Full prompt: When it comes to downloading music off the internet, P. Diddy claims "when you make an illegal copy, you're stealing from an artist." U2's Bono states that "bootlegs are fine if you're making a few of them for your friends."
Assignment: Are the notions of copyright and intellectual property relevant in today's file-sharing environment? Is it right or wrong to download music off the web?
P. Diddy says "When you make an illegal copy, you're stealing from an artist." Is that true? Is it stealing to just to copy one or two petty little songs? How bad can it be?
Well, it can get pretty bad pretty quickly, especially in the online world of music downloads. Sure, there are those who just download one or two of their favorite songs, but there are many out there who download thousands of songs, not looking for the music but for the profit. So, is it ok to get a couple of songs off of the internet? The answer is no. Even if they're only for your own personal use, it is still illegal. Allowing some people and not allowing means that a court of law would have to judge someone's motive, something they are not capable of doing.
There are those who have no money, no friends, no CDs; they want music. What do they do? They get copies. After all, it's a win-win situation, right? The band becomes more popular and the person gets their music. However, popularity won't help a band at all if no one pays money to listen to their songs.
The fact is, illegal downloading is exactly what it says, illegal. It does take money away from musical artists, and we can't know how much revenue they need; we can't judge ourselves, saying, "it's not that bad, they'll survive." We can't make excuses, we can't make compromises.
In the end, it really doesn't matter if we think it's right or wrong, the government has made laws about it and we are to submit to those laws.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Mondays
Well, it seems that if I was a cat, I would be Garfield. I love eating and sleeping... and I hate Mondays.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
You can't take it with you(Prompt #2)
Ideas about money have been on the minds of great thinkers for centuries. Henry Fielding said, "Make money your God and it will plague you like the devil." Ken Hakuta once said, "Lack of money is no obstacle. Lack of an idea is an obstacle."
Maybe money is, after all, NOT The key ingredient to providing some of life's most sought-after answers?
Assignment: How do you feel about the idea that there are more important things in life than money?
Henry Fielding once said "Make money your God and it will plague you like the devil." This statement is entirely true, but it is not because money is inherently evil. Idolizing money, however, is a sin.
Despite the dangers that money brings with it, it is a very useful medium through which people can carry out business transactions and do many other things. Without money, in the present day united states, one could not buy or rent a house or apartment, could not eat, could not get clothes or other extremely useful items. Very quickly would come a transformation into what we call a "homeless person".
There are dangers though; the two primary reasons that anyone would idolize money are power and comfort. In our modern culture, comfort is everything. Money buys our comfortable beds and other furniture; it buys our tasty food; it buys our air-conditioned cars; it buys cable TV. Money facilitates easy access to our favorite sins: sloth, gluttony, addictions (alcohol, drugs, immorality)
There are many things which are much more important than money to have and care for. First and foremost is our soul. For what gain is it for a man to gain the whole world if he loses his soul? No matter what television or radio or culture or anyone else says, money isn't everything. There is at least one thing money can't buy. Money can't buy heaven.
So rather than storing up treasures on earth that decay and get stolen, gather up spiritual treasures, because if there's one thing that's true, it's this. You can't take it with you when you go.
Maybe money is, after all, NOT The key ingredient to providing some of life's most sought-after answers?
Assignment: How do you feel about the idea that there are more important things in life than money?
Henry Fielding once said "Make money your God and it will plague you like the devil." This statement is entirely true, but it is not because money is inherently evil. Idolizing money, however, is a sin.
Despite the dangers that money brings with it, it is a very useful medium through which people can carry out business transactions and do many other things. Without money, in the present day united states, one could not buy or rent a house or apartment, could not eat, could not get clothes or other extremely useful items. Very quickly would come a transformation into what we call a "homeless person".
There are dangers though; the two primary reasons that anyone would idolize money are power and comfort. In our modern culture, comfort is everything. Money buys our comfortable beds and other furniture; it buys our tasty food; it buys our air-conditioned cars; it buys cable TV. Money facilitates easy access to our favorite sins: sloth, gluttony, addictions (alcohol, drugs, immorality)
There are many things which are much more important than money to have and care for. First and foremost is our soul. For what gain is it for a man to gain the whole world if he loses his soul? No matter what television or radio or culture or anyone else says, money isn't everything. There is at least one thing money can't buy. Money can't buy heaven.
So rather than storing up treasures on earth that decay and get stolen, gather up spiritual treasures, because if there's one thing that's true, it's this. You can't take it with you when you go.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Pushing it too Far (prompt #1)
Stupid writing prompts...
In the world of medicine there are many studies trying to prove that use of the mind can effect a physical change, in other words, "Mind over matter." As Christians, we know that this type of "mind over matter" would be the power of prayer. We also know that sometimes God answers "no" to our prayers. Study the following quotes:
One can believe intellectually in the efficacy of prayer and never do any praying. --Catherine Marshall
When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray, they don't. --William Temple
Those who do not believe do not pray. This is a good functional definition of faith. Faith prays, unbelief does not. --John A. Hardon
Assignment:
In 25 minutes, without the use of outside materials, please write a focused essay explain the validity of ONE of the findings below.
Long-Awaited Medical Study Questions the Power of Prayer
By BENEDICT CAREY
Published: March 31, 2006, The New York Times
"One conclusion from this is that the role of awareness of prayer should be studied further," said Dr. Charles Bethea, a cardiologist at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City and a co-author of the study.
Other experts said the study underscored the question of whether prayer was an appropriate subject for scientific study.
In other words:
Do you believe that this is an appropriate scientific study? Why or why not?
"When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray, they don't." William Temple's view on prayer is clear. However, can one study prayer? Is it possible to use science to explain spiritual matters?
Prayer is indeed a spiritual matter. There is absolutely no other way to classify it that would allow it to retain its definition. Prayer is a petition to a greater power, from a human. As such, it would be very odd to try to use science to explain it. How could the scientists know the earnesty of someone's prayer without actually being the person? How could they gauge the effects? After all, everyone is individual and everyone has a different mental reaction to different stimuli. Prayer comes from the mind and the soul; how are we to understand it? We barely even understand the human brain, the physical counterpart of our immaterial mind; and the soul has not even been touched upon in science.
Then again, prayer does have physical reactions. Whether because of one's mental state or one's spiritual state has yet to be determined. Prayer is calming and sometimes, after prayer, odd things happen; miracles happen. When we get to the bottom of it, we can't even explain these physical changes, let alone their cause.
In essence, prayer is an unexplainable human communication to higher spiritual powers, namely, god(s). In order to study prayer as something apart from just thinking or speaking, as something spiritual, one has to first acknowledge that there is something spiritual to pray to. In order to use prayer as a valid scientific study, one must first scientifically prove one of two things. Either God exists or he doesn't. There is no scientific way to prove that god does not exist, so option A is out of the question. Proof by lack of evidence is not only illogical, it is unscientific. As regards to the other option, I don't believe there will ever be any "scientific proof" that God exists. There is evidence everywhere, but no proof.
In conclusion, we find that, for the moment at least, prayer is an inappropriate scientific study. There could possibly be a study about the mental effects of what we call "prayer", but even that would be pushing it too far.
In the world of medicine there are many studies trying to prove that use of the mind can effect a physical change, in other words, "Mind over matter." As Christians, we know that this type of "mind over matter" would be the power of prayer. We also know that sometimes God answers "no" to our prayers. Study the following quotes:
One can believe intellectually in the efficacy of prayer and never do any praying. --Catherine Marshall
When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray, they don't. --William Temple
Those who do not believe do not pray. This is a good functional definition of faith. Faith prays, unbelief does not. --John A. Hardon
Assignment:
In 25 minutes, without the use of outside materials, please write a focused essay explain the validity of ONE of the findings below.
Long-Awaited Medical Study Questions the Power of Prayer
By BENEDICT CAREY
Published: March 31, 2006, The New York Times
"One conclusion from this is that the role of awareness of prayer should be studied further," said Dr. Charles Bethea, a cardiologist at Integris Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City and a co-author of the study.
Other experts said the study underscored the question of whether prayer was an appropriate subject for scientific study.
In other words:
Do you believe that this is an appropriate scientific study? Why or why not?
"When I pray, coincidences happen, and when I don't pray, they don't." William Temple's view on prayer is clear. However, can one study prayer? Is it possible to use science to explain spiritual matters?
Prayer is indeed a spiritual matter. There is absolutely no other way to classify it that would allow it to retain its definition. Prayer is a petition to a greater power, from a human. As such, it would be very odd to try to use science to explain it. How could the scientists know the earnesty of someone's prayer without actually being the person? How could they gauge the effects? After all, everyone is individual and everyone has a different mental reaction to different stimuli. Prayer comes from the mind and the soul; how are we to understand it? We barely even understand the human brain, the physical counterpart of our immaterial mind; and the soul has not even been touched upon in science.
Then again, prayer does have physical reactions. Whether because of one's mental state or one's spiritual state has yet to be determined. Prayer is calming and sometimes, after prayer, odd things happen; miracles happen. When we get to the bottom of it, we can't even explain these physical changes, let alone their cause.
In essence, prayer is an unexplainable human communication to higher spiritual powers, namely, god(s). In order to study prayer as something apart from just thinking or speaking, as something spiritual, one has to first acknowledge that there is something spiritual to pray to. In order to use prayer as a valid scientific study, one must first scientifically prove one of two things. Either God exists or he doesn't. There is no scientific way to prove that god does not exist, so option A is out of the question. Proof by lack of evidence is not only illogical, it is unscientific. As regards to the other option, I don't believe there will ever be any "scientific proof" that God exists. There is evidence everywhere, but no proof.
In conclusion, we find that, for the moment at least, prayer is an inappropriate scientific study. There could possibly be a study about the mental effects of what we call "prayer", but even that would be pushing it too far.
Doodles
My family went to a local mexican restaurant last night, and as several of us were unable to finish our food, we had to get take-home containers. It was a flat markable surface, what can I say?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Arrrrrrrt matey
Well, once again we have a really cool art project, thanks to our really cool art teacher. It isn't quite finished yet (we're going to add details with pen and ink), but it's pretty cool so far.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Cuttlefish are awesome!
We watched a really cool documentary on cuttlefish last night and me mom (being awesome) finded this really cool video. For more about them check out her blog about it. The part where it curves its arms down and sends waves of blackish-blueish-gray and white down itself has a hypnotizing effect on its prey, allowing it to strike from the best angle. When you see it with open ocean behind it, it looks like a flickering outline of the cuttlefish. These things are really amazing so take a few minutes out of your schedule and enjoy God's creation.
By the way, you might wanna scroll down a bit and turn off the music from the sidebar so you can watch the movie in peace. (it has its own music)
By the way, you might wanna scroll down a bit and turn off the music from the sidebar so you can watch the movie in peace. (it has its own music)
PJLCROC
Hmmm, that's an interesting title. Believe it or not, it actually has something to do with my post.
Recently I (along with David and Isaac and Eric and David's bros) attended a program called TeenPact. At first, I thought oh great, another program to waste my time; however, after attending, I realize this is not true...for the most part. TeenPact is a program through which homeschooling highschoolers can learn about their state government and get school credits.
One of the most interesting parts of this course is called TeenPact legislature. As part of their homework, the students of TeenPact are all required to bring and present at least one bill. This bill will be voted on by the legislature, but only if it gets past the committee to which it has been assigned. My committee was PJLCROC (permanent joint legislative contract review oversight committee). Interestingly enough, this is actually a committee in Alabama, although I still haven't the slightest clue as to its purpose. We also held elections. Each committee nominated and selected its own candidates to run for representative and governor. There was one gubernatorial candidate (I think that's how it's spelled) and two representative candidates per committee. Each committee is assigned a party, ours being the nonconsequentialist party. After these preliminary elections were run, the TeenPact Legislature as a whole voted for one governor and three representatives (I got to campaign by passing out candy and supporting our gubernatorial candidate). I'm proud to say that our candidate was, indeed elected governor.
Anyhow, TeenPact provides a way to learn the governmental process of your state hands-on and it is much easier to remember after that. Although it doesn't teach nearly as much as a full government course, it is a notable program through which you learn how to influence government and politics, and make new friends.
The moral of the story is that it's very fun to say PJLCROC and gubernatorial; and it's very fun to sing bananaphone.
Recently I (along with David and Isaac and Eric and David's bros) attended a program called TeenPact. At first, I thought oh great, another program to waste my time; however, after attending, I realize this is not true...for the most part. TeenPact is a program through which homeschooling highschoolers can learn about their state government and get school credits.
One of the most interesting parts of this course is called TeenPact legislature. As part of their homework, the students of TeenPact are all required to bring and present at least one bill. This bill will be voted on by the legislature, but only if it gets past the committee to which it has been assigned. My committee was PJLCROC (permanent joint legislative contract review oversight committee). Interestingly enough, this is actually a committee in Alabama, although I still haven't the slightest clue as to its purpose. We also held elections. Each committee nominated and selected its own candidates to run for representative and governor. There was one gubernatorial candidate (I think that's how it's spelled) and two representative candidates per committee. Each committee is assigned a party, ours being the nonconsequentialist party. After these preliminary elections were run, the TeenPact Legislature as a whole voted for one governor and three representatives (I got to campaign by passing out candy and supporting our gubernatorial candidate). I'm proud to say that our candidate was, indeed elected governor.
Anyhow, TeenPact provides a way to learn the governmental process of your state hands-on and it is much easier to remember after that. Although it doesn't teach nearly as much as a full government course, it is a notable program through which you learn how to influence government and politics, and make new friends.
The moral of the story is that it's very fun to say PJLCROC and gubernatorial; and it's very fun to sing bananaphone.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Legal Irony
Sometimes I wonder how the government of this country continues to function.... Read this
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Nerdy Lightsaber Fight
Check this out. It's hilarious. These guys definitely have way too much time on their hands. Lightsaber fight
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