I am in the midst of Inferno this eve so pardon me, as I may wax poetic a fair bit in this post (Sayers Translation is a beautiful thing). It struck me as I was reading just how different our Western society has categorized Man’s crime and sin than the hierarchy Dante sets out which seemingly the greater the sin the greater the punishment. In Western Justice, probably the worst offence that one may commit is typically viewed as Murder; qualified as the worst by what most would consider the harshest punishment possible, death. However, in Dante’s hell, Murder is less severe than most other sins, including simony, usury and theft, which receive comparably light sentences in life. This part of this discrepancy could be due in part to the difference between life and death or between “crime” and “sin” because of the differing justices, which met out punishment. But with regard to active sin, fairly observable, describable and quantifiable by most men, punishment seems most out of balance. Should not the sin that is the most affront to God or your fellow man warrant the greatest punishment regardless of the sphere your soul currently dwells in?
It has been said that martyrdom is the easy way out for the persecuted one, at least among Christians. Much harder, most would say, is the continually persecuted life, in which one receives none of Paradises blessings, is the epitome of taking up your cross and following Christ. If that is the case, then is capitol punishment, which allows the criminal passage to the next life (what ever that may be for the individual) actually the easiest sentence as the individual is hastened to eternal judgment rather than having to bear the stigma of his crime for the rest of his terrestrial life? I would have to say “no” as to hasten ones reckoning with The Almighty is not a light punishment at all and could possibly preclude that souls salvation (though this ultimately rests in God’s hands) condemning not only the death of the body of the criminal, but the soul as well. Blessed it seems are the men who are granted reprieve from such a sentence that they have more time to recognize their folly. May they not be ignorant of such things and perpetuate their mistakes.
Continuing the question that ended the first paragraph, it seems that at least one differentiating characteristic between the justice administered in either sphere would be the objectivity with which such decisions could be rendered. This is a possible explanation for the absence of law with regards to the sins of incontinence, such as lust, gluttony, and wrath. The violent and malicious sins, seem to similarly, be based on objectification, as it is typically much easier to recognize a murder and murderer than it is to recognize pandering and the pimp and again easier to identify a pimp than a counselor of fraud. Thus the decreasing severity of the sentences could reflect the parallel lack of certifiable objectification.
Interestingly, the worst sin one can commit in Dante’s paradigm is that of Treason, either to kindred, country, guest or lord, hence Satan’s position at the very center along with Judas Iscariot as well as Cassius and Brutus. However, the sin of treason is rapidly loosing its place as a crime in our society due in large part to the recognition and acceptance of a self-centered value structure. However it seems that Treason could be the most easily recognized sin, but the twist comes in that if successful, the treasonous individual becomes the more authoritative source, inverting the value structure on which Justice is based and making it the most heinous of crimes or sins.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Friday, August 05, 2005
The difference in education...
Today was a rather interesting day. I was able to participate and observe what I consider to be the best and worst forms of education in action here at camp (to fill you all in I am at home at Woodleaf till my birthday on Aug. 12 after which I will be moving to Seattle; yes Jace you will see me again).
I will attempt to start with the worst and how it played out, but this will require a bit of background knowledge for those of you unfamiliar with the Young Life ministry. Young Life is a high school outreach ministry aimed at unchruched teens by way of relationships with older Christian leaders, either career adults or college students. Part of the program is the opportunity to come to camp in the summer, either at Woodleaf where I live or at one of the other 22 properties across the US.
So today camp was in full swing... Day six of seven days and there is typically a significant trust bond (though fairly manipulative, though I will get to that in a sec) between the program staff (think comedy and skits) and the speaker (think message/gospel). Apparently, there was a integration of a seminar on "Sex and Dating" into this weeks schedule, something I was not completely familiar with. Other staff has done it with varying degrees of success based upon the set-up either a Q and A panel composed of staff with differing experiences or split gender discussion groups in which campers can voice their own opinions. Not so with today's seminar. Straight-up lecture. UGH! Not only did the speaker do the whole "society has lied to you, abstinence till marriage cause of STD's, pregnancy and emotional damage" schpeal these kids have probably hear thousands of times but went on to give some rules for "how far is to far." I was incredulous! I wanted to run up to the speaker, grab him by the shoulders and yell "DO YOU ACTUALLY THINK THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE ANYTHING?" at him as loud as I could. For all of you out there that think that I am off my rocker for knocking an abstinence position, allow me to explain. While being doctrinally correct that sex is only appropriate inside of marriage, such a talk falls woefully short of addressing why the teens are pursuing sex in the first place. In addition, such an information dump is entirely based on the kids trust in the speaker. If that is degraded by anything or wears off, the entire talk goes out the window. The converse is also true. If a kid is highly resistant to such a talk, it may damage what little credibility the speaker has for the greater message of the Gospel.
Remember I said that the trust was in large part manipulated? This is done a variety of ways but the main way is to have the teens jump off a High Ropes Course pole while on a rope held by the speaker. Voila, instant trust builder. But if that manipulated trust is seen through or challenged and fails... The gospel message and anything from a sex talk goes out the window. The speaker dug himself in even farther by telling the girls "you dress like hookers" and then laying the burden of men's lust on their clothing choices. Now I am all for modesty from the fairer sex, but the responsibility for the content of my and any young mans mind is their own, regardless of what is being worn. Later after we'd split genders, he talked to the guys about masturbation, pornography and girls self-image and proceeded to chastise the guys about objectification of women and that we were causing their eating disorders. Now let me make myself plain. I am all for a cohesive supportive Christian community in which brothers and sisters in Christ are conscious and considerate of each others weaknesses and do their best to build them up. But piling responsibility for another's weakness on already weak shoulders seems counter productive to me.
The best experience I had was with my Dad tonight. I very rarely had a good discussion with him growing up as it was typically necessary to just yield to his authority. Tonight after a rousing discussion of both abstract and concrete topics with Mom, whose always been a good conversationalist, Dad came in and we picked up a bit of a Calvinist vs. Arminian debate. While not academically trained in bible or theology I dare say my dad has one of the best memories for verses and references I know of and we wrestled through it for a bit. We didn't push for closure on the issue but moved on to a discussion of what it meant to have " a ready answer for ones faith" which was a concept Mom had picked up from 2 Timothy, possibly incorrectly. So we checked the passage and tried to determine what an adequate "answer" would be. I didn't like the sense of certainty associated with "answer" and suggested "hypothesis" instead. This lead to a discussion over the nature of knowledge and belief, as well as the marketplace of ideas and why one should hold their opinions loosely. It was amazing... Not only was it challenging for me to think through the ideas that I have picked up from Torrey lectures and such and express them on my own, but being able to hear Dad's opinion and thoughts on the subject were GREAT! I think that I learned so much from that... Not only that but I can articulate it myself which illustrates the disparity between the lecture earlier and the discussion I had tonight. The talks sole basis and justification is the trust between the leader and the camper versus the justification of coming to the realization of my own theories and beliefs and being able to clearly elucidate them to myself and others.
That's enough for one night!
I will attempt to start with the worst and how it played out, but this will require a bit of background knowledge for those of you unfamiliar with the Young Life ministry. Young Life is a high school outreach ministry aimed at unchruched teens by way of relationships with older Christian leaders, either career adults or college students. Part of the program is the opportunity to come to camp in the summer, either at Woodleaf where I live or at one of the other 22 properties across the US.
So today camp was in full swing... Day six of seven days and there is typically a significant trust bond (though fairly manipulative, though I will get to that in a sec) between the program staff (think comedy and skits) and the speaker (think message/gospel). Apparently, there was a integration of a seminar on "Sex and Dating" into this weeks schedule, something I was not completely familiar with. Other staff has done it with varying degrees of success based upon the set-up either a Q and A panel composed of staff with differing experiences or split gender discussion groups in which campers can voice their own opinions. Not so with today's seminar. Straight-up lecture. UGH! Not only did the speaker do the whole "society has lied to you, abstinence till marriage cause of STD's, pregnancy and emotional damage" schpeal these kids have probably hear thousands of times but went on to give some rules for "how far is to far." I was incredulous! I wanted to run up to the speaker, grab him by the shoulders and yell "DO YOU ACTUALLY THINK THIS IS GOING TO CHANGE ANYTHING?" at him as loud as I could. For all of you out there that think that I am off my rocker for knocking an abstinence position, allow me to explain. While being doctrinally correct that sex is only appropriate inside of marriage, such a talk falls woefully short of addressing why the teens are pursuing sex in the first place. In addition, such an information dump is entirely based on the kids trust in the speaker. If that is degraded by anything or wears off, the entire talk goes out the window. The converse is also true. If a kid is highly resistant to such a talk, it may damage what little credibility the speaker has for the greater message of the Gospel.
Remember I said that the trust was in large part manipulated? This is done a variety of ways but the main way is to have the teens jump off a High Ropes Course pole while on a rope held by the speaker. Voila, instant trust builder. But if that manipulated trust is seen through or challenged and fails... The gospel message and anything from a sex talk goes out the window. The speaker dug himself in even farther by telling the girls "you dress like hookers" and then laying the burden of men's lust on their clothing choices. Now I am all for modesty from the fairer sex, but the responsibility for the content of my and any young mans mind is their own, regardless of what is being worn. Later after we'd split genders, he talked to the guys about masturbation, pornography and girls self-image and proceeded to chastise the guys about objectification of women and that we were causing their eating disorders. Now let me make myself plain. I am all for a cohesive supportive Christian community in which brothers and sisters in Christ are conscious and considerate of each others weaknesses and do their best to build them up. But piling responsibility for another's weakness on already weak shoulders seems counter productive to me.
The best experience I had was with my Dad tonight. I very rarely had a good discussion with him growing up as it was typically necessary to just yield to his authority. Tonight after a rousing discussion of both abstract and concrete topics with Mom, whose always been a good conversationalist, Dad came in and we picked up a bit of a Calvinist vs. Arminian debate. While not academically trained in bible or theology I dare say my dad has one of the best memories for verses and references I know of and we wrestled through it for a bit. We didn't push for closure on the issue but moved on to a discussion of what it meant to have " a ready answer for ones faith" which was a concept Mom had picked up from 2 Timothy, possibly incorrectly. So we checked the passage and tried to determine what an adequate "answer" would be. I didn't like the sense of certainty associated with "answer" and suggested "hypothesis" instead. This lead to a discussion over the nature of knowledge and belief, as well as the marketplace of ideas and why one should hold their opinions loosely. It was amazing... Not only was it challenging for me to think through the ideas that I have picked up from Torrey lectures and such and express them on my own, but being able to hear Dad's opinion and thoughts on the subject were GREAT! I think that I learned so much from that... Not only that but I can articulate it myself which illustrates the disparity between the lecture earlier and the discussion I had tonight. The talks sole basis and justification is the trust between the leader and the camper versus the justification of coming to the realization of my own theories and beliefs and being able to clearly elucidate them to myself and others.
That's enough for one night!
Sunday, July 03, 2005
The Air of Responsibility...
So I am sitting in front of my grandfathers old 133 MHz Pentium computer, having finally mustered enough patience to wait out the loading time on Blogger on its 33.6 kbps dial-up modem. As such I shall attempt to keep this brief (under 5 pages, as I am making up for losts time) for all my loyal readers whose lives have been lacking their regular infusion of Payton-isms.
The Goings On-
My near future: I have been at my grandparent’s house for the past two weeks. I leave for Priest Lake, ID on Tuesday to meet up with the parents and my Uncle Jim and Aunt Judy (on my fathers side). I will spend a few days with the gang there and try to cram some Dante reading in before I head back to Biola for three weeks of "The Academy". Then my future remains undecided.
Undecided: Much has happened since my return from Europe. I have put out about 40 resumes and applications in the greater Seattle area in hopes of finding a job somewhere in the vicinity of my family here. In the process of anticipating a possible move, I have located an apartment (a studio) right across from the Microsoft campus in North Bellevue and a church at Overlake Christian Church that’s only another 3 miles down the road. This would put me less than a mile from Grandma and Grandpa and only about 5 minutes from one set of aunt and uncle (moms side). The only problem is I don't have a definite job (Retail Sales at Eddie Bauer looks good, but I am not sure they will pay enough). I have this tremendous feeling that this is really where I am supposed to be next year, but am unsure if that is enough for me to put the wheels in motion to make the move up here. I could start at the EB job and then move on if something else comes along, but that’s rather risky. It compounds the risk I already put myself in by purchasing "interview" clothes (Two suits, on clearance, shirt and tie combos and shoes that I am currently wearing, hence the "air of responsibility") that cost a fair amount of money. I pretty much have all my preverbal cards stacked up here in the northwest and if the table shakes the wrong way there is a distinct chance it would all fall apart and I would be left at square one with a months time down the tubes. I am worried that I could have been doing this out of my own will, and ignoring God's. I don't think that’s the case, but with the amount of risk, I can't help feeling a bit afraid. I can tell He is working in this situation, has been faithful in the past (Bringing the family to Woodleaf, putting me in the Army, me going to Biola) and will work all this together for good, but it is definitely stretching my faith.
I wish I would have asked more questions when people told me that growing up was hard, especially on how to make it easier (if that’s ever possible...).
Please be praying for the following:
-Peace about decisions made to date, budgetary, academically, etc.
-God providing a job that pays $16/hour, which I know is stiff for a first year college student, but that’s what I will need to make budget with ought living off Top Ramen and Mac and Cheese next year (which I am prepared to do), but its the indicator I have been praying for that this is the right place for me.
-The upcoming Academy; that high school students would learn to ask good questions of others and themselves.
-Future counseling sessions that they would be productive in identifying and providing potential solutions for some of my psychological baggage and that God's grace and healing power would be evident through that.
-The ministry possibilities in this year off, either to my family up here in Seattle (most of whom have rather ambiguous relationships with the Lord at best) or to a yet to be revealed individual or group; so that as God works in my life, I can share that experience with others.
The Goings On-
My near future: I have been at my grandparent’s house for the past two weeks. I leave for Priest Lake, ID on Tuesday to meet up with the parents and my Uncle Jim and Aunt Judy (on my fathers side). I will spend a few days with the gang there and try to cram some Dante reading in before I head back to Biola for three weeks of "The Academy". Then my future remains undecided.
Undecided: Much has happened since my return from Europe. I have put out about 40 resumes and applications in the greater Seattle area in hopes of finding a job somewhere in the vicinity of my family here. In the process of anticipating a possible move, I have located an apartment (a studio) right across from the Microsoft campus in North Bellevue and a church at Overlake Christian Church that’s only another 3 miles down the road. This would put me less than a mile from Grandma and Grandpa and only about 5 minutes from one set of aunt and uncle (moms side). The only problem is I don't have a definite job (Retail Sales at Eddie Bauer looks good, but I am not sure they will pay enough). I have this tremendous feeling that this is really where I am supposed to be next year, but am unsure if that is enough for me to put the wheels in motion to make the move up here. I could start at the EB job and then move on if something else comes along, but that’s rather risky. It compounds the risk I already put myself in by purchasing "interview" clothes (Two suits, on clearance, shirt and tie combos and shoes that I am currently wearing, hence the "air of responsibility") that cost a fair amount of money. I pretty much have all my preverbal cards stacked up here in the northwest and if the table shakes the wrong way there is a distinct chance it would all fall apart and I would be left at square one with a months time down the tubes. I am worried that I could have been doing this out of my own will, and ignoring God's. I don't think that’s the case, but with the amount of risk, I can't help feeling a bit afraid. I can tell He is working in this situation, has been faithful in the past (Bringing the family to Woodleaf, putting me in the Army, me going to Biola) and will work all this together for good, but it is definitely stretching my faith.
I wish I would have asked more questions when people told me that growing up was hard, especially on how to make it easier (if that’s ever possible...).
Please be praying for the following:
-Peace about decisions made to date, budgetary, academically, etc.
-God providing a job that pays $16/hour, which I know is stiff for a first year college student, but that’s what I will need to make budget with ought living off Top Ramen and Mac and Cheese next year (which I am prepared to do), but its the indicator I have been praying for that this is the right place for me.
-The upcoming Academy; that high school students would learn to ask good questions of others and themselves.
-Future counseling sessions that they would be productive in identifying and providing potential solutions for some of my psychological baggage and that God's grace and healing power would be evident through that.
-The ministry possibilities in this year off, either to my family up here in Seattle (most of whom have rather ambiguous relationships with the Lord at best) or to a yet to be revealed individual or group; so that as God works in my life, I can share that experience with others.
Friday, June 24, 2005
The writings of a world traveler...
Well all you readers out there. I am alive and well after traveling approximately 8000 miles in about 96 hours. I am now in Seatle with my grandparents, helping them out around the house, after coming home from Europe. Its hard work as there are many things that need work inside and outside the house. Please be praying for both my grandparents health as it is deteriorating as they enter their 70's.
Please keep my job search in your prayers as I complete the West Coast tour and head back to LA and the time for a place and a job nears. I feel kind of foolish as I didn't pack any good clothes to bring with me on this leg of the trip and as such feel like I can't apply or interveiw for jobs while I am here. I guess I will just have to keep hoping, praying and waiting on the Lord to open the door where He wants me to be.
I would like to hear ya'lls thoughts on me volunteering for a deployment over the next year. What do you think the pro's and con's would be? From an observers point of view, do you think that I am ready for a 8+ hour a day job helping people medically? Sound off for me, please. Where do you think I should be?
Please keep my job search in your prayers as I complete the West Coast tour and head back to LA and the time for a place and a job nears. I feel kind of foolish as I didn't pack any good clothes to bring with me on this leg of the trip and as such feel like I can't apply or interveiw for jobs while I am here. I guess I will just have to keep hoping, praying and waiting on the Lord to open the door where He wants me to be.
I would like to hear ya'lls thoughts on me volunteering for a deployment over the next year. What do you think the pro's and con's would be? From an observers point of view, do you think that I am ready for a 8+ hour a day job helping people medically? Sound off for me, please. Where do you think I should be?
Monday, May 30, 2005
Thursday, May 26, 2005
Music as anesthetic
From BoingBoing.net
According to a new study, listening to music when you go under the surgical knife can significantly reduce your need for sedation. Anesthesiologists at the Yale School of Medicine ran a study that included 90 patients undergoing "urological procedures with spinal anesthesia and patient-controlled IV propofol sadation." From a press release about the paper, published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia:
According to a new study, listening to music when you go under the surgical knife can significantly reduce your need for sedation. Anesthesiologists at the Yale School of Medicine ran a study that included 90 patients undergoing "urological procedures with spinal anesthesia and patient-controlled IV propofol sadation." From a press release about the paper, published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia:
The subjects wore headphones and were randomly assigned to hear music they liked, white noise or to wear no headphones and be exposed to operating room noise. Dropping a surgical instrument into a bowl in the operating room can produce noise levels of up to 80 decibels, which is considered very loud to uncomfortably loud.Link and Link to scientific paper abstract
What they found is that blocking the sounds of the operating room with white noise did not decrease sedative requirements of listening to operating room sounds. Playing music did reduce the need for sedatives during surgery.
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
Soul Mates?
I’ve been thinking heavily about the question of "Is there something intrinsically different about some relationships on a teleological level?" The Readers Digest version: "Are there soul mates?" People who are just better together than another combination of two people; that function synergistically or something so that they seem to “fit” one another?
Second question would be something like “if there is an intrinsic difference, is that enough to base a marriage on?” I am asking if there IS something special about certain relationships, is that a quality that assists/facilitates/helps marriage (it could be God given). Could this be a way fro God to point out that you should marry and this is the person He’s set before you? Is there such a placement? It seems like it’s the Calvinist view; “Are you predestined to be with someone?” Maybe it’s more just has God made someone that is THE BEST compliment for your uniqueness. But still if such a sympathetic quality existed in a relationship... is that enough of a justification for making it a permanent relationship? Personally, I don't know about the first question, if it exists.
The second I don’t think its justification unless God purposefully intends for you to marry that person, which I would tend to say only He knows (though He may and does reveal it), but that is a line of questioning that will take a great deal more time to figure out.
Oh, the Hilarity of Subterfuge in the Blogsphere...
From Redstate.org
Wow, the unseen consequences of that action are going to come back and bite someone in the butt. But what are someones motives for doing something like sign someone else up for a whole bunch of e-mail lists. So its an annoyance, but isn't a very effective way of actually changing someone's mind on an issue. If anything it just galvanizes them against it. Yet another instance of irresponsible ignorance.
To the unimaginative troll By: krempasky · Section: Democrats
Specifically, the one taking so much time to sign RedState up for all the lefty mailing lists: you're not as smart as you think you are - and you're only going to hurt the ones you love.Here's why: we're not legitimately subscribing to all these lists. So, of course, we'll ask to be unsubscribed. The first organization or cause that fails to honor those subscriptions (and most of them don't do it very well) will offer the perfect opportunity to test out the CAN-SPAM act. Many thanks.
Monday, May 23, 2005
I'm a gimp...
So in a twist of dramatic irony, I have been humbled physically. “Why is this ironic?” one may ask? Because during spring break I spent the entire time in
The short version of the story is that I was getting out of Scott's pool and there was a tile that stuck out about 3/4 inch. As I swung my left leg up, it cut me about a 1.5 inch laceration about .5 in wide and .5 inch deep. Didn't hurt really, I just saw red stuff (you know, blood) in a pretty sizable hole and reacted with direct pressure (My medic sense was tingling you know!), threw some gauze on it, taped it up and headed for an Urgent Care/ER. Well all the after hours clinics I knew of were closed,
On an upside, this could give me preferential seating on the flight, though it may not which would really suck. It is going to put a damper on the first 5 days of
Anyway... I have the rest for the week to pack up my room, put it in storage and prep for
I will probably be switching personal posts over to another Blog, so that people who like my ideas can read this and people who want to know what’s going on with me personally can read "The Start of an Epic" though I am still working out the kinks out of the comments and such...
And that’s all I have to say about that.
So... Biola is frustrating...
Apparently they are blocking remote mail programs... Both my Thunderbird and Outlook cannot access their servers. Urg...
Sunday, May 22, 2005
What happens when you cross a scape goat with a witch hunt?
From Slashdot.org
AI Playground writes "Slyck News reports on the MPAA's press release (.doc) blaming the BitTorrent protocol for the leak of Episode III. MPAA President and CEO Dan Glickman: 'There is no better example of how theft dims the magic of the movies for everyone than this report today regarding BitTorrent providing users with illegal copies of Revenge of the Sith. The unfortunate fact is this type of theft happens on a regular basis on peer to peer networks all over the world.'"
I don't know if it is the direct reference of BitTorrent in a negative manner or the seeming lack of distinction between programs and users that disturbs me more. It's like the same old gun company-reponsible-fo- the-actions-of-an-individual-user debate, transcribed to another industry. When will people take responsibility or make others responsible for their actions instead of passing the buck to companies that make things or provide serivces that may be missused?
AI Playground writes "Slyck News reports on the MPAA's press release (.doc) blaming the BitTorrent protocol for the leak of Episode III. MPAA President and CEO Dan Glickman: 'There is no better example of how theft dims the magic of the movies for everyone than this report today regarding BitTorrent providing users with illegal copies of Revenge of the Sith. The unfortunate fact is this type of theft happens on a regular basis on peer to peer networks all over the world.'"
I don't know if it is the direct reference of BitTorrent in a negative manner or the seeming lack of distinction between programs and users that disturbs me more. It's like the same old gun company-reponsible-fo- the-actions-of-an-individual-user debate, transcribed to another industry. When will people take responsibility or make others responsible for their actions instead of passing the buck to companies that make things or provide serivces that may be missused?
Curtis asked...
Total volume of music on my computer?
1034 Songs, 3 days, 3.54 Gb Totoal Volume
The last CD I bought?
Glenn Miller Orchestra Swing Time
Song playing right now?
Celebrate Mistakes by Number One Gun
Five songs I listen to a lot or mean a lot to me (in no particular order)?
I'm not a repeatitave listener... Though my "Party Shuffle" is all Christian of various genres.
Which five people are you passing this baton to, and why?
Emily- cause she reads this and cares about music right now.
The next four people who read my blog, which I don't really know because of the switch from Xanga to Blogger.
1034 Songs, 3 days, 3.54 Gb Totoal Volume
The last CD I bought?
Glenn Miller Orchestra Swing Time
Song playing right now?
Celebrate Mistakes by Number One Gun
Five songs I listen to a lot or mean a lot to me (in no particular order)?
I'm not a repeatitave listener... Though my "Party Shuffle" is all Christian of various genres.
Which five people are you passing this baton to, and why?
Emily- cause she reads this and cares about music right now.
The next four people who read my blog, which I don't really know because of the switch from Xanga to Blogger.
Saturday, May 21, 2005
The Situation as it stands...
So This is where I am...
99.9% chance I will not be at Biola next year. I am still in Torrey but with the tacit understanding that I will take a year off to "find my self" where it doesn't cost $26k a year! I have the option of dropping Torrey and continuing at Biola, but this doesnt appeal to me.
Option 1:
I will seek some form of employment, buy my own health insurance and pay off some student loans and make some purchases from my wish list (in no particular order) like this, this, this, this and this.
1A. Living at or near home would put me closer to Mom, Dad, and Amanda. Cost of living is substantially cheaper (Idea of Housing Cost,though this might work!). Downside: Leave community that I have established here at Biola. I would be able to make ends meet for about minimum wage. (Budget with round numbers)
1B. Stay here in La Mirada or the surrounding area. Cost of living higher (Idea of Housing Cost, This might work). Maintain participation and support the Biola Community. Would have to make nearly $11/hour to make ends meet.
Option 2:
Sign an active duty Army contract for three years. I would be able to get farther on the wish list(Active duty E-4 makes about $1695.60/mo with housing and rations) and get added benifits for college (Active duty GI Bill is nearly $25k)
Option 3
Volunteer for deployment with the Reserves. Money is the same as active duty. There is no gaurentee where I would go, but possibly Germany with the rest of the 328th CSH.
Any other Ideas are welcomed.
(Below is a tenative budget, feel free to comment if figures seem wrong)
99.9% chance I will not be at Biola next year. I am still in Torrey but with the tacit understanding that I will take a year off to "find my self" where it doesn't cost $26k a year! I have the option of dropping Torrey and continuing at Biola, but this doesnt appeal to me.
Option 1:
I will seek some form of employment, buy my own health insurance and pay off some student loans and make some purchases from my wish list (in no particular order) like this, this, this, this and this.
1A. Living at or near home would put me closer to Mom, Dad, and Amanda. Cost of living is substantially cheaper (Idea of Housing Cost,though this might work!). Downside: Leave community that I have established here at Biola. I would be able to make ends meet for about minimum wage. (Budget with round numbers)
1B. Stay here in La Mirada or the surrounding area. Cost of living higher (Idea of Housing Cost, This might work). Maintain participation and support the Biola Community. Would have to make nearly $11/hour to make ends meet.
Option 2:
Sign an active duty Army contract for three years. I would be able to get farther on the wish list(Active duty E-4 makes about $1695.60/mo with housing and rations) and get added benifits for college (Active duty GI Bill is nearly $25k)
Option 3
Volunteer for deployment with the Reserves. Money is the same as active duty. There is no gaurentee where I would go, but possibly Germany with the rest of the 328th CSH.
Any other Ideas are welcomed.
(Below is a tenative budget, feel free to comment if figures seem wrong)
| Nor Cal | ||
| Item | Per month | Cost |
| Rent | 425 | 5100 |
| Food | 200 | 2400 |
| Insurance | 85 | 1020 |
| Car Payment | 350 | 4200 |
| Utilities | 120 | 1440 |
| Total Gross income needed | 14160 | |
| Work year in Hours (50wks@40hrs/week) | $/hour needed to meed budget | |
| 2000 | 7.08 | |
| So Cal | ||
| Item | Per month | Cost |
| Rent | 795 | 9540 |
| Food | 250 | 3000 |
| Insurance | 85 | 1020 |
| Car Payment | 350 | 4200 |
| Utilities | 200 | 2400 |
| Total Gross income needed | 20160 | |
| Work year in Hours (50wks@40hrs/week) | $/hour needed to meed budget | |
| 2000 | 10.08 | |
Friday, May 20, 2005
Medics Fill Care Void in Iraq Towns
Hoorah, Soldier Medic!
From Military.comRead it! It's a decent article about the medical mission in Iraq and how much we are actually helping there!
May 20, 2005
By Sandra Jontz
Stars and Stripes Mideast editionSKHARTIAT, Iraq — Wish as he might, Capt. Jon Christensen can't cure them all. But if nothing else, he can help alleviate their discomfort.
Time and again, the 36-year-old physician's assistant and his crew of medics from 2nd Battalion, 8th Field Artillery, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division visit impoverished towns and villages that pepper Ninevah Province to bring medical supplies and knowledge that, if even for a short time, dissolve the aches of arthritis, burden of birth defects, hurt of heart disease.
My new favorite web application
If you are wondering why my blog has suddenly taken on such a great appearance and no longer looks like it was thrown togather it is because I have discovered...
Bloglines.com!
Possibly the single greatest blog site I have ever seen! Using it in combination with a premade template from Blogger.Templates gives me a great look, awsome blog rolling as well as a free web-based aggregator! It is so flippin' Sweet!
If your still on Xanga... Shame on you! Come into the Light!
Bloglines.com!
Possibly the single greatest blog site I have ever seen! Using it in combination with a premade template from Blogger.Templates gives me a great look, awsome blog rolling as well as a free web-based aggregator! It is so flippin' Sweet!
If your still on Xanga... Shame on you! Come into the Light!
Thursday, May 19, 2005
What happened to the idea of an "All Volunteer Force?"
An article published by Christian Science Monitor,[Christian Science Monitor Article] and distributed by today's Military.com,[Military.com Article] newsletter, as well as an article in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, [SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER Article] describe how a Seattle high school's Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) adopted a resolution [Text found here] to bar military recruiters from campus. The following is taken from a press release written by the PTSA.
Opposition to the war on an economic basis (the other reason) is similarly misguided as it assumes that the legislative branch responsible for the designation of funds is incorrect, improper or excessive in appropriating money to the military rather than education. Such an assumption is incorrect as it must assume that those that oppose have either better information, a better comprehension of fiscal policy or a better budgetary understanding than the United States Congress. It also creates a dichotic argument that proves false, between the federal government responsible for decisions of war and the state government primarily responsible for funding education
Now that the first resolution's ideas have been dealt with I shall move on to the second resolution. Beginning with the first claim, that the "desire to protect young students from the life-and-death decision that military service presents," the PTSA continues its lack of appreciation of the voluntary decisions of those students. Just by stating that the students need to be protected from a decision shows a marked disdain for the development of individual responsibility among their students. Shouldn't those eligible for military service, that is 18 year old adults or 17.5 year olds with parental consent, who have legal responsibility for their actions, be encouraged and supported in making important and difficult decisions, rather than protected from such decisions? These students will have to make such decisions eventually and the PTSA will not be there for the rest of their adult lives, "protecting" them.
As far as the decision to join the military being a "life-and-death decision," getting into your car to drive to the supermarket would have to be considered a "life-and-death decision" as more people die in car accidents daily proportionally than U.S. troops in Iraq.
Secondly, objections to the war are a citizens right, but should not translate into a objections to the troops or an individuals opportunities to succeed as soldiers in the military. Further, the objections to the war of the members of the PTSA should not be projected onto the possibilities of an entire student body. The opportunity to voice said objections could take place through democratic processes, not through inflammatory actions that inappropriately affect students who do not share those objections.
Third, while it is unethical for military recruiters to present an inaccurate picture of military life, the idea that an "accurate" picture is possible to illustrate would be false. An attempt to relate anything but a recruiters own experience should be taken with a grain of salt. "Caveat emptor" and all. There is a reason that anyone with military experience would tell you to read EVERYTHING you sign. Not because any individual is trying to coerce or co-opt you, but because it is the responsible thing to do and "I didn't know" is not an acceptable answer.
Finally, the issue of equal opportunity and the military's policy on homosexuality is government policy. Such policy should not have adverse effects on other branches of government, any branch of government, education or otherwise. This is not a statement in support or against the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, but rather an understanding that certain peoples choices and lifestyles may adversely effect their employment options. For example, someone's choice to be a vegan would make the prospect of working for a butcher or a burger joint rather uncomfortable. This does not preclude vegans from working in those establishments and any harassment of an employee on basis of this status should not be allowed. But one does not punish a butcher for violating equal opportunity because the work environment would be uncomfortable. So while it would be uncomfortable for a homosexual to be in the military, because of the unacceptability of manifesting that behavior, the military should not be punished for violating equal opportunity employment practices.
That said, there should be a differentiation between the hiring practice of a civilian institution that discriminates on a philosophical basis and the military which maintains that inclusion of gays would be detrimental to moral and unit cohesion. The military is making no teleological distinction of gays, but simply is acknowledging what it perceives will be a behavior that is detrimental to the concept of being a soldier in a unit.
Finally, the PTSA has actual influence on the administration of school policy and thus has no real decision making capacity. It does not actually speak for the voice of any of the member groups in its entirety. However, this episode demonstrates an increasingly common view that are contrairy to an all voluntary force by either "protecting" individuals from making their own voluntary decisions, imposing views that are not representative on unwilling or unknowing groups of people, or removing an individuals responsibility for a decision by claiming the decision was un- or misinformed. It is unfortunate that it seems as people today cannot be allowed to make their own voluntary, self-informed and researched decisions and take full responsibility for the consequences for those decisions.
"The resolution states, in part, 'There are many reasons why Garfield parents, teachers and students might object to military recruiting on campus. Not all of us agree on every issue. Whether it is because of a desire to protect young students from the life-and-death decision that military service presents, objection to the current war in Iraq, fear that recruiters may not present a realistic picture of military life or disagreement with policies that discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation, we do agree that public schools are not a place for military recruiters.'”This all should be prefaced with the understanding that
"Garfield’s PTSA voted to oppose an invasion of Iraq in the fall of 2002, under the belief that the war would be a threat both to the well-being of students who may be called to fight in it, as well as a threat to the funding security of public education."That being said I will address the 2002 resolution first. While I admire their tenacity, their pursuit of their mission to “To promote the welfare of children and youth in the schools" is overstepped by the opposition of other governmental decisions outside of the purview of education. If the members of the Garfield PTSA wish to lobby on a military issue, I would encourage them to do so, but do not disguise it as an issue with DIRECT implications on the children and youth of schools. The PTSA concern of the war being a "threat both to the well-being of students who may be called to fight in it" excedes their mission of "promoting the welfare of children and youth" as any students called to fight in a war would either be adults who had signed a contract voluntarily or a 17.5 year old who has volunteered with parental consent.
Opposition to the war on an economic basis (the other reason) is similarly misguided as it assumes that the legislative branch responsible for the designation of funds is incorrect, improper or excessive in appropriating money to the military rather than education. Such an assumption is incorrect as it must assume that those that oppose have either better information, a better comprehension of fiscal policy or a better budgetary understanding than the United States Congress. It also creates a dichotic argument that proves false, between the federal government responsible for decisions of war and the state government primarily responsible for funding education
Now that the first resolution's ideas have been dealt with I shall move on to the second resolution. Beginning with the first claim, that the "desire to protect young students from the life-and-death decision that military service presents," the PTSA continues its lack of appreciation of the voluntary decisions of those students. Just by stating that the students need to be protected from a decision shows a marked disdain for the development of individual responsibility among their students. Shouldn't those eligible for military service, that is 18 year old adults or 17.5 year olds with parental consent, who have legal responsibility for their actions, be encouraged and supported in making important and difficult decisions, rather than protected from such decisions? These students will have to make such decisions eventually and the PTSA will not be there for the rest of their adult lives, "protecting" them.
As far as the decision to join the military being a "life-and-death decision," getting into your car to drive to the supermarket would have to be considered a "life-and-death decision" as more people die in car accidents daily proportionally than U.S. troops in Iraq.
Secondly, objections to the war are a citizens right, but should not translate into a objections to the troops or an individuals opportunities to succeed as soldiers in the military. Further, the objections to the war of the members of the PTSA should not be projected onto the possibilities of an entire student body. The opportunity to voice said objections could take place through democratic processes, not through inflammatory actions that inappropriately affect students who do not share those objections.
Third, while it is unethical for military recruiters to present an inaccurate picture of military life, the idea that an "accurate" picture is possible to illustrate would be false. An attempt to relate anything but a recruiters own experience should be taken with a grain of salt. "Caveat emptor" and all. There is a reason that anyone with military experience would tell you to read EVERYTHING you sign. Not because any individual is trying to coerce or co-opt you, but because it is the responsible thing to do and "I didn't know" is not an acceptable answer.
Finally, the issue of equal opportunity and the military's policy on homosexuality is government policy. Such policy should not have adverse effects on other branches of government, any branch of government, education or otherwise. This is not a statement in support or against the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy, but rather an understanding that certain peoples choices and lifestyles may adversely effect their employment options. For example, someone's choice to be a vegan would make the prospect of working for a butcher or a burger joint rather uncomfortable. This does not preclude vegans from working in those establishments and any harassment of an employee on basis of this status should not be allowed. But one does not punish a butcher for violating equal opportunity because the work environment would be uncomfortable. So while it would be uncomfortable for a homosexual to be in the military, because of the unacceptability of manifesting that behavior, the military should not be punished for violating equal opportunity employment practices.
That said, there should be a differentiation between the hiring practice of a civilian institution that discriminates on a philosophical basis and the military which maintains that inclusion of gays would be detrimental to moral and unit cohesion. The military is making no teleological distinction of gays, but simply is acknowledging what it perceives will be a behavior that is detrimental to the concept of being a soldier in a unit.
Finally, the PTSA has actual influence on the administration of school policy and thus has no real decision making capacity. It does not actually speak for the voice of any of the member groups in its entirety. However, this episode demonstrates an increasingly common view that are contrairy to an all voluntary force by either "protecting" individuals from making their own voluntary decisions, imposing views that are not representative on unwilling or unknowing groups of people, or removing an individuals responsibility for a decision by claiming the decision was un- or misinformed. It is unfortunate that it seems as people today cannot be allowed to make their own voluntary, self-informed and researched decisions and take full responsibility for the consequences for those decisions.
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Biola Wiki
Go check out the new Biola Wiki. It is still coming online, but the photo and news portions are up and running. Register, log-in and say "Hi!" Let the community know about up-coming Biola associated events, shin-digs, and general goings on. You could also sound off with your own opinion about the latest Biola event, chapel speaker or Chimes article.
Another Star Wars Film... NOT EPISODE THREE!
StarWars: Revelations
Heads up you Star Wars and film geeks! Check out what independent not-for-profit film making can do! It’s a 45 min short Star Wars film that was made independently. Its not the greatest, the story is really weak (ABSOLUTELY HORRID for those of us that are expanded universe fans), the lighting and cinematography are like a bad soap opera, the saber battle looks like it ripped off "The Star Wars Kid"... But the animation is really good for an indie film (there’s a good Tie Fighter chase scene) and it is still impressive considering the work and cost of doing Sci-fi. And it’s all done without profit!
Found in the current issue of U.S. News and World Report
Heads up you Star Wars and film geeks! Check out what independent not-for-profit film making can do! It’s a 45 min short Star Wars film that was made independently. Its not the greatest, the story is really weak (ABSOLUTELY HORRID for those of us that are expanded universe fans), the lighting and cinematography are like a bad soap opera, the saber battle looks like it ripped off "The Star Wars Kid"... But the animation is really good for an indie film (there’s a good Tie Fighter chase scene) and it is still impressive considering the work and cost of doing Sci-fi. And it’s all done without profit!
Found in the current issue of U.S. News and World Report
Monday, May 16, 2005
Transferring from Xanga to Blogger
Having gotten completely fed up with the lack of readership of serious posts on xanga and wishing to find a forum in which my actual thoughts are valued, read and responded to I am now switching to blogger. I hope to add a RSS feed soon as well as a feed aggregator and other nice little things like the Gooooogle advertisements that might actually make me some cash. The additional ability to add my own scripts will probably spawn a new furious study of various computer codes.
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