Costa Climatica Listing Dangerously
Years ago they used to speak of the "rust belt" to refer to states in the US which were experiencing an economic cold winter. It referred to rusting industrial sites, long abandoned. We are starting to wonder how long it will be before the term "rusting green belt" comes into common usage. No, we are not referring to swathes of greenery protected by town planning rules, but to relics of green energy projects such as wind farms and factories producing solar panels and electric cars.
It is gradually dawning on climate scientists that the data does not support their confabulations and conjectures. A growing number are defecting. But because crony capitalists and big government have colluded in pouring vast amounts of tax payers money into the pockets of companies and universities promoting our carbon Armageddon the global warming ship will not stop suddenly. But stop it inevitably will. And then the rust will set in.
Here are some of the latest leaks to spring in the grand ship SS Global Warming:
Monday, 13 February 2012
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Under the Cosh
"The German Boot"
Greece is reportedly on the brink of leaving the Euro. We have expected that this would be the inevitable outcome. Governments cannot continue to govern when the majority of citizens believe it is causing them harm. It serves as a klaxon warning to both governments and their people that debt enslaves and ultimately impoverishes a people.
This from the Guardian:
Greece is reportedly on the brink of leaving the Euro. We have expected that this would be the inevitable outcome. Governments cannot continue to govern when the majority of citizens believe it is causing them harm. It serves as a klaxon warning to both governments and their people that debt enslaves and ultimately impoverishes a people.
This from the Guardian:
"Whitey" Guilt and Pity
The High Priest Prays to the Nation's God
Joris De Bres is the closest thing secular Unbelieving New Zealand has to a High Priest. The fundamental role of a priest is to represent the needs of his constituency before the deity. De Bres saw fit to deliver his annual Waitangi Day sermon to the nation with this fundamental role firmly in his heart. He played his role to a "t".
There are those who will argue that Joris is not be the brightest pin in the cushion. But, he fulfils his role as secular High Priest admirably and faithfully. His Waitangi Day his homily was directed at both Maori and the Rest. (We note that Joris nominates the Rest as "Pakeha", but that is a misdirection, or as the American say, a "mis-speak". There are Maori and non-Maori in New Zealand. We are, after all, a multi-ethnic community.)
Part of the duty of a priest is to confess sins before the god he serves. Joris fulsomely confessed the sins of Pakeha, or Whitey.
Joris De Bres is the closest thing secular Unbelieving New Zealand has to a High Priest. The fundamental role of a priest is to represent the needs of his constituency before the deity. De Bres saw fit to deliver his annual Waitangi Day sermon to the nation with this fundamental role firmly in his heart. He played his role to a "t".
There are those who will argue that Joris is not be the brightest pin in the cushion. But, he fulfils his role as secular High Priest admirably and faithfully. His Waitangi Day his homily was directed at both Maori and the Rest. (We note that Joris nominates the Rest as "Pakeha", but that is a misdirection, or as the American say, a "mis-speak". There are Maori and non-Maori in New Zealand. We are, after all, a multi-ethnic community.)
Part of the duty of a priest is to confess sins before the god he serves. Joris fulsomely confessed the sins of Pakeha, or Whitey.
Friday, 10 February 2012
Militant Atheism and Nietzsche
Intellectual Gadflies
David Bentley Hart has an engaging piece on modern militant atheists (whom he dubs "fashionable enemies") describing them as "gadflies".
He laments the good old days when the enemies of the Christian faith in the West had intellectual muscle. He is impatient with the mental laziness and sloppiness on display with folk like Hitchens and Harris and the like.
In the nineteenth century we come to the greatest and the fiercest critic of Christianity--one with an intellectual rigour and emotional force that still leaves one breathless today. Nietzsche's hatred of Christianity and Christians had about it an intellectual rigour and consistency and compelling force that is completely absent from effete gadflies such as Richard Dawkins.
David Bentley Hart has an engaging piece on modern militant atheists (whom he dubs "fashionable enemies") describing them as "gadflies".
He laments the good old days when the enemies of the Christian faith in the West had intellectual muscle. He is impatient with the mental laziness and sloppiness on display with folk like Hitchens and Harris and the like.
My own impatience with (their) remarks, I should confess, would probably be far smaller if I did not suffer from a melancholy sense that, among Christianity's most fervent detractors, there has been a considerable decline in standards in recent years. . . . (A)t the end of Europe's Christian centuries, the church could still boast antagonists of real stature. In the eighteenth century, David Hume was unrivaled in his power to sow doubt where certainty once had flourished. And while the diatribes of Voltaire, Denis Diderot, and other Enlightenment philosophes were, on the whole, insubstantial, there were at least marked by a certain fierce elegance and occasional moral acuity. Edward Gibbon, for all the temporal parochialism and frequent inaccuracy of his account of Christianity's rise, was nevertheless a scholar and writer of positively titanic gifts . . . (D. B. Hart, Atheist Delusions: The Christian Revolution and Its Fashionable Enemies [New Haven: Yale University Press, 2009], p.5f.)
In the nineteenth century we come to the greatest and the fiercest critic of Christianity--one with an intellectual rigour and emotional force that still leaves one breathless today. Nietzsche's hatred of Christianity and Christians had about it an intellectual rigour and consistency and compelling force that is completely absent from effete gadflies such as Richard Dawkins.
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Douglas Wilson's Letter From America
Four/Fifths of the Brimstone
Culture and Politics - Politics
Written by Douglas Wilson
Monday, 06 February 2012
A few days ago, Ron Paul was on Piers Morgan, and demonstrated, in a breath-taking way, a certain muddledness about life. He certainly tried to stay consistent with his libertarianism, which is -- in the world of political trimmers, shifters, and dodgers -- a certain kind of admirable. The problem is that libertarianism, on its own, is a false ideology, and will therefore necessitate self-contradiction. The glory of man will always fail.
I am talking about the pro-life issue, but Paul whiffed a couple others too.
He continues far too ambiguous on the homosexual marriage issue -- as though YWVH would have been fine with the Cities of the Plain had they only had a federal system that allowed for states' rights on the issue, with each city being allowed by the Constitution to make their own decisions. Say that one of them had not legalized sodomy, we might have had one four/fifths of the brimstone. Paul also said that his libertarianism governed his child-rearing -- if he doesn't believe in coercion, then spanking should clearly be out.
On the pro-life thing, he was asked about abortion in the case of rape.
Culture and Politics - Politics
Written by Douglas Wilson
Monday, 06 February 2012
A few days ago, Ron Paul was on Piers Morgan, and demonstrated, in a breath-taking way, a certain muddledness about life. He certainly tried to stay consistent with his libertarianism, which is -- in the world of political trimmers, shifters, and dodgers -- a certain kind of admirable. The problem is that libertarianism, on its own, is a false ideology, and will therefore necessitate self-contradiction. The glory of man will always fail.
I am talking about the pro-life issue, but Paul whiffed a couple others too.
He continues far too ambiguous on the homosexual marriage issue -- as though YWVH would have been fine with the Cities of the Plain had they only had a federal system that allowed for states' rights on the issue, with each city being allowed by the Constitution to make their own decisions. Say that one of them had not legalized sodomy, we might have had one four/fifths of the brimstone. Paul also said that his libertarianism governed his child-rearing -- if he doesn't believe in coercion, then spanking should clearly be out.
On the pro-life thing, he was asked about abortion in the case of rape.
Afghanistan Stocktake
So, How's It Working Out, Then?
Readers of this blog will know that we oppose the war in Afghanistan as an ill-considered utopian debacle, without ethical foundation.
To say this is not to deny the courage or skill or tenacity or application of the combatants on both sides. But it is to say that whilst the US fight in Afghanistan began as a defensive invasion to defend the US against Al Qaeda--a perfectly legitimate moral and just action--it soon morphed into "nation building", which is unethical and imperialistic. It is a classic example of the adage that little wars grow into big wars and big wars suck out all your blood.
But, we really could not expect anything else, given the US's maniacal utopian vision of bestowing the West's peculiar, secular "human rights" doctrine on the rest of humanity.
Readers of this blog will know that we oppose the war in Afghanistan as an ill-considered utopian debacle, without ethical foundation.
To say this is not to deny the courage or skill or tenacity or application of the combatants on both sides. But it is to say that whilst the US fight in Afghanistan began as a defensive invasion to defend the US against Al Qaeda--a perfectly legitimate moral and just action--it soon morphed into "nation building", which is unethical and imperialistic. It is a classic example of the adage that little wars grow into big wars and big wars suck out all your blood.
But, we really could not expect anything else, given the US's maniacal utopian vision of bestowing the West's peculiar, secular "human rights" doctrine on the rest of humanity.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
The "Peace" of Islam
Christians 'face deportation' in Saudi Arabia
Rights group says dozens of Ethiopian Christians have been arrested and could be deported for "illegal mingling".
(Report from AlJazeera)
Dozens of Ethiopian Christians are facing deportation from Saudi Arabia after authorities raided a private prayer service in Jeddah, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The group was reportedly arrested in a private home in Jeddah in mid-December. Most of the 35 detainees are women, and three of them told the US-based group that they were strip-searched by police. HRW said it spoke to three detainees, two women and one man, by telephone from prison. One of them said the men were beaten, and also complained of inadequate medical care and poor sanitation at the jail.
"Two of the women said that officials there forced the women to strip, and then an officer inserted her finger into each of the women’s genitals, under the pretext of searching for illegal substances hidden inside their bodies," the report said.
Rights group says dozens of Ethiopian Christians have been arrested and could be deported for "illegal mingling".
(Report from AlJazeera)
Dozens of Ethiopian Christians are facing deportation from Saudi Arabia after authorities raided a private prayer service in Jeddah, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The group was reportedly arrested in a private home in Jeddah in mid-December. Most of the 35 detainees are women, and three of them told the US-based group that they were strip-searched by police. HRW said it spoke to three detainees, two women and one man, by telephone from prison. One of them said the men were beaten, and also complained of inadequate medical care and poor sanitation at the jail.
"Two of the women said that officials there forced the women to strip, and then an officer inserted her finger into each of the women’s genitals, under the pretext of searching for illegal substances hidden inside their bodies," the report said.
Waitangi Day Ennui
The Gullible and the Sly Try to Tango
The histrionics at the Ti Ti Marae on Waitangi Day have become boringly predictable. The media might as well write up their news reports now for next year's Waitangi Day, so they can all have a decent day off. It would be so easy to do. In fact, why not write up ten Waitangi Day's worth, publish them in the next ten days, and then we can avoid Waitangi Day boredom for the next decade.
Here is the Veteran's take on Hone Harawira's rent-a-crowd and the failure of the Ti Ti Marae to police its own protocol.
The histrionics at the Ti Ti Marae on Waitangi Day have become boringly predictable. The media might as well write up their news reports now for next year's Waitangi Day, so they can all have a decent day off. It would be so easy to do. In fact, why not write up ten Waitangi Day's worth, publish them in the next ten days, and then we can avoid Waitangi Day boredom for the next decade.
Here is the Veteran's take on Hone Harawira's rent-a-crowd and the failure of the Ti Ti Marae to police its own protocol.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Douglas Wilson's Letter From America
Solid Joys and Lasting Pleasure
Dualism Is Bad JuJu
Written by Douglas Wilson
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
The world is charged with the grandeur of God, as the poet put it, and it will flame out like shook foil. The world is only a set of blinders for the blind. In all other respects, the world is front-loaded with God's glory. And in order for us to see that glory, really see it, the world has to get thicker -- not thinner.
C.S. Lewis, in his wonderful way, shows us this in the second half of The Last Battle, and throughout The Great Divorce. The world really is "transparent," and it is such through being really solid. The world is that which enables us to see God's glory, and those who try to help this process along by treating the world as ephemeral and wispy are making a great mistake. The world does not need to be diluted to help God's glory shine through. Do you glorify the jeweller by smashing the diamonds?
Dualism Is Bad JuJu
Written by Douglas Wilson
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
The world is charged with the grandeur of God, as the poet put it, and it will flame out like shook foil. The world is only a set of blinders for the blind. In all other respects, the world is front-loaded with God's glory. And in order for us to see that glory, really see it, the world has to get thicker -- not thinner.
C.S. Lewis, in his wonderful way, shows us this in the second half of The Last Battle, and throughout The Great Divorce. The world really is "transparent," and it is such through being really solid. The world is that which enables us to see God's glory, and those who try to help this process along by treating the world as ephemeral and wispy are making a great mistake. The world does not need to be diluted to help God's glory shine through. Do you glorify the jeweller by smashing the diamonds?
Real Political Leadership
The Defining Issue of Our Generation
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has been identified as a rising star in the Republican Party in the US. He shows every sign of a man for whom principle trumps political games. He recently gave a speech on abortion. He argued that it is the defining issue of any society.
Senator Marco Rubio of Florida has been identified as a rising star in the Republican Party in the US. He shows every sign of a man for whom principle trumps political games. He recently gave a speech on abortion. He argued that it is the defining issue of any society.
“The issue of life is not a political issue, nor is it a policy issue, it is a definitional issue. It is a basic core issue that every society needs to answer,” he said. “The answer that you give to that issue ends up defining which kind of society you have.” Rubio criticized those who back away from the pro-life fight because it “makes us uncomfortable,” explaining that while other issues — like jobs, the debt, and the economy — are important, abortion is more than a political issue.He laid into Roe vs Wade, claiming that virtually everyone agrees that it was an egregious, terrible decision by the Supreme Court--an overreach of power and an unconstitutional act. It is long past time that it be overturned.
Monday, 6 February 2012
It's Official: Global Warming Has Stopped
Even the UK Met Office Agrees
Reprinted from the Mail Online.
Reprinted from the Mail Online.
Forget global warming - it's Cycle 25 we need to worry about (and if NASA scientists are right the Thames will be freezing over again)
By David Rose
- Met Office releases new figures which show no warming in 15 years
Last updated at 5:38 AM on 29th January 2012
The supposed ‘consensus’ on man-made global warming is facing an inconvenient challenge after the release of new temperature data showing the planet has not warmed for the past 15 years. The figures suggest that we could even be heading for a mini ice age to rival the 70-year temperature drop that saw frost fairs held on the Thames in the 17th Century.
Based on readings from more than 30,000 measuring stations, the data was issued last week without fanfare by the Met Office and the University of East Anglia Climatic Research Unit. It confirms that the rising trend in world temperatures ended in 1997.
A New Broom in Town
Cheering From the Terraces
OK, let's be honest. Government schools in New Zealand are really union controlled schools. We refer, of course, to the teacher and principals' unions: the NZEI, the PPTA, and the NZ Principals' Federation. Long ago these entities decided that they were the experts in education and operating schools. Consequently they assumed the mantle of being a second-guessing critic of all government educational policies.
To be sure there are plenty of teachers in the government education system who are dedicated professionals and are really focused upon kids. On the other hand, far too many have been brain-washed in pedagogic theory that can best be described as "unteaching".
OK, let's be honest. Government schools in New Zealand are really union controlled schools. We refer, of course, to the teacher and principals' unions: the NZEI, the PPTA, and the NZ Principals' Federation. Long ago these entities decided that they were the experts in education and operating schools. Consequently they assumed the mantle of being a second-guessing critic of all government educational policies.
To be sure there are plenty of teachers in the government education system who are dedicated professionals and are really focused upon kids. On the other hand, far too many have been brain-washed in pedagogic theory that can best be described as "unteaching".
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Letter from the UK
Riots Clarify Issues
It appears there is a silver lining to the dark cloud of last year's riots in the UK. Labour politicians are calling for a walk-back on the UK's anti-smacking legislation. We in NZ should take note. If a peaceful petition where 80 percent of the electorate wanted Parliament to amend anti-smacking legislation so as to recognise the rights and responsibilities of parents had no effect, maybe a few riots should be the order of the day.
Where are those "Occupy" people when you need them? It might be very helpful if they would get serious and raise a decent riot.
This, from the Guardian.
It appears there is a silver lining to the dark cloud of last year's riots in the UK. Labour politicians are calling for a walk-back on the UK's anti-smacking legislation. We in NZ should take note. If a peaceful petition where 80 percent of the electorate wanted Parliament to amend anti-smacking legislation so as to recognise the rights and responsibilities of parents had no effect, maybe a few riots should be the order of the day.
Where are those "Occupy" people when you need them? It might be very helpful if they would get serious and raise a decent riot.
This, from the Guardian.
Extenutating Circumstances
" Honour" Murders and Islam
"Honour" murders are in the news again. In Canada. The nation is reportedly shocked. Here is a summary of the case:
CNN and other media outlets are rushing to assure everyone that honour murders are not Islamic.
"Honour" murders are in the news again. In Canada. The nation is reportedly shocked. Here is a summary of the case:
Zainab Shafia's crime was to run off to marry a man her parents hated. Middle sister Sahar's crime was to wear revealing clothes and have secret boyfriends. Youngest sister Geeti's crime was to do badly in school and call social workers for help dealing with a family home in turmoil. The punishment for all three teenage Canadian sisters was the same: death.
Their executioner: their brother, acting on instructions from the father to run their car off the road. Another family member, their father's first wife in a polygamous marriage, was also killed.
Hamed Shafia, his father, Mohammed, and his mother, Tooba Mohammed Yahya, were sentenced to life in prison for murder, with Judge Robert Maranger excoriating their "twisted notion of honor, a notion of honor that is founded upon the domination and control of women, a sick notion of honor that has absolutely no place in any civilized society."
CNN and other media outlets are rushing to assure everyone that honour murders are not Islamic.
Friday, 3 February 2012
Letter From Libya
Descent into Darkness
Prisoners tortured by Libyan militia
Ian Black, London
January 28, 2012