Thanks for picking up the Smart story.  It is very relevant to the three kiddnapped in Ohio.

Although as ugly as this and the Gosnell stories are.  There are those that choose to do evil acts.  We cannot and should NOT turn away, nor be silent.  This is neither political nor racist. . . Just flat out good vs. evil.

Were are the main stream talking heads?

John

#3.

 This is not true science, but very POOR science.

Manipulated/framed: premise, sources, data, and modeling.  And rejection of other possible/addittional causes.

Yep-

Good vs. evil.

But it is the absolute and complete evil that the regular police (or good guys) cannot manage or do not have the ability to resolutely defeat.  Thus, the need for someone "SUPER"  who has an abundance of goodness, and "powers" to better the evil.

How these villans and heros fund these "tools" is never answered or addressed.  Both seem to have an endless supply.  Or who pays for all of the damage that both create in their battles?  But then again, like the internet -- things can be used for evil or good.

Be aware that these flicks are always "earthly values" ie: violent, and there are fights, [influence, power, dominion, tyranny, and control] and often death.  It is so much  easier to develop a movie about using force, manipulation, corruption, and revenge than it is to present one about relationships, thought, marriage conflicts, day-to-day choices, even addictions -- or the most difficult of all -- spiritual awareness and awakening.

It's that back-and-white of it.  (Is that too racist?)

Boys and girls  are different.

"All human beings -- male and female -- are created in the image of God.  Each is a beloved son or daughter of heavenly parents and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny.  Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal and mortal, and eternal identity and purpose."     A Proclimation to the World 1995

I have been a leader in both Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts since the early '80s.  Its biggest advantage: Balance.  It is not just sports.  It is: computers, swimming, first aid, cycling, citizenship, camping, family life, archery, rifle shooting, canoeing, and over 100 chances to have a guided positive "doing" experience, understanding the basics of,  and discovering  the variety of career possibilities --- and wholsome recreation activities, survival skills, and family participation as well as community membership.

My daughter was in Girl Scouts as well for a number of years.  I have never regretted either.

Global Warmig = POOR Science.

Why?

Data inconsistantly gathered and undocumented over most of its life by unreliable methods, using an extremely small sample size, using unrepeatable method/techniquess, admittedly manipulated data, admittedly mis-modeled, and "framed" to fit a preconceived result, a misguided premise, and no acceptance of other viewpoints by peers.

"The world is flat" or --- "The sun revolves about the earth"

Thanks Dave!

Again --

Great poetry.  Super message.

I still find the 50+ year-old vinyl recording of the Mormon Tabernacle Chior and Philladelphia Symphony the "perfect" recording.  Yet -- was moved beyond belief at an unprofessional performance at a special Christmas performance of  "The Messiah", at a smaller Lutheran church in Denver about 12 years ago.  Just telling about it gets me choked up.

I am a retired aerospace engineer.

The main problem, is the limits of man to endure the long term weight-less environment.  The Russians learned this the hard way.  

The most significant adverse effects of long-term weightlessness are muscle atrophy and deterioration of the skeleton, or spaceflight osteopenia.

One can build the machines to get there and back.  But man is not built for space travel.

Until man can build artificial gravity on such a space craft, this will remain a dream.

OUTSTANDING---

Two words come to mind:  Humility and Service

They too often come across as signs of weekness by the media.  They are in fact exemplary and lifting qualities/values.

Dave-

Thanks ----- again!!

Although I went to a mediocre school and graduated with a C average (like Ronald Reagan), Engineering has served me well for 40 years.  Things are not too political in any science or engineering major.   Although you come in contact with the left in 100 and 200 level general English and writing classes, as long as you don't come across as "hard" right, remain factual, pragmatic, use established logicand reason, --- and are able to back up your positions, you will be OK.

You may want to select smaller schools.  

Check out Southern Virginia U. . . One of the top 50 .

This global warming is in reality just VERY poor science. 

Get with it.

Since when did selectively choosing data from 1) uncalibrated sources, using extrapolated data (for now abandoned sites), with NO corresponding correction factors for altitude, latitude, etc., 2) non-concurrence from other sources, 3) admitted "fudging" of the data, and 3) self-admitted poor/premature modeling qualify as "good" science?  All to just fit a "framed" pre-conceived adgenda/opportunity?

Progress?  To determine that, I think we must examine it's baseline truth/value first.   If the foundation is not absolute pure truth, that footing/ cornerstone can be on sandy soil -- instead of solid rock.  We need to check back to that foundation (Constitution? -- God?) periodically, and see if we are pursuing the "most valuable" correct values, and principles.  And measure any progress/advancement from that point.

Fred-

A few thoughts, more questions:

Choices do have consequences.  If we chose the consequenses, the choices are much clearer. . . but not necessarily "better" from a worldly perspective.  What do you value most?

Is there any absolute truth?

Be aware that your perspective on God is pretty much the view of yourself and of life.

What is God's true nature?  Where do you go to find it?

Where did you come from?  Why are you here?  Where are you going after this life is over?

Why are there so many Christian churches/denominations?  Are any fully correct?  or are they all somewhat incomplete?

Married.

I was 27, wife was 25.  I was widowed when I was 49 (married 22 years)

Got remarried within a year (2nd marriage 17 years)

A few years back, I picked up a film version (2000, 3-hour English version of a former 6-hour French TV miniseries directed by Josée Dayan and co-produced by Gérard Depardieu).  This was NOT the musical version, but was just the story.  

When I then watched, the 1995 "Dream Cast" musical version.  As it turned out, it made more sense, knowing the the story first.  

Both were "moving" for me.  I have yet to see the newest version.

I never tackled the book.  It has always intimidated me by its thickness whenever I was propmted to pick it up.  I must confess I lean toward  the "Illustrated Classics" comic book version.

Dave-  

Thanks again for reminding us of the things that matter most.