Weekend cases:
Appy: Went home as outpatient (kid).
Appy: Stayed 3 days for no apparent reason.
Appy: Perfed, stayed three days (good reason).
Appy: Went home as outpatient (kid).
SBO (laparoscopic release!): Really sick and old, renal failure, doing well now but not home for a few more days probably.
The doozy was a late presentation of a perforated colon with massive feculent peritonitis and sepsis. Pre-op was in septic shock, in renal, respiratory, circulatory and liver failure: Did a Hartmann's after fluid rescuscitation. Did poorly as expected and died 48 hours later. Never cleared a significant lactic acidosis despite a full court press.
The moral: Treat infections in the abdomen early and you do much, much better. We still suck at treating full blown sepsis.
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Sunday, July 20, 2008
The Weekend
Crazy stressful Friday turned into a very nice weekend.
Miraculously (I am being literal here), Heather and I were able to get child care for all day 8am-9pm so we could get down to the Arizona Families for Home Education yearly conference in Phoenix. We had all but abandoned being able to go as every thing was falling through, so we just prayed about it and left it in God's hands and he provided (not angels, but they might as well have been).
Took off at 8am and really had a pleasant time. So nice just to sit in the car and talk with just the wife and no one else around. The conference was inspiring as always. Nice to be around thousands of folks who are all as committed (or more) to parenting well as we like to think we are. A family of four kids is small for this group of folks. We were very encouraged in lots of ways and refreshed by the speakers, and from hearing from folks who have been in the trenches of parenting and come out successfully on the other side. Got lots of books/curricula/supplies at the curriculum fair as well.
We both were blessed by this message from Dennis Rainey that we downloaded and listened to via Ipod on the way down. It addresses the blessing of children in marriage. This is a topic that is relatively taboo in the protestant church. It is by far the best handling of the topic that I have seen.
Here is a little taste:
I was very challenged by that because many times I can buy into the world's view and think of all the ways a bunch of kids can limit me rather than seeing them for what they really are: blessings. Perspective matters on so many things in life. Complain or be thankful. A matter of perspective. That is not to say that this large family thing is easy. It is not. But it is worth it. It matters. It is a good thing, and every "sacrifice" is really nothing in the eternal perspective. I fear we evangelicals have bought in to the world's "burden" viewpoint too much.
We feel very blessed to have the family we do, and feel strongly the weight of the responsibility we have before God to train these kids well, but also to enjoy them as the blessings they are.
The best part of the day by far was this:
Just me and da wife all day, no one else, learning, driving, eating, and talking together. A twelve hour retreat that was incredibly refreshing. We love the kids, but a break once in a while is essential to recharge and regroup.
Today, got up early to meet Dan. He wanted to go all the way up Spruce. I was nervous about it but game. Full rigid ride for Carbon fork evaluation today.
Red sky in the morning...
Started raining about 1/2 way up 305. This didn't bother me much, but did get under Dan's skin a bit (I found out later). Traction was outstanding (except roots and rocks). I managed to blow every difficult move in the second half of 305 either by spinning out on a root, or through fear of spinning out.
Went up Smith to the big Juniper and stopped which was fine by me. Descending Smith is a great fork tester and I was anxious to try it.
News Flash:
Carbon forks ride just like steel forks. They are just way lighter.
Seriously, I noticed next to no difference in the ride other than the lighter front end (a good thing). No diminishment in the trail chatter. No particular flex under braking. Nada. Tires and pressures are by far the most important variable on a rigid bike. I noticed possibly, slightly, better tracking under braking. In other words, less torsional twist when braking compared to the Zion steel fork. At least it looks cool.
There is little that can compare to the wonderful, precise feeling of traveling at high speed down smooth, curvy, narrow singletrack on a rigid bike, however.
Everything was dirty by the end, so I decided to wash bikes later in the afternoon.
I must say is does not suck to live here.
Finally congrats to the Ungers who just had number three: Nolan Morris. Quite a cute young man.
Miraculously (I am being literal here), Heather and I were able to get child care for all day 8am-9pm so we could get down to the Arizona Families for Home Education yearly conference in Phoenix. We had all but abandoned being able to go as every thing was falling through, so we just prayed about it and left it in God's hands and he provided (not angels, but they might as well have been).
Took off at 8am and really had a pleasant time. So nice just to sit in the car and talk with just the wife and no one else around. The conference was inspiring as always. Nice to be around thousands of folks who are all as committed (or more) to parenting well as we like to think we are. A family of four kids is small for this group of folks. We were very encouraged in lots of ways and refreshed by the speakers, and from hearing from folks who have been in the trenches of parenting and come out successfully on the other side. Got lots of books/curricula/supplies at the curriculum fair as well.
We both were blessed by this message from Dennis Rainey that we downloaded and listened to via Ipod on the way down. It addresses the blessing of children in marriage. This is a topic that is relatively taboo in the protestant church. It is by far the best handling of the topic that I have seen.
Here is a little taste:
"Children are our legacy. They save us from our selfishness, from our materialism. Children are the spiritual messengers that we send to future generations with the Gospel. Children should be viewed from God's perspective not from the world's perspective. The world views them as a burden. The Scripture speaks of them as being a blessing."
I was very challenged by that because many times I can buy into the world's view and think of all the ways a bunch of kids can limit me rather than seeing them for what they really are: blessings. Perspective matters on so many things in life. Complain or be thankful. A matter of perspective. That is not to say that this large family thing is easy. It is not. But it is worth it. It matters. It is a good thing, and every "sacrifice" is really nothing in the eternal perspective. I fear we evangelicals have bought in to the world's "burden" viewpoint too much.
We feel very blessed to have the family we do, and feel strongly the weight of the responsibility we have before God to train these kids well, but also to enjoy them as the blessings they are.
The best part of the day by far was this:
Just me and da wife all day, no one else, learning, driving, eating, and talking together. A twelve hour retreat that was incredibly refreshing. We love the kids, but a break once in a while is essential to recharge and regroup.
Today, got up early to meet Dan. He wanted to go all the way up Spruce. I was nervous about it but game. Full rigid ride for Carbon fork evaluation today.
Red sky in the morning...
Started raining about 1/2 way up 305. This didn't bother me much, but did get under Dan's skin a bit (I found out later). Traction was outstanding (except roots and rocks). I managed to blow every difficult move in the second half of 305 either by spinning out on a root, or through fear of spinning out.
Went up Smith to the big Juniper and stopped which was fine by me. Descending Smith is a great fork tester and I was anxious to try it.
News Flash:
Carbon forks ride just like steel forks. They are just way lighter.
Seriously, I noticed next to no difference in the ride other than the lighter front end (a good thing). No diminishment in the trail chatter. No particular flex under braking. Nada. Tires and pressures are by far the most important variable on a rigid bike. I noticed possibly, slightly, better tracking under braking. In other words, less torsional twist when braking compared to the Zion steel fork. At least it looks cool.
There is little that can compare to the wonderful, precise feeling of traveling at high speed down smooth, curvy, narrow singletrack on a rigid bike, however.
Everything was dirty by the end, so I decided to wash bikes later in the afternoon.
I must say is does not suck to live here.
Finally congrats to the Ungers who just had number three: Nolan Morris. Quite a cute young man.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wednesday's Commute
Just getting to some photos from the week tonight. I have been very busy which as some of my friends say is better than not being busy in this economy.
These are from the long ride back on the Peavine from 89a. Everything is green and lush.
There is a bit of bike worship in the photos. The Monkey is justifiable in this regard. I am extremely pleased with the bike overall. I rides just like the Cross Check except I can run any tire I want, and my foot does not overlap the fender.
This is the current set up and likely to remain for a while. Comfy and fast. It took me a while to decide on a bar/stem combo, but eventually ended up with these:
They came of Josh's set up (which came from Dan) and just seemed the right fit for the bike. The Carbon Maxm bars worked okay, and were about 1/3 as light, but, weight be damned, this is a Surly and carbon has no place on it (they are really heavy)! I also like the width. The sweep has not bothered me though I let it sweep down a bit.
I have the fleet pretty well sorted at this point. Hopefully no big changes although recently I have an urge to trade in the Comandante for a Ventana mountain Tandem. That would be a pretty big, expensive build, so I don't see it happening any time soon. The way I see it though, it's quality family time. The boy can ride his bike. Girl #1 on the tandem, Girl #2 on the trail a bike attached to the tandem! Would require a pretty open trail with a rig that long.
These are from the long ride back on the Peavine from 89a. Everything is green and lush.
There is a bit of bike worship in the photos. The Monkey is justifiable in this regard. I am extremely pleased with the bike overall. I rides just like the Cross Check except I can run any tire I want, and my foot does not overlap the fender.
This is the current set up and likely to remain for a while. Comfy and fast. It took me a while to decide on a bar/stem combo, but eventually ended up with these:
They came of Josh's set up (which came from Dan) and just seemed the right fit for the bike. The Carbon Maxm bars worked okay, and were about 1/3 as light, but, weight be damned, this is a Surly and carbon has no place on it (they are really heavy)! I also like the width. The sweep has not bothered me though I let it sweep down a bit.
I have the fleet pretty well sorted at this point. Hopefully no big changes although recently I have an urge to trade in the Comandante for a Ventana mountain Tandem. That would be a pretty big, expensive build, so I don't see it happening any time soon. The way I see it though, it's quality family time. The boy can ride his bike. Girl #1 on the tandem, Girl #2 on the trail a bike attached to the tandem! Would require a pretty open trail with a rig that long.
Violation!
After working 12 hours at the hospital, came back to find this stuck in my saddle.
I just about fell over laughing. I've been riding in for over two years and this is the first I've heard of it!
All because I parked like this
Instead of my usual this
I might get towed!
I'm sure Team Dicky could think of something witty, but I am not that bright.
In other news, had a stressful, long day today, and it was a great joy to try to blow a gasket time trialing all the way home. Bikes are great stress relief. I arrived home happy and sweaty (and sucking wind).
I just about fell over laughing. I've been riding in for over two years and this is the first I've heard of it!
All because I parked like this
Instead of my usual this
I might get towed!
I'm sure Team Dicky could think of something witty, but I am not that bright.
In other news, had a stressful, long day today, and it was a great joy to try to blow a gasket time trialing all the way home. Bikes are great stress relief. I arrived home happy and sweaty (and sucking wind).
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Bling
Couldn't resist at Super cheap Ebay prices.
Essentially identical to the White Bros Rock solid at 1/2 the price. I am beginning to think they are maybe stronger than many steel forks (Surly excepted.
Lost about a pound from the front end. Initial impressions are that it feels no different than the Zion, with slightly more fore-aft flex under braking. No trail time yet.
Sad thing is this bike still weighs in at about 25 lbs. I'm not a weight weenie, but how are folks getting them so light? (I see lots of SS bikes billed in the 19-22 lb range) The componentry is not exactly crap on this thing.
Essentially identical to the White Bros Rock solid at 1/2 the price. I am beginning to think they are maybe stronger than many steel forks (Surly excepted.
Lost about a pound from the front end. Initial impressions are that it feels no different than the Zion, with slightly more fore-aft flex under braking. No trail time yet.
Sad thing is this bike still weighs in at about 25 lbs. I'm not a weight weenie, but how are folks getting them so light? (I see lots of SS bikes billed in the 19-22 lb range) The componentry is not exactly crap on this thing.
Monday, July 14, 2008
Sunday's Ride
Another great, great ride with Dan.
Started at the bottom of Smith Ravine at 0500, and climbed up to the Spruce look out. Came within 100 feet of cleaning Smith (walking over downed trees excepted.) Again, cleared the hard stuff and screwed up on open trail.
Descended the 5 mile way down 307. Climbed back up the 3 mile way. The down Spruce road to Smith and down to the cars.
Dan had said to bring gears and suspension, and I brought plenty of both. The Box really paid off on the ride, both on the climbs, but especially on the descents. I came away from the ride again, totally impressed with this bikes abilities. I had been thinking it was too much bike for me. Not true. Just too much for the terrain I usually ride. It needs to be going fast over rough stuff to really come into its own. With Dan on a hardtail, we were almost evenly matched on the descents. He could leave me in the tighter corners, but if it opened up and was rough (think 307), I would pull ahead slightly. The Box was more confidence inspiring on 307 than the MM for sure.
Anyway, I am never selling this bike. Even if I ride it only occasionally.
The conditions were suberb. Super tacky soil, but very slippery roots/trees and rocks. Cool, but very humid. The forest looks like something out of the pacific northwest, not Arizona.
"Steaming" stump as the sun hit it and released the moisture.
We had lots of time to talk and laugh on the climbs trying to clean everything. Lots of fun on the descents. We(I) were so slow on the climb up Spruce a hiker almost caught us.
I would guess we climbed and descended 5-6000 feet in about 17 miles which puts this as one of the steeper rides in these parts. I felt great with my SS legs. Way better than I should have felt on a ride this strenuous.
At the end I felt like we had been riding for 2.5 hours and was shocked to realize it was actually 3:40. Time flies....
Started at the bottom of Smith Ravine at 0500, and climbed up to the Spruce look out. Came within 100 feet of cleaning Smith (walking over downed trees excepted.) Again, cleared the hard stuff and screwed up on open trail.
Descended the 5 mile way down 307. Climbed back up the 3 mile way. The down Spruce road to Smith and down to the cars.
Dan had said to bring gears and suspension, and I brought plenty of both. The Box really paid off on the ride, both on the climbs, but especially on the descents. I came away from the ride again, totally impressed with this bikes abilities. I had been thinking it was too much bike for me. Not true. Just too much for the terrain I usually ride. It needs to be going fast over rough stuff to really come into its own. With Dan on a hardtail, we were almost evenly matched on the descents. He could leave me in the tighter corners, but if it opened up and was rough (think 307), I would pull ahead slightly. The Box was more confidence inspiring on 307 than the MM for sure.
Anyway, I am never selling this bike. Even if I ride it only occasionally.
The conditions were suberb. Super tacky soil, but very slippery roots/trees and rocks. Cool, but very humid. The forest looks like something out of the pacific northwest, not Arizona.
"Steaming" stump as the sun hit it and released the moisture.
We had lots of time to talk and laugh on the climbs trying to clean everything. Lots of fun on the descents. We(I) were so slow on the climb up Spruce a hiker almost caught us.
I would guess we climbed and descended 5-6000 feet in about 17 miles which puts this as one of the steeper rides in these parts. I felt great with my SS legs. Way better than I should have felt on a ride this strenuous.
At the end I felt like we had been riding for 2.5 hours and was shocked to realize it was actually 3:40. Time flies....
23 This is what the LORD says:
"Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom
or the strong man boast of his strength
or the rich man boast of his riches,
24 but let him who boasts boast about this:
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness,
justice and righteousness on earth,
for in these I delight,"
declares the LORD.
Jeremiah 9
Obits
Good memories of Tony Snow in the Times.
Sorta reminds me of Josh.
Reminds me to be grateful, not complaining.
I leave you with one of Jeremiah's prayers from Jer 10:
Tony was one of the nicest guys you’d ever meet — kind, helpful and cheerful. But underlying these seemingly natural qualities was a kind of choice: the choice of gratitude. Tony thought we should be grateful for what life has given us, not bitter or anxious about what it hasn’t.
Sorta reminds me of Josh.
Reminds me to be grateful, not complaining.
I leave you with one of Jeremiah's prayers from Jer 10:
23 I know, O LORD, that a man's life is not his own;
it is not for man to direct his steps.24 Correct me, LORD, but only with justice—
not in your anger,
lest you reduce me to nothing.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Profit
Our little business has finally turned a profit.
I got a paycheck! (And then promptly handed nearly half of it off to our government)
This is a great milestone, and I am thankful to God in too many ways to count for the amazing provision we have had from all different sources in the six months we went without a paycheck.
I am thankful also for the provision of two great employees (great!) For wisdom in the tons of decisions I have had to make on the fly that turned out to be right. For a plentiful (overflowing) supply of patients, and for the great health to be able to to the job well.
The practice has most of the equipment it needs, has next year's malpractice saved in the bank, and is debt free from the loan required to start it up.
Thanks for the push to do this, Lord. You have never failed to guide me in the right direction when the time was right.
I got a paycheck! (And then promptly handed nearly half of it off to our government)
This is a great milestone, and I am thankful to God in too many ways to count for the amazing provision we have had from all different sources in the six months we went without a paycheck.
I am thankful also for the provision of two great employees (great!) For wisdom in the tons of decisions I have had to make on the fly that turned out to be right. For a plentiful (overflowing) supply of patients, and for the great health to be able to to the job well.
The practice has most of the equipment it needs, has next year's malpractice saved in the bank, and is debt free from the loan required to start it up.
Thanks for the push to do this, Lord. You have never failed to guide me in the right direction when the time was right.
Tuesday
Sort of a late ride report. Had an early day Tuesday and saddled up the Zion. Rode to the hospital. Did my cases. Left the hospital at noon.
Rode up iron springs turned left hear the racket club to the old nearly unused trail that climbs up to the thumb butte parking area. I could not clean this climb. I don't think I have ever done it on SS. Too steep and loose at the end.
Rode up White Rock and cleaned everything including the sandy gully at the top. I felt strong.
Turned around and dropped down 332 to the RR grade. Met this bull snake
Played with him until he went under a rock.
Finished 332 and then had a choice: up the road to 37, or straight across to the GB saddle. It was hot, and I have been going up 37 a lot lately. I also didn't think I had a prayer of riding it with the 33 x 21 gearing on the Zion, so across it was to the saddle.
Then around GB clockwise 349 to lake, refilled water, then down Mint wash. At this point I was starting to fatigue and was probably at least 2.5 hours into this thing. I really really wanted to clean this puppy:
The top is as high as you can see. 1 mile and 20 minutes of steepish climbing. Probably not at techy as 37, but very close. This late in the ride, I thought I had an even chance if only I could clear just past the first switchback. Rolled to the beginning and hit it. As I want up, I spun the rear on the loose stuff, stalled, track standed, and amazingly started again without dabbing three times. Once past it, I knew there were two more tough sections. They actually passed without drama, and soon I was whooping at the top for cleaning this thing with a "big" gear late in a ride on a hot day. I actually felt very good...at this point.
Climbed up to the saddle area, down to Katahn road and started the road home. This required several road climbs, and I noticed that my speed had slowed to a glacial pace. I had one more "secret" steep, 1/4 mile singletrack to get up the hill to the house. This ended up being a walker. I was done. I was lucky to get up the driveway at the end. The 3.5 hours in the heat of the day was 15 minutes too long. Got home and had two fistfulls of potato chips and a cup of ice cream...bliss.
It is such an odd feeling to be "done" in this way. Almost indescribable. For me, anyway, I don't really feel bad, I just can't move any more, at least with any power. I experienced the feeling most way back when I was training for a marathon. When I upped the mileage to the next goal, I would invariably crash out in the last mile or so and have to simply walk slow.
What is the cause? Hard to say. I was hydrated enough. But it was hot, hot. No leg armor, but with the full face and arms on I was cooking plenty. I ate no food? and maybe that contributed. I am of the calories on a ride are for wusses school though, so I categorically deny that had anything to do with it. I vote for heat and simple lack of conditioning as the cause. This was my third ride in the three hour range in 5 days, and rigid take its toll.
Equipment: Flow rims plus Rampages are the most brain dead simple tubeless combo I have ever tried. Dan's tubeless homebrew is brilliant (and cheap)
While I am in the mood. Let me ruminate on single speed and rigid SS riding. It is hard, it is fun. In my heart I am truly a SSer. Especially in the local terrain. It gives me a buzz, and challenges me in a way I simply can not get with gears. Rigid is nice (especially when riding alone) because I really don't feel the need to ring every bit of speed out of the bike downhill all the time. Beats me up to bad, so why not just slow down and poke along?
The cool thing is that I have three very different bikes, all with essentially nothing I would change about them (right (shrug)). The one with gears gets the least love, however.
Anyway, I had a good time if you couldn't tell.
Rode up iron springs turned left hear the racket club to the old nearly unused trail that climbs up to the thumb butte parking area. I could not clean this climb. I don't think I have ever done it on SS. Too steep and loose at the end.
Rode up White Rock and cleaned everything including the sandy gully at the top. I felt strong.
Turned around and dropped down 332 to the RR grade. Met this bull snake
Played with him until he went under a rock.
Finished 332 and then had a choice: up the road to 37, or straight across to the GB saddle. It was hot, and I have been going up 37 a lot lately. I also didn't think I had a prayer of riding it with the 33 x 21 gearing on the Zion, so across it was to the saddle.
Then around GB clockwise 349 to lake, refilled water, then down Mint wash. At this point I was starting to fatigue and was probably at least 2.5 hours into this thing. I really really wanted to clean this puppy:
The top is as high as you can see. 1 mile and 20 minutes of steepish climbing. Probably not at techy as 37, but very close. This late in the ride, I thought I had an even chance if only I could clear just past the first switchback. Rolled to the beginning and hit it. As I want up, I spun the rear on the loose stuff, stalled, track standed, and amazingly started again without dabbing three times. Once past it, I knew there were two more tough sections. They actually passed without drama, and soon I was whooping at the top for cleaning this thing with a "big" gear late in a ride on a hot day. I actually felt very good...at this point.
Climbed up to the saddle area, down to Katahn road and started the road home. This required several road climbs, and I noticed that my speed had slowed to a glacial pace. I had one more "secret" steep, 1/4 mile singletrack to get up the hill to the house. This ended up being a walker. I was done. I was lucky to get up the driveway at the end. The 3.5 hours in the heat of the day was 15 minutes too long. Got home and had two fistfulls of potato chips and a cup of ice cream...bliss.
It is such an odd feeling to be "done" in this way. Almost indescribable. For me, anyway, I don't really feel bad, I just can't move any more, at least with any power. I experienced the feeling most way back when I was training for a marathon. When I upped the mileage to the next goal, I would invariably crash out in the last mile or so and have to simply walk slow.
What is the cause? Hard to say. I was hydrated enough. But it was hot, hot. No leg armor, but with the full face and arms on I was cooking plenty. I ate no food? and maybe that contributed. I am of the calories on a ride are for wusses school though, so I categorically deny that had anything to do with it. I vote for heat and simple lack of conditioning as the cause. This was my third ride in the three hour range in 5 days, and rigid take its toll.
Equipment: Flow rims plus Rampages are the most brain dead simple tubeless combo I have ever tried. Dan's tubeless homebrew is brilliant (and cheap)
While I am in the mood. Let me ruminate on single speed and rigid SS riding. It is hard, it is fun. In my heart I am truly a SSer. Especially in the local terrain. It gives me a buzz, and challenges me in a way I simply can not get with gears. Rigid is nice (especially when riding alone) because I really don't feel the need to ring every bit of speed out of the bike downhill all the time. Beats me up to bad, so why not just slow down and poke along?
The cool thing is that I have three very different bikes, all with essentially nothing I would change about them (right (shrug)). The one with gears gets the least love, however.
Anyway, I had a good time if you couldn't tell.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Missionary Patriarch
Finished this lengthy biography finally. Took about 6 months or more of reading here and there. It is truly a tome, and an example of a life well lived in the service of Jesus.
It really made me ponder the what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Truly this man was totally motivated by that love to near complete disregard for his own safety, and the "safe" life for those he loved. Simply put, he lived with his eyes on eternity.
I suck at writing reviews, but I really enjoyed the book. here is a better review by John Piper. The book link above also has a brief review from a different perspective.
Most Christians, at least in America (self included) seem to be simply interested in living the abundant, and rich life. Where is the "taking up the cross and following Jesus?"
It really made me ponder the what it means to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Truly this man was totally motivated by that love to near complete disregard for his own safety, and the "safe" life for those he loved. Simply put, he lived with his eyes on eternity.
I suck at writing reviews, but I really enjoyed the book. here is a better review by John Piper. The book link above also has a brief review from a different perspective.
Most Christians, at least in America (self included) seem to be simply interested in living the abundant, and rich life. Where is the "taking up the cross and following Jesus?"
Earth
What makes Earth special.
Pretty much everything about it. The entire universe is special in a way that makes earth possible. Water in liquid form. Magnetic field protecting it from life destroying cosmic rays. Gas giants protecting it from impacts. Perfect distance from sun. Perfect type of sun. Large stabilizing moon. Perfect amount of spin and tilt. It goes on and on. Almost too many factors to count that combined are all necessary for life to be here.
Those scientists at the end of the article who think life is probably on "billions" of worlds are fooling themselves. There are certainly billions of other planets the size of earth out there, but the statistics are infinitessimally small that any of them would have all the necessary conditions for life.
On top of all this, even more fascinating is that Earth also happens to be in a perfect place in the galaxy and solar system for us to be able to observe our universe effectively, and learn all that we have about it.
The question remains: is this all random chance, or is there a design, plan, and designer? There is a lot of randomness, and a lot of order. Essentially, the question is unanswereable by science, and must be answered by our philosphical and religious preferences.
I personally agree with this interpretation of the data:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm 19
Pretty much everything about it. The entire universe is special in a way that makes earth possible. Water in liquid form. Magnetic field protecting it from life destroying cosmic rays. Gas giants protecting it from impacts. Perfect distance from sun. Perfect type of sun. Large stabilizing moon. Perfect amount of spin and tilt. It goes on and on. Almost too many factors to count that combined are all necessary for life to be here.
Those scientists at the end of the article who think life is probably on "billions" of worlds are fooling themselves. There are certainly billions of other planets the size of earth out there, but the statistics are infinitessimally small that any of them would have all the necessary conditions for life.
On top of all this, even more fascinating is that Earth also happens to be in a perfect place in the galaxy and solar system for us to be able to observe our universe effectively, and learn all that we have about it.
The question remains: is this all random chance, or is there a design, plan, and designer? There is a lot of randomness, and a lot of order. Essentially, the question is unanswereable by science, and must be answered by our philosphical and religious preferences.
I personally agree with this interpretation of the data:
The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
2 Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.
3 There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
Psalm 19
Monday, July 7, 2008
Errata
Another stellar ride yesterday at the Basin with Chris (Bray). I have not ridden with him for at least a year, but he is always fitter than me and very game.
Two super things occurred for me:
I cleaned 37 for the first time in a while, and the first time ever late in a ride and on the MM.
I nailed the rock drop depicted in the prior videos perfectly. Felt great.
Pulled a muscle in my back climbing 37, hopefully the Pilates program Dan set me up with help heal/prevent that. First session this am, and I feel great, but suck at the exercises, especially if they require flexibility.
Finally, I'm going to try put in some scripture as I read it that stands out to me. This is mainly in an attempt to keep it in my own head by writing it down. I read the bible daily,b ut find many times, by the evening (or even lunch), I have forgotten what I read. Even things I thought were particularly applicable. The mind needs exercise like anything else, and rewriting is one way I can exercise it.
From Psalm 139
Isaiah 66:2
Matthew 16:24,25
Jeremiah 2:13
Two super things occurred for me:
I cleaned 37 for the first time in a while, and the first time ever late in a ride and on the MM.
I nailed the rock drop depicted in the prior videos perfectly. Felt great.
Pulled a muscle in my back climbing 37, hopefully the Pilates program Dan set me up with help heal/prevent that. First session this am, and I feel great, but suck at the exercises, especially if they require flexibility.
Finally, I'm going to try put in some scripture as I read it that stands out to me. This is mainly in an attempt to keep it in my own head by writing it down. I read the bible daily,b ut find many times, by the evening (or even lunch), I have forgotten what I read. Even things I thought were particularly applicable. The mind needs exercise like anything else, and rewriting is one way I can exercise it.
O Lord, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise
you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down;
you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely.
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.
From Psalm 139
"This is the one I esteem:
He who is humble and contrite in spirit, and trembles at my word."
Isaiah 66:2
Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul?
Matthew 16:24,25
My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me, the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns, broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
Jeremiah 2:13
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Spruce/ 4th festivities
Most excellent ride on Independence day with Dave. SS to the top of spruce from 396 and back down again.
3.5 hours.
Love the Milk Money.
After the ride, went and picked up pops who gave us 1 hour notice of his visit. Airplanes are funny in their way to allow you to get places fast.
Later, that night we had 13 adults and 18 children present for watching the fireworks. It was fun chaos. I love our deck.
I was wiped out after and simply crashed. Getting up at 0400 to ride will do that to you.
Today, I was blessed with a bit of time to work in the garage which is really a blessing if you see the chaos around here.
Fixed a flat on the MM and set up both Flow/Rampage combos with Dan's homebrew tubeless. Aired up very uneventfully, my easiest conversion ever.
Removed "Lenzsport" and "Milk Money" Stickers (Sorry Devin). It is now just a beautiful silver.
Replaced worn out DU bushing on the Lunchbox.
Tomorrow we'll see. Hope to ride.
3.5 hours.
Love the Milk Money.
After the ride, went and picked up pops who gave us 1 hour notice of his visit. Airplanes are funny in their way to allow you to get places fast.
Later, that night we had 13 adults and 18 children present for watching the fireworks. It was fun chaos. I love our deck.
I was wiped out after and simply crashed. Getting up at 0400 to ride will do that to you.
Today, I was blessed with a bit of time to work in the garage which is really a blessing if you see the chaos around here.
Fixed a flat on the MM and set up both Flow/Rampage combos with Dan's homebrew tubeless. Aired up very uneventfully, my easiest conversion ever.
Removed "Lenzsport" and "Milk Money" Stickers (Sorry Devin). It is now just a beautiful silver.
Replaced worn out DU bushing on the Lunchbox.
Tomorrow we'll see. Hope to ride.
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