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Behavioral Predictions |
To predict the behavior of ordinary people in advance, you only have to assume that they will always try to escape a disagreeable situation with the smallest possible expenditure of intelligence - Friedrich Nietzsche
It has been awhile since I was in the mood to 'take on the establishment', so I thought... what the hell. Let's talk about a few things. By literally interpreting the quote above, I would suggest that the DR faithful think about current events and see if you can come up with just ONE example in today's happenings where people in society have been 'ordinary' in their resolution of a problem. I am laying here on the couch and the examples just keep popping in my head. Now, I'm normally too much of a gentleman to point out the inadequacies of my fellow man, but just for yuks ... let's take a stab shall we?
1. Disagreeable Situation: The war in Iraq. Smallest Possible Expenditure of Intelligence: The CONTINUOUS war in Iraq. Way to go G-Dub.
2. Disagreeable Situation: Homeless Veterans. Smallest Possible Expenditure of Intelligence: The lack of sustainable federal funding to provide shelter, basic necessities and health care for said veterans. That's two for you G-Dub. How are you gonna veto the universal health care bill ... twice? 
3. Disagreeable Situation: Lack of impartial media interpretation of the current political race following the untimely death of Tim Russert. Smallest Possible Expenditure of Intelligence: The signing of 'Mo and Ron' *ahem* I mean Rush Limbaugh to a $400 million contract for MORE years on the air.
4. Disagreeable Situation: The US Olympic team has been robbed of some precious gold because some of China's athletes are prepubescent. Smallest Possible Expenditure of Intelligence: Oh, they have passports ISSUED BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT that say the kiddies are 16-20 years old. Why don't we just take the word of a fine group of LADs (Lying Ass Dogs for the abbreviationally impaired)? 
I could go on, but I am interested in YOUR opinions. Shoot me a note if you have a topic you would like to discuss. Nietzsche knew in the 1800's that there would be stupid people around today. Why can't we solve simple problems with a little common sense? Give this some thought; if I receive something I can't resist, I'll send you a cookie. 
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| Posted By: Stephen (21 August 2008)
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Randy Pausch - The Last Lecture |
We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand. - Randolph Frederick Pausch
First, let me say that this is one time that I wish I hadn't waited to post an article. Back in September of 2007, the world was completely shocked by the poise of Professor Randy Pausch. After learning that his pancreatic cancer (diagnosed in August 2006) had spread, and that he was only expected to live another three to six months, Randy was motivated to make one last public lecture entitled 'Really Achieving Your Childhood Dreams'. The humor and joy displayed in the lecture really illustrated both the gravity of the situation, and the enormous calm employed to deal with the fact that he was dying.
After watching the lecture for the first time, I was so moved that I planned to post a link to one of the many sites hosting the video. But I put it off, and now this article will have a completely different tone.
There are no words to describe the impact these last public words, this 'last lecture' has had on me. I still find myself impressed with the frankness displayed as slides of his pancreatic cancer are shared with the 400 attendees. The crowd at Carnegie Mellon University witnessed a once in a lifetime experience that has influenced millions of people around the world.
Sadly, today Dr. Pausch lost his battle with cancer. But once you have heard his final thoughts, you will realize that the love of his family and friends provided much happiness at the end of a very special life. As he requests during the lecture, there is no pity for him here. Only true admiration. 
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| Posted By: Stephen (25 July 2008)
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What Ever Happened To Common Sense? |
In Christianity neither morality nor religion come into contact with reality at any point. - Friedrich Nietzsche
 Not that I want to prolong the news cycle of the ridiculous analysis of The New Yorker Magazine cover that published this week, but you know, I just can't resist getting into this one. 
I am not now, nor have I ever been prejudiced. I don't really do well having to watch some fellow citizens ... let's call them "Mo and Ron" make a fool of themselves, or having to listen to groups of idiots spew forth stupidity and call it the truth simply because THEY don't know any better. For instance, does anyone of intelligence really believe that Barrack Obama and his wife would be burning a flag in the Oval Office while being outfitted as depicted on the cover above? PLEASE! It's called satire; albeit unfunny satire. Get a life people!
Since there are those among us who don't seem to listen to reason, I thought I would refer you to the Fight The Smears site which addresses some of the most outrageous claims; Obama went to a Muslim school or university (Hmm ... would that be Columbia University or Harvard?) Obama is not an American born Citizen (Gee ... here's his US Birth Certificate - State of Hawaii dumbass). And another Pathetic Windbag (that would be you Rush Limbaugh) has suggested that Michelle Obama is a racist and used the word "whitey" in a speech at Trinity United Church of Christ (this is an easy one, she has never spoken at Trinity, and the witnesses Mr. Windbag said existed STILL haven't come forward, let alone the smoking gun; a tape of the speech). Hell, in this YouTube world in which we live, if I roll up at a bus stop, drop my drawers and moon some kids ... calling one of them "whitey", some other kid would catch it on a cell phone camera and my ass would be all over the Internet before school started. Are we to believe that NOBODY can upload this magical proof that could prove Windbag's point, and potentially end Obama's presidential hopes right now?
Now, I'm not suggesting that everyone in America should vote for Barrack Obama, but I am saying that if we as a people don't open our eyes and do our own research, we will be making a HUGE mistake; making a decision based on fear and ignorance, instead of a sound choice based on logical thought.
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| Posted By: Stephen (15 July 2008)
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