tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26993992908214971162024-02-28T17:44:24.876-06:00The Michael Hulme ProjectA platform where Business News, Affairs of State, New Technologies, Travel and Personal Convictions are all openly discussed... (Your comments are welcomed.)Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.comBlogger143125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-63553457077814425972020-07-16T14:56:00.001-05:002020-07-16T15:15:22.885-05:00America Might Be Taken Down by The Desperation of ALL Those Clamoring for Inclusion<p dir="ltr">We've all seen it before...<br />
Someone trying to flippantly pass off the most ludicrous, backwards ideals, as something they should promote or we should (rather easily) believe!<br />
IT'S GETTING TO BE SO EXHAUSTING!<br />
...Exacerbated by the fact that spotting this behavior is neither complicated nor that useful for seemingly either party.<br />
:-/ And yet it is SO DESTRUCTIVE❗</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruKZUqlduwK3GApBAejoCGycKNq1kmQlG4q6tgNS6MTneviNJk15Je9gwdyZje4Lza4G6I1-GkF78bpuUw2MkWU6SI8abrZ-D0wq1caTMqgC6g5WWMEvj1LON18fsQAb6XvpHBQA-SL4/s1600/divided_states_of_america_by_thadrummer_d83mugw-fullview.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgruKZUqlduwK3GApBAejoCGycKNq1kmQlG4q6tgNS6MTneviNJk15Je9gwdyZje4Lza4G6I1-GkF78bpuUw2MkWU6SI8abrZ-D0wq1caTMqgC6g5WWMEvj1LON18fsQAb6XvpHBQA-SL4/s320/divided_states_of_america_by_thadrummer_d83mugw-fullview.png" width="320" /></a></div><p dir="ltr">With SO MANY folks possessing such a HUGE YEARNING to be included with a certain "fraternity", sub-culture; or perceived social-economic classification (which they aspire to; feel they've "earned"; or will one day be "invited" to join,) ...they will quite desperately forfeit & willfully "sell-out" and/or compromise, their own culture's best interest; their heritage; their theology; their local community; even their morality. And they'll covey this personal, intellectual and perhaps spiritual "sell-out", even more quickly and easily; when this opportunity involves others of different lifestyles or persuasions which they can't or don't wish to relate to! </p>
<p dir="ltr">Moreover, you'll likely witness even their own core understandings of science; along with their "God given ability" to apply critical thinking to a rather basic problem, principal, policies or situation; be freely abandoned, in order to obtain this "inclusion" & "adoption" they so desperately and ostensibly desire!</p>
<p dir="ltr">They are often struggling so hard with these fears & insecurity based conflicts; butting heads with their own personal goals & more sensible behavior & interest; that this desperation tends to often be very quickly revealed through a common dependency on the same desperate, tiresome "dog whistles" or "slogans" as it where!</p>
<p dir="ltr">These catch phrases and excuses are used almost psychically by COUNTLESS people. With each presenter believing their (not so clever) cliche, will cause us to ignore or pretending what they are doing or promoting, must have some other (presumably more sensible) hidden, "higher", motivation or clever agenda.<br />
...it becomes rather apparent that nothing could be further from the truth when they also repeatedly avoid, comparing actual facts and/or credible resources pertaining to the topic being discussed or encouraged.<br />
...or, once either of these are volunteered (against their will,) they try to claim "all sources are biased" and alternative/contaminated facts are therefor prevalent, so NOTHING can be trusted!<br />
(face/palm)</p>
<p dir="ltr">These abundant "dog whistles" exhibited by those so desperately willing to trade, facts for fanfare; as well as their own character & principals, for some naively sought "inclusion"; include...<br />
~ "you do you; I'll do me."<br />
~ "well that's your belief; mine are different." <br />
(despite the fact the discussion concerns proven facts or realities; be it "biblical", constitutional scientific or socially acceptable.)<img alt="👍" data-goomoji="1f44d" data-image-whitelisted="" goomoji="1f44d" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f44d" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
~ which means you'll also here things like; "who made you the know it all?"<br />
~ and "you think your so politically correct don't you?"; <br />
~ Or how about, you and I just don't think the same; "we are all entitled to our own opinions".<img alt="👍" data-goomoji="1f44d" data-image-whitelisted="" goomoji="1f44d" src="https://mail.google.com/mail/e/1f44d" style="margin: 0px 0.2ex; max-height: 24px; vertical-align: middle;" /><br />
...which on its surface, certainly sounds reasonable enough...<br />
(eye roll)<br />
...UNLESS you're discussing something as systemically & societally necessary as treating all men, women & children equally; avoiding bigotry; condemning hate crimes; avoiding civil or foreign war and killings; admonishing and condemning those profane points made in a generalized manner about others whom you no so little about; and therefore condemning others based on piety or lack of acceptance to a life you yourself wouldn't wish for or hope to impose on those you do claim to care for and "love"!</p>
<p dir="ltr">Until these types of cowardly (perhaps jaded and also marginalized) people; within countless varied subcultures, classifications, cliques & classes of citizens across our country and our world; decide that the principles and morality and subsequent "character" which they represent, all serve as something far more important less disposable factors (either within the community and the people they live around; or especially those communities they feel they will never come in direct contact with); we will all continue to be doomed to these mundane, ridiculous, brain-dead, self-centered yet self-destructive replies, to facts, needed changes and amendments to our current Constitution and way of life❗</p>
<p dir="ltr">The "American Experience", is unfortunately riddled with lame unchecked and unaccountable indifference to others and even own own best interest!<br />
...And our incessant, entitled, exceptionalism, represents such a truly sinful level of pride; it evidently causes us (perhaps the entire human race) to miss out on blessings we all might otherwise have experienced & enjoyed❗<br /><br />The simple fact is, America might be taken down (even further) by the (cowardly) desperation of all those clamoring for inclusion.</p>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-20403974933284488012013-09-08T15:20:00.000-05:002013-09-08T15:20:08.678-05:00Examining The War Within Our Own Country And The Subsequent Wars We Cause<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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Something worth reviewing before we do it again...<br /><br />At some point, the Generals, politicians, and leadership who can't manage with all their wisdom, power, technology, sub-contractors and claims, to come up with any better "end-games" to the endless embroilment's asked of our citizens; their tax dollars, the lives of those who serve in the military, and the lives of the natives within whichever region we have now invaded; need to be held accountable for the results of these shameful conflicts, the trillions of taxpayers dollars, the INSANE death tolls and utter quagmires they create.<br /><br />Leaving whole countries (including ours) in ruin; emotionally, politically and financially, is unacceptable! ...it's heinous!! ...It's criminal!! Yet, the wrong people are suffering and being punished!<br /><br />The loyalty of our brave citizens can't continue to be expected to shoulder the burden of foolish decisions, "unintended consequences", and/or the losses caused by fools in positions of power and economic influence. And each of us as voters can't continue to participate in a seemingly naive manner each time we enter the polls.<br /><br />This (embedded) compilation video of the many reunions we've witnessed over the years on the News and YouTube, serves as a very touching and emotional portrayal for so many reasons. Yet, it is the captured moments of only the elated, happy, relieved emotions! <br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/hkGzqpGx1KU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br /><i> <a href="http://youtu.be/hkGzqpGx1KU">http://youtu.be/hkGzqpGx1KU</a> - Part 1</i><br /><div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Part 2: <a href="http://youtu.be/GSTKoKjJ5XA">http://youtu.be/GSTKoKjJ5XA</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Part 3: <a href="http://youtu.be/kJi1v15yhlM">http://youtu.be/kJi1v15yhlM</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Part 4: <a href="http://youtu.be/VKyaif6lgjs">http://youtu.be/VKyaif6lgjs</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Christmas Edition: <a href="http://youtu.be/2SjVXFItWnQ">http://youtu.be/2SjVXFItWnQ</a></span></div>
Imagine if you were forced to watch (or much less live) the realities of those facing painful, sad, lonely, detached, deceased, divorced, unparented, unemployed, underappreciated moments! The REAL sacrifices made DAILY to remain embroiled in the two longest (and incredibly simultaneous) wars in our history are simply IMMEASURABLE!!<br /><br />There is no way to calculate the cost, the losses, the sheer sacrifice by so many! If it doesn't make us rethink, (once again,) our approach to war, retaliation, crude oil dependency, our votes, our stewardship of "super" power, etc., then nothing ever will!! <br />...how is the "soul" of this country affected by such irresponsible leadership?<br /><br />My hope is that functional healing and recovery can occur within this Country, in relation to all the many (somewhat unspoken) tolls, which our policies have yet again placed on so many hundreds of thousands of our citizens over the last dozen years. The status quo has a death toll, and a toll on our entire society which we much STOP ignoring! <br /><br />Reexamine your "loyalties", your "traditions", your peer pressure, your own resulting political views, and where they have gotten us! Then vote based on personal testimony; versus just that of the latest titillation. You now have a lifetime of your own observations and experiences which must compel you towards individual thinking, and an individual vote that can actually count for better wisdom. <br /><br />Remaining subject to campaigns, miscellaneous claims made for ratings and/or poorly associated anger and resentment; or a lack of desire to study the real causes and effects of our history and humanities; is no longer a responsible way to participate in this democracy!<br /><br />Ignorance has become a personal choice for many, within this era of our "information age". If you are reading this, then you have the ability to rise above your own previous voting limits. You can now aggregate your own fact checking; clarifying any intended responses and forge a true ability to evaluate your own positions and votes. (Sounds like "work"? Well, if you didn't work for your vote, then you are simply taking it for granted; and you sure shouldn't EVER brag about it's subsequent representation!)<br /><br />Your clear alternative is to continue being fed some slew of "programming" & "commentary". We simply owe it to our historic (and at times, shameful) sacrifices made, to stop confusing the two for "news" and "facts"! Our own ethics and our countries soul are worth more than this confused version of "common" sense. Our media is NOT a reflection of our merit, nor should it be used to limit our Country's worthiness for a better future and life for those who trust in each of our democratic decisions.<br /><br />You have a chance to do something both knowledgeable and redeeming; something worthy and capable of fixing our countries many mistakes and lacking wisdom.<br />...you're either part of the problem, or part of the solution.Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-8644767714792655252013-06-26T01:17:00.002-05:002013-06-29T18:27:49.098-05:00Our new life, our new adventure! The Pacific paradise island of Kaua'i!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We're relocating to the country. Well... more of a "paradise" with no traffic and fewer people. </div>
...No, I'm not talking about Brenham Texas, with the happiest cows and greatest ice cream.<br />
This is more of a tropical pradise, rather than a contemporary topical one...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiCFNkIk5yfMqxn3UTgq__PIEx-WlVPuNPciHOb2_f2baA0SGEUyMI4CSEX5pkK_6NnY7QHaL8SnjxisQTQzMN4DwifHSrLeUp6iF_Tbl0h0fUVnJFaQ-vZM4e9vCaZCDGXoxjzMYago/s1600/hanalei-river-valley-1838-1920x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiCFNkIk5yfMqxn3UTgq__PIEx-WlVPuNPciHOb2_f2baA0SGEUyMI4CSEX5pkK_6NnY7QHaL8SnjxisQTQzMN4DwifHSrLeUp6iF_Tbl0h0fUVnJFaQ-vZM4e9vCaZCDGXoxjzMYago/s320/hanalei-river-valley-1838-1920x1080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <b>{ Kaua'i Hawai'i }</b></span><br />
After more than 80 combined years of Native Texan living, snugly under our belts, we've finally decided to venture out into a new life, overseas! To be more accurate, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean! <br />
<br />
We promised ourselves when we were married a little over 18 months ago in Varenna Italy, that we would not remain in North Texas any longer than required, in order to discover a more appealing place to call home, and make suitable arrangements for the relocation. In keeping with this goal, in just over 6 weeks time, we will be relocating our lives to the Island of Kaua'i !!! ...and we couldn't be more thrilled!! :-D<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOLS3i_Nh3bzwQLsV1YEyaQ3izV9b_kYPx9zCT-GwYyp1DUyTnQzA4WBKJdH5wlhagEiEt6txwI_B1qCHAFj_GVfsybS-bwQ_NkEvIH0rA2r7GkkDdPSrTGoMpFLdNjJZ41EbGqsqKQw/s1600/1DS_2768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOLS3i_Nh3bzwQLsV1YEyaQ3izV9b_kYPx9zCT-GwYyp1DUyTnQzA4WBKJdH5wlhagEiEt6txwI_B1qCHAFj_GVfsybS-bwQ_NkEvIH0rA2r7GkkDdPSrTGoMpFLdNjJZ41EbGqsqKQw/s320/1DS_2768.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>{ Varenna Ital</b><b>y }</b></span><br />
~ The weather played a crucial role in our determination: ~<br />
Every summer we are brutally reminded as to why we wish we lived somewhere with a more accommodating climate; as our local temperatures exceed 100 degrees on a humid, daily basis; and at times, remains there for more than 100 days of the summer!! Subsequently, each year, we've been noticing our comfort with staying indoors throughout these months, becoming more and more the norm. <br />
<br />
~ Our health remains our primary inspiration: ~<br />
While it use to be the case that I would add a few pounds in the winter, and shed a few during the summer. This trend has become confidently derailed in more recent years! And speaking only for myself, my waistline is no longer allowing me to ignore this fact! <br />
<br />
So we felt a place with a perfect year round climate, and adventures around every bend, valley, beach and mountain; within a concentrated paradise of 500 sq miles of unmatched, beautiful, island living; should quite naturally remind us each and every day to enjoy our reaming health and all the natural surrounding beauty, such environments provide on a much more habit forming, regular, year round basis. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDE9KjWDtq4lvv5KExgUFZSg9190A7YipvXCCHBr-tSSBLH-KT7tYyo5tpidg4Qb26XOqF_e9StA4Ii3S-XWmnHrtvXWcCcVmVr4Nr7TXdBAZD_UxFL4L_7W2ZZYsC8KAnRBAUMfh_xU/s1600/kauai-1669-1920x1080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidDE9KjWDtq4lvv5KExgUFZSg9190A7YipvXCCHBr-tSSBLH-KT7tYyo5tpidg4Qb26XOqF_e9StA4Ii3S-XWmnHrtvXWcCcVmVr4Nr7TXdBAZD_UxFL4L_7W2ZZYsC8KAnRBAUMfh_xU/s320/kauai-1669-1920x1080.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">{ Kaua'i Hawai'i }</span></b><br />
There will simply be no excuses and very little hesitation to jump on our mountain bikes, or finally dust off our two ocean Kayaks, when the climate is ALWAYS an admirable 72-78 degrees! ..and the beauty, natural terrain and trades winds are calling.<br />
<br />
~ Paradise beckoned: ~<br />
The Island of Kauai (a.k.a. The Garden Island) ticked off almost all of our relocation, "different than Texas" / ex-patriot goals. Sans the fact (excuse the French) that we are fortunately able to remain "patriots" of our native country! :-D <br />
<br />
We'll actually be able to speak the language; to all but about 8-10% of the population. (Bonus!) The connectivity of the home office, and Paula's nursing skills, will all still serve us well; insofar as creating additional financial security during this period of our veritable "working retirement". (Lucrative!) And we can no longer complain about the only true native culture in our midst being that of Oil and Cows, (of which we own neither,) nor the lacking geographical beauty of our 11 brief weeks (out of 54!!) of somewhat enviable North Texas annual climate.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJtObQc-BCeDYj_rAbvf9JTUFvGF2HC8h9ZxPF5NtbCxzl_RbI43sG_NiwOrsm1yyF_TBFnAicZ62oO9c6xo9EqZILiiCG2mkE6zWmaQHju7mrnug1BKYIYxDKxmo81xsA40jM3ufwLk/s1600/_image_13628137481188630926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFJtObQc-BCeDYj_rAbvf9JTUFvGF2HC8h9ZxPF5NtbCxzl_RbI43sG_NiwOrsm1yyF_TBFnAicZ62oO9c6xo9EqZILiiCG2mkE6zWmaQHju7mrnug1BKYIYxDKxmo81xsA40jM3ufwLk/s320/_image_13628137481188630926.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">{ Kaua'i Hawai'i }</span></b><br />
In addition we hope the vast expanse and beauty of the Pacific, also serve as an effective "jumping off point" for a future life of additional, annual adventures. At least that of 3-8 week visits to other far off countries and cultures through routine "home swapping" adventures, further down the line; well after we've established our own little patch of paradise. <br />
<br />
The goal in our later years will be to give a few Europeans a year a chance to enjoy our pieces of Hawai'i; as we in turn, go and experience their homes, steeped within various European destinations and cultures. So this move is just the start in a slate of intentional living geared towards further expanding our exposure to more cultures, people and places. (Not that being native to the Bible / Cotton belt hasn't been an eye opener, and a scorcher! ...it's just high time to venture onwards and outward.)<br />
<br />
~ Counting on future trends: ~<br />
Fortunately, many more Europeans now tend to achieve their ultimate goal of a Hawaiian vacations; however they also lean towards longer vacation commitments than their U.S. counterparts. So finding lodging well suited for more extended breaks has become the norm for such European travelers. Subsequently, "home swapping" has begun to serve as a very good option for these distant travelers, and is a trend sure to grow in popularity as the Internet refines it's version of "Collaborative Consumerism" and more easily verified accountability and/or confirmed credentials of those adventurous consumers.<br />
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Meanwhile, we have a home in Paradise to build. And 12 months out of the year of mid 70's temperatures to enjoy!! :-D<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO_XpJGcNALM3fjjVMXtxBpgHuEOVt1C24pxvGrbMwNwa9JL-7MT1UwxkOkOFIMzL30uei0xtXQkEOvqRd1oxyfIYtJBkRf3tdHw0aZaK7Dqi2hqRynYLqPv1lgplpkI8w9jreRNi8Nw/s1600/Miller+Hull-Net+Zero+Home-Hood+River+OR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibO_XpJGcNALM3fjjVMXtxBpgHuEOVt1C24pxvGrbMwNwa9JL-7MT1UwxkOkOFIMzL30uei0xtXQkEOvqRd1oxyfIYtJBkRf3tdHw0aZaK7Dqi2hqRynYLqPv1lgplpkI8w9jreRNi8Nw/s320/Miller+Hull-Net+Zero+Home-Hood+River+OR.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><b><span style="font-size: x-small;">{ "Zero Home" by Miller | Hull }</span></b><br />
Here's to a smaller waistline, tone physiques and forgetting all about the long LONG summers of 100+ degrees! ...followed by perhaps a five week reprieve of beautiful weather; headed towards the short days of chilly cold, snowless winters; lacking topography or snow adequate for suitable winter recreation. I'll sadly forgo my annual snow skiing trip to Colorado or New Mexico, for a few extra refreshers on catching a wave. <br />
<br />
Paula was never a fan of winter recreation anyway, so even my winter trips were becoming far less frequent since tying the knot. This way, she gets her beaches, and I get my year round recreational activity adventures! Now, if I can just convince her to take up mountain biking on actual mountains. ;-)Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-50429009194668351212013-05-27T10:06:00.000-05:002013-06-01T03:12:44.269-05:00Why some subcultures have shamefully mastered the art of persecution ...And why you must avoid it!It is important to question the merit of any organization which remains relevant or inspires loyalty on the basis of persecution.<br />
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Persecution is an extremely attractive tool of manipulation, coercion and solidarity. But it is also a mindset which primarily serve emotions of fear, exclusivity and in turn requires discrimination; all while providing a constant justification for any subsequent action and attitudes defending itself might require.<br />
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The nature and conveyance of persecution is one of the simplelist to inspire and claim; given the fact, it only requires finger pointing towards any single individual or larger groups which think or ar motivated in different ways and for different reasons than the belief or group you chose to represent. In other words, as long as there are different people with different beliefs and positions, there will always be claims of persecution. Therefore it is a naturally perpetuating belief set, with no end in sight! Yet such claims serve in no way towards growing or strengthening any formal position or belief within a chosen organization or sub-culture, beyond that of fear, paranoia, and additional prejudice.<br />
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So where do feelings of persecution have their place in your own life as an American Christian, or as a person of any chosen faith or even political or social positions of allegiance?<br />
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Here is a simple test for those enthralled by the "theology of persecution":<br />
<ul>
<li>Does a belief or feeling of being persecuted increase your sense of empathy and sympathy for others who have gone through trials or are not just like you?</li>
<li>Does a belief or feeling of being persecuted allow you to feel more love for others or less?</li>
<li>Does a belief or feeling of being persecuted make you feel as if your God is smaller or greater?</li>
<li>Can you describe the nature of the persecution your faith and beliefs are under while also explaining the nature of God's sovereignty?</li>
</ul>
If you're feelings of persecution don't allow you to feel a greater sense of empathy, sympathy, love, and faith in God as well as exemplify you likely belief and understanding that he is "always in control", then it holds little to no place in one's current faith or life.<br />
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To believe in something which causes you to waste energy on a feelings of fear, negativity, prejudice, contempt, righteousness and/or piety is a waste of time. To believe in something that denies God's presence, or implies God's loss of control or intention for his children and his planet, is a waste of time. To believe in something that misses the point of His redeemer, His Son, your Savior and the grace, mercy, love and forgiveness that you have been shown and taught to ALWAYS feel for EVERY living soul and creature on this planet, is a waste of time.<br />
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Is your faith increased through your current set of beliefs or do you find it challenged and potentially diminished? Are you the source of your feeling of persecution, or is God? Is fear a result of your version of faith or is it God? Are their numerous contradiction in your current version of faith or cohesion?<br />
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If persecution and pride are just a few of your many vices where related to your current version of faith and the theology you feel you are faithfully following, an examination of "your walk", your current spiritual journey, your current perspective on God, grace, atonement, Love and forgiveness might be in order.<br />
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<b><u>Part II</u></b><br />
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No aspect of your faith should be inspired through the balming and fearing of others. No aspect of your faith should be strengthened by feelings of a few of being superior to others whom your are sure hold less knowledge, understanding or faith than your own merits. <br />
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Instead your faith should be centered around "the work", a.k.a the change, the improvements its makes in you. And these improvements must include humility, rather than pride. Love, rather than prejudice. Generosity, rather than reservations.<br />
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If your faith has convinced you to withdraw from certain aspects of living. Or serves in some manner to separate your group of "believers" from the rest of society, then it has lost any and all relevance or value it might have ever been afforded.<br />
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If your faith has convinced you that Science is a lie, that the tolerance or inclusions of others is a bad thing, that equal social and human rights are a privilege for a select few, that you can now distinguish clearly the sin in others lives, while resting assured that your own life amount to less sin than theirs - if any of the delusions has become not only a basis for your feelings of false persecution, but also a basis for your faith in God, then you have placed yourself in a world of very little faith and understanding. You have shrunk you God down to a level of human understanding and human limits rather than elevated him to a level beyond your own limits.<br />
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<b>Don't be a person of such little faith... Little understanding... Little vision...</b><br />
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Be a person of HUGE grace... Be a person who is humbled by underserved atonement and forgiveness. Be a sinner, who understand no man or women is without sin, and no sin or amount of them are better, worse, or less than those which you have committed, ignored or sought redemption for in your own life, or the life you have yet to live.<br />
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Concern yourself in a faithful sense with one person in this world. With yourself. And work on unconditionally loving others, rather than feeling you have determined something so significant about them, that you now see fit as to whether or not they can be categorized as a person who is as deserving of God's love and Christ Grace as you are.<br />
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Such determination are not yours to make... You can only be one thing when you do so, <b>WRONG!</b><br />
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Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-92015742132067052702013-03-20T22:48:00.000-05:002013-05-27T10:08:30.882-05:00Death by Denial, or Death of Denial - your choice...How does one find comfort in denial? Sounds like a confusing, contrived approach to life...<br />
But we all know folks who have attempted it...<br />
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Such exhausting efforts in denying the facts and the realities around us, infiltrates so many aspects of each person's lifestyle that it literally changes who and what we are. Both externally and internally. There is ultimately no denying the impacts denial can have on those who choose to cling to it.<br />
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Be it... Religion, career, health, politics, commerce or relationships; in every way we fit to believe and interact we are presented with an ability to either accept an empirical reality or to deny that which most if not all facts would postulate as true and inherent to reality.<br />
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Admittedly, at times when I think about the time spent, the lives spent in denial, it creates so many anxieties and upheaval in my own fortitude and optimism. For instance, on the religious front, the lengths must one go to in order to deny evolution? You literally have to ignore the nature of the gas which fuels your car, and the earth and ground which you walk on. (Case and point: <a href="http://youtu.be/vfp4Ci1b0TI">http://youtu.be/vfp4Ci1b0TI</a>) And this is often founded of course as some moral stance by those in defence of God's story of creation.<br />
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“I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forgo their use.” </div>
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― Galileo Galilei</div>
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In the mind of those who struggle with and attempt to wage such moral battles for the sake of presumed persecution by science, I think it is worth reminding them, that denying the atom exist, can not diminish the effect nor the development of an atomic bomb. But can you imagine a world where those feeling most morally accountable, also embraced the very sciences, wholeheartedly, which are and will guiding our future? If you ever wanted to render your religion irrelevant, I can't think of a better way than denying science as valid or real. And when has the denial of facts ever served as a valid, permanent or worthwhile form of leadership, much less the stewardship of one's faith?<br />
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Additionally, the daily lies some individuals must tell themselves in order to continue eating their way to an early grave are just as astounding. You must even ignore your eventual inability to jog, to run, to sit comfortably in a seat, to fit into clothes; even those perhaps bought just months ago. At such a point you are now beholden to a physical manifestation of denial. Which many might think would be the easiest denial to recognize or avoid, but it is no less prevalent within our society that the type of religious and political or social forms we witness every day.<br />
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The "truth" one has to stretch even within their own mind in order to fathom and imagine everyone else in their life or this world is wrong, but that they are right, is astounding. You have to ignore any basis for functional communication. You have to adopt a notion that apologizing and repentance is a weakness, rather than a strength.<br />
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“Long experience has taught me this about the status of mankind with regard to matters requiring thought: the less people know and understand about them, the more positively they attempt to argue concerning them, while on the other hand to know and understand a multitude of things renders men cautious in passing judgment upon anything new.” </div>
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― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14190.Galileo_Galilei">Galileo Galilei</a></div>
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The dismissive position one has to take as a Christian to find solace in prejudice and discrimination against countless sub-cultures, despite the entire purpose in Christ life, is a great example of the separatism many forms of denial can lead to. You have to reinterpret everything about the salvation Christ describes; and convince yourself it is somehow founded in the judging and condemning of others, rather than the love and grace you are to bestow.<br />
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When physical science, biology, spirituality, sociology and rationality are all areas of one's human experience a person is willing to completely ignore or dismiss, as pr when it suits them, there is not much that can be done to live a realistic, sincere, cohesive life with such a person. Nor should your days be spent in reprehension, regret or remorse over the eventual deterioration of such a destructive relationship or experience. This deterioration after all, was by their own design, and was never an action or a choice you were offered an ability or option to prevent. <br />
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When adamant denial leads to positions of extreme isolation and/or separatist movements, only the most blatant of interventions will typically intervene effectively. And when folks find refuge in larger groups, political movements, or religious affiliations to solidify or support their denial, there is little any small scale intervention will offer or accomplish. So you are left with very few options.<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><br />"If a man is offered a fact which goes against his instincts, he will scrutinize it closely, and unless the evidence is overwhelming, he will refuse to believe it. If, on the other hand, he is offered something which affords a reason for acting in accordance to his instincts, he will accept it even on the slightest evidence. The origin of </span>myths is explained in this way."<br />
― Bertrand Russell <br />
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Life is too short to sit around just waiting for denial to become rational thinking. Nor is your time well spent waiting for a lack of forgiveness, waiting for the denial of evidence, the mocking of facts, the dismissing of reason, or the insecurities of those who cling to such things to give way to grace, humility, healthy love, healthy living, and a new found balance and respect for themselves and those around them.</div>
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While it is true the politics of such people may ultimately or previously have had some bearing on the shaping and misdirected leadership of this country or the city, state and even household you live or were raised in. And while it is true that family members who cling to such reprehensible tendencies of denial can make all those around you miserable; and there is little denying a miserable family can make for a miserable life. Acceptance must be found, and in essence forgiveness must be offered.<br />
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To not accept that these bastions of ignorance and habits of lying to one's self exist, would be no better than the denial such people depend on. And to not forgive why a person chooses to deny realities and cling deception and/or an avoidance or acceptance and facts, is not prudent. Forgiveness must be offered, because your life must go on and be functional, actively and usefully lived.<br />
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You can't function when you find yourself trapped in the misery of another's denial! You can't function when you are a slave to the burdens their limitation are determined to create and present. You must represent a freedom, and an awakening, and an honesty they are not yet (and perhaps never will be) willing to depend on.<br />
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You must get far away from a lifestyle and manifestation of daily lies, and their subsequent daily struggles and inherent negativity; and instead intentionally walk towards habits and promoters of reasoning, critical thinking, communication, acceptance, discovery and the most astute interpretation of current, past and future events your own experience (and those shared by others,) has provided you thus far.<br />
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Denying realities for the sake of enabling other's denials is an utter waste of your own experiences and time spent living. Coddling the hatred, the judgments, the fear and disdain so many around us may exude as they deny the truth, only serve to give purpose to such ignorance. We were not born on this earth to serve as pawns and followers of such frail, ridiculous and insecure thinking. Our lives all have a much greater opportunity.<br />
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<b>(Analogy warning! ~next three paragraphs~ ) ;-)</b><br />
When you finally realize, after perhaps many embarrassing years, that you have served as an "audience member" to the wrong "show"; perhaps a very "poor performance" or performer; a 1 out of 4 star, production... When this realization finally hits you, you must quickly learn to read, listen, and accept the reviews and opinions of others who have seen these types of bad pictures before and no exactly which ones should be avoided. <br />
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(To continue the analogy,) It is very likely, your own discernment between a bad film and a good one may still be a bit blind, hindered, and/or lacking. Therefore, in order to avoid continuing to serve as a naive audience member or worse yet cast member (or a pawn) in this horrible production, you must start trusting the wisdom of those who are not trapped in your seat or season ticket holders.<br />
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There may indeed only be one take, once chance to live our lives... However, there are many performances within this life! There are many matinees, many box office opportunities, many more and new examples of healthier, lucrative, purposeful moments, occasions and days ahead! (Leaving this analogy zone...)<br />
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Head forward! Head towards a new venue... Depend on reliable sources of information; those, less judgmental, less afraid, less turbulent, and more honest resources.<br />
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A "blood relation" doesn't guarantee a fulfilling example of honesty and sincerity. A long standing position within a company, doesn't naturally convey or promote a severance or retirement which will fulfill feelings of purpose and happiness. The size of a community under the roof and steeple of a religious institution does not directly equate to the accuracy and truth which will be found within those walls.<br />
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Learn to discern the truth in you from the lies of others. Start a life that is meant to be lived each day with intention. Intentional living, matched with honesty and an avoidance of denial. Intentional living which seeks vigilantly to place you nearer to the gifts you desire. Lean on and search for the personal traits which you are best fashioned to draw strength from, reproduce and enjoy.<br />
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An artist must seek a creative environment and/or build their studio! A scientist must find a place where theories can be tested and facts are accepted. A bad politician must find voters willing to believe whatever they are told. A good public servant must be willing to listen and uphold the needs of others in ways few of us have witnessed. Your own votes must be an example of testimony and truth, rather than that of titillation and fear.<br />
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It may take you 20, 30, 40 or even 50 years to come to realize many of these patterns, or to feel an incentive to avoid their destruction in your own life. However long, whatever the age, rest assured the next 10,20,30, or 40 years would best be spent avoiding such destruction, insecurities, fear and prolonged exposure to the types of denial which only serve to rob you of your time left here on this planet!<br />
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<b>Free yourself from such delusions!</b><br />
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Extreme cases of denial (delusion) are actually a form of psychosis.<br />
Any delusion is always a mistake!<br />
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Who we spend our life trying to please or fellowship with, certainly changes everything! ...either for the worse or the betterment of our lives. <br />
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We must often look back in review of those who we initially thought were worth so many sacrifices. "Hindsight is 20/20!" Everyone has made bad calls at one point or another in trusting or supporting endeavors that were far from worthwhile or mutually healthy. <br />
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You are not alone. And life will get better now that you head forward with those costly trials and painful lessons under your belt. The pain and anger will also fade. Forgive yourself and forget the rest... They don't deserve any more of your energy or time.<br />
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<b>Stay strong!!</b></div>
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Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-55025213500729738452013-01-18T13:43:00.003-06:002013-01-18T13:43:51.888-06:00What Criticisms About Windows 8 Should Be Yielded Versus Ignored?This article isn't a criticism or endorsement of Microsoft's new Windows 8 OS, but rather an encouragement in discernment when deciding which of the countless reviews on this new OS offering are probably most useful for those wishing to evaluate the product from a distance.<br /><br />I will admit my own perspective on the Windows 8 OS, might differ a GREAT deal from any of those being offered more flippantly offered by your standard foe of "tech reviewers". I feel there is a huge difference in what a reviewer might think he should be reporting on, and what a company like MS is certain it must focus on. This definitely creates some significant issues for any of those wishing to assess a book by it's cover.<br /><br />Most reviews of tech are hardly the types to read the whole book, or even feel their audiences care for them to, before posting a reaction to a product. However, a good tech reviewer, (of which there are few!) must first present and explain the challenges being directly managed, overcome and even nurtured by a company like Microsoft in order to really consider it's subsequent results and product evaluations, useful for any consumer market. <br /><br />With Windows 8, Microsoft, is trying to build a bridge between the current meme of tablet based touch screen user interfaces, and a truly productive, formidable OS. (Incidentally, no one in the industry has attempted anything of this nature to date!) It is doing this with an understood responsibility to 90% of the worlds PC's / servers and computer users. Therefore Microsoft's ability to throw out everything, or further "revolutionize", without also respecting it's current massive majority of every major industry and computer user out there, has to be approached somewhat carefully. Here lies the biggest problem - doing something / anything, "carefully innovative" can certainly be a mixed bag. <br /><br />Once approximately 3-4 minutes of learning curve are properly taught to a new Windows 8 user, the method in their madness (and this approach to "carefully innovative",) and the beauty of this new OS, is easily embraced and eventually fully appreciated. However this few minutes of instructions, flies in the face of picking up some one button tool, and swiping back and forth on a screen full of 3rd party icons of low powered mobile apps. When that is the measure by which a "good or simple" product is defined, I guess there are other who "win".<br /><br />If someone really desires to maintain the level of productivity their company or craft requires; but also wishes to embrace a touch screen form factor of mobile computing while using their most productive 3rd party tools; they don't have an issue taking the 3-4 minutes to embrace the unique nuances of Windows 8. However, if you're a tech reviewer, and you think it is relevant to compare Windows 8's somewhat half-baked, initial "simplicity" to that of a OS which has no role in any major industry nor any significant market share in the PC or Enterprise markets; and can subsequently fly in the face of any respective industry or user's current goals; than the results of such reviews will be completely lost on the first set of the vast majority of profit driven, mission critical customers and consumers.<br /><br />Microsoft's OS solutions are still the only game in town when it comes to any solution which can be implemented for enterprise purposes. (Other than Linux, which requires an exceptional level of internal support and knowledge.) But it is also the only game in town for users who wish to perform serious production based task while maintaining a since of broad support, options and dependability for legacy and future standards as well as innovations. Each consumer type represents not only the types of policies Enterprise clients demand; but moreover the value added responsibilities and responses any production based consumers should be taught to appreciate.<br /><br />Unfortunately, we have seen quite a setbacks through the influence of certain "popular" consumer platforms, in both mobile computing and even an understanding of policies which should be followed in order to avoid obsolescence and/or squandered our tech investments. Mobile computing should first and foremost instill a since of freedom and convenience. Yet this freedom can't come at the expense of security, productivity and value. When we naively trust a platform which fails to also consider the back office, or enterprise and broader infrastructure priorities; or we approach an ecosystem which prioritizes controlling its user's choices or sources for content, applications and/or any form of media; we are completely limiting mobile computing promise of freedom and greater computing value, despite it's countless burgeoning opportunities.<br /><br />In the case of a company like Apple, what is good for the share holders is rarely good for the consumer. In the case of Microsoft, given the fact they maintain 90% of any and all computers which have any significant impact on our Financial, Communication, Enterprise, Transportation, Military, Intelligence, Commerce, Design and Engineering Entertainment, (YOU NAME IT!,) industries; what is good for this massive, vast majority of computing market share, is in turn, naturally good for the share holders. The goals in other words are QUITE different! One seeks to control you once you arrive, the other benefits much more in simply maintaining the productivity and resources of those whom already utilize their technology.<br /><br />There are few "tech reviewers" who have the depth, fortitude or experiences and knowledge to interpret or understand the nuances of these vastly different priorities and responsibilities. Therefor there are very few tech reviewers who would or could attempt to define the power or value each trend setting company has to offer it's current or future users. ... proceed with caution; and hopefully a bit more discernment. Don't let a hot topic or product trend being currently fortified by a naive, fickle, retail market, (nor the reviews who serve them,) impact the course of your own company's profitability, productivity or mission critical thinking.Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-61618391003612281952012-10-25T12:43:00.001-05:002013-10-16T16:00:05.581-05:00Your destinations affect the quality of your journey through life. Invest in travel which exposes you to new cultures; not just scenic overlooks and entertainment.The valued gained from overseas travel to diverse cultures and places is a hard expense/investment for many to measure and justify. As a result, countless American's each year, stick to "the basics". Simply choosing to travel or drive to domestic destination. Those that they are either already familiar with; or which seem to offer the best value; the best "bang for their buck".<br />
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In starting to plan our spring vacation to Europe and/or Asia this year; I'm reminded just how often the destination not only serves as a new place to visit, but also a new way of seeing life. I am forced to make such mutual considerations, given the impact traveling has had in my own life thus far. Not only the way in which we often measure our successes and failures, but also the way we view it's potential and the course in which it holds. <br />
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Also, keep in mind we are just one week away in this country, from selecting who will be or remain the President for the next 4 years. (and many feel their opinion and view on such things, is vital to the future and success of this country.) So many thoughts are therefore directed at how we come to choose such leaders and what motivated these choices. I thought I might also draw that connection when discussing these befits of non-domestic travel.<br />
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Oddly enough, I have to admit; that as time and travel have come to pass in my adult life; the traveling itself has definitely had a bigger impact on the way in which I view life, both here and around the world. Much more than the simple passage of time. So as I and others around me have aged, I have also witnessed, both; the narrowing views of the exclusively domestic travelers I'm surrounded by; as well as, the broadening affects on views and greater understanding of those who have made efforts to vacation abroad over the course of their lives.<br />
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As the saying goes, "Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow mindedness." But even more than this, it allows a person to start re-examining how or why they became a person who sees the world with such a narrow, limited perspective.<br />
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...excuse me, while I digress once more on the topic of our pending election...<br />
Within this heated political climate, and especially one which reveals so many of the conservatively constricted; perhaps at times destitute opinions, we are surrounded by here in the south; I have also found it very telling, when the most narrow, constricted, confused opinions I hear, are 9.9 times out of 10, sourced from voters who have indeed, NEVER ventured away from the shores of North America. <br />
(For this matter, very few have traveled beyond a 5 state region! With perhaps the exception of some rare, individual destination flight or cruise taken to or from California, Florida, New York, Alaska, a Caribbean Island or elsewhere; on an apparent, "once in a lifetime" venture; spent primarily within a hotel, ship, beach front or on a mountain. In other words: seek to tour an entirely new culture, not just a single destination.)<br />
...sorry for that...<br />
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The beauty and humility which can come from seeing ancient cultures which possessed lifestyles far beyond the comfort and luxuries of our own; or sharing a dinner with some of the nicest people you've never met, who all originate from a place, society and culture you have no connection with; can be an utterly wonderful experience! The type, movies, plays and books are written to share; but are easily yours to have.<br />
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Such profound reviews as those offered when traveling to different ways of life, can not only allow someone to overcome unfounded fears; moreover, it helps them respect and discover the abundant possibilities which surround them, even while they are at home. Thereby drastically expanding those daily choices and views; which were previously well outside the reach of more limited exposures to life and subsequent thinking.<br />
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Imagine, realizing once again, that you are not too old to grow and learn. Imagine the pride you would feel, discovering you were a broader, more open; a more understanding person this year than the last. Imagine, not being trapped within the confines of mindsets gleaned from only one mall, one neighborhood, one church, one cause, one family, one mind. Imagine the real world... <br />
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We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventures. Ones we can all grow from if only we strive to view them with our eyes open. Whether you're day-dreaming, teaching your children, having a conversation with your friends and family, or voting; doing so with a closed, limited view of the world, is not only cheating yourself from experiencing a more capable life, full of wisdom; it is also cheating those around you of a more fulfilling, richer experience as they share their life with you.<br />
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Don't cheat yourself... Learn to think outside the confines of your own mind, the borders of the small world you currently live in. Don't just count on a book, the TV, a movie theater, a James Bond film or a Disney World trip to tease you with what life can actually be, smell, taste, sound and feel like when it is not trapped inside one person's typical realm of living and limited travel. <br />
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Find out why God didn't make you the smartest person on the planet. Find out what real beauty can look like, find out what new taste can inspire. Find out what you're missing... <br />
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Then learn to vote, share and live as if you don't have all the answers; or even the slightest knowledge of the real world. Become excited by that possibility, by that fact! Not scared of it, while clinging firmly to the desire to avoid any other truths or examples.<br />
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If you can't let go of your own personal limits in reasoning and considering of others unlike yourself, you'll end your life completely restricted by a white knuckled grip on ignorance and partial views. The types of limits which will never offer perspectives benefiting you or your loved ones on a level representative of your real potential. And that would be a shame for all of us.<br />
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In the future, book travel which reveals a new life, not just a new destination. Discover new cultures as well as new sights. Allow the most entertaining aspect of travel to be the positive difference it creates in your own future, and the lives of those you effect.<br />
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(My own written Facebook profile, represents just a small portion of my personally expanded views gained from traveling beyond our shores. It can also be read in the following blog:<a href="http://themichaelhulmeproject.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-will-wisdom-win.html">http://themichaelhulmeproject.blogspot.com/2011/09/when-will-wisdom-win.html</a> )<br />
<br />10/16/2013 Update:<br />“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”<br />― Mark Twain, The Innocents Abroad/Roughing ItMichael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-55280280712036985242012-10-19T00:42:00.000-05:002013-01-06T07:25:38.361-06:00Fear is an effective bait for conservative positions. Our children deserve better!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Definitely the very sensible position you would hope more of us would have, and take, for our students; which is what makes the GOP's stance of eliminating methods for encouraging critical thinking from our Texas Public Schools so utterly devastating. As if our school system isn't already backwards and devastated enough as the 27th worse ranked in the nation. :-( <br />
(Further exacerbated by the fact the U.S. is already ranked 28th in the world!)<br />
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To summarize the GOP's position within the formal 2012 Platform, they recently published back in August; it states (and I'm paraphrasing):<br />
"Critical thinking skills can serve as nothing more than a "behavior modification"; having the potential of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs." The fear the GOP then further encourage parents to consider and adopt, is the idea that a student who is encouraged to "challenge their current fixed beliefs", will then become a student which will ultimately wish to "undermine parental authority."<br />
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Fear, is always such a wonderful bait for conservative positions, isn't it? Sad... :-( So ironic, to encourage parents to, "fear the undermining of parental authority"; in order to encourage the blind allegiance of those who are susceptible to such fears, as they seek comfort through conformity and party loyalty. Offer them fear of their own children's advancement and ability to think with critical pragmatism, so you can in turn corral those who have lost the very same ability by believing such nonsense. So poor kids, never had a chance.<br />
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My first thought when I read the GOP 2012 published Platform was; how in the world would ANYONE feel it is healthy to encourage a young, student to simply conform to their own current level of "fixed beliefs"?! I mean we're talking about a growing, living, young, students. Isn't the whole point, to encourage them to see who they might become; versus stagnating, right where they are or where they can be held back to conform to be. Very sad. Very telling of our countries decline in education and worldwide competitiveness. Shameful...<br />
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We must find inspirations and hope from speakers like Sir Ken Robinson: <a href="http://youtu.be/r9LelXa3U_I">http://youtu.be/r9LelXa3U_I</a><br />
In order to cope with the current disastrous leadership we are witnessing within our own political landsacape, which forces us towards "conservative" positions, at a time when radical changes are so desperately needed. <i>(RSAnimate Productions are always enjoyable to watch as well: (Same speaker, different speech.) <a href="http://youtu.be/zDZFcDGpL4U">http://youtu.be/zDZFcDGpL4U</a> )</i><br />
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Regardless of how some choose to sugar coat the GOP's current 2012 Platform of the State's 2013 goals for our school's curriculum; (or how some attempt to more narrowly point to curriculum's associated with Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) & Outcome-Based Education (OBE)); the discouragement to teach skills related to establishing knowledge, comprehension & application; represents one of the scariest versions of continuing to limit our countries potential by forever limiting our students thought processes and/or ability to learn and think for themselves. <a href="http://goo.gl/ks6Xw">http://goo.gl/ks6Xw</a><br />
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Many GOP supporters of such limiting "traditional" teaching methods, will simply tell you there is no modern mechanism for empirically measuring a students performance when they are offered any form of objective learning skills; therefore we must stick to age old methods focused on rote learning and memorization. Such as the dependency on flash cards and word memorization and spelling exercises in order to teach a language versus any newer approaches of "Whole Language" instructive techniques focus on meaning and strategy instruction. The list goes one as to the nature of limits presented and maintained in every subject of elementary and secondary education.<br />
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You can read the platforms full report, in it's entirety, for yourself at the following link: <a href="http://goo.gl/G1qAu">http://goo.gl/G1qAu</a> (Go to page 12, the section on "Knowledge-Based Education")<br />
In contrast here is the Democratic Platform: <a href="http://txdemocrats.org/2012/platform.pdf">http://txdemocrats.org/2012/platform.pdf</a>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-20979970055016909082012-09-12T15:16:00.000-05:002012-09-13T03:12:15.646-05:00Apple's 9-12-2012 iPhone 5 - Glorious, if not Anticlimactic, KeynoteOddly enough, the new iPod Nano was probably the biggest surprise of <a href="http://www.apple.com/apple-events/september-2012/" target="_blank">Apple's latest Keynote</a>, hype event. Yet, I agree with many of the posted critiques; the Nano's icons do look ridiculous.<br />
Apple says its core biz is software with superior design. Seems an unfortunate miss on the new nano code...<br />
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<b>:-(</b></div>
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The loss of the old Nano is a tragedy. That was one of the coolest little things Apples ever made. Of the 1/2 dozen product in their store, I always gravitate to that one. Makes one of the coolest watches around... :-)<br />
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All they had to do was add Bluetooth to that little guy, (perhaps integrated caller ID, text and MMS to the iPhone) and they really would have had a winner!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftNZhYUZgKp0aoaHPtQT3wQtkwlcy1yrkUonBsn7i7EWfUWqtCo7VE9CHg3RE6hVI4weeZRc7liFnyo2Du5Sz2kzUqtLC877D0_72cFuW4wfvzUM7onRAYRflxKk5zBecJGujE6R11cs/s1600/Apple+2011+Ipod+Nano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" height="118" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiftNZhYUZgKp0aoaHPtQT3wQtkwlcy1yrkUonBsn7i7EWfUWqtCo7VE9CHg3RE6hVI4weeZRc7liFnyo2Du5Sz2kzUqtLC877D0_72cFuW4wfvzUM7onRAYRflxKk5zBecJGujE6R11cs/s200/Apple+2011+Ipod+Nano.jpg" title="REST IN PIECE (RIP 2011 Nano)" width="200" /></a></div>
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<i>(RIP) Rest In Piece, cute little 2011 iPod Nano</i></div>
Meanwhile, I'm not sure just copying a two year old, OLED Sony Walkman design & functionality is the best way to keep up an "innovator" charade. Certainly not with a device that lacks any ability to leverage their app store.<br />
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At least they further eliminated the usefulness and aesthetics of any existing docking accessories without an adapter. An adapter will look just great on a "nano" version of tech.<br />
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Not to mention, they're back to a video capable, small iPod product, but without camera or camcorder capability. Well, I guess we know what the next big, exciting, update for this product line will be.<br />
...What a <a href="http://www.everymac.com/systems/apple/ipod/index-ipod-specs.html" target="_blank">tiresome marketing cycle</a>!<br />
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As for the iPhone 5 itself...
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If Apple didn't posture themselves as the Gods of design and "simple solutions", "that just work", it wouldn't be so darn ironic and satisfying at times to point out their shameful contradictions. This was a big, Apple day, so here's a Big D reply. ;-) <i>(I live near Dallas)</i><br />
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We knew they were going to once again abandon standards... But why the one that connects you too, and provides power from, the rest of the world!?!?<br />
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It would have been a welcomed surprise today if apple had innovated a "transitional" plug that accepted both the 30pin and the new style, "lighting connector". (Great name, I love things that plug into a wall socket, to feature the description of "lighting" on the other end; featuring <a href="http://blog.tech-army.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Apple-Lighting-to-30-pin-connector-cable.jpg" target="_blank">exposed contacts</a> no less.) A flexible, dual capable plug on this phone, would have offered a transitional opportunity for at least this one product line. (Who are we kidding with this "space constraint" story? They had room left over at the bottom to oddly, I mean "innovatively", relocate the headphone jack.)<br />
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There is a reason the new USB 3.0 Standard fits retro, USB 1.0 and 2.0 ports on existing PC's. This is the way good standards are written and designed. Apple's desire to so blatantly squander the investments of literally millions of loyal customers by ditching the 30 pin connector, they've insisted on using for every other iPhone and Touch product is rather shameful. They should have ditched it when they got rid of the need to power a hard drive, and worry about various analog standards of connectivity and output! (Everyone isn't made of money, and carriers don't subsidize the handful of a dozens charger and adapters you would need to compensate for this loss.)<br />
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Not to mention the 1000's of products still hanging on shelves and within millions of homes and cars which need some ridiculous adapter to further challenge the brilliant "fit and finish"! All the chargers folks struggle to keep handy at the office, night tables and next to their PC. When they've already had to avoid, simple, unified USB solutions.<br />
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<span style="text-align: start;"><i>USB 3 micro B</i></span></div>
"USB 3 micro B" (which includes HDMI) would have been more than adequate, and then could have at least, value justified this solution as move towards an industry standard; such as the HDMI inclusion on the new Macs. (Apple could have even acted like they came up with it; as in Apple's CDMA-LTE Qaulcomm designed and manufactured LTE chip or the new cortex <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/application/detail?productId=7668&iaId=2341" target="_blank">A15 CPU</a> ironically designed and manufactured by <a href="http://www.samsung.com/global/business/semiconductor/product/application/detail?productId=7668&iaId=2341" target="_blank">Samsung</a>.) They could have called their USB knock-off plug the "UB Apple, no flip, no magnet plug"! Taadaa...) Don't they already utilize mini-USB, on their smallest iPod form factor?? So there is no rhyme of reason to their "innovation"-vs- conformity???<br />
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Since existing iPhone owners will be expected to buy and learn to use cumbersome adapters in order to utilize future docks and apple add-ons. I would see more purpose and advantages in simply learning more about adapting the use of Apple iPhone product with the actual industry standards of the world.<br />
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLomEu_285mNRs6CRVIu7RZh6Y0aS14J7p_ZNN1ELw12CMLDpoM9YIi4mWjRv84gnIVFFQLxFZL-f8LDUwnQrpIC25TZFjU49m-jbONaM1eI47oz0WmF1y-44Rge0iwtMEXHw513abXHM/s1600/FiiO+L11+USB+Line+Out+for+iPhone.jpg" style="color: #0000ee; text-align: center;" /><br />
Just buy any multitude of adaptations on Amazon: http://goo.gl/InijX<br />
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Perhaps most surprising is Apple misplaced, yet repeated tendency these days, to further acquiesce only partially towards the rest of the mobile computing industry. Simply bizarre timing, allegiances and delivery. To finally introduce a 16:9 screen! Really! When one of your primary goals from the get go was to sell iTunes store related media; and your CEO at the time was chairman of Pixar, but it never dawned on you in the initial iPhone / Touch design to make it a 16:9 product?<br />
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<i>4:3 = 1940 NTSC TVs :: 16:9 = early 2000's HDTV</i><br />
Apple is the maker of <a href="http://www.apple.com/finalcutpro/" target="_blank">Final Cut Pro</a> HDTV video editing software, for goodness sakes!! Obviously the odd, dated aspect ratio of not only the original iPhone, but also the current iPad, has no real, solid justification. I guess it is just "art"...! Although, I thought such claims; certainly where related to consumer electronics; should typically hold merit in both form and FUNCTION. Meaning a media playback device that honors the intention and viewing experience of the media it plays.<br />
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At least they still avoided the convenience of a removable battery or user expanded memory. Who wants such things after all, in a product that continues to upgrade its camera(s); and subsequently render traveling with additional point-n-shoots less necessary. Heaven forbid you travel Europe or head to a once in a lifetime event and shoot more 1080p video than your phone's built in memory, (combined with all your existing apps, music, and bought movies) can hold. ...Just give em another two years I guess, to "innovate" that. They can call it the "mini-micro-nano A6 SD". ...sweet!<br />
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<i>(Every other phone in the world "gets it"!)</i></div>
And don't even get me started on the nature of all the swelling Li-Ion batteries, naturally bloating after a few 100 recharge cycles. That chemistry has certainly done wonders for the mouse pad, located above MacBook batteries and countless bright spots on ageing (but far from old) iPhone screens. Just allow your loyal customers to plop in a new one; without spending a $50-$80 bucks in service fees! ($30 fee variants are dependent on the model; who knows why? It's like the obscure pricing on added internal RAM. Absolutely, NOTHING to do with current industry pricing.)<br />
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Being a self proclaimed "artist" really shouldn't instill in you a pride, which prevents you from learning from your repeated mistakes! ...but who are we kidding...? An experience in "standards", consumer loyalty, value and satisfaction only a "fanboy" could truly appreciate. Thank God for long-term, subsidized, carrier contracts!<br />
(Heaven forbid, you keep your oddly proportioned phone, slap in a <a href="https://www.net10.com/direct/ValuePlans?app=NET10" target="_blank">NET10 SIM</a>, and get unlimited everything for $45 bucks a month, on the same AT(and)T towers. ...a'la European style, GSM value; as it should be.)<br />
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P.S. Still no true multitasking! Really! What is the point in more CPU cores, when you can't seem to author more apropos, multi-threaded OS code? More on this in the previous blog entry: <a href="http://themichaelhulmeproject.blogspot.com/2012/09/an-apple-day-keep-long-term-carrier.html">http://themichaelhulmeproject.blogspot.com/2012/09/an-apple-day-keep-long-term-carrier.html</a>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-69272689402501140582012-09-11T18:16:00.001-05:002012-09-11T18:28:38.277-05:00An Apple a day... keeps the long term carrier contracts updatedThere are those who have little doubt tomorrows announcement of Apple's new iPhone, will result in one of the largest example of sales in relation to upgraded hardware in the history of computing and mobile tech. And if you look at the data, where related to existing early version of iPhone still being utilized (since it's 2007 release) and the many reasons one would have to wish for an updated device; i.e. bigger screen, fast data speeds, an updated version of iOS; there are reason even more current devices will be traded in.<br />
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There is also Techbargains survey, which shows that <a href="http://www.zdnet.com/22-percent-of-android-users-willing-to-dump-their-handset-for-iphone-5-7000003755/">22 percent of Android users are willing to dump their current handset for the new iPhone</a>, while 38 percent of BlackBerry owners say they will buy the new iPhone. However, it is far easier to sell to existing customers than it is to convince people to switch platforms. Surveys also indicate the strongest demand for the new iPhone are current iPhone owners. <br />
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64 percent of iPhone 4S owners say they will buy the new iPhone, along with 71 percent of iPhone 3G owners. However, the crowd most eager for the iPhone 5 is iPhone 4 owners, with a massive 74 percent saying that they will buy the new iPhone. Keeping in mind, less than 20% of U.S. based iPhone owners would ever pay full price, at a time of sale, for such a device. 80+% depend on deep carrier subsidies in order to consider their purchases or upgrades. Nonetheless, there is little doubt the carriers are ready to entices with typically incentives for upgrades, involving additional 2 year extension to existing contracts, or renewals for those who completed their last sentencing.<br />
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Little can be said for any "innovations", or new tech being the real impetus for the iPhone update this week. The aging iPhone platform is at least 18 month to two years behind other hardware offerings. Apple should have upgraded it' data speed 12 months ago. And only the cheapest handhelds, still feature 3.5" screens. And none of those the odd squarish aspect ratio Apple originally choose. Regardless, there are many who have waited for their fair shares of years to see a refresh and many will be excited to dump there old equipment.<br />
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<strong>I obviously have no cell phone carrier, nor Apple loyalty left in me...</strong><br />
And perhaps excitement for a new, improved, belated update to iPhone's hardware, is better left for aesthetic assertions; as in, .04" thinner-esq ogling; as well as other less-technical anticipations and critiques. If so, sorry for focusing on some of the more techy restraints and lacking, missed opportunities of the highly anticipated iPhone 5 update. But I do think it is worth noting why, even this update, will be lacking in so many, typical Apple fashions.<br />
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<strong>I'm afraid, once again, it will be more about Apple marketing and gifted hype, than anything having to do with a true innovation or significant advances in technology for the industry.</strong> (An explanation from a former Apple CEO, as to the real magic of Apple: <a href="http://www.bgr.com/2012/09/11/apple-criticism-ipad-iphone-gassee/">http://www.bgr.com/2012/09/11/apple-criticism-ipad-iphone-gassee/</a> )<br />
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Avoiding the obvious criticisms of still preventing it's HD, multiple mega pixel shooting public from being able to insert or remove a 64GB micro SDs whenever they choose. And staying away from any goals one would ever have of replacing their battery (either once it's li-Ion naturally bloats, after continued cycles, or) while on a long trip or away from a recharging venue. Let's just talk Connectivity, OS limitations and form factor. (Not in that order.) :-)<br />
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<strong>NEWish SCREEN:</strong><br />
Obviously no reason to further "innovate" here. Just huge reasons to "catch up." Resolutions need not be improved, since by Apple's own claim, their ppi (326 pixel per inch, to be exact,) is already at a "retina limitation". Of course trusting such magical claims and definitions of perceptions or end user limitations, evidently has more to do with marketing BS, than any individual measure an optometrist would offer; pertaining to the varied nature of each individuals visual acuity. Unfortunately, less the less inspired, but more prudent, judicious nature of conserving the use of excess pixels when their redundancy is useless (such as when watching a 1280x720 HD offering from the iTunes library,) and instead focusing on CPU, GPU and LCD conservations providing for much better battery life.<br />
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It is nice to think Apple will finally be abandoning the obscure aspect ratio & dismal size of it's current ridiculous screen design. I think when Apple copied the LG Prada's capacitive touch screen phone & design, (despite the many Sony consultations, advising otherwise,) they should have avoided the temptation to duplicate LG's anemic size and aspect ratio; since it was never befitting to any offerings within the vast Media library Apple enjoys it's users to purchase from. <br />
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(Of course when they introduced the iPhone it had no direct app store connectivity, and it was still sold as a "companion device", to systems still offering less support of HDTV than to DV, despite 2007 being late into HDTV production demands. Who knows what take Apples eye so far off the ball?)<br />
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<strong>ABANDONED STANDARDS:</strong><br />
However, it is rather shameful to think of all the 10's of 1000's of extremely costly accessories and automotive interfaces, the new "Dock Connector" will render useless without some ridiculous adaptation. Typical of dumping Firewire 800 for Intel's Fiber Channel, or finally ditching Display Port for HDMI. However, you would think by learning that their "innovations" are either very limiting or not worth the publics support, they might have at least chosen to standardized this products main dock connector and the public's opportunity towards an already comprehensive and widely adopted solutions, such as the USB 3.0 Micro B / HDMI capable, hybrid connector.<br />
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(Apple does such a great job at repackaging commodity hardware, while insisting on trying to venture out on a limb where related to methods of connectivity to third party peripherals; but such practices are a HUGE disservice to its customers. I know the goal is control and "pigeon hole" folks towards "Apple Only" options, in order to up sale and licencing requirements; but it sure seems like a dated concept!)<br />
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<strong>NEW, MULTI-CARRIER, "INT'L" RADIO:</strong><br />
I doubt there will be much mention of Apple being no less than a year and a half late, offering any headset based 4G support. Instead I'm sure Apple will spin their desired focus towards issues like finally, officially, functioning (without crippled, stunted data bandwidth,) on the T-Mobile network as much more than it is. (A new carrier is certainly the best way to increase sales, with a now dated platform,) This more broadly capable radio can be touted as more than it is given the fact T-mobile opted for the more "international standard" of LTE frequencies; whereas AT&T unfortunately bought into a crippling partnership with Qualcom, thereby limiting it's opportunity to a rather North American standard of LTE "bandwaves", I'll call them. ;-)<br />
<em>(However, it will be interesting to see how apple avoids the inevitable law suits promised from Samsung over this upgrade; given the recent billion Apple garnered from Samsung over the physical shape of their phones. More here on Samsung LTE patents and Apple potential infringement: </em><a href="http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-to-sue-apple-over-4g-lte-in-iphone-5-7000004015/"><em>http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-to-sue-apple-over-4g-lte-in-iphone-5-7000004015/</em></a><em> )</em><br />
<br />
This was an ironic choice between the two major U.S., GSM carriers; given the fact, such compatibilities where related to Voice and HSPA frequencies experienced an opposite favoritism in the past. AT&T equipment is much more globally compatible (200+ countries) than is T-mobiles, once you leave North America.<br />
<br />
But what Apple won't share with you, if they choose to tout "Global or GSM Carrier compatibility", is the fact that their U.S. sold, incredibly subsidized equipment, is NEVER able to reap the typical benefits of international, i.e. GSM freedom or compatibility, when traveling. Due to Apple's unparalleled arrangements with carriers, preventing unlock codes from providing anything more than a placebo effect, when attempting to use overseas SIM chips. (Hence the reason, NO ONE, can fault Apple's innovations, when it comes to contracts and patent buyouts and the incessant "trolling" that follows!)<br />
<br />
<strong>SAME OLD OS AND CPU ISSUES:</strong><br />
I imagine there will be little to no talk about "Mulititasking", since there is little change in opportunities to Apple's redefined version of crippled-tasking, worth mentioning. Will be interesting what they imply any additional cores will do for the sake of new "revolutionary" apps (other than perhaps more Nvidia GPU's, for the sake of better gaming.)<br />
<br />
Android running as a VM on top of Linux is hardly a "limitation", given any modern CPUs ability to handle multiple threads of simultaneous instructions. In fact it lends itself incredibly to exploiting modern, multi-core CPU and GPUs. While maintaining a less current version of the Google OS; which either shipped with your phone, or the version your provider chose to OTA upgrade; is much less of a hassle or disappointment than completely disabling the bizarre imitation of "multitasking" Apple devised; when using one of their 1st or 2nd gen devices.<br />
<br />
As far as choosing between "crippled" or limited, mobile OS experience, Apple has gone above and beyond in their contrived implementation of iOS. It is VERY ironic, given the impressive UNIXesq background, the infusion of BeOS offered OSX when that transition was made after reinstating Steve Jobs. Apparently his "vision" of the future of mobile CPU's just wasn't as astute. Perhaps understandable since, as he put it, "they are not a hardware company."Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-82990738074971446812012-07-30T09:54:00.000-05:002012-07-30T10:12:29.625-05:00You Have To Ask Yourself, Is Fear And Loathing Your Guide To American Politics?<br />
A friend recently posted the following quote on his social network "wall":<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">"Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery." -Winston Churchill</span><br />
<br />
The quote garnered responses like: "<span style="background-color: #edeff4; color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; text-align: left;">Too bad people don't know that's where we are headed (or where we already are)."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="96ac25fb822d3eedafe1c431a539119030f58558" grtype="null" id="GRmark_96ac25fb822d3eedafe1c431a539119030f58558_Hmmm:0">Hmm</span> ...because nothing good has ever come from American's working together, or attempting to be more than the sum of their parts?? After all, that's how we become a "Super Power"...<br />
...we avoided combining resources. Right? <br />
<br />
HERE'S SOME MORE THOUGHTS... :-)<br />
<br />
I'm afraid folks started rashly confusing something called a, "spending deficit", with our country's ability to actually afford running our government. In fact, any country such as ours; and certainly one with the most successful GDP in the world, can more than afford each and every year of our current and proposed Federal Budget. (Which is typically much less than 16% of our GDP)<br />
<br />
The problem is, our tax receipts and method of "balancing" anything in Washington, has become an abomination of any responsible approach to finance. Putting off the reasonable approach of immediately paying for the things we can very reasonably and easily afford. <br />
<br />
For decades now, Washigton's method of "Political Finance" has instead been about delaying a person's feeling of obligation, and devising creative, misinformed areas of blame for the resulting debt. Such practices were and are initially put in place to please deep pocketed constituents; arranging for "creative" practices with regards to tax incentives and an INSANE reckless choice of abatement and debt management; over responsible, sane, approaches to debt free finance.<br />
<you get="" picture="" the=""></you><br />
<br />
<b>** I'm just not sure how such mistakes equate to dumping on the idea that American's do EXTRAORDINARY things when we pull our resources and work together?</b><br />
<br />
Asking the middle class to continue shouldering the largest percentage of any effort involving our Federal Budget, (not to mention something as mundane and needless as debt management; a.k.a. interest paid to the Chinese and Middle East;) is simply, ridiculous nonsense!! Especially, given the VERY disproportionate way in which the GDP is garnered. Such practices are certainly no longer the answer; and never should have been. They are cleaver political schemes, run-a-muck!<br />
<br />
<b>** None the less, the middle class voices, and voters, seem to be susceptible to this continual, sensationally marketed message, being campaigned and sent down to them.</b> <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="da6ecddb97734032bf89fefc2d34753330a4a687" grtype="null" id="GRmark_da6ecddb97734032bf89fefc2d34753330a4a687_(:0">(</span>So we end up misrepresenting quotes like the one above, and acting as if the U.S. <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="93298e1b28852fab97dd227823fd1f4a8dac2ed3" grtype="null" id="GRmark_93298e1b28852fab97dd227823fd1f4a8dac2ed3_is:0">is</span> crippled! It's crazy really... Our leadership is the only thing causing a limp!)<br />
<br />
Simply bizarre to watch how well we've been toyed with! ...and a bit embarrassing! But such irresponsible behavior and manipulation of public opinion, is why guys like Rupert Murdoch and his unethical business practices, as well as all related, dominating, influences; over, at least a subculture of public opinion, are banned from their native countries. Most governments have learned (the hard way; including ours,) how detrimental such continual influences of controlled press and media can be on their country's long-term stability, and ability to function as a Democracy. Therefore, other Democracies luckily pass and uphold laws, preventing such perversions; well before the pockets of their congress were lined in such a way as to prevent such common sense approaches.<br />
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<b>** When private interest is able to effectively undermine our public's sensibilities, we all lose something VERY valuable! Our public sovereignty! </b><br />
<br />
<br />
Many more of us should carefully rethink this non-sense of continually defending something, representative of a disproportionate method of dealing with our tax receipts and the avoidance of responsibly paying, up front, for the opportunity, privilege and power of a Federal Government, such as ours. ...Something, we, as the majority of the public at large, stand to gain from in no way; long or short term!<br />
<br />
<b>** Otherwise, we will all end up getting exactly what is deserved. ...no vote, no power, no say, no sovereignty, no future.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
Incidentally, as for the quote: Churchill became saddened and fearful of countless aspects of social power and control, given the events he was witnessing unfold. Many of which were a social anomaly at the time, spawning from Hitler's well timed influences over a starving aspect of Europe's Germany. Churchill, rightly so, become an individual, forced to be often guided by fear. (As was the case with much of the world at the time.) He witnessed the very worst in mankind. <br />
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If you want to understand more about how such fear is now dealt with in Europe, you should look into Germany's mandates as to how they assure they never forget such atrocities and how they teach their future generations to avoid falling prey to such tyrannous leadership and influence.<br />
<br />
You have to ask yourself, is fear and loathing your guide? ...and at the very least, study the context and timing of such messages; and what forces were being brought to bear at the time; and by what means had they come to power.<br />
<br />
Otherwise, the context of such quotes, has little meaning for us American's. For that matter we felt Churchill's entire war and struggles had little meaning for us, until the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. The man felt shamefully and painfully alone, most of the time! (Hidden away in a bunker, isolated and unable to see his family and closest companions.) Life at the time, was simply an utter nightmare! Despite knowing he was rightfully fighting the most evil forces his modern armies had ever been required to engage. :-(<br />
<br />
We are now able to review such history and decisions with very different eyes. ...opened eyes.<br />
Don't be inspired to close them.Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-2062310592779964042012-07-24T00:55:00.000-05:002012-07-26T16:53:41.318-05:00Even Canon Folks Might Start Embracing The Future of Digital Photography Now! :-)Good news for aspiring amateur photographers!! There is one more reason to avoid buying another, bulky, dated, piece of DSLR camera hardware. Avoid it like the plague!! Even Canon fans can finally revel in the fact, Canon has finally announced its official Mirrorless, Interchangeable lens, consumer entry, the "EOS M": <a href="http://goo.gl/fsdlt">http://goo.gl/fsdlt</a> Which features a sensor and specs nearly identical to their Rebel T4i, pro-<span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="226ebca52a5c8d9727c92ec2226d6938decaf296" grtype="null" id="GRmark_226ebca52a5c8d9727c92ec2226d6938decaf296_sumer:0">sumer</span> line.<br />
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<a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/07/canondsc06238-1343069862.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2012/07/canondsc06238-1343069862.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The bad news, it won't be out until October, 2012. The good news, while <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="79219210a908d076bd6a2d83c651580b522b8382" grtype="null" id="GRmark_79219210a908d076bd6a2d83c651580b522b8382_Canon:0">Canon</span> is indeed way behind the pack, there are several other, EXCEPTIONAL options, worthy of your immediate investment; as nearby to you as your nearest Best Buy. So again, avoid the bulk of the aging DSLR designed camera equipment like the plague! It is so 1990's! <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="1610ce77744d503957c67dfa06c692b903834a1d" grtype="null" id="GRmark_1610ce77744d503957c67dfa06c692b903834a1d_::0">:</span>-S<br />
<br />
Cannon certainly has a GREAT DEAL of catch up to do with the Mirrorless, Interchangeable lens category of photography hardware at this point, but few doubt they are up for the task. Of course for those who would rather just experience all the many benefits of the Mirrorless world now, such as, faster focusing, better high-ISO performance, more accurate white balance, and better image quality overall, not to mention an ability to quickly learn how to use more than the 1/10th of the features most amateur photographers manage to embrace; just go grab a Sony NEX-C3 or NEX-5N. (For the "Pros", look into the NEX-7) <a href="http://goo.gl/fQK0l">http://goo.gl/fQK0l</a><br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6609209491_21d300f56a_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6609209491_21d300f56a_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<i>(<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg/550px-Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg.png">Full sized sensor</a>, "<span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="d36e303cb787fc7a74af2ee3d721cf7feeac5335" grtype="null" id="GRmark_d36e303cb787fc7a74af2ee3d721cf7feeac5335_mirrorless:0">mirrorless</span>", Sony NEX-5N, next to an iPhone)</i></div>
<br />
Even better, this is the state of the art, because it is both affordable, compact and easy. Such pieces of inspiring hardware are now supported by; 16 to 24+ mega pixels at up to 10 fps (frame per second) shooting; 1080p Highdef (HDTV) movies and 60fps (frames per second); <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg/550px-Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg.png">APS-C size</a> HD image sensor; Sweep Panorama mode; Auto HDR (High Dynamic Range); Live View and Tiltable 3.0" LCD Touch Screens; and of course E-mount 18-55mm full size lens and adapters for any old lens you may still wish to use.<br />
<br />
Put simply, the current state of the art in photography hardware, means you can have all the performance of those old, full size, DSLR designs, in about half the size and half the weight. It's now about capturing your memories in any quality and style format you wish and with complete ease. The best camera is not only the one you know how to fully utilize, it is also the one you have with you. And lugging around a full size DSLR through the formative years of your new baby's growth, visits to the parks, or just a stroll with grandma around the mall, is hardly practical. Not to mention the detriment it is packing for those fun overseas trips when your scared such bulky equipment will either stick out like a sore thumb for thieves, or be crushed while being slung between numerous trains and plane connections.<br />
<a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6609207251_c48fe55e57_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6609207251_c48fe55e57_b.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
Don't sell yourself short. And whatever you do; just don't let another person (or yourself,) be talked into grabbing yet another, dated, mirrored BULKY, DSLR, designed with countless, conventional film holdovers, in a day and age of fully digital sensors. Mirrored, bulky, DSLRs are built the way they are because they are a bi-product or a bygone era! <br />
<br />
The large, "mirrored", DSLR style cameras are large, slow, mechanical, and complicated, due to the decades of research and development which no one wished to quickly abandon. Much of the current and past designs were simply associated with film, and certainly the need for a backplate area of the camera that use to sit between the two dispensing and receiving rolls of film. And managing the challenge presented to not only expose that momentary glimpse of light onto the film or retrofitted digital sensor; while also providing a method by which a preview of the framed shot was first and during each photo offered to the photographer behind the lens.<br />
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<a href="http://seoulcolors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/digital_film2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://seoulcolors.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/digital_film2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>(Above image, is an ingenious "Digital Camera Back" adaptation, for analog film cameras)</i></div>
The relentless and vested interest in bulky, DSLR, camera designs and all the dated, traditional nuances of approaching the more mechanical natures of handheld photography are fascinating. It must be assumed that many are rather emotional, but perhaps even more are financially encouraged; due to a personal collection of lens, batteries, etc.. But the financially vested interest in continuing to market and sales such swollen versions of technology to average consumers and amature photographers must be the predominant motivation for the few reluctant manufactures. <br /><br />Whether you take into considerations the manufacture's massive investments in patents or the millions in assembly lines and production tooling dedicated to the 1000's of specialized mechanism, optics, fittings and the multitudes of all the varied, numerous, supporting accessories and devices. It is obvious abandoning such dated methods of processing and previewing live photography has not been an easy risk for many of our major brands to swallow.<br />
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Nevertheless, unless you are a press pass carrying, side line shooting, jungle crawling, professional portrait producing, wedding photography shooting guru! Stop the madness! No normal, occasional or daily shooter, with a travel bug, a new child, or a hankering for bird watching, air shows and nature hikes; should try to imagine that they will enjoy lugging, firing up, learning and using, with any amount of skill and efficiency, the girth and learning curve now associated with the dated designs of full size, pro-summer and/or professional DSLR style cameras. I can't believe I'm still seeing average consumers still making this mistake? I know the guys at Best Buys floor are of little to no help; but the internet is there 24/7.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Cutaway diagram of "traditional", digital DSLR camera</i></div>
I'll put it to you this way. You bought a "Smartphone" so you can launch apps and text with ease; you no longer drive a stick, so you can sip your latte in peace; you enjoy having air conditioning because no one like to constantly sweat. There are certainly technology and conveniences, that you just shouldn't argue too much about, once you see the benefits and enjoyment they provide. <br />
<br />
Therefore, if capturing photos of superior quality, (meaning far better quality than a simple "one click" or that of your cell phone's provision,) are a passion and a priority for you; then combine that exciting goal with the same sensibility which has lead you to other streamlined, clever, affordable, useful advances in modern technology.<br />
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FYI: A DSLR (digital single-lens refl ex) camera employs a mechanical mirror system that directs the light travelling through the attached lens upwards at a 90 degree angle allowing the photographer to compose the shot through the viewfinder. As the shutter button is pressed the exposure takes place: the mirror swings out of the way and the shutter opens allowing the lens to project the light onto the <a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg/550px-Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg.png">image sensor</a>. <br />
<br />
NOTE: I last blogged about the advantages of the new Mirroless camera's in Feburary of 2012: http://goo.gl/fP32e. Prior to these "<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg/550px-Sensor_sizes_overlaid_inside.svg.png">full size" <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="70514cb0bb4b42d1edb6b49bb8d57e373c6ef5ec" grtype="null" id="GRmark_70514cb0bb4b42d1edb6b49bb8d57e373c6ef5ec_sensored:0">sensored</span></a> <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="70514cb0bb4b42d1edb6b49bb8d57e373c6ef5ec" grtype="null" id="GRmark_70514cb0bb4b42d1edb6b49bb8d57e373c6ef5ec_mirrorless:1">mirrorless</span> offerings, I also offered some blog entries pertaining to the Micro 4/3rds formats being produced by Panasonic and others. Such as the G1, now updated to the <a href="http://goo.gl/7z5ks">DMC-G5</a>. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro_Four_Thirds_system<br />
<br />
(Incidentally, Sony's next generation of offerings, (<a href="http://goo.gl/WYG2w">http://goo.gl/WYG2w</a>) will indeed be even smaller, and will virtually overlap the world of "one click", pocket camera offerings; leaving the lower end of that market to be cannibalized by the advancing quality of Smartphone handset based tech, not to mention completely innovative solutions from company's like Lytro. <a href="http://www.lytro.com/">http://www.lytro.com/</a>)Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-45015894940784227852012-07-16T17:10:00.000-05:002012-07-30T09:55:06.664-05:00Weather your creativity is deductive or contemplative, never let it down!<span class="GingerNoCheckStart"></span>I remember the first time I tried to define for myself what I truly felt a creative idea represented. After years of toying with the concept of true creativity, I came to my own conclusion that there were basically two types of creative inspirations. Those which were "contemplative" and those which were "deductive".<br />
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I view those which are represented in the works of a Michelangelo as highly contemplative; when they are an example of such painstaking sculpting; such as, a work like the <a href="http://goo.gl/8HZn">Pietà</a>. http://goo.gl/8HZn<br />
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http://goo.gl/XMwex</div>
A work which was rendered from a huge monolithic piece of indescribably strong stone. A medium with the relentless expectation that every move made by the artist is flawless. One chisel to deep, or a single inaccurate strike, will permanently maim the desired work beyond repair. (At least towards the final stages of such work.) And yet from this medium of cold, hard, stone, a Michelangelo imagined, and had the skill to deliver, a static image; which represents a seemingly living, emotional, gut wrenching story or broken flesh, broken hearts, and broken hopes.<br />
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So with "contemplative creativity" in my own mind, comes <span style="white-space: nowrap;">the</span> birth of an idea from a void of limited inspiration. An idea, which manifest itself from a space where there was nothing discernible to guide or inspire it. And oddly enough, even my example of the <a href="http://goo.gl/8HZn">Pietà</a> is far from a perfect example of such contemplation. Given the fact, both scriptural accounts and religious exuberance, each played a sizable part in inspiring the hands of such artist, final results. But the transformation of cold marble to that of soft flesh is more to the point of the type of contrast and pure manifestation this final piece provides as my own definitive example.<br />
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As for "deductive creativity"; it is perhaps best defined as a "trial and error" method of arriving at your final result. The notion of placing a desire, wall, shape, color or artifact in one corner of your landscape, then spinning it, overlapping it, cropping it, contrasting it, only to finally arrive on the layout you feel is either the most aesthetically pleasing or functional, or a balance of both.<br />
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While such deduction are not quite as rare or perhaps even earth shattering as the examples I would typically define as "contemplative", such astute measures of discernment and application are not to be thought less of. It is a rare individual which can regularly and reliably deliver a balance of form and function when needed. Or create examples of abundant expression, while not overwhelming any desired story. What ever the balancing act, expression or endeavor is, when a person is gifted in their own right, they are a "creative" that some audience will find great value in.<br />
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Recently a friend posted a quote from the modern mil maker, <a href="http://goo.gl/9eFnJ">Jim Jarmusch</a>, (<a href="http://goo.gl/9eFnJ">http://goo.gl/9eFnJ</a>) which broke down his own encouragements concerning the personal bouts of inspiration one might face of inspiration. He terms these "authentic" methods of inspiration.<br />
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"Nothing is original. Steal from anywhere that resonates with inspiration or fuels your imagination. Devour old films, new films, music, books, paintings, photographs, poems, dreams, random conversations, architecture, bridges, street signs, trees, clouds, bodies of water, light and shadows. Select only things to steal from that speak directly to your soul. If you do this, your work (and theft) will be authentic. Authenticity is invaluable; originality is nonexistent. And don’t bother concealing your thievery – celebrate it if you feel like it." — <a href="http://goo.gl/9eFnJ">JIM JARMUSCH</a><br />
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And since we also all tend to live in the "real world"; and for most of my viewers are based in a free-enterprise markets, such as the United States; I'm going to add a cautious sentiment and encouragements for those making their way through this capitalistic, make all spend all society.<br />
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My first word of caution towards a fellow "creative" is concerning those who would rather flippantly, choose to pillage one's inspirations and authentic zeal. Life is simply too short to entertain their company or allow their destructive antics to have a lasting impact on our soul for creativity.<br />
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There are also those who choose rather happily to ride the tail coat of other's creativity and inspiration for many years. Those who possess enough sense of self-preservation to not completely squash the drive of the ones they desperately depend on.<br />
Eventually, even such formidable, clever, leaches will drain the life out of those driving them toward their agendas. Some come in the form of people others are large corporate entities. And unfortunately, often; only hindsight or a fortunate gift of wise mentoring, has the slightest chance of revealing the potential damage.<br />
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None the less. It does no good to ever stay down when one has been tripped. So enjoy the ride and always get back up as soon as possible when even you've fallen or fallen prey. - Oh, and find a trusted mentor. :-)<br />
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Sincerely,<br />
Michael Hulme<br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-75715096222382780342012-07-14T04:49:00.000-05:002012-07-14T18:58:23.649-05:00Apple Would Have To Sell 50% More iPhones To Equal Google's Current Android Platform Install Base<br />
Hard to believe there are now 50% less Apple iPhones, than there are Google Android phones! Given the fact the Android platform (Sept '08) was released a year after the first <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="ffd71ea6d900c008dadc5a1b642de774d5bfa41c" grtype="null" id="GRmark_ffd71ea6d900c008dadc5a1b642de774d5bfa41c_iOS:0">iOS</span> device (Sept '07).<br />
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<a href="http://goo.gl/Yt0Qw" style="background-color: white;">http://goo.gl/Yt0Qw</a></div>
I knew the average consumer would soon catch on the the many advantages of Google's Android platform, but I had no idea it would happen so dramatically and quickly.<br />
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The historical data for the last year, paints even more of the "Smartphone" story:<br />
Poor BlackBerry went from 20% of the Smartphone market just a year ago, to 8.1% this week! Whereas Android, went from 39% to 51.8%, & <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="eb0735e92d7ee5681666730918d1a0dbffbe0e1f" grtype="null" id="GRmark_eb0735e92d7ee5681666730918d1a0dbffbe0e1f_iOS:0">iOS</span> from 28% to 34%.<br />
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<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><a href="http://goo.gl/F1zBd">http://goo.gl/F1zBd</a></span>
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So Android increased by another 13% of the total market share, while <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="6cb338487233132b124b67f7314792d7a6fb2016" grtype="null" id="GRmark_6cb338487233132b124b67f7314792d7a6fb2016_iOS:0">iOS</span> took an additional 6%. <br />
<br />
It's definitely just a two horse race at this point, with Google managing to deliver twice the results. And this gap between Google and Apple will grow even more drastically if Nokia indeed decides to jump ship from the Windows Phone platform and also adopt Google's Android. <a href="http://goo.gl/X3r3f">http://goo.gl/X3r3f</a><br />
<br /><b><u>SIDE BAR:</u></b><br />
Now if U.S. consumers would just stop signing up for those OUTRAGEOUS, subsidized, post-paid, cell phone, voice and wireless data plans! Given the fact alternative "pay-as-you-go" plans will typically offer unlimited EVERYTHING (Voice, Text & data,) for somewhere between, $45-$60 per months!! <br /><br />So even cell phone users living in the State, can now experience the values their European counterparts have always demanded; if they just shop a bit better, and avoid walking into those brick and mortar major carriers retail outlets.<br /><b> ...i.e. By saving money through providers and plans such as:</b><br />STRAIGHT TALK (GSM on ATandT): <a href="http://straighttalksim.com/shop.php">http://straighttalksim.com/shop.php</a> -or-<br />NET10 (GSM on ATandT): <a href="http://www.net10sim.com/shop.php">http://www.net10sim.com/shop.php</a> -or- <br />TING (CDMA on Sprint): <a href="https://ting.com/why-ting/">https://ting.com/why-ting/</a> -or-<br />PAGEPLUS (CDMA <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="ee565be29b9b2c50879b749fc42683a980270347" grtype="null" id="GRmark_ee565be29b9b2c50879b749fc42683a980270347_on:0">on</span> Verizon) <a href="http://www.pagepluscellular.com/">http://www.pagepluscellular.com/</a> -or-<br />RED POCKET (GSM on ATandT): <a href="http://goredpocket.com/plans/">http://goredpocket.com/plans/</a> -or-<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Each of the above offerings are <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_virtual_network_operator">MVNO</a>'s; meaning they resale other carrier's cellular bandwidth, follow the equipment advice in the "fine print" below accordingly.)</span><br />T-MOBILE PrePaid (GSM): <a href="http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans">http://prepaid-phones.t-mobile.com/prepaid-plans</a><br />Perhaps the best unlimited data ONLY deals are, T-Mobile $30/month Monthly 4G and Virgin Mobile's $35/month Beyond Talk plan with an Android phone or BlackBerry Phone.<br /><br />Many more details on these types of offerings are available in articles such as the following:<br /><a href="http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011/02/best-prepaid-data-carriers-and-plans.html">http://www.prepaidphonenews.com/2011/02/best-prepaid-data-carriers-and-plans.html</a>
<br />
(Combine such services with free offerings like <a href="http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CGwQjBAwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fvoice%2Fabout%2F&ei=A0ABUJiBA5P02wXQrempCw&usg=AFQjCNFybidgUYgAUSh-tbSvt7yrz6t9Pg&sig2=MHWoBEeePQYJANjBWV4pwQ">Google Voice</a> to experience the ultimate convenience and value for mobile communication and wireless mobile data/computing.)<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><b>Fine print when choosing your desired handheld, Smartphone equipment:</b></u><br />I can't really recommend a phone for you as everyone's needs and tastes are different. But here are some things to keep in mind.<br />* To use the phone in Europe it must support the 900 and 1800 <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="9bdd3fdfb7aa6bc46a0686f6094d75b999c72df5" grtype="null" id="GRmark_9bdd3fdfb7aa6bc46a0686f6094d75b999c72df5_mHz:0">mHz</span> GSM <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="9bdd3fdfb7aa6bc46a0686f6094d75b999c72df5" grtype="null" id="GRmark_9bdd3fdfb7aa6bc46a0686f6094d75b999c72df5_bands:1">bands</span>. To get 3G in Europe the phone must support the 2100 <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="eb174436bfc3fdc8acf1e5cdf5e70f87cb83b285" grtype="null" id="GRmark_eb174436bfc3fdc8acf1e5cdf5e70f87cb83b285_mHz:0">mHz</span> UMTS band <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="eb174436bfc3fdc8acf1e5cdf5e70f87cb83b285" grtype="null" id="GRmark_eb174436bfc3fdc8acf1e5cdf5e70f87cb83b285_I:1">I</span>.<br />* To use a phone on T-Mobile USA it must support the 1900 <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="8e8cd6463404db80cd91a2c1e87826e6e7693d00" grtype="null" id="GRmark_8e8cd6463404db80cd91a2c1e87826e6e7693d00_mHz:0">mHz</span> GSM band. To get 3G on T-Mobile it must support UMTS band IV (1700 downlink, 2100 uplink) (aka AWS)<br />* To use a phone on AT&T it must support the 850 and 1900 <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="1c69b336156a6a04a7dc4842169fcd38b06cb5b6" grtype="null" id="GRmark_1c69b336156a6a04a7dc4842169fcd38b06cb5b6_mHz:0">mHz</span> GSM <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="1c69b336156a6a04a7dc4842169fcd38b06cb5b6" grtype="null" id="GRmark_1c69b336156a6a04a7dc4842169fcd38b06cb5b6_bands:1">bands</span>. To get 3G it must support UNTS band II (1900 <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="e0322446002c38c3b710f3547bfd3b8d280dfec5" grtype="null" id="GRmark_e0322446002c38c3b710f3547bfd3b8d280dfec5_Mhz:0">Mhz</span>) and UTMS band band V (850 <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="e0322446002c38c3b710f3547bfd3b8d280dfec5" grtype="null" id="GRmark_e0322446002c38c3b710f3547bfd3b8d280dfec5_Mhz:1">Mhz</span>).<br />(AT&T phones are all compatible with Europe's 3G GSM <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="cd69ea332e89aa3deb39255cf32cebc5ac2b25a6" grtype="null" id="GRmark_cd69ea332e89aa3deb39255cf32cebc5ac2b25a6_freguencies:0">freguencies</span>. Most recent T-Mobile branded phones support the required frequencies for Europe including 3G but check the specs before you buy as a few don't.)</span>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-33211160030059781612012-07-13T20:04:00.001-05:002012-07-26T16:42:41.638-05:00Affordable Health Care Act (a.k.a. ObamaCare) A Bill That Ignores So Much, while Accomplishing Even MoreI have no delusions about the Affordable Health Care Act's ability to address the abomination our insurance industry has made of American medicine and the affordability of our care. It accomplishes little to nothing to correct this quagmire; this INSANE system, we have allowed to run-a-much for so many decades. And regardless of what it will or will not achieve towards putting these insurance company's in their place; there are the minimal establishments it offers which MUST NOT BE OVERLOOKED OR UNDERESTIMATED.<br /><br />I am merely hopeful and confident, an individual who has no other fair way, to step up to this table of bloated, "managed health care" non-sense; can at least, count on approaching the desperately needed attention and care they require when the time comes! But this bill goes far beyond this!!<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://youtu.be/3-Ilc5xK2_E">http://youtu.be/3-Ilc5xK2_E</a></div>
It will quite simply save the lives of countless citizens, while preventing bankruptcy for 10's of thousands of others. In addition, it will offer countless millions an the opportunity I mentioned above, to finally seek care they would have otherwise neglected. <b>And perhaps the most "American", capitalistic, benefits, will be the opportunity for many of those who have felt shackled to a pathetic means of livelihood and income to finally feel compelled to pursue something much more befitting of their aspirations, talents and potential; without the fear they will be denied coverage elsewhere.</b><br />
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What is the point of trapping American's in situations where they fear adequate coverage will be <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="af38d46fdf1dfceeca26ea8cf038960034987271" grtype="null" id="GRmark_af38d46fdf1dfceeca26ea8cf038960034987271_unaffordable:0">unaffordable</span> or completely denied, without a current (often dead-end) employers' continued involvement and medical policy related compensation? Our country was not built on such trappings.<br />
<br />
Our insurance industry has <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="cd96e226e9ca5fcd9990f47893e97af6a883bb3c" grtype="null" id="GRmark_cd96e226e9ca5fcd9990f47893e97af6a883bb3c_architectured:0">architectured</span> a system which assures your health care is un-affordability; unless, you pay them a monthly premium; which you also can't afford. And then by design, they are able to refuse, reduce and deny any portion of coverage and/or service cost they see fit.<br />
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In addition to this insanity, some voters act as if a fear of "socialism" is their impetus for avoiding government intervention. This is absurd given the hypocritical fact that no one can afford medical care without depending on insurance, and insurance in and of itself is a socialized, group participant, economy of scale. </div>
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<a href="http://youtu.be/nXfGeMNnBsM">http://youtu.be/nXfGeMNnBsM</a></div>
In many cases, our fellow citizens don't even have an employer capable of absorbing the $20,000 per year overhead in order to assure their family's premiums are covered; in addition to whatever generous salary they've been offered; (or in many cases, instead of offering them anything all that generous; take your pick.) The Affordable Care Act is additionally extremely sensitive to such costly challenges to small business owners and those individuals braving self-employment. Hence its' provision of tax cuts for small business to help offset the costs; and the aggressive, largest middle-class, tax cut for health care in history!<br />
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If government scares you; (and Cigna, Aetna, <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="63d04ba26c466a9a75314c968e4fa33c54c7f7ad" grtype="null" id="GRmark_63d04ba26c466a9a75314c968e4fa33c54c7f7ad_Hamanna:0">Hamanna</span>, Blue Cross / Blue Shield, etc., inspires you;) in turn you don't feel systems chosen by the people for the people will ever, ultimately offer a better say or better control than purely trusting the board members of each of our 1/2 dozen, major health insurance companies; (as they only cater to shareholders;) which have bastardized our medical system for all of the years; then so be it. Vote for the continued inactivity which has been the only course of action the federal level of GOP" leadership" has bothered to convey on such matters for as long as any of us have been able to vote.<br />
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On the flip side, if you feel such lacking responses to one of our country's most pressing burdens, places <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="1e983cf283eb53c34b6b296d86fc575e6beaf828" grtype="null" id="GRmark_1e983cf283eb53c34b6b296d86fc575e6beaf828_to:0">to</span> many families and individuals into perilous of a situation. And you feel such liabilities for so many can't help but place an additional stranglehold on the health and well being of not only our individual citizens, but also our country; then vote to lesson the priority of the insurance company's shareholders, (although they will still get paid handsomely given the embedded compromises,) and increase the ability of our citizens to survive a bit longer.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirym3aewkOCo-oaQ3BaMzSD2jpbsIlUF8jScMmOfKPlK3iSGWOIgxpu8Qh1g2hown-VTxNhUWleR4TXcUyo2n-4y9jwV4s_6UKfh9KvEqGmHVLPke8iPwvA9oG8UgLc0Ry7supOE7YDYY/s1600/Health+Care+Change.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirym3aewkOCo-oaQ3BaMzSD2jpbsIlUF8jScMmOfKPlK3iSGWOIgxpu8Qh1g2hown-VTxNhUWleR4TXcUyo2n-4y9jwV4s_6UKfh9KvEqGmHVLPke8iPwvA9oG8UgLc0Ry7supOE7YDYY/s320/Health+Care+Change.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
A voter is either naive to the challenges our health care presents to countless millions of families and individuals here in the U.S., or they feel it is high time the government get involved and provide a <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="bb55e5f021c8cf857fb354bb7e1f976a0fc94d9f" grtype="null" id="GRmark_bb55e5f021c8cf857fb354bb7e1f976a0fc94d9f_survivable:0">survivable</span> alternative.<br />
<span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span><span class="GingerNoCheckEnd"></span>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-63564150770718577412012-07-05T16:39:00.001-05:002012-07-27T12:39:32.564-05:00Broken Trust Takes A Huge Amount Of Time And Repentance To Heal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">Such sentiments are certainly true, if the person involved in breaking trust, possesses little to no sense of repentance; nor a sincere ability to ask forgiveness. And so many are indeed guided by pride; perhaps seeing apologizing as a weakness rather than a strength. Life is simply </span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">too</span><span style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"> short to put up with such folks. </span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyP-Zn7oXjoVpK-D2P15SK3PIbi82uqxzYhfCAg2alyFxamZy5JmGvxoY4oCDraYLYiYSRL993KkzuAwUsBvCD_CwrwG0gyWQWV9ur_2EtObDj091MZH6p4pM6U-4hjfCBvxoqkxMUBs/s1600/Trust+dosn't+get+refilled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsyP-Zn7oXjoVpK-D2P15SK3PIbi82uqxzYhfCAg2alyFxamZy5JmGvxoY4oCDraYLYiYSRL993KkzuAwUsBvCD_CwrwG0gyWQWV9ur_2EtObDj091MZH6p4pM6U-4hjfCBvxoqkxMUBs/s320/Trust+dosn't+get+refilled.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
Life is too short to put up with anyone who finds it necessary to put down those around them for the sake of bolstering their ego, pride or position.<br />
<a href="http://goo.gl/2abmM">http://goo.gl/2abmM</a><br />
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However, I do think true forgiveness is a very necessary part of life. It is often required; most of all, for our own personal healing.<br />
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Otherwise, the constant presence of the pain that person's transgression caused, simply continues to hurt and deteriorate us. Even though their carelessness or abuse has long since passed or ended.<br />
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I've often wondered which was more challenging? Truly forgiving someone; or teaching a person to ask forgiveness that has never understood the real nature of sincerely offering an apology?<br />
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I find it near impossible to offer forgiveness to those who have little to no concept of repentance. (Meaning they never actually ask to be forgiven.) But I've still had to slowly try, in many situations; over the course of many years; in order to more effectively move away from the pain their ignorance originally caused and the trust they broke as a result.<br />
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In those cases the trust is typically very permanently damaged!!!Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-69710629973861634832012-06-29T16:04:00.002-05:002012-06-29T16:06:45.718-05:00Social Progression From Resentment And Prejudice, wouldn't that be something?<br />
Here's another "beautiful sentiment" floating around the social network walls of some of my favorite Right Wing Nuts.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxExNrUaFqN7jbPjTxRZ5WEK__tUYz6bvGZiZffW1XPXUdy375G8NZhiUJ1Eb_Zy4jTlS4bJUVtuCXWQMmX3Kc4aabHSqevRnT4ykPq6Q3rcI1ILzLm0-ckY3ZqUvBrORIewtU1jpIuE/s1600/Stupid+me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVxExNrUaFqN7jbPjTxRZ5WEK__tUYz6bvGZiZffW1XPXUdy375G8NZhiUJ1Eb_Zy4jTlS4bJUVtuCXWQMmX3Kc4aabHSqevRnT4ykPq6Q3rcI1ILzLm0-ckY3ZqUvBrORIewtU1jpIuE/s400/Stupid+me.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
I think the humor is just lost on anyone who has ever struggled, or been around those who do. I was raised with a good margin of wealth, but that lifestyle changed in my early teen years. I was then able to see very vividly, another side of going without; struggling, and wondering what the future would hold.<br /><br />
I remember how refreshing it was in college to take my first Sociology courses, and really gain a better understanding of the VAST differences in the challenges and values I never imagined between social classes. Just one of which was the absolutely perplexing learning curves, varied classes often face or never obtain, were related to saving a dollar or understanding the value of one. <br />
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Such as, never been taught or understanding, turning off an electric light when one leaves the room would save money at the end of the month. And as for the pressure to try and fit in or have dignity in one's self, through spending money on something which shouldn't be afforded at the time; it is often just as surprisingly and complex as all of our fellow Americans of each and every class and status who are eating themselves to diabetes and death. <br />
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<b>It appears, even folks who know better, can't always do better!</b><br />
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The more ways in which folks find to make light of such disparities, versus understand them, the less likely such nuances and challenges within our society ever are to change.<br />
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I'm not sure when it became patriotic to criticize, not only our American leadership, but also our fellow Americans; versus, offer any real solutions? Nevertheless, it seems this country is on a roll. Just hard to imagine when any of us have witnessed a productive manifestation of hatred, resentment, prejudice, judgment and raw criticism? Many folks are evidently counting on our country being the first to ever benefit from such behavior. I'm afraid such delusions will never pay off.Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-82860628361546315552012-06-29T12:24:00.002-05:002012-06-29T16:05:35.765-05:00Comparing The Poor To Wildlife Is Only The BeginningThe insanity has got to stop!!<br />
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Several people whom I respect have begun circulating the following image; typically, with the caption: <br />
"Great advice from a park ranger."</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh54BLhKc49yz9BD6SxFy11NG2IYtRkroFurFmowhZ9LWAeu44FB07MFr7Gavkhyphenhyphen8oEEpCovb53vKQjngUwJQDSGC9r2M_vNiCAVaF6frf114psSwQkkalUXHAwATzH1V40scENVCcoEs/s1600/Park+Rangers+Advice+for+Starving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh54BLhKc49yz9BD6SxFy11NG2IYtRkroFurFmowhZ9LWAeu44FB07MFr7Gavkhyphenhyphen8oEEpCovb53vKQjngUwJQDSGC9r2M_vNiCAVaF6frf114psSwQkkalUXHAwATzH1V40scENVCcoEs/s400/Park+Rangers+Advice+for+Starving.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
My most restrained response, thus far, was the following:<br />
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"Very sad insinuation when photos like this are circulated to lesson our sensitivity towards the human condition, poverty, or philanthropy; not to mention the programs developed with regard to all three. </div>
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Nor am I convinced there are many children, growing up from impoverished circumstances which would come to respect, and therefor grow, from being compared to a <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="9fbff4fec2c9fd2e0b6ab5d0ab896db0073735de" grtype="null" id="GRmark_9fbff4fec2c9fd2e0b6ab5d0ab896db0073735de_park:0">park</span> Ranger's advice on how to handle bears. Therefore, I'm not sure there is any hint of valuable <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="e6ce011628221b5d718f8d567ec79d7d8161d8cf" grtype="null" id="GRmark_e6ce011628221b5d718f8d567ec79d7d8161d8cf_mentorship:0">mentorship</span>, wisdom, or accountability being offered within such misleading sentiments.</div>
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I could be wrong? Perhaps it's very inspiring to a certain group. I'm just not sure I would ever care to count on the folks finding inspiration in such messages if I or my wife were ever in a pinch or precarious stage of life, or heaven forbid, without food on our table!</div>
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<b>The despicable nature of today's politics and the resulting G.O.P. <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="02d95fc94484a6287239a5b6868a774a9e0e3677" grtype="null" id="GRmark_02d95fc94484a6287239a5b6868a774a9e0e3677_message:0">message</span> is truly shameful!</b> :-("</div>
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Meanwhile, MY REAL FEELINGS ARE THE FOLLOWING!!!</div>
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I'm so completely disgusted with the mentality being <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="8d8b59b5994ebf7830477941819eca5e83676259" grtype="null" id="GRmark_8d8b59b5994ebf7830477941819eca5e83676259_bred:0">bred</span> by today's politics!</div>
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Such distributed newspaper clippings are just the latest in an endless, careless, barrages of GARBAGE which now circulates throughout our lives; breeding ideals of judgement, prejudiced, lacking wisdom, and an inability to relate to anyone outside of your current success or social stratosphere.</div>
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It's bad enough when a Rush Limbaugh states publicly; following a natural disaster where over 100,000 people lost their lives within a few hundred miles of our boarder; that "the Haitian earthquakes were a custom ordered disaster for Obama to shine." I can cope with an uneducated, shock jock, looser like him, bread and paid to say anything and everything to his constituent of oddly titillated listeners. However, when well-meaning members of our general population have started finding some patriotic comfort in also blasting those whom have needs, or disparaging the programs designed to help during trying times in life; we have lost our ever loving minds!! <br />
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You see, none of the folks being influenced to further proliferate such garbage sentiments, are getting paid the millions of dollars a Rush Limbaugh is. And even if you were, you can probably tell how much respect I feel folks who think making the almighty dollar is a valid excuse for undermining others. (Refer to my past blog entry: "<a href="http://goo.gl/2abmM">Real Men</a>" <a href="http://goo.gl/2abmM">http://goo.gl/2abmM</a>)</div>
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I'm actually losing more and more relationships to this sort of insanity!! It does make me truly sad! People whom I respect for a number of reasons; folks who even claim to be guided by the life, death, humility and grace of Jesus Christ, if you can believe it; are actually being inspired by political rhetoric, more it seems than by their own good sense of morality and perhaps their own faith.<br />
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And I'll admit the most ironic thing for me, is the fact that NONE of these "friends and family" could tell you anything about the money they have personally contributed in their life towards those geniuses, down and out embezzlers that are out there robbing our social programs of all their good merits. NOR can they possibly quantify the amount of money they have personally contributed to the federal government that has gone towards the building of bombs, tanks, fighter jets, jet fuel, dessert air conditioning, the rehabilitation of countless wounded soldier and civilians.</div>
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BUT I WILL PROMISE YOU THIS!!! Every one of us, has spent far more in just the last ten years, on wars we have no grasp, goal, benefits or understanding of, than we EVER will the alleged, "con-artist", indigent of our country; whom have all somehow managed to pull the wool over our eyes and outsmarted the system in order to take from our good and generous nature! Give me and everyone around this sad realm of insinuations a BREAK!</div>
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I'll say it again, you're either part of the problem or part of the solution; and many folks are on the very WRONG side of such fights. I wish I were better at discouraging these misdirected, angered, folks just how to avoid being a HUGE part of the problem when it comes to offering this country a legacy which history will avoid holding us in contempt for!</div>
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<b>**A separate words of advice about the "News" you're listening to these days:</b></div>
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The people of this country have really got to rethink if a Billionaire (a.k.a. Rupert Murdoch, a.k.a. <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="7062f9b743b55e221a373b0205590a57a9eae51c" grtype="null" id="GRmark_7062f9b743b55e221a373b0205590a57a9eae51c_Newscorp:0">Newscorp</span>), whose nefarious business practices and abuse of the media caused him to get THROWN OUT of his own country, are worthy of undermining the morality, philanthropic abilities, influence of the middle class, and proud spirit of this country?</div>
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Incidentally, in that last statement; I'm not talking the bad type of "pride"; the one typically touted as a "sin"; causing us to think we are "better", MORE deserving, somehow having more to lose than the next, etc.; I'm talking about a pride in knowing with confidence that the "Super" in our "Power" was ultimately a label, generously offered to this country, not because of our ability to fight; but because of our ability to care and steward this world towards the good and right decisions necessary for the type of long term prosperity and leadership any country should actually take pride in.</div>
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If you don't understand the power of the press and the media, you are kidding yourself. And if you don't think a man who <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="2e147143ce74b365aea891f95c5ffe3e466de13d" grtype="null" id="GRmark_2e147143ce74b365aea891f95c5ffe3e466de13d_singlehandedly:0">single-handedly</span> owns more of this influential vehicle than anyone else in our country, isn't able to manipulate his viewers, then again, naivety is simply not your friend.</div>
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<b>Start questioning, whole heatedly, the source of your mis-founded insensitive and prejudicial influences; before it is too late for you to even remember what your actual, personal values, once represented.</b></div>
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I've started writing about these atrocities more, since it is after-all an election year; and it would be nice if each of our votes, (here in the bible belt,) counted for something more than bitter resolve, prejudice, pride, or a local, possibly family or church "tradition"; such as those you don't even know enough about to question, therefore you don't. You just punch the button and scoff at whatever point you're instructed. That's not leadership, and it's sure not a "vote", nor a personal choice one should simply surrender to any man's political campaign. <a href="http://goo.gl/xSRRr">http://goo.gl/xSRRr</a></div>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-88475300010092771372012-06-27T04:56:00.002-05:002012-06-27T05:22:34.393-05:00Is Your Own Method Of Voting, A "Tradition" Worthy Of Our Country's Future?Navy Secretary Ray Mabus said at a Senate hearing:<br />
"Many of those sources of which we are absolutely dependent are in volatile or potentially volatile places on Earth, and some of those oil suppliers probably don't have our best interests at heart. We would never depend on those oil suppliers to build our ships, our aircraft, our ground equipment, but we give them a say in whether the ships sail, the aircraft fly or the ground vehicles operate, because we depend on them for fuel."<br />
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Given the fact our Navy is likely the world's single largest consumer of liquid fuels; it is certainly refreshing to see seemingly, common sense approaches, being touted as a future at least some branches of our armed forces might experience; even if right wing nuts were able to restrain such sensible approaches from having a lick of prudent impacts on the lives of the general U.S. population.<br />
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Here are some additional quotes and thoughts to grow on:<br />
Mabus later added, "When anyone says we can't afford to invest in developing alternative sources of energy, my reply is, we can't afford not to! We can't afford to wait until price shocks or supply shocks leave us no alternative."<br />
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Its' always an entertaining notion when folks against aggressive alternative energy solutions, and subsequently related technological, social and political progress, also claim they are in a camp with "fiscal conservatives"; given the fact that every time the price of a barrel of oil goes up by one dollar (as in a single $1 bill per BARREL), it costs the military $130,000,000 MILLION, according to the Pentagon.<br />
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Secretary Mabus, "Alternative fuels can't become competitive with oil unless there's demand for them; however, demand at commercial scale will never be possible unless there's a supply to meet that demand."<br />
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This is simply the kind of logic, morality and capitalism you would be hard pressed to explain or teach to a predictable 25% of the conservative leaning, voting population. And that is simply a shame with respect to the future of their beloved GOP.<br />
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As is always the case, you are either part of the solution, or part of the problem.<br />
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Real fun fact about the folks who would sway you to vote with that far right wing crowd I was previously referring to:<br />
You'll typically see arguments in our part of the country (Texas that is,) directed not only against alternative energy, but very poignantly against our military branches support of the additional cost such technologies now endure, by an outspoken U.S. Representative by the name of Mike Conaway.<br />
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Before serving in the House, he was the chief financial officer of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arbusto_Energy">Arbusto Energy Inc</a>, an oil and gas exploration firm operated by George W. Bush. (His recently, 2005 created, Texas District #11, stretches from Midland to Frederiskberg.)<br />
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Unfortunately and ironically he now serves on not one, but four committee seats in Washington: <br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Committee_on_Agriculture">Committee on Agriculture</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Committee_on_Agriculture">Subcommittee Chairman on General Farm Commodities and Risk Management</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Agriculture_Subcommittee_on_Livestock,_Dairy,_and_Poultry">Subcommittee on Livestock, Dairy, and Poultry</a></li>
</ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Committee_on_Armed_Services">Committee on Armed Services</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></li>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Armed_Services_Subcommittee_on_Oversight_and_Investigations">Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations</a></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Armed_Services_Subcommittee_on_Emerging_Threats_and_Capabilities">Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities</a></li>
</ul>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Committee_on_Ethics">Committee on Ethics</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></li>
<li><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_Permanent_Select_Committee_on_Intelligence">Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></li>
</ul>
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I'm sure he considers himself "Part of the Solution", but the interesting part is the fact that within our democracy our votes and our own sensibilities; versus any man's agenda, desire for power, or personal career goals; still remain the driving force behind the directions this country turns and the legacies we will leave to history.<br />
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Such men's goals, ambitions, and lacking vision for our country; clearly guided by his and a few other individuals own livelihood; is far too small a matter to be influenced by. We must each focus on the future our country must offer as an example of prosperity founded on ethics, sensibility, sustainability and true progress.<br />
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To not show the world how to develop and uphold such core values, versus carelessness, conservative squandering in a time of much needed course correction or individual prosperity over movements which affect the whole of mankind, is by any definition shameful.<br />
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I say it again, you are either part of the solution, or part of the problem.<br />
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Why even show up to the polls if the only thing you can offer is, "tradition", loyalty to a group, influences outside of your own personal testimonies, influences which deny the things you actually feel are right and true; or worst of all, feelings of anger inspired by a rhetoric you never bother to analyze versus simply react to.<br />
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Any or all of these nasty influences and hindrances will only serve to at best stagnate our nation, and at worst dismantle it's chances. Study the problem, don't react and flail. Anger and hate never produced anything history was proud of, and negativity accompanied with resentment hold no better opportunity for our country.<br />
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Consider the actual influences from the messages you are receiving on a daily basis: If they are sponsored, then only be loyal to the products they represent; versus the unrelated views they utilize to capture your viewership. If they are politicized, then understand most attempts to vie for your vote will include lying about the facts. If they are traditional, then understand; this country was founded on non-traditional thinking and the types of bravery, originality, individuality and innovation which we certainly can't afford, at a time so far advanced from those glorious founding years; to have squandered by beliefs or denials perpetuated by one's own local or family "traditions"; or their hate, fear, lacking facts, or sponsored viewership.<br />
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We all may wish to feel our country can rise above such limited influence and potentially corrosive manners of thinking! But do we deserve it? Regardless of what we personally deserve; our country and our unique foundation and sustained survival up until this point, definitely deserve more!<br />
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I for one feel, The United States of America, deserves radical improvement, radical accountability, radical solutions and a voting population with a radical determination to ignore their own past hang-ups or daily titillation in favor of a future and a patriotism far better than recent decades of squandered votes have delivered.<br />
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Research sources:<br />
<a href="http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/08/militarys-plan-for-a-green-future-has-congress-seeing-red/">http://security.blogs.cnn.com/2012/06/08/militarys-plan-for-a-green-future-has-congress-seeing-red/</a> <br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conaway">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Conaway</a></div>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-59968731606409297462012-06-13T18:21:00.002-05:002012-06-15T13:24:30.924-05:00Get Your Virtual Assistant NOW!<br />
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<a href="http://www.fancyhands.com/images/Fancy-Hands-Logo.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.fancyhands.com/images/Fancy-Hands-Logo.png" /></a></div>
It's official! "Fancy Hands" is one of the coolest services I've ever discovered or signed up for! Just incredible! If you are a person who feels busy or has procrastinated ANYTHING lately, you must look into this service!!<br />
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It provides an arsenal of "virtual assistants" (all U.S. <span style="white-space: nowrap;">based</span>!), you can subscribe to on a monthly basis in order to complete virtually any minor task you wish.<br />
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I have now "posted" over 3 dozen task to my new account just since Monday; (Luckily I chose the "unlimited" plan!) and they have yet to let me down on anything I've needed their assistance with.<br />
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From researching a local ear Dr., to finding a better price on a high-tech, carbon Fiber component I needed. From the creation and organization of simple Calendar entries, to compiling current pricing within a shared Google spreadsheet full of CPU components I'm wishing to order.<br />
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They have found service providers for me, such as house cleaners, and have informed Groomers when I was bringing the dogs in; as well as let the carpet cleaners know I would be late meeting them at the house via a message I called in to them while in the car!<br />
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From personal domestic task to minor professional assistance! INCREDIBLY handy! I can post my request via website, email, or simply phone in and leave a message with my need. They jump on it, and presto!<br />
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Basically any calls, research or simple considerations I was procrastinating, I threw their way! Has been the most productive three days in a long time!<br />
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Obviously, I highly recommend it!!<br />
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UPDATE:<br />
I continue to find new and exceptional ways to exploit Fancy Hands AMAZING Virtual Assistant services!<br />
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Recently, I've even resulted in depending on their assistance for researching any Mac or PC tech support issues. Lord knows most IT departments are neither timely or worth a darn; certainly not when the issue is application related or discipline specific. (No offense to IT folks, those just aren't your primary obligation.) <br />
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So whenever autonomy let's me down :-( or just gets in the way, by becoming too time consuming; I just throw the issue's description and the remainder of any research I began, their way; and let them call, wait on hold and summarize the appropriate provisions and solution notes offered by the responsible software vendor/developer. (They have even created forum postings for me on respective support sites, and waited for a crowed sourced answers to surface. A very resourceful yet sometimes tedious way to obtain the needed insight for an issue.)Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-10614860567264524412012-05-17T14:59:00.001-05:002012-05-17T14:59:57.209-05:00The Truly Faithful Would Never Abuse People At The Hands Of Their Small-minded Religion...a friend of mine recently shared the following testimony:<br /><br />--<br />"I am so very hurt right now! I have lost many friends and family members from my life due to the fact that I am a lesbian and it seems I might have lost one more because of this fact. <br /><br />Although I appreciate your concern for my eternal salvation, I need everyone to know this is not a lifestyle choice; it is a part of who I am! When I was younger I did so much damage to myself and others around me desperately trying to ignore who I am. It finally came to the point to where I had to be honest with myself and everyone around me or die, and I came very, very close to dying. <br /><br />I chose to live. That was many years ago and I have never and will never regret that decision.<br /><br />Being gay is not something you can just pray away, nor is it something that you can go to therapy for to get rid of and there is not a pill you can take to make it go away! It is not something I can laser off like a tattoo, Botox away like a wrinkle or put makeup over to conceal! It is simply a part of my person. You can choose to continue to love and accept me for who I am or you can delete me from your life. Either way I will continue to be a much happier person being who I am and loving myself just the way I am. I have several flaws but being a lesbian is not one of them!"<br />--<br /><br />My perspective and response on this topic were of course lengthy and blunt: (What else is new?)<br /><br />"Your message above was inspiring and a blessing!<br /><br />Some folks are a muse for love and acceptance, while others are a muzzle for truth and grace. You are truly a muse!<br /><br />As for your self-professed, "ex-friend"; they are undoubtedly in a very sad place. A place that designs and depends on false persecutions and fear; so that they might mistakenly imagine, some deeper love from God (and perhaps, new, "Christian" friends,) will be bestowed on them.<br /><br />As if, due to their own imaginative diligence and bravery, they have earned reverence and respect. Unfortunately, they have very little understanding for the God they so desperately seek to impress.<br /><br />It is their own life and "religion", which will continue to be a harsh struggle; due to the shallow, sad, version of lacking love, depth and understanding they possess. While on the contrary, your own life has found depth and liberation; though the acceptance and survival of the confusion, pain, circumstances and misunderstandings your own past has dealt you.<br /><br />As your own life was faced with extreme hardships and confusion at times; you honored it with wisdom and grace. And while your confused friend sought salvation, and "Christian community"; they in turn, insulted their God with narrow-minded thinking and a complete perversion of any meaning Christ's sacrificial death represented. They have lost all perspective, (assuming they ever had it?) for what the cross so painfully represents and what purpose His unconditional atonement served.<br /><br />It is often incredible, how poorly interpreted life can be at times. We live in a place so entirely full of irony. Just astounding! ...but I do still believe it all has purpose!<br /><br />Your strength and honesty are both, an inspiration to all of us who understand. Hopefully, a revelation to any of those who live in a world of lies and fear. ...not to mention those who encourage, completely contorted and reckless methods of worship, religion and/or bad theology.<br /><br />It is a sad state of affairs when people close to us seek or discover a faith, based on grace; and yet manage to ignore or avoid its' clear messages in order to feed their own insecure version of purpose and belonging! <br /><br />Only the smallest-minded of Christians override the message of God in order to undermine the hearts of others!!!<br /><br />Simply put, they use religion to find fault in others, so that they might feel further sanctified and special. It is a distortion, abuse and sickness the Bible speaks of a great deal. Your friend is neither alone, nor original in their ignorance.<br /><br />Along their own journey, such weak Christians create (or are taught) a "religion"; rather than bother to learn, sound theology. Any religion, blatantly missing the messages of Christ's teachings, typically uses false persecutions and fear to inspire reasons to judge others. <br /><br />Whether conscious or not; such mislead, wretched actions are usually fueled by the most basic desires to feel special, loved, exclusive, betrothed, "saved"; within an insecure life, which has let them down many times. They now find purpose, (perhaps they even interpret life as having more secure or safe fellowship,) while disposing of certain relationships in order to shore up their previously, and unfortunately persistent, insecure place in this world.<br /><br />Whenever possible, try to fight the urge to dwell on such judgments; nor allow such ignorance to rob you of even one day of happiness. Their lost causes are simply not worth it! And unfortunately, it would take more years than you or I have, to help them through their ignorance and often intentionally, misinterpreted faith.<br /><br />Such shallow faiths are hardly a source for the very salvation they claim to seek; and far, FAR, from any message Christ shared with all of us. Nor are their judgments about your own salvation in keeping with anything Christ death represented. Other than the ironic fact, that lucky for them, He also atoned for their ignorance and pathetic, insulting ways of abusing his message and His repeated definitions of love and grace.<br /><br />It has been a pleasure to know you, since we were small children! Sorry I was not in the area or around, during those times in your life when things were their hardest! Our own early memories together were mainly that of playing around and goofing off! Here's to many more years like those! :-D"<br /><br />If you ever have some spare time one day; and your not totally sick of my rants at this point?<br />...I was inspired in January to Blog on some of these same conclusions: <a href="http://goo.gl/3yxDK">http://goo.gl/3yxDK</a><br /><br />Additionally, my own humbling journey has also lead to much personal growth; I summarized some of this here: <a href="http://goo.gl/wJScr">http://goo.gl/wJScr</a><br /><br />I have also witnessed my share of men, "dropping the ball", and causing plenty of greif. Some of those lessons I summarized here: <a href="http://goo.gl/2abmM">http://goo.gl/2abmM</a>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-18049156794486313262012-05-11T16:56:00.002-05:002012-05-11T18:03:36.353-05:00Sometimes YOU Bite The Apple, Sometimes IT Bites You!Yet another friend suffered a loss of all contact information on their iPhone again today! Their posted frustration included, "I hate iTunes!"; given the fact it was actually a recent sync attempt which caused the data/contact information blunder.<br />
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I can understand the frustration being directed towards iTunes. Most decidedly when you are managing multiple Apple device and a mixed set of users on a single home PC! Then it gets extremely confusing! When a person finds themselves in this painful, data loss dilemma, the primary disappointment and focus has to be on the odd role Apple originally and mistakenly designed iTunes to have in the ownership of all phones marketed by Apple!<br />
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Apple originally designed the iPhone (like the iPod) as a "<b>Companion devices</b>", meaning they expected you to own an additional computer (say, a Mac) in order to use the phone effectively. Apple didn't even launch an "App Store" for the iPhone for another year after the phone was released. <br /><br />Apple had benefited handsomely over the years with the success of the iPod, when it managed to draw 100's of thousands of rather unwitting, home based, computer users into their stores; who desired to do little more than surf the web and write occasional e-mails. These visitors became excellent converts to Apple's line of Mac and Macbooks. <br /><br />It's no wonder Apple expected the iPhone to help establish even more future Mac ownership. As a result, they never saw an issue with creating a device dependant <span style="white-space: nowrap;">(</span>or companioned) to yet another Apple purchase. In their eyes, this dependency just made good business sense. But like a lot of Apple policy's and marketing, it doesn't make good, ultimate, consumer sense.<br />
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The only changes we have luckily seen thus far to this "locked down", limited approach; which Apple notoriously controls it's "loyal" consumers through; occurred in large part due to the (ensuing) introduction of the Google Android phone. <br />
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Google introduced a device which depended solely on the internet and exploiting Google's own, free cloud from day one. Unfortunately, Apple has repeatedly been beaten over the decades at its own game, due to its (Steve Jobs) stubborn addiction to control and exclusivity. Consumers just don't ultimately want such uninvited, and unneeded restriction. <br /><br />The Android line of products doesn't use (or expect) ANY additional computer. EVERYTHING is automatically backed up "in the cloud". And automatically restored or transferred to any new device or recovered device the moment you type in your Google cloud credentials. (A simple user name and password.)<br />
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Apple has now attempted two failed solutions at solving this initial and typical, flawed, "companion device", philosophy. To get beyond the companion requirement they first introduced, <span class="GRcorrect" grphrase="8264b6cd01d1aa64c065a562dd54b5eefe8c2c7d" grtype="null" id="GRmark_c781788656e43bb705cb9717f80699f6d558d59c_a:0">a</span> $99 per year options called Mobile Me, They failed miserably, and the project is known as one that Steve Jobs directly met with the head developers over, scolding it's usage methods and lack luster popularity. Now iCloud is proving to be Apple's latest misunderstand as to how to utilize the internet seamlessly and offer its customers flexibility and power as well as peace of mind. <br /><br />iCloud would be much more accurately named iSync, since it offers no real Cloud based features, power or applications to speak of. Alternatively, it attempts to serve as the go between resources for "syncing" all your devices via the internet. Luckily, since most iPhone users are newcomers to the Smartphone world, most just don't know what they are missing when it comes to good, powerful, transparent uses of things like connectivity and cloud based storage and applications. <br /><br />Even old Windows Phone users have seen such advantages executed exceptionally, over 7 years ago; with things like MS Server Enterprise integration. Here Apple is flush with cash, but they still can't even come close to hitting this nail on the head. And historically speaking Apple has never been able to maintain ANY services or product lines which utilize and depend on enterprise (much less cloud) level solutions.<br />
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A seamless syncing and backup solution which require no thought, additional software, annual subscriptions, activation or learning curve has been a base feature on any and all Android based, Google devices since their introduction to the market. This type of data backup is simply automatically initiated to the Google Cloud, where it can then be accessed, downloaded or edited at will, via any internet browser.<br />
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This is one of the many reasons Android phone far out sale iPhones. This and the value comparison of the handset cost (including, required, long-term, contracts) versus hardware offerings. (Not to mention the higher cost of Apps; with much lower percentages paid to the developers; and highly restricted outlets for media, books, music, movie, etc..) However, since Apple iPhones are typically their consumers first smart phone, (most folks owning them previously used a Motorola Razors, at best.) iPhone typically has a very loyal following with these folks new to such convergence. So once such leaps and first steps are taken towards a Smartphone platform, few folks would consider braving or learning yet a 2nd "smart phone", after making their way to their first. <br />
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Additionally, Apple sets up their ecosystem in such a way that a user must feel vested towards their branded hardware or risk losing many of the costly purchases they made over the years in order to populate their phone with useful media and software. Such exclusivity and "closed architectures" are often referred to as "walled gardens". Apple is the king of such consumer manipulation. (This is also the contributing reason smart group like MIT and other's are now abandoning their iPhone and iPad app development efforts, in favor of platform agnostic solutions such as HTML5. Read more: <a href="http://goo.gl/edhoi">http://goo.gl/edhoi</a> )<br />
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Attempting to control and restrict consumers is the biggest culprit for Apple's lack of overall PC success in the 90's. Such restricted practices have typically limited Apples ultimate market share to less than 15%, often closer to 8% of an overall sector.<br />
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For the folks who have spent over a decade depending on countless generations of "smart phones" and portable, touch screen devices for many years, prior to Apple's re-emergence in the market; we expected a device to work well, be able to multitask, be able to surf the entire web; and from the experience of past smart phone app purchases; avoid any "wall garden" methods of restricting users where related to media purchases, app purchases, available stores, etc...<br />
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Most of us long time Smartphone users have seen the competitive advantages of 3rd party app stores like Handago (a.k.a.) Pockectgear (which had over 200,000 apps by 2008, long before Apple store had any presences.) as well as Handspring, Mobihand, etc.. In addition, folks have had many more years of utilizing repositories and resources such as Palm Software Connection, Win NT "Channels", Firefox "Add-Ins", etc., the list goes one.<br />
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There are vast legions of folks with broader experiences using portable consumer electronic devices and mobile computing, which create a much more discerning audience than is typical for average retail consumers. Admittedly, their knowledge was typically subsidized by generous company budgets or other business related demands. However, those same average consumers whom have flocked for the moment to Apple, are very fickle; and eventually jump to whichever ship they feel offers them the most choices and the best value. Keeping in mind, a huge percentage of recent Smartphone converts were using simple Motorola and Nokia feature phones just a few years earlier.<br />
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The real key to attracting these folks is simply to get the initial price point below any sticker shock the average buyer just won't stomach. This price point for years has been near or below $200-$250. Typically if you ventured beyond this point, many consumers would simply look at a cheaper solution.<br />
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In addition, since many devices utilized over the year by veteran smart phone users were not subsidized by large phone carriers; most veteran users understand how to look past the cost of the phones when signing long term contracts, and make a better / real hardware value comparison. When a carrier in turn tacks a HUGE premium, long term service commitment and data charge, (or other steep minimums were related to text and voice,) you know right away, they are trying to position a phone or device for the more naive buyers, in order to gain their acceptance and perceive it as a cheaper and a better value than it is.<br />
<br />
This relationship between a company, selling an expensive device, and a carrier willing to subsidize far more than the industry norm, is the primary and brilliant initiation which has lead to Apple most recent success. And in this case ATandT even paid Apple a fraction of its monthly service revenue for every iPhone subscriber (until the iPhone 3G) which had NEVER been offered. Consumers' getting more than they paid for, is the best perception (directly understood or not,) you can create for new and peer pressured customers. ...consumer demand and perceived value of the device eventually went viral.<br />
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An odd but predictable opportunity for an innovative device costing, at time of purchase, nothing more than the magical number of $249.00; despite its initial limitations. After all when the 1st phone was introduced, it had no App store, no video recording (only stills), no multitasking, (like an ability to run Pandora while you read a book; or listen to music, in the car while it GPS navigates, etc.), no ability to populate your device with anything, Music, Movies, additional applications, etc., without the use of a full blown computer. You had literally bought at App Launcher with no convenient way to get new apps, and no real selection of Apps to speak of. But Apple Fan Boys rarely ask such questions, ...initially.<br />
<br />
These handicaps and additional long term cost; as well as large upfront investments, were never even considered by the average consumers and initial fans; all of whom were anxious to use what was being touted as the latest and greatest innovation. Unfortunately, it was also a platform riddled with typical, technical, industry newcomer, launch and platform issues; beyond that of the value shortcomings.<br />
<br />
Apple would soon learn how tough the competition in this crowded marketplace was, and how hard it was to make a device which primarily needed to function as that of a phone and a 3rd party app launcher; supporting software written almost entirely by third parties (and Apple is never good at relinquishing control or fairly inviting others to participate and/or profit on their platforms.)<br />
<br />
Just the basics of utilizing cellular radio technologies for data transfers and reliable voice communication not to mention well maintained reception have all proven to be hurdles very difficult for a software company, turned consumer electronics firm with no in house experience testing or proving anything more than a few PC models and a music playing device.<br />
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Thank goodness for Apple, loyalty, cult following. Luckily there is a subset of about 8% of the consumer electronics buyers who simply feel Apple can do know wrong with their money. Many others end up learning the hard way, this is simply not the case. :-(</div>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-113981562103977592012-04-21T02:40:00.001-05:002012-04-21T03:51:58.804-05:00Making Sense of Ill-fated InfluencesA friend recently made me aware of this troubling interview with a prominent, Protestant, Southern Baptist, Minister:<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://video.msnbc.msn.com/martin-bashir/47090111/#47090111">http://video.msnbc.msn.com/martin-bashir/47090111/#47090111</a></span></div>
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While it is very difficult to understand such contradictory motivations and confusing direction from a "Christian" leader; it is necessary to use such examples bad "preaching" (and opinions) as catalyst for reviewing the sources of influence we each often allow to guide our own personal, moral and ethical compasses.<br />
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Simply depressing to envision folks viewing a pulpit, any pulpit, occupied by such staff members; whom are potentially yielding, unquestioned, "spiritually inspired", influence over their trusting congregations. <br />
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But I do know it happens everyday! Incidentally, this occurs while each of us, "bible belt audience members", have a front row seat. It is more than a bit unnerving to be so close to; and quite frankly, not a show I like having season tickets to.<br />
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Such bizarre rhetoric, from folks thought of as "spiritual leaders"; is almost as depressing as witnessing whole News networks (a.k.a. Rupert Murdock owned media outlets) devoted to simular, unfounded, false inspirations; while effectively and embarrassingly, influencing droves of naive viewers, day after day, for years at a time. <br />
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All in the name of commanding repeat, titillated, viewership; so Gillett can sale some more razors! We are nothing in this country if not exceptional consumers! Moreover, such shallow influences are evidence that our principles can truly be compromised for the oddest of reasons.<br />
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Hatred, fear and misdirected anger are powerful, yet shameful, emotions. Pride and insecurities are evidently the sneaky resources we each depend on to make sense of such ill-fated influences.<br />
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... It's embarrassing. ... humbling. Cause for concern. <br />
"Concern", which we can't afford to also convert to fear and insecurity. <br />
We must just continue to keep our grace in check, along with any growing wisdom we can muster.<br />
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Thank you friends, for your continued exceptional stewardship, influence and steadfast encouragement. :-)</div>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-49510691437724370572012-04-20T20:47:00.000-05:002012-04-20T20:57:40.693-05:00A Shame The Cold Realities of Contempt Towards A Marital Partner, Can't Just Be Left To The Toiling Of Hollywood ScreenplaysPride and the difficulty of swallowing it, long before it cost us huge losses, is often one of the most trying challenges in all of our lives! Whereas humility, and the strength and liberation which comes from it's embrace, is an opportune gift for those whom discover it.<br />
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I can almost instantly remember and group any of those individuals whom I've been close to in my life, which were either raised to believe "apologizing is a strength"; versus those who evidently thought of such expressions or direct apologetic statements "as a weakness"; given the fact, you never once heard a repentent thought EVER leave the latter's lips.<br />
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Life is unfortunately far to short to spend prolonged time involved, and/or partnered, with those who find apologies as acts of inferiority and weakness. We all should know to avoid such deranged people, since we have all (admittedly or not,) seen ourselves as being and doing wrong, countless times in each of our own lives.<br />
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Rob Reiner's 1999 movie, "<a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0160916/">The Story of Us</a>", is always a personal gut wrencher for me, where related to "crow swallowing", or lack there of depicted by the staring couple within the movie; and the burdens of their perpetual build-ups of contempt, while voluntary tong-bitting and/or lashings abound. The resulting, unrepentant walls of resentment and discontent, ultimately appear to overwhelm the film's, comprehensive, depiction of courtship and marriage; just as such abuses and neglect will (and do,) any of our own relationships. <br />
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Bruce Willis and Michelle Pfeiffer, under Mr. Reiner's direction, end up doing the most unexpected job of condensing the age old process of recklessly deteriorating one's entire marriage; however, their story (without giving the endgin away,) crescendos with a rather rare, absolutely compelling, heart-felt speech. It is befittingly given towards the end of this movie's journey; and it probably deserved an Academy Award nomination for it's emotional and gut wrenching humility.<br />
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Humility after all, is the only liberator for pride full, resentful, contemptuous, painful living. Oh, and the healing properties of those who found strength in apologizing and those who loved generously enough to truly forgive.<br />
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<i>(Side note: Not everyone, (nor many critics) like the movie The Story of Us; however, even if you don't like it, most everyone will take something from it.)</i>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2699399290821497116.post-10826868722464236222012-04-19T02:01:00.000-05:002012-04-19T02:28:03.974-05:00A Musket Armed Private Militia, Versus A 21st Century Drone! Fact or Fiction?I see this same image and quote floating around the political circles and social networks from time to time, and I just can't seem to relate to or understand the attraction?? Honestly, it seems sort of a moot, dated, point (or quote) to me, given todays modern version of armament and multi-billion dollar, anual, military budgets.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">"A free people ought not only be armed and disciplined, but they should also have sufficient arms and ammunition to maintain a status of independence from any who might attempt to abuse them, which would include their own </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">government</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">." - George Washington</span></blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAxrwaz4qKf_LJlmqZROZUDCMUdSrtSVQgD5dm5hgF8Zy-8JuGjjOPp1HJ7pFFGMQGe6598HJdWQ3nIhpkBo-DRBuRN9qMC2Sij4HKUniFfojgSHIdGpH63OKptrwn4f3Pz2ddrKb9MI/s1600/George+Washington+Seemingly+2nd+amedment+motivated.jpg"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAxrwaz4qKf_LJlmqZROZUDCMUdSrtSVQgD5dm5hgF8Zy-8JuGjjOPp1HJ7pFFGMQGe6598HJdWQ3nIhpkBo-DRBuRN9qMC2Sij4HKUniFfojgSHIdGpH63OKptrwn4f3Pz2ddrKb9MI/s1600/George+Washington+Seemingly+2nd+amedment+motivated.jpg" /></a></div>
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I'm just not sure (or motivated by the idea that,) any single individual or privatized militia could really compete with a modern day Super Power.<br />
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As a result, I find it odd so many Americans seem to be attracted to these fantasies, or find themselves so motivated by the 2nd amendment, as if their patriotism depends on it?? What am I missing?? <br />
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I guess the idea that we could each grab up a musket and head out the door and accomplish something or form a movement or rebellion is a fun idea for some; I just don't know that it is very realistic, and certainly not very current or modern.<br />
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Seems to me their passion and the real original points made by past leaders on this topic, 200 years ago; while trying to prevent taxation without representation, or renegade militias; are all kind of lost ideals in this day and age. How after all, would such ideals still have any real relevance?? <br />
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None of us after all could do much about a laser guided, full armed, drone, 30,000 feet above our home or compound; or torch lit, nighttime, musket march. That drone after all, also has an infrared, live, night vision, feed, back to the base. A simple phone call would blow out any mob's lit torches.<br />
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Interesting article on some of the legal specifics surrounding the courts current position on the 2nd amendment: <a href="http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/beararms.htm">http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/ftrials/conlaw/beararms.htm</a></div>
</div>Michael Hulmehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03308676329549207964noreply@blogger.com1