Now that the preliminaries are over (and it went on much too long, longer than the line I 
waited in to vote against Hillary in the Democratic primary), we can now get down to the main event: experience and age vs. youth and passion; Republican vs. Democrat; McCain vs. Obama.
Normally I leave the political commentary to other bloggers, such as my friends Paul Levinson and Scalzi at Whatever (I realize that they blog about topics other than politics, and frankly that makes them more sane than the talking heads that only blog politico). But I hit the sweet spot of the profile of swing voters (voted Republican in the last several elections, but generally dissatisfied with the current administration so I could be convinced to vote Dem; and yeah, I’m a Texan, and yeah, we get to vote in whichever primary we choose) .
So if McCain or Obama wants me and my vote, they can answer my major concerns, which probably reflect many of the swing voter concerns. My hot buttons are the Patriot Act, Trust/Experience, Energy, Healthcare and Running Mate (which is more important in this election than in most). Where I quote what the candidates have done, I’ve tried to only use fact vs. “something heard or read on the Internet”. (more…)
In Texas your party affiliation resets every year. So even though I’ve voted republican in the last six presidential elections (except for a minor dalliance with an independent for which I have forgiven myself) , today I invaded the democratic primary polling place.
McCain didn’t need my vote. Ron Paul could have used it but while Mr. Paul has some great ideas, his debate appearances have not convinced me that he has enough leadership and charisma for the big office.
My wife went to the republican polling place. She said there were 8 people in line.
I tried to get here (I typing this from the voting line) early but couldn’t shake free and now I am enjoying the voting process with lots of Dems. Lots. (more…)
She always finds the good stuff!!!
I’ve been reading this book for a while. Non-fiction books (except history books) always take me longer, as I like to check the facts, absorb the ideas…yeah, I know, it reminds some of you of schoolwork.
Dr. Lloyd’s book is full of ideas worth absorbing, the main one being that the universe is a continually running quantum computer. His book is an excellent mix of computer science, quantum mechanics and information theory, three subjects that can get quite difficult to explain separately, let alone combined. Dr. Lloyd does an excellent job of laying out the groundwork of past and current science, then using that foundation to theorize his ideas. It is a short (211 pgs, PB) little book that is dense with concepts and ideas. (more…)
Qi (or chi) is viewed with skepticism by some, as reality by others or as mysticism. This series of books (starting with Embryonic Breathing and continuing with Small Circulation) presents data and perspectives from both translated historical Chinese documents and scientific background perfect for personal research. It also provides an instructional approach on how to practice this stomach based breathing as part of your martial arts or meditation practice.
Dr. Yang is not only a highly trained martial artist, but also has a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue, spending some time working at Texas Instruments. His writing relies on both parts of his education: he gives historical descriptions of different aspects of his topic, and then uses science and technology to give modern theories. (more…)
Almost every martial artist has some wayward fantasy or frequent daydream about
dropping out of life and dropping into the Shaolin Temple, to emerge some undetermined time later as a well-tuned, philosophy spouting fighting machine. Matthew Polly did just that, leaving his junior year from college and heading to China in 1992.
My expectation of this book was that this would be a martial arts, culture clash and personal transformation story. And it was certainly all three and more. In addition, drinking games, language, sex (or at least attempts), “the sixth race”, the Chinese Triads and other topics are intertwined with this very enjoyable story. (more…)
Read the introduction article here. 
As we pass the anniversary of Y2K, a techno-phobe’s thoughts turn to the many other ways in which technology could accelerate the end of the world. Even though our mass of old computer programs did not rise up and crash on 1/1/2000, that does not mean that robots, AI, nanotechnology and the like are not worrisome for our future.
Some of you (and you know who you are) are thinking: the three laws will protect us. (more…)
With the end of the Mayan calendar looming in a scant five years (December 21, 2002 give or take), there is a seeming
increase of talk, movies, articles and general water cooler chatter about the end of the world these days. Most of it I find quite entertaining, some of it ridiculous, and other parts simply in need of a good thrashing. And the public at large believes more of what they see in a Will Smith I Am Legend movie than what they should be able to think through with their own brains (I will admit that whatever Mr. Smith says is alright by me, but, let’s face it, he’s no George Clooney).
A lot of people are thinking about the end of the world (we know that every human wants to think that something BIG is going to happen during their lifetime, that NOW is the most important time to be alive…it’s part of our genetic makeup, I suppose). Some are even thinking about avoiding it. But the vast majority are so busy that unless we send them a message on their Blackberry’s or iPhones, I’m quite certain they might miss it.
In spite of being politely asked to leave the Boy Scouts (or the WeBlows) at an early age, I do believe in being prepared. We’ve got five years to plan and prepare so might as well get a head start, right?
So, in doing my part, I present this compendium; (more…)
It was a long week. Trying to close partnerships and/or sales at the end of the year is work I would wish on no friend and only on a few enemies (you know who you are). Add a little last minute Christmas shopping, and you got the makings of a world class cranial migraine nee stoke.
What better way to put it all behind you that with a nice little martial arts tournament.
As I’ve noted here before, I studied Karate (Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan) for five years, earning my Ee Dan (2nd degree). I would really like to do the athletic Karate or Wushu style, but there are several reasons I do not: (more…)
Thanks to a post on spyscribbler’s blog, I now know how really smart you guys is.
It just goes to show what a few good words about Rugby, basketball, beer and my wife will do for the enrichment of your intelligence level.
Sure, there are articles here on quantum computing, taichi, great sci-fi authors, history, and many of the other things the voices in my head are kind enough to tell me (and, no, I don’t write it all down).
But it’s gotta be the Rugby and the beer.
waited in to vote against Hillary in the Democratic primary), we can now get down to the main event: experience and age vs. youth and passion; Republican vs. Democrat; McCain vs. Obama.
