April 23, 2010
March 16, 2010
finally...at long last
The moment you've been waiting for (or for which you've been waiting, whichever suits your fancy).
After many moons of neglect...I updated my blogroll! Moved some links around, updated here and there, added new sites...
Enjoy!
After many moons of neglect...I updated my blogroll! Moved some links around, updated here and there, added new sites...
Enjoy!
March 3, 2010
springtime...
...is almost here.
And oh, how I'm looking forward to it...creation lying dormant from winter's silent fury, comes forth to awaken from spring's fresh kiss...
(bet you didn't think I could come up with something like that!)
and in just a month or two...
Praise the Lord for such mysterious, intrinsic value with the beauty He's placed on this earth...and yet, nothing compared to what's a'comin'.
And oh, how I'm looking forward to it...creation lying dormant from winter's silent fury, comes forth to awaken from spring's fresh kiss...
(bet you didn't think I could come up with something like that!)
and in just a month or two...
Praise the Lord for such mysterious, intrinsic value with the beauty He's placed on this earth...and yet, nothing compared to what's a'comin'.
January 21, 2010
Protectionism and the Division of Labor
or, an attempt to put abstract ideas into a concrete pattern.
[note: this is something I wrote awhile ago...therefore I'm editing it here and there]
So these thoughts were running throughout my head whilst I read a few posts from this blog in conjunction with thinking about this post. This is what can occur when Ashton has random thought processes running about like crazy all at one time. They collide and make me ask questions. ;)
Basically, I asked myself this: is protectionism and the obstructing of outsourcing (or generally, inhibiting the division of labor) unbiblical when taking the dominion mandate into consideration?
Just some thoughts to throw into the wind and see if they take flight...or fire...
Certain Americans want American goods, American people, and other American aspects to stay within America. I remember from a few years ago seeing a billboard in Springfield one time that said "Keep Doctors in IL" or something along those lines. I remember telling myself, "yeah! we want 'em here, don't let 'em go! don't let those executives take 'em away from us!" Yet over time, more exposure to the weather (ie, economics) brings a better understanding to it...if one's open to instruction, that is. Protectionism basically defines itself...according to the wiki site, it runs as thus:
Protectionism is the economic policy of restraining trade between nations, through methods such as tariffs on imported goods, restrictive quotas, and a variety of other restrictive government regulations designed to discourage imports, and prevent foreign take-over of local markets and companies.
Ok, sounds great! We want our stuff to stay where it is and not let others conquer over it. But, there is a caveat. By not allowing foreign goods, possibly better foreign goods, it discourages progressive measures on account of the American companies because they know that the government is taking care of how they conduct business transactions. Back last fall (fall of '08) when taking my econ course, we studied this concept and one of the examples mentioned was the automotive industry within India back when they enforced restrictions on foreign imports. As a result, their industry became stagnant and the vehicle quality standard was lower compared to those produced by nations around India. After a time, of course, the government eventually put away with those restrictions and now India enjoys both exports and imports of their vehicles and the Indian automotive industry now must put forth measures to improve their cars.
Another wiki quote for outsourcing...
Outsourcing is subcontracting a process, such as product design or manufacturing, to a third-party company.
This allows for the division of labor, cutting down overhead costs and generally benefitting the economy overall. Another book we studied last fall, "I, Pencil" discusses the division of labor perfectly. It's nice and short...if any dear blog reader of mine has time, be sure to take a look at it. Protests to outsourcing may be like mine which I mentioned earlier or various personal reasons that might be put forth.
Now, according to the Dominion Mandate, it runs as follows...from Genesis 1:28...
"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
We are to [please correct me someone if I'm extrapolating from this too much] not confine ourselves to one area in general, but instead fill it instead. "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
A perfect example to contrast this comes from Genesis 11:1-9...
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. [emphasis mine]
Applying the ideas of protectionism and obstructing the division of labor (outsourcing) to this circumstance in a more theological manner, the Lord said, "Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imaged to do." The people had set themselves aside from the Lord and desired to fulfill their sinful ideas to the fullest extent in the land of Shinar (protectionism) as one people, "lest [they] be scattered abroad upon the race of the whole earth" (obstructing the division of labor).
Already, within the Dominion Mandate we're to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth," and Babel resulted from a people not desiring to subdue it, instead being limited to one area. Protectionism desires goods to be confined. Obstructing the division of labor limits the possibility of diversity within the industrial world. The natural tendency, in accordance to biblical principles, is to spread out and take control.
We'll call this part 1 of something.
[note: this is something I wrote awhile ago...therefore I'm editing it here and there]
So these thoughts were running throughout my head whilst I read a few posts from this blog in conjunction with thinking about this post. This is what can occur when Ashton has random thought processes running about like crazy all at one time. They collide and make me ask questions. ;)
Basically, I asked myself this: is protectionism and the obstructing of outsourcing (or generally, inhibiting the division of labor) unbiblical when taking the dominion mandate into consideration?
Just some thoughts to throw into the wind and see if they take flight...or fire...
Certain Americans want American goods, American people, and other American aspects to stay within America. I remember from a few years ago seeing a billboard in Springfield one time that said "Keep Doctors in IL" or something along those lines. I remember telling myself, "yeah! we want 'em here, don't let 'em go! don't let those executives take 'em away from us!" Yet over time, more exposure to the weather (ie, economics) brings a better understanding to it...if one's open to instruction, that is. Protectionism basically defines itself...according to the wiki site, it runs as thus:
Protectionism is the economic policy of restraining trade between nations, through methods such as tariffs on imported goods, restrictive quotas, and a variety of other restrictive government regulations designed to discourage imports, and prevent foreign take-over of local markets and companies.
Ok, sounds great! We want our stuff to stay where it is and not let others conquer over it. But, there is a caveat. By not allowing foreign goods, possibly better foreign goods, it discourages progressive measures on account of the American companies because they know that the government is taking care of how they conduct business transactions. Back last fall (fall of '08) when taking my econ course, we studied this concept and one of the examples mentioned was the automotive industry within India back when they enforced restrictions on foreign imports. As a result, their industry became stagnant and the vehicle quality standard was lower compared to those produced by nations around India. After a time, of course, the government eventually put away with those restrictions and now India enjoys both exports and imports of their vehicles and the Indian automotive industry now must put forth measures to improve their cars.
Another wiki quote for outsourcing...
Outsourcing is subcontracting a process, such as product design or manufacturing, to a third-party company.
This allows for the division of labor, cutting down overhead costs and generally benefitting the economy overall. Another book we studied last fall, "I, Pencil" discusses the division of labor perfectly. It's nice and short...if any dear blog reader of mine has time, be sure to take a look at it. Protests to outsourcing may be like mine which I mentioned earlier or various personal reasons that might be put forth.
Now, according to the Dominion Mandate, it runs as follows...from Genesis 1:28...
"And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth."
We are to [please correct me someone if I'm extrapolating from this too much] not confine ourselves to one area in general, but instead fill it instead. "Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth."
A perfect example to contrast this comes from Genesis 11:1-9...
And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. And the LORD said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech. So the LORD scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city. Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth. [emphasis mine]
Applying the ideas of protectionism and obstructing the division of labor (outsourcing) to this circumstance in a more theological manner, the Lord said, "Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imaged to do." The people had set themselves aside from the Lord and desired to fulfill their sinful ideas to the fullest extent in the land of Shinar (protectionism) as one people, "lest [they] be scattered abroad upon the race of the whole earth" (obstructing the division of labor).
Already, within the Dominion Mandate we're to "be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth," and Babel resulted from a people not desiring to subdue it, instead being limited to one area. Protectionism desires goods to be confined. Obstructing the division of labor limits the possibility of diversity within the industrial world. The natural tendency, in accordance to biblical principles, is to spread out and take control.
We'll call this part 1 of something.
December 6, 2009
hello there
Is this thing alive? Ah, yes it is. Very good.
So I've neglected my blog over the past several months, for various reasons. And I'd like to pick up that good ol' blogging habit again, for various reasons. The two "various reasons" may be connected or correlated in some fashion or another, but I'd prefer to study that in detail at a later date. But, one prominent reason I wanted to revive my blogging from its former lifeless form to its current semi-lifeless form is to bring back some literary-ness into my life. One thing that I'm beginning to realize about my past PHC classes is that I could freely write to my hearts content (or, more like freely write with the ghastly Due Date waiting with a Bad Grade at the ready).
And I miss all that writing.
Whether for good or for bad, but hopefully for the good. Writing about adventures abroad taken by Gulliver, or the trinitarian nature of the marriage covenant. Writing about communism, or how Descartes thought and therefore he was or so he thought.
In the past, my posts were largely picture-based, with the attempted witty or winsome tagline to follow. Not to say that such a post plot-line will change for the future, albeit rather have some variance in and out and all about. And besides, actual time given to my camera isn't as much as it used to be, largely because higher priorities have taken over (i.e., more intensive school) and more time is given to doing stuff around the house compared to what it previously was. And work, can't forget work. Though the future may provide more adventuresome opportunities and subsequent camera-ing, only the Lord knows for sure, and I'll assuredly be posting pictures. Or maybe post the occasional little story like I've done in the past. And then there's facebook or twitter, the social networking websites extraordinaire that *stops myself before ranting*. Maybe another time...
Oh, and I also found out recently we've Spanish blood in us...and largely aren't as Frenchy as I thought...more German/Spanish/French/Scottish/somethinglikethat. Researching the family tree...something else I'm wanting to do. Anybody got some spare time on hand that I can permanently borrow?
Yes, this post is pretty much me rambling, but take it or leave it; I can do no other. For tonight, at least.
My layout needs a redo. This grey is so...grey.
Adieu for now, and Lord bless.
So I've neglected my blog over the past several months, for various reasons. And I'd like to pick up that good ol' blogging habit again, for various reasons. The two "various reasons" may be connected or correlated in some fashion or another, but I'd prefer to study that in detail at a later date. But, one prominent reason I wanted to revive my blogging from its former lifeless form to its current semi-lifeless form is to bring back some literary-ness into my life. One thing that I'm beginning to realize about my past PHC classes is that I could freely write to my hearts content (or, more like freely write with the ghastly Due Date waiting with a Bad Grade at the ready).
And I miss all that writing.
Whether for good or for bad, but hopefully for the good. Writing about adventures abroad taken by Gulliver, or the trinitarian nature of the marriage covenant. Writing about communism, or how Descartes thought and therefore he was or so he thought.
In the past, my posts were largely picture-based, with the attempted witty or winsome tagline to follow. Not to say that such a post plot-line will change for the future, albeit rather have some variance in and out and all about. And besides, actual time given to my camera isn't as much as it used to be, largely because higher priorities have taken over (i.e., more intensive school) and more time is given to doing stuff around the house compared to what it previously was. And work, can't forget work. Though the future may provide more adventuresome opportunities and subsequent camera-ing, only the Lord knows for sure, and I'll assuredly be posting pictures. Or maybe post the occasional little story like I've done in the past. And then there's facebook or twitter, the social networking websites extraordinaire that *stops myself before ranting*. Maybe another time...
Oh, and I also found out recently we've Spanish blood in us...and largely aren't as Frenchy as I thought...more German/Spanish/French/Scottish/somethinglikethat. Researching the family tree...something else I'm wanting to do. Anybody got some spare time on hand that I can permanently borrow?
Yes, this post is pretty much me rambling, but take it or leave it; I can do no other. For tonight, at least.
My layout needs a redo. This grey is so...grey.
Adieu for now, and Lord bless.
May 9, 2009
rifle match '09
I'll let the pictures speak for themselves...with a tad bit of commentary from yours truly.
the participants wait patiently for all those participating to present themselves...presently
we like our shoots with added style and technology...oh wait, none of the computers are Macs...
anticipating the competition...
...and avoiding the photographer
father and son ready themselves
most of the group is here
and the event commences!
Grace had fun with the Ryken ladies taking pictures in the back, lol...
gathering to see the official results
group shot!
April 25, 2009
the past few days
On Wednesday, Dad and Mom took off for a conference that Dad was speaking at down in Effingham, leaving the five of us kids at home to fend for ourselves...methinks we handled it pretty well. Just as long as we didn't eat all the sugar, everything was fine...
Unfortunately, pictures weren't taken during the day, but in the evening we all headed off to get our haircuts...
Naomi's really enjoys CoN
Ruth enjoys waving her hands
I enjoy not having to shave
Emil enjoys the ample leg room compared to the backseat
while Grace enjoys taking all these pictures
except for this one...
slowly the mane is depleted
I played with these toys when I was younger than their age...yes indeed...we've gone to the same person for over 15 years
the layers are proven
what can I say...even gas stations have their moments
Thursday the Barnhart's and Evans' came down for the evening...you'd be surprised how loud we became with the Last Word
the ladies discuss details
then the center of attention zooms to Jonas
Taylor is the epitome of guitar
the gathering for Scripture-reading and hymn-singing
Next up...the 2009 Rifle Match...
Unfortunately, pictures weren't taken during the day, but in the evening we all headed off to get our haircuts...
Next up...the 2009 Rifle Match...
April 4, 2009
march experimental shoot
Last week some photographers of central IL had the pleasure of getting together to do what they do best...and a big ol' thank ye to David Price for organizing this event!
a few of the results...
then some behind-the-scene shots...
and there you have it...here's to once again having grand time at the next experimental shoot!
Blessings to y'all, dear readers of mine blog!
a few of the results...
then some behind-the-scene shots...
and there you have it...here's to once again having grand time at the next experimental shoot!
Blessings to y'all, dear readers of mine blog!
January 19, 2009
retrospection
Another couple of weeks, even more events. Unfortunately we were unable to attend this past weekend's Hymnsing/Singing seminar, but for good (?) reason! The last few days marked the end of the 2008 deer season, with the result being two dead deeries. Yes, unlike most things, we like our deer dead and not alive. ;) Other than that...a birthday/late-Christmas party...spending an evening with the Ryken's, and other general liveliness. Naturally, always more could be said, but it's been a quite the day and I'm ready for bed.
Now on to the part people enjoy best...
a party
t'was good to see family from afar once again
skeptical about...something? possibly?
bestowing words of wisdom by means of telepathy...see the concentration?
wisdom full in bloom...go for the presents!!!
wisdom solidified
the opening of Catchphrase
the blue book of [insert adjectival phrase here]
hehe...confusion occurs outside the picture frame
the sweet nectar of caribou coffee...an addict's best friend
*poof*
everyday life
the last word
pondering the next move
wait for it...wait for it...wait fo...
AAHHHH...PUSH THE BUTTON!!!!
more cuteness
another visitation
they grew about 2' overnight
silly girls...with more hiding behind the bed
productive young ladies
afar off and away, about 2 yards, a wall aim they upon
a perfect 32" x 78" doorframe results from the blast in a totally different place from the original aim
everyone wants to be last
totally seriously last
duae-familiae devotions
and I've one last picture to upload of the final farewells from the visit, but our fickle internet won't cooperate because of the snowy weather...oh well.
Blessings!
Now on to the part people enjoy best...
a party
everyday life
another visitation
and I've one last picture to upload of the final farewells from the visit, but our fickle internet won't cooperate because of the snowy weather...oh well.
Blessings!
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