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Philosophy, Religion & Society / Teen let off the hook because of bad parenting

« on: December 12, 2013, 03:36:14 PM »

http://gawker.com/teen-who-killed-four-people-got-off-on-probation-becaus-1480835092

The teen and his buddies stole alcohol and went for a drive which killed 4 people and injured several more.   He had a blood alcohol content of .24 and has Vallium in his system driving 70 in a 40.  Instead of the 20 years in prison the prosecutors are calling for, the teen has 10 years of probation and counseling.  This is thanks to a defense of affluenza, or not having a sense of the consequences of his actions, which was apparently caused because he was never punished by his parents and was raised with the belief that money will protect you.  Good job Texas legal system for reinforcing that terrible belief.

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Philosophy, Religion & Society / Zimmerman could be innocent

« on: December 10, 2013, 02:24:30 AM »

http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/12/09/21836926-george-zimmermans-girlfriend-recants-allegations-he-threatened-her-with-gun#comments

Apparently he never brandished a gun in the dispute with his girlfriend.  She wants him back as well.

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Flat Earth Community / Virgin Galactic

« on: December 05, 2013, 05:25:31 AM »

http://www.virgingalactic.com/news/item/nbcuniversal-announces-exclusive-partnership-with-sir-richard-bransons-virgin-galactic-to-televis/

It appears as if they are slated to have the first flight next year with Branson and his children.  I noticed an odd lack of clarity on when this flight will actually take place (even a rough prediction of next spring, summer, fall, etc.).  I think I smell another "delay" ahead which will require more money be thrown at it to overcome.

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Arts & Entertainment / 2013 a Year End Review: Music

« on: December 03, 2013, 06:57:05 PM »

As the year draws to a close, I like to look back and see the good, bad, beautiful, and ugly of the year.  I know this sort of thing is cliche and a bit overdone by mainstream media, but I still like to if only to remember some of the really good stuff instead of the typical drivel which tops other charts.

So what did you find most memorable in the music business this year? What was your favorite song, album, or band from 2013? Was there something that just are away at your soul when you heard it?

My favorite album this year was The Afterman: Descension by Coheed and Cambria.  This album, along with the previous one Ascention, really brought back the feel of Coheed from their second and third albums.  Bear's Den would have to be my favorite new band this year (though they actually formed last year I didn't hear them until this year).

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Arts & Entertainment / Gateway Musicians

« on: December 02, 2013, 10:16:25 PM »

I can remember not being too concerned with music as a child and it wasn't until I was 10 years old or so that I heard the band which would ignite my love for music.  Who was that musician for you, either that turned you on to music in general or to a specific genre?

Nirvana was the band that really got me turned on to music.

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Arts & Entertainment / FES Book Club

« on: December 02, 2013, 06:49:07 PM »

Post what you have recently read and anything you'd like to point out about it (preferably without spoilers when talking about a fiction story).  Maybe after we get some more regulars/traffic we can actually start up a monthly or quarterly club to discuss a specific book if people are into that idea.

I finished Ender's Game a few weeks ago after watching the movie. I found myself absorbing Ender's internal conflicts as if they were my own. 

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Philosophy, Religion & Society / Religion and for-profit business

« on: December 02, 2013, 03:57:45 PM »

I've been reading the articles about the fight of for-profit businesses, specifically Hobby Lobby, against the healthcare mandate to provide both control.  In most cases they are only fighting over the morning after pill and other such after thought type contraceptives, but I did read about one company trying to fight against it all because the owners are Catholic.

I don't want to get into the debate that there shouldn't be such a mandate in the first place, I'm more curious what everyone's take is on the religious freedom of for-profit business.  Should the owners of a for profit business be able to declare that business as a specific religion?  Should this declaration be sufficient to exempt the business from mandates which go against the religion?  Do you think it is right to subject employees of a for-profit business to the religious beliefs of the owners, specifically when the product being sold is not religious in nature?