No, I'm not joking!I'll have to dig out my Isao Tomita albums and listen while I translate.
Now, if I can just find my crayons...
Monday, October 22, 2007
Finally! A flying saucer patent
I have been translating on and off since 1997 and full time since 2003. Since 2003, I have been translating patents exclusively. I have translated some pretty interesting stuff, most of which I can't talk about because I have signed a non-disclosure agreement. However, I have been hoping that someday I would be able to translate a patent for a flying saucer. Well, today it came! Here is the picture.
No, I'm not joking!
I'll have to dig out my Isao Tomita albums and listen while I translate.
Now, if I can just find my crayons...
No, I'm not joking!I'll have to dig out my Isao Tomita albums and listen while I translate.
Now, if I can just find my crayons...
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Monday, October 15, 2007
Mark Steyn
Mark Steyn is quickly becoming one of my favorite columnists.
Take this one about Al Gore.
Take this one about Al Gore.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Vouchers
I haven't made a final decision about the vouchers issue, but I am leaning against it.
One of the main reasons to consider a voucher system is if public schools are broken or doing a very poor job. This may be the case in large inner city schools, but I don't see this situation in Utah. Although not perfect, public schools appear to be functioning fairly well. I taught part time for a while at Lone Peak High School, so I saw from the inside how a typical (I think) high school operates in Utah. The kids were typical immature high schoolers, but they worked in class when I was firm with them. Vouchers may become necessary in the future, but I am not sure they are necessary in Utah, yet.
One of the main reasons to consider a voucher system is if public schools are broken or doing a very poor job. This may be the case in large inner city schools, but I don't see this situation in Utah. Although not perfect, public schools appear to be functioning fairly well. I taught part time for a while at Lone Peak High School, so I saw from the inside how a typical (I think) high school operates in Utah. The kids were typical immature high schoolers, but they worked in class when I was firm with them. Vouchers may become necessary in the future, but I am not sure they are necessary in Utah, yet.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Nascar Cooties
Them darn disease-ridden Southerners!
Just insert your favorite group in this sentence, "Be sure to get immunized before you attend XYZ!"
Suggestions for XYZ:
the Super Bowl
a Republican caucus meeting
a Democrat caucus meeting
an NAACP convention
a Mormon conference
a gay pride parade
a NOW convention
Just insert your favorite group in this sentence, "Be sure to get immunized before you attend XYZ!"
Suggestions for XYZ:
the Super Bowl
a Republican caucus meeting
a Democrat caucus meeting
an NAACP convention
a Mormon conference
a gay pride parade
a NOW convention
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
A Stupid Conclusion from a Correlation
Patty Henetz of the Salt Lake Tribune draws a whopping conclusion in this story.
The first two sentences are a non sequitur.
1. "Utah is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions per capita than the rest of the nation." 2. "The state is warming faster than the global average."
The rest of the article is one non sequitur after another.
It is clear her intention is to imply a causal relationship, but there is no evidence that even hints that Utah's emissions lead to higher temperatures in Utah (or anyplace else for that matter).
How dumb is that? Does she think than some sort of emission bubble permanently hangs over Utah and the wind never sweeps it away? The Huntsman commission didn't even draw such a conclusion (although it appears that Huntsman has bought into man-made global warming lock, stock, and barrel).
Not to beat a dead horse, but a correlation between two data sets does not mean there is a causal relationship.
The first two sentences are a non sequitur.
1. "Utah is responsible for more greenhouse gas emissions per capita than the rest of the nation." 2. "The state is warming faster than the global average."
The rest of the article is one non sequitur after another.
It is clear her intention is to imply a causal relationship, but there is no evidence that even hints that Utah's emissions lead to higher temperatures in Utah (or anyplace else for that matter).
How dumb is that? Does she think than some sort of emission bubble permanently hangs over Utah and the wind never sweeps it away? The Huntsman commission didn't even draw such a conclusion (although it appears that Huntsman has bought into man-made global warming lock, stock, and barrel).
Not to beat a dead horse, but a correlation between two data sets does not mean there is a causal relationship.
Harry Reid's Visit To BYU
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid visited BYU yesterday as the weekly forum speaker. It was mostly uneventful. He gave his Searchlight, NV talk, but added a Mormon twist to it. He had a few one-liners that would only be funny to a Mormon crowd. He kept the political part of the speech fairly short and limited it to simple statements on his positions (which everyone knew about in advance anyway). He got some applause when he stated his antiwar position and his pro-life stance. However, the most bizarre moment was when he said that he thought Mormons would eventually vote Democrat in the large numbers that they do now for Republicans. I know that he doesn't smoke, but he must have been smoking something yesterday!! Great shifts in Democrat and Republican positions would have to occur for that to happen.
Saturday, October 6, 2007
My position on global warming
My position on global warming is very simple.
I believe that global warming is occurring. The evidence is fairly clear.
However, I don't believe it is man made. Having watched several Science Channel (which usually takes a slightly liberal view of things) programs on the topic, I believe that the sun is the main reason for global temperature changes.
I believe that global warming is occurring. The evidence is fairly clear.
However, I don't believe it is man made. Having watched several Science Channel (which usually takes a slightly liberal view of things) programs on the topic, I believe that the sun is the main reason for global temperature changes.
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Boise State in the MWC Conference?
I think Boise State would be a great addition to the MWC, but I think the University presidents in this league might be a bit too stodgy to actually extend the invitation. Considering their absolute terrible judgment in Ok'ing the current television contract (what a fiasco!), I am not sure they would invite the right school. Tulsa, UTEP, Fresno State, and other such schools just do not match the attractiveness of Boise State. Nevada might be OK, but not nearly as good as BSU.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Good news, sort of...
I am happy to see that Cannon will have some competition in the primary. Jason Chaffetz, the former Huntsman chief of staff, has announced his candidacy. Being a member of the Huntsman inner circle is not necessarily a positive in my eyes. Huntsman is a disappointment for me.
I am an adherent of the ABC group in Utah County (Anyone But Cannon).
I remember when Cannon referred to his constituency as "unsophisticated." That was the last straw for me. His snooty, holier-than-thou, condescending attitude is more than I can bear.
Nevertheless, Chaffetz has a mountain to climb. Utah county senior citizens are notorious for voting for incumbents based on name recognition alone (maybe Cannon was right about that unsophisticated bit). If Chaffetz's last name was Hinckley, he might stand a chance.
I am an adherent of the ABC group in Utah County (Anyone But Cannon).
I remember when Cannon referred to his constituency as "unsophisticated." That was the last straw for me. His snooty, holier-than-thou, condescending attitude is more than I can bear.
Nevertheless, Chaffetz has a mountain to climb. Utah county senior citizens are notorious for voting for incumbents based on name recognition alone (maybe Cannon was right about that unsophisticated bit). If Chaffetz's last name was Hinckley, he might stand a chance.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
No Gays In Iran!
Mahmoud Ahmadinejad says there are no gays in Iran. Well, I guess I would have to agree.
Gays are apparently executed for their orientation, hence, no gays in Iran!
I therefore have trouble understanding airheads such as the lesbian noted by the GayPatriot.
She thinks that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is way ahead of Bush (despite the fact she admits she would be dead in his country).
Apparently, her hate for George Bush is greater than her desire to live.
Gays are apparently executed for their orientation, hence, no gays in Iran!
I therefore have trouble understanding airheads such as the lesbian noted by the GayPatriot.
She thinks that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is way ahead of Bush (despite the fact she admits she would be dead in his country).
Apparently, her hate for George Bush is greater than her desire to live.
Saturday, September 22, 2007
Dan Rather's Tin Foil Hat
I think that Dan Rather has gone over the edge.
He says of CBS executives "Their motives were “to pacify the [Bush] White House,” “appease angry government officials” or “to curry favor with the Bush administration” as a means of advancing the corporate interest of CBS owner Viacom.
The MSM appeasing the White House? That is just plain loony.
He says of CBS executives "Their motives were “to pacify the [Bush] White House,” “appease angry government officials” or “to curry favor with the Bush administration” as a means of advancing the corporate interest of CBS owner Viacom.
The MSM appeasing the White House? That is just plain loony.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Darth Cheney
Bloggers left and right are linking to this, but I must admit that I found this to be funny.
I would give anything to hear Cheney say "I find your lack of faith....disturbing," as he sticks out his hand to choke Hillary with "the force."
I would give anything to hear Cheney say "I find your lack of faith....disturbing," as he sticks out his hand to choke Hillary with "the force."
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I am against the bill providing new congressional seats.
I have always been against this bill for two reasons.
1. I'm pretty sure it's unconstitutional.
2. Utah should wait until the next census to get an extra seat without giving the Democrats a freebie seat.
That being said, I think that the District of Columbia should be given a seat (representation), but the constitution should be modified to allow it. I think most would agree that preventing 'taxation without representation' is one of the main reasons this country was founded, so one would think that there is a solid argument for a constitutional change.
1. I'm pretty sure it's unconstitutional.
2. Utah should wait until the next census to get an extra seat without giving the Democrats a freebie seat.
That being said, I think that the District of Columbia should be given a seat (representation), but the constitution should be modified to allow it. I think most would agree that preventing 'taxation without representation' is one of the main reasons this country was founded, so one would think that there is a solid argument for a constitutional change.
Monday, September 17, 2007
I hate to be cynical, but...
doesn't the timing of this seem to be a little too convenient?
McCain says he's now an active Baptist
McCain has alway had trouble with Southern Baptists, but I suppose I shouldn't be cynical.
Perhaps his conversion is a heartfelt one.
McCain says he's now an active Baptist
McCain has alway had trouble with Southern Baptists, but I suppose I shouldn't be cynical.
Perhaps his conversion is a heartfelt one.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
Television and Radio Shows
Yes. I am conservative, but you might be surprised at what I watch and listen to.
Television: No, not Fox 24/7. Just Brit Hume.
I switch channels between the History Channel, the Science channel (absolutely my favorite), and the Military channel (which is essentially a military-based history channel).
I listen to the first hour of Rush Limbaugh and then turn him off. I can take only so much of his self-absorption. I don't listen to Sean Hannity, Bob Lonsberry, and Michael Savage. The first is too strident (he says the word"unbelievable" about every two seconds), the second has what appears to be a fake stutter for effect (i.e., "Shucks! I'm just a stupid radio guy, but even I know that blah, blah, blah,"), and the third is too hateful. I like Glenn Beck, but the time slot doesn't fit my schedule. Doug Wright on KSL is the most level-headed, and he treats his guests and callers with good respect.
Television: No, not Fox 24/7. Just Brit Hume.
I switch channels between the History Channel, the Science channel (absolutely my favorite), and the Military channel (which is essentially a military-based history channel).
I listen to the first hour of Rush Limbaugh and then turn him off. I can take only so much of his self-absorption. I don't listen to Sean Hannity, Bob Lonsberry, and Michael Savage. The first is too strident (he says the word"unbelievable" about every two seconds), the second has what appears to be a fake stutter for effect (i.e., "Shucks! I'm just a stupid radio guy, but even I know that blah, blah, blah,"), and the third is too hateful. I like Glenn Beck, but the time slot doesn't fit my schedule. Doug Wright on KSL is the most level-headed, and he treats his guests and callers with good respect.
Bizarre OJ stuff
Can this guy's story get anymore bizarre?
http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/237445/
http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/237445/
Thursday, September 13, 2007
BYU = Conservative myth
I am surprised at how many people think or assume that BYU teaches conservatism.
Sure, church members as a whole tend to be conservative, but BYU has many Democrats and some are even liberal Democrats. In fact, I know of three in the Japanese department alone, and there may be more that I am unaware of. In fact, I share an office with a Democrat who is vociferously anti-Bush. I believe he has a severe case of BDS. What may be even more surprising to some is that the Religion department probably has a Democrat or two.
BYU invites speakers from both political parties. Vice President Dick Cheney spoke last semester (amidst many anit-war protesters, I might add, who protested without incident), and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will speak this semester.
Also, just take a stroll through a BYU faculty parking lot. You will see as many liberal bumpers stickers as you will conservative bumper stickers.
BYU doesn't teach conservative per se, but BYU does have rules that tend to irk liberals more than conservatives.
Sure, church members as a whole tend to be conservative, but BYU has many Democrats and some are even liberal Democrats. In fact, I know of three in the Japanese department alone, and there may be more that I am unaware of. In fact, I share an office with a Democrat who is vociferously anti-Bush. I believe he has a severe case of BDS. What may be even more surprising to some is that the Religion department probably has a Democrat or two.
BYU invites speakers from both political parties. Vice President Dick Cheney spoke last semester (amidst many anit-war protesters, I might add, who protested without incident), and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will speak this semester.
Also, just take a stroll through a BYU faculty parking lot. You will see as many liberal bumpers stickers as you will conservative bumper stickers.
BYU doesn't teach conservative per se, but BYU does have rules that tend to irk liberals more than conservatives.
Alan's Window on the World
This page is designed to present part of my view on this world. Note that I said "view on" rather than "view of." In other words, I will post things that I see as I look out my 'window on the world.' Many times I will not comment on what I see, but sometimes I might do so. If I am away from my 'window,' I probably won't update this page very often. In fact, this page will not be published in the Internet directory (i.e., you can't search for it), although it will be available on the Internet. You only know about this page because I or someone else emailed the link to you.
The 'door to my room' is closed right now, so I don't have the comments option enabled. I don't have an open door policy. When it's open, it's open. When it's closed, it's closed. If you really want to tell me something, you can yell through the door by calling me or sending me an email.
The 'door to my room' is closed right now, so I don't have the comments option enabled. I don't have an open door policy. When it's open, it's open. When it's closed, it's closed. If you really want to tell me something, you can yell through the door by calling me or sending me an email.
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