Madscientiss

Flickr

2010-11-02T12:51:00.001-04:00

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

Where it all began...

2010-09-18T17:05:00.006-04:00

I decided to pay homage to my first serious attempt at picture taking by dusting off my old Kodak DX3900 point & shoot. I used to go crazy with this camera. I bought a tripod, filters, micro add-on lenses, and all kinds of other accessories. My most exotic was the Crystalvue 8x32 lens... to this day, I don't know what that means, other than incredible zoom at a basement bargain price. Back in '01 it cost me $150, which was crazy to me. Back then, I didn't know that lenses were supposed to cost more than the camera.

This lens reminds me of that scene is Batman, when Jack Nicholson pulls a pistol with a crazy-long barrel out of his pants. This lens looks ridiculous on a point & shoot. It looks like you are compensating. I didn't care though. I got some wonderful shots out of it.

However, I eventually outgrew the capabilities of the old DX3900 and ended up going with the Nikon line of DSLRs.

Enjoy the pictures...

—Madman out

A little knowledge…

2010-09-02T22:08:00.013-04:00

“You wouldn’t ask a Jew to vote for a Nazi, would you?”
“No.”
“Then why would you ask for a black man to vote for a democrat?’
“Wait… what???”

And that’s when he started shouting about the Southern Democrats’ ties to the Ku Klux Klan.

This is a perfect example of a how a little bit of knowledge without context can lead an individual to a semi-informed, ridiculous conclusion. The individual I’m referring to goes by the name of Michael Warns. From what I can tell he is a member of the Ft. Lauderdale Tea Party. His problem with Democrats, and blacks who happen to vote for democrats in elections, is that the Southern Democratic Party founded the Ku Klux Klan. In this assertion he is correct, however, he appeared to struggle with the fact that the Democratic party was the driving force behind landmark civil rights legislation that ultimately allowed him to hold his protest without getting arrested. Or worse.

A little history…

There are three resurgences of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). The first was founded in Tennessee by veterans of the Confederate Army before the civil war. This was a terrorist organization operating under the guise of a vigilante group. They killed and terrorized black and white republicans in slave states. The political effects were the consolidation of power for southern Democrats in slave states.

The second emergence of the KKK was a response to social tensions in the Postwar South. By then it had become a nationwide movement against Blacks, Catholics, Communists, Jews and Native Americans. Although it was able to carry out attacks on individuals, these attacks were by and large relegated to southern former slave states.

The third version of the KKK was in response to the civil rights movement gaining momentum to desegregate and elevate the social status of minorities. This is probably the version that Mr. Warns heard about or researched.

A little context…

The Democratic Party was fractured, with the divide most evident between northern and southern democrats. The civil rights bill was introduced by Michael Mansfield, the Democratic whip (person who tries to get the party to vote together on an issue), and Hubert Humphrey, a Democratic Senator from Minnesota. This is a big deal, because it obliterates Warns’s Nazi-Democrat analogy and exposes him as an unlearned fool.

The southern Democrats however, did not agree with their northern brethren and did indeed attempt to block a vote on the bill through filibuster. In fact, this filibuster turned out to be the longest in legislative history, led by Strom Thurmond, the decmocratic Senator from South Carolina… a former slave state.

what we have here is two truths. One localized and incomplete put forth by Michael Warns, and another, complete and contextual which explains the question that sent him into his childish tirade. “Why do most Black people vote democratic?” This is what I asked, in order to try to understand him.

Vote Totals

Here are the vote totals of the Civil Rights Bill, by region to illustrate my point:

The original House version:

Southern Democrats: 7–87 (7%–93%)

Southern Republicans: 0–10 (0%–100%)

Northern Democrats: 145-9 (94%–6%)

Northern Republicans: 138-24 (85%–15%)

The Senate version:

Southern Democrats: 1–20 (5%–95%)

Southern Republicans: 0–1 (0%–100%)

Northern Democrats: 45-1 (98%–2%)

Northern Republicans: 27-5 (84%–16%)

source: Wikipedia

Notice the discrepancy in votes against passage (the first number and percentage). You will see that the democratic votes against the bill come primarily from southern Democrats. Only 3 northern Democrats opposed it. Readers may have heard the term “Dixiecrats.” This is to distinguish southern democrats from their enlightened northern counterparts.

Conclusion

Michael Warns appears to be from the South as evidenced by his Ft. Lauderdale t-shirt and his accent, so I can understand his ignorance. After all, he comes from the place that teaches how the evil Democratic Party tried with all its legislative might to keep the Black man down. The problem is that it was a localized effort, and there is absolutely no way Title IX would have been passed without the strength and bravery of the Democratic Party (proper) of the North.

That is why Black folk traditionally vote for Democrats.

Again, the problem with a little knowledge is that without any context it can lead you to false and foolish conclusions. Hopefully he will eventually learn the complete history and realize his error. Until then I can only leave you with the advice I gave him:

Never argue with idiots. They bring you down to their level, and then beat you with experience.

Disclaimer:

I support neither the Democratic, nor the Republican Party.

—Madman out

Wireless Uploads

2010-06-08T10:28:00.000-04:00

starting up the blog again...

2009-12-15T08:59:00.003-05:00

I'll be posting again on a regular basis. I have two motives. The first is to express some of the madness. The second is to prime my creative juices for the writing I'll be doing on the job. If anyone is reading this, pass the word that the Madman is back.

–Madman out–

2009-07-23T17:53:00.003-04:00

Black in America

My brother sent me a text yesterday to ask if I was watching "Black in America II (this time it's personal)." I told him what I said about the first "Black in America" special: As pretty as Soledad is, I don't need her to tell me what it's like to be Black in America. Just ask the Professor who was arrested, or the Cambridge Police Dept for that matter.

I have to say the reason I voted for Obama over Hillary, or even John McCain (I like them all) boiled down to Dept of Justice statistics. In states where there is a smaller black population, there is a much larger percentage of blacks in Jail. Consider this: in a State like Alabama 30% black, you would expect a larger percentage of blacks in jail, given the historical tensions between minorities and the Justice Dept.

But North Dakota, with only a 3% population of blacks has a 90% black prison population. The trend continues in states with a smaller vs. larger black population. What the numbers say is that a larger percentage of blacks usually translates to some blacks holding political clout in that state whereas states with a smaller percentage do not usually enjoy that protection. If you control for prison transfers,you can see the disturbing pattern. Having Obama, a black man, in office would provide a form of "blanket" protection (albeit at a distant federal level). Add to that, the fact that he appointed Eric Holder, a black AG (Attorney General) and you see that things like this won't go on for much longer- at least not at the current rate. Do you really think that a black man from North Dakota is more likely to misbehave than a black man from a Southern state? Why the disparate proportion of black inmates? You don't have to watch TV to see that. Just check the DOJ (Dept of Justice) website and you will see the charts for yourself. That's a story worth reporting, but prison is a business... Anyway, that's why I voted for Obama.

And they ask me why I call myself the madscientiss.M\

<—>Madman out

2009-05-11T22:43:00.000-04:00

Pics of my car

2009-05-11T22:29:00.000-04:00

Here's a picture of my son. He won the courtesy medal at our flag football match.

celebrate anyway...

2009-01-24T22:35:00.002-05:00

I am expecting, or I should say we are expecting a little girl any day now. I am excited about everything going on, but a little worried about the economics of it all. I just transferred to corporate headquarters about two months ago because the money dried up on that contract.

But enough about that.

I celebrate my family and my friends because the good times are now.

Madman out

2008-11-05T21:10:00.000-05:00

The whispering retard...

I always mouth out my words when I type. Even the punctuation. It's a stupid habit that I can't seem to break, especially when the words are long (I sound like a whispering retard).

2008-11-05T20:54:00.002-05:00

back at it again...

So it's been about four months since my last post. A lot has changed, but for now I will focus on the fact that very soon the President will look like me. It's a pretty big deal.

A football analogy...

2008-06-01T07:04:00.005-04:00

This year's elections bring about another cycle of insanity. As I grow older I may be able to put these cycles in perspective—we Americans have such short-term memory.

There have been comparisons between sports and politics. I used to find these terribly cliche, but I see their use. They allow us to make logical comparisons using similar parameters... or something like that. Anyway, here we go!

The analogy

The 2009 season schedule has been set. The New York Giants are slated to play the Lions and the Buccaneers in the preseason. The defending champs are fired up after their improbable super bowl win, and they play for sell-out crowds before the regular season has even started.

The game against Tampa bay was the first preseason game of the year, basically just a scrimmage which neither of the two head coaches attended. Let's say they had family issues. The game in Detroit, on the other hand, was an entirely different story.

The Lions were not able to make it to the game. Let's say they had a preseason game in Europe and their flight got canceled. Due to a huge miscommunication, New York shows up for the game ready to play. The stadium is filled to capacity with fans, but there is no opposing team. The Giants decide to hold an extended practice in lieu of the game for the benefit of the sold-out crowd.

Fast forward to the final stretch of the regular season. The Giants are on the bubble for the playoffs and are in a position where they need other teams' cooperation for them to get in. Then an assistant coach has a brilliant idea. “Let's try to make the preseason games against Detroit and Tampa Bay count!”

“Now why would that work?” the head coach would ask, glaring at his assistant.

“Think about it for a minute,” his assistant says, gesturing wildly. “The league had record turnout at those preseason games. It proves America loves us, especially after the scandal-ridden run of the Patriots. This is a business, but our clients are the FANS! The league will have to listen to our demands!” The head coach sees his assistant's point, and the strategy is put into play...

Later that week, the commissioner calls an emergency meeting between the front office of the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears, another team on the bubble, but with their destiny in their own hands (which means they have to win the rest of their games to make the playoffs, for those not versed in sports jargon). He tells the Lions' president of football operations that he's thinking about a solution to this problem. “What problem?” the Lions' rep asks incredulously. “That was PRESEASON! It doesn't count!”

“Yes, I know it wasn't the regular season, but there was a huge turnout. Quite frankly, I've never seen anything like it, and I want to keep our attendance high,” the commissioner replies matter-of-factly.

“But the Lions didn't even TAKE THE FIELD!” the Lions' representative says through clinched teeth. He is visibly upset, and his hands begin to tremble.

Seeing her opportunity slipping away, the New York Giants' owner chimes in: “So you're saying those fans who attended the game don't count?”

So the commissioner is caught in a dilemma; if he caves to the Giants, the integrity of the game is compromised. On the other hand, if he goes with the rules he is bound as commissioner to enforce, he could risk losing millions of fans to Major League Baseball—a sport once plagued by scandal, but on the rebound after promised change by a rival fledgling commissioner.

Does this make any sense?

No, not my story, I mean the Democratic primary, which this analogy portrays.

—MadMan out

----------------
Now playing: Citizen Cope - Bullet And A Target
via FoxyTunes

a chance encounter...

2008-05-17T20:10:00.004-04:00

I've recently started reading about middle-eastern affairs. The reasons for this are probably obvious: the price of oil, the cost of war, the public opinion, and numerous other impacts on my life.

Until a few weeks ago the only thing I had eyes for at my local library was the occasional Adobe manual or SharePoint reference book. Then I heard some Palestinian woman on XM Radio talking about the history of Palestine and the present situation with Israel and Palestine. From a previous post I you can gather that I have wondered about the whole situation, but didn't spend any time researching it. Anyway, this woman was talking about the expulsion of Palestinians from their homes. It turns out she wrote a book Married to Another Man: Israel's Dilemma in Palestine. The library didn't have that one, but they did have Inside Hamas— The Untold Story of the Militant Islamic Movement.

I took it with me to read while my son got his haircut. While going outside to enjoy a Punch cigar a start in on it, I noticed a couple of foreign men talking. I went over to sit and talk with them. They noticed the cover of my book, and looked at me, then back at the book. They asked if it was the truth or just more propaganda. I told them that I didn't know, I was reading it for perspective. They opened up.

It turns out they were fighters in the 1948 conflict between Israel and what was then Palestine. I won't go into detail about our conversation, but the gist of it was Israel's influence in American politics. I think they have an exaggerated opinion of the effects, but I understood their points.

It's interesting who you will meet when you look past your own nose.

—Madman Out

----------------
Now playing: Antony Santos - Vete & Alejate (Nuevo)
via FoxyTunes

the old days...

2008-05-17T12:31:00.002-04:00

I remember back in the day...

----------------
Now playing: Al Green - Tired Of Being Alone
via FoxyTunes

good weather...

2008-05-03T17:55:00.003-04:00

There's nothing particularly interesting to say in this post. The weather is perfect weekend weather. The weather is also fine internally, meaning I'm not depressed.

That about says it all.

—MadMan out

----------------
Now playing: Digital Underground - Sex Packets
via FoxyTunes

The Christian Wright

2008-04-29T20:28:00.002-04:00

Barack Obama seems to have severed his ties to the controversial Pastor Wright. I think it was about time he did so. This represents the seperation of church and state we so desperately need.

I believe Obama when he says he is a man of faith, but he has shown that he is not a blind follower and that he can separate himself from long-standing ties to preachers when they step out of line.

He may not be an atheist, but acting on reason is close enough for me.

—madman out

my butt shouldn't be an issue...

2008-04-25T19:51:00.004-04:00

It's time for me to start losing weight again.

This time I really pushed the limits. My pants were getting tight, but I didn't care. My belly began to assert its authority over my belt buckle and it didn't bother me one bit. The double-takes I used to get from the fairer sex became look-aways, but I would smirk with satisfaction and self-confidence.

And then my phone started to take pictures of my butt.

I wear on of those belt clip devices to fasten my cell phone, and since I'm not so fat that I have to clip it in my pocket, I wear it in its intended place: on my belt. The problem with this is that my assertive belly now forces the camera button on my cell phone, so when I bend over far enough... *KA-CHEESE* The camera takes a picture of my butt. This by itself is bad enough, but sometimes I don't hear the camera shutter sound. When I want to use my phone the screen shows a picture of my butt and asks if I want to save it.

Obviously I choose to delete, but in retrospect deleting my butt is not in my best interest. I would rather resize it, but the camera software on my cellphone doesn't have that feature.

So it looks like I'll have to do this the hard way. I'll have to resize my stomach using a treadmill or some other laborious technique. This, in turn, should prevent my belly switch from activating my camera.

And my butt should no longer be an issue.

smarter as the day goes by...

2008-04-07T21:30:00.002-04:00

I hate not being able to work at home. There is no reason I couldn't do my job from home, and I think I actually suffer from the loss of productivity.

I don't know why this happens for me, but I think I get smarter as the day goes by. Around 2:00 things start to click. I mean really click. My eyes roll back into my head, my nose starts to bleed, and when I finally come to, most of the challenges of the day are solved—but it's now 5:30.

I love what I do, and I would actually consider working longer, off-the-clock if necessary, to see my projects developed to my full abilities. The problem is that my abilities seem to increase exponentially with my ambitions. Working for free would cheapen the value of my time spent on task. And most importantly I have children to pick up and feed.

There are some days when I can almost smell the smoke wafting through my ears as I power down all 4 computers before leaving.

If I worked from home, I could start my day at around 12. That way, I could capture my most productive time, take care of my kids, and circumvent the dreaded insomnia that is sure to haunt me tonight.

—Madman Out

This weekend's artwork...

2008-04-05T21:13:00.002-04:00

ahhh... the weekend.

2008-04-05T18:32:00.002-04:00

I don't have anything profound to say. I suppose it's a matter of opinion whether I actually have in the past. The subject of this post: On the sixth and seventh days. he rested.

The weekend is finally here. Insomnia you are vanquished, for now I can get up as late as I want. Work project, I laugh heartily at you Ha ha ha! You will no longer haunt the few tortured hours of sleep I manage to steal during the weekdays. Kids, go to your mother. She is now the source of comfort and nutrition you have been deprived of the last five days.

I will never play the lottery. If I do, I might win. Every day would be the weekend for me, and I would accomplish nothing.

----------------
Now playing: Jupiter One - Countdown
via FoxyTunes

Insomnia...

2008-03-30T21:56:00.000-04:00

Insomnia sucks.

Artistic shots..

2008-03-29T09:46:00.003-04:00

What do you think?

Independence Day...

2008-03-28T23:09:00.008-04:00

The democrats are divided.

There are polls that show people would rather vote for the republican nominee, than vote within party lines if their "guy" doesn't receive the nomination. That is their prerogative. It is also profoundly stupid.

To me, the idea of party lines doesn't make any sense. Why, oh why, would you vote for someone just because of party affiliation? Just because of gender? Race?

There is going to be a revolution in this process. Given the "me-first" attitude we have come to adopt, I believe that misplaced loyalties of old will crumble as the individual realizes that her fate is hers to chose; not sealed with allegiance with a particular party. The problem is that people look as candidates as representatives of parties, but they are more than likely representatives of several factions—corporations, interest groups, and other cliches that have come into vogue during these last ten years are the ones being represented.

What is the citizen to do?

Vote for the cutest? The one who hasn't been rocked by scandal...yet? Maybe try the one who doesn't actually have experience, but has just been in the White House during those grand 'ol years. Actually to me, all three have merit. Here's how I chose...

No, it's not a dartboard, that would be way too accurate, and it wouldn't leave enough to chance. Since I would be aiming at the board, I might actually hit a name. What I do is decide which of the three categories I am most concerned with:

Education
Economy
Enemies

Then I play musical positions with the candidates under the premise that since they have made it this far they could competently serve in one of the three associated positions:

Secretary of Education
Secretary of Defense
Secretary of the Treasury

I just picture the outcome given the candidate's past performance, both personal and professional, with respect to the position. I am able to separate the candidate from my perception of them as a person, because I am not electing a person, I am electing a position.

Just something to think about during the next cable news rehash.

—Madman out

----------------
Now playing: KRS-One & Marley Marl - Rising To The Top
via FoxyTunes

I could just be oblivious

2008-03-28T22:40:00.003-04:00

I give it everything. I think about it when I shouldn't, and don't consider it unhealthy. It was, and will most likely continue to be, my hobby. But I think it hates me.

I'm talking about my job. It's called Instructional Systems Design, but broken down into simpler terms you could call it "course writing". There is theory, science... all that jazz, but I try to infuse a little magic into it. That sounds gay. There is no magic involved, but taking a conversation and transforming it into a logical and valid training solution takes some talent. I think I have that talent. Actually, I think I'm brilliant. The problem is that I either do not have the confidence of key persons involved in my work, or I don't know what the hell I'm doing. I would think the latter, but there is no lack of confidence on my part, and incompetent people are usually not confidence. Then again, I could just be oblivious.

The thing I'm certain about is that I analyze too much, but that can't be helped. It's in my nature, and the better part of my time spent on task involves detailed analysis; which piece fits where, what would be more effective... things like that.

I need a vacation.

----------------
Now playing: Aisha Duo - Amanda
via FoxyTunes

Is This America?

2008-03-22T16:30:00.004-04:00

What is this really about?

If you can see past the simple words on the sign this is obviously about culture, not language. Although the article cites an increasing Asian and Latino population in what is now a predominantly Italian neighborhood, I would argue that the sign was targeted towards Spanish-speaking people.

On the one hand you have the "old guard": An established Italian presence in a "kick ass and take names later" part of town. They feel infringed upon (which is probably not how they would phrase it) by another immigrant group. Given the national attitude towards Hispanics, it becomes that much easier to target them for intimidation. No matter the verdict of the panel; when a sign reserving the right to refuse service is placed right next to another sign "asking" that paying patrons speak English the message is clear. For those who cannot process, it means: "Speak English, or you won't be served." I have no idea why the rival restaurant was mentioned in the article, unless it was to imply that no such policy exists there.

On the other hand, is the "New Blood" in the area. This group consists of Asians and Hispanics trying to establish themselves and live out the American Dream. If that sounds to sappy, then ask the Italians what they did-it's basically the same thing. The fact that Hispanics are gaining power and influence in American business and politics is not news. This is the result of a continuous upward struggle, evidenced by the recent endorsement of Senator Obama by Governor Richardson (Hispanic descent). This will probably result in a Black-Hispanic democratic party presidential ballot. But I digress, the point is that the push the Italians are feeling in Philly is being felt all across the United States.

Many veins of irony come into play here: Italians were once considered non-whites. They were persecuted when establishing themselves, and are re-enacting their past struggles, albeit in a reversed role. I would also not be surprised if I heard an elderly person order in Italian at that restaurant. Given that this expanded population represents opportunity for increased revenue, any potential increase in profits is now in jeopardy. But their not in the restaurant business for money, right? It's about the "community". The final irony is the city's nickname: "The City of Brotherly Love." Given their ever-increasing murder rate, and these recent acts of intolerance, it doesn't seem very "brotherly".

----------------
Now playing: Marley Marl - Freedom - MC Shan
via FoxyTunes

SoLittle Time...

2008-03-21T16:42:00.002-04:00

So I'm not very good at keeping journals.

It's been almost a month since my last entry. Some of this can be attributed to laziness and oversight, but for the most part it's because I didn't feel I had anything particularly important to write about. This is up for anyone to read, and so I thought that I should have something worth their time. Given the absence of comments, however, I have realized that I am basically talking to myself; simply creating a log of my thoughts for later digestion.

Another reason for not posting to the blog is the lack of time. Being an insomniac, daylight-savings time takes a lot out of me. Throw in two weeks worth of meetings and it's the perfect storm. Or the perfect drought (for a blog).

Ugh... morning.

2008-02-26T21:22:00.000-05:00

The mornings are the hardest part. Dragging myself out of bed, relishing my time in the shower with no lights on. While stumbling around the bathroom in the dark, I wonder sometimes how I could have possibly become so lazy, but lazy isn't the correct word for it. I think I just "conserve my motivation" for later in the day. The kids knock on the bedroom door. They are dressed and hungry. I have to respond. It's a good thing I conserved some motivation for them, otherwise they wouldn't have a home breakfast before their school breakfast. The cynicism passes swiftly and eggos are inserted into toaster slots.

I do not eat. I spent my breakfast-time in the shower, relishing the dark.

Israel & Palestine

2008-02-26T20:54:00.008-05:00

For a long time I've asked myself and just about anyone around me what the deal is with Israel. I never quite understood the portrayal of the Israelis as right, and whomever they happened to be in conflict with as wrong. I've done a little looking around for some insight into the root cause of conflict with Palestine and Lebanon, those "terrorist" states hell-bent on the destruction of Israel.

From what I gather it has a lot to do with land.

Around the era of World War II, Israel was considered a "terrorist state" by the United Nations. One of the more prominent figures to make distinction was Nobel Peace Prize recipient Ralph Bunche. Shortly afterward, a radical zionist group known as The Stern Gang assassinated a U.N. mediator sent to broker a peace deal between the Israelis (there wasn't an Israel yet), and the Palestinians (there isn't a Palestine now).

They were using the same tactics (suicide bombs, rioting, etc...) that are being used against them now. They operated under the same names (Fighters for the Freedom of Israel) as their enemies (Palestinian Liberation Organization).

The only thing that is different now is that they are in control of the land, not the Palestinians.

And as for the Lebanese starting "the war" in June 2006-nothing could be further from the truth. Very few watching these events could recall the report that an Israeli air attack resulted in the death of a Lebanese family vacationing on the beach. The leader of Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group vowed revenge. Weeks later the two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped.

I am not siding with the "bad guys." I'm simply calling a spade for what it is. Our media and the Israelis want you to see this conflict a certain way. And to do this they must promote an idea of fundamental differences.

However, the only difference between an Arab and a Jew is your tax dollars.

I want the "light show"...

2008-02-25T21:56:00.006-05:00

Once in a while the question comes up. Sometimes it's at work. I've had it asked me in a bar once. I've even been asked in the bowels of a crap-filled tank in a submarine:

Why aren't you a Christian?

I'm not asked why not a Muslim or a Buddhist, only a Christian. I have thought about the reason I'm asked and have several conclusions for why:

Christianity is the most influential religion in my area.
People who are Christians want me to become one.
People who think I am a Christian are confused by their perception of my morals.
People who know I'm not suggest that I should be, based on their perception of my morals.

The quickest, simplest answer I can come up with is that I believe in some of the concepts of the bible. After all, the greater part of the Ten Commandments are basically a social contract. However, the life after death part does not compute. It makes no sense to me. Unless...

Control is the point of religion. If there is a way to get a mass of people to work, fight, and die for you, what better way than to promise some intangible reward after.....after they die. If working at a job your boss comes in and says "[insert last name], you've done a fine job here. You've brought in lots of revenue, not to mention souls. You'll get huge raise and promotion, but not until you are a rotten maggot-infested corpse." "Come again Mr/Ms [insert your boss's last name]?" You retort incredulously. I think you see my point.

"But wait!" your boss call after you, as you step into the elevator. "Your spirit will live on long after you perish!"

Your spirit will live on.

There are several definitions of spirit in the English language; Some of them you can touch (or imbibe). Most of them are intangible, but that doesn't stop me from agreeing with their existence. There is, for example, the spirit of the occasion, the spirit of the group, even the spiriting away of my motivation on a Monday afternoon. The definition whose existence I cannot come to terms with is:

Spirit-(n): The little man that lives inside of you, but never dies.

This definition is a loose translation, and is not meant to be derisive. It is just meant to expose the notion for what it is. This definition would be perfectly acceptable as truth for a child, so I will use it in its innocence. The most important aspect of Christianity (both the carrot and the stick) rely upon the acceptance of the little man inside your body who will never die. Accept this fact at face value and your world will change. Deny it, and well, your world will change just the same.

I always keep an open mind, and for me to change my mind on this I need the "Light Show." The Light Show is my metaphor for the unexplainable. I am not talking about winning the lottery or having an "oh-so-vivid" nightmare. I am talking about the Old Testament half-man, half-lion, fire and ice, levitation with the seven-part chorus. I am digressing, but my point is that seeing a butterfly land on a blade of grass will not suffice. I have kept my convictions throughout the highest heights and the darkest depths throughout my life. My grasp of reason sustains me; the Light Show is the only thing strong enough for me to abandon or even partially compromise that.

It's getting late, and I'm down with a cold so I'll end the post with this:

To be a Christian you have to release your understanding of the world. In other words, it is more than a belief, but a revelation knowledge. I understand the concept. I simply do not share the revelation.

The More I Learn...

2008-02-24T13:03:00.002-05:00

It seems to me the more I learn, the more I see how ignorant I am. As an Instructional Systems Designer, I am expected to know how to... design a course. Lately, however, it seems I am required to be a "jack-of-all-trades." The client wants web-based training, I know some HTML, so I comply. But what they really want is a programmer trapped in an ISD's body. This is where the frustration starts.

In order to keep up I have to learn CSS, XML, JavaScript, and all of their hybrids. Where is the time for Instructional Design? I'm reminded of that old navy saying, "Work, it may; Shine, it must." And so I have a rudimentary understanding of CSS, but I see the promise of XML as a time-saver. The problem is that I am just beginning to learn XML (I haven't even created a file yet, just reading) and there seems to be so much to it.