An untraveled landscape, previously explored, but ready for new steps.
Random thoughts about many interests and people, with a realization of the blessings of life. I try to follow my mother's advice, don't discuss politics or religion.
Sunday, January 6, 2008
Fresh Snow
Now that the political debates are hitting third gear, it’s worth understanding that we as a nation wouldn’t be arguing about the division in this country if most people in our society were content and able to say without burden that they truly have the freedom to pursue happiness.
An untraveled landscape, previously explored, but ready for new steps.
An untraveled landscape, previously explored, but ready for new steps.
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Christmas Mosaic
The holiday approaches and all the preparations are ending. Now the anticipation begins. May all have a very Merry Christmas and realize the spirit of the holiday.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Recent Edinboro Musical Events
On Sunday, November 11, the Concert Band of Northwest Pennsylvania under the direction of John Fleming played a Veteran's Day concert at Hirt Auditorium in the Blasco Library on the Bayfront in Erie, Pa. The concert honored veterans by featuring music from the time of the Revolutionary War to the present. Highlights were a trumpet solo by Bill Fairgraves and a musical homage to the heroes and heroines of flight 9/11 93, Flight of Valor, by James Swearingen Despite a rainy evening, the concert was well attended by an extremely appreciative audience. The Concert Band of Northwest Pennsylvania is made up of excellent area musicians and is a cultural diamond about to celebrate its twenty-fifth anniversary.
Last night, at Louis C. Cole Auditorium, on the campus of Edinboro University, the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra presented a Mostly Mozart concert. Howard Lyon played a well received Mozart Violin Concerto #3 in G. Patrick Jones, an outstanding saxophonist, performed William Alexander's Saxophone Concerto. Composer Alexander is an Edinboro Faculty Emeritus and former Chair of the Department of Music. The final solo of the evening was by Christopher Rapier who played Mozart's Horn Concerto #4. It was definitely a treat to hear the Erie Philharmonic Orchestra under the baton of Guest Conductor Victor Yampolsky.
Saturday, November 3, 2007
New Green Computer
Well, friends, I have purchased a new computer for less than $200.00. It's an everex gPC purchased at WalMart. The computer has no Windows or Vista of any of the usual pc software you expect on a new computer. Also, the computer comes without a monitor.
What is does have is gOS, "an alternative operating system that uses Google toolbar and its applications" including the online document maker I'm writing in now. I'll send this post to the blog from my doc.
Using an old monitor, I've been giving the computer and new OS a test drive and the results are fine. I'm using firefox. I'm still new to the whole package and have yet to learn the system's limitations. I'll report later on what I learn.
But think about it, a new green computer for under $200! I new challenge to the world of microsoft.
What is does have is gOS, "an alternative operating system that uses Google toolbar and its applications" including the online document maker I'm writing in now. I'll send this post to the blog from my doc.
Using an old monitor, I've been giving the computer and new OS a test drive and the results are fine. I'm using firefox. I'm still new to the whole package and have yet to learn the system's limitations. I'll report later on what I learn.
But think about it, a new green computer for under $200! I new challenge to the world of microsoft.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Bill of Rights: Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
The purpose of Amendment IV is clearly stated as a right of the people to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures. A citizen may not be searched, nor may their houses be searched, nor their papers and belongings be searched without a warrant. A warrant will not be issued without: (1) probable cause. Arresting authorities must have support showing that the person has committed a crime and is hiding evidence of the crime, (2) that witnesses swear under oath to know that the evidence is being held by the person, or hidden in the house, or revealed within the paper or other belongings of the suspected citizen; or that there is credible substantiating evidence of the crime. Furthermore the warrant must describe where the search is to take place and identify the person or objects to be searched.
In summary, a citizen should be free from being searched unless a warrant is issued for a search that contains clear certainty, corroborated by witnesses under oath or substantiating evidence, that the suspected citizen is withholding proof of a crime, where the confirming evidence is contained, and what may be searched.
Among other things Amendment Four protects citizens from random searches conducted without cause or carried out merely because of suspicion, and it protects citizens from having evidence planted upon them, or in their houses, or papers, or personal effects. Furthermore, the fourth amendment protects citizens from being singled out and searched because of prejudice, profiling, and circumstantial evidence.
In recent years, the president and the current administration has been willing, after taking their oath to uphold The Constitution of The United States of America, to break the spirit and the letter of the fourth amendment under the pretext of national security. Ironically, breaking the amendment undermines our Constitution while giving Terrorists both opportunity and conditions for those who want to destroy the greatest possibility for freedom on earth.
People who think giving up our privacy to preserve our country is the thing to do, don’t understand the fundamental purpose of a government designed to uphold freedom, nor the natural rights of men and women. Terrorist win when we give away our freedoms.
The purpose of Amendment IV is clearly stated as a right of the people to be free of unreasonable searches and seizures. A citizen may not be searched, nor may their houses be searched, nor their papers and belongings be searched without a warrant. A warrant will not be issued without: (1) probable cause. Arresting authorities must have support showing that the person has committed a crime and is hiding evidence of the crime, (2) that witnesses swear under oath to know that the evidence is being held by the person, or hidden in the house, or revealed within the paper or other belongings of the suspected citizen; or that there is credible substantiating evidence of the crime. Furthermore the warrant must describe where the search is to take place and identify the person or objects to be searched.
In summary, a citizen should be free from being searched unless a warrant is issued for a search that contains clear certainty, corroborated by witnesses under oath or substantiating evidence, that the suspected citizen is withholding proof of a crime, where the confirming evidence is contained, and what may be searched.
Among other things Amendment Four protects citizens from random searches conducted without cause or carried out merely because of suspicion, and it protects citizens from having evidence planted upon them, or in their houses, or papers, or personal effects. Furthermore, the fourth amendment protects citizens from being singled out and searched because of prejudice, profiling, and circumstantial evidence.
In recent years, the president and the current administration has been willing, after taking their oath to uphold The Constitution of The United States of America, to break the spirit and the letter of the fourth amendment under the pretext of national security. Ironically, breaking the amendment undermines our Constitution while giving Terrorists both opportunity and conditions for those who want to destroy the greatest possibility for freedom on earth.
People who think giving up our privacy to preserve our country is the thing to do, don’t understand the fundamental purpose of a government designed to uphold freedom, nor the natural rights of men and women. Terrorist win when we give away our freedoms.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Heart Attack: Rehab 3
Last Monday I had my first visit with Dr. Paul Kang after leaving Hamet Hospital in July. The results were very encouraging. Just previous to this visit I completed cardiac rehab, in half the allotted time, and returned to playing tennis. During a vigorous tennis match, my average heart rate was 105, the top of my target zone, and included a twenty minute cool down. My highest heart rate was 230. I asked Dr. Kang if this was OK for me, and he inquired about symptoms, including palpitations. I had none and felt fine. He concluded that I have an excellent tolerance for physical exercise.
In addition, my cholesterol numbers were 150 total cholesterol with excellent “bad” and “good” cholesterol numbers. Dr. Kang said, “I couldn’t have written them down any better.” My wife and I were very happy to know that the dietary changes and exercise we’ve been doing, supported by Crestor, my cholesterol medication, have done the job!
As luck would have it, I was immediately put to the test. Friday I played in a tennis tournament to raise funds for an Edinboro University Sociology scholarship. I played three hard-fought sets in unseasonably high 83 degree October sunshine. Early the next morning I arose to play clarinet for the Zem Zem Band at an Autumn Leaves Festival in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Two full days of activity tested my tolerance. I was tired and somewhat stressed at the end of Saturday, but a good night’s sleep and a forty minute walk around campus have returned my good spirits.
At this point, I can say I feel as good as new, if not better. My biggest problems are mental, with slight cases of psychosomatic symptoms and occasional bouts with stress. The biggest change that has occurred is I feel less like an invalid and more like a normal person. I believe that the more I can put my heart attack to the back of my mind and view the present in clear, appreciative focus, the better off I’ll be.
I have an important Echocardiogram coming up on October 16. Hopefully I’ll learn that the pumping power of my heart has improved.
In addition, my cholesterol numbers were 150 total cholesterol with excellent “bad” and “good” cholesterol numbers. Dr. Kang said, “I couldn’t have written them down any better.” My wife and I were very happy to know that the dietary changes and exercise we’ve been doing, supported by Crestor, my cholesterol medication, have done the job!
As luck would have it, I was immediately put to the test. Friday I played in a tennis tournament to raise funds for an Edinboro University Sociology scholarship. I played three hard-fought sets in unseasonably high 83 degree October sunshine. Early the next morning I arose to play clarinet for the Zem Zem Band at an Autumn Leaves Festival in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Two full days of activity tested my tolerance. I was tired and somewhat stressed at the end of Saturday, but a good night’s sleep and a forty minute walk around campus have returned my good spirits.
At this point, I can say I feel as good as new, if not better. My biggest problems are mental, with slight cases of psychosomatic symptoms and occasional bouts with stress. The biggest change that has occurred is I feel less like an invalid and more like a normal person. I believe that the more I can put my heart attack to the back of my mind and view the present in clear, appreciative focus, the better off I’ll be.
I have an important Echocardiogram coming up on October 16. Hopefully I’ll learn that the pumping power of my heart has improved.
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