SciFi/Geeky:
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/name_
Naturally I had to vote for Serenity!
http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/name_
Naturally I had to vote for Serenity!
February 26th, 2009
February 23rd, 2009
http://www.opencongress.org/bill/111-h2
This isn't the first time this has come up, but I really hope people take a SERIOUS look at it, instead of the usual knee-jerk reaction of this being a bad idea because it will raise sales taxes...
First, what people don't seem to get it- this ELIMINATES the IRS (as we know it) and Income tax. Period. If you are employed- you would immediately get a 20-30% or more "raise", and would no-longer have to file a stack of paperwork every April 15th, which many of us end up paying someone else to do (or buy software for). Even if you aren't currently employed- you wouldn't have to pay taxes or have anything withheld from whatever other income you currently get, including investments, trust/retirement/beneficiary funds, etc. You would no longer ever have to live in fear of the IRS or their thousands of complicated rules and forms. You would also never get a surprise "tax bill" because you didn't withhold enough money or were (un)fortunate enough to receive some additional income.
Yes, this adds a sales tax, but think about it- you are probably buying less expensive products for you and your family anyway, while the "rich" are buying expensive luxury items while enjoying huge income tax breaks under the current system. This makes taxes fairer and easier to understand for EVERYONE. For most poor/working-class/middle-class families- this law would amount in an overall reduction in their tax burden. The only people really worried about a national sales tax are:
Those who just don't "get" that it comes with the elimination of income tax, and the IRS (at least as it exists today).
The wealthy who will have to pay more for their luxury items and lose the tax loopholes they enjoy now.
People who are already skirting income tax laws (illegally or otherwise) and are not contributing to the country they live in.
Those who don't pay income taxes at all. Some of the poorest of the poor and students.
Illegal immigrants.
For the very poor or students- the impact would affect a very-very small percentage of the population. They would likely have more money in their pocket anyway as wages from what employment they do have (or money from their families) would not be subject to withholding, and "cash" salaries would actually be legal. Employers would save a lot of money in bookkeeping and legal costs, which would eventually be passed on to employees or result in cheaper goods and services. So in the end- everyone, including these folks, would benefit. As I already said before- they are also already buying store-brand or generic goods anyway, so would pay a minimal amount of sales tax.
As for illegal immigrants who aren't currently paying income taxes- they would be contributing tax money to the country they are living in and are otherwise not currently supporting (tax-wise).
The IRS, if it exists at all under such a system, would have more of an accounting role, and the STATES would have to answer to them- not you as an individual. It would have minimal impact on retailers as they already have POS and accounting systems capable of handling multiple levels of sales taxes. It would have some impact on the states, as they may need to upgrade their accounting systems and staffs- but, this would create more jobs at the state-level, which would be an additional boost to the economy.
In short- I feel if everyone really gives this some thought- they will realize that this would be a very good thing for our country as a whole, as well as for them and their families.
(Rare public post. Asbestos undies on.)
This isn't the first time this has come up, but I really hope people take a SERIOUS look at it, instead of the usual knee-jerk reaction of this being a bad idea because it will raise sales taxes...
First, what people don't seem to get it- this ELIMINATES the IRS (as we know it) and Income tax. Period. If you are employed- you would immediately get a 20-30% or more "raise", and would no-longer have to file a stack of paperwork every April 15th, which many of us end up paying someone else to do (or buy software for). Even if you aren't currently employed- you wouldn't have to pay taxes or have anything withheld from whatever other income you currently get, including investments, trust/retirement/beneficiary funds, etc. You would no longer ever have to live in fear of the IRS or their thousands of complicated rules and forms. You would also never get a surprise "tax bill" because you didn't withhold enough money or were (un)fortunate enough to receive some additional income.
Yes, this adds a sales tax, but think about it- you are probably buying less expensive products for you and your family anyway, while the "rich" are buying expensive luxury items while enjoying huge income tax breaks under the current system. This makes taxes fairer and easier to understand for EVERYONE. For most poor/working-class/middle-class families- this law would amount in an overall reduction in their tax burden. The only people really worried about a national sales tax are:
Those who just don't "get" that it comes with the elimination of income tax, and the IRS (at least as it exists today).
The wealthy who will have to pay more for their luxury items and lose the tax loopholes they enjoy now.
People who are already skirting income tax laws (illegally or otherwise) and are not contributing to the country they live in.
Those who don't pay income taxes at all. Some of the poorest of the poor and students.
Illegal immigrants.
For the very poor or students- the impact would affect a very-very small percentage of the population. They would likely have more money in their pocket anyway as wages from what employment they do have (or money from their families) would not be subject to withholding, and "cash" salaries would actually be legal. Employers would save a lot of money in bookkeeping and legal costs, which would eventually be passed on to employees or result in cheaper goods and services. So in the end- everyone, including these folks, would benefit. As I already said before- they are also already buying store-brand or generic goods anyway, so would pay a minimal amount of sales tax.
As for illegal immigrants who aren't currently paying income taxes- they would be contributing tax money to the country they are living in and are otherwise not currently supporting (tax-wise).
The IRS, if it exists at all under such a system, would have more of an accounting role, and the STATES would have to answer to them- not you as an individual. It would have minimal impact on retailers as they already have POS and accounting systems capable of handling multiple levels of sales taxes. It would have some impact on the states, as they may need to upgrade their accounting systems and staffs- but, this would create more jobs at the state-level, which would be an additional boost to the economy.
In short- I feel if everyone really gives this some thought- they will realize that this would be a very good thing for our country as a whole, as well as for them and their families.
(Rare public post. Asbestos undies on.)
January 30th, 2009
Don't get me wrong- I am a huge Obama supporter, and I actually support the bill in question, but I still find this disturbing:
Obama Administration Fails Its Own Transparency Promise Just Days Later
December 30th, 2008
Just a reminder...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co
If you get any TV from an antenna- you are urged to order your $40 converter box coupons before the end of the year. Even if you MIGHT get TV from an antenna (if you occasionally forget to pay your cable bill, for example)- you should probably get at least one. I've been telling everyone I know to get at least one even if they don't feel they need one- in case of an emergency or extended cable outage.
The feds are apparently running out of money for the coupons, and it takes a good 4-5 weeks to get them after you order them. That only gives you about two weeks after you get the coupons to buy and install the converter box(es) if you order the coupons NOW.
Of course, none of this applies if your TV already has an ATSC (DTV) tuner. Most new TVs purchased in the last few years do, as do all HDTVs (not HD monitors). If your newer TV tunes in channels with a decimal, like "4.01" or "7.02"- you probably have an ATSC tuner. Note that many stations broadcast several digital channels- some with things like 24-hour weather, music, sports, or public service broadcasts. For example- Channel 9 in Denver has its primary DTV broadcast on channel 9.01, with a 24-hour weather channel on 9.02. (Note that some tuners/converter boxes use "9-1" and "9-2", instead of decimals.)
You MIGHT need a new antenna as-well. Most people with rooftop antennas are probably fine. My old rooftop antenna works just fine for DTV. Actually- it works better than it did with analog broadcasts. Rabbit ears probably won't work unless you are fairly close to the transmitter (no matter how much foil you put on them). There are digital-optimized set-top antennas to replace rabbit ears, as well as "panel" antennas you can easily mount on the side of your home (instead of dealing with an antenna mast).
Trivia: "Channels" as we know them will cease to exist on a technical level on Feb. 17th. Many DTV broadcasters are already (or will be) transmitting on UHF frequencies, instead of their "old" VHF frequencies which designated channels 2-13. So, your local "Channel 4" station's DTV signal might actually be on something like UHF channel 30. The lower VHF channel frequencies are being reallocated for other purposes, as are higher UHF ones. In DTV- The "Channel" is simply designated as part of the digital stream, and has absolutely nothing to do with the frequency it is broadcast on.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co
If you get any TV from an antenna- you are urged to order your $40 converter box coupons before the end of the year. Even if you MIGHT get TV from an antenna (if you occasionally forget to pay your cable bill, for example)- you should probably get at least one. I've been telling everyone I know to get at least one even if they don't feel they need one- in case of an emergency or extended cable outage.
The feds are apparently running out of money for the coupons, and it takes a good 4-5 weeks to get them after you order them. That only gives you about two weeks after you get the coupons to buy and install the converter box(es) if you order the coupons NOW.
Of course, none of this applies if your TV already has an ATSC (DTV) tuner. Most new TVs purchased in the last few years do, as do all HDTVs (not HD monitors). If your newer TV tunes in channels with a decimal, like "4.01" or "7.02"- you probably have an ATSC tuner. Note that many stations broadcast several digital channels- some with things like 24-hour weather, music, sports, or public service broadcasts. For example- Channel 9 in Denver has its primary DTV broadcast on channel 9.01, with a 24-hour weather channel on 9.02. (Note that some tuners/converter boxes use "9-1" and "9-2", instead of decimals.)
You MIGHT need a new antenna as-well. Most people with rooftop antennas are probably fine. My old rooftop antenna works just fine for DTV. Actually- it works better than it did with analog broadcasts. Rabbit ears probably won't work unless you are fairly close to the transmitter (no matter how much foil you put on them). There are digital-optimized set-top antennas to replace rabbit ears, as well as "panel" antennas you can easily mount on the side of your home (instead of dealing with an antenna mast).
Trivia: "Channels" as we know them will cease to exist on a technical level on Feb. 17th. Many DTV broadcasters are already (or will be) transmitting on UHF frequencies, instead of their "old" VHF frequencies which designated channels 2-13. So, your local "Channel 4" station's DTV signal might actually be on something like UHF channel 30. The lower VHF channel frequencies are being reallocated for other purposes, as are higher UHF ones. In DTV- The "Channel" is simply designated as part of the digital stream, and has absolutely nothing to do with the frequency it is broadcast on.
December 23rd, 2008
December 12th, 2008
(I'm going to make this a rare public post.)
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif?v=92.1)
doom_diva posted a comment about this site in her LJ: http://www.carm.org/wicca/questions.h
I thought I would take a crack at answering them...
1. Do the gods and goddesses of Wicca actually exist?
Ask yourself that same question: Does your God exist? It all comes down to faith- I believe my Gods and Goddesses exist at least as strongly as your believe your God does. Who's right? We have faith in the existence of Deity, in a higher power that is watching over us and encourages us to do the right things, and is there to answer our pleas for help in the form of prayer (or in my case- spellcasting). In fact- Wiccans and other neo-Pagans don't worship their Gods and Goddesses all that differently than you do. I feel the biggest difference is we speak directly to ours, and don't require some intermediary in the form of a priest to do it for us. We also don't require huge commercial enterprises (you call them Churches) to worship.
2. If they actually exist, how do you know they exist?
I have had prayers answered, and seen some things happen in response which you would probably consider a "miracle". Once again- it all boils down to faith. And, as I already said- we deal directly with our Deities. If you really talk to one of our Gods or Goddesses- you KNOW it. You FEEL it.
3. If your tradition contradicts the tradition of another Wiccan, can they both be objectively true?
Most definitely. Neo-Paganism and Wicca is about self-discovery and communicating in your own way with your chosen Gods and Goddesses. There are as many Neo-Pagan and Wiccan "paths" or belief systems as there are people on this planet, and an infinite number of possibilities beyond. None of them are more or less valid than mine. For that matter- your own belief in your God is no more or less valid than mine.
4. How do you feel about believing in the religious system where you cater your religion to your desires?
Am I supposed to feel bad about that? Does you religion not cater to your desires? If it doesn't- why do you follow it? Is it just because someone told you to, perhaps at a young and impressionable age? Really- if you find yourself fighting against your religion because it doesn't cater to your desires or needs- what is the point of being involved in it to begin with?
5. if you cater/construct your religion according to our desires, then isn't it nothing more than your own invention?
No more than your religion is the invention of a small group of people that has evolved over almost 2000 years. Most of the concepts that we base our beliefs on are thousands of years older than Judeo-Christian beliefs. That said- there are a lot of similarities between our beliefs. We believe that what we do affects those around us, and in return- ourselves. The system of Karma most Neo-Pagans believe in is similar to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." from your Bible. If we do bad- you would call it a "sin"- bad will come to us. We don't have some guy in a robe who can absolve us of bad Karma though- it will come if we deserve it. Beyond that- we have concepts of an afterlife, although that ranges from reincarnation, to a form of "Heaven", to Ascension, depending on one's own beliefs. One thing we DON'T have is a concept of "Hell". While life in the form of our higher-selves or "souls" is eternal- there is no such thing as "eternal torment" ala Hell. We also have ritualized worship that isn't really all that different from what your Priests do.
6. Is Wicca able to be shown to be false or is it all non-verifiable ideas?
Huh? Wicca, Neo-Paganism, and all of the "ideas" behind them are just as valid as yours. There is nothing to show to be false. Contrary to what you may have been taught- this isn't a battle between "good" and "evil" or "true" and "false" beliefs. We essentially want the same thing you do- to bring meaning to this life and to live it in what we see is the best manner possible. Bringing positive things into our lives and those around us. I really don't understand why that makes us adversaries. Frankly- I can see one of my Gods hanging out with yours in some cosmic bar, both shaking their heads at how silly all of this competition is...
7. If your spells and incantations produce results, how do you know that the power behind the results is good or not?
Our spells and incantations are essentially the same as your prayers. I've heard people pray for things that most wouldn't consider to be "good". So- I can ask you the same question- just replace "spells and incantations" with "prayers". Also- there really is no such thing as "good" and "evil" (assuming that is what you are getting at). It is all energy, provided by the Universe in the form of our Gods and Goddesses. It can be used to do harm, or do good, but as I said earlier- there are Karmic consequences to both.
8. How do you know that there is something more sinister behind Wicca?
Sorry, this question really doesn't make any sense. There is nothing sinister behind Wicca or Neo-Paganism, unless you consider the Universe as a whole and nature to be sinister. We don't believe in a sinister entity like "The Devil", nor would we give such an entity any power. I will leave the belief in such a thing to you, although I believe it is counter-productive. There is only the energy of the Universe- which is neither good or bad, sinister or benevolent. It is only what we do with that energy that can make it good or harmful, or our concepts of "good" and "evil" as they relate to our observations of natural occurrences. Once again- we have a pretty good reason to focus on good, without some scary entity to fear.
9. Why do you think that rituals dealing with candles, knives, and such are able to affect nature?
Because everything affects nature, period. Why is that so hard for you to understand? We use candles, knives, herbs, crystals, water, wine, salt, incense, and assorted other things to perform our rituals and cast spells. These are all natural things, representing the forces of nature: Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit. We use these to affect change in our concept of reality. Really, it is likely the only thing on one of our alters that you wouldn't find in some form on one of yours is a knife, and that is generally only used by us as a means of directing energy. I think in reality it just scares you that we have our own altars, and we know how to use them. :)
In conclusion- please stop trying to denigrate our beliefs. Yours are no more or less valid than ours, and we generally have the same goals. We don't worship your God, but that's okay- the Universe is full of Gods and Goddesses, all of which are worthy of our worship. If you truly believe in the religious path or belief system you follow- then follow it with confidence. Know however, once again, that your path is no more or less valid than anyone else's. Also know that your path should be unique to you- do not expect anyone else to follow it, and do not force it on others, for they too have their own paths to follow. Also- above all else- don't follow a belief system or religion just because someone told you to. You must follow your own path. Blindly following someone else's path will generally only suit THEIR needs, and not your own soul or higher-self's. If you are following a path passed on to you by your parents or others- ask yourself: "Do I REALLY believe this? Do the concepts of this belief system make sense to me?" If you can't HONESTLY answer "Yes" to both of these questions- you might want to look for something else.
A great Web site for help is: http://www.beliefnet.com
It is non-denominational, and tries to represent any and all common belief systems. No- this whole thing wasn't a commercial for them, I just really like what they do. Frankly- I wish they were around when I was questioning my own beliefs many years ago.
doom_diva posted a comment about this site in her LJ: http://www.carm.org/wicca/questions.hI thought I would take a crack at answering them...
1. Do the gods and goddesses of Wicca actually exist?
Ask yourself that same question: Does your God exist? It all comes down to faith- I believe my Gods and Goddesses exist at least as strongly as your believe your God does. Who's right? We have faith in the existence of Deity, in a higher power that is watching over us and encourages us to do the right things, and is there to answer our pleas for help in the form of prayer (or in my case- spellcasting). In fact- Wiccans and other neo-Pagans don't worship their Gods and Goddesses all that differently than you do. I feel the biggest difference is we speak directly to ours, and don't require some intermediary in the form of a priest to do it for us. We also don't require huge commercial enterprises (you call them Churches) to worship.
2. If they actually exist, how do you know they exist?
I have had prayers answered, and seen some things happen in response which you would probably consider a "miracle". Once again- it all boils down to faith. And, as I already said- we deal directly with our Deities. If you really talk to one of our Gods or Goddesses- you KNOW it. You FEEL it.
3. If your tradition contradicts the tradition of another Wiccan, can they both be objectively true?
Most definitely. Neo-Paganism and Wicca is about self-discovery and communicating in your own way with your chosen Gods and Goddesses. There are as many Neo-Pagan and Wiccan "paths" or belief systems as there are people on this planet, and an infinite number of possibilities beyond. None of them are more or less valid than mine. For that matter- your own belief in your God is no more or less valid than mine.
4. How do you feel about believing in the religious system where you cater your religion to your desires?
Am I supposed to feel bad about that? Does you religion not cater to your desires? If it doesn't- why do you follow it? Is it just because someone told you to, perhaps at a young and impressionable age? Really- if you find yourself fighting against your religion because it doesn't cater to your desires or needs- what is the point of being involved in it to begin with?
5. if you cater/construct your religion according to our desires, then isn't it nothing more than your own invention?
No more than your religion is the invention of a small group of people that has evolved over almost 2000 years. Most of the concepts that we base our beliefs on are thousands of years older than Judeo-Christian beliefs. That said- there are a lot of similarities between our beliefs. We believe that what we do affects those around us, and in return- ourselves. The system of Karma most Neo-Pagans believe in is similar to "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." from your Bible. If we do bad- you would call it a "sin"- bad will come to us. We don't have some guy in a robe who can absolve us of bad Karma though- it will come if we deserve it. Beyond that- we have concepts of an afterlife, although that ranges from reincarnation, to a form of "Heaven", to Ascension, depending on one's own beliefs. One thing we DON'T have is a concept of "Hell". While life in the form of our higher-selves or "souls" is eternal- there is no such thing as "eternal torment" ala Hell. We also have ritualized worship that isn't really all that different from what your Priests do.
6. Is Wicca able to be shown to be false or is it all non-verifiable ideas?
Huh? Wicca, Neo-Paganism, and all of the "ideas" behind them are just as valid as yours. There is nothing to show to be false. Contrary to what you may have been taught- this isn't a battle between "good" and "evil" or "true" and "false" beliefs. We essentially want the same thing you do- to bring meaning to this life and to live it in what we see is the best manner possible. Bringing positive things into our lives and those around us. I really don't understand why that makes us adversaries. Frankly- I can see one of my Gods hanging out with yours in some cosmic bar, both shaking their heads at how silly all of this competition is...
7. If your spells and incantations produce results, how do you know that the power behind the results is good or not?
Our spells and incantations are essentially the same as your prayers. I've heard people pray for things that most wouldn't consider to be "good". So- I can ask you the same question- just replace "spells and incantations" with "prayers". Also- there really is no such thing as "good" and "evil" (assuming that is what you are getting at). It is all energy, provided by the Universe in the form of our Gods and Goddesses. It can be used to do harm, or do good, but as I said earlier- there are Karmic consequences to both.
8. How do you know that there is something more sinister behind Wicca?
Sorry, this question really doesn't make any sense. There is nothing sinister behind Wicca or Neo-Paganism, unless you consider the Universe as a whole and nature to be sinister. We don't believe in a sinister entity like "The Devil", nor would we give such an entity any power. I will leave the belief in such a thing to you, although I believe it is counter-productive. There is only the energy of the Universe- which is neither good or bad, sinister or benevolent. It is only what we do with that energy that can make it good or harmful, or our concepts of "good" and "evil" as they relate to our observations of natural occurrences. Once again- we have a pretty good reason to focus on good, without some scary entity to fear.
9. Why do you think that rituals dealing with candles, knives, and such are able to affect nature?
Because everything affects nature, period. Why is that so hard for you to understand? We use candles, knives, herbs, crystals, water, wine, salt, incense, and assorted other things to perform our rituals and cast spells. These are all natural things, representing the forces of nature: Air, Fire, Water, Earth, and Spirit. We use these to affect change in our concept of reality. Really, it is likely the only thing on one of our alters that you wouldn't find in some form on one of yours is a knife, and that is generally only used by us as a means of directing energy. I think in reality it just scares you that we have our own altars, and we know how to use them. :)
In conclusion- please stop trying to denigrate our beliefs. Yours are no more or less valid than ours, and we generally have the same goals. We don't worship your God, but that's okay- the Universe is full of Gods and Goddesses, all of which are worthy of our worship. If you truly believe in the religious path or belief system you follow- then follow it with confidence. Know however, once again, that your path is no more or less valid than anyone else's. Also know that your path should be unique to you- do not expect anyone else to follow it, and do not force it on others, for they too have their own paths to follow. Also- above all else- don't follow a belief system or religion just because someone told you to. You must follow your own path. Blindly following someone else's path will generally only suit THEIR needs, and not your own soul or higher-self's. If you are following a path passed on to you by your parents or others- ask yourself: "Do I REALLY believe this? Do the concepts of this belief system make sense to me?" If you can't HONESTLY answer "Yes" to both of these questions- you might want to look for something else.
A great Web site for help is: http://www.beliefnet.com
It is non-denominational, and tries to represent any and all common belief systems. No- this whole thing wasn't a commercial for them, I just really like what they do. Frankly- I wish they were around when I was questioning my own beliefs many years ago.
November 18th, 2008
It looks like doctors, or an impending lack thereof, will force changes in the US health care system. I hope sooner than later...
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/11/17/pr
http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/11/17/pr
November 13th, 2008
This is REALLY cool, and may be of special interest to my friends who home-school or honor the Roman pantheon:
http://earth.google.com/rome
http://earth.google.com/rome
November 12th, 2008
As part of their merger with XM, today they rolled out a new channel line-up, killing some of their popular channels to merge them with XM's versions. This pissed me off at first, until I realized...
None of my favorite channels are affected. Some moved, but they weren't eliminated.
They are unloading some DJs. Bad for the DJs, but good for those of us who just want to hear music.
Sirius now has ala-carte programming available, something XM has had for awhile.
I was able to drop all the talk-radio stations I never listen to (including Howard Stern!), and get just the music stations. I would only be interested in the talk stations if they actually had a weather and traffic channel for Denver, which they STILL don't have.
As an added bonus- dropping the talk garbage saves me $5/month. :)
None of my favorite channels are affected. Some moved, but they weren't eliminated.
They are unloading some DJs. Bad for the DJs, but good for those of us who just want to hear music.
Sirius now has ala-carte programming available, something XM has had for awhile.
I was able to drop all the talk-radio stations I never listen to (including Howard Stern!), and get just the music stations. I would only be interested in the talk stations if they actually had a weather and traffic channel for Denver, which they STILL don't have.
As an added bonus- dropping the talk garbage saves me $5/month. :)
November 4th, 2008
According to this story:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/0
DEMOCRATS in Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas have reported receiving text messages telling them to vote on Wednesday! How low is that?!
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/11/0
DEMOCRATS in Texas, Missouri, Mississippi, Alabama and Arkansas have reported receiving text messages telling them to vote on Wednesday! How low is that?!
