simple comedy

Take a break and enjoy my sense of humor. No insights or wisdom gleamed, simply comics that I found humorous. Have a nice day!

How can user end devices and networking change the world?

How can we use computers as a catalyst for positive social and political change? How can we use computers to help us address the marginalization and silencing of individuals because of race, age, gender, handicap? How can we use computers to promote increasingly egalitarian exchanges among groups of people who have different levels of privilege and power? How can we use computers to promote both collaborative activities and to support dissent in its most productive forms? Hard questions derived from research on a seemingly unrelated topic, computer assisted writing)

The Theological Disconnect

We have more access to information today then ever before, and yet individuals in the protestant church are more ignorant about theology than ever. Due to the heresy that existed in the church, the council of trent met and formed the Nicean creed. This became an instrumental part of the church, as it was a clear indication of what Christians believed. A similar creed who's name lends to the story that it was jointly created by the Apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, with each of the twelve contributing one of the articles. It is also helpful in indicating may of the staples of the Christian faith. However, it still does not address some Christological issues defined in the later Nicene Creeds. for instances, the divinity of Jesus or of the Holy Spirit.

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. and life everlasting.
Amen.

I believe in....

We have more access to information today then ever before, and yet individuals in the protestant church are more ignorant about theology than ever. Due to the heresy that existed in the church, the council of Trent met and formed the Nicene creed. This became an instrumental part of the church, as it was a clear indication of what Christians believed. A similar creed who's name lends to the story that it was jointly created by the Apostles under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, with each of the twelve contributing one of the articles. It is also helpful in indicating may of the staples of the Christian faith. However, it still does not address some Christological issues defined in the later Nicene Creeds. for instances, the divinity of Jesus or of the Holy Spirit.

1. I believe in God, the Father almighty, creator of heaven and earth.
2. I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord.
3. He was conceived by the power of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary.
4. He suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried.
5. He descended into hell. On the third day he rose again.
6. He ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father.
7. He will come again to judge the living and the dead.
8. I believe in the Holy Spirit,
9. the holy catholic Church, the communion of saints,
10. the forgiveness of sins,
11. the resurrection of the body,
12. and life everlasting.
Amen.

Peepoo

Sometimes hearing the cries of the people require your mentality to get out of the way. Anders Wilhelmson knows this all too well. An architect who did not intend to go to the slums of Kibera to solve the problem of sanitation. Due to the lack of a solid waste management system, people relieve themselves in plastic bags and then throw them outside. This is especially a hazard during the rainy season, as water sources get contaminated. The aid agency Amref says incidents of cholera, typhoid and other waterborne diseases are rampant. It's estimated there is an average of one toilet for more than 2,000 people. Anders saw the need and wanted to make a difference. He created the Peepoo, a chemically treated bag that not only neutralizes waste, but makes it able to be used as fertilizer. Check out the article here.

The Disconnect

As I look upon Las Vegas Boulevard, the flashing lights compete for my gaze. I scan the magnificent Casinos, built to awe their audience. From my hotel window I catch the fountains in front of the Bellagio, and the infamous Caesars palace. It is difficult to connect these images with other memories I have. Memories of children grasping for the food and water I have. The food warrants a break from their life lived in the landfills of Tegucigalpa. Here they live, sleep, eat, and do what they must to survive. I'm struck at the disconnect of such wealth all around me now, and yet having walked amongst such poverty. It is not that I live in the realization of these worlds. Often I am simply in the moment, oblivious to past experiences. Yesterday I spent some time amongst the miracle mile shops and casino. I lost thirty dollars in twenty minutes to the slots, enough for a child in Honduras to eat for a month. Why did I not remember these children then?

This brings me to another realization, I am not alone. It would seem that human nature is view our decisions based on our context. Perhaps the best way to reach out for aid is not to show a video of starving children and tell a sad story. That may reach a few empathetic souls, but it probably wont connect to most of us rich Americans. Perhaps companies like Toms Shoes or Kiva provide a better approach. Were may not be able to change human desire to focus on our self. However, if we provide a service that benefits ourselves and others, perhaps then we can bridge the disconnect that exists between those who have, and those who have not.