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Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Global Warming...

A couple of years ago, I took a science class where we had to write a paper about Global Warming.  Specifically, the paper had to address the question whether or not global warming is caused by man.

I found a page on the Internet that included an experiment to measure how CO2 trapped heat in the air. It involved a gallon glass jar, heat lamp, Alka-Seltzer and foil. There is a major flaw in the experiment in the fact that the amount of Alka-Seltzer used stimulates 700 PPM of CO2 in the air and the Earth's atmosphere actually contains less than 400. Most scientists agree that the rise of CO2 in the air is caused by mankind's influence.

I broke the Experiment down into 3 parts. One testing no CO2, one testing ½ of the original experiments CO2 (stimulating the natural CO2 in the Earth's atmosphere) and the original 700PPM CO2, representing man's additional CO2. In order to recreate the rise in CO2 for this experiment, I first set the standards without any CO2 in the "atmosphere" of the gallon jar, by heating the jar with the heat lamp. It took 4 minutes for the air temperature in the jar to go from 70° F to 85° F.

Once the temperature reached 85° F, I turned off the heat lamp and recorded the progress of the gallon jar returning to 70° F. (See Figure 6.) It took 25 minutes for the Jar's temperature to drop back to 70° F.

Next, to stimulate the amount of CO2 in the air in the year 1000, I dropped ½ of the amount of Alka-Seltzer recommended on the web page to stimulate ½ of the 700PPM of CO2 for which the experiment called (0.00415gm, which admittedly I estimated, as even my balance scale would not measure it properly) . It took 3 minutes for the air in the jar to heat up to 85° F.

Then, I turned off the heat lamp and waited for the temperature to drop. At first, it appeared that the temperature was dropping even faster than it had with no CO2. It dropped three degrees in just three minutes. It took more than 34 minutes for the temperature in the glass jar to drop back down to 70° F. As a matter of fact, I ran out of room on my chart. Good thing I was keeping track on two different pieces of paper.

For the final piece of the
experiment , I stimulated an atmosphere of 700PPM. It only took two minutes for the air to rise to 85°. I was pretty impressed. It took me longer than that to write down my findings then it did for the jar to heat up to 85° F.

Then, I turned off the heat lamp and waited. And waited and waited. The air seemed like it was taking forever to cool down. Actually, the initial cool down period of 3 minutes saw a drop in temperature of 3 degrees. After that the drop went about one degree for every two minutes, until the 9th minute. Then, the temperature dropped only one degree for every five minutes and steadily hit this mark until reaching the final cooling point of 70° F at 54 minutes.

So, what's my point?

This is my point.  Apparently, Global Warming exists -- man made and earth made.  So, why is it that when I hear newscasts there's always someone out there that debates this?  Or, ignores it?  Or, just brushes it off?

I don't have the answer to Global Warming, but it seems to me that we need to lower the amount of CO2 we put in the air.  Saving the environment is a pile of crap and we all know it.  Mankind can't save the earth, but we can make the earth inhabitable for all of us.  If we don't stop our pollution, the earth will -- in the worlds of Carlin -- "Shake us off like a bad case of the fleas."

God Bless

Monday, January 29, 2007

Jennifer Hudson, just sounds like an Oscar Winner...

As you probably know, I don't watch American Idol. I didn't even know who Jennifer Hudson was until I saw a layout about Dreamgirls in Entertainment Weekly.

But, as I was reading an article about the SAG Awards winners (Jennifer Hudson won one), I was thinking, "And the Oscar goes to Jennifer Hudson" has a nice ring to it. Oh, sure, she's up against Cate Blanchett, who has more experience than she does. I still think she's deserving.

Although, I would like to see Abigail Breslin win because I believe it would make her the youngest Oscar winner.

And, really, in the scheme of my life, it won't make a difference on who wins, I just think
"And the Oscar goes to Jennifer Hudson" has a nice ring to it.

God Bless

Sunday, January 28, 2007

Dick Cheney & Wolf Blitzer

I'm probably a day late and a dollar short on this post, but I think Wolf was out of line.

If you don't know, Dick Cheney's lesbian daughter, Mary, is expecting a child. James Dobson's Focus on ourselves and look what good "Christians" we think we are made the following statement:

"Mary Cheney's pregnancy raises the question of what's best for children. Just because it's possible to conceive a child outside of the relationship of a married mother and father doesn't mean it's the best for the child."

First, I'd like to say it's none of their freaking business and that whole group should just fall back into the hole from which they came.

Second, while I believe the group has a right to say whatever they want to say, I don't believe we should all have to listen to it.

Finally, the statement was made in December, which brings me to Cheney and Blitzer. Blitzer reads the quote and then expects Cheney to comment on it. I feel that it was unfair and I believe that Cheney was right was telling Blitzer that he was out of line. I think Dobson's hate group is out of line for commenting on the Vice President's daughter. If you want to make a statement against gays, fine, make it, but leave Mary Cheney and her pregnancy out of it.

God Bless

Little Miss Sunshine

Last night, we onDemanded "Little Miss Sunshine". I really enjoyed the movie and encourage everyone reading this to watch this quirky flick. Truthfully, I don't like Steve Carrell (am I spelling that right?), but he was really good in this role. Much different from any other role I've seen him in. Alan Arkin was wonderful.

I just have one question (and if you haven't seen the movie -- Don't read any farther, I don't want to spoil it for you)

What's the deal with dressing our little girls up sexy and putting them in beauty contests? Why can't we let them be little girls?

Is it me?

God Bless

Thursday, January 25, 2007

Speciality Plates

According to an editorial by Eric Zorn, Illinois is in trouble over their speciality plates.   We've all seen them on cars and personally, I don't see the point.  I have plenty of bumper space to use to show off my viewpoints, so why bother with a speciality plate that just costs more money.

The reason Illinois is in trouble is because the state turned down an anti-abortion group from having a "Choose Life" slogan on the plates.  Totally wrong and a judge agreed.  You can't open the plates for only certain groups. 

I agree with Mr. Zorn, these plates have to go and not just in Illinois.  Let's get rid of them here too.  Let's start with those Packer plates (where the extra money goes to fund the statium -- like they don't have enough money to do it themselves) and continue on until their all gone.

That's what I think.

God Bless

Monday, January 22, 2007

PETA has been killing animals...

I've never been a big supporter of PETA.  They always seemed, at least to me, more interested in PR than in animals.  Now, in North Carolina, two of PETA's employees have been disposing of animals behind a supermarket.

Apparently, PETA may care about the ethical treatment of animals, but they weren't interested in finding good homes for them.  According to an article on Court TV, "The Virginian-Pilot reported that the group euthanized more than 6,000 animals between 2001 and 2003, about 83 percent of those it collected."

Just how is that an ethical treatment of animals?

I know that a lot of homeless pets cannot find good homes.  I realize that a lot of them end up in shelters on death row because they're not wanted.  What I didn't expect to hear is that PETA has euthanized 83% of the animals they collected under the guise of finding them homes.

And, that's just wrong.

In hindsight, I'm glad that I've never given one penny to PETA. 

God Bless

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Art Buchwald Dies...

I'm bummed.  Art Buchwald died yesterday.  He was 81 and actually lived a lot longer than he should've since he stopped his dialysis treatment in Feb, 2006.  Still, I wish he was still around.  No one wrote a better column.

God speed, Mr. Buchwald.

God Bless the rest of us.

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Now, this scares me...

I love my country, but I fear my government.

No saying is more true today than that one.   There is a provision in the poorly named Patriot Act that allows the United States Attorney General to appoint Federal Prosecutors without Senate confirmation.

According to a CNN article (see article here), the Bush administration is forcing prosecutors out so that they can replace them with Republican allies.  Now, the article only offers speculation and no substantive proof, but it still worries me.

Eleven Federal Prosecutors have resigned since the Patriot Act went into effect.  That means 11 people have left their jobs and been replaced -- probably quietly -- by Alberto Gonzales.  Now, I can't imagine him appointing people as political favors or appointing people who really aren't qualified for the job, but shouldn't Federal Prosecutors have to go through the confirmation process?  Why would Congress leave themselves out of this process?

This gives the Attorney General the power to choose his own buddies as prosecutors.  Can this be a good thing?  Gonzales claims that the Administration has no pull or say in this matter, but we all know that the Bush administration doesn't keep it's nose out of any business -- they're reading our mail for Pete's sake!

God Help us all if the Patriot Act doesn't get repealed soon!

God Bless

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

John McCain

While I understand the need to reach out to conservative religious leaders, I will not be supporting John McCain in his bid to become President in 2008. I like John McCain, but when will the Republican Party stop bowing to the extreme right wing that listens to people like James Dobson?

We do not need a Constitutional Amendment banning gay marriage in this country. Gay marriage won't hurt anybody's marriage. And, we don't need these extreme so-called religious people having such a large say in our political campaigns. Now, I'm not sure, but isn't Dobson's so-called family group considered non-profit? (I could be wrong here) If it is, shouldn't they lose their status once it becomes clear that they are butting in on the political sphere? I think so.

I have to say, that I like John McCain, but I'm very disappointed in him. He should try reaching out to the disenfranchised conservatives who want smaller government, less taxes and more fiscal responsibility than reach out to the extreme who preach hate.

God Bless

Monday, January 15, 2007

In the Womb

This weekend, while we were up visiting da boys, we watched a special called "In the Womb: Multiples". It was on the National Geographical Channel and I'm sure they'll repeat it if you missed it, but it was fascinating. Behaviors that multiples show in the womb can be seen in the multiples once they're out of the womb. The special included the new 4D ultrasound, plus CGI pictures of inside the womb.

Also, this weekend, I let Alex play with my camera and here are a couple pictures he took of his brother.




Not the best pictures ever taken of Danny, but not a bad job. One of these days, I'm going to take a picture of Alex taking a picture.

Here's one I took of Alex, Dustin and Kim. I thought it was cute the way Alex was watching Dustin play on the DS and then both boys looked right up at the same time. Cute.





I had more to say, off the top of my head, but it's late and I'm tired.

God Bless

Friday, January 12, 2007

Lewis Black

I love Lewis Black. I think he's one of the smartest and funniest comedians out there. Comedy Central is holding a contest for the funniest stand up comedian -- Mr. Black is 8th down on the page.

If you like him as much as I do, take a little time to vote for him.




Have a great weekend!

God Bless


Monday, January 08, 2007

The Apprentice

I wasn't planning on watching the Apprentice even before Donald Trump called Rosie fat.  I didn't care for the show the one and only time I watched it late in its first season.  If you've been reading this blog for long, you probably have a good idea that I'm not really into reality shows.

Then, on Friday, I saw an article about the Apprentice and there in gleaming color were this season's contestants -- in their bathing suits.  Woman in bikini's, the one guy I saw in the picture (it wasn't a group shot) in a long tight short suit.

Why do you have to expose your body in order to obtain a position working for Donald Trump?  (Obviously, because sex sells.)

But, hasn't this show gone too far?  Shouldn't this show set itself apart from the sexfilled, dummying down of America, because this is a season long job interview?  Shouldn't some decorum be used?  Afterall, I don't think I'd hold down my job for too long if I showed up in a bikini or even shorts, for that matter.

The idea of the Apprendice was promising when it began.  Pit contestants against each other in business related contests which should lead, hopefully, to the employee with the best abilities.  Now, it's just, well, I'm not sure what to call it, but I for one won't be watching it.

God Bless

Friday, January 05, 2007

White House Visitor Logs -- Can't see them!

Well, excuse me, but if the President thinks it is okay to spy on American citizens by tapping their phones and reading their mail, why can't I -- as a citizen view the Visitor log for the White House (read story here).  How can this be possible?

And, since when are Presidential records off limits?  Didn't see to be that way during Clinton -- when the court ordered him to give up some documents.

And, those records really belong to the secret service -- NOT THE PRESIDENT.

Now, I want him impeached.  This is bullshit.  I want to know just who visited the White House, who did they see and anything else I can find out.  I PAY THAT MAN'S SALARY and just like my employer has the RIGHT to view a list of visitors visiting me, I as the EMPLOYER (as we all are) should have the right to know who is visiting the PRESIDENT, VICE PRESIDENT and ANYONE ELSE WHO'S SALARIES COME FROM OUT TAXES.

If you think I'm mad -- you're right.

God Bless.

Writer's Cafe

I found this site that showcases writer's work.  I just wanted to pass it on to my readers.  Check it out.  If you write, you should join.  Below are links to three of my latest stories...

Hello, it's the Government, we're reading your mail...

When I was a kid, my father had a rule that no one in the house was allowed to open anyone else's mail.  I couldn't open his and my mom's and they couldn't open mine and my brothers'.  Dad always said that opening another person's mail was a federal offense.  I don't think he made that big of a deal out of it, but enough of a big deal that it stuck with me.

Now, the President of the United States (see article here) has decided that yes, Virginia, there is a spy reading your mail.

And, that's just wrong.

Period.

Somehow, President Bush seems to think that he is a King and can order just any damn thing he wants.  If the line item veto was considered unconstitutional, just how are Bush's signing statements legal?

He is circumventing the justice system and is spitting on the very consitution thousands of Americans have died to protect.

And, this is okay?

We're not at war -- only Congress can declare a war and they haven't.  So, why is Bush allowed to do these things?

Our founding fathers put together three branches of government to make sure that there were checks and balances.  However; we've lost our way in this country and we're letting the King get his way.

We need to put a stop to Bush's power grab now -- not later -- before unrepairable damage is done to our rights.

Finally, if you disagree, stop and think a moment -- would you want a democrat president reading your mail?

God Bless




Tuesday, January 02, 2007

The NFL

Let me start this by saying that I've paid minimal attention to football in the last ten years.  I don't Monday morning quarterback and frankly, I could care...

Except this weekend, my dad informed me that the new NFL network means that some people cannot see the games.  Apparently, the NFL wants to force the cable companies to carry their network.  That got me thinking, why.  I mean, I understand the money aspect, but the NFL makes a lot of money without having a network. 

Plus, what is my cable company going to drop -- or charge me -- for a channel I don't want?

So, at least in my house, NO MORE FOOTBALL.  No games, no talk, no holding up dinner because a game is still on.  We won't be watching the Super Bowl (yes, even it the Bears make it).

Care to join me?

God Bless