Part one of this series dealt a little bit with politics and how I feel about politics in relation to Biblical prophecy. The Bible says that during the end times there will exist a global centralization of three major aspects of life… government, economy, and religion. Part one delved into the political aspect of government and how the world, specifically, the political world is leaning toward centralization and collective thinking is the prevailing fad amongst politicians. Part two will explain a global economy existent in the end times and how current events are racing towards that end.
First, I think a brief explanation of economy is important. Economy is the term we use to describe the management of trade of goods and services for one another. We each experienced economy from an early age when we let a friend borrow a toy in exchange for something else. I’m sure every red blooded male who ever had baseball cards was involved in trading them. We placed a value on them and decided what we could get in exchange for them. This is the purest form of economy we can experience and possibly understand. I struggled through an 8 AM Microeconomics class my freshman year in college. My first college class experience was a crazy professor trying to explain charts and graphs involved the economics of apples and beer at 8 in the FREAKIN’ morning! Fun times! Anyway, trading things is what keeps everyone and everything going. Currency is the medium of exchange that we use. The amount of currency you possess indicates your trading power and thus, your wealth. In the beginning, man used land and livestock as currency. Then we upgraded to coinage. Paper money was next and then we decided to go cyber and do it electronically. This progression is extremely important to how Biblical prophecy is fulfilled.
Revelation 13:16-18 describes a case where at some point in the future, one entity will control the economy in such a way that no one in the world will be able to by or sell without the mark of the beast. This is only possible if there is a centralized economy. If every nation but one has a joint economy, then the citizens of that nation could trade with one another outside of the guidelines of the rest of the world. This scenario shows how a centralized global economy is the ONLY way that this prophecy can come true. The world is in such a way that now that the platform for this centralization is built. Allow me to explain.
When man was first trading land and livestock, trade was limited by distant. You could only trade so much land and livestock could only go so far. This was basically regional. Plus, a Himalayan yak would not be worth much to nomads in a desert region, so value was also regionally limited. Man decided that jewels and coins made of certain materials could be accepted. Gold coins could be traded anywhere to anyone because of the intrinsic value of gold. The gold is valuable in and of itself, thus it is universally acceptable. You could buy a certain amount of goods with a gold coin because the seller could then trade the coin for goods of equal value to what he just sold. This, however also has limitations based on quantity. There is only so much gold to go around and it cannot be replenished. Whatever gold came with the Earth is all the gold the Earth is ever gonna get! Plus, gold and silver is heavy. Imagine trying to carry around enough gold to buy stuff. It was burdensome to say the least. Paper currency came along as an exchange for gold. It was a system to where a paper certificate would be worth a certain amount of gold or silver or whatever. Traders could exchange these certificates amongst one another knowing that the value of the certificate was based on the value of gold thus these certificates could be exchanged for a certain amount of gold. The importance of this segment is that it gave trade measurable units to operate with. Gold would need to be weighed, measured, and so forth. Paper money was easily reproducible and was much easier to deal with. One certificate was worth one certificate… easy enough. This is the history of the American dollar. Once, it was backed in gold and silver. However, the dollar is now considered a free floating currency. This means the value of the dollar is based on the strength of how it trades with other currencies. It’s a bit complicated, but noteworthy nonetheless. More on this in a minute. Technology came about in such a way that allowed for currency to be recorded electronically. This allowed the transfer of currency to happen electronically. This latest addition took away the need for people to carry certain amounts of paper money with them. They only needed an access point electronically to make the transfer. In essence, you could trade for goods with only an electronic transfer of funds from one account to another without ever presenting "hard" currency to do it. Whoever receives the funds knows that they can be exchanged for the equivalent amount of hard currency. This was debit/credit based system that we use today.
As populations soared to new heights, demand for goods increased exponentially and trade between nations became inevitable. One nation could then produce a large amount of one good that could be traded to another nation for other goods. One nation could specialize in a particular good and setup exchange for a good that it could not produce as easily. For example, a nation that could produce large amounts of wheat, but not oil could trade with an oil rich country. This created trade exchange rates: so many units of wheat is equal to a certain number of units of oil. Larger nations such as the US were able to produce multiple goods in large quantities while smaller nations specialized. This led to international trade. Now, this is really noting new. This has been going on forever. In modern international trade, nations will hold reserve currency to buy certain goods. The most prominent reserve currency is the US dollar. It is used because it has historically been a strong and stable currency unit. Oil is an example of a good that is traded specifically with the dollar. No one buys oil with any other unit of currency except the dollar. This means that oil consuming nations must hold vast amounts of US dollars within their own treasuries to use when oil purchases must be made. There are several problems with this system, but that is for another discussion. The gist is that the currency of one nation is intrinsically important to the economics of many other nations as well.
What does all of this mean? National economic policies are determined by international factors is this era more than any other. The United States unpegged the dollar from the gold standard during the 20th century. This allowed the dollars to float freely against other currencies around the world. This means that the dollar is no longer backed by the amount of gold reserves the US held. A large amount of US dollars remain in other nations in order to buy oil. What would happened if say an oil producing nation stop accepting dollars as the universal standard and began accepting another currency unit instead (Iran has threatened to do this by the way)? First, the value of the dollar would plummet as nations would need to liquidate its dollar reserve to obtain the new currency unit. This would flood the market with cash. As the rush to trade the dollar escalated, the floating exchange would lead to lopsided values of say five to one or even worse. This means it would take 5 dollars to purchase 1 of the other currency units. Not only that, but some other nations peg their currencies against the dollars value. If the dollar drops in value, so does their own. If other oil producing nations follow suit, then the dollar would drastically lose its value causing economic chaos for many nations. The current economic crisis is being felt by nations all over the world. Trading in European and Asian markets has seen drops associated by the problems here in America.
The nations of the world are beginning to coalesce economically as the realization that solidarity in trading and currencies make for a more secure and stable marketplace. How much so would a common economic unit be? Imagine… trading with one common global currency… economic policies of individual nations converging to benefit the good of everyone. As mentioned in part one, in order for nations to come together under a global, centralized government, they need a good reason to do so. Economics is just as good a reason as any, if not the best. Centralization of economics would need a central body of government to maintain fairness and stability. In a sense, these two work hand in hand. One makes the other more palatable to all involved. Are we leaning in that direction…? Resoundingly… YES!!!
Part three will attempt to wrap up this commentary by looking at the most esoteric and divisive portion of the triad… religion.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
It’s the End of the World as We Know It, But Do I Feel Fine?!? Part One
As a Christian, I feel it is necessary to put current issues into a different perspective from time to time. I believe that everything happens to a certain purpose and cause, whether I agree or understand what those purposes and causes are. I believe that the world and existence as we know it is whirling rapidly toward the ending specifically foretold in the Bible. I believe that certain events must occur in order for those prophecies to come to pass. I am going to look at current events through Biblical lenses. Whether you believe in God or not, it is worth looking at how these times are forming right before our very eyes. Up first… politics.
I am not an overly political person. I do not live and breathe off of every breath from the mouths of Obama or McCain. I am a registered unaffiliated. I have been told this is because I am a fence rider, that I do not have the wherewithal to make the right choice. This notion, of course, is garbage. I, for one, feel that the two-party system is an archaic design that has outlived its usefulness. If you research a little into American History, you will learn that the two-party system originated to define how this government would operate. There were two parties: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. (imagine that, Dems & Reps were once THE SAME PARTY!!!) The Federalists wanted a strong national or central government and weaker state government whereas the Democratic-Republican party wanted a weaker central government and stronger state governments. The original two-party system came about because of the two major stances toward centralization of government. This was a big deal at the inception of our nation. And to some degree, at least when it comes to government programs and intervention into people’s daily lives, this still affects the parties today as Democrats tend to favor more government and Republicans tend to favor less. However, America has outgrown these simple boundaries. Today, we incorporate other issues into politics such as values. To be associated with a party today means to be associated with everything it entails. If you are a Democrat, you are assumed to be a slovenly liberal, whether you are or not. If you say you are Republican, then people assume you are a Bible-thumpin’ teetotaler whether you are or not. There are too many people who believe too many different things to be classified into two groups. It’s like saying elephants and dogs are the same because they are both mammals. Yes, they are both mammals, but they must also be classified very differently for obvious reasons. With the amount of diversity in the US , why do we continue to think that one of two people speak for everyone. It doesn’t make sense. Many people with differing ideas have to be classified under one REALLY big umbrella. What ends up happening is that lines don’t get crossed, they become blurry and indistinct. People have to choose sides that may or may not conflict with some or all of their values, feelings, and tenets. For example, what if a person is socially conservative (generally Republican), but favor strong government economic programs (generally Democrat). If this were you, who would you vote for? Does a candidate fit this mold? The edges are so blurry now, that standing firm to a particular side labels you a fundamentalist, or freak. What will become of this?
As mentioned earlier, I am doing this commentary, based on Biblical prophecies and how I see the “end of time” playing out. Various prophecies from Daniel to Revelation outline three major components of the world stage at the end times: a central global government, a central global economy, and a central global religion. Revelation 13 reveals the global economy and global religion (Rev. 13:4-7, 12 and Rev. 13:16). However, you must look to other Bible verses for references to the global government. Revelation 17:12-14 show that kings (rulers) will give up their authority to one central figure. Daniel 9:25-27 shows that “a ruler” will come to make peace with Israel .
What does that have to do with today’s political landscape?
Look at what is happening around the world. Russia is getting “buddy-buddy” with some of America ’s worst enemies: Iran , Venezuela , and Cuba . China is also befriending those folks along with North Korea . The Europeans have banded together to form the European Union. America is developing a superhighway to be used for commerce and trade between the NAFTA countries. India is threatening to develop nuclear ties with other countries if Pakistan doesn’t settle down. Today, governments are coming to the realization that cooperation can work to achieve everyone’s goals. While power is still the ultimate drug that drives these leaders, it’s the other two “end time” components working together that will culminate to establish the third component of the government. Commerce is what is driving most of this global togetherness. Governments are working together for common economic good. Political posturing drives the rest, with belligerent factions rattling the saber at each other. The real question is why would all these seemingly different groups be willing to relinquish power to another, more central player?
Let’s look to America ’s own turbulent political landscape. Americans are clamoring for change in Washington . They want less crap from Capitol Hill and more action. We want bigger houses, faster cars, more money in our pockets with much less work (another topic for another day). We want to be able to do what we want, when we want, and nobody standing in our way. We want a leader who will let us have the freedom to do whatever we desire, but the control to make it happen... on our terms of course. We want an Everyman who looks good, sounds good, and does good. Basically we want an umbrella figure that will make everything happen just the way we want it to. Some feel that Obama is the answer. Some feel McCain is the answer. Some don’t know and some don’t care. The point is that we want a leader who will make everyone happy all the time. As lines get more and more blurry, we see leaders who try to establish a commonality among everyone… basically trying to get everyone to meet on the same page. That means people have to make concessions on certain issues. A pro-lifer may have to concede on abortion issues in order to get more money in their bank account. A gay marriage advocate may have to concede on that issue if it means safer schools. This is happening all over the world. Countries are conceding certain issues going against their aggressive nationalism if it means a greater “good” in the end. Look at the European Union. For centuries, European countries squabbled and fought amongst each other, yet now they have a common governing body. While the EU doesn’t replace the sovereign governments of the individual nation, it does have some superseding precedents and powers. The individual nations are relinquishing power to the overseeing collective in order to obtain greater security and economic power. It is a model the world has been seeing for decades that is now looking like the way to go. We have witnessed OPEC, NATO, NAFTA, the EU, and the UN. Individual governments are coming to the understanding that collective thinking will bring greater rewards than individual lust. It is only logical and acceptable to assume that this paradigm will permeate the entire world. Lines are fading out of focus as collective thinking seems to be the newest style on the political landscape. Hard-edged leaders are being replaced by leaders willing to compromise with each other. It sounds good in a sense, but blurry lines often make you dizzy. Before you know it, you have lost too much and cannot regain the ground on which you once stood. All that’s keeping this from happening is one thing with which the collective can huddle around and build its stance upon… that’s for part two.
I am not an overly political person. I do not live and breathe off of every breath from the mouths of Obama or McCain. I am a registered unaffiliated. I have been told this is because I am a fence rider, that I do not have the wherewithal to make the right choice. This notion, of course, is garbage. I, for one, feel that the two-party system is an archaic design that has outlived its usefulness. If you research a little into American History, you will learn that the two-party system originated to define how this government would operate. There were two parties: the Federalists and the Democratic-Republicans. (imagine that, Dems & Reps were once THE SAME PARTY!!!) The Federalists wanted a strong national or central government and weaker state government whereas the Democratic-Republican party wanted a weaker central government and stronger state governments. The original two-party system came about because of the two major stances toward centralization of government. This was a big deal at the inception of our nation. And to some degree, at least when it comes to government programs and intervention into people’s daily lives, this still affects the parties today as Democrats tend to favor more government and Republicans tend to favor less. However, America has outgrown these simple boundaries. Today, we incorporate other issues into politics such as values. To be associated with a party today means to be associated with everything it entails. If you are a Democrat, you are assumed to be a slovenly liberal, whether you are or not. If you say you are Republican, then people assume you are a Bible-thumpin’ teetotaler whether you are or not. There are too many people who believe too many different things to be classified into two groups. It’s like saying elephants and dogs are the same because they are both mammals. Yes, they are both mammals, but they must also be classified very differently for obvious reasons. With the amount of diversity in the US , why do we continue to think that one of two people speak for everyone. It doesn’t make sense. Many people with differing ideas have to be classified under one REALLY big umbrella. What ends up happening is that lines don’t get crossed, they become blurry and indistinct. People have to choose sides that may or may not conflict with some or all of their values, feelings, and tenets. For example, what if a person is socially conservative (generally Republican), but favor strong government economic programs (generally Democrat). If this were you, who would you vote for? Does a candidate fit this mold? The edges are so blurry now, that standing firm to a particular side labels you a fundamentalist, or freak. What will become of this?
As mentioned earlier, I am doing this commentary, based on Biblical prophecies and how I see the “end of time” playing out. Various prophecies from Daniel to Revelation outline three major components of the world stage at the end times: a central global government, a central global economy, and a central global religion. Revelation 13 reveals the global economy and global religion (Rev. 13:4-7, 12 and Rev. 13:16). However, you must look to other Bible verses for references to the global government. Revelation 17:12-14 show that kings (rulers) will give up their authority to one central figure. Daniel 9:25-27 shows that “a ruler” will come to make peace with Israel .
What does that have to do with today’s political landscape?
Look at what is happening around the world. Russia is getting “buddy-buddy” with some of America ’s worst enemies: Iran , Venezuela , and Cuba . China is also befriending those folks along with North Korea . The Europeans have banded together to form the European Union. America is developing a superhighway to be used for commerce and trade between the NAFTA countries. India is threatening to develop nuclear ties with other countries if Pakistan doesn’t settle down. Today, governments are coming to the realization that cooperation can work to achieve everyone’s goals. While power is still the ultimate drug that drives these leaders, it’s the other two “end time” components working together that will culminate to establish the third component of the government. Commerce is what is driving most of this global togetherness. Governments are working together for common economic good. Political posturing drives the rest, with belligerent factions rattling the saber at each other. The real question is why would all these seemingly different groups be willing to relinquish power to another, more central player?
Let’s look to America ’s own turbulent political landscape. Americans are clamoring for change in Washington . They want less crap from Capitol Hill and more action. We want bigger houses, faster cars, more money in our pockets with much less work (another topic for another day). We want to be able to do what we want, when we want, and nobody standing in our way. We want a leader who will let us have the freedom to do whatever we desire, but the control to make it happen... on our terms of course. We want an Everyman who looks good, sounds good, and does good. Basically we want an umbrella figure that will make everything happen just the way we want it to. Some feel that Obama is the answer. Some feel McCain is the answer. Some don’t know and some don’t care. The point is that we want a leader who will make everyone happy all the time. As lines get more and more blurry, we see leaders who try to establish a commonality among everyone… basically trying to get everyone to meet on the same page. That means people have to make concessions on certain issues. A pro-lifer may have to concede on abortion issues in order to get more money in their bank account. A gay marriage advocate may have to concede on that issue if it means safer schools. This is happening all over the world. Countries are conceding certain issues going against their aggressive nationalism if it means a greater “good” in the end. Look at the European Union. For centuries, European countries squabbled and fought amongst each other, yet now they have a common governing body. While the EU doesn’t replace the sovereign governments of the individual nation, it does have some superseding precedents and powers. The individual nations are relinquishing power to the overseeing collective in order to obtain greater security and economic power. It is a model the world has been seeing for decades that is now looking like the way to go. We have witnessed OPEC, NATO, NAFTA, the EU, and the UN. Individual governments are coming to the understanding that collective thinking will bring greater rewards than individual lust. It is only logical and acceptable to assume that this paradigm will permeate the entire world. Lines are fading out of focus as collective thinking seems to be the newest style on the political landscape. Hard-edged leaders are being replaced by leaders willing to compromise with each other. It sounds good in a sense, but blurry lines often make you dizzy. Before you know it, you have lost too much and cannot regain the ground on which you once stood. All that’s keeping this from happening is one thing with which the collective can huddle around and build its stance upon… that’s for part two.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
The 7 Axioms of Good Driving
I remember cruising around Asheville with my friend Matt several years ago. As we were cruising down 240, a car ahead of us did something he didn't like... prompting him to cuss and make the following statement: "Man, if everybody drove like me, the world would be better place." Of course I laughed thinking, "I'm sure everyone feels that way." But it has occurred to me that while we have established laws for automobile usage, there needs to be a code... an understood set of guidelines to which all "good" motorists should adhere. I am typically very laid back and calm, but behind the wheel of a vehicle... I am anything but. In fact, few things will made me angrier. I often times wonder if I am projecting my personal driving inadequacies, but the more I think on it, I think other people just forget common courtesy when they drive. I believe people reveal their most hideous selfishness behind the wheel. Therefore, I have established a sets of rules, the unwritten code of driving if you will, that if everyone would take heed, then road rage would almost be eliminated. Hence, I give you,... "The Seven Axioms of Good Driving"
Axiom 1: Driving is a "Privilege, not a Right".
This is the most common sense rule of them all. Obey standard traffic laws and rules. DO NOT drink and drive. Drunk drivers should be suffer the same punishment as murderers and child molesters in my book. It is a heinous and foolish crime (but that is for another post). Keep your car maintained. Typical stuff. Keep to this rule and you should avoid eminent disaster.
Axiom 2: Pay attention to your surroundings.
This rule should be obvious, but alas, it isn't as much. At all times, you should know what is going on in front of you, beside you, and behind you. This rule applies to the people that run right up on the slow car in front of them, but wait until you are about to pass them, then swerve over in front of you... killing your momentum, causing you to kick off the cruise control, and then wait 10 miles before realizing they need to get back over to let you pass. It applies to the people who need to be in the exit lane... THREE lanes over, but wait until the last second to cut everyone off trying to get there. If you pay attention to what's going on around you, then you can avoid pissing people off and become a better driver.
Axiom 3: Adapt to your surroundings.
This is a CRITICAL rule. Living in the mountains of North Carolina, I see WAY to many drivers from up north or from Florida. The best way to describe most of these drivers is a clog. The maddest I have ever been in a car was when I was returning to school on a two lane road behind an old lady from Florida. She stayed well below the speed limit in the curvy parts, but when the opportunity to pass her came up, she would speed up to where I couldn't pass her. I have never yelled, screamed, cussed, or been more aggravated driving than I was that day. (Note to Floridians... YOU DON'T OWN THE ROAD... EITHER KEEP UP OR MOVE OVER!!!) Now that I got that off of my chest... adapting to your surroundings will keep people from thinking you are a tourist or foreigner. If traffic is moving at a certain pace, then keep up that pace. If you live in an area where people drive differently than you, DO NOT expect to change for you, you should change for them. There is no other way around it.
Axiom 4: Get out of the left or fast lane.
The Autobahn in Germany is renowned for its high speeds and even higher speed limits. They have a certain rule over there: no passing in the right lane. If you drive in the left lane, then you need to be driving faster than the folks around you, lest you make them angry and cause them to knock you off the road. Same goes for here in America. I have talked with people who have told me that they will get in whatever lane they want and stay there, it doesn't matter who or what is behind them. One piece of advice... move or get moved. One day that attitude will get them in serious trouble. Look, I like the left lane as much as anyone, but I move over if the car behind me is going faster than me. You DO NOT own that lane, you do not have to stay there. Switching lanes is legal, so try it sometimes. It is very simple, if you are in the fast or left lane, then you should be substantially faster than the other lanes. Not 3 or 4 MPH faster, like 10 MPH faster. And if not, move over... I promise it won't hurt you. Stop causing traffic to back up behind you.
Axiom 5: Get off of the cell phones.
After observing axiom 4, I have noticed that many of these drivers were going well with or above the traffic pace, but then the cell phone happens and they invariably slow down. And because they are not paying attention to traffic anymore, they forget to move over. Not only is it dangerous, but it is VERY annoying. This one is simple: get off the FREAKIN' phone or move the FREAK over!
Headset/Hands-Free corollary: If you have a headset, that is acceptable to talk, because you are not holding the phone to your head and thus have better driving concentration.
Emergency corollary: If you have an emergency or a similar urgent situation, then a call is permissible, however, typical conversation is unacceptable without a headset/hands-free device.
Axiom 6: Green means GO!
This is a simple rule also. When the traffic light turns green, you should go. There should NOT be a pause of longer than one second to get your car going when the light turns. Even loaded tractor trailers can get going that fast. If you take longer than one second, then you are not paying attention and this most likely means that you are not paying attention when the car is actually moving, a far more reckless and dangerous position. Simply watch the light, and when it changes... go!
Axiom 7: Have good judgment when pulling out in front of someone at an intersection.
This seems like a nit-picky rule, but it is a must-have rule. I experienced this even today. As I was driving along a road going the speed limit, a car comes to an intersection about 100 to 150 yards away. This may seem like a long ways off, but when traveling at 35 MPH, that distance closes in mere seconds. The dude in reality doesn't stop, just keeps rolling through the intersection. Of course, I hit my brakes and the dude proceeds to take 15 years to get up to the speed limit. My point is this... use good judgment when pulling out at an intersection. Of course this means an intersection with no traffic light, since the light usually regulates that sort of thing. You know how fast you are going to drive. When you come to an intersection and you see a car coming, gage how fast it is going compared to how fast you will go, allowing for turning and acceleration time and decide whether you can or cannot make it. While some have better depth perception and time/distance judging ability than others, it doesn't take a genius to figure this out. A good rule of thumb is: "If you have any doubt as to whether you can make it, then you should wait". The whole "I bet I can make it" philosophy should NEVER, EVER cross your mind.
I'm sure that I can probably add to this list in the future, but for right now, this is the best and most basic "Driving Code" I can develop. You know, if more people drove like this (like me), the world would be a better place.
Axiom 1: Driving is a "Privilege, not a Right".
This is the most common sense rule of them all. Obey standard traffic laws and rules. DO NOT drink and drive. Drunk drivers should be suffer the same punishment as murderers and child molesters in my book. It is a heinous and foolish crime (but that is for another post). Keep your car maintained. Typical stuff. Keep to this rule and you should avoid eminent disaster.
Axiom 2: Pay attention to your surroundings.
This rule should be obvious, but alas, it isn't as much. At all times, you should know what is going on in front of you, beside you, and behind you. This rule applies to the people that run right up on the slow car in front of them, but wait until you are about to pass them, then swerve over in front of you... killing your momentum, causing you to kick off the cruise control, and then wait 10 miles before realizing they need to get back over to let you pass. It applies to the people who need to be in the exit lane... THREE lanes over, but wait until the last second to cut everyone off trying to get there. If you pay attention to what's going on around you, then you can avoid pissing people off and become a better driver.
Axiom 3: Adapt to your surroundings.
This is a CRITICAL rule. Living in the mountains of North Carolina, I see WAY to many drivers from up north or from Florida. The best way to describe most of these drivers is a clog. The maddest I have ever been in a car was when I was returning to school on a two lane road behind an old lady from Florida. She stayed well below the speed limit in the curvy parts, but when the opportunity to pass her came up, she would speed up to where I couldn't pass her. I have never yelled, screamed, cussed, or been more aggravated driving than I was that day. (Note to Floridians... YOU DON'T OWN THE ROAD... EITHER KEEP UP OR MOVE OVER!!!) Now that I got that off of my chest... adapting to your surroundings will keep people from thinking you are a tourist or foreigner. If traffic is moving at a certain pace, then keep up that pace. If you live in an area where people drive differently than you, DO NOT expect to change for you, you should change for them. There is no other way around it.
Axiom 4: Get out of the left or fast lane.
The Autobahn in Germany is renowned for its high speeds and even higher speed limits. They have a certain rule over there: no passing in the right lane. If you drive in the left lane, then you need to be driving faster than the folks around you, lest you make them angry and cause them to knock you off the road. Same goes for here in America. I have talked with people who have told me that they will get in whatever lane they want and stay there, it doesn't matter who or what is behind them. One piece of advice... move or get moved. One day that attitude will get them in serious trouble. Look, I like the left lane as much as anyone, but I move over if the car behind me is going faster than me. You DO NOT own that lane, you do not have to stay there. Switching lanes is legal, so try it sometimes. It is very simple, if you are in the fast or left lane, then you should be substantially faster than the other lanes. Not 3 or 4 MPH faster, like 10 MPH faster. And if not, move over... I promise it won't hurt you. Stop causing traffic to back up behind you.
Axiom 5: Get off of the cell phones.
After observing axiom 4, I have noticed that many of these drivers were going well with or above the traffic pace, but then the cell phone happens and they invariably slow down. And because they are not paying attention to traffic anymore, they forget to move over. Not only is it dangerous, but it is VERY annoying. This one is simple: get off the FREAKIN' phone or move the FREAK over!
Headset/Hands-Free corollary: If you have a headset, that is acceptable to talk, because you are not holding the phone to your head and thus have better driving concentration.
Emergency corollary: If you have an emergency or a similar urgent situation, then a call is permissible, however, typical conversation is unacceptable without a headset/hands-free device.
Axiom 6: Green means GO!
This is a simple rule also. When the traffic light turns green, you should go. There should NOT be a pause of longer than one second to get your car going when the light turns. Even loaded tractor trailers can get going that fast. If you take longer than one second, then you are not paying attention and this most likely means that you are not paying attention when the car is actually moving, a far more reckless and dangerous position. Simply watch the light, and when it changes... go!
Axiom 7: Have good judgment when pulling out in front of someone at an intersection.
This seems like a nit-picky rule, but it is a must-have rule. I experienced this even today. As I was driving along a road going the speed limit, a car comes to an intersection about 100 to 150 yards away. This may seem like a long ways off, but when traveling at 35 MPH, that distance closes in mere seconds. The dude in reality doesn't stop, just keeps rolling through the intersection. Of course, I hit my brakes and the dude proceeds to take 15 years to get up to the speed limit. My point is this... use good judgment when pulling out at an intersection. Of course this means an intersection with no traffic light, since the light usually regulates that sort of thing. You know how fast you are going to drive. When you come to an intersection and you see a car coming, gage how fast it is going compared to how fast you will go, allowing for turning and acceleration time and decide whether you can or cannot make it. While some have better depth perception and time/distance judging ability than others, it doesn't take a genius to figure this out. A good rule of thumb is: "If you have any doubt as to whether you can make it, then you should wait". The whole "I bet I can make it" philosophy should NEVER, EVER cross your mind.
I'm sure that I can probably add to this list in the future, but for right now, this is the best and most basic "Driving Code" I can develop. You know, if more people drove like this (like me), the world would be a better place.
Remembering 9/11
I think everyone remembers where they where that fateful day. I was rolling out of bed to go to a 9:45 physics lab. I remember my roommates girlfriend talking about a bombing and it wasn't until later that I truly understood.
Today, let us not forget those who died on that day: the people on the planes, the people in the offices, the policemen, firemen, EMTs. Today we should celebrate those people and remember that in spite of everything that happened that day... WE ARE STILL HERE!
Today, let us not forget those who died on that day: the people on the planes, the people in the offices, the policemen, firemen, EMTs. Today we should celebrate those people and remember that in spite of everything that happened that day... WE ARE STILL HERE!
Monday, September 8, 2008
Inaugural Blog
The Earl's Inaugural Blog... freakin' sweet. I have join the ranks of about a bagillion bloggers, and I think this will be excellent fun. I am not one who shys away from expressing my thoughts, so this only seemed like a logical recourse. I have thought long and hard today about what my first blog should be about... politics... the economy... religion... then it occurred to me... SPORTS!
I will start out my saying that I am a huge sports fan. My favorite sports in order from most favorite to least are: NASCAR, football, baseball, golf, basketball, and then everything else. My favorite teams are: the Miami Dolphins, the Boston Red Sox, Appalachian State (my alma mater), NC State, and the #9 car with Kasey Kahne.
So as you can imagine yesterday was not a great sports day for me. The Fins lost, Kahne was knocked out of the Chase, however the Sox won and are gaining momentum for a playoff run. App lost to LSU, but rebounded nicely against Jacksonville University with a 56-7 victory. I pull for NC State mostly in B-Ball, so I'll have to wait a while on them.
I wish to discuss my latest venture involving sports... fantasy football. I have never played it and frankly, do not really care for the idea. But a colleague of mine asked if I wanted to be in a league, and I agreed. Now, I play sports alot and have played them most of my life. I have won exactly three championship of any kind in my life. One REC league basketball championship and two consecutive Church League Basketball Championships in 2007 and 2008. Usually, my contributions to these teams was to keep the bench warm for the starters. However, while my basketball skills are not that great, my love for sports is All-Pro. I'm an ESPN junkie, I read websites on sports, the whole nine yards. So I figured I'd give this fantasy stuff a try. I read reports on who to draft and who not to draft. Read and listened to opinion after opinion. SO when draft day arrived, I felt very prepared. Then I was dealt a tough hand. I got the second pick of the draft. The first pick would be easy... pick LT. However, the second pick is much tougher. Do I take a second year back in Adrian Peterson who has great upside, but only one year of experience... or do I take a proven commodity in Bryant Westbrook, who may not have the upside that AP does, but does give you consistent numbers... what to do... what to do?!? So, during the draft, I consulted with my brother and his friend Joe. These guys are sports nuts also, and my brother is a stat freak... he knows crap the average sports guy doesn't. Their advice: take Tom Brady... he'll put up huge QB numbers and you'll still get a decent RB with your next pick... (BTW, it is usually best to take RB's first, then take QB's). So... I take Brady and hope for the best.
Now to the average person, this doesn't seem like a big deal... but to the sports fan in-the-know, they would know that to pull for Brady's success, means to pull for a hatred rival of the Dolphins.. a team I have loved since I was a kid (hence my dilemma with fantasy sports... but that is for another day). So what do I do... well... here's the results for week one. The Dolphins are an improved team, but still not great yet, so we're probably up for another losing season. My fantasy team... with Brady... the top pick on my team... the ringer... gets his ACL destroyed in the first 5 minutes of the game... done for the season. SO, not only is my REAL team gonna be bad, but now my FANTASY team is gonna be bad. Back to the bench warming day again... welcome to my world!
I will start out my saying that I am a huge sports fan. My favorite sports in order from most favorite to least are: NASCAR, football, baseball, golf, basketball, and then everything else. My favorite teams are: the Miami Dolphins, the Boston Red Sox, Appalachian State (my alma mater), NC State, and the #9 car with Kasey Kahne.
So as you can imagine yesterday was not a great sports day for me. The Fins lost, Kahne was knocked out of the Chase, however the Sox won and are gaining momentum for a playoff run. App lost to LSU, but rebounded nicely against Jacksonville University with a 56-7 victory. I pull for NC State mostly in B-Ball, so I'll have to wait a while on them.
I wish to discuss my latest venture involving sports... fantasy football. I have never played it and frankly, do not really care for the idea. But a colleague of mine asked if I wanted to be in a league, and I agreed. Now, I play sports alot and have played them most of my life. I have won exactly three championship of any kind in my life. One REC league basketball championship and two consecutive Church League Basketball Championships in 2007 and 2008. Usually, my contributions to these teams was to keep the bench warm for the starters. However, while my basketball skills are not that great, my love for sports is All-Pro. I'm an ESPN junkie, I read websites on sports, the whole nine yards. So I figured I'd give this fantasy stuff a try. I read reports on who to draft and who not to draft. Read and listened to opinion after opinion. SO when draft day arrived, I felt very prepared. Then I was dealt a tough hand. I got the second pick of the draft. The first pick would be easy... pick LT. However, the second pick is much tougher. Do I take a second year back in Adrian Peterson who has great upside, but only one year of experience... or do I take a proven commodity in Bryant Westbrook, who may not have the upside that AP does, but does give you consistent numbers... what to do... what to do?!? So, during the draft, I consulted with my brother and his friend Joe. These guys are sports nuts also, and my brother is a stat freak... he knows crap the average sports guy doesn't. Their advice: take Tom Brady... he'll put up huge QB numbers and you'll still get a decent RB with your next pick... (BTW, it is usually best to take RB's first, then take QB's). So... I take Brady and hope for the best.
Now to the average person, this doesn't seem like a big deal... but to the sports fan in-the-know, they would know that to pull for Brady's success, means to pull for a hatred rival of the Dolphins.. a team I have loved since I was a kid (hence my dilemma with fantasy sports... but that is for another day). So what do I do... well... here's the results for week one. The Dolphins are an improved team, but still not great yet, so we're probably up for another losing season. My fantasy team... with Brady... the top pick on my team... the ringer... gets his ACL destroyed in the first 5 minutes of the game... done for the season. SO, not only is my REAL team gonna be bad, but now my FANTASY team is gonna be bad. Back to the bench warming day again... welcome to my world!
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