Some sanity has surfaced in the ongoing saga of the American response to the current Ebola crises in Africa. A judge in Maine, District Court Chief Judge Charles LaVerdiere, ruled that the mandatory confinement of Registered Nurse Kaci Hickox ordered by the Governor of Maine, Paul LePage, could not be enforced. Kaci Hickox had first been confined to a tent outside a hospital in New Jersey for three days after returning from Sierra Leone,where she had been helping treat patients with Ebola. Four Northern states have reacted to returning health-care workers by treating them as if they are criminals by declaring irrational quarantines on all returning people who have been involved in treating patients. No Southern states have so reacted. I am of the opinion that the fact that so many Southern voters are of African heritage, and other Southerners are used to being around people of African heritage is the reason that Southern states have been more logical in response to this situation. Ebola must be stopped and contained in Africa, not here. Africa has a poor health-care infrastructure and needs the help of more scientifically advanced nations. Africans are humans deserving help in this case.
In the almost 40 years since Ebola first appeared, about 15,000 people have been infected with the disease. About 7,000 have died. Ebola can only be transmitted by direct contact with people showing symptoms of the disease or the corpses of deceased patients, or from diseased animals (some primates). One strain of the virus which does not infect people may infect pigs.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Greatest country song ever
I have long been of the opinion that the greatest country song of all time is the Flatt and Scruggs tune, The Good Things Outweigh the Bad. Check it out. Flatt and Scruggs played with and led the Foggy Mountain Boys. Of course, don't forget the Foggy Mountain Breakdown, written by Earl Scruggs and probably the greatest banjo tune ever written.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Kaci Hickox: Stand by Her All Good Americans!
Recently a young lady and nurse from Maine has become a double hero. She was courageous enough to volunteer to become one of the heroes helping to stop the deadly disease from Africa, Ebola. After returning from Africa, she was greeted by a knee-jerk and clearly racially motivated ignorant response in both New Jersey and Maine. While showing absolutely no symptoms of the slightly contagious disease, Ebola, she was treated as if she is a criminal. Checking her for outward signs of the disease was reasonable. When the highly inaccurate screening thermometer indicated the possibility that she might have a fever, instead of verifying that measurement, she was confined to an unheated tent in 45 degree Fahrenheit weather for 3 days, only to be released after a national outcry. She was then allowed to return to Maine, where the state has , again, treated her as if she were a criminal. While about half of her neighbors have been supportive of her, about half have shown their rear ends by treating her abominably. I have visited Maine, and about half of the Mainers are good, friendly people, and about half are rude jerks, so the numbers make sense.
Kaci has taken a very vocal stance against the horrid treatment that she has received. She has defied the ignorant treatment she has received, while not doing anything that would present a danger to anyone should she magically suddenly become ill. Should she become ill, I hope she goes somewhere she can get proper medical care.
I have noticed that the irrational response to returning health-care workers has been in Northern states. The outbreak of Ebola is in Africa. Naturally, the victims needing help are Africans. Southern states have large numbers of voters with African ancestry. Northern states have few. I submit that the illogical response in Northern states is because they just don't give a dang about what happens in Africa and, in fact, the response is racist. I'm sure that the Yankees in question would deny that they are racist. After all, it is we dumb Southerners who are. As one black Southern civil rights leader said in the 60s, the Yankees give Negroes a piece of rat poison and tell them it's cake. Some white Southerners are vocally racist, and still have black friends.
I hasten to add, many Northerners are decent people and have better sense than what is being displayed. Leaders of the American volunteer response to Ebola have already seen that it is becoming more difficult to recruit help in the struggle to contain and eradicate Ebola. If it cannot be stopped in Africa, it will be here. Then we will have the governors of these Northern states to blame. Raise your voice in support of the effort to contain Ebola. We do not need to treat the volunteers as if they are criminals.
Kaci has taken a very vocal stance against the horrid treatment that she has received. She has defied the ignorant treatment she has received, while not doing anything that would present a danger to anyone should she magically suddenly become ill. Should she become ill, I hope she goes somewhere she can get proper medical care.
I have noticed that the irrational response to returning health-care workers has been in Northern states. The outbreak of Ebola is in Africa. Naturally, the victims needing help are Africans. Southern states have large numbers of voters with African ancestry. Northern states have few. I submit that the illogical response in Northern states is because they just don't give a dang about what happens in Africa and, in fact, the response is racist. I'm sure that the Yankees in question would deny that they are racist. After all, it is we dumb Southerners who are. As one black Southern civil rights leader said in the 60s, the Yankees give Negroes a piece of rat poison and tell them it's cake. Some white Southerners are vocally racist, and still have black friends.
I hasten to add, many Northerners are decent people and have better sense than what is being displayed. Leaders of the American volunteer response to Ebola have already seen that it is becoming more difficult to recruit help in the struggle to contain and eradicate Ebola. If it cannot be stopped in Africa, it will be here. Then we will have the governors of these Northern states to blame. Raise your voice in support of the effort to contain Ebola. We do not need to treat the volunteers as if they are criminals.
Post on Rationalism Coming Soon
I have been trying to work on a decent post on the Empiricism vs. Rationalism topic. Unfortunately I have been struggling with computer problems and the need to generate a little income. I want to lay a little groundwork by outlining the problem with the use of the word "rational". The word rational is commonly used to mean the same thing as the word "logical". People then see the word "Rationalism" and think that it means being "rational" or "logical", which it does not. Rationalism is a philosophy which starts with "a priori" concepts, which are supposed to be self evident truths which are derived by "pure reason" without resort to observation. Logical deduction is used to derive various theories from these a priori concepts (also known as "first principles"). Empiricism is the opposed school of philosophy which demands that the first principles be based on observation, and then uses the same logical deduction to arrive at theories about reality.
I personally think that modern science has shown that Rationalism is, in fact, irrational. Many people have come to call their selves Rationalists because they choose to re-define the term. The term has also become somewhat associated (mostly by the same people) with the faith of Atheism.
Rationalism gave us Euclidean Geometry, which is a pretty good approximation for most purposes. Euclidean geometry, however, is only an approximation and fails miserably on both the atomic and the cosmic scales. Euclidean geometry (coupled with Newtonian Physics) can give a very good prediction of the orbit of the Earth about the sun, and the orbits of all of the planets except Mercury. The geometry of General Relativity is needed to accurately predict the orbit of Mercury.
The concept that we need to come away with is that faulty first principles coupled with faultless logical deduction will lead to faulty conclusions. Most so-called rationalists fail to understand that their "self evident" truths are not self-evident.
I personally think that modern science has shown that Rationalism is, in fact, irrational. Many people have come to call their selves Rationalists because they choose to re-define the term. The term has also become somewhat associated (mostly by the same people) with the faith of Atheism.
Rationalism gave us Euclidean Geometry, which is a pretty good approximation for most purposes. Euclidean geometry, however, is only an approximation and fails miserably on both the atomic and the cosmic scales. Euclidean geometry (coupled with Newtonian Physics) can give a very good prediction of the orbit of the Earth about the sun, and the orbits of all of the planets except Mercury. The geometry of General Relativity is needed to accurately predict the orbit of Mercury.
The concept that we need to come away with is that faulty first principles coupled with faultless logical deduction will lead to faulty conclusions. Most so-called rationalists fail to understand that their "self evident" truths are not self-evident.
Sunday, October 26, 2014
pendrake's passions: Computer Problems
pendrake's passions: Computer Problems: The second part of my biking post has been delayed for a few days due to a computer problem. I am having to use an old laptop with limited c...
pendrake's passions: Ignorance and Racial Prejudice Fuel Irrational Ebo...
pendrake's passions: Ignorance and Racial Prejudice Fuel Irrational Ebo...: The world is currently facing a dangerous health crises because of an outbreak of the disease Ebola. Without good, modern health care, Ebo...
Ignorance and Racial Prejudice Fuel Irrational Ebola Response
The world is currently facing a dangerous health crises because of an outbreak of the disease Ebola. Without good, modern health care, Ebola has about a 50% death rate. With current modern health care, the death rate is about 10 to 20 %, still pretty bad. New treatments in the process of being developed will probably offer better survival rates. Ebola is not extremely contagious, unlike Flu or the plague.
Ebola could potentially mutate into a more contagious form, the way that Bubonic Plague can mutate into Pneumonic Plague, and it is essential that the disease be contained and eliminated in Africa. Unfortunately, panic and ignorance coupled with racial prejudice is threatening the efforts to contain it. Here in America several states have instituted quarantines against returning health care providers, thereby threatening to reduce the ability to recruit health-care workers to stop the disease where it can be stopped. These unwarranted quarantines are based on ignorance and racial prejudice. Ebola is only contagious when a person actually has the disease and is showing symptoms.
The governor of Florida (a man for whom who I personally have no respect ) has said that returning health care providers in Florida will be subject to twice daily monitoring, a reasonable restriction. In fact, this is what the returning health workers have self-imposed, and what anyone who may have been exposed to Ebola should do. In America, patients who begin treatment as soon as they show symptoms have a pretty good survival rate. Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian who developed Ebola after returning to the U.S. and did not receive prompt care, is the only U.S. patient who has died. Prompt care of other U.S. patients has resulted in a high survival rate.
I also am happy to see that the U.S. has shown particular interest in helping Liberia, a de facto U.S. colony in Africa founded by former slaves and for so long ignored. The U.S. has a moral obligation to give Liberia a special status due to the historic connection to America.
Ebola could potentially mutate into a more contagious form, the way that Bubonic Plague can mutate into Pneumonic Plague, and it is essential that the disease be contained and eliminated in Africa. Unfortunately, panic and ignorance coupled with racial prejudice is threatening the efforts to contain it. Here in America several states have instituted quarantines against returning health care providers, thereby threatening to reduce the ability to recruit health-care workers to stop the disease where it can be stopped. These unwarranted quarantines are based on ignorance and racial prejudice. Ebola is only contagious when a person actually has the disease and is showing symptoms.
The governor of Florida (a man for whom who I personally have no respect ) has said that returning health care providers in Florida will be subject to twice daily monitoring, a reasonable restriction. In fact, this is what the returning health workers have self-imposed, and what anyone who may have been exposed to Ebola should do. In America, patients who begin treatment as soon as they show symptoms have a pretty good survival rate. Thomas Eric Duncan, a Liberian who developed Ebola after returning to the U.S. and did not receive prompt care, is the only U.S. patient who has died. Prompt care of other U.S. patients has resulted in a high survival rate.
I also am happy to see that the U.S. has shown particular interest in helping Liberia, a de facto U.S. colony in Africa founded by former slaves and for so long ignored. The U.S. has a moral obligation to give Liberia a special status due to the historic connection to America.
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
putting posts in order
Well, I just learned that I have to be a little more careful when I write a two part blog. the post below is part two of an article about bicycling. I will have to can edit it to include a title, so that it looks better. This is a learning process for me.
Monday, October 20, 2014
Biking for God and Earth: part two
2. Recreational Uses
- Exercise
Whenever you use a bicycle you get top quality exercise. Bicycling provides both strength and "aerobic" exercise. For most people it is safe and easy, putting little stress on any part of the body. For many people, running can damage feet and knees. When I had a stroke several years ago, I returned to riding a bike for exercise. I had the good sense to wear a helmet, as I had some minor balance issues. If you have health Issues, you may want to consult your physician first. I bought an exercycle after my stroke and used it while recuperating before returning to an actual bike.
- Sightseeing
Many cities such as Atlanta have bicycle paths around the city, often as part of the rails to trails program. Rural areas may also have bicycle paths. One such path here in Florida is the Palatka to Lake Butler State Trail, and here in Palatka there is a bike trail through the Ravine Gardens State Park. Nearby Gold Head Branch State Park has a bike trail and is fond to me as my Grandfather supervised the construction of the park during the depression. In Canada the Yukon Ridge Road Heritage Trail offers a chance to visit an exciting part of North America. Prince Edward Island offers a 170 mile long trip from one end of the island to another. This trail is also along a former railbed. One reason that so many former rail beds are converted to hiking/biking paths is to preserve them so that they can easily be re-converted to rail beds.
Shawn J. Gossman, founder of Southern Illinois Cycling Forum has recommended Tunnel Hill Bike Trail and Rend Lake Bike Trail. He says they are both suitable for cyclists of all skill levels.
- Camping
Camping can be combined with sightseeing or can be a separate activity, possibly in conjunction with hunting or fishing. Hint: if you are hunting bear or elk, this may not be a good idea unless you provide another way to carry any game home. Be certain that you choose a bicycle suitable for this activity. Also, choose your camping gear carefully. You need lightweight, compact, and durable gear.
- Racing and Other Competitions
Probably the most famous (and often controversial) bicycle race is the Tour de France, a long, multistage race currently over 2200 miles long. This race has been run annually since 1903, except during the world wars of the 20th century. Cross-country races similar to the Tour are offered all over the world, often only a few hours long and conducted for local cyclists. A different type of competition is BMX racing, which involves bikes made specifically for the sport and either cross-country or on tracks similar to tracks used for motorcross racing. BMX is often a young persons sport, but older riders also compete.
Indoor racing on tracks referred to as velodromes has been a sport since the late 19th century and has been a part of every modern Summer Olympics except for 1912. This is a specialized event using bikes made specifically for this sport. These bikes can not be easily used for any other purpose.
- Trick Riding
Bicycles can also be used for stunts and tricks. Some bicycles are even adapted for tight-ropes. Use your imagination, but be sure that you use a suitable bike. Consult an expert before attaching rockets or jet engines.
3. Choosing a Bike
- Know Why You Want a Bike
There are many different types of bicycles. Some bicycles may be designed for very special uses and not be suitable for general use. Some bikes may be acceptable for a wide range of uses, but not great for most of them. If you want to use one for exercise and even racing on well paved streets you will choose one that you could also use to commute to work as long as you don't have to carry anything you can't back-pack. You would also be able to be a little smug when you parked it at work.
- Be Sure of Your Budget
Bicycle prices cover a wide range. You can probably find a serviceable used bicycle for as little as $25. It is very easy to find bicycles priced well over $1000. For everyday purposes, a good quality new bicycle will run under $300. Better bikes will cost $500-$1000. If you are really serious, be prepared to pay more. Try to find someone knowledgeable on the subject who you can trust to advise you if you are new to the subject. If you can rent or borrow a bike similar to what you think you want you may want to try one before investing much money. You may want to find a club or other group. If the local bike store has a good reputation you will probably get good advice there.
- Find a Bike That Fits You
If you were planning to hike or run, you would be sure that you had the right size shoe or boot. With the right size bike, you will be able to easily mount and ride the bike. If you are going to a good bike shop you can get help there. Good articles are available online, and there are good books on the subject. On a man’s bike, straddle the frame. You should be able to stand flat-footed with an inch or two to spare. On a woman’s bike this will not work because of the missing support. A woman may want to check the size with a man’s bike and use the same size if she really wants a woman’s bike. Women who will be wearing biking clothes often choose a man’s bike.
- Have the Bike Adjusted For You
First, be sure that the style seat on your bike is one that is comfortable for you. Then make sure that it is at the right height and angle. Most seats can also be adjusted forward or backward. If the seat is at the right height your legs should be almost extended fully when the pedal is at the bottom. A good bike shop will do all this when you buy the bike.
- Be Sure You Have the Right Equipment
If you will use the bike at night, dusk, or dawn, You must have DOT approved lights and reflectors. The headlight must be white and be visible for at least 500 feet, and the taillight must be red and visible for at least 600 feet. Choose led lights, and consider rechargeable batteries. Detachable front and rear baskets are available. If you will be off-road or on long road-trips, you will want tube repair equipment and a pump. Most bikes have a water-bottle holder, or you can add one. You will need a handy bottle of water. Water holding back-packs (called camel backs) with drinking tubes are also an option. Make certain you have a proper chain, and the rims and tires are the proper ones and are in good repair. Be certain you have a good drive-chain and it is of the right length. A bike helmet is also an essential piece of equipment. When I resumed serious biking after my stroke I took a few spills and hit my head on more than one sidewalk. Because I insisted on wearing my helmet I was not injured.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Computer Problems
The second part of my biking post has been delayed for a few days due to a computer problem. I am having to use an old laptop with limited capacity in order to work. I spent time trying to correct the problems. I have also been trying deal with a financial crisis. I should have the bike post later today.
I would also like to comment on the news that there may be a deal with the disciples of Satan, Boko Haram to free the innocent little girls kidnapped by them . I pray that such a deal may be worked out, but believe that it should also include compulsory .emasculation for all members of Boko Hatram.
I would also like to comment on the news that there may be a deal with the disciples of Satan, Boko Haram to free the innocent little girls kidnapped by them . I pray that such a deal may be worked out, but believe that it should also include compulsory .emasculation for all members of Boko Hatram.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Nobel Peace Prize 2014
Thus year's Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded to two very deserving people who have championed the issue of education for young people, especially girls. One, Malala Yousafzai , is the youngest ever winner of the Peace Prize or, indeed, any Nobel prize. The other, Kailash Satyarfi, is more in keeping with the normal age of Nobel Laureates,
Malala made her mark by defying the Taliban by not only seeking an education, but posting a popular blog about it. She was shot in the head at the age of 14 by the Taliban as a result, and has continued her education in England, working in a major address to the United Nations. She has been widely praised in her nation, and widely criticized. I have been thoroughly charmed by her since first hearing of her. She has established herself as an outspoken champion for the issue of education for young people, especially girls.
Kailash is perhaps the current world leader in the movement to end child labor, an issue that the United States has been a leader in for almost a century, even though there is still a significant pool of people on the right wing in America advocating for child exploitation. He has also advocated for childhood education as part of his vision.
Kailash and Malala contacted each other shortly after learning of the award, and are planning to work together for their cause. I can only add my feeble voice to the chorus of support for their cause. They agreed to ask the prime ministers of their nations to attend the ceremony and make a gesture for peace and co-operation between their nations. This is part of the reason the Nobel committee chose to honor them jointly.
Malala made her mark by defying the Taliban by not only seeking an education, but posting a popular blog about it. She was shot in the head at the age of 14 by the Taliban as a result, and has continued her education in England, working in a major address to the United Nations. She has been widely praised in her nation, and widely criticized. I have been thoroughly charmed by her since first hearing of her. She has established herself as an outspoken champion for the issue of education for young people, especially girls.
Kailash is perhaps the current world leader in the movement to end child labor, an issue that the United States has been a leader in for almost a century, even though there is still a significant pool of people on the right wing in America advocating for child exploitation. He has also advocated for childhood education as part of his vision.
Kailash and Malala contacted each other shortly after learning of the award, and are planning to work together for their cause. I can only add my feeble voice to the chorus of support for their cause. They agreed to ask the prime ministers of their nations to attend the ceremony and make a gesture for peace and co-operation between their nations. This is part of the reason the Nobel committee chose to honor them jointly.
Friday, October 10, 2014
Congressman Denies Global Warming: Is he also a Flat-Earther?
I just read an article on AOL about a Congressman from Michigan, Representative Dan Benishek (Republican), who claims that his credentials as an M.D. qualify him to comment on anthropogenic (of human origin) global warming. He further stated that there are no peer-reviewed articles advocating that global warming is anthropogenic.
First, let me state that while M.D.s have more scientific background than most people, only a very small percentage have qualifications as research scientists. Secondly, the overwhelming majority of peer reviewed climate change articles agree that global warming is largely the result of human activity.
The term global warming is widely attributed to Alexander Graham Bell, who began warning of the dangers of using fossil fuels in 1917. He advocated that we should emphasize renewable energy sources, or those such as solar power that were not consumed and do not pollute. Since then research has continued to justify his worries.
Did you know that there are still flat Earthers? These are people who still insist that the Earth is flat. I consider global warming deniers to be flat Earthers. I am willing to believe that even many Rationalists are willing to accept the concept of anthropogenic global warming. (post on Rationalism is in the works)
There is some room for debate on what percentage of global warming is not anthropogenic. But notice that we are actually in a period of reduced solar activity similar to the Maunder Minimum (1645-1715) and the Dalton minimum (1790-1820). These periods coincide with cold periods. The time of the Maunder Minimum is often called the "mini ice age". We are still experiencing global warming. Perhaps it will be slowed by decreased solar activity, but it will not last.
The real danger comes once the permafrost begins to melt. Melting permafrost means lots of methane, a truly dangerous greenhouse gas. Estimates as to the potency of methane as a greenhouse gas compared to carbon dioxide range from 30 times as potent to close to 100 times as dangerous. Most experts say around 50x. Some experts blame a sudden release of methane for the Great Flood (the world-wide increase in sea-levels causing coastal flooding and giving rise to flood myths found world-wide). Is Al Gore another Noah?
c
Monday, October 6, 2014
Is "Ripple (On Still Water)" a Gospel Song?
Last night in a random discussion around the house Jerry Garcia came up. That made me think of the song "Ripple" , performed by Jerry Garcia and The Grateful Dead. Years ago a musician friend (now deceased) introduced me to the song and asked me to work it up. I reminded him of Jerry, and have had people stop me on the street in Knoxville shortly after Jerry died and say "I thought you were dead!"
When I first began to work up the song, I read that Jerry grew up in Tennessee, but have since learned that is incorrect. He and Robert Hunter, who wrote the lyrics for Ripple also co-wrote a song called Tennessee Jed. Jerry was a very influential banjo picker, and the Old and in the Way album is one of the best selling Bluegrass albums of all time. Jerry also played in a number of other Bluegrass bands during his career.
Since Jerry and Robert were both Bluegrass musicians I have to assume that they both were familiar with Pentecostalism and the Holy Ghost.. When I first heard the song I assumed that it was speaking of the Holy Ghost when it speaks of "ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed , nor wind to blow". And what could be the "harp unstrung" if not the "sacred harp" of Sacred Harp (shape note) music. It is inconceivable that Garcia and Hunter would have not been very familiar with sacred harp music.
I have also read that many commentators have found reference to the 23rd Psalm with the reference to the full or empty cup. And perhaps the fountain is filled with blood. Don't forget, Garcia and Hunter would be familiar with these concepts because of their strong Bluegrass background. Bluegrass comes from the Bluegrass area of Tennessee and the Appalachians and is highly steeped in the spirituality of the region. Well, Glory!
When I first began to work up the song, I read that Jerry grew up in Tennessee, but have since learned that is incorrect. He and Robert Hunter, who wrote the lyrics for Ripple also co-wrote a song called Tennessee Jed. Jerry was a very influential banjo picker, and the Old and in the Way album is one of the best selling Bluegrass albums of all time. Jerry also played in a number of other Bluegrass bands during his career.
Since Jerry and Robert were both Bluegrass musicians I have to assume that they both were familiar with Pentecostalism and the Holy Ghost.. When I first heard the song I assumed that it was speaking of the Holy Ghost when it speaks of "ripple in still water, when there is no pebble tossed , nor wind to blow". And what could be the "harp unstrung" if not the "sacred harp" of Sacred Harp (shape note) music. It is inconceivable that Garcia and Hunter would have not been very familiar with sacred harp music.
I have also read that many commentators have found reference to the 23rd Psalm with the reference to the full or empty cup. And perhaps the fountain is filled with blood. Don't forget, Garcia and Hunter would be familiar with these concepts because of their strong Bluegrass background. Bluegrass comes from the Bluegrass area of Tennessee and the Appalachians and is highly steeped in the spirituality of the region. Well, Glory!
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