at dealing with six weeks of what is really an inconvenience in the big scheme of things, and then being back on track.
All in all I'm pretty lucky.
I say this, because as part of the surgery I had late last year, I've had to be off my arthritis medication for the recovery period. And, in the last week, it has definitely taken a toll on me... I'd forgotten exactly how debilitating this can be, in terms of the pain, the limits on my endurance and daily activities, and all the other things that come with it.
Not bringing this all up to gripe... more I think an appreciation of what science and medicine can do for us. Within my own lifetime my prognosis for this disease would have been pain management at best, and even that would have limitations. Yet nowadays I'm looking at dealing with six weeks of what is really an inconvenience in the big scheme of things, and then being back on track.
All in all I'm pretty lucky.
Friday, January 29, 2016
Guess I should plug this thing back in again
Honestly just haven't known what to write about lately. Not that I don't have things going on, or opinion - but just seems more effort than it's worth to rant... But maybe getting back in the habit will be good for me.
Been off work lately recovering from some surgery. So far healing well, but waiting on the final prognosis soon.
Going to try to re-set my brain and get back to this thing.
Been off work lately recovering from some surgery. So far healing well, but waiting on the final prognosis soon.
Going to try to re-set my brain and get back to this thing.
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Veteran's Day 2015
Today I say thank you.
- To the ones who went before me, setting the standard we still strive to uphold, and giving me a country where I may be free.
- To the ones who served beside me. Some of you taught and led me, some of you got dirty and tired along with me, and I had the privilege and honor to lead some of you. I wouldn't give up those years no matter what the cost.
- To those serving today, at home and far away, continuing a tradition of sacrifice, courage and honor over two centuries in the making.
Every veteran matters. No matter what your job, time of service, gender, role or anything else, each of you gave something of yourselves so that others could be safe.
Be proud my brothers and sisters. You have earned it.
- To the ones who went before me, setting the standard we still strive to uphold, and giving me a country where I may be free.
- To the ones who served beside me. Some of you taught and led me, some of you got dirty and tired along with me, and I had the privilege and honor to lead some of you. I wouldn't give up those years no matter what the cost.
- To those serving today, at home and far away, continuing a tradition of sacrifice, courage and honor over two centuries in the making.
Every veteran matters. No matter what your job, time of service, gender, role or anything else, each of you gave something of yourselves so that others could be safe.
Be proud my brothers and sisters. You have earned it.
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
Unexpected results
I caught a murderer once.
It wasn't part of any long-term investigation.
I wasn't responding to a call, or chasing someone down, or anything like that.
I stopped a car for a simple traffic violation one night, and the passenger wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Getting his information for the ticket he gave me a fake name, which led me to investigate further. Ended up he had just committed a gang-related killing a couple of days prior and was wanted for it. So, off to jail we went.
I'm relating this story not as anything exceptional on my part; rather, this is an example of what happens every day around the nation. Serious criminals are arrested as a result of routine traffic stops and taken off the streets.
This is relevant, because we seem to be going through another cycle in the press and in public opinion regarding police behavior during traffic stops. That we need to "let people go," or "not push things further" when we run into people on these encounters; because "it's only a traffic violation."
But, the point is, if we don't investigate things further, many times we would miss out on such criminals. Which means the community would be less safe, and that we wouldn't be doing the jobs you entrust us with. Because until you finish looking at things, even if sometimes it's just trusting your gut to investigate further, you never know. Walking up to the car that night I had no idea that one of the occupants was a killer.
"Routine" traffic stops get killers off the streets. They interdict drugs which ruin our communities. They recover stolen property, find wanted people, and do all the other things that society expects of police. Because, in America, almost everyone is in a car at some point, and so it's our most frequent location to encounter criminals.
Now, it is also our most frequent encounter with normal, law-abiding citizens - and this is vital too. I'm not in any way justifying police excesses on traffic stops, or saying they should be without rules and norms. And, for 99% of the officers encountering the public during these events, it is a polite (even if unwelcome) event which is quickly resolved.
But don't miss the possible importance of these stops. Don't ask society to take away this tool which ultimately makes everyone safer.
Oh - one more example. Timothy McVeigh - the worst American terrorist in history. Stopped after the Oklahoma City bombing for a license plate violation by an alert officer.
Food for thought.
It wasn't part of any long-term investigation.
I wasn't responding to a call, or chasing someone down, or anything like that.
I stopped a car for a simple traffic violation one night, and the passenger wasn't wearing a seatbelt. Getting his information for the ticket he gave me a fake name, which led me to investigate further. Ended up he had just committed a gang-related killing a couple of days prior and was wanted for it. So, off to jail we went.
I'm relating this story not as anything exceptional on my part; rather, this is an example of what happens every day around the nation. Serious criminals are arrested as a result of routine traffic stops and taken off the streets.
This is relevant, because we seem to be going through another cycle in the press and in public opinion regarding police behavior during traffic stops. That we need to "let people go," or "not push things further" when we run into people on these encounters; because "it's only a traffic violation."
But, the point is, if we don't investigate things further, many times we would miss out on such criminals. Which means the community would be less safe, and that we wouldn't be doing the jobs you entrust us with. Because until you finish looking at things, even if sometimes it's just trusting your gut to investigate further, you never know. Walking up to the car that night I had no idea that one of the occupants was a killer.
"Routine" traffic stops get killers off the streets. They interdict drugs which ruin our communities. They recover stolen property, find wanted people, and do all the other things that society expects of police. Because, in America, almost everyone is in a car at some point, and so it's our most frequent location to encounter criminals.
Now, it is also our most frequent encounter with normal, law-abiding citizens - and this is vital too. I'm not in any way justifying police excesses on traffic stops, or saying they should be without rules and norms. And, for 99% of the officers encountering the public during these events, it is a polite (even if unwelcome) event which is quickly resolved.
But don't miss the possible importance of these stops. Don't ask society to take away this tool which ultimately makes everyone safer.
Oh - one more example. Timothy McVeigh - the worst American terrorist in history. Stopped after the Oklahoma City bombing for a license plate violation by an alert officer.
Food for thought.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Ten Years Ago Today - We Remember
On June 28, 2005 one of the worst days in the history of Naval Special Warfare occurred, with the loss of eleven SEALs and eight Army aviators during Operation Redwing in Afghanistan. This is the event which was later memorialized in the book Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell, and the follow-on movie.
One of these men, Jeff Lucas, was a friend and former classmate of mine. The others all left behind their own friends, families and loved ones. All of them are a reminder of the sacrifices made by our warriors over the years to defend us at home, and to bring liberty to those abroad.
This wall is in the living space occupied by these men before their deaths - since this day other NSW members deploying to the area have added their own words.
Rest in peace warriors. Ten years on and you are not forgotten.
| LT Michael P. Murphy | 29 | Part of 4-Man SEAL team, killed in an ambush | Patchogue, New York |
| SO2 Matthew Axelson | 29 | Cupertino, California[42] | |
| SO2 Danny Dietz | 25 | Littleton, Colorado[42] | |
| SOC Jacques J. Fontan | 36 | Killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down | New Orleans, Louisiana |
| SOCS Daniel R. Healy | 36 | Exeter, New Hampshire | |
| LCDR Erik S. Kristensen | 33 | San Diego, California | |
| SO1 Jeffery A. Lucas | 33 | Corbett, Oregon | |
| LT Michael M. McGreevy, Jr. | 30 | Portville, New York | |
| SO2 James E. Suh | 28 | Deerfield Beach, Florida | |
| SO1 Jeffrey S. Taylor | 30 | Midway, West Virginia | |
| SO2 Shane E. Patton | 22 | Boulder City, Nevada | |
| SSG Shamus O. Goare | 29 | Killed aboard the helicopter when it was shot down | Danville, Ohio |
| CWO3 Corey J. Goodnature | 35 | Clarks Grove, Minnesota. | |
| SGT Kip A. Jacoby | 21 | Pompano Beach, Florida | |
| SFC Marcus V. Muralles | 33 | Shelbyville, Indiana | |
| MSG James W. Ponder III | 36 | Franklin, Tennessee | |
| MAJ Stephen C. Reich | 34 | Washington Depot, Connecticut. | |
| SFC Michael L. Russell | 31 | Stafford, Virginia | |
| CWO4 Chris J. Scherkenbach | |||
One of these men, Jeff Lucas, was a friend and former classmate of mine. The others all left behind their own friends, families and loved ones. All of them are a reminder of the sacrifices made by our warriors over the years to defend us at home, and to bring liberty to those abroad.
This wall is in the living space occupied by these men before their deaths - since this day other NSW members deploying to the area have added their own words.
Rest in peace warriors. Ten years on and you are not forgotten.
Monday, June 1, 2015
Best Web Browsers?
I've been running Chrome for a couple of years now - I like the cross-platform commonality of things. But, it's become a bit of a resource hog I've noticed, and several of the changes in system function (such as bookmarks) are a bit frustrating.
So what is everyone else using for browsers these days?
So what is everyone else using for browsers these days?
Monday, May 25, 2015
Remember the meaning of the day
Please - don't thank a veteran today.
That's not what it's for.
Today is the day we remember and honor those men and women who have given their lives in service to this country, to the ideals of freedom and equality, to the concept of something greater than themselves. Whether in war or peace, volunteer or draftee, they stepped forward and sacrificed everything so that we may live in the nation we do.
Instead, thank the families who lost sons and daughters, husbands and wives, parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters. Take a moment to remember the loss they will forever face because of these brave men and women.
Understand why some of us may be a little bit quieter than normal today, why we don't view it as an opportunity to go shop for discounts or celebrate with a cookout. Why instead we take moments to reflect on those we left behind.
Most importantly, take a moment to honor and remember those men and women who from 1776 until today, here at home and in lands far away, of every race, creed and religion, have died believing and serving the simple words "... all men are created equal."
That's not what it's for.
Today is the day we remember and honor those men and women who have given their lives in service to this country, to the ideals of freedom and equality, to the concept of something greater than themselves. Whether in war or peace, volunteer or draftee, they stepped forward and sacrificed everything so that we may live in the nation we do.
Instead, thank the families who lost sons and daughters, husbands and wives, parents and grandparents, brothers and sisters. Take a moment to remember the loss they will forever face because of these brave men and women.
Understand why some of us may be a little bit quieter than normal today, why we don't view it as an opportunity to go shop for discounts or celebrate with a cookout. Why instead we take moments to reflect on those we left behind.
Most importantly, take a moment to honor and remember those men and women who from 1776 until today, here at home and in lands far away, of every race, creed and religion, have died believing and serving the simple words "... all men are created equal."
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