Siddhartha Gautama created Buddhism. He was born into a high caste, perhaps even royalty. However, Gautama was not satisfied with life. He was restless and decided to explore all that he had been sheltered from. Eventually, he determined that neither extreme comfort nor extreme poverty provided that which he sought. He discovered and settled on a middle path between extremes. After meditating for some time, he achieved true enlightenment. From that point, his followers referred to him as the Buddha (Enlightened One). His transformation and subsequent teachings led to one of the world’s great religions.
Quotes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_6GBnIC_vk
Kundun: Kundun is a film about the current Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama is the leader of one Buddhist sect that resides in Tibet. The current Dalai Lama is himself quite a celebrity and tremendous ambassador to the world.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TW2USm6wTSA
Kung Fu: The television show starring David Carradine represents one western view of Buddhism and eastern philosophy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iaamkUEF_A
This is how most westerners view Buddha:
http://www.artfiberglass.com/dushan1/images/DSCN1316b.jpg
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Douce Bag of the Year-2010
Usually around Thanksgiving, media types unveil their turkeys of the year. I am doing the same thing...just using a more descriptive term.
Last year's winners: The Balloon Boy's family and the White House Party Crashers.
This year's nominees (in no particular order):
Nancy Pelosi: The House speaker destroyed her party with extreme policies and does not understand why people rejected her. Rather than gracefully resign, she has returned to continue her crusade against America.
LeBron James: The decision, the betrayal, the retarded Nike ad, his Miami fashion show-like debut, the feud with his former boss, and Miami's slow start make LeBron one of the favorites this year.
Julian Assange: This narcissist may get someone killed. Of course, he's already been accused with rape. I always believed he more resembled a pedophile.
Tony Heyward: America's friend from BP. The only thing worse than Heyward's behavior during the oil spill was Obama's!
Westboro Baptist Church: These guys are beyond douche bags.
California Voters: Barbara Boxer is the worst member of the U.S. Senate. Jerry Brown is vacuous. Californians elected both of them. Who's the bigger fool, the fool or the fool who follows it?
Miami Heat Fans: Despite having a super-team, Heat fans can not be bothered to attend games.
The Barefoot Bandit: What a turd.
Mel Gibson: 'nuf said.
Paul Krugman: This douche advocates massive government spending to stimulate the economy. In 5,000 years of human history, this has NEVER worked to create sustained growth. All it does is deplete treasuries, increase taxes, and create a very angry citizenry. He knows that.
and the winner: LeBron James
Last year's winners: The Balloon Boy's family and the White House Party Crashers.
This year's nominees (in no particular order):
Nancy Pelosi: The House speaker destroyed her party with extreme policies and does not understand why people rejected her. Rather than gracefully resign, she has returned to continue her crusade against America.
LeBron James: The decision, the betrayal, the retarded Nike ad, his Miami fashion show-like debut, the feud with his former boss, and Miami's slow start make LeBron one of the favorites this year.
Julian Assange: This narcissist may get someone killed. Of course, he's already been accused with rape. I always believed he more resembled a pedophile.
Tony Heyward: America's friend from BP. The only thing worse than Heyward's behavior during the oil spill was Obama's!
Westboro Baptist Church: These guys are beyond douche bags.
California Voters: Barbara Boxer is the worst member of the U.S. Senate. Jerry Brown is vacuous. Californians elected both of them. Who's the bigger fool, the fool or the fool who follows it?
Miami Heat Fans: Despite having a super-team, Heat fans can not be bothered to attend games.
The Barefoot Bandit: What a turd.
Mel Gibson: 'nuf said.
Paul Krugman: This douche advocates massive government spending to stimulate the economy. In 5,000 years of human history, this has NEVER worked to create sustained growth. All it does is deplete treasuries, increase taxes, and create a very angry citizenry. He knows that.
and the winner: LeBron James
Friday, November 26, 2010
Top 10 Tampa Bay Rays Moments
Rays first game (March 31, 1998): Tampa Bay lost its first game 11-6 to Detroit. They won the following day 11-8 for the first victory in franchise history.
Wade Boggs gets 3000 (August 7, 1999): Wade Boggs was a singles hitter. Ironically, his 3000th career hit was a home run. He is the only member of the 3000 hit club to do this.
Fred McGriff hits 400 (June 2, 2000): Fred McGriff became the fifth player in history to hit 400 homers without having a 40-homer season. He hit #400 against the Mets.
Lou Pinella’s first game (March 31, 2003): Carl Crawford hit a 3-run walk-off to beat the Red Sox in Lou’s first game as Devil Rays’ manager.
Rays: 7 Twins: 2 (September 20, 2008): Rays win the AL East and clinch their first playoff birth.
Evan Longoria hits 2 HR in Game 1 ALDS (October 2, 2008): Rays win their first playoff game.
Rays: 6 White Sox: 2 (Game 4 ALDS October 6, 2008): Rays win their first playoff series.
Rays: 3 Red Sox: 1: (Game 7 ALCS October 19, 2008): Rays win their first pennant.
Rays: 4 Phillies: 2 (Game 2 World Series October 23, 2008): Rays first their first World Series Game.
Matt Garza no-hitter (July 26, 2010): Matt Garza no-hit the Tigers 5-0 for the franchise’s first no-hitter. He allowed only a second inning walk to Brennan Boesch and faced the minimum.
Wade Boggs gets 3000 (August 7, 1999): Wade Boggs was a singles hitter. Ironically, his 3000th career hit was a home run. He is the only member of the 3000 hit club to do this.
Fred McGriff hits 400 (June 2, 2000): Fred McGriff became the fifth player in history to hit 400 homers without having a 40-homer season. He hit #400 against the Mets.
Lou Pinella’s first game (March 31, 2003): Carl Crawford hit a 3-run walk-off to beat the Red Sox in Lou’s first game as Devil Rays’ manager.
Rays: 7 Twins: 2 (September 20, 2008): Rays win the AL East and clinch their first playoff birth.
Evan Longoria hits 2 HR in Game 1 ALDS (October 2, 2008): Rays win their first playoff game.
Rays: 6 White Sox: 2 (Game 4 ALDS October 6, 2008): Rays win their first playoff series.
Rays: 3 Red Sox: 1: (Game 7 ALCS October 19, 2008): Rays win their first pennant.
Rays: 4 Phillies: 2 (Game 2 World Series October 23, 2008): Rays first their first World Series Game.
Matt Garza no-hitter (July 26, 2010): Matt Garza no-hit the Tigers 5-0 for the franchise’s first no-hitter. He allowed only a second inning walk to Brennan Boesch and faced the minimum.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Top 10 Toronto Blue Jays Moments
Blue Jays: 9 White Sox: 5 (April 7, 1977): Toronto wins its first game…in the snow.
Blue Jays: 5 Yankees: 1 (October 5, 1985): Jays win their first AL East Title and make their first postseason appearance. They blew a 3-1 lead in the ALCS losing to the Royals in 7.
George Bell hits 3 homeruns on opening day (April 4, 1988): Bell hit three homers off Bret Saberhagen in a 5-3 Jays victory. Jimmy Key went 6 innings for the win.
Dave Stieb pitches consecutive one hitters (1988): Dave Stieb was one of the best pitchers of his era. In 1988, he lost no-hitters with 2-outs in the 9th on consecutive starts. In 1989, he had a perfect game broken up in the same fashion.
Dave Stieb no-hits Cleveland (September 2, 1990): Finally! Dave Stieb throws a no-hitter after three near misses blanking the Indians 3-0. With a little luck, he could have had four no-hitters in three seasons.
Roberto Alomar’s homerun off Dennis Eckersley (ALCS Game 4 October 11, 1992): The A’s built a 6-1 lead on Toronto in Game 4 of the 1992 ALCS. The Jays led the best-of-seven series 2-1 going into the game. The Jays cut the lead to 6-4 going into the 9th. With Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley looking to close the game, Roberto Alomar slammed a two-run homer to tie the game. Toronto won in extra innings to take a 3-1 series. The Jays series victory ended the run for that version of the Athletics.
Dave Winfield’s double (Game 6 World Series October 24, 1992): The Jays won their first World Series in six games over the Atlanta Braves. In the 11th inning, Dave Winfield hit a two-run two-out double scoring two. The Braves scored one in the bottom half of the inning, but Toronto held on for the win.
Joe Carter (Game 6 World Series October 23, 1993): The Blue Jays win their second World Series on Joe Carter’s three run walk-off homerun.
Roger Clemens fans 18 (August 25, 1998): Clemens proved he was not washed up. He whiffed 18 Royals and allowed only 3 hits in the shutout.
Carlos Delgado hits 4 home runs (September 25, 2003): The Blue Jays needed each one of Carlos Delgado’s home runs. They beat the Devil Rays 10-8.
Blue Jays: 5 Yankees: 1 (October 5, 1985): Jays win their first AL East Title and make their first postseason appearance. They blew a 3-1 lead in the ALCS losing to the Royals in 7.
George Bell hits 3 homeruns on opening day (April 4, 1988): Bell hit three homers off Bret Saberhagen in a 5-3 Jays victory. Jimmy Key went 6 innings for the win.
Dave Stieb pitches consecutive one hitters (1988): Dave Stieb was one of the best pitchers of his era. In 1988, he lost no-hitters with 2-outs in the 9th on consecutive starts. In 1989, he had a perfect game broken up in the same fashion.
Dave Stieb no-hits Cleveland (September 2, 1990): Finally! Dave Stieb throws a no-hitter after three near misses blanking the Indians 3-0. With a little luck, he could have had four no-hitters in three seasons.
Roberto Alomar’s homerun off Dennis Eckersley (ALCS Game 4 October 11, 1992): The A’s built a 6-1 lead on Toronto in Game 4 of the 1992 ALCS. The Jays led the best-of-seven series 2-1 going into the game. The Jays cut the lead to 6-4 going into the 9th. With Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley looking to close the game, Roberto Alomar slammed a two-run homer to tie the game. Toronto won in extra innings to take a 3-1 series. The Jays series victory ended the run for that version of the Athletics.
Dave Winfield’s double (Game 6 World Series October 24, 1992): The Jays won their first World Series in six games over the Atlanta Braves. In the 11th inning, Dave Winfield hit a two-run two-out double scoring two. The Braves scored one in the bottom half of the inning, but Toronto held on for the win.
Joe Carter (Game 6 World Series October 23, 1993): The Blue Jays win their second World Series on Joe Carter’s three run walk-off homerun.
Roger Clemens fans 18 (August 25, 1998): Clemens proved he was not washed up. He whiffed 18 Royals and allowed only 3 hits in the shutout.
Carlos Delgado hits 4 home runs (September 25, 2003): The Blue Jays needed each one of Carlos Delgado’s home runs. They beat the Devil Rays 10-8.
Monday, November 22, 2010
History Shorts: Cyrus the Great forms Persian Empire (559 B.C.)
Cyrus the Great formed the Persian Empire which encompassed Southwest Asia, Central Asia, and parts of Europe. His empire stretched from the Mediterranean to the Indus. As one of the history's greatest empires, the Persians dominated the region until conquered by Alexander. Cyrus the Great was well known for his decision making skills and respect for other cultures.
On Cyrus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TD76nIqfsE
Unfortunately, this is how western culture views the Persians:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrRJ_ZaSm0Q
On Cyrus:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_TD76nIqfsE
Unfortunately, this is how western culture views the Persians:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrRJ_ZaSm0Q
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Top 10 Star Trek Episodes
1. The City on the Edge of Forever (1967): Dr. McCoy accidentally injects himself with cordrazine which resulted in a temporary psychosis. He discovers the “Guardian on the Edge of Forever” and teleports to 1930 Chicago. McCoy inadvertently changes the past allowing Hitler to win World War II and eliminating the future. Kirk is forced to make an agonizing decision to save the future. The episode won a Hugo Award and is one of the greatest television episodes in history.
2. Balance of Terror (1966): The Romulans return after a century. They unveil a cloaking device and launch surprise attacks on Federation outposts. Based on Run Silent, Run Deep, the episode deals with submarine warfare and the pressures of command.
3. Amok Time (1967): Spock undergoes the Pon farr, or Vulcan mating drive. Like Earth’s salmon, he must return to his home to spawn or die. His betrothed betrays him and forces him to fight Kirk for her hand. In a blood fever, Spock begs T’Pau to intervene. She doesn’t, but McCoy does.
4. Space Seed (1967): The episode deals with the dangers of eugenics and genetic engineering. A genetically enhanced tyrant returns after three centuries in suspended animation and threatens the universe. Khan’s superior breeding resulted in superior ambition. Kirk stops him, but Khan returns 15 years later to exact revenge.
5. Journey To Babel (1967): The Enterprise transports diplomats, including Spock’s father, to a peace conference. Spock takes command after Kirk is ambushed by an Orion agent. Unfortunately, his father needs an operation to save his life and only Spock can supply the blood. Spock must choose between his duty and his father.
6. Arena (1967): The Gorn destroy the Federation outpost on Cestus III. Kirk is determined to punish them to preempt a war. An extremely advanced civilization intervenes and forces Kirk to fight the Gorn captain. At the end, Kirk defeats his opponent and then displays “the advanced trait of mercy.”
7. Errand of Mercy (1967): The Federation and Klingon Empire squabble over a seemingly backward world on the Klingon border. The two sides almost come to blows when the Organians stop the fighting. The episode was a commentary on the Cold War with the Federation representing the United States and the Klingon Empire as the Soviets.
8. Where No Man Has Gone Before (1966): Technically, this was Star Trek’s second pilot. The first pilot was too “cerebral,” but NBC green lighted a second. This episode introduced most of the regulars and established Kirk as an action hero in contrast to the more cerebral and tortured Captain Pike.
9. The Cage (1965): “The Cage” was a great episode, but NBC thought it was too highbrow. They also balked at a female first officer and a character resembling Satan. The lead, Captain Pike, was a tortured soul. He felt the burden of command and was burning out. His encounter with the Talosians seemingly energized him as he got to experience other potential lives through the auspices of their telepathy.
10. The Galileo Seven (1967): Spock gets his first command as the Galileo shuttlecraft crashes on a desolate planet inhabited by giants. Several crew members die while Scotty desperately makes repairs. Lieutenant Boma berates Spock’s command decisions and even makes racist remarks. Eventually, Scotty fixes the engines and the ship launches. After achieving orbit, Spock abandons the logic which helped kill his shipmates and makes an irrational decision which saves the survivors.
2. Balance of Terror (1966): The Romulans return after a century. They unveil a cloaking device and launch surprise attacks on Federation outposts. Based on Run Silent, Run Deep, the episode deals with submarine warfare and the pressures of command.
3. Amok Time (1967): Spock undergoes the Pon farr, or Vulcan mating drive. Like Earth’s salmon, he must return to his home to spawn or die. His betrothed betrays him and forces him to fight Kirk for her hand. In a blood fever, Spock begs T’Pau to intervene. She doesn’t, but McCoy does.
4. Space Seed (1967): The episode deals with the dangers of eugenics and genetic engineering. A genetically enhanced tyrant returns after three centuries in suspended animation and threatens the universe. Khan’s superior breeding resulted in superior ambition. Kirk stops him, but Khan returns 15 years later to exact revenge.
5. Journey To Babel (1967): The Enterprise transports diplomats, including Spock’s father, to a peace conference. Spock takes command after Kirk is ambushed by an Orion agent. Unfortunately, his father needs an operation to save his life and only Spock can supply the blood. Spock must choose between his duty and his father.
6. Arena (1967): The Gorn destroy the Federation outpost on Cestus III. Kirk is determined to punish them to preempt a war. An extremely advanced civilization intervenes and forces Kirk to fight the Gorn captain. At the end, Kirk defeats his opponent and then displays “the advanced trait of mercy.”
7. Errand of Mercy (1967): The Federation and Klingon Empire squabble over a seemingly backward world on the Klingon border. The two sides almost come to blows when the Organians stop the fighting. The episode was a commentary on the Cold War with the Federation representing the United States and the Klingon Empire as the Soviets.
8. Where No Man Has Gone Before (1966): Technically, this was Star Trek’s second pilot. The first pilot was too “cerebral,” but NBC green lighted a second. This episode introduced most of the regulars and established Kirk as an action hero in contrast to the more cerebral and tortured Captain Pike.
9. The Cage (1965): “The Cage” was a great episode, but NBC thought it was too highbrow. They also balked at a female first officer and a character resembling Satan. The lead, Captain Pike, was a tortured soul. He felt the burden of command and was burning out. His encounter with the Talosians seemingly energized him as he got to experience other potential lives through the auspices of their telepathy.
10. The Galileo Seven (1967): Spock gets his first command as the Galileo shuttlecraft crashes on a desolate planet inhabited by giants. Several crew members die while Scotty desperately makes repairs. Lieutenant Boma berates Spock’s command decisions and even makes racist remarks. Eventually, Scotty fixes the engines and the ship launches. After achieving orbit, Spock abandons the logic which helped kill his shipmates and makes an irrational decision which saves the survivors.
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
History Shorts: Confucius (551 B.C.-479 B.C.)
Confucius was an ancient Chinese philosopher and political thinker. He emphasized personal and governmental morality and the correct nature of social and familial relationships and justice. Confucian thinking eventually transformed into a movement and surpassed Legalism and Taoism for prominence in Han China. Confucius remains influential to this day and is one of the world's great philosophical traditions.
A clip on Confucius:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR6Xdy8MHKg
An example of Confucius in pop culture (from Charlie Chan):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qExKnbsWQro
A clip on Confucius:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bR6Xdy8MHKg
An example of Confucius in pop culture (from Charlie Chan):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qExKnbsWQro
Sunday, November 14, 2010
History Shorts: Solon and Athenian Reform (594 B.C.)
Solon was a reformer in Ancient Athens. He laid the groundwork for Democracy while reforming the city states' economic, political, and legal systems. Solon made the law fairer and punishments less extreme. After Solon, people did not have to worry about the death penalty for minor offenses.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQUYwDi08v4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQUYwDi08v4
Friday, November 12, 2010
History Shorts: The Sea Peoples and the Borg (1200-1150 B.C.)
Bronze Age civilizations collapsed one after another beginning around 1200 B.C. The Mycenaeans, Hittites, Syrians, Canaanites, and others fell swiftly before an unstoppable invasion force. They are known today as the Sea Peoples because they invaded by sea. This force seems to have been multiethnic and apparently incorporated conquered people into its military. The Sea People confederation defeated wealthier militaries with sheer numbers and adaptable tactics. They even conquered mighty chariot armies by killing or maiming the horses and swarming the charioteers. The Sea Peoples were finally defeated on the water by the Egyptians. Egypt learned from the misfortune of others and decided to confront the invaders at sea as opposed to on land. After their defeat, much of the world entered into a dark age. This allowed new peoples to populate the old settlements and create new civilizations.
The closest thing to the Sea Peoples in pop culture appear in Star Trek. The Borg were also an unstoppable invasion force which assimilated conquered peoples into their "collective."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHdp3idfpFI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbEi1isW3kQ&feature=related
The closest thing to the Sea Peoples in pop culture appear in Star Trek. The Borg were also an unstoppable invasion force which assimilated conquered peoples into their "collective."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dHdp3idfpFI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pbEi1isW3kQ&feature=related
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Top 10 Moments in White Sox History
White Sox: 8 Cubs: 6 (Game 6 1906 World Series): The hitless wonders upset a 116 win Cubs team to win their first World Series. Going into the series, few gave the White Sox a chance.
White Sox: 4 Giants: 2 (Game 6 1917 World Series): The White Sox won their second championship by defeating the Giants in 6 games. Two years later, they threw the World Series launching a curse that took Ozzie Guillen and 88 years to break.
White Sox win first pennant since 1919 (1959): Led by Hall of Famers Al Lopez, Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, and Early Winn, the Sox broke their 40 year pennant drought and went to the World Series. Following the pennant clincher, Chicago sounded their air raid sirens causing a minor panic as some worried about a Russian nuclear attack. The Sox lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fisk returns to Boston (April 10, 1981): In his return to Fenway after leaving as a free agent, Carlton Fisk homers in a 5-3 White Sox victory.
White Sox: 7 Brewers: 6 (May 8-9, 1984): The White Sox and Brewers played 25 innings. Harold Baines ended the 25 inning fiasco with a home run. Tom Seaver won the game in relief, started the next game, and won two games in one day.
Frank Thomas becomes All Time White Sox Home Run leader (September 15, 1996): Frank Thomas hits 3 HR off the Red Sox to become White Sox All-Time HR leader. The White Sox won the game 6-1.
AJ runs to first (2005 ALCS Game 2): In a 1-1 ninth inning tie, Angels catcher Josh Paul failed to tag A.J. Pierzynski after a strikeout. He rolled the ball to the mound and A.J. ran to first. The Angels messed up and the inning continued. Chicago won a few pitches later on a Joe Crede hit.
Geoff Blum’s home run (2005 World Series Game 3): With the Sox leading 2-0 on the series, Geoff Blum hit a 14th inning home run to give the Sox a 6-5 lead. They’d score another to lead 7-5. Mark Buehrle entered the game and earned a save giving the Sox a 3-0 series lead on Houston.
White Sox: 1 Astros: 0 (Game 4 2005 World Series): The White Sox win first series since 1917 with a 1-0 victory in Game 4. Jermaine Dye drove in the only run with an 8th inning single.
Mark Buehrle is perfect (July 23, 2009): Mark Buehrle threw MLB’s 17th perfect game and beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0. The perfecto was saved by an amazing catch by DeWayne Wise in centerfield.
White Sox: 4 Giants: 2 (Game 6 1917 World Series): The White Sox won their second championship by defeating the Giants in 6 games. Two years later, they threw the World Series launching a curse that took Ozzie Guillen and 88 years to break.
White Sox win first pennant since 1919 (1959): Led by Hall of Famers Al Lopez, Luis Aparicio, Nellie Fox, and Early Winn, the Sox broke their 40 year pennant drought and went to the World Series. Following the pennant clincher, Chicago sounded their air raid sirens causing a minor panic as some worried about a Russian nuclear attack. The Sox lost the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Fisk returns to Boston (April 10, 1981): In his return to Fenway after leaving as a free agent, Carlton Fisk homers in a 5-3 White Sox victory.
White Sox: 7 Brewers: 6 (May 8-9, 1984): The White Sox and Brewers played 25 innings. Harold Baines ended the 25 inning fiasco with a home run. Tom Seaver won the game in relief, started the next game, and won two games in one day.
Frank Thomas becomes All Time White Sox Home Run leader (September 15, 1996): Frank Thomas hits 3 HR off the Red Sox to become White Sox All-Time HR leader. The White Sox won the game 6-1.
AJ runs to first (2005 ALCS Game 2): In a 1-1 ninth inning tie, Angels catcher Josh Paul failed to tag A.J. Pierzynski after a strikeout. He rolled the ball to the mound and A.J. ran to first. The Angels messed up and the inning continued. Chicago won a few pitches later on a Joe Crede hit.
Geoff Blum’s home run (2005 World Series Game 3): With the Sox leading 2-0 on the series, Geoff Blum hit a 14th inning home run to give the Sox a 6-5 lead. They’d score another to lead 7-5. Mark Buehrle entered the game and earned a save giving the Sox a 3-0 series lead on Houston.
White Sox: 1 Astros: 0 (Game 4 2005 World Series): The White Sox win first series since 1917 with a 1-0 victory in Game 4. Jermaine Dye drove in the only run with an 8th inning single.
Mark Buehrle is perfect (July 23, 2009): Mark Buehrle threw MLB’s 17th perfect game and beat the Tampa Bay Rays 5-0. The perfecto was saved by an amazing catch by DeWayne Wise in centerfield.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
The Draconian Code (621 B.C.)
Draco changed the Athenian legal code in 621 B.C. Prior to Draco, Athenians were governed by an oral law code and blood feuds. Draco's code nullified oral law making it less arbitrary, impossible to misrepresent, closed to interpretation, and open to all. It also ended the blood feud. The Draconian Code is known today for its harshness and liberal use of the death penalty.
An example of what might have occured in Athens before Draco:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of-57Ivfwz8
And after...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TbQEFcZyjA
An example of what might have occured in Athens before Draco:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=of-57Ivfwz8
And after...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5TbQEFcZyjA
Sunday, November 7, 2010
History Shorts: The First Olympics (776 B.C.)
The first Olympic games occurred in Ancient Greece in 776 B.C. The origins of the games are shrouded in mystery. The Greeks used the games as a tribute to the gods and they later became a political tool for the competing city states. Athletes from various city states competed in various competitions as they do today. The original games lasted until 393 A.D. when the Roman Emperor Theodosius ended the games in an attempt to stamp out non-Christian religions.
This clip is from Chariots of Fire (1981) and is synonymous with the modern Olympic Games. The theme song became a major hit that same year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-7Vu7cqB20
This clip is from Chariots of Fire (1981) and is synonymous with the modern Olympic Games. The theme song became a major hit that same year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-7Vu7cqB20
Friday, November 5, 2010
Top 10 Moments in Cleveland Indians History
Bill Wambsganss’ unassisted triple play (1920 World Series Game 5): There have been 15 unassisted triple plays in big league history. The second one occurred in the World Series. The game also featured the first World Series grand slam. Cleveland won 8-1.
Cleveland: 3 Brooklyn: 0 (Game 7 1920 World Series): Stan Coveleski won his third game of the series propelling the Tribe to their first World Championship. Cleveland outscored the Dodgers 21-8 in the best-of-nine series.
Bob Feller strikesout 18 Tigers (October 2, 1938): Roger Clemens once struck out 20 Tigers. The 1996 Tigers were terrible. On the other hand, Bob Feller struck out 18 Tigers during their glory years. The Tigers fielded a team that included Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg. Detroit won the game 4-1, but no one remembers! The 18 strikeouts was a major league record at the time.
Bob Feller’s opening day no-hitter (April 16, 1940): In 1940, Bob Feller tossed the only opening day in MLB history. Feller walked 5 and struck out 8 while beating the White Sox 1-0.
Indians: 4 Braves: 3 (1948 World Series Game 6): The Tribe wins its second and latest world title in the first politically incorrect World Series. Hall of Famer Joe Gordon homered in the victory.
Frank Robinson becomes baseball’s first black manager (1975): Baseball desegregated in 1947. Nearly thirty years later, Frank Robinson became the first African American field manager. In his first game, the Tribe beat the Yankees behind player-manager Robinson’s home run.
Len Barker’s perfect game (May 15, 1981): The eighties were a wasteland for Indians baseball. Len Barker provided Cleveland’s greatest moment of the decade when he beat Toronto 3-0. It is one of twenty perfect games in baseball history.
Cleveland: 5 Boston: 4 (1995 ALDS Game 1): In the bottom of the 13th, Tony Pena’s home run lifted Cleveland to victory. The game featured five homers and 14 pitchers. The Cleveland victory stretched Boston’s postseason losing streak to 11 games.
Indians win first Pennant since 1954 (1995 ALCS Game 6): Dennis Martinez beat Randy Johnson 4-0. Cleveland led 1-0 after 7. The Tribe scored three in the 8th to blow the game open. Carlos Baerga homered to cap the scoring.
Tony Fernandez pennant winning home run (Game 6 ALCS-11th inning): Cleveland beat Baltimore 1-0 in 11 innings to win their second pennant in three years. The Fernandez home run was Cleveland’s third hit or the game. The Indians went on to lose their second World Series.
Cleveland: 3 Brooklyn: 0 (Game 7 1920 World Series): Stan Coveleski won his third game of the series propelling the Tribe to their first World Championship. Cleveland outscored the Dodgers 21-8 in the best-of-nine series.
Bob Feller strikesout 18 Tigers (October 2, 1938): Roger Clemens once struck out 20 Tigers. The 1996 Tigers were terrible. On the other hand, Bob Feller struck out 18 Tigers during their glory years. The Tigers fielded a team that included Hall of Famer Hank Greenberg. Detroit won the game 4-1, but no one remembers! The 18 strikeouts was a major league record at the time.
Bob Feller’s opening day no-hitter (April 16, 1940): In 1940, Bob Feller tossed the only opening day in MLB history. Feller walked 5 and struck out 8 while beating the White Sox 1-0.
Indians: 4 Braves: 3 (1948 World Series Game 6): The Tribe wins its second and latest world title in the first politically incorrect World Series. Hall of Famer Joe Gordon homered in the victory.
Frank Robinson becomes baseball’s first black manager (1975): Baseball desegregated in 1947. Nearly thirty years later, Frank Robinson became the first African American field manager. In his first game, the Tribe beat the Yankees behind player-manager Robinson’s home run.
Len Barker’s perfect game (May 15, 1981): The eighties were a wasteland for Indians baseball. Len Barker provided Cleveland’s greatest moment of the decade when he beat Toronto 3-0. It is one of twenty perfect games in baseball history.
Cleveland: 5 Boston: 4 (1995 ALDS Game 1): In the bottom of the 13th, Tony Pena’s home run lifted Cleveland to victory. The game featured five homers and 14 pitchers. The Cleveland victory stretched Boston’s postseason losing streak to 11 games.
Indians win first Pennant since 1954 (1995 ALCS Game 6): Dennis Martinez beat Randy Johnson 4-0. Cleveland led 1-0 after 7. The Tribe scored three in the 8th to blow the game open. Carlos Baerga homered to cap the scoring.
Tony Fernandez pennant winning home run (Game 6 ALCS-11th inning): Cleveland beat Baltimore 1-0 in 11 innings to win their second pennant in three years. The Fernandez home run was Cleveland’s third hit or the game. The Indians went on to lose their second World Series.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
History Shorts: The Rise of Greek City States (800 B.C.)
The Trojan War ended around 1200 B.C. A century later, Mycenaean civilization collapsed. No one knows exactly why the collapse occurred. Many believe another population swooped in and displaced the older Greeks. Following the collapse, Greece entered into a 400 year dark age. The Greek Dark Ages ended when independent city states began to form. Around this time, Homer wrote the Iliad about the Trojan War.
Here is a sample of Ancient Greek music to represent the return of light to Greece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDfwUQXBilE
Here is a sample of Ancient Greek music to represent the return of light to Greece:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDfwUQXBilE
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
History Shorts: The Trojan War (1200 B.C.)
Around 1200 B.C., a group of Greeks attacked Troy in modern Turkey. The Trojan War is now a legendary conflict. In reality, it was probably a glorified pirate raid. In the end, the Greeks plundered and torched Troy and the Trojan War passed into legend. Oral historians and story tellers kept the legend alive until Homer wrote it down in The Iliad around 800 B.C.
Hollywood tried to merge history with Homer in 2004's Troy. Here is the fight between Hector and Achilles as portrayed in Troy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf4IoxEUmHM
Hollywood tried to merge history with Homer in 2004's Troy. Here is the fight between Hector and Achilles as portrayed in Troy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hf4IoxEUmHM
Monday, November 1, 2010
Quotes of the Month- October 2010
President Obama got it from all sides this last month as Democrats run from his record and Republicans push for a restoration.
Quote of the Month: “The rent is too damn high.”
-Jimmy McMillan
And the rest…in no particular order
“They gathered the last 10,000 Obama supporters for a last hurrah!”
-Ann Coulter on the 10-2 march
“He uses these idiot boards to read speeches on television.”
-Walter Mondale on Barack Obama
“Wonder if Matt Millen thinks the 1-8-7 in Detroit 1-8-7 stands for the area code. Oh, wait, it was his winning percentage as team president.”
-Pat Caputo
“Mr. Obama, our imam-child, they have already taken their trillion dollar ball home, and they’re sitting on it, you jackass.”
-Rush Limbaugh
“Ted Kennedy. Robert Byrd.”
-Harry Reid when asked who the greatest living American was (both men are dead)
“Even the truth doesn't restrain him when it comes to assaulting his enemies list.”
-Karl Rove
With the exception of core Obama Administration loyalists, most politically engaged elites have reached the same conclusions: the White House is in over its head, isolated, insular, arrogant and clueless about how to get along with or persuade members of Congress, the media, the business community or working-class voters. This view is held by Fox News pundits, executives and anchors at the major old-media outlets, reporters who cover the White House, Democratic and Republican congressional leaders and governors, many Democratic business people and lawyers who raised big money for Obama in 2008, and even some members of the Administration just beyond the inner circle.
-Mark Halperin Time Magazine
“He has now expanded his listening to include Lil Wayne, that tattooed gargoyle now serving time for drug and gun possession at Rikers Island.”
-Stanley Crouch on Obama's musical tastes
“It should be easy to market the Virgin Galactic commercial space flight. It's the name of the company AND the target audience.”
-Dennis Miller
“Because Muslims killed us on 9/11."
-Bill O’Reilly on why the Ground Zero Mosque is inappropriate
“Dems really have their finger on the pulse of America. If there's one thing people worry about ALL THE TIME, it's the Chamber of Commerce.”
-Caleb Howe
“Man up Harry Reid”
-Sharon Angle
"I don't want to see my old friend Lucifer just yet."
-Keith Richards
"Look, Bill, I'm not a bigot. You know the kind of books I've written about the civil rights movement in this country. But when I get on the plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous."
-Juan Williams
“These are naive idiots who’ve come out of academia and have never done anything real in their lives, and they are actually in power,” he said. “These are the people we never let in the room when we had serious business to do. Now they’re running the country.”
-Democrat and former Carter staffer Pat Caddell on the Obama Administration
"He can take his endorsement and really shove it."
-RI Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Frank Caprio regarding an Obama Endorsement
Quote of the Month: “The rent is too damn high.”
-Jimmy McMillan
And the rest…in no particular order
“They gathered the last 10,000 Obama supporters for a last hurrah!”
-Ann Coulter on the 10-2 march
“He uses these idiot boards to read speeches on television.”
-Walter Mondale on Barack Obama
“Wonder if Matt Millen thinks the 1-8-7 in Detroit 1-8-7 stands for the area code. Oh, wait, it was his winning percentage as team president.”
-Pat Caputo
“Mr. Obama, our imam-child, they have already taken their trillion dollar ball home, and they’re sitting on it, you jackass.”
-Rush Limbaugh
“Ted Kennedy. Robert Byrd.”
-Harry Reid when asked who the greatest living American was (both men are dead)
“Even the truth doesn't restrain him when it comes to assaulting his enemies list.”
-Karl Rove
With the exception of core Obama Administration loyalists, most politically engaged elites have reached the same conclusions: the White House is in over its head, isolated, insular, arrogant and clueless about how to get along with or persuade members of Congress, the media, the business community or working-class voters. This view is held by Fox News pundits, executives and anchors at the major old-media outlets, reporters who cover the White House, Democratic and Republican congressional leaders and governors, many Democratic business people and lawyers who raised big money for Obama in 2008, and even some members of the Administration just beyond the inner circle.
-Mark Halperin Time Magazine
“He has now expanded his listening to include Lil Wayne, that tattooed gargoyle now serving time for drug and gun possession at Rikers Island.”
-Stanley Crouch on Obama's musical tastes
“It should be easy to market the Virgin Galactic commercial space flight. It's the name of the company AND the target audience.”
-Dennis Miller
“Because Muslims killed us on 9/11."
-Bill O’Reilly on why the Ground Zero Mosque is inappropriate
“Dems really have their finger on the pulse of America. If there's one thing people worry about ALL THE TIME, it's the Chamber of Commerce.”
-Caleb Howe
“Man up Harry Reid”
-Sharon Angle
"I don't want to see my old friend Lucifer just yet."
-Keith Richards
"Look, Bill, I'm not a bigot. You know the kind of books I've written about the civil rights movement in this country. But when I get on the plane, I got to tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they are identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried. I get nervous."
-Juan Williams
“These are naive idiots who’ve come out of academia and have never done anything real in their lives, and they are actually in power,” he said. “These are the people we never let in the room when we had serious business to do. Now they’re running the country.”
-Democrat and former Carter staffer Pat Caddell on the Obama Administration
"He can take his endorsement and really shove it."
-RI Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Frank Caprio regarding an Obama Endorsement
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