As a man who generally believes in science I am concerned by the recent rise of M. Huckabee in the polls. As his recent Rolling Stone profile shows he is a man that believes in a view of the world as seen by 15th century scientists and theologians. The world is not 6,000 thousand yrs old but he apparently believes such.
I have known in my life several people like him. I am sure he is generally a good man , love to set down and have a cup of coffee with him but as a nation lagging behind in education of the hard science subjects can we afford such a frontrunner in Iowa?
As a man who grew up near many of the GE research and development labs I have a real sense that our leadership in the science world and therefore our lead economically is faltering. This country was built on science as much as any spiritual traditions. We seem to increasingly loose sight of that fact as a people and nation.
It is time we begin to ask our candidates their opinions not only on such subjects as taxation or the chances for a Middle East peace accord but how they feel about education , science and their willingness to support science.
When I was a kid we had a cartoon intitled Huckaberry Hound by Hanna Barberra. A goofy dog that sang My Darling Clementine as he strolled through his life. I fear this candidate is singing his song on his vote getting tour of America , leaving behind inconvenient textbooks and data as
he courts those who can't wait for the school bell to sound .
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
The View From Mohigan Burial Mounds IN CastletonNY
It has been reported in some historical accounts of the upper Hudson Valley region that Henry Hudson came ashore in the now Castleton area to trade and meet the native peoples. Their village was on the heights above the river. It has been correctly reported as well that their burial mounds were located in the northern part of the village in the Seaman Avenue area.
Having taken several pictures from various spots in the former mound area oneaspect has struck me. The view the dead recieved. From several of the higher points one can easily see the near by city of Albany , the state capital. The trees and buildings block a good view of the river but that was all burned grass back then. By climbing a tree to the appx height of the mounds in several spots one can easy take in views of the wideHudson below.
There are many other choice viewing spots along the Castleton ridgeline but the buried recieved a truely choice area within the confines of the village. Several reasons for this come to my mind:
1. The view can be majestic , the kind of beauty that inspired the Hudson river school of painters in the19th century.
2. This kind of view can perhaps lead one towards a spiritual frame of mind. The beautyof the natural environment , the distant vision sunset across the burial place of ones ancestors that many cultures venerate.
3. If a group is in preparation for a possible war what better lookout point than the areas where your great chiefs and warriors were buried. A place to commune when preparing to defend harth and home. A place to find inspiration in time of trouble.
4. The northern end of the village would also provide a view towards of the Mohawk Valley and it's river. The city blds along with pollution obsure the view but a direct line of sight from this point would have been possible on a clear day. A good pair of hawkeyes was needed. Protection , the honor of the vision the ancestors would have over the valleys and other tribes bespoke of strength. From what we were we are. A message to all in the northern valley and the adjoining Mohawk region.
More study is needed as always. I hope to add pictures at some point to aid in the illustration of these points at some future time.
Having taken several pictures from various spots in the former mound area oneaspect has struck me. The view the dead recieved. From several of the higher points one can easily see the near by city of Albany , the state capital. The trees and buildings block a good view of the river but that was all burned grass back then. By climbing a tree to the appx height of the mounds in several spots one can easy take in views of the wideHudson below.
There are many other choice viewing spots along the Castleton ridgeline but the buried recieved a truely choice area within the confines of the village. Several reasons for this come to my mind:
1. The view can be majestic , the kind of beauty that inspired the Hudson river school of painters in the19th century.
2. This kind of view can perhaps lead one towards a spiritual frame of mind. The beautyof the natural environment , the distant vision sunset across the burial place of ones ancestors that many cultures venerate.
3. If a group is in preparation for a possible war what better lookout point than the areas where your great chiefs and warriors were buried. A place to commune when preparing to defend harth and home. A place to find inspiration in time of trouble.
4. The northern end of the village would also provide a view towards of the Mohawk Valley and it's river. The city blds along with pollution obsure the view but a direct line of sight from this point would have been possible on a clear day. A good pair of hawkeyes was needed. Protection , the honor of the vision the ancestors would have over the valleys and other tribes bespoke of strength. From what we were we are. A message to all in the northern valley and the adjoining Mohawk region.
More study is needed as always. I hope to add pictures at some point to aid in the illustration of these points at some future time.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
A NEW SIMON TEMPLAR FOR AN UNCOMMON POLITICAL YEAR
It was recently announced that a new Saint series is soon to begin production in Europe. James Purefoy has been cast as the new Simon Templar. In the U. S. he probably is best known for playing Marc Anthony in HBO's ROME. I find this a refreshing change from a constant diet of CSI and Law & Order and medical shows.
The Saint is an independent gentleman , sometimes working with the police often working around them. On so many shows, people work for a government entity or used to work for the government. THE SAINT in many of the novels by Leslie Charteris remains a man who prefers to keep his distance from overbearing ties of the authorities. This next year in USA politics have all the signs of a change election. People wanting a different course have been reported in numerous polls. It is perhaps a leap to suggest that the return of Simon Templar { THE SAINT} is a bellweather as to the mood of the public but it is maybe a small sign that it is a good time
for his return. Reasonably independent , willing to take chances , not prone to BS and in the end,
on the side of common people and a commonly decent world. Someone I would give my consideration to.
The Saint is an independent gentleman , sometimes working with the police often working around them. On so many shows, people work for a government entity or used to work for the government. THE SAINT in many of the novels by Leslie Charteris remains a man who prefers to keep his distance from overbearing ties of the authorities. This next year in USA politics have all the signs of a change election. People wanting a different course have been reported in numerous polls. It is perhaps a leap to suggest that the return of Simon Templar { THE SAINT} is a bellweather as to the mood of the public but it is maybe a small sign that it is a good time
for his return. Reasonably independent , willing to take chances , not prone to BS and in the end,
on the side of common people and a commonly decent world. Someone I would give my consideration to.
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