Science vs. Religion (or) Let's Piss off a Lot of People

I just got done watching a show on the Discovery Channel called "Curiosity".
This episode was narrated by Stephen Hawking and delved into the topic "Did God Create the Universe".

Now, I myself am NOT a smart person, if compared to Mr. Hawking. However, I like to think that I am an open-minded person.
In the same breath, I am not a religious person.

Overall, his explanation is that before the time of the Big Bang, there was no 'time', hence no time for God to even exist, hence the Universe created itself.

Now, he also used an example of making a cup of coffee.
While, various masses go into the making a cup of coffee, if you can travel to the micro MICRO universe, there are "pops" of creation from basically nothing.

This interested me, and I found that I 'got' this idea right away.
To us, a "pop", like that of a balloon, is instantaneous because of the scale of existence we are to this particular "pop".

Now, concerning the fact that the Big Bang is basically a "pop" of creationism, if you take into account the scale of the universe compared to the Big Bang, it can be viewed as a "pop" that is on a continuing path.
(not bad for a high school drop out, eh?).

Using more quotes from this episode, consider the Vikings. The Nordic. Not the Minnesotan.

Back in their time, they viewed a solar eclipse the work of a Wolf God. A belief.
Later in time, a solar eclipse was explained using science, resulting in fact.

If we look back into the role of the church, at one point, any word against that of the church was viewed as heresy. Even though science was afoot, and proving theories, it was "illegal" to think this way. Meaning, if you thought God was in control of the universe, more than likely you wouldn't be stoned to death.

All I can think about is a statement made by Stephen Hawking:science does not dismiss religion, but rather offer factual explanations.

To me, science is based on fact while religion is based on stories.
Science takes "stories", and searches for the facts to support said stories.
Religion takes "stories" that were based on facts and creates beliefs that support the will of man.

Now, like science, I don't dismiss religion.
But if you look throughout history, how often has religion dismissed science?

I think there may be another episode down the line on that.
I believe that

Why no, I'm not gay. But thanks for asking.

This seems to be a reoccurring question from my 'friends', simply because I have chosen not to date in quite some time.

I moved to a small town (population around 3000), when my then girlfriend, whom I'd been dating for 2 years became pregnant.
Fast forward 7 years. After our second child and deciding to get married, things started to decline.

Now it's ten years later.

In the beginning, I did date a few different women from my old city (30 miles away), dabbled with online dating, but have pretty much kept to myself.

This town offers me nothing other than a job and the close proximity to my boys.
Socially, I have no interest mainly because of feeling like an outsider ever since the divorce.

That's the problem with marrying into a small community like this. When thing go south, if you don't get out right away, you're pretty much f*cked.

"Last Airbender"

After a much anticipated wait since seeing the first previews, I took my boys to see M. Night Shymalan's vision of "The Last Airbender", which is based on the Nickelodeon series.

From the first images, we were all excited to see this animated story come to life.
I for one, enjoyed the cartoon not only because it was animated (ok, so I dig cartoons), but it had an Asian feel with Hindu prophecies to it, something not really seen since the Dragonball series).

The movie in of itself was pretty good. It started out kinda loose as far as the acting and dialog, but once things got rolling, it kept going until the very end.
The special effects were very good. If this movie had been done either 10 years ago, or on a smaller budget, the elements being "bent" would have looked more cartoony. But give props where props are due, it wasn't hard to believe that you were watching people actually manipulate fire, water, the earth (dirt/rocks), and even air. (even though "air" looked like it had a little help from a big fan positioned off camera).

The only complaint the three of us shared, seemingly minor, was the changing of the pronunciation of the names of the main characters.
(taken from an interview with Shymalan):
“Aang” is not [like Tang] but “Aang” [like Tong.] Also, it isn’t “Avatar” like aaah, it is “Avatar” like “Of-Atar.” The other changes: “Sokka” [pronounced Sock-Ka] is pronounced “Soh-ka” (“soh” as in “sew”) and Iroh, Uncle Iroh, isn’t “Eye-Row” but “Eer-Row.”

Of course, when we got home, after a long discussion with my kids about the "reasoning for changing the pronunciations", I had to Google it.
M. Night explains "Because this show, this film, is inspired by these cultures. And most directors wouldn’t care, but this is something I’ve been living with my whole life, this is really important to me. But not just the names, the calligraphy, the drapery, the machinery, this all creates a world that is specific and personal and resonant.”
Yea, not much of an explanation.

But, overall, it's a really good movie. Go see it.

My Russian Bride

Well, once again, I find myself the 'target' on what appears to be a scam.

For maybe the fourth time in the past several years, I received an email from a young woman overseas that supposedly saw my profile on a dating site, and "just had to write!".

Sure, the emails start out innocently enough, telling me all about "themselves".
How they grew up in a small village, one or both or there parents were killed somehow, or they can't find " a real boyfriend in their country.
Then they decide to somehow pack up and move to the U.S. so "we can be together".
oy
Of course, after several emails leading up to the one about "I've gained my passport/travel papers and am coming to you!", comes the email we all expect.
"I am short (x-amount of money) to complete the trip. I've come too close to give up now and if you care about me you will help me".
again......oy

But this latest "potential mate" is bolder/better than the rest. They actually included a wave file of their voice and...........wait for it............A PASSPORT!
I mean, how bold of a move!

Now sure, I'm a lonely guy, and love the idea of a beautiful young woman, having seen my online dating profile, to fall in love and jump the pond to be with me and only me. But luckily, I'm more of a realist than these people are used to.
And sure it's fun to play along for a bit, but DAMN something should be done about this kind of scam.

A passport....really? Kinda scary what length people will go to for money.......

i'd LOVE to hear President Obama's thoughts on this......

so, there's a statement circulating on Facebook about the situation in Haiti.
it goes as follows:
"JUST FOR AMERICA: Shame on you America: the only country where we have homeless without shelter, children going to bed without eating, elderly going without needed meds, and mentally ill without treatment - yet we have a benefit for the people of Haiti on 12 TV stations. 99% of people won't have the guts to copy and repost this"

I'm going to have to agree.
Too long has the U.S. come to the aid of others all the while overlooking the plights on our own soil.

Now, I understand the reasoning behind some of our assistance;usually we have some sort of stake in the country we are assisting. But Haiti? What does this country offer but voodoo dolls and easily adoptive babies? (yea, I'll probably go to Hell for that, but freedom of speech baby!).

The U.S. has joblessness, homelessness, schools closing, lack of funding, education problems, single dad's being f*cked over (yea, that one was for me), and what does the Government do to adress ANY of those issues?

Do we have six different broadcasting networks holding benefits to raise money to solve ANY of this?

I'm hoping that by putting the presidents' name in the title of my blog, some watchdog somewhere will pick this up and at LEAST offer up some sort of explanation as to why we help everyone else BUT our own.

join me in a belated birthday

I feel kinda bad, because last Saturday the 3rd would have been Stevie Ray Vaughn's 55th birthday.
I was all ready to make a posting on that date, but circumstances beyond my control prevented that.

need some input here people................

What does it mean when a girl say's she likes you and wants to get to know you, but after a while, when you admit you kinda like her, she decides to stop hanging out because she "knows how you feel about her", but will still talk/text outside of work and sit with you on break?

I know what it means, just want to hear someone else say it.

need some input here people................

What does it mean when a girl say's she likes you and wants to get to know you, but after a while, when you admit you kinda like her, she decides to stop hanging out because she "knows how you feel about her", but will still talk/text outside of work and sit with you on break?

I know what it means, just want to hear someone else say it.

deposit, but no return?

So I tried to get the refund on a 12 pack of the new WOW Dew cans. Of course, the machine wouldn't scan them. When asked, the clerk said "those are too new. they aren't in the system yet". Funny, i got CHARGED on the deposit when i BOUGHT the fukkin things!!!

i shoulda known better............................

When a child asks you something, do NOT tell them to just google it....................
As they get older, they no longer ask, but just google it, and you have to find out about it when going through the history............oy

Please, President Obama..........................

..........authorize an air strike on Rush Limbaugh

Updates, stuff, and a bombshell

As reported a few months ago, there was a possibility that my ex-wife and husband would be losing their home.
As of today, it seems that with the help of President Obama's influence of money loaners being more helpful to those that wish to stay in their homes rather than lose them to a Sheriff's auction, will do so.
Thus, they now have until mid August to get the home refinanced.

In other personal news, my older son has turned 14 and is ready for his learners permit! (silent shrill begins).
This weekend, I'll take him out in the car and put him behind the wheel for a little practice.
I HOPE that with all of his video game expertise, his hand-eye coordination will be a great asset.

My mom's Explorer got repaired, and not only does it look and drive like new, but out body man was able to get the total several hundred dollars UNDER what they received from the insurance company.
Ford parts were used, and parts that could be repaired were.
It helps that we've known this 'wonder of body work' since the 70's and has always worked with us on the repairs we've needed.
SHOUT-OUT BART!

Now, onto the bombshell. (stop salivating)

Two days ago, after months, nay years of inner debate, talking w/friends, and actually finding her, I contacted my now 19 year old daughter I'd signed off parental rights some 14 years ago.

Having a Facebook profile myself, on a whim I typed in her name and up came a list of possibilities, there was a pic of a young woman that resembled what I'd known her mother to look like.

I prepared a letter/message/note informing her of who I was, where I lived (in case she thought this could be some perv, she could actually verify my identity), and if she had ever had an interest in getting to know her birth father, my door was open.
I sent it off not expecting any type of response, but to my surprise the next day she'd added me as a 'friend' to her profile.

You can't even imagine how I felt, continue to feel. However, I've not re-contacted her and will not. Her first step was opening up her profile to my viewing, and also gaining access to mine. She has not written yet, but until she does, my initial message is all I will have offered.

I realized being contacted by her biological father would be a lot to process, but did now expect for her to 'open up' as quickly as she did.

The next few hours, days, months, or even years have no hints as to what to expect, but if this is all that happens, it would be enough having been given a glimpse into her life.

why do we really have insurance companies?

A few weeks ago, my parents were involved in a car accident.
A car driven by a 17 year old ran a yield sign, hitting the front passenger side of my mom's Explorer. No one was hurt, except for her truck which received extensive damage.

Turns out, the car had no insurance on it. The kids father commented that he had not put any on it because he "didn't think (kid) would have a second accident within six months". oy
SO, my folks' insurance company would issue a check, and THEN go after the father of the delinquent driver.

Both the bodyman and field agent commented that her truck was worth repairing.
But when it came to the 'guy that writes the check', he decided that Mom's truck will be totalled, and a check for substantially less would be issued to her.

Now, my Dad pays for an 'uninsured driver' policy, and the truck's value is more than the cost of repair, but going against the field agents recommendation, the company decides to total her truck, issuing a check that wouldn't even come close to replacing her ride.

So, can someone tell me why we even pay companies to protect our investments, such as vehicles, and when someone ELSE damages it, decide to go easy on the 'inflicter', and penalize the victim?

Ever know something you wish you didn't?

About a week ago,it was brought to my attention (by a co-worker of all people), that my ex-wife and husband will be losing their home to a Sheriff's auction.

It seems that they are way behind in not only property taxes, but mortgage payments as well.

As I said, I've known about this for a little over a week, and this weekend I had my boys. I can't tell you how hard it is knowing that they will be losing their home and not being able to say a word to them about it. btw:they don't know yet.

So as I bide my time, waiting for my ex to come to me with the news, I can't help but wonder if she will find a home here in town to rent, move 30 miles away to where she works (which wouldn't be the worst thing to happen), or move back to Southern Illinois where her husband's family resides (which is the worst thing that can happen).
What makes it worse yet is the face that I was unable to put a "can not move x amount of miles away" judgment on her, giving her Carte blanche to move where she wishes with no consideration for our children's feelings in the matter.

Stay tuned, as I'm sure I will have more to report on this situation.

X-box vs. Wii

I'm hoping the title grabs the attention than just the regular viewers to my blog, (yea, both of you).

I'm wanting some user input of pros and cons on these two game consoles as I am close to upgrading from my ps2.
I as well as my two boys (12 & 14) are interested in both the X-box 360 and the Nintendo Wii.
I've done some research as far as games availability and other tidbits of information, but when it comes to knowing about playability and the likes, well that's something they don't put on their websites.

So I ask you, the blogging/gaming masses to give me your 2 cents worth (yes, in addition to the both of you), and help me formulate a better knowledge base in helping me decide which console to go with.

Thank you in advance!

Try this one on for size............

The other night, I had a rather odd stream of consciousness. But over all, it made sense. Just how it came to be still eludes me.

"Faceoff".
This is the title of a movie starring John Travolta and Nicholas Cage.
The premise is that Travolta, playing some sort of Federal agent, must infiltrate bad guy Cage's 'world' in order to get something to put him away "for good this time".

In order to pull this off, doctors perform a surgical procedure where in they actually swap Travolta's characters face with that of Cages' characters face. (Later in the movie, Cage comes to, acquires Travolta's face, and the fun and merriment ensues.

Now, in the film, all the actors did was try to emulate the characteristics of the actor/character they were disguised as.

Here's my point:wouldn't the movie been a lot better if the producers actually went that extra mile by using green makeup on the actors and they did their scenes, and then in post production digitally added the other actors face on them?
Then we really would have believed that John Travolta really did have Cages face and vice-verse.

Ok, granted that this kind of technology wasn't really introduced until the Ed Norton version of "The Incredible Hulk", but dammit, other movies are being remade so just do another, better version of Face Off!

(ok, maybe not..........but it would have been soooooo much cooler).

Ever try to push a piece of string?

With the onset of a new year, I am forced to do a little 'self-evaluation' and try to figure out just what the hell has been going on for the past 8 years (if not much much longer).

(a warning:everything seems to come back to my divorce, so bear with me)

Since my divorce (see? told ya), my life has turned in on itself as my attentions have become split between my children, and the internet. Let me explain.
My two boys are the biggest joy in my life. Even though for 3 years after the divorce, they were moved 11 hours away from me, I did not waiver from being their Father. I never wrote them off, walked away, or neglected them (as if I'D been the one that left).
And since their return 6 years ago, my bond with them, especially the younger son, have grown at least to an enjoyable level not being awarded shared placement (even though we now live mere minutes away from each other).

The downfall from my divorce (see?), has become my addiction to the internet.
In the onset, I tried to gain that which my now ex wife did.(a mate), using the internet.
And while in the first two years, I did accomplish something of that, neither situation panned out.

But now, eight years later, my dependence on this infernal contraption has taken over what should have been a socialization of my being.
I'll be the first to admit that I spend way too much time between this site, Friendster, and a certain dating website and while I've been able to reconnect with classmates, and made new friends, the whole experience has torn down what used to be (in friends' ascertains) a really good person.

So what now?
Every New Year's for the past 7, I've told myself that "this year would be different". That I would put myself back out there and meet new people and hopefully find someone special.
One variable I blame my current situation on is where I am, geographically.
Now, while this town is really a good place, provided you are either A)raising a family or 2) being a descendant of a family that pretty much settled this little plot.
If you are an outsider, and a single outsider at that, you may as well call it game over.
And while I live a mere 30 miles from where I grew up (which for me holds more 'stimulus' for me personally) it seems like the distance I shared with my children some 6 years ago.

Now that I'm 40, maybe by some miracle I will tap into some long forgotten inner strength to proceed with the 'second half of my life'.
Or, I just may grow old to be known as the 'crazy guy on the corner that feeds the squirrels'.

Either way, I just know that I have to regain my independence from the internet and return to the 'land of the living'.

Let Obama do his job

I'm so full of positive emotions about the outcome of last nights Presidential election, I don't know where to begin!

My first thought is how we as a nation have "evolved" over the last 150 years so as to elect a "black man" to the highest position in the country. However, there are still signs that, while it is a step in the right direction as far as "maturing", we as a nation are not yet ready for this to happen.

Today while listening to an area radio station, there was a caller who was voicing her opinion that actually made me stop what I was doing, listen to her, and then when she was done, just stand there dumbfounded.
She sounded like a woman that was in her early sixties, more than likely a racist, alarmist, anarchist, and probably had more than 20 cats living with her.

She began her on-air tirade questioning the intelligence of "these college students" (assuming that they held a majority vote) that had helped put this country in the hands of man who will turn this country into a communism, Marxism, and socialism society. (this woman was flyin'!).
She just kept going on about her "isms", all the while the radio DJ was just saying "um.......well.....", until she was cut off after saying she was moving to "f*cking Canada".

If Obama DID want to turn this country the way of the "ism", he would have had to been working on setting up a structure for it at LEAST 20 years ago. Even then, he would have to have enough Democrats in the House of Representatives to back him.

The position of the President is really not much more than a "mouth piece" for structured government.
Yes, he has ideas. But isn't it the House that actually votes on whether or not to let him "do it"?

This is the first election of my adult life that I actually (kinda) got into.
And for me, Barack Obama presented a better campaign that John McCain.

But in the big picture of things, if Obama is allowed to actually serve out his four year term, it will serve in the annuls of history on how we as a people came together to elect a historically minority to lead us into a future of hope.

I for one, look forward to being able to tell my grand-kids how I was able to see a "man of colour" in the White House.

another one for the "creepy" factor...............

I'm starting to see a trend here, and I'm not sure how to take it.

My name has been used twice in the movies, and having a rather uncommon name, it's kind of a big deal. At least to me it is.

The first time was in the 1985 movie "Fright Night".
In that movie, "I" became a zombie and was killed.

Then in 1991, it was the opening sequence that "I" became a large black man playing football.
At the end of the scene, "I" blew my brains out.

Fast forward to tonight, where I watched "NCIS" with my kids.
Guess who was the dead body found in the opening scenes that started off this episodes story? That's right:"BILLY COLE".
I mean, come on!

There have been plenty of names used in film and tv. But "billy cole" isn't really the first name you'd think of when creating a character.
And what's with the fact that "I" have never made it through an entire storyline?
"Fright Night" found "me" lasting at least half way through the movie, but still "I" died.

My 13 year old says I'm cursed.

stuff

It's late, I'm still awake, so I thought I'd share stuff.

A few months ago, I decided to add on to my home, as it's becoming rather small for me and my two boys.
I had an enclosed porch, measuring roughly 8'x12' (which was used mainly for a catch-all), removed and in it's place a room measuring 19'x31'.
This will be a second 'tv' room with space for my kids to entertain friends, and an area to relocate my laundry room.

It's now in the final stages as I have begun to prime the walls for paint.
I'm still having difficulties not only with deciding on wall colours, but if in fact I will want to let my kids have this space!
~I could always move my entertainment 'stuff' out there and let them have the old living room~

Soccer season began last week and my younger boy is participating.
Our towns program only provides for students up through sixth grade, so this will be his last year.
He started things off with his teams only (and his personal first) goal!
It was pretty cool to see him succeed like that.

I've been contemplating my future at my job (which is pretty bad timing what with the car loan and 'construction' loan I've taken on), but sometimes you just know when things are going down hill.
I'm hanging on as long as I can, but it's becoming harder and harder each day.

My music has really suffered over the last ten years or so.

Beginning back in grade school, I started off taking up the violin. Something about strings just caught my ear over the brass and woodwinds. Odd considering I was living in "River City" at the time. One would think the memory of Meridith Wilson would have appealed to me, but after meeting with my first conductor/instructor, a Mr. Don Briceland, it was enough for me to pursue and continue strings.

From violin, I picked up a guitar (self taught), and though I could never achieve a lead guitar status, I still found it enjoyable.
I also learned banjo, and mandolin. All of this was before sixth grade.

Before my first son was born, I was with a group of guys that have now gone on to reformulate into a rather successful area band.
But, with the onset of becoming a family man combined with the frustration of not being able to get into a studio (we tried like three times), and with it being a three hour drive, I decided to put music on the back burner.

Now almost 14 years later, I long to play again but time away has taken a toll as when I try to practice, nothing comes of it.
It seem tedious as I can't just 'pick up and play' as I used to be able to and frustration takes over.

I'll hang onto my axes as maybe one day I'll get an epiphany and find the will to jam again.
In the mean time, it's time to paint and create my and my boys' "man space".