Gina's new Comp. Card

The actual final card, of course, includes more contact info but I really like the layout.

Transcendent Man

Singularity Hub review

Brigid Fitch Strikes Back!

As my long time readers will know I have been saying for a while now that the Republican Party is dead. Just last night in fact I heard Chris Matthews of "Hardball" compare them to the Whigs. I must say got a chuckle out of that. Over the past few months I have tried to stay away from the political rants and focus more on futurism and personal stuff. However, occasionally one of my readers will submit something that I think bears posting, as is the case today.
The rest of this post is the opinion of one Brigid Fitch.
The opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of Elysian Visions, Inc. or it's subsidiaries.

___________________________________________________________________________

Just think—150 years ago, the Republican Party was anti-slavery and for high taxes in order to help the poor. We are now witnessing a dramatic shift in ideology of that same party. I’m oversimplifying here, but basically the Democrats & Republicans flipped ideals during the Lincoln years and solidified their stance in the Truman administration. If you require evidence of this fact, just look at any Blue Dog Democrat right now. Those so-called Democrats are the remnants of days gone by—fiscally & socially conservative, traits now attached to the current GOP. So here we are in the 21st century, watching history repeat itself.

Welcome to 2009, where we can witness the implosion of the so-called Republican Party. A Party that is embracing social conservatism at an unprecedented rate. They literally have no clue as to why they lost the 2008 elections. They’re so entrenched in their ideology that they believe a more conservative bent is the way to win over the American people. In the face of a 55% mandate, they maintain that their way—that of “Real America” (whatever that is)--is best. They sideline conservatives like Specter (who has already decided to switch parties), Collins, and Snowe. They advocate the “Tea Parties” as a way to show their dissatisfaction when they fail to do the same in Congress. They have become the Party of “No” simply because they can’t understand why they lost on Nov 4th.

My friends, I invite you to witness the death of the Republican Party as we know it. I voted Republican in 1988. At that time, Reagan stood for something that I felt our country was lacking. However, when I looked at the broader scope of things (WTF—you’re cutting the education budget WHY??), I learned my lesson. 20+ years later, you’re experiencing the fall-out of that era. The GOP is nothing like it was 30 or even 25 years ago. Back then, it represented American strength against opposition in any form. Reagan made plenty of missteps during his administration, but I’ll give credit where it’s due: He knew when diplomacy was the better course of action. The USSR became a thing of the past (See his letters to Gorbachev as citations).

But again I invite you to look at the GOP as it is today: A political party so myopic in its vision that its main focus is anti-gay marriage legislation, Hell-bent on being the party of “No”, and so ridiculously hypocritical as to be laughable. This is not the GOP that our fathers knew. No, this is a GOP that is kowtowing to a Fundie base, working towards a socially conservative lifestyle. One that embraces Big Oil, denounces any study that uses the term “carbon footprint”, and espouses the way of the Bible in the face of anything even remotely related to equal rights for gays.

My point is that they’re so out of touch, it’s only a matter of time before the GOP becomes irrelevant.

- Brigid Fitch

Gina's other new Headshot

Also from Chrispics
I like this one. She looks like she's up to something.

Falling into a Blackhole

Computer simulation of what it might be like.

. . . and speaking of the Singularity,

h+ Singularity Article  with Vernor Vinge. 

Sneak Peek

I snuck this picture when she wasn't looking. This sums up how I spent the day. And yes I went in the pool. 

Gina's New Headshot

Photo by Chrispics Photography 

Is it me or does that look just like . . . Patrick?

I'm just minding my own business, surfing the net, when suddenly, looking back at me is a sort of Microsoft, Cyber . . . Patrick.
I'm freaking out here a little bit.
This is like the "Mr Sparkle" thing on "The Simpsons".
For those who may not know Patrick, um  . . . he looks just like this guy. 
 

Toy Matinee - VIDEO???

Warning Video Flashback

Here they are from way back in the early 1990’s, one of the best bands you never even came close to hearing of.
I used to love these guys.
 If you don't know who they are - you don't deserve to know.
 Nah, just kidding, I'll share, Wikipedia entry here.
 Still, I never knew there were videos.
 How cool is that?

 Everybody sing;
 "There was one repressed do good-er
 and a few who still believe
 Yes, I think there were five good men here yesterday
 But they were asked to leave.

 So we've kept the good old vices
 and labored to invent a few
 With cake in vulgar surplus
 we can have it
 and eat it too!”

Navy Sniper

I'd tell you where I got this - but then a sniper would kill us both. You know, I have no problem with the proper application of American military might and expertise. For instance, using it to protect American lives from criminals. What I object to is any improper or wasteful use of it. 

Quote of the Day

Today's 'Quote of the day' is from the chronically misunderstood and misrepresented work of Ayn Rand. This is the character Dagny Taggart talking about sex. 

"And to such among you who hate the thought of human joy, who wish to see men's life as chronic suffering and failure, who wish men to apologize for happiness -- or for success, or ability, or achievement, or wealth -- to such among you, I am now saying: I wanted him, I had him, I was happy, I had known joy, a pure, full, guiltless joy.."

- Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged 

I don't post a quote everyday, only when I feel like it. This is today's. 

Enjoy!

Teabagging Idiot Republicans (Take 2)

Last time. I promise. Probably.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

I just want to say I totally agree with Janeane Garofalo here.
Thanks to Patrick for sending this over.

Conservative Tea Bagging

Sit down. Put aside any food or drinks.
Place your tray in the upright position.
Take a deep breath. 

NOW, check this out. 

 

This guy deserves an award for getting through this with a straight face.

I'm not talking to or about my right leaning friends (Yes, I still have some) who favor smaller Government, lower taxes, a strong military and Capitalism.
I talking to the ignorant racist morons who think this is a good idea.  
WE'RE LAUGHING AT YOU!!! 
The entire universe is LAUGHING AT YOU!!

That is all.

Star Trek - Clip "Answer me"

I gotta say, this is growing on me more and more.
Also there is something familiar about this scene, what could it be?

Researchers build 'flying' micro-robot

This is really, really  . . . you know what? I'm running out of terms for this stuff . . .
This is really pretty wild though.

Flying Micro-Robots 

And then from Singularity Hub there's this. 

Reprap

A $500.00 dollar self replicating 3D fabrication printer.
Available in the distant  . . . um Right NOW!

From "Aida"

"To sail away to half discovered places,
To see the secrets so few eyes have seen 
To see moments of enchantment on our faces,
The moments when we smile, and those between."

“There'll be no ties of time and space to bind us,
And no horizon we shall not pursue, 
We'll leave the world's misfortunes far behind us, 
And I will put my faith and trust  . . . in you”

Not quite a quote but strung together it sums up this morning's moment of Zen. 

Kepler Update from Centauri Dreams

http://www.centauri-dreams.org/?p=7148

Very exciting stuff. There will of course be a period of calibration first, but soon, it looks like we'll be up and running. 

In my backyard . . . Right now.

Gina and I are home, safe and sound. 
I picked up some gourmet food at a local shop. 
I have the stereo, fire-pit and grill all going. 

"and everyone, who had a talent for it, lived happily ever after."
- Baron Munchausen

Big News!!

We are getting on the road again headed from Sarasota, FL to Jacksonville, NC. to see the grandkids. Also have just found out that we are expecting. Our first together!!! Turns out we'll be picking up as many baby things as we drop off.
April Fools!
Come on guys, I won't even let her get another DOG. Any more kids are right out.