Thursday, May 24, 2012
Friday, May 18, 2012
Changing Seasons & Shifting Gears
A long time ago I picked up on a personal truth. When it's cold outside, I'm not necessarily depressed, but I am more introspective and reflective. When it's warm, I become more outgoing, and I have less tolerance for stillness and thinking analytically. Summer is a time for aggressive expansion, winter for consolidation and reorganizing.
Maybe that's not true for everyone, but it's true for me. I figured I'd fall into that rhythm with my writing, and I think that's happening now. I like the idea of writing non-stop, but I don't want to fight this feeling. There are a lot of topics I've been thinking about for the past several weeks. I'm eager to get them out of my brain, but they're really not ready and I don't feel focused enough. It's just not time for that. The summer is for growing ideas. In the fall I'll begin to harvest.
I still intend to write, but I don't want to feel obligated. So, I'm writing this by way of an explanation. I'll get back to work when the time feels right. Now is the time to cook and garden and frolic in the meadow.
Maybe that's not true for everyone, but it's true for me. I figured I'd fall into that rhythm with my writing, and I think that's happening now. I like the idea of writing non-stop, but I don't want to fight this feeling. There are a lot of topics I've been thinking about for the past several weeks. I'm eager to get them out of my brain, but they're really not ready and I don't feel focused enough. It's just not time for that. The summer is for growing ideas. In the fall I'll begin to harvest.
I still intend to write, but I don't want to feel obligated. So, I'm writing this by way of an explanation. I'll get back to work when the time feels right. Now is the time to cook and garden and frolic in the meadow.
Thursday, May 10, 2012
Score One For The Old Testament
Early Evidence Of Biblical Cult Discovered [Link]
This is still somewhat premature, but this archaeological discovery lends some credence to the narrative of Israel in the Old Testament. I highlight this, because I'm presently in a discussion with Kermenoo regarding the historicity of some Biblical Events.
The evidence found consists of shrines discovered that carbon date to around the supposed time of King David. Unlike other sites, there are no animal or human figures. This indicates a cult similar to the one described in the Old Testament. I was and remain skeptical of the accuracy of the near 2000 year history in the Old Testament, but I follow the evidence. We'll see how it pans out.
Another note is that there were no remnants of pig bones at the site, unlike others in the area. Indicating that no pigs were slaughtered there. Again.
This is still somewhat premature, but this archaeological discovery lends some credence to the narrative of Israel in the Old Testament. I highlight this, because I'm presently in a discussion with Kermenoo regarding the historicity of some Biblical Events.
The evidence found consists of shrines discovered that carbon date to around the supposed time of King David. Unlike other sites, there are no animal or human figures. This indicates a cult similar to the one described in the Old Testament. I was and remain skeptical of the accuracy of the near 2000 year history in the Old Testament, but I follow the evidence. We'll see how it pans out.
Another note is that there were no remnants of pig bones at the site, unlike others in the area. Indicating that no pigs were slaughtered there. Again.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Open Question: Capitalism and Media
I've been hearing more and more about entertainment studios and cable providers using muscle (in the form of property rights to popular movies and TV shows) to influence and control the evolution of the internet as a media delivery platform.
Netflix has been unable to negotiate much new content for their streaming service. It's sounding as though studios are playing hardball, trying to reduce netflixes threat as an alternative to traditional service.
Hulu (which was created by entertainment studios like NBC) may soon begin requiring cable subscriptions in order to access content.
Although there is no technological barrier, it is not possible to order cable service ala carte, picking which channels you'd like, and paying a flat fee per channel.
If this is the case, and the media giants are trying to "squash" the little guy of independent, internet based media, in order to protect the current business model, then...
1) Is that a problem? Is there something "wrong", or at least regressive, with that picture?
2) Does it indicate a problem with the "market-based" system of capitalism? Where big guys can control or prevent the "march of progress" as it were?
3) If so, should something be done? CAN something be done, without violating fundamental rights to property or commerce?
4) What entity should take action? Should the government intervene?
This is a topic that I find interesting, and pressing, but one which I don't have an answer to. I've been wanting to write for the last couple of weeks, but haven't felt like "lecturing". So, let's mix it up a bit. I'd like to farm this out to the "brain trust" of my readers. Let me know what you think, and I'm hoping this will spark a discussion, and some interesting conclusions.
Netflix has been unable to negotiate much new content for their streaming service. It's sounding as though studios are playing hardball, trying to reduce netflixes threat as an alternative to traditional service.
Hulu (which was created by entertainment studios like NBC) may soon begin requiring cable subscriptions in order to access content.
Although there is no technological barrier, it is not possible to order cable service ala carte, picking which channels you'd like, and paying a flat fee per channel.
If this is the case, and the media giants are trying to "squash" the little guy of independent, internet based media, in order to protect the current business model, then...
1) Is that a problem? Is there something "wrong", or at least regressive, with that picture?
2) Does it indicate a problem with the "market-based" system of capitalism? Where big guys can control or prevent the "march of progress" as it were?
3) If so, should something be done? CAN something be done, without violating fundamental rights to property or commerce?
4) What entity should take action? Should the government intervene?
This is a topic that I find interesting, and pressing, but one which I don't have an answer to. I've been wanting to write for the last couple of weeks, but haven't felt like "lecturing". So, let's mix it up a bit. I'd like to farm this out to the "brain trust" of my readers. Let me know what you think, and I'm hoping this will spark a discussion, and some interesting conclusions.
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