Posts

Showing posts from May, 2023

Was Hitler Far Left, or Far Right?

I was sitting in my 10th grade Comparative Political Systems class years ago when suddenly something the teacher said made me interrupt and ask a question. It went like this, "And so on the far left you have the Communists and on the far right you had the Nazi's."  But we had just learned that Nazi was an abbreviation for National Socialists , the political party Hitler founded and wrote extensively about in Mein Kampf.  So I asked,  "Mr. ____, how can they be far right if they are Socialist ?" He paused briefly and admitted he didn't know, but that that was what his source for the class had said.  Then he continued to the next point. Matter dropped. Since then I've seen countless main stream sources claim that indeed Hitler and the Nazi's were "far right" but NEVER with any analysis at all. They merely state this and move on, as if you must just accept their label as correct. But are they?  Let's look first at what it means to be "

The Unequaled Use of Symbolism in Moby Dick

Image
  The Symbolism of Moby Dick Symbolism is an invaluable tool used by authors to portray a deeper and more profound message to the readers beyond the literal narrative. Herman Melville’s Moby Dick stands as a paragon of this technique. Melville paints an elaborate tapestry of symbols, where each character, object, and event symbolizes profound philosophical concepts, giving the story an unprecedented depth and richness. At the center of Moby Dick's symbolic universe is the eponymous white whale, the object of Captain Ahab’s insatiable quest. The whale is an unfathomable creature, embodying the chaotic, mysterious, and ungraspable essence of nature and the universe. This immense being transcends its physical form to represent the unknown, the divine, and the elusive. Its color, white, often associated with purity, symbolizes its elusive and terrifying nature. Characters as Symbols In stark contrast, Captain Ahab, who is monomaniacally committed to killing Moby Dick, represents humani

Kirk or Piccard? Which Is the Better Captain?

Image
James T. Kirk and Jean-Luc Picard, both legendary Starfleet captains from the "Star Trek" franchise, offer unique leadership styles, each with their individual strengths. However, after careful consideration, Captain Picard emerges as the ideal commander of a starship due to his diplomatic skills, analytical approach, and commitment to principles. Picard's diplomatic prowess is one of his strongest attributes. His tenure as captain of the USS Enterprise-D is marked by successful negotiations and peace treaties, often achieved through tactful discourse and respect for alien cultures. This diplomatic acumen serves him well in the diverse and often contentious galaxy, making him a unifying force in an environment prone to conflict. Captain Kirk, while a charismatic leader, often relies on impulsive actions rather than careful negotiations, which can escalate situations unnecessarily. In contrast to Kirk's gut-driven leadership, Picard adopts a more analytical approach. H

Comfortably Numb: Why Is It Pink Floyd's Greatest Song?

Pink Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" is more than just a song – it's an experience. A rollercoaster of emotions, it's a classic tune that has had fans and critics alike raving about its brilliance for decades. Here's why this track stands tall as one of the band's greatest ever creations.  A Story Told in Lyrics The song paints a profoundly touching and personal picture of emotional numbness and alienation, like only Pink Floyd can. From Roger Waters' pen, "Comfortably Numb" is born of childhood memories and experiences with illness. The themes are universal, and it's no wonder they've touched the hearts of countless listeners, connecting on an emotional level that few other songs can claim to have achieved. A Masterclass in Musicality "Comfortably Numb" is a showcase of Pink Floyd's famed progressive rock style. A mesmerizing mix of psychedelic rock, classical undertones, and electronic embellishments come together to create

Comparing David Gilmour and Eric Johnson's Guitar Styles

 I was asked to compare these two world class guitar players. Just how do they differ? David Gilmour and Eric Johnson are both extraordinary guitarists with distinctive styles and sounds, yet they approach the instrument quite differently. David Gilmour, known for his work with Pink Floyd, is widely recognized for his blues-inspired playing, as well as his use of ambient and psychedelic elements. Gilmour's guitar style is characterized by his melodic approach, using simple, yet emotive and lyrical phrasing. He employs a lot of bends and slides, which give his playing a smooth, expressive feel. He is also a master of tone, utilizing various effects such as delay, reverb, and modulation to create lush, expansive soundscapes. Gilmour's solos often serve as a secondary vocal line, telling a story alongside the lyrics. His playing is less about technical virtuosity and more about emotion, space, and atmosphere. On the other hand, Eric Johnson, known for his solo career as well as hi

Is Smoking a Pork Butt at 210 Better than 225 Degrees?

Image
225 degrees is already low and slow. But is there any advantage by staying just below the boiling point of water and cooking longer?  I believe so! Here are the advantages and possible disadvantages: Advantages: More Tender Meat: When you cook meat at a lower temperature for a longer period of time, the collagen in the connective tissue has more time to break down into gelatin. This process makes the meat extremely tender. Therefore, cooking at 210F could potentially yield a slightly more tender result. This has proven true in my tests. It took 10 hours but the results were better. More Moist Meat: With a longer cooking time, there's more time for fat to gradually render and baste the meat, which could keep it moist. More Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows for a greater development of flavors as it provides more time for the meat to absorb smoke and seasoning. Disadvantages: Longer Cooking Time: The most obvious disadvantage is that cooking at a lower temperature will take mor

Capturing the Celestial Dance: A Guide to Photographing the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse

As the sun, moon, and Earth align in a celestial ballet, the day turns into twilight, and the sun's corona bursts into view, creating a spectacle that leaves spectators in awe. This is the magic of a total solar eclipse, a rare and beautiful phenomenon that has fascinated humanity for centuries. The next total solar eclipse is due on April 8, 2024, and this is your chance to not just witness, but also capture this celestial spectacle. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you photograph the 2024 total solar eclipse. Understanding the Sun: A Unique Subject Photographing the sun during an eclipse is unlike any other photography experience. The sun's intense brightness and constant movement across the sky present unique challenges. Auto-focus and auto-exposure settings are rendered ineffective, and even the smallest vibrations can cause blur. Moreover, the sun's brightness changes drastically during an eclipse, requiring constant adjustments to your camera settings. Therefo

Capturing the Solar Eclipse: A Photographer's Guid

As celestial events go, few can match the breathtaking spectacle of a solar eclipse. For those of us lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time, capturing the event in a photograph can be an exhilarating challenge. This guide aims to help you successfully photograph the upcoming solar eclipse. We will delve into crucial aspects such as choosing the perfect location, vibration control, practicing beforehand, and choosing the right equipment and lens. 1. Choosing the Perfect Location An eclipse is not a localized event - it can be seen from many places on Earth, but the view can vary greatly. Location is the first and most vital step in planning to shoot a solar eclipse. The US is blessed with numerous potential sites to witness this grandeur. But you need to consider the general weather conditions. Remember, clear skies are your best friend for photographing an eclipse. The western states, such as Texas, are famed for their clear skies. However, the eclipse's path shoul

Does the Koran Teach an Ethic of Love to All Mankind?

Image
I Googled the question "Why don't moderate Muslims condemn extremists?" I found that question posted and Yahoo Answers, and several replies, from Muslims that said, in so many words, that the Koran actually supported a hard line view of unbelievers (anyone not a true Muslim). Never one to take someone else's word for it, I found an online Koran concordance site and did my own research.  Didn't the Koran teach an ethic of love towards all men, even non-Muslims?  The New Testament did. I actually had hoped to find several such verses and post them as sort of a "so there" to the extremists. The Koran concordance site had every major English translation of the Koran. But I limited by research to the four orthodox translations, figuring a non-orthodox one might play fast and loose with the text. Likewise I didn't consult the non-Muslim translators, whose accuracy I have no idea about one way or the other. Even among the four orthodox translations