Over the past couple months, my two oldest kids have been obsessed with Power Rangers. Little did I know, there are over 20 seasons worth of Power Rangers available on Netflix streaming. And my kids are determined to see every last episode. While they have been watching, I have overheard more than I cared to hear, but I've observed a few things about the shows that seem worthy of sharing (in no particular order):
1) Evil really is quite ridiculous.
2) When surrounded by a bunch of bad guys, knowing some kung fu can help you kick their butts!
3) The good is worth fighting for.
4) The battle for good is sometimes a long fight.
5) You don't need a large budget show to impress 4 and 5 year olds.
6) If you misplace your priorities, the good suffers and evil triumphs.
7) Friends are important for fighting evil.
8) It doesn't matter what color your friends are (blue, green, black, pink, etc.).
9) When evil seems larger than life, you can match it with your own larger-than-life tricks (my personal favorite is logic).
10) Mean people suck.
With lessons like these, I have no problems letting my kids watch the show - all 20 seasons of this show.
Showing posts with label Pop culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pop culture. Show all posts
8.05.2011
2.11.2011
Atlas Shrugged the movie
I plan on being there, in the theaters on April 15th, when this movie releases. It will be low budget; so no fancy graphics, no epic scenery, little too no action. My guess, it will be mostly drama driven by dialog. In an interview with the director, it seemed as if he had a basic understanding of the philosophy. Certainly not perfect, but what Hollywood directory would?
Will it be good? My expectations: I hold out hope that it will be reasonably good, but I see three dangers. First, the production of this film was independent and rather rushed, so there is a danger that the film will be a snoozer due to poor editing, weak actors, and/or a mediocre director. Second, there is a danger that the ideas will be butchered. Well, more an expectation that some of the ideas will be butchered. Just not sure how grotesquely so. Third, the film may also focus too much on the love triangle between Dagny, Hank, and Francisco, rather than the heroism of those characters. IF the film can overcome these dangers, I think I will be pleased, given whatever other faults the film contains.
The trailer should be out later today. Take a peak and let me know what you think.
Will it be good? My expectations: I hold out hope that it will be reasonably good, but I see three dangers. First, the production of this film was independent and rather rushed, so there is a danger that the film will be a snoozer due to poor editing, weak actors, and/or a mediocre director. Second, there is a danger that the ideas will be butchered. Well, more an expectation that some of the ideas will be butchered. Just not sure how grotesquely so. Third, the film may also focus too much on the love triangle between Dagny, Hank, and Francisco, rather than the heroism of those characters. IF the film can overcome these dangers, I think I will be pleased, given whatever other faults the film contains.
The trailer should be out later today. Take a peak and let me know what you think.
11.11.2010
xBox 360 Kinect for Kids
Christmas morning our family will be jumping in our family room. You see, we bought Microsoft's Kinect to go with my xBox. On Christmas morning, we will open the device and give a game to each of the kids (although I suspect that Benjamin may not be able to play much at first, being only 19 months and all).
Here's a little preview:
Microsoft achieved their success with their controller by using an infrared emitter and camera. By going infrared, the camera does not have to contend with external light sources as much, thereby increasing its accuracy. Awesome use of physics and intense data processing (two of my favorite subjects), to make a really cool/fun/entertaining device. I can even see some potential for training - maybe helping golfers with their swing, fitness people with correct yoga moves, or dancers with correct footing.
The three games we bought are Kinectimals, Kinect Sports, and Kinect Adventures, the last of which comes prepackaged with the device. I'm sure all of my kids will love these games. Thomas and Tara already love playing board games. But especially Thomas, who is a high energy kid and likes physical action, I expect will become addicted. A game...that is physical...that he can enjoy from the comfort of the family room... the boy will be in heaven.
And recently, I just learned that a Stars Wars game is in the works for Christmas 2011! I can be the Jedi I always knew was inside me.
Here's a little preview:
Microsoft achieved their success with their controller by using an infrared emitter and camera. By going infrared, the camera does not have to contend with external light sources as much, thereby increasing its accuracy. Awesome use of physics and intense data processing (two of my favorite subjects), to make a really cool/fun/entertaining device. I can even see some potential for training - maybe helping golfers with their swing, fitness people with correct yoga moves, or dancers with correct footing.
The three games we bought are Kinectimals, Kinect Sports, and Kinect Adventures, the last of which comes prepackaged with the device. I'm sure all of my kids will love these games. Thomas and Tara already love playing board games. But especially Thomas, who is a high energy kid and likes physical action, I expect will become addicted. A game...that is physical...that he can enjoy from the comfort of the family room... the boy will be in heaven.
And recently, I just learned that a Stars Wars game is in the works for Christmas 2011! I can be the Jedi I always knew was inside me.
3.04.2010
Music and engineering
I am wowed by the synchronicity displayed in this video. Very cool. I love to see man's mind in action.
1.31.2010
Connections - Kant to Hilter
I have enjoyed a number of shows from an older British TV program called Connections. Recently, I watched a very interesting episode titled "Deja Vu". In it, the narrator outlines the historically influence of Kant on Hitler through environmentalism. Humboldt, greatly influenced by Kant, started the environmental movement after traveling throughout South America and the Caribbean. Humboldt's ideas were mashed with Darwin's theories to argue for supreme human genetics.
While certainly the connections displayed in this show are often weak if not nebulous (as I believe these may have been), it was good to see even that weak connection between Kant and Hilter. Peikoff so eloquently demonstrates in the Ominous Parallels, that the connection runs much, much deeper.
Update: According to commenter Tom, I changed Humbert's name to Humbolt (thanks Tom).
While certainly the connections displayed in this show are often weak if not nebulous (as I believe these may have been), it was good to see even that weak connection between Kant and Hilter. Peikoff so eloquently demonstrates in the Ominous Parallels, that the connection runs much, much deeper.
Update: According to commenter Tom, I changed Humbert's name to Humbolt (thanks Tom).
10.19.2009
Your feelings are illegal
Last night, my wife and I watched Equilibrium
again. The premise behind the movie is that the people of the near future decide that feelings lead to war, and to avoid war, feelings must be suppressed. A drug is administered to help suppress those emotions. Any individual that exhibits any emotion is guilty of "sensing" and is condemned to death.
It struck me, as I was watching this movie, that this may represent the Kantian ideal of "Pure Reason". I'm by no means an expert on Kant's philosophy and have only read a smattering of his works, so anyone that can correct me, please do. Kant sees reason has somehow separate from reality. Accordingly, reason does not have all the messy details of human consciousness, nor the smattering complexities of emotions. Reason, according to Kant, deals just with abstract ideas and their relationship with one another.
From this premise, Kant argues in his tomb on ethics, that personal values are irrelevant. This makes sense when we consider that values first originate from our ability to feel. As children, most of our values are based on pleasure and pain. But as we age, the concepts of value become increasing more abstract, forming as adults a hierarchy of values that (hopefully) is based objectively in reality. If, as Kant argues, feelings mess up pure reason, than anything based on feelings should be suppressed. Our values are a manifestation of our feelings. Therefore, our values should be suppressed. This leads Kant to advocate altruism as the ethical ideal.
In the movie, there are hints of the altruist ideal and a profound lack of individuality within this society. Art, music, and color are missing from the world and any found are immediately destroyed. There is no love, no friendships, and no social interaction. Everything is for the "father".
What really scares me about this movie is that it is not that far off from reality. Consider the criminalization of "hate", that has gained so much popularity lately. You know, we can't let these evil feelings out in the public. Gotta suppress them. Or rather...maybe we oughta consider the consequences of following Kant's philosophy. And instead of criminalizing feelings or thoughts, let's live. Let's live rationally, objectively, and with pride.
again. The premise behind the movie is that the people of the near future decide that feelings lead to war, and to avoid war, feelings must be suppressed. A drug is administered to help suppress those emotions. Any individual that exhibits any emotion is guilty of "sensing" and is condemned to death.It struck me, as I was watching this movie, that this may represent the Kantian ideal of "Pure Reason". I'm by no means an expert on Kant's philosophy and have only read a smattering of his works, so anyone that can correct me, please do. Kant sees reason has somehow separate from reality. Accordingly, reason does not have all the messy details of human consciousness, nor the smattering complexities of emotions. Reason, according to Kant, deals just with abstract ideas and their relationship with one another.
From this premise, Kant argues in his tomb on ethics, that personal values are irrelevant. This makes sense when we consider that values first originate from our ability to feel. As children, most of our values are based on pleasure and pain. But as we age, the concepts of value become increasing more abstract, forming as adults a hierarchy of values that (hopefully) is based objectively in reality. If, as Kant argues, feelings mess up pure reason, than anything based on feelings should be suppressed. Our values are a manifestation of our feelings. Therefore, our values should be suppressed. This leads Kant to advocate altruism as the ethical ideal.
In the movie, there are hints of the altruist ideal and a profound lack of individuality within this society. Art, music, and color are missing from the world and any found are immediately destroyed. There is no love, no friendships, and no social interaction. Everything is for the "father".
What really scares me about this movie is that it is not that far off from reality. Consider the criminalization of "hate", that has gained so much popularity lately. You know, we can't let these evil feelings out in the public. Gotta suppress them. Or rather...maybe we oughta consider the consequences of following Kant's philosophy. And instead of criminalizing feelings or thoughts, let's live. Let's live rationally, objectively, and with pride.
10.05.2009
Capitalism, I love you
The recent headlines about Michael Moore's new movie and a several recent discussions on Facebook has left me, quite frankly, distressed about the misconceptions of capitalism and the love affair people have with socialism in spite of the evidence of its depravity and abject failure to improve our lives. Why is it that so many people can not see or choice not to see the blatant force necessary for socialism to succeed? Why do they feel entitled to force people to do things against their will, violating individual rights?
People like Michael Moore would have us feel guilty for our cars, our restaurants, our big houses, and our fine clothes. They would rather private property be taken by government to whatever ends they deems appropriate. The flagrant disregard for our lives is staggering. Force, for Moore and his ilk, is the answer. They want to force people to act the way they want - forced recycling, forced education, forced medical care, forced purchase of more expensive goods, etc. They want to force people to give up their property - forced income tax, forced sales tax, forced property tax, forced personal property tax, forced business tax, etc. They want to force professionals to do their bidding - from doctors, to bankers, to business executives, to home builders, to lawyers. While their primary target is the rich, I've noticed they often have no qualms demanding the same from everyone.
In a fit of desperation, my wife asked me the other day what can we do against such blatant irrationality and refusal to see. If there is an antidote, its name is The Capitalist Manifesto.
In this book, Andrew Bernstein addresses three major perspectives of capitalism - the moral, the economic, and the historic. In each perspective, Bernstein provides a compelling case for why capitalism is the only viable political philosophy with regards to protecting private property and individual rights. He demolishes the alternative theory of socialism and demonstrates how even mixed economies are ultimately immoral, inefficient, and nonviable.
The wonderful world around us is all thanks to Capitalism. All the billions of individuals working hard toward their own ends has lead to the wonderful inventions like Google Wave, Spaceship one, Segway, and robotic surgery. It has lead to the New York skyline (pictured on the left) and 1/5 mile long cruise ships. Poverty in America is considered under $12000 a year, which is more than the average income of most third world countries, all of whom reject capitalism as an economic system. Our incredibly complex business world can bring thousands of food products from thousands of locations from thousands of miles away working with thousands of different businesses to our local grocery stores, such that the shelves are always filed and I can buy what I want, when I want. Because of capitalism, my biggest worry of the day is remembering to pick up some groceries on the way home, not will I starve tomorrow.
I would recommend Bernstein's book to anyone interested in hearing the true story of Capitalism, why it is moral, its effect on wealth, or anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of why I LOVE CAPITALISM!
People like Michael Moore would have us feel guilty for our cars, our restaurants, our big houses, and our fine clothes. They would rather private property be taken by government to whatever ends they deems appropriate. The flagrant disregard for our lives is staggering. Force, for Moore and his ilk, is the answer. They want to force people to act the way they want - forced recycling, forced education, forced medical care, forced purchase of more expensive goods, etc. They want to force people to give up their property - forced income tax, forced sales tax, forced property tax, forced personal property tax, forced business tax, etc. They want to force professionals to do their bidding - from doctors, to bankers, to business executives, to home builders, to lawyers. While their primary target is the rich, I've noticed they often have no qualms demanding the same from everyone.
In a fit of desperation, my wife asked me the other day what can we do against such blatant irrationality and refusal to see. If there is an antidote, its name is The Capitalist Manifesto.In this book, Andrew Bernstein addresses three major perspectives of capitalism - the moral, the economic, and the historic. In each perspective, Bernstein provides a compelling case for why capitalism is the only viable political philosophy with regards to protecting private property and individual rights. He demolishes the alternative theory of socialism and demonstrates how even mixed economies are ultimately immoral, inefficient, and nonviable.
Capitalism is a social system based on the recognition of individual rights, including property rights, in which all property is privately owned - Ayn RandI was already familiar with the moral and economic arguments Bernstein uses, through the works of Ayn Rand and Ludwig von Mises among others. Bernstein does not disappoint in those sections. Capitalism is the only moral system because it respects the individual and does not try to force him to act against his own judgment nor his own life. But more than anything, I savored the exciting historic narrative that, for the first time, pieced together disparate facts I have learned over the years into a picture of capitalism as a monumental success story. Starting with pre-industry revolution England, Bernstein weaves a story of a country struggling to emerge from abject poverty to a country of wealth and leisure. All due to the pursuit of individual self-interests, enabled by laws protecting private property and respecting individual rights. The story then continues with America, which fully embraced the capitalist mentality, enabling us to become the richest nation in the world.
The characteristic mark of economic history under capitalism is unceasing economic progress, a steady increase in the quantity of capital goods available, and a continuous trend toward an improvement in the general standard of living. - Lugwig von Mises
The wonderful world around us is all thanks to Capitalism. All the billions of individuals working hard toward their own ends has lead to the wonderful inventions like Google Wave, Spaceship one, Segway, and robotic surgery. It has lead to the New York skyline (pictured on the left) and 1/5 mile long cruise ships. Poverty in America is considered under $12000 a year, which is more than the average income of most third world countries, all of whom reject capitalism as an economic system. Our incredibly complex business world can bring thousands of food products from thousands of locations from thousands of miles away working with thousands of different businesses to our local grocery stores, such that the shelves are always filed and I can buy what I want, when I want. Because of capitalism, my biggest worry of the day is remembering to pick up some groceries on the way home, not will I starve tomorrow.I would recommend Bernstein's book to anyone interested in hearing the true story of Capitalism, why it is moral, its effect on wealth, or anyone wanting to gain a better understanding of why I LOVE CAPITALISM!
3.11.2009
Facedown
Well, its official. I'm hooked on Facebook. And it only took a month. Here are the reasons why:
In just 6 weeks, I've been able to get in touch with over 75 friends, many of whom I haven't talked to in years, including a number of high school classmates, former co-workers, and former campers (from my days at Camp Indecon). Surprisingly, many people my age and older are on Facebook. It is not just for college kids any more.
Because of these connections, I am recapturing a bit of my youth. When I started my PhD program in 2004, I had to keep my head down and deeply focus on two things, my studies and my growing family. I became far more serious and gave far less effort into developing new friendships than I had previously in my life. In some ways, I lost the fun of my youth. Do not get me wrong, I love my family and have fun with my wife and kids. But it is a different kind of fun. I consiously choice to limit my friendships in favor of my two highest values.
As I started interacting with my old friends on Facebook, I realized what I was missing. It was my wickedly awesome sense of humor (that my kids are too young to get). Many thanks to Jobee, Ryan, and Collin (three of my best friends in high school) for helping me to get back my groove.
Some other things about Facebook:
I've played with a number of other Facebook apps, but I haven't found any one app that stands head and shoulders above the rest. I've tried the We're related, NetworkedBlogs, Where I've been, created a group, posted my blog with the notes feature. Mostly, they are a means of wasting time, with little to show for the effort.
All in all, Facebook rocks. As I refine my short-term goals, I'm sure Facebook will have a small place in the scheme of things, such as "Bringer of the Fun".
In just 6 weeks, I've been able to get in touch with over 75 friends, many of whom I haven't talked to in years, including a number of high school classmates, former co-workers, and former campers (from my days at Camp Indecon). Surprisingly, many people my age and older are on Facebook. It is not just for college kids any more.
Because of these connections, I am recapturing a bit of my youth. When I started my PhD program in 2004, I had to keep my head down and deeply focus on two things, my studies and my growing family. I became far more serious and gave far less effort into developing new friendships than I had previously in my life. In some ways, I lost the fun of my youth. Do not get me wrong, I love my family and have fun with my wife and kids. But it is a different kind of fun. I consiously choice to limit my friendships in favor of my two highest values.
As I started interacting with my old friends on Facebook, I realized what I was missing. It was my wickedly awesome sense of humor (that my kids are too young to get). Many thanks to Jobee, Ryan, and Collin (three of my best friends in high school) for helping me to get back my groove.
Some other things about Facebook:
I've played with a number of other Facebook apps, but I haven't found any one app that stands head and shoulders above the rest. I've tried the We're related, NetworkedBlogs, Where I've been, created a group, posted my blog with the notes feature. Mostly, they are a means of wasting time, with little to show for the effort.
All in all, Facebook rocks. As I refine my short-term goals, I'm sure Facebook will have a small place in the scheme of things, such as "Bringer of the Fun".
1.08.2009
Face it, its facebook time
After several years of talking to students about Facebook, I've finally joined. Its an experiment of sorts to see what values can be gained from the tool. Honestly, I've found myself looking at the website more often than I expected. Its very well designed and captures the interactions between friends in an intuitive manner. I understand why its so popular.
What really prompted me to join was when an old friend of Mat, whom I hadn't talked too in years, became friends with my wife through facebook in order to keep in touch with me. It made me realize the value of getting in touch with old friends. I have since connected with dozens of friends I hadn't heard from in years.
I have been a member of LinkedIn.com for a number of years, another social network, but focusing on professional contacts. I've made a conscious decision to seperate these two networks for the most part. For Linkedin, I include people I've worked with and many of my former and current students so I can help them with finding jobs and/or contacts for coming to my class to talk or potential research opportunities. In my facebook friends, I never connect to students and only occasionally with former business associates.
Both are great tools for keeping in touch with friends, associates, and acquaintances.
What really prompted me to join was when an old friend of Mat, whom I hadn't talked too in years, became friends with my wife through facebook in order to keep in touch with me. It made me realize the value of getting in touch with old friends. I have since connected with dozens of friends I hadn't heard from in years.
I have been a member of LinkedIn.com for a number of years, another social network, but focusing on professional contacts. I've made a conscious decision to seperate these two networks for the most part. For Linkedin, I include people I've worked with and many of my former and current students so I can help them with finding jobs and/or contacts for coming to my class to talk or potential research opportunities. In my facebook friends, I never connect to students and only occasionally with former business associates.
Both are great tools for keeping in touch with friends, associates, and acquaintances.
3.04.2006
American Idol predictions
Because my wife is a big American Idol fan, I've been watching the last couple seasons with her. This season, the first couple rounds have already commenced and I'm ready to make some predictions. I have two rounds of predictions, the four who will get voted off next week (leaving the top 12), and who will be the last 2 boys and last 2 girls still in the contest.
For the boys, next week is pretty difficult. Their all good singers and those that are less good at singing have some good looks and good stage performance to make up for it. Overall, I predict Will and Ace will be voted off. Kevin will also have a tough time, as he had the third lowest number of votes this week. But I believe he will turn it around and perform exceptionally next Tuesday, bumping him way up in the standings. Will and Ace have the pretty boy looks going for them, but that won't be enough next week.
For the girls, I predict Melissa and Katharine. Neither of them have been memorable. Of course if one of the other girls has an off night, they might get booted instead, but we can only wait and see.
As for the top two guys, its no contest. Chris and Elliot are by far the best two performers and singers. There is no question that they'll be around to the end.
The top two girls will be Paris and Mandisa. Lisa, the youngest girl, is really good vocally, but I don't think she's as good a performer.
For the boys, next week is pretty difficult. Their all good singers and those that are less good at singing have some good looks and good stage performance to make up for it. Overall, I predict Will and Ace will be voted off. Kevin will also have a tough time, as he had the third lowest number of votes this week. But I believe he will turn it around and perform exceptionally next Tuesday, bumping him way up in the standings. Will and Ace have the pretty boy looks going for them, but that won't be enough next week.
For the girls, I predict Melissa and Katharine. Neither of them have been memorable. Of course if one of the other girls has an off night, they might get booted instead, but we can only wait and see.
As for the top two guys, its no contest. Chris and Elliot are by far the best two performers and singers. There is no question that they'll be around to the end.
The top two girls will be Paris and Mandisa. Lisa, the youngest girl, is really good vocally, but I don't think she's as good a performer.
12.23.2005
Christmas remix
Not surprisingly, there is a great outcry ever year about how Christmas has lost its religiousness. "Let's get back to the true meaning of Christmas," shout fundamentalists. "Stop the commercialism" they rave. But they're wrong, on two counts.
First, the true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. The celebration as we know it today stems from various traditions in Europe, but primarily from Saturalia in Rome. The History Channel adds:
It was only after Christians obtained power in the Roman empire that Pope Julius 1 declared that December 25 was actually Jesus's birth. This date is as arbitrary as they come. Mostly, Pope Julius hoped that by placing Jesus's birth date on the same day as an already popular celebration, it would be easily and quickly adopted. He was right.
But there were consequences for doing this. Namely, many of the pagan traditions for celebrating the winter solstice continued. These included bringing evergreen trees (or their clippings) in from outside and decorating them, yule logs, mistletoe, large meals and lots of gift giving.
Indeed, today, even our government considers it a secular holiday, hence the appropriateness of declaring it a national holiday. (According to our constitution, the government cannot establish a church).
So where does this leave the Christians' claims that "We've lost the spirit of Christmas"? Well, the spirit originally was with celebrating the end of the waning daylight hours. So that's really why we get together and celebrate. But there is more to Christmas than just that. If we want to redefine what Christmas is for or how to celebrate it, then we need an objective standard for doing so. The Christians hopes that others will do only what they want, is clearly not objective.
As Leonard Peikoff so eloquently stated:
First, the true meaning of Christmas has nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. The celebration as we know it today stems from various traditions in Europe, but primarily from Saturalia in Rome. The History Channel adds:
Also around the time of the winter solstice, Romans observed Juvenalia, a feast honoring the children of Rome. In addition, members of the upper classes often celebrated the birthday of Mithra, the god of the unconquerable sun, on December 25. It was believed that Mithra, an infant god, was born of a rock. For some Romans, Mithra's birthday was the most sacred day of the year.
It was only after Christians obtained power in the Roman empire that Pope Julius 1 declared that December 25 was actually Jesus's birth. This date is as arbitrary as they come. Mostly, Pope Julius hoped that by placing Jesus's birth date on the same day as an already popular celebration, it would be easily and quickly adopted. He was right.
But there were consequences for doing this. Namely, many of the pagan traditions for celebrating the winter solstice continued. These included bringing evergreen trees (or their clippings) in from outside and decorating them, yule logs, mistletoe, large meals and lots of gift giving.
Indeed, today, even our government considers it a secular holiday, hence the appropriateness of declaring it a national holiday. (According to our constitution, the government cannot establish a church).
So where does this leave the Christians' claims that "We've lost the spirit of Christmas"? Well, the spirit originally was with celebrating the end of the waning daylight hours. So that's really why we get together and celebrate. But there is more to Christmas than just that. If we want to redefine what Christmas is for or how to celebrate it, then we need an objective standard for doing so. The Christians hopes that others will do only what they want, is clearly not objective.
As Leonard Peikoff so eloquently stated:
It is time to take the Christ out of Christmas, and turn the holiday into a guiltlessly egoistic, pro-reason, this-worldly, commercial celebration.We should be celebrating the good in this world: capitalism, reason, productivity, etc. Many people are doing this, at least implicitly, but the celebration should be explicit, unapologetically. The commercialization of Christmas is a great thing. We need more commercialization!! Maybe we should change the name of Christmas, to Capitalmas... or perhaps Salemas.
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