April 29
New iBooks
Apple has unveiled a new... crappy design for their online store and quietly updated the G3 based iBook to 900mhs and a Radeon 7500 graphics processor.
Go over to the iBook page for more details.
The Joys of Technology...
I am the somewhat proud owner of a slightly used 15" iMac G4.
The specs are as follows:
- 800 mhz G4 processor, a good 250 mhz faster than my previous computer a powerbook G4 550.
- 60 gig HD, 40 gigs more than the G4.
- 1024 Mb of PC133 Ram (also known as a gig), 3 times as much as the powerbook.
- 32 meg NVIDIA GeForce 3 video card, the Powerbook had a 16 meg Radeon video card.
- A Pioneer DVD-RW DVR-104 Drive capable of burning DVD-R, DVD-RW, and all flavors of CD. The Powerbook had a DVD-Rom drive.
Now it would seem that I should be ecstatic about my new computer and not somewhat proud. Well you would think that, unless you factor in the fact that the ethernet card is schizophrenic. I can connect to and browse my network here at home but the computer will not aquire an IP address from the DHCP server, and just so you know I even plugged my xDSL straight into the iMac and still no dice.
The only good thing is since I have the network set up and host this site myself at home, I can still update and check the activity. Sometimes you have to love technology; sometimes you have to hate it. Right now I have two options to resolve my current situation:
- The iMac is still under warranty, so I can take it and have the logic board replaced. This is of course would be the best choice. Unfortunately the only authorized repair center is CompUSA. I long ago worked at that CompUSA and know the quality of the repairs done to Apple Computers there, so I would have to insist that it be sent to their repair shop, that means at least two months away from home for my new baby... not liking that at this moment.
- The second choice that the Apple Repair Specialist and I both agree should work is to convert this machine to wireless via Airport. This will require money being spent on my part, but I will not be forced to relinquish hold of the computer for any length of time, so it is my personal favorite choice.
So it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the near future, regardless this is one stinking cool computer. While I am writing this I am encoding and burning a DVD in the background.
I love technology.
Search Engine Placement
Whoo Hoo!
I am in the top three search results for all the major engines for the string sillyness.
Ah... fame and fortune at last.
Clarification...
There has been much talk lately concerning the topic of discussion on Monday April 14th, namely that of inter-faith marriage.
I feel I must defend myself and also speak a little more rationally on this subject than is customary for me.
First off, I said Orthodox don't as a rule marry outside the faith; there is a large difference between the words don'd and can't. Secondly as was stated by Katie over at So Joyful this matter is also, in most instances, left up to the Priest and Bishop of the Orthodox Believer. And that being said, just because you have done it, doesn't make it right or accepted on a pan-orthodox level.
I think that we are really missing the point here though. My good friend James linked to a response given by Fr. John Matusiak from the OCA question and answer section. I would put forth that his response only supports my claim more than disproves it.
It is indeed possible for a Catholic to marry in the Orthodox Church without converting but agreeing to raise the children in the Orthodox Faith. I would kindly recommend that you speak with the priest at the Orthodox parish in which you plan to be married, who will be happy to assist you further.
Here you can plainly see that Father is saying sure its possible, but only if they meet these requirements, which upon examination are such that if the husband or wife that is Roman is not Roman enough to want there children to inherit thier faith then they really aren't very Roman... are they?
Furthermore, Father goes on to say that even then it should be brought before the Priest, which of course implies that it will be brought before his Bishop. And it is also worthy of note that this small exchange concerns a Roman Catholic, our schizmatic cousins. As with a lot of rubrics and dogma in Orthodoxy the Roman is always treated differently than merely a pagan (ie non-christian) or Protestant (ie SuperCaliFragiSchizmaticExpealiDocious- Christian). Take the sacrament of Crismation. A Roman convert to Orthodoxy is given an abreviated crismation, whereas the protestant is fully crismated. This is done as a way of honoring the common origins and shared history of the two oldest Christian Churches, as well as a way of looking forward to a time when East and West will once again enjoy full communion.
And lastly my point still stands that most Orthodox Faithful could not even fathom being joined to another who did not share thier beliefs and values; the wedding ceremony in an Orthodox Church is a crowning ceremony, the man and the woman are given the Crown of Martyrdom, in essence they accept martyrdom for the sake of the other. There are no vows, and no legal jargon thrown around as in so many of todays Evangelical Churches. They are to be a living icon of the relationship between Christ the Bridegroom and the Church his Bride.
Well that is all for now. As always the lines are open and operators are standing by, so tell me what you agree and disagree with.
Debate and Discussion...
There is a very lively discussion going on over at Katie's blog surrounding the practice of inter-faith marriages; in particular the joining of an Orthodox Christian to a non-Orthodox Christian.
This is a very good topic for discussion now that the stage is set for American Orthodoxy to become a more recognized player on the religious scene here in the States.
Go check it out, you will be glad you did.
Google Referrers...
Just a quick update for now.
I havent really been keeping tabs on my google referrers recently but I found one that really kicks butt! Elementery science experiments on light, now that is jsut the coolest referrer ever. Especially when you look at the fact that there is no possible way that I have ever posted on that subject.
Rock eating even...
In this edition of Site Spotlight we examine srah blah blah!.
I have been reading this blog off and on for the past couple of weeks and have found it thoroughly entertaing and an enjoyable read. srah is a very well spoken, and apparently blessed by the heavens, is working in Vichy, France.
Unfortunately the last time I was in France I was not able to get to that particular city and I have always regretted it. After a stay in Paris my wife and I worked our way to Tours, in Indre-et-Loire. I must say that Tours was the most beautiful and welcoming city we stayed in while on the European Continent; its combination of beatuiful architecture, clean well planned streets and fine eateries were just fantastic.
I regretted greatly having to return to Paris after our stay was complete there.
Anywhoo, back on topic srah's weblog is a great read. You should check it out.
Oh and I wooped srah's bananna-eating monkey butt. Long live Jezuit the Rock-Eating Magic Monkey!
Recent matches:
If you would like to do battle with me then click here, but beware my wrath.
There is more than just corn in Indiana...
Or In defense of Indiana.
In reponse to the desparaging remarks made here at Katie's blog by our own Mr. Hibbity Gibbity, I am offering this defense of the greatness of this most honorable of states, and my homeland.
Indiana has had a rich and long history of famous people and events, as well as archeological and historical importance. Prehistoric American Indians may have been in Indiana as long ago as 11,000 B.C, with Archaelogical evidence including man-made projectile points, etc. ca. 8000 B.C. - 1000 B.C., as well as archaelogical evidence of extensive cultivation and large permanent community settlements such as found at Angel Mounds State Site near Evansville, IN. Evidence also points to a Mississippian Indian town which could have been Angel Mounds (ca 1100 - 1450 A.D.) Evidence strongly suggests this could have been the land of Casqui and Pacaha reportedly described by De Soto.
Furthermore, it was the location of many decisive battles in the Revolutionary War such as:
By Aug. 6, British Lt. Gov. Henry Hamilton received news about the fall of the three outposts. With a mixed force of English soldiers, French volunteers and militia, and Indian warriors, he left Detroit intending to retake Fort Sackville in Vincennes. Capt. Leonard Helms was Clark's subordinate in charge at Vincennes. Having only a few men on whom he could depend, the American captain had no hopes of defending the fort against the British-Indian army. Hamilton retook the fort on Dec. 17. Faced with this formidable array, the French settlers of Vincennes returned to their British allegiance.
Then Hamilton made a fateful decision. He allowed most of his force to return to their homes for the winter, this was common practice in 18th century warfare. His intended invasion of the Illinois country would be postponed. Hamilton planned to gather his forces in the spring and attack Clark's Mississippi River posts. Victories there would pave the way for a joint effort with tribes from south of the Ohio River to drive all American settlers from the Trans-Appalachian frontier.
Unaware that the fort was in British hands, Francis Vigo, a merchant and supporter of the American cause, set out from his St. Louis home for Vincennes. As he approached the settlement, he was taken prisoner and was held for several days. His captors failed to realize Vigo's involvement with the Americans and Hamilton allowed him to leave. Vigo agreed to one condition: that on his way back to St. Louis, Vigo would do nothing that would harm the British cause. After reaching St. Louis and keeping his promise, he immediately went to Clark 50 miles south in Kaskaskia. Vigo provided valuable information concerning the military situation in Vincennes while informing Clark of the British intent to attack in the spring.
Determined to capture Hamilton, Clark and his force of approximately 170 Americans and Frenchmen made an epic 18-day trek from Kaskaskia through the freezing flood waters of the Illinois country. At times in icy water up to their shoulders, it was Clark's determined leadership that brought them through this incredible midwinter journey. They arrived in Vincennes after nightfall on Feb.23, 1779. The French citizens, eager to again renounce the British, warmly greeted Clark's men, providing food and dry gunpowder. Hamilton's garrison now consisted of approximately 40 British soldiers and a similar number of French volunteers and militia from Detroit and Vincennes. These French troops were not enthusiastic to fire on the enemy when they realized that the French inhabitants of the town again had embraced the Americans.
Clark's men surrounded the fort and gave the impression of having a much larger army. Flags sufficient for an army of 500 had been brought from Kaskaskia and now were unfurled and carried within view of the fort. The American soldiers, who were experienced woodsmen, could maintain a rate of fire that convinced the British that the army indeed was large in number. These woodsmen were armed with the famed long rifle, and their aim was accurate. To further unnerve the garrison, Clark ordered tunneling operations to begin from behind the riverbank a short distance from the fort. Such tunnels were used to plant explosive charges under fort walls or beneath powder magazines. Barricades were thrown up and entrenchments were dug to provide additional cover.
Contemplating his predicament with increasing foreboding, Hamilton became resigned to surrendering. The Englishman requested Clark meet with him at the nearby church, St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church. Hamilton attempted to obtain liberal conditions while Clark insisted on unconditional surrender. After a lengthy and heated discussion they failed to agree upon acceptable terms and each commander returned to their respective posts. At this time, an event occurred which caused the British to realize what might be their fate if the Americans were forced to storm the fort. An Indian raiding party, sent out by Hamilton to attack American settlers along the Ohio River returned to Vincennes. Their entrance came during a lull in the battle and they saw the British flag flying as usual from the fort. The unsuspecting warriors, gleefully yelling and firing their weapons in the air, realized their mistake too late. Several Indians were killed or wounded by the frontiersmen while others were captured.
In retaliation for Indian raids in which numerous men, women and children had been slaughtered, Clark ordered five of the captured warriors to be tomahawked in full view of the fort. The executions were intended to heighten the psychological pressure upon the British, while also illustrating to Indian observers that the redcoats no longer could protect those tribes who made war on the Americans.
Following this grim scene, the lieutenant-governor reluctantly agreed to Clark's final terms which were just short of unconditional surrender. Hamilton described his thoughts at having to surrender. "The mortification, disappointment and indignation I felt, may possibly be conceived..." The defeated British army marched out of Fort Sackville and laid down their muskets before their victors. The surrender occurred 10 a.m., Thurs., Feb. 25, 1779. An American Flag was raised above the fort and 13 cannon shots were discharged in celebration. An accident during the firings severely burned several men including American Capt. Joseph Bowman. Six months later he died and was buried in the church cemetery adjacent to the fort.
Add to this the myriad of famous people who have called Indiana their home, such as:
- Cole Porter
- Eli Lilly
- Madam C.J. Walker
- Kurt Vonnegut
And many more.
Think about that next time you take a shot at Indiana.
Speaking
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ApacheCon US
November 3-7, 2008
New Orleans, Louisiana
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