Japan

I just got notification from several scholarships. I have been awarded more than $20,000 dollars from three different scholarships.

I now have enough money to go to Japan this fall.

I had just decided that going would be impractical and that I couldn't justify wasting anymore time or money on a dream that had little chance of being realized.

Now everything has changed.

I think I'm in shock.

Please pray that I make the right decision.

Heinlein Award

Robert A. Heinlein has been one of my favorite authors for a very long time. I count his novels The Moon is a Harsh Mistress, Starship Troopers and Citizen of the Galaxy among my all time favorite books. I find his accounts of brave men and boys who changed their worlds and improved their lives through raw determination and self discipline to be very inspiring. Needles to say, when I read a blurb on Instapundit about a prize to be awarded in his honor it piqued my interest.

Dr. Peter Diamandis, founder of the X Prize and several other private space research enterprises, has become the first awardee. The $500,000 Heinlein Prize is awarded by Robert Heinlein's estate and is given to commemorate individuals who make significant advances in the private exploration of space.

Congratulations Dr. Diamandis!

Thank You For Your Service

I want to express my thanks to all of the brave veterans and soldiers who have kept America free. While our country is not perfect it is the best and most powerful on the planet today. We owe it all to our liberty and to those who spent their blood to give us our freedom.

Happy Memorial Day!

Hot as a Firecracker!

I've got an amusing anecdote for all of you.

At work the other day I was doing some bindery and one of the older guys was working across the table from me. Out of the blue he started telling me about how in “the old days” lighters would leak and the fluid would get on your leg and it would feel like you were on fire. After he gets to the end of his long narrative he said, “It's funny cause I'm getting that feeling right now.”

That seemed a little odd and so I asked if he had pulled a muscle or something and he replied that no, it was something on his skin. As I started to ask if he had a rash or what, he stuck his hand in his pocket and almost immediately yanked it out exclaiming, “It's as hot as a firecracker in there!”

He proceeded to pull a large handful of coins and an AA battery out of his pocket.

Apparently, the coins and the battery had formed a short circuit. I thought it was pretty funny.

Operation Chamberlain

This story has me asking whether the nations of Europe actually want a nuclear war.

Some ivory tower elitist diplomat types believe that giving Iran a nuclear reactor might dissuade Ahmadinejad from building his own. What are they thinking? Has it escaped their notice that their plan will require giving a maniac who has vowed to wipe a major nation off the earth's face enriched uranium?

Let's try this from another angle. Iran develops nuclear program. World says "Stop." Iran says, "No." and continues program. World says, "Stop, or else." Iran says, "Screw you. Or else what? By the way, we now have enriched uranium." World says, "Here's a free reactor, have fun."

Is it possible that this scheme would be rewarding the wrong behavior?

Non-Crisis

The Opinion Journal had a good article debunking the myths put by the environuts(a word which is used here to describe alarmists who predict major climate change due to human actions and demand major policy changes to address this so called "catastrophe").

Among the major points:

A new study released this week by the National Center for Policy Analysis, "Climate Science: Climate Change and Its Impacts" (www.ncpa.org/pub/st/st285) looks at a wide variety of climate matters, from global warming and hurricanes to rain and drought, sea levels, arctic temperatures and solar radiation. It concludes that "the science does not support claims of drastic increases in global temperatures over the 21rst century, nor does it support claims of human influence on weather events and other secondary effects of climate change."

And the rising seas:

As for sea ice, it is not melting excessively. Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans concluded that "global warming appears to play a minor role in changes to Arctic sea ice."

Furthermore:

The U.N.'s IPCC Third Assessment Report concluded that the rate of sea level rise has not accelerated during the last century, which is supported by U.S. coastal sea level experience. In California sea levels have risen between zero and seven millimeters a year and between 2.1 and 2.8 millimeters a year in North and South Carolina.

In case you're fuzzy on the metric system a millimeter is about the thickness of a U.S. dime. I'm not worried about the shore lines creeping in three dime thicknesses every year. I hope you're not either.

1-800-PASSPORT

This afternoon I tried to make a reservation at my local "Passport Acceptance Agency" to get my passport for study in Tokyo this fall. They have a ridiculous automated appointment system. I had to listen a 10 minute message, that's right, 10 literal minutes before I could even tell the machine what I wanted. If a business tried to pull that kind of customer service it would fail quickly but since the State Department is funded with wages confiscated without consent from citizens' paychecks it will never be forced to provide good service.

It kind of irritated me having to deal with an American government answering machine that was recorded in SPANISH! I sure hope that English as Official Language ammendment to the immigration bill makes it into law.

Survival Pack

One of my blogger buddies, Tanya, sent me an email a couple months requesting my advice on a disaster preparedness kit. She gave me a link to a particular kit and asked my opinion on it. Unfortunately, her email came in the midst of my college/scholarship application chaos and the busiest week of work I have had to date. I sent a quick reply promising more thorough treatment of the issue at a later date. I know this is long over due but here goes.

First I want to say that I am NOT by any stretch of the imagination an expert on disaster preparedness. I am merely a kid who has read some books and likes to go camping. I've never been present for a major catastrophe (unless you count the armed robber barricading himself in my neighbor's house and seeing the SWAT team in action). I'm only eighteen years old and my total life experience is pretty limited. That said and disclaimer noted, I hope the little I do know will help you.

Here's the proposed kit:

It is designed to supply two adults for three days (list of contents). Obviously, additional consumables will be necessary for any kids, pets or others in need of support. The price is $99.99. One and four person variants are also available for $69.99 and $169.99 respectively. Personally, while I think the kit could form a good start, I would significantly modify it before depending on it. More importantly, the contents are overpriced and a better kit could probably be assembled for less.

The first thing to consider when preparing a kit is what circumstances are likely to require its use. The things you pack will largely depend on the type of disaster, how many people you are trying to provision, your area's climate, city vs. rural etc. There are also things like widescale economic collapse, the earth getting hit by a meteor, rise of a tyrannical government, extra-terrestrial invasion or war with China, a revived U.S.S.R or some other power, that may or may not worry you. It's really up to you to assess your risks and prepare accordingly.

Secondly, you have to decide whether you plan to evacuate and devise a plan to do so. I recommend that you are prepared to leave even if you plan to stay and are ready to stay in the event your escape is cut off, plugged up or otherwise impractical. According to the “experts” it is generally better to flee if you live in the city and stay put in the country depending on the disaster (Obviously, if your small town is in the shadow of an erupting volcano it would be best to leave.). If you plan to leave do you mean to do so by foot or car?

Other things that should be considered are the likely duration of the disturbance, the size of the area affected, and how much warning you are likely to have.

In my own case, I live in an urban area endangered primarily by earthquakes and have a large family with small children. An earthquake probably wouldn't give us any warning. It would be practically impossible for us to escape on foot and the roads would be likely be torn up and flooded with refugees.

At this point it should be clear that you will probably need more than one plan. Different contingencies require diverse reactions and preparations. There are plenty of factors put in play by geography and family status without even bring up the questions raised by lifestyle. What will happen if the Big One hits while Dad's at work, and Mom's at the grocery store? Maybe part of the family will be visiting relatives in another state or on a business trip.

You probably get the picture by now and there's no more need for me this part of disaster preparedness any further. Just keep in mind that your kit will likely be a bit different than mine.

The product that Tanya wanted me to look at was intended for someone leaving their immediate area and needing about 3 days worth of provisions so I'll focus on this. I'll try and address all of the stuff in the kit and give some suggestions for additions.

You'll want a carrying mechanism for portability and to keep everything together. A standard book backpack is the obvious choice, they can be found for cheap(if you're like me you probably have a few unused ones lying around) but there are a whole host of other possibilities including briefcases, survival vests, hiking pack, a simple box or the trunk of your car.

Most people can last for a few days without food and water but if you're fleeing a disaster, fasting is unlikely to help you maintain your strength and wits. The kit includes foil water packs. I recommend going to Costco and buying a flat of water bottles. They'll be cheaper and the reusable containers could prove handy in a pinch. They also have water purification pills. These are great for weight, size and price and I recommend getting some at your local camping store. For food they have 2 3,600 calorie bars. If the kit is stretched over three days that means only 1200 calories per day which seems rather light for the stress and exertion you'll likely be facing. You can buy the bars off the site for $8 each which seems needlessly expensive or you can stock up on Hershey bars at 230 calories each or packs of Top Ramen at 380(and 10 packs per $1 on sale). Again Costco or an equivalent might be a good place to stock up.

The kit contains a tube tent, 2 “emergency sleeping bags”, 2 “emergency ponchos”. A tube tent is basically a giant plastic bag with a string to keep it open(picture http://beprepared.com/images/250/CT-2010.jpg). A big black contractor bag will be cheaper. My kit has enormous, tough plastic bags for carrying doors (thanks to my contractor dad). The “emergency sleeping bags” are basically mylar space blankets made in to bags. They'll tear with the slightest provocation but they are small and light. You might want to get a few (a local supplier will probably be cheaper) or you could carry conventional blankets or sleeping bags. The ponchos are yet more plastic bags, this time with hoods. You can use standard bags and cut a hole for your head, or bring good coats. The hand/body warmers the kit includes are kind of nice but probably not essential. You may or may not want to carry them depending on your region's climate. They cost about a buck each and can be purchased at sporting good stores.

Hygiene is important in the field to prevent disease. This is especially essential when medical personnel might be hard to find and/or overworked. The kit includes TP and a “hygiene kit”. I don't know what is in their “hygiene kit” but I would get an Army trifold shovel for digging latrines and a whole bunch of sani-wipes. The alcohol ones are especially good for sterilization and they burn good if you need fire starter. The kit has packets of sunscreen and bug repellent. Either could be good depending on where you live and are commonly available. If you have a relatively large group, small bottles might be more efficient than packets.

For fire starting they include a box of water proof matches, a 100 hr. candle, tri-wing stove and a trioxane fuel pack. Trioxane tablets are available at sporting good and military surplus stores. The tri-wing stove is just a stand for a pot to use with the trioxane tabs. You can bend one out of a wire hanger. Unless my own experience was an aberration, you will need the entire box of matches to get a trioxane tab started (it is entirely possible that the ones we had were defective or old). Matches are easy to come by and I'd include them in your kit. I would also get a magnesium metal match. The 100 hr. candle is nifty but a couple ordinary candles will probably be sufficient for three days. For starting a fire I'd add a couple lighters. You can use your toilet paper as tinder in a pinch.

The remaining miscellaneous items, whistles, pliers, batteries, AM/FM radio, batteries, flashlight and cups can all be found around the house. I'd prefer my battery powered LED flashlight to the shaker one in the kit any day. It's bright, lasts forever and has a sturdy aluminum body. The shakers aren't very bright and are usually cheap plastic. The first aid guide and preparedness guide can be printed free from a variety of online sources.

There were several items conspicuously absent from the kit. They include a knife, twine or cord, a compass, metal cup or pot to cook in, mini sewing kit, and first aid supplies. Be sure your first aid kit includes basic pain killers (aspirin, Tylenol, Advil etc.) and any special medication required by any of your family members. If you wear glasses include an extra pair. Maps of your area, spare clothes, duck tape(wind it around something smaller so that it doesn't take so much room) and pictures of your family members(in case you get separated) are also helpful. Finally, take pictures or video of all your possessions and home before a disaster and take it with you if you evacuate. It will be invaluable if you try and get reimbursement from your insurance company. Take as much as you can reasonably carry.

That pretty much covers it. I probably missed some things so feel free to propose any additions or amendments that seem appropriate. If any of you puts together a kit, I'd love to see how it comes together.

Sleeping Away My Life

Boundless had a good article recently on proper sleep habits. With dismay I read it and found that it gave the same advice that I've been receiving from others, most notably my parents. Apparently their isn't a miracle strategy to allow me to get all the sleep I need and still stay up till midnight.

If my sleep habits were rated on one to ten scale they would likely score a dismal "not good." I like to stay up late and get up late. This plan would work much better if I didn't have work every morning that requires me to get up. For the last few months, I've been sliding by with about seven hours of sleep a night. Not exactly horrible and I know several people who can handle it easily. Unfortunately, I'm not one of them.

Anyhow, I'm going to try and improve. If Yoda is reading this, I would like to let him know that I disagree with his philosophy. There is a try and I'm going to take it. I might not do but at least my efforts will salve my conscience. Wish me luck but if you place a bet, the good moneys on failure.

Lazyboy

I could blame my lack of posting on business but that wouldn't be entirely honest. In actuality, while I have been putting in lots of hours at my jobs and trying to improve my study habits, I've had more free time than I would have expected. I guess I'm starting to adapt to working fullish time.

So what have I been doing you might ask? Well, I've been burning my way through stacks of books that I've neglected. A sample of the tomes recently devoured: My Man Jeeves - P.G. Wodehouse, Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, That Hideous Strenth - C.S. Lewis, The Icarus Hunt - Timothy Zahn. I've also started, played and beaten the Campaign for Age of Empires III and worked my way up to a level 13 German home city in Skirmish mode. Most importantly, I've caught up almost a months worth of Bible readings that I've steadily gotten behind on.

Now I've moved on to the Black Book of Communism, Freakonomics, 9 Marks of a Healthy Church, and More Guns, Less Crime. I have a tendency to read alot of books concurrently.

Hopefully, my excuses will let me off the hook and you won't all leave me for more fertile online fields of stimulation. Things should get better as I prepare for DUCK TAPE ACROSS AMERICA DAY!

Stories like this make me sad and angry at the same time. Sometimes I forget about the horrors that people in other countries endure everyday. We need to remember that their are hurting people that need our prayers.

The Chinese government disgusts me. They might put on a pleasant face for the West but in reality they are rotten to the core. Theit morally bankrupt society has no respect for the lives and rights of the innocent.

Much, Much to Busy for You!

Sorry about the sparse blogging lately. In addition to my expanded hours at the job I've had for the last 5 years I've started working at another prinshop. This new work schedule is great for my checking account but not so good for online commentary generation.

On top of my hard work I've also been hit by a bit of laziness. Instead of writing up a post in the evenings after work I've been playing Age of Empires III for the last few days.

Anyhow that's what's up with me.



By the way, Mr./Ms./Whatever-You-Are,
Why are you worried about global warning? Do you really think that scientists can predict global climate changes decades in advance when they can't predict the weather 24 hrs. out? Is it possible you believe that the tiny blip we're seeing in world temperature is going to destroy an ecosystem that the same scientists that are measuring the temperature changes think is BILLIONS of years old?

Does anyone else think that this is pathetic?

Thanks to Drudge for the link.

I found this article very inspiring.

No, Mr. Beer... I only had two Offishers...

According to Matt Drudge Representative Patrick Kennedy son of Senator Ted Kennedy smashed into a police barricade at 2:45 EST this morning. The officers present state that when he exited the car he was staggering and clearly under the influence of alcohol.

Rep. Kennedy claims "I consumed no alcohol prior to the incident."

Sure Pat, we believe you. Everyone knows that the Kennedys would never think of drinking a substance as degrading as alcohol. Just because your family built its fortune on illegal moonshining doesn't mean you aren't superior aristocrats. We all know that you the Kennedys operate on a moral plane far higher than the rank and file peasants that make up the citzenry of their country.

NOT!

Apparently, the Capital Police are going to run a cover up. We just couldn't have Washington's Golden Boys getting arrested for a DWI.

Testo O Shita (I Did a Test)

Today I had a test in Nihongo Kurasu(Japanese Class). I think I did pretty well. I've been spending all my spare moments studying for the last few days and it's nice to finally be done.

In other news, it appears that my hours at work will be greatly increasing. The other guy at work who does the same tasks that I do got arrested on Wednesday. I wasn't there but according to my co-workers two police detectives came in and hauled him in. I found out that afternoon when they called me in to finish the job he was working on.

Richard Henry Lee

I entered a contest hosted by fellow blogger, Jocelyndixon. She challenged contestants to write about their favorite signer of the Decleration of Independence and explain why they are admired. After writing my submission I thought it might interest some of my regular readers and so I decided to use it as a post. Here it is:


Mr. Lee was a lawyer back before the legal trade was so full of scum. He was born in Virginia and lived there during his early life. He was sent to school in England but returned to practice law in Virginia. After a few years of practicing law he was elected a Justice of the Peace. A few years later he became a member of the House of Burgesses.

Richard Henry Lee was one of the earliest advocates of independence and started several of the first Committees of Correspondence, early political organizations which promoted the interests of the colonists and stoked resistance against the British government. It naturally followed that he was chosen as one of Virginia's delegates to the Continental Congress.

During the Revolutionary War, he served as a Colonel.

It is virtually unknown but the original resolution declaring independence from England was not penned by Thomas Jefferson but rather by Richard Henry Lee. While serving as a delegate at the Second Continental Congress, he put forth what has become known as Lee's Resolution which declared the Thirteen Colonies free and independent from the rule of Great Britain. The resolution was passed on July 2, 1776. This resolution is what actually created the United States as a separate country. Unfortunately for Mr. Lee, his wife became very ill and he was unable to pen the public Deceleration of Independence and this duty was passed on to Thomas Jefferson. The adoption of this public declaration on July 4 has become accepted as Independence Day.

Mr. Lee's service didn't end once independence was achieved. He served as the sixth president of the United States under the Articles of Confederation. Later on he opposed the adoption of the Constitution because he thought that it gave too much power to the Federal government. I think the current bloated size of our government largely validates his views. It was at his insistence that the 10^th Amendment, reserving all powers not specifically given to the federal government to the states and the people, was passed. Unfortunately, this Amendment has long been ignored.

After the Constitution was adopted, Richard Henry Lee was elected as one of the first two Senators from Virginia. He was unable to complete his term because of poor health and died 1794 a few years after resigning.

May Day

Today marks the infamous May Day holiday. Also known as International Workers Day, May Day was created to commerate the 1863 Haymarket Riot.

Since its inception, it has become a signiture holiday of socialists, anarchists and communists. It was a widely celebrated, government holiday in the Soviet Union. Every year on the first of May large marches and military parades rolled through the streets proclaiming the joys of communism and spurring people on in the fight against capitalism. Apparently, there's nothing like the 125mm bore of a T-70 main battle tank to remind a comrade citizen that he's happy.



Here are a few things that might be appropriate for those wanting to celebrate May Day traditionally this year:

Wear a Che Guevera t-shirt
Get together with your anarchist buddies and block traffic.
Burn a local retailer, preferably a Wal-Mart, to the ground.

If none of those sound particularly appealing you could always march with the illegal Mexicans today. Many of the marches are being organized by American Communist orginizations.

I Never thought I'd See the Day...

...when I'd side with Microsoft against Google.

Unfortunately, the folks at Google are acting like spoiled children over Microsofts plans to include an MSN search bar in the Internet Explorer 7. Google is trying to make this into another big anti-trust incident like those which plagued Microsoft in the '90's.

I don't want Google to try and use government as a bludgeon to injure their competition. I want them to make better products so that consumers will choose them of their own accord. If Microsoft wants to create a default MSN seach bar in their new browser they have every right to do so. Google is already the default seach provider for Firefox and nobody has complained about that.

Story from the New York Times via Drudge.