tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-58934102011-08-05T12:27:28.207-07:00The Purple PinataCovering matters political, theological, technical and much more by Glen Kissel. Glen can be contacted at gkissel@msn.com in Evansville, IN. Glen describes himself as: culturally a Calvinist, theologically an Arminian, politically a Republican and ideologically a (domestic) Libertarian. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comBlogger1111100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-53800741020464666472010-11-06T07:49:00.000-07:002010-11-06T07:55:27.786-07:00Helium filled weather balloon bursting at 95,000 feet on October 23, 2010. The balloon was launched by engineering students from the University of Southern Indiana.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1166202576531571322006-12-15T09:05:00.000-08:002006-12-15T09:09:36.553-08:00Matters personal and helpful, as in my other blog, The Eagle's Quill. Be sure to check out my other blog, The Eagle's Quill for insightful information.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1121794246418548522005-07-19T10:25:00.000-07:002005-07-19T10:30:46.423-07:00Matters Social and Political, as in the failure of the Swedish model. Thanks to Dennis Prager and Freedom and Prosperity blog for bringing to my attention this story in the Wall Street Journal on what has happened to Sweden as described by Member of Parliament, Mauricio Rojas:...a new study ("Sweden after the Swedish Model") by Mauricio Rojas, an associate professor of economic history at Lund gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1120832185846437452005-07-08T07:05:00.000-07:002005-07-08T07:16:25.863-07:00Matters Terrible, but Monitorial as in tracking the jihadists. Here is a link to jihadwatch.org which has the latest on the London bombings and primarily monitors jihad activity that we should all be aware of.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1109891810672375712005-03-03T15:08:00.000-08:002005-03-03T15:16:50.673-08:00Matters Political and Insightful, but not Gloatful, as in Joe Scarborough's pointing out that the New York Times acknowledges the positive impact of Bush's foreign policy, at this link.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1109722728212952092005-03-01T16:16:00.000-08:002005-03-01T16:18:48.213-08:00Matters Historical and Thankful, as in Lech Walesa thanking Ronald Reagan for the liberation of his country, at this link.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1109522574562122952005-02-27T08:34:00.000-08:002005-02-27T08:58:16.100-08:00Matters Political, Global and Militial, as in Victor Davis Hansen's analysis of the situation in Iraq and regionally.See Hanson's discussion that appeared in Commentary magazine, and also check his website for more outstanding analysis of the situation in Iraq.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1108178933458214822005-02-11T19:23:00.000-08:002005-02-11T19:28:53.460-08:00Matters Cable and Libel, as in the resignation of Eason Jordan of CNN for his outrageous statements about the military targeting journalists.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1107838986623877042005-02-07T20:57:00.000-08:002005-02-07T21:03:06.623-08:00Matters Editorial and Unfactual, as in Bill Moyers being caught passing off phoney information.
Powerline blog has nailed Bill Moyers for passing off sham information as part of a "environmentalist" editorial and speech. Thanks to Lucianne.com for pointing this out.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1105730139931839222005-01-14T11:06:00.000-08:002005-01-14T11:15:39.933-08:00Matters Scandal and Editorial, as in Charles Krauthammer's piece on the fake documents scandal and its investigation at CBS.
Charles Krauthammer has the clearest exposition I've read on the investigation of the CBS/Dan Rather use of faked documents for a Bush hit piece.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1105490745573815362005-01-11T16:40:00.000-08:002005-01-11T16:45:45.573-08:00Matters Editorial and Personal, as in my opinion piece on Hispanic immigrants that appeared in today's Evansville Courier and Press.
My opinion piece, which begins, "Wake up and smell the refried beans!" was published today in the Evansville Courier and Press. (you'll have to register, then scroll down to find it.) Also, it was linked at Glenn Spencer's website, www.americanpatrol.com which gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1104722263363780142005-01-02T19:09:00.000-08:002005-01-02T19:17:43.363-08:00Matters Illegal and Political, as in the impact of illegal immigrants on Congressional representation and the Electoral College.
The Center for Immigration Studies issued this report in October of 2003 pointing out that because illegal immigrants are counted in the US census, states like Indiana have been denied another seat in the U.S. House of Representatives (and thus one fewer electoral gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1103936489495531392004-12-24T16:58:00.000-08:002004-12-24T18:59:20.500-08:00Matters Liturgical and Musical, as in Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services that can be heard and seen via the internet.
Probably the best church music that can be heard on the web comes from Grace Cathedral, San Franciscio. Their Christmas Eve services will be broadcast (and then archived) at 5, 7:30 and 11 Pacific time. The Christmas Eve service from the Crystal Cathedral will be availablegkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1103777612013328462004-12-22T19:54:00.000-08:002004-12-22T20:57:48.296-08:00Matters Biblical and Christological, as in the Annunciation of the Birth of Jesus, Luke 1:26-38.
Here I continue to follow Raymond Brown's book, Birth of the Messiah (Updated Edition), as I examine the announcement to Mary by the angel Gabriel that she will have the baby Jesus, Luke 1:26-38.
The most striking feature of this part of Luke's infancy narrative is that it is parallel to the gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1103162797577274112004-12-15T17:56:00.000-08:002004-12-15T18:16:43.253-08:00Matters Political and International, as in Daniel Pipes' website.
Check out Daniel Pipes' website for an outstanding commentary on the Middle East and threats from the Islamic world.
Especially see the links to the most important scholarly work on the Koran, namely that by the German scholar, Christoph Luxenberg (this is a pseudonym to protect him from possible retribution by Muslim fanatics.) gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1095039798186733962004-09-12T18:38:00.000-07:002004-09-12T18:43:18.186-07:00Matters Dynamical and Typographical, as in an online video comparing the CBS memo with one typed with Microsoft Word.
Check out this link for a dramatic video comparing the CBS memo with one typed using Microsoft Word. It is really amazing to watch the comparison done dynamically.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1094861621226055132004-09-10T17:09:00.000-07:002004-09-10T17:31:18.620-07:00Matters Typographical and Political, as in how the IBM Selectric works.
This link indicates that the IBM Selectric, presumably used to type the CBS released Guard documents, cannot make a superscript in a small font. This is a fascinating read.
Also, Hugh Hewitt's blog is following the information flow on the typographical origins of the documents, including posting information that has been gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1094859990490032052004-09-10T16:43:00.000-07:002004-09-10T16:46:30.490-07:00Matters Political and Documentable, as in an insight into how CBS obtained Bush's latest Guard documents.
The American Spectator has inside information on how CBS obtained Bush's latest Guard documents whose authenticity is questionable.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1093096729480394102004-08-21T06:54:00.000-07:002004-08-21T06:58:49.480-07:00Matters Political, Militial and Insightful, as this take on why the Swift Boat Vets for Truth say one thing and Jim Rassman says another.
This posting clarifies how Jim Rassman can believe he was "saved" by John Kerry while under hostile fire, when in fact he and others were not under hostile fire and John Kerry actually fled the scene of a mine explosion and just happened to come back and pick gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1093096481747811582004-08-21T06:53:00.000-07:002004-08-21T06:54:41.746-07:00Matters Personal and Geographical, as in I have arrived in Indiana.
I arrived in Indiana on Thursday, August 19 in the early afternoon.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1092151955133373332004-08-10T08:27:00.000-07:002004-08-10T08:32:35.133-07:00Matters Historical and Political, as in Sen. Kerry's claim that he spent Christmas 1968 in Cambodia.
This posting at NoOilForPacifists blog has a nice summary of Sen. Kerry's claims over the years that he spent Christmas 1968 in Cambodia. Sometimes the story is that he was near Cambodia (40+ miles away?). Hugh Hewitt's blog is also tracking this story relentlessly.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1091976017937421402004-08-08T07:35:00.000-07:002004-08-08T07:40:17.936-07:00Matters Political and Legal, as in the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth respond with their own lawyer.
The blog, Captains' Quarters, has the posting of the lawyer representing the Swift Boat Veterans for Truth, responding to the legal threats from the Democratic National Committee and the Kerry-Edwards campaign regarding the Swift Boat Veteran's television ad.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1091199107214652152004-07-30T07:39:00.000-07:002004-07-30T07:51:47.213-07:00Matters Political, Rhetorical and Apathetical, as in the line that got no applause.
In Sen. John Kerry's acceptance speech at last night's Democratic Convention, he actually mouthed the following line, but it got absolutely no applause: "I will never give any nation or international institution a veto over our national security." It says a lot about the Democrats.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1090934847872379792004-07-27T06:23:00.000-07:002004-07-27T06:33:19.133-07:00Matters Political and Conventional, as in the Democrats at their Boston convention.
Jonah Goldberg reports from the Boston DNC for USA Today and nails the real reason behind their faux unity with this line: "The point of this Potemkin unity is to seduce moderates and swing voters into believing that Kerry's their guy. "
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1088688177568198652004-07-01T06:18:00.001-07:002004-07-01T06:28:20.196-07:00Matters Astronautical and Astronomical, as in the Cassini spacecraft has arrived at Saturn.
The Cassini spacecraft successfully executed Saturn Orbit Insertion last night and is now transmitting its closest images of the rings of Saturn. The mission can be followed (including webcasts) at JPL's website. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1086747660113489942004-06-08T19:20:00.000-07:002004-06-08T19:21:00.113-07:00In Memoriam: President Ronald Reagangkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1085850368826412942004-05-29T10:02:00.000-07:002004-05-29T10:15:06.416-07:00Matters Legal and International, as in why the Geneva Conventions do not apply to the terrorists and Taliban at Guatanamo.
This Wall Street Journal article by law professor John Yoo explains why the Geneva Conventions do not apply to the terrorists and Taliban fighters (the Taliban fighters failed to have a responsible command structure, obey the laws of war, or wear military uniforms) gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1085848693790688822004-05-29T09:25:00.000-07:002004-05-29T09:38:13.790-07:00Matters Connectable and Undeniable, as in the Iraq-al Qaeda connection as presented by Stephen Hayes in the Weekly Standard.
This Weekly Standard article by Stephen Hayes, shows the connection between Iraq and al Qaeda. Note in particular how the connection was reported by Newsweek in the late 1990s and how the Clinton administration officially stated the connection in an indictment.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1085147640093056952004-05-21T06:49:00.000-07:002004-05-21T08:09:45.266-07:00Matters Political and Editorial, as in the latest Victor Davis Hanson opinion piece.
This Hanson article points to those who should be doing the apologizing in the political arena. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1085064683878772132004-05-20T07:49:00.000-07:002004-05-21T08:16:14.986-07:00Matters Biblical, Ecclesiastical and Liturgical, as in today is Ascension Day.
Today, the 40th day of Easter, is traditionally celebrated as the ascension of Jesus to heaven (the return to the presence of God.) Some churches hold services on this day, though most celebrate the ascension on the following Sunday, Ascension Sunday.
In one notable tradition, the choir of St. John's College gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1084465770114345992004-05-13T09:25:00.000-07:002004-05-13T09:29:30.113-07:00Matters political and multicultural, as in another great Victor Davis Hanson article.
The Wall Street Journal carried Victor Davis Hanson's "The Wages of Appeasement," an important article on the war on terror. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1083253476825060352004-04-29T08:44:00.000-07:002004-04-29T08:48:53.716-07:00Matters Judicial and Memo, as in more evidence of Gorelick's instigation of the "wall."
This important Washington Times article summarizes memos in which Gorelick resists judicial efforts that would aid in catching terrorists. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1083253126782177002004-04-29T08:38:00.000-07:002004-04-29T08:43:03.733-07:00Matters Judicial and Memo, as in more evidence of Gorelick's instigation of the "wall."
This important Washington Times article summarizes new memos released in which Gorelick resists warnings that her "wall" will damage efforts to catch terrorists. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1083252169788310942004-04-29T08:22:00.000-07:002004-04-29T08:27:06.890-07:00Matters Critical and International, as in Saddam's WMD and terrorist connections.
This is a quick summary of Kenneth Timmerman's insights into Saddam's WMD and terrorist connections. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1082745389578302862004-04-23T11:36:00.000-07:002004-04-29T08:22:46.450-07:00Matters Political and Critical, as in the calls for Gorelick to testify.
Eleven U.S. Senators have now called on Jamie Gorelick to testify before the 9/11 Commission. This Washington Times article carries the details. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1082652309221629172004-04-22T09:45:00.000-07:002004-04-22T09:49:16.390-07:00Matters Environmental and Annual, as in some useful reading on this Earth Day.
An outstanding website on the wages of environmentalism can be found at eco-imperialism.com. Especially see the article, "Death by Environmentalism."
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1082477602897234712004-04-20T09:13:00.000-07:002004-04-20T09:17:27.716-07:00More Matters Critical and Editorial, as in the Gorelick latest.
Andrew McCarthy provides a response to Gorelick's Wash. Post editorial defending herself. McCarthy's response, "The Wall Truth," can be found at his National Review archives (which includes a link to Gorelick's op-ed.)gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1082130053599399442004-04-16T08:40:00.000-07:002004-04-16T08:45:27.513-07:00Matters Political and ... Poetical, as in the Walter Daum attack on Kerry.
Yesterday, Rush Limbaugh, highlighted the confrontation of Walter Daum, former assistant Dean of City College, Harlem, with John Kerry at a campaign town hall event. The entire confrontation and analysis by Rush can be found here. Rush is right. Daum, referring to the war in Iraq as "imperialist," and announcing that gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1082047645070438542004-04-15T09:47:00.000-07:002004-04-16T08:34:35.153-07:00Matters Judicial and Critical, more Gorelick latest.
This is an interesting posting from the blog, Priorities & Frivolities, examining Gorelick's actions and words back in the Clinton administration. This is worth reading, because it is a preemptive attack on a potential defense of Gorelick's actions. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1082041554194414222004-04-15T08:05:00.000-07:002004-04-15T09:46:27.246-07:00Matters Judicial, Critical and Editorial, as in the Gorelick latest.
Yesterday, Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) called for Jamie Gorelick's resignation from the 9/11 Commission. Sensenbrenner is Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, so his voice is very important in this matter.
The Wall Street Journal (you will have to email register to get it) has called for Gorelick's ouster gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1081921153154179092004-04-13T22:39:00.000-07:002004-04-13T23:02:15.890-07:00Matters Critical and Editorial, as in the coverage of the idiocy of Gorelick on the 9/11 Commission.
This evening World Net Daily is leading with Ashcroft's slam of Jamie Gorelick and the increasing calls for her ouster. National Review has several good articles on Gorelick. Finally, The American Spectator has an excellent editorial titled, "Gorelick Licked."gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1081919199436223392004-04-13T22:06:00.000-07:002004-04-13T22:10:35.450-07:00Matters Legal and Critical, concerning Commissioner Gorelick.
The Landmark Legal Foundation has sent a letter to the 9/11 Commission demanding the ouster of Jamie Gorelick. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1081896783783586962004-04-13T15:53:00.000-07:002004-04-13T22:08:44.560-07:00Matters Critical and National, as in the outstanding testimony of Attorney General Ashcroft, today, at the 9/11 Commission.
Purple Pinata Alert: Attorney General Ashcroft clearly placed the domestic blame for 9/11 on the Clinton administration. Check Instapundit for links to stories and the Ashcroft testimony.
Most devastating was the Atty. Gen. clearly putting the blame on Clinton's Deputygkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1081460548135235542004-04-08T14:42:00.000-07:002004-04-08T15:36:48.890-07:00Matters Political and National, as in the testimony of Condi Rice before the 9/11 Commission.
Here is a link to Condi Rice's testimony before the 9/11 Commission this morning.
Instapundit provides some good analysis. Namely, Instapundit points out Rice's testimony...
When coupled with Sandy Berger's statement that "there was no war plan that we turned over to the Bush administration duringgkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1081459518883606552004-04-07T14:25:00.000-07:002004-04-08T14:37:56.153-07:00Matters Illegal, Financial and Local, as in the cost and continuing invasion by illegal aliens.
In recent months, CA State Senator Tom McClintock has stated that illegal aliens cost government in California 4 billion dollars a year in education, incarceration and medication. One can begin to get an idea why CA has such a large budget deficit.
In recent weeks, Dennis Prager interviewed gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1081272865445579322004-04-06T10:34:00.000-07:002004-04-06T10:49:47.780-07:00Matters Political and Historical, as in Clinton's final security paper did not mention Al-Qaeda.
See this Washington Times story pointing out that Clinton's final national security report did not mention Al-Qaeda. A copy of the report can be found at this link.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1081010942822813582004-04-03T08:49:00.000-08:002004-04-03T09:14:15.843-08:00Matters Critical, Political and International, as in Laurie Mylroie's and Richard Miniter's critiques of Richard Clarke and his book and their discussion of the al-Qaeda-Iraq connection.
This Laurie Mylroie article and Richard Miniter's article, both in the Wall Street Journal are important critiques of Richard Clarke and his book and also points us to the al-Qaeda-Iraq connection. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1080841798173640602004-04-01T09:49:00.000-08:002004-04-03T09:43:06.030-08:00Matters International and Political, as in France and Iraq.
On Tuesday March 30, Dennis Prager had two great segments concerning France. The first (in the second hour) focused on an article in March 2004 Commentary magazine featuring an American who immigrated to France in the 1970s and now writes of the anti-Semitism and lies that permeate much of France and some parts of its media.
The gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1080715494421083552004-03-30T22:44:00.000-08:002004-03-30T22:54:42.686-08:00Matters Political and Influential, as in the Purple Pinata strikes yet again.
I've been emailing the story below about Al Franken to those who might be interested, and it has been picked up by a widely read and influential blog, PowerLine Blog, under the headline, "Al Franken Plays Baghdad." Thanks PowerLine for getting this story out!gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1080714760647153252004-03-28T09:21:00.000-08:002004-03-30T22:36:17.263-08:00Matters Political and Hypocritical, as in Al Franken's antics and activities in Baghad.
Al Franken’s brother, Owen, a ‘68 MIT alum, has written a concise description of Al’s December USO trip to Iraq for the MIT alumni class notes (password protected, but I’m an MIT alum, so I’ve pasted it below). I originally saw this in Technology Review magazine, sent to all MIT alumni. However, the gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1079806735051192832004-03-20T10:18:00.000-08:002004-03-20T10:36:34.090-08:00Matters Vernal and Annual, as in the swallows have returned!
As if on cue, the swallows have just arrived this morning (sometime between 9:00 and 9:30), the first day of spring, after making their yearly migration from South America. These cliff swallows have already begun building their mud nests on the rough stucco just underneath the overhang on the south facing wall of my apartment buildinggkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1079628632423592112004-03-18T08:50:00.000-08:002004-03-18T08:53:52.200-08:00Matters Criminal and Political, as in the new evidence that a professor faked hate crime vandalism.
Check this link to a story about a visiting professor at one of the Claremont Colleges apparently vandalizing her own vehicle to make it look like a hate crime had been committed. Shockingly, the college took time off in the immediate aftermath of the crime to ponder the event. This will be gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1079627856805073932004-03-12T08:20:00.000-08:002004-03-18T08:48:25.326-08:00Matters Literal and Historical, as in the capture of Miguel Cervantes by North Africans.
As an interesting piece of anecdotal evidence to support the previous posting concerning the enslavement of Europeans by North Africans, I came across an event in the life of Miguel Cervantes, the author of the great Spanish novel, Don Quixote. Cervantes was returning to Spain after spending four years withgkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1079025529102566472004-03-11T09:18:00.000-08:002004-03-11T09:34:44.170-08:00Matters Historical and Servile, as in a new book about Europeans enslaved by North Africans.
Here is a brief review of a book which estimates there were at least 1 million Europeans enslaved by North Africans between 1500 and 1800. (The link to the March 11 Washington Times article will only be good for a few days.) The book is Christian Slaves, Muslim Masters: White Slavery in the gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1078248686522240132004-03-02T09:31:00.000-08:002004-03-02T09:45:22.543-08:00Matters Electoral and Local, as in voting problems with electronic voting machines.
Reports have been coming in all morning from southern California that voters in numerous precincts are having difficulty with voting via the new electronic voting machines. KFI 640 AM in Los Angeles, as well as, KFMB 760 AM in San Diego have been reporting this. KFMB reports problems in 40 locations in San gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1078100899037597592004-02-29T16:28:00.000-08:002004-02-29T16:31:14.090-08:00Matters Astronomical and Astronautical, as in the Cassini spacecraft approach to Saturn.
NASA has just released the latest photograph taken of Saturn by the Cassini spacecraft (click on the photo inside the link to get a larger view). Cassini will be entering orbit around Saturn on July 1. Between now and then there should be some spectacular views of Saturn, its rings and its moons. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1077260366794043032004-02-19T22:59:00.000-08:002004-02-19T23:14:00.593-08:00Matters Astronomical, and Astronautical as in the discovery of another large ice ball in the Kuiper Belt.
The discovery of another large ice ball in the Kuiper Belt (the belt beyond the orbit of Pluto from which some comets are thought to originate and return) has just been announced.
This brings to mind a speaker phone conversation our Pluto Mission design team at JPL had with Clyde Tombaugh (gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1076622511609030962004-02-12T13:48:00.000-08:002004-02-12T21:56:10.293-08:00Matters Political and Scandal, as in the breaking story of an infidelity scandal surrounding presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry.
Drudge has dredged up another scandal, this time swirling around presidential candidate Sen. John Kerry ("Do you know he served in Vietnam?" to quote Michael Medved.) World Net Daily also has a nice summary of the details gathered from Drudge and other sources, gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1075010584914961252004-01-24T22:03:00.000-08:002004-01-24T22:05:11.106-08:00Matters Astronautical and Successful, as in the Opportunity landing on Mars!
The Opportunity Rover has successfully landed on Mars, to the cheers of flight controllers at JPL in Pasadena. Shortly after the confirmation of landing, Gov. Schwarzenegger entered the room to congratulate the crew. In tow were Al Gore and Congressmen Dreier and Schiffe.
Of interest was a mysterious several minute gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1074969850446657012004-01-24T10:44:00.000-08:002004-01-24T10:46:15.590-08:00Matters Technical and Astronautical, as in the upcoming landing of the Opportunity Rover.
Jet Propulsion Laboratory's website will take you to the latest information on the landing of the Opportunity Rover scheduled for 9:05 p.m. PST, Saturday, January 24. Their webcast begins at 7:30 p.m. PST. Also you can find there the latest information on the continuing difficulties with the Spirit Rovergkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1074838909509032882004-01-22T22:21:00.000-08:002004-01-24T10:38:05.810-08:00Matters Ecclesiastical and Geographical as in a review of a book on Christianity in China.
Richard Ostling has a good review of David Aikman's Jesus in Beijing, a new book about Christianity in China. (I have not read the book.) Of interest is the discussion of the growth of the church in China, the tensions between the registered and unregistered churches, the continuing repression of gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1074836658654752672004-01-22T21:44:00.000-08:002004-01-22T21:46:21.483-08:00Matters Noticeable and Delectable, as in the best pizza I've ever had.
Prior to settling in to catch the returns from the Iowa caucuses I baked a Freschetta (frozen) pepperoni pizza. This was absolutely the best pizza I've ever eaten. It had just the right balance of tomato sauce, (real) cheese and pepperonis. Best of all was the crust - I wished there was more to eat. I baked the two gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1074835616741982032004-01-22T21:26:00.000-08:002004-01-24T10:41:27.200-08:00Matters Political, Geographical and Maniacal, as in the wild scream of Howard Dean with his third place showing in the Iowa caucuses.
Howard Dean had a meltdown as he addressed his supporters in Iowa Monday evening following a third place showing in the Iowa caucuses. He's been described as "mental," "nutty," as letting out a "maniacal scream," and having a "Krakatoa moment." When Bob Dolegkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1074550721467776472004-01-19T14:18:00.000-08:002004-01-19T14:20:40.123-08:00Matters Ecclesiastical, Cultural and Calendrical, as in today is Christmas in Armenia for those on the old Julian calendar.
Armenian Christians celebrate Jesus' birth and baptism on the same day, January 6. For those Armenians who still use the old Julian calendar, which is thirteen days behind the modern Gregorian calendar, today January 19 is Christmas Day (with Christmas Eve on January 18).gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1074487733179297282004-01-17T20:37:00.000-08:002004-01-18T20:50:50.420-08:00Matters Historical, Geological and Personal, as in the 10th anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake.
Ten years ago today was the 6.7 Northridge Earthquake centered in Northridge in Los Angeles County. When it hit I immediately jumped out of bed and onto all fours on the floor next to the bed; I could tell this was a bad earthquake. Luckily the only effects I could detect in my apartment in gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1073674542080381022004-01-07T10:49:00.000-08:002004-01-09T11:00:56.483-08:00Matters Ecclesiastical and Calendrical, as in today is Christmas in Russia.
Today, January 7, is Christmas Day in Russia. The Russian Orthodox Church and some other Eastern Orthodox Churches still use the old Julain calendar which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by the secular world and by most churches. As a result, December 25 on the old calendar is today, which means gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1073415376877952632004-01-06T10:56:00.000-08:002004-01-06T11:01:09.270-08:00Matters Ecclesiastical and Biblical as in today is Epiphany.
Today is Epiphany, historically celebrated, as best can be determined, as a remembrance of Jesus' Baptism by John in the Jordan and Jesus' anointing by the Holy Spirit coming as a dove.
There is also evidence that this date, January 6, was also celebrated in the early Jerusalem Church jointly as Christmas and the Baptism. Indeed, gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1073192879640574802004-01-03T21:07:00.000-08:002004-01-03T21:08:18.480-08:00Matters Astronautical and Successful, as in the successful landing of the Spirit Rover on Mars.
JPL has just confirmed a successful landing (bounce-down) on Mars for the Spirit Rover. I was following the landing via the Internet and CNN, though the link via the internet got so crowded I was ejected. CNN had some great coverage, including some good shots of George Chen and Miguel San Martin. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1073184544964746742004-01-03T18:49:00.000-08:002004-01-03T18:51:48.603-08:00Matters Technical and Astronautical, as in the upcoming landing of the Spirit Rover on Mars.
This link to the JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) website has both live coverage and background information on the landing this evening of the Spirit Rover on Mars. Also there is information on the recent flyby of the Wild-2 comet. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1073072602393712172004-01-02T11:43:00.000-08:002004-01-02T17:28:05.256-08:00Matters Influential, as in the Purple Pinata Strikes Again!
Last night I alerted the Drudge Report, Fox News, Dennis Prager and others about the $35,000 NEA grant for a musical on the life of serial murderer Andrew Cunanan. Today the Drudge Report is carrying the story on its front page, with the link to the North County Times I had passed on to him.
In addition, the FoxReport on cable TV gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1073072303189038662004-01-01T19:29:00.000-08:002004-01-02T18:13:44.753-08:00Today, January 1, is the 8th day of Christmas. This is remembered as Jesus' circumcision/naming day. It is also New Year's Day. Happy New Year!
Three articles caught my attention in the North County Times, the newspaper serving northern San Diego County....
Matters Cultural, Financial, Governmental, and Nonsensical, as in the National Endowment for the Arts has just granted $35,000 to the gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1073200496021193772003-12-26T23:14:00.000-08:002004-01-03T23:16:50.430-08:00Matters Biblical and Christological as in the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist in Luke 1:5-25.
Luke begins his infancy narrative by saying nothing of Jesus, but giving us the announcement (annunciation) of the divine conception of John the Baptist (or John the Baptizer, as he is commonly called from today’s pulpits.) The parents of John the Baptist, Zechariah and Elizabeth, are gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1072415008608872552003-12-25T21:03:00.000-08:002003-12-25T21:06:22.530-08:00Today is Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!
Matters Personal, as in how I spent part of Christmas Day.
My Christmas Day started early, at 12:45 a.m. with the return from the Christmas Eve service at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral in San Diego. On television I caught the tail ends of both the the Crystal Cathedral Christmas Eve service and Midnight Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. As I wound downgkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1072303299751949892003-12-24T14:01:00.000-08:002003-12-24T14:42:53.836-08:00Matters Christological, Ecclesiastical, Liturgical and Musical, as in Today is Christmas Eve, with links to Christmas services around the world.
The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) is carrying quite a few offerings for Christmas, including The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Chapel, at Cambridge University. This was on early in the morning American time and will gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1072247724326331352003-12-23T22:35:00.000-08:002003-12-23T22:51:21.193-08:00Matters Biblical and Christological as in an introduction to Luke’s Christmas story.
Luke’s Christmas story (the entire infancy narrative is in Luke 1-2) is longer than Matthew’s. Luke’s narrative has elements that are virtually unknown to most Christians, as well as features that are the most beloved and most celebrated in song at the Christmas season. It is important to recall that Luke isgkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1072130967353446372003-12-22T14:09:00.000-08:002003-12-22T20:40:25.980-08:00Matters Biblical and Christological, as in the final part of Matthew's Christmas story, Matthew 2:13-23.
The final verses in Matthew's Christmas story tell the rescue of the baby Jesus from the wicked King Herod. The narrative is also meant to contrast the rejection of Jesus by the secular ruler, Herod (and by implication the chief priests and scribes, and people of Jerusalem), and the gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1072161861570243522003-12-17T22:15:00.000-08:002003-12-22T22:51:35.550-08:00Matters Medical and Political, as in an Open Letter to Dr. Howard Dean.
Dr Dean:
At long last you have the opportunity to demonstrate your "patriotism" in the war on terror and put your unutilized medical skills to good use in one fell swoop. Yes, Dr. Dean, you can volunteer to complete Saddam Hussein's medical examination! Any good medical checkup (presumably like one we would receive ifgkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1072158123780940282003-12-15T21:42:00.000-08:002003-12-22T21:45:42.723-08:00Matters Verbal, Political and Geographical, as in the verbal blunder of Professor Larry Sabato at a recent conference.
During the 6th Annual American Democracy Conference held on December 12 (and carried on C-SPAN) at the New Hampshire Institute of Politics at St. Anselm College , Professor Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, and frequent commentator for the mediagkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1071278093613512482003-12-12T17:14:00.000-08:002003-12-12T17:16:31.273-08:00Matters International and Cultural, as in the not so sweet life in Canada.
This column in today's Seattle Times by Jennifer Meeks, immigrant from Canada living in Seattle, explains much of the downside of the Canadian welfare state. I heard about this article from the Michael Medved show. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1070952510315399322003-12-08T22:48:00.000-08:002003-12-08T22:48:41.816-08:00Matters Martial and Informational, as in the Iraqi informant who warned the British that WMD attacks could be launched with under 45 minutes notice.
The Daily Telegraph is reporting in this article on the Iraqi Colonel who provided intelligence that the Iraqi army was given weapons of mass destruction that could have been used in the battlefield with 45 minutes notice. The colonel believes gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1070737667906928662003-12-06T11:07:00.000-08:002003-12-06T11:21:25.150-08:00Matters Bibilical and Christological, as in the Christmas commentary on Matthew 2:1-12.
We now come to the most familiar Christmas story in Matthew's infancy narrative: the visit of the Magi and the consternation of Herod. This scripture is meant to anticipate the positive reception Gentiles (non-Jews) will give to the Christian message.
Geographically, Jesus is born in Bethlehem, five gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1070135155047385312003-11-29T11:45:00.000-08:002003-11-29T12:28:48.200-08:00Matters Biblical and Christological, as in the Christmas commentary on Matthew 1:18-25.
We finally begin the Christmas story proper, with Matthew 1:18-25, the Conception of Jesus and First Dream of Joseph. The purpose of this pericope is to reamplifiy that Jesus is an ancestor of King David, and also to reveal his Divine origin and identity.
When Matthew says that Mary was betrothed to gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-106998656320503612003-11-27T18:29:00.000-08:002003-11-27T18:34:37.350-08:00Matters of Shock and Awe, as in the President's Thanksgiving visit to Baghdad.
The Drudge Report is carrying the raw notes of one of the pool reporters who made the trip to Baghdad with President Bush for Thanksgiving. It's quite a read. Notice that before they left Texas, some of the pool photographers actually thought it was all an elaborate prank that was being played on them.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1070955880973722682003-11-27T11:21:00.000-08:002003-12-08T23:44:52.523-08:00Matters Ecclesiastical and Liturgical, as in, when does Advent begin?
The first Sunday of Advent always falls on the fourth Sunday before Christmas. This year the First Sunday of Advent falls on November 30, with November 27 being the earliest date and December 3 being the latest date for the First Sunday of Advent.
Because the First Sunday of Advent is considered the first Sunday of the gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1070128760847846652003-11-27T09:59:00.000-08:002003-11-29T10:11:27.930-08:00Matters Historical, Theological and Cultural, as in the Puritan origins of our nation, which we remember on Thanksgiving.
When the Mayflower landed in what is now Massachusetts 383 years ago this month, a small group of Pilgrims seeking religious freedom came to the shores of America, and with them came a world view that was to profoundly influence our nation.
The Pilgrims (conservative gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1070954104568504022003-11-23T08:15:00.000-08:002003-12-08T23:16:08.123-08:00Matters Ecclesiastical and Liturgical, as in Christ the King Sunday.
Today, November 23, is Christ the King Sunday, the Last Sunday of the Church Year. The last Sunday of the church year always occurs on the Sunday before the First Sunday of Advent, the First Sunday of Advent being considered the first Sunday of the new church year. The name "Christ the King Sunday" is relatively recent. Itgkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1069570954385756862003-11-22T23:02:00.000-08:002003-11-22T23:10:46.026-08:00Matters Biblical and Christological, as in my continuing Christmas commentary, focusing on Matthew's pattern in his Christmas story.
Before we look at Matthew's Christmas story itself in verses 1:18 - 2:23, we want to note some patterns to his infancy narrative.
The key pattern involves 5 episodes alternating between Joseph and Herod (remember that Jesus is just a baby, so he's not doing much gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1069524893649388892003-11-22T10:14:00.000-08:002003-11-22T10:34:17.700-08:00Matters Technical, as in the failing Japanese spacecraft heading to Mars.
Here is a great piece by James Oberg on the Japanese spacecraft approaching Mars. Unfortunately it was crippled by a solar flare a year and a half ago and apparently will not be able to achieve Martian orbit. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1069380494655147832003-11-20T18:08:00.000-08:002003-11-20T18:08:21.953-08:00More Matters Cultural and Critical, as in this great piece by Richard Kirk in the North County Times.
Most every week Richard Kirk has a great opinion piece in the Faith and Values section of the North County Times, the paper serving north San Diego County.
His article today, The odor of musical mendacity, is a great critique of the cesspool of rap and other music in the popular culture.
gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1069377998264860692003-11-20T17:26:00.000-08:002003-11-20T17:34:23.680-08:00Matters Cultural and Critical, as in my email to Hugh Hewitt read on the radio!
Today, Thursday November 20, Hugh Hewitt, the nationally syndicated radio talk-show host has been bitterly criticizing the bizarre media preoccupation with the arrest of Michael Jackson when much more important news is deserving of attention: the bombing in Istanbul, the continuing actions in Iraq, the Bush visit togkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1069045574551580032003-11-16T21:06:00.000-08:002003-11-22T11:13:29.450-08:00Matters Biblical and Theological, as in the Christmas commentary beginning Matthew's infancy narrative.
Both Matthew's and Luke's infancy narratives, coming at the beginning of their gospels, provide a nice transition from the Old Testament. While I agree with German scholar Martin Hengel that Luke was probably written before Matthew, we will proceed with the commentary, as does Raymond Browngkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1069043187309273772003-11-16T20:26:00.000-08:002003-11-20T18:22:12.270-08:00Matters Political, Legal and International, as in the sovereignty panel at the recent lawyer's conference held by the Federalist Society.
Not to be missed was the CSPAN coverage of the panel on "Unilateralism, Multilateralism and American Sovereign Interests" held Thursday November 13 at a lawyers conference sponsored by the Federalist Society. There were many notable quotes and exchanges.gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1068575170838940012003-11-11T10:26:00.000-08:002003-11-22T11:32:25.996-08:00Matters Biblical and Theological, as in my continuing Christmas Commentary.
Why did Luke and Matthew write their infancy narratives (Christmas stories)? (1) Curiosity about the Jesus' beginnings.
(2) As a response to Jewish skeptics who could not believe a Messiah would come from Galilee (as opposed to Judea). (3) For Matthew, to show a parallel between Joseph, the father of Jesus, and gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1068573197508899152003-11-11T09:53:00.000-08:002003-11-11T10:05:21.700-08:00Matters Political as in debunking the "Halliburton Sweetheart Deal" accusation.
Steven Kelman, a member of the Clinton administration, refutes the accusation that there is a "Halliburton Sweetheart Deal" for Iraq War contracts in this editorial, No 'Cronyism' In Iraq, in the Washington Post. Kelman was interviewed by Dennis Prager on this issue on Mon. November 10. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1068226506389116502003-11-07T09:35:00.000-08:002003-11-07T09:35:09.973-08:00Matters Local, Environmental and Terrible, as in the environmentalist's species protection plans behind the San Diego Wildfires.
Hugh Hewitt has an outstanding article, Up In Smoke, in the Weekly Standard (click on the title) which explains how the environmental activists created the conditions that led to such horrific wildfires we've experienced in San Diego. A key phrase from the article gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1067734479051979022003-11-01T16:54:00.000-08:002003-11-01T17:06:08.826-08:00Matters Ecclesiastical and Memorable, as in All Saints' Day, today November 1.
Today for much of Christianity, especially the Roman Catholic Church, is All Saints' Day. This day is set aside to commemorate the saints and martyrs of the church. A "saint" in the Roman Catholic tradition is someone whose life was so exemplary that the Church has officially declared the person to be in heaven. gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1067614395795819412003-10-31T07:33:00.000-08:002003-11-01T17:10:08.340-08:00Matters Historical and Ecclesiastical, as in Reformation Day, today October 31. (For Lutherans, the liturgical color is red).
Today is the 486th anniversary of the beginning of the Protestant Reformation. By the early 1500s, members of the church (what we now call the Roman Catholic Church) could purchase "letters of indulgence" to avoid punishment normally prescribed by a priest after gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1067400023501141302003-10-28T20:00:00.000-08:002003-11-01T16:44:26.470-08:00Matters Local and Terrible, as in the San Diego Wildfires.
Sunday morning I awoke early as planned in order to have breakfast at Hometown Buffet near San Diego State and then make it to church at St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral. I left my apartment shortly after 8 a.m. PST and immediately noticed a huge curtain of smoke northeast of Escondio. At first I mistakenly thought this was from the gkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1067042221799049582003-10-24T17:37:00.000-07:002003-11-01T17:12:07.463-08:00Matters Local and Still Confrontational, as in walking through the supermarket picket line.
Compared to last week there has been a noticeable increase in customers at the Vons grocery stores which have been targeted by the grocery clerks union strike. (Albertson's and Ralph's grocery stores were not subject to the strike, but these stores have chosen to lock out their union employees, so theregkisselnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5893410.post-1067041742228834412003-10-24T17:29:00.000-07:002003-10-24T17:29:02.406-07:00Matters Dental and Personal, as in Crown Him With a Crown. My first of two procedures to install a crown on tooth 31 began at 8:10 this morning and lasted one hour. An impression was taken of the tooth and after a few shots of novocaine, the dentist, Calvin Whang, began grinding down the tooth so that a crown could be placed over it. After the grinding, an impression was taken and then a gkisselnoreply@blogger.com