Nibbles Ninja

Nibbles Ninja

Nibbles & bits from Alan Fahrner

All posts in April 2021

Kalam Cosmological Argument for God

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

What do you think of this as an argument for a god (not specifically for the Christian God)?:

This has brought newfound support for an argument known as the kalam cosmological argument, popularized today by philosopher William Lane Craig (see Craig and Sinclair, KCA, 101–201). It has three premises:

1. Everything that begins to exist has a cause.
2. The universe began to exist.
3. Therefore, the universe has a cause.

From Evidence That Demands a Verdict: Life-Changing Truth for a Skeptical World by Josh McDowell & Sean McDowell

I’ve personally never liked it when suggested as “proof” of God, but I do see it a compelling argument that something beyond materialism is likely.

You?

Do you ever look back…?

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

Do you ever look back at what you’ve done, and think to yourself…

”I am such a jerk.”

?

I do.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that my “normal” behavior is contemptible. However, I have done so many inexcusable things through my 56 years that reflecting back on my life is painful. Maybe if my brain worked better, I would remember a greater quantity of laudable acts, but does it really matter? What is the true measure of my character?

My historical selfishness is overwhelming, and so much of it is unfixable. Cemented negative impact.

I worry even more that my selfishness is unfixable now and in the future. That it is me.

Do you ever…?

Is America Being Blessed or Cursed?

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

Bible and candleIt hit me tonight that when President Bush junior was wrapping up his time in office, the housing crash and related economic melt-down ensured President Obama’s election.

Last year, the governmental reaction to the pandemic and it’s effect on the economy ensured President Biden winning.

It could be purely chance/coincidence, but it not, is God blessing or cursing America?:

“If at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom, that I will pluck up and break down and destroy it, and if that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it. And if at any time I declare concerning a nation or a kingdom that I will build and plant it, and if it does evil in my sight, not listening to my voice, then I will relent of the good that I had intended to do to it. Now, therefore, say to the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem: ‘Thus says the Lord, Behold, I am shaping disaster against you and devising a plan against you. Return, every one from his evil way, and amend your ways and your deeds’” (Jeremiah 18:7-11).

If God isn’t just ignoring us, then we are getting what we deserve. Depending on your perception of the situation, that should bring you joy or frighten you.

Kudos to Microsoft

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

Credit where credit is due…Microsoft 365 for Business is a ridiculously inexpensive, robust offering:

Kudos to Microsoft
If I told you that for $5 a month you could have full-fledged Microsoft business service (e.g. Exchange, SharePoint, and so on), would you believe it? That for $12.50 per month you could have that …

Ouch

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

This may be satire, but it is too close to true:

In Closing Argument, Prosecutor Tearfully Addresses Each Juror By Name, Phone Number, And Street Address
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - Prosecutor Steve Schleicher delivered powerful closing arguments today in the Derek Chauvin trial. In one especially touching moment, he made sure to individually address every member of the jury by name, phone number, and street address. ’I call on you, [redacted] whose phone numb…

“Suicide by Cop”?!

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

This does seem an outrage:

Byron York’s Daily Memo: An outrage from the FBI
Welcome to Byron York’s Daily Memo newsletter.

Hodgkinson came to the Washington area in 2017, living out of a van parked in Alexandria. He brought his guns and developed a plan to attack Republicans. He went to the baseball field with a list of several GOP members of Congress in his pocket, along with physical descriptions of some of them. Before the attack, he asked Republican Representative Jeff Duncan, who was leaving practice early, whether the players on the field were Republicans or Democrats. Duncan said it was the Republican team. A short time later, Hodgkinson opened fire. After a rampage of nearly ten minutes, he was killed by Capitol Police and Alexandria Police.

The attack was a clear act of violent, politically-motivated domestic terrorism. There was simply no doubt about that. And yet last week, Republican Representative Brad Wenstrup, who had been at the practice, revealed that the FBI concluded Hodgkinson was simply trying to commit “suicide by cop.”

“Younger age at first drug use tied to faster transition to substance use disorder”

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

This seems an intuitive result:

Younger age at first drug use tied to faster transition to substance use disorder
Younger age at drug initiation is associated with a faster transition to substance use disorder (SUD), according to a research letter published online March 29 in JAMA Pediatrics.

And, although I am generally a “live and let live” kind ‘a guy, the more we decriminalize or legalize drugs, the more “younger age” first use you’ll have (even if it remains illegal for them).

This Seems Foolish

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

I cannot imagine they did it for nefarious reasons, but, given the political climate over more than the last couple years, this doesn’t seem a smart thing for Major League Baseball to do:

MLB Asking Fans about Political Affiliation | National Review
The question was added to the fan survey after COVID began.

 

 

Wow

Posted on Author AlanPosted in Nibbles

I never heard of Five Times August before today, but…wow:

And this earlier video by him is also worth watching/listening to:

You may not agree, but hopefully it is enough to cause you to consider what he sings about.

Hat tip for the first video to Ace of Spades HQ.