Christian Community Embraces Torture Over Gospel

May 19th, 2009

White evangelical Christians in the USA are now on record as being overwhelmingly in favor of illegal torture if there is a chance that it may advance our national interests. I have to say this – there are days when I want to be something else.  This kind of stuff embarrasses the rest of us white evangelicals.

Do you think the use of torture against suspected terrorists in order to gain important information can often be justified, sometimes be justified, rarely be justified, or never be justified? (Pew Research Center Poll)

More than 60 percent of surveyed white evangelicals were willing to go on record in support of torture if it might advance our national interests. This position represented a marked difference of opinion from those unaffiliated with any religious group. Those with no religious affiliation were the least likely to condone torture of suspected enemies.

Something is gravely wrong with this story. I will resist the pressing urge to rant about this for several thousand words. Justifying torture for any reason is so philosophically, theologically, and morally bankrupt that it is not worth arguing too hard against. Those who are willing to justify this misconduct in the name of national interests idolatry are all too happy to twist some truths while ignoring other truths.

I will limit myself to a few thoughts:

  1. The US government has engaged in a sustained practice of torturing people suspected of being enemies of the state. These people have, by and large, never been proven to be enemies because our government has not been bothered to conduct trials.
  2. The US government has engaged in a sustained pattern of violating basic human rights as recognized by historic Christianity, many international treaties and conventions, and our own rhetoric (only when it’s China, North Korea, or some other country though).
  3. The US government has engaged in practices that are widely considered to be illegal and immoral and that do in fact constitute torture.
  4. Christians who support this type of activity are placing national interests (kingdom of USA) ahead of Kingdom interests (Kingdom of God and Jesus).
  5. Christians are called to love our enemies, and to pray for and do good to those who would mistreat us.
  6. Christians, by definition, are people who act like Jesus – not like the world. Christians have, by definition, abandoned the pursuit of earthly kingdoms in favor of the pursuit of a heavenly Kingdom.
  7. When Christians engage in this type of thinking and conduct we prove to the entire world that pagans are more moral people than the professing people of God! When white evangelicals are 50 percent more likely to support immoral and illegal actions against other human beings than acknowled irreligious people are the entire Christian community is embarrassed. More importantly our King, Jesus, is embarrassed.

This news would all be troubling enough but I read this on the same day that I learned of a new Bible released by Thomas Nelson. Nelson introduces their new American Patriot’s Bible in this way:

THE ONE BIBLE THAT SHOWS HOW ‘A LIGHT FROM ABOVE’ SHAPED OUR NATION. Never has a version of the Bible targeted the spiritual needs of those who love our country more than The American Patriot’s Bible. This extremely unique Bible shows how the history of the United States connects the people and events of the Bible to our lives in a modern world. The story of the United States is wonderfully woven into the teachings of the Bible and includes a beautiful full-color family record section, memorable images from our nation’s history and hundreds of enlightening articles which complement the New King James Version Bible text.  Thomas Nelson website

You can probably read between the lines and guess where Nelson is going with this product. Then again maybe not. The reviews that I have read baffled me with the blatant and unapologetic blasphemy and national idolatry. I am distressed that a major publisher like Thomas Nelson would stoop to this level and publish this kind of trash.

Consider what Greg Boyd had to write when asked to review this Bible:

One of the more unsettling aspects of the Patriot’s Bible is the way it unashamedly glorifies nationalistic violence. Almost every nation and tribe throughout history has shared the idolatrous assumption that its military victories were evidence of divine favor. This has been a staple of pagan religion from the start. From its earliest days this same assumption has permeated American culture, it’s just that our tribal warrior god was called “Jesus” or “Jehovah.” In the Patriot’s Bible, this idolatrous mythology is given the appearance of divine authority by being interwoven into the biblical narrative.

From cover to cover, and in a wide variety of ways, the Patriot’s Bible is filled with glorified nationalistic violence. A good portion of its commentaries focus on America’s victorious wars (Vietnam, not so much) and on war heroes. Moreover, the introduction of every book of the Bible is accompanied with a montage of national monuments, symbols, stars and stripes, etc…that include, with few exceptions, images of armed soldiers, bombers and battleships. Most remarkably, each Gospel (The Good News of Jesus Christ!) opens with a picture that includes soldiers struggling to raise a flag under the words “In God We Trust.” All the subsequent books of the New Testament open with a montage that includes a flag waving behind the Statue of Liberty on one side and armed marching troops on the other.

When you consider the uniform and emphatic teaching of Christ and the New Testament authors that followers of Jesus are called to love and do good to our enemies, laying down our lives for them if necessary, this overt celebration of America’s violent victories over our national enemies is absolutely stunning. When you consider that Jesus explicitly repudiated Jewish nationalism (despite the fact that Israel, unlike America, actually had a special status with God) and that the New Testament consistently teaches that Gods’ Kingdom transcends national boundaries, the Patriot’s Bible celebration of American violence becomes more shocking still. Greg Boyd

Boyd writes in another article:

The particular example of nationalistic idolatry I’ve discuss in this post occurs in the Preface of the Patriot’s Bible, and it tragically sets the tone for this entire work. From cover-to-cover, the biblical text is co-opted and made to serve American patriotism. I have 17 pages of single-spaced examples that are similar to this (some of which I’ll share in subsequent blogs, others of which will be published in my review at Out of Ur. In my opinion, the pervasiveness and egregiousness of the nationalistic idolatry found in Patriot’s Bible is nothing short of shocking.

I encourage you to read the Bible — but not this one! Greg Boyd

Something tells me that Thomas Nelson would not have released this edition if they were not confident of a large market for this type of nationalistic garbage. I can only hope and pray that American Christianity finds its’ collective conscience and sends a loud message to the Christian publishing business by not buying this type of junk.

The slide into consumer Christianity has been long and well documented. I will not rehash it here. However, I think consumer Christianity may have fully arrived. And that is not good news for anyone interested in taking the words and example of King Jesus seriously.

I have compiled  a few links that I wholeheartedly recommend. Kudos to Skye Jethani and Greg Boyd – both of whom have the courage and moral integrity to publicly stand against this disgrace. May grace and peace abound for you both. Thanks also to my good friend Iggy (Carlos) for providing a link to one of Greg Boyd’s posts.

Links

NOTE: Comments are welome; however, don’t waste either of our time with blasphemous, disrespectful, discourteous, or irrelevant words.

Tags:
Posted in Christianity, Social Issues | 2 Comments »

Rocky Bowl Chili – Nature's Best

May 8th, 2009

OK, I know you can buy Rocky Road ice cream – but I don’t think they actually put rocks in the mix. Well, how Rocky Bowl Chili? This is my newest recipe. All of nature’s best packed into one bowl of old-fashioned chili. You won’t find more “fiber” or roughage in a bowl of chili anywhere – guaranteed! One caveat though – this one comes with actual stones in the mix!

Alright, I admit it, I jest. I was pouring out some dry beans to soak today – to make a chili tomorrow. Every bag of beans always carries the warning that the consumer should inspect the beans due to the possibility of a stone being mixed in as a result of the harvesting process. I’ve been cooking with dry beans for years and have never seen a stone in a bag of beans. I just figured this was one of those “legalese” warnings to protect the bean farmers just in case – then they can say, “hey, we told you to check for stones.” Well, as I was pouring out beans I noticed one that looked a little funny. Of course, I managed to cover the odd bean up with more beans so I had to dig a bit to recover my funny bean. Turns out my funny looking bean was actually a small stone! I can only imagine biting into that after it was covered in chili sauce… It’s enough to make my teeth hurt just thinking about it.

I took a pic with my camera phone but the macro really leaves something to be desired. I posted it anyway though since all good recipe sites use lots of pictures to illustrate the meal preparation process.

I guess the moral of the story is this: They put warnings on packages for a reason. Whether that be stones in dry beans or hot liquid in coffee cups (but we won’t go there…).

Posted in Humor | 1 Comment »

Hiking at Phipps Park

May 6th, 2009

Terri and I went hiking at Phipps Park in Billings today. Phipps Park is just a few miles outside on Billings on Molt Road – an area of prairie grass and sage marked by amazing sandstone cliffs but slowly being taken over by suburban sprawl. Nonetheless, despite too many housing developments in sight, Phipps Park provides some nice outdoor recreation opportunities with only a short drive. (For those interested in such things, Phipps Park also has a frisbee golf, or folf, course.)

Terri and I had a great, two-hour hike here today. We arrived early in the afternoon and started out with no clear idea of where the trails went. (There is a map for the folf course but weather and vandalism have marred the plexiglass cover to the point that it is no longer readable. Phipps Park is obviously not one of the higher maintenance priorities for the city parks department…) The trail started off as a fairly flat dirt trail through the prairie but quickly rose to a steep, rocky climb up the side of a sandstone ridge.

We plan the events; God plans the weather. (Dennis Wilhite)

The hike gained interest as we heard the first rumbles of thunder just as we were reaching the top of the ridge. We had passed several rock outcroppings on the way up that would have been great to ride out a storm under. The top of the ridge was flat with occasional ponderosa pine – but no protection from a storm anywhere in sight.

We hiked along the ridge quickly, hoping to be start down the other side quickly in case the storm arrived in force. Fortunately, it was just a passing thunderstorm and only a few raindrops fell (and no lightning fell!). On the backside of this ridge we lost the trail in a rocky area only to discover the remains of some type of camp. A stone fireplace and cook stove were still recognizable along with parts of a foundation and other signs of utilities.

After fooling around at the camp ruins we started over some rocks to find the trail. What I found was not the trail… I came within about four feet of a small boulder when I noticed a prairie rattelsnake curled in the shade beneath the boulder. Needless to say I stopped dead in my tracks. I was close enough to see the rattles but the snake did not appear to be bothered by my presence. Just the same we took a quick picture and stepped back so Terri could check out her first rattlesnake from a safe distance.

We re-routed to give the snake space and eventually relocated the trail. Our next discovery was the remains of a corral or stockade not too far from the camp ruins. This stockade area was probably 100 feet in diameter so it would have held a few horses in its day.

The trail we were on wound down the side of the sandstone cliff. Terri has really gotten adventurous in her old age since I am certain she would not have attempted this climb down a few years ago. Particularly since we were climbing down over boulders and checking under each rock for rattlesnakes… Half way down the cliff the thunder started again. This time our timing was perfect though and we found a large cave in the sandstone cliff. We sat for a bit and waited until the sky cleared again to continue our descent.

I took a few photos with the mobile phone again and have posted them here for your viewing pleasure. Someday I will  buy a real camera again… I also included a link to Google Maps which shows Phipps Park. The park is not labeled on the map but the parking area is on the road and the trail is clearly visible going through the prairie and up the cliffs. I hope you enjoy the map and the pictures.

[Phipps Park on Google Maps]

Tags:
Posted in Outdoors | No Comments »

My Show-Winning Cowgirl

May 3rd, 2009

I have been waiting for weeks to be able to see Julianne ride in a horse show. Juli is a natural with horses and always has been. This year she has decided to start competing. Today was the first day of a three-part competition and Julianne rode in four classes today – two English on a horse from the stable she works at and two Western on her own horse, Waldo.

Now I know you will all think I am biased, but I’m telling the truth when I say that Julianne was the best rider there today! Honest. (To quote William Wallace in the excellent film Braveheart, “I tell no lies, but I am a savage.”) She really did wonderful today.

Despite this being her first competition Julianne placed fourth in one of the English classes. Later in the day Julianne competed in two Western Pleasure classes – Walk/Trot and Maiden. Julianne rode her horse, Waldo, in both classes. Waldo is a three year old Palomino Quarter Horse/Arabian with a great disposition. Julianne only started training him six weeks ago for competition. Juli placed second in the Walk/Trot Western Pleasure class with Waldo!

I am so thrilled to witness her success in this new endeavour. The fact that she is so new to competition and was riding a new horse that has only been in training for a few weeks makes the story all the more exciting. She is also working with Waldo to compete in reining in a coming competition.

Stay tuned for more pics and shameless boasting from a proud Daddio…

Tags: ,
Posted in Family | 3 Comments »

Windows and Linux and Mac, Oh My

May 2nd, 2009

I’ve become a hardcore notebook computer fan over the past decade. Portability, convenience, energy efficiency, space saving size, and lately, with the advent of so-called NetBooks, prices competitive with desktops. I can’t imagine owning a desktop computer again. Who needs a computer desk? I surf the Internet from my favorite chair in the living room or throw the laptop in my backpack and head to the local coffee shop to use their free WiFi.

But I’m still running Microsoft Windows Vista – complete with multiple weekly updates. I have a proprietary operating system on my ultra-cheap laptop yet, other than the paid anti-virus software subscription, every piece of software I run is open source.

  • Internet Explorer? I don’t think so! Mozilla Firefox is the trusted and preferred choice, though I am increasingly using Google Chrome. They’re free, baby, and they blow the doors off IE.
  • Microsoft Outlook? I’ll pass. Thanks to broadband at home and free WiFi just about everywhere I prefer browser-accessed web mail. I have alternately used Mozilla Thunderbird when Internet connection issues were a problem. It’s the 21st century – people actually pay for an e-mail program? Mozilla also offers Lightning as a calendar plugin or Sunbird as a standalone calendar app.
  • Microsoft Office? Right. A decent Office package costs more than my laptop! Does this fail to make sense to anyone besides me? OpenOffice.org does it all for free!
  • Adobe doesn’t get any consideration from me either. Excepting, of course, the excellent and freely available Adobe Acrobat Reader. Where would the Internet be without PDF? But seriously, who the heck would pay more for a graphics program than a computer? I realize there are “real” graphic artists who probably need the advanced features of PhotoShop – but seriously, there aren’t too many people out there that can’t get by with Gimp. Gimp is yet another freely available alternative to overpriced commercial apps.

My list could go on but I have probably illustrated my point. Why spend good money for an OS that has absolutely nothing you need? Microsoft can’t even provide a decent, standards-compliant web browser! Microsoft’s problem is that they have yet to understand the game is  over. Business as usual simply will not work as we move into 2010 and beyond.

Microsoft is now preparing to release Windows 7 – possibly as early as August 2009. I’m wondering why they can’t get Vista bug free and not in need of multiple weekly updates (and perhaps get IE to approach standards compliance) before they worry about releasing yet another version of Windows. I’m still running into occasional problems with software that has not been updated to run on Vista let alone Windows 7.

I’ve been playing with Linux for several years and it has become a more attractive option as time goes on. Honestly, the only reason I waited this long to convert was because of challenges with running Linux on laptops built with poorly documented and unsupported components. However, the growing popularity of Linux, the increasing ease of installation and usage, and the growing number of laptop manufacturers (including Dell)  who offer pre-installed Linux configurations has finally persuaded me to make the plunge with my next computer.

Of course, I’d really love to convert to Mac – but the price is still a consideration. I realize that Mac is no more expensive than Windows when you consider all the software you don’t have to buy when you own a Mac. But that comparison only works if you actually buy software for your Windows machine rather than using open source. So imagine my thrill to read today of a rumor that Apple may be working to deliver cheaper Mac notebooks! Steve Jobs has been quoted as saying, ”We don’t know how to build a sub-$500 computer that is not a piece of junk.” Well Steve, the good news is you don’t have to deliver a sub-$500 laptop to make me a convert – just sub-$1,000 would do the trick! If Apple were to offer a MacBook in the $700 – $800 range I would be lining up to buy. I’d also make a few friends happy that they had finally converted me to a Mac addict.

So how about it Apple? It’s time to get in the NetBook market. More and more of the apps I use on a daily basis are web apps. A good web browser, WiFi, Bluetooth, basic word processing and spreadsheets, and decent multi-media support is all many consumers are looking for or need. The computer industry has long over-built certain aspects of computers with ridiculous hard drive sizes and un-needed hardware (why does my computer have a modem?) Should the rumor about cheaper Macs prove to be true I might just become a Mac convert before the year is over.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in New Media | No Comments »

Handcrafted Greeting Cards Available

May 1st, 2009

New Online Store

I set up a new e-store at Etsy today. I have been dabbling in e-commerce for some time now, selling on eBay and various online venues. The new store is at http://withamhandcraft.etsy.com. Etsy is well known for selling only hand-crafted products marketed by the actual artisans.

The current economic recession is one factor in my decision to expand my online sales activity. The other factor is Terri’s ongoing illness. As her caregiver (some days more necessary than other days) it is very difficult for me to hold a steady job outside of the house so this allows me to engage in some meaningful work while still being able to attend to her needs. (No, that’s not intended to guilt anyone into buying – just some background information. My kids would be glad to tell you that I over-explain!)

The store is integrated with PayPal for online payment processing. You do not need to have a PayPal account to pay through PayPal – just select the link on the left to pay without a PayPal membership. You can also send your order by mail if you prefer to pay by check or money order.

Handcrafted Greeting Cards

Terri is an amazing designer when it comes to things like greeting cards and jewelry. I am marketing some of her designs on the website. I included several photos below to provide some ideas as to what the designs look like. The photos do not do justice to the cards though since most of the cards are 3-D.

These cards are handcrafted and original. Thanks to some ridiculously diligent sourcing I am able to sell these cards at a price that is competitive with any other decent greeting cards on the market. I’m not competing with WalMart on price, but then WalMart is not competing with me on quality either…

Scenic Photo Cards

I hope to offer scenic photo cards soon. I am something of an amateur photographer and nature photos are my favorite. Drop me an e-mail if you are interested in the photo cards and I will let you know when they are available.

e-Books

I have been working as a writer for several years, first for The Eagle Newspaper, and later as a freelance writer. I have begun work on a series of e-books titled Shoestring Business Guides. The first e-book in the series is Starting a Web Design Business. Starting a Web Design Business is available now and others will be available soon.

Starting a Web Design Business is available from:

A condensed version of Starting a Web Design Business is also available for free at Associated Content.

Thanks

Thanks to those of you who have already expressed an interest in these products or who have already purchased by mail order. I am hearing very favorable feedback on the greeting cards and one local business is actually using them to send their customers. They actually have customers calling them back to comment on the amazing quality and design of the cards!

Posted in Family | No Comments »

Starting a Web Design Business e-Book

April 30th, 2009

As each month brings worse economic news many people are turning to freelance work or self-employment, either because they have lost jobs or to safeguard against losing a job. Web design is one industry that attracts many freelancers. I have worked as a freelance web designer for 10 years and learned my share of lessons the hard way. I recently compiled an e-book sharing some of the knowledge I have gained over a decade of freelancing as a web designer. Starting a Web Design Business is available for download in our store and at Amazon for Kindle.

The Web Design Business

Starting a Web Design Business e-Book

Starting a Web Design Business e-Book

The Internet has changed the way the world publishes and obtains information, conducts business, connects with friends and family, and finds entertainment. In fact, the Internet is often referred to as a disruptive technology because it has so dramatically and unalterably changed so many aspects of modern life. Internet usage has increased dramatically over the past decade and continues to see increased adoption. Mobile Internet usage is only beginning to catch on and has yet to achieve mainstream adoption in the USA. Mobile Internet usage in Asia, for example, far exceeds usage in the USA due in large part to lagging mobile broadband access and widespread poor site design.

The unprecedented growth and adoption of Internet technology creates new and exciting opportunities for shoestring businesses. Many people are now able to earn a respectable living, often working from home, in businesses that did not exist a few short years ago. Last year I contracted with a European firm to provide social media marketing services in connection with a new digital product launch they were undertaking. I was able to earn a respectable wage working from home in an industry that did not exist a few years ago. It was always entertaining trying to explain to family and friends what I was doing for work since many of them have yet to embrace social media in any significant way.

Web design and hosting is one of the new shoestring business opportunities. Web design businesses are perfectly suited to starting with little or no money up front and operating completely from a spare room at home. For that matter, much of the work could be conducted from a local coffee shop or Internet cafe. The opportunity to start a profitable business with little or no money down has never been better.

Shoestring Business Guides: Starting a Web Design Business will show you everything you need to know to start your own web design and hosting business. Written by a serial entrepreneur, veteran web designer, and all-around “computer geek”, this book will cover the most important information you need to consider when starting your own web design business. Starting a Web Design Business is filled with practical, useful information sure to get your new business off to a good start.

Starting a Web Design Business covers these important topics:

  1. Web Design and Hosting as a Business
  2. Legal Considerations
  3. Marketing and Advertising
  4. Hosting Providers and Domain Registrars
  5. Software (HTML Editors, Graphic Design and Office)
  6. Web Standards Compliance
  7. Working with Subcontractors
  8. Payment Processing and Automatic Billing

This comprehensive book covers everything from general business startup considerations to details specific to the web design and hosting industry.

Starting a Web Design Business is neatly arranged in self-contained chapters so you can turn to the material you need most right now. This format is designed to save you time and let you focus on the matters most important to your business.

The Must-Have Resource for Starting a Web Design Business

Starting a Web Design Business contains information that I had to learn the hard way when I started in web design 10 years ago. Now you can save yourself the headaches of learning how to start a web design business the hard way. Starting a Web Design Business will be worth every penny you pay if it only saves you one small mistake in launching your new business!

I’m not one to hype and get excited about sales – but I am offering this e-book at a steal! Similar e-books sell for $25, $50, and more – and I’m sure I could sell Starting a Web Design Business for a lot more money as well. However, I enjoyed writing this e-book and I want to share some things I have learned in my experience so I am offering this e-book at a bargain price.

My plan was to list Starting a Web Design Business for $10. That’s a pretty good deal for this amount of useful information. However, for a limited time only I am offering this e-book at a special, introductory price of only $5! That’s right, only $5 for more than 10,000 words of vital business information. You can’t buy lunch at McDonalds for that price! Heck, I see people spend this much money on a drink at Starbucks! So hurry and buy Starting a Web Design Business while the book is still on sale!

Starting a Web Design Business e-Book

Starting a Web Design Business is currently available in e-book format.

Product Details
  • 53 pages
  • 5.5 x 8.5 inches
  • 10,500 words
  • Only $5.00 per downloaded copy

Purchase today from Lulu, Scribd or Amazon (Kindle). A condensed version of Starting a Web Design Business is also available for free at Associated Content.

Tags: ,
Posted in New Media | No Comments »

US Considers National Cyber-Security Issues and Cyber-Weapons

April 28th, 2009

Anyone who uses the Internet is familiar with the nightmare of viruses, worms, and related security concerns. These cyber-security concerns are often thought of merely in context of personal computers though. However, cyber-security is a growing national concern, with active discussions underway on the development of cyber-weapons to defend against a growing number of cyber-attacks, launch pre-emptive cyber-attacks, or even launch retaliatory cyber-attacks. The other surprising factor in all of this is that some (many?) or the recent attacks on US computer targets may have been launched not by individuals but by governments.

The NY Times article U.S. Steps Up Effort on Digital Defenses explores this growing issue (April 27 2009). The article cites several recent examples of US-sponsored cyber-attacks on enemy computers during the Bush administration. President George W Bush authorized cyber-warfare in at least two cases:

  1. Al Qaeda computers were hacked and information altered to lure suspected terrorists into a US-laid trap
  2. Attempts were made to hack into computers in Iran in an effort to undermine their nuclear program

The US government is also aware of an ever-growing number of ways our own country is vulnerable to cyber-warfare or cyber-terrorism. Possible targets include banking systems, telecommunications and mobile phone systems, aviation control systems, energy grid systems, and, of course, the Internet itself.

“Thousands of daily attacks on federal and private computer systems in the United States — many from China and Russia, some malicious and some testing chinks in the patchwork of American firewalls — have prompted the Obama administration to review American strategy.” (NY Times)

The US is also working to develop offensive cyber-weapons but much of this activity is classified and details are limited. However, the two known instances where the Bush administration used cyber-attacks against foreign enemies could offer a clue as to what is being developed.

There are also thorny legal and ethical questions to be addressed surrounding cyber-warfare. Given the nature of the Internet servers may be distributed around the globe thus creating true international implications to any offensive action.

Visit the NY Times site for a more detailed analysis on the state of the digital arms race.

[Link - US Steps Up Effort On Digital Defenses]

Tags: ,
Posted in New Media | No Comments »

Web Design, Usability, and Traffic Impact

April 28th, 2009

Robert Scoble is in the midst of a rather interesting experiment at his blog, Scobleizer. Scoble posted an article yesterday titled, The things I’m learning from having an ugly design, which include his reflections on a recent theme change for his WordPress blog. Scoble dropped his custom, advertising and friendfeed-equipped theme for a simple, minimalist, and rather boring theme.

Scoble cites two reasons for this dramatic experiment:

  1. “I wanted to see if it would have a major impact on traffic. It did not”
  2. “wanted to see who would complain and who would praise it.”

Interestingly, if the comments are any indication, most complaints center around the default Times New Roman font which is arguably hard to read on screen.

My own experience, albeit on a much lower traffic scale than Robert Scoble experiences, would mirror Scoble’s experience. In fact, I would argue with Jakob Nielsen that fancy, complicated designs do nothing to enhance the user’s experience and many in fact interfere with the user reading the content. Further, complex designs better suited to a print magazine require separate style sheets for mobile usage and print.

The US is lagging sadly behind much of the developed world in mobile broadband access and usage. This trend is catching on though and will eventually force a reevaluation of web design that is more accessible. Many web designers come from a graphic design background and refuse to get on board with usability and universal access standards. My teenaged children rarely use a laptop. In fact, short of a school project that requires use of a graphics or or office suite they use the Internet exclusively on their mobile phones or iPod touch. Many sites are simply unusable (or at least very difficult to use) on a mobile device. (As an interesting aside on this topic, the State of Montana maintains government websites that, at least in some cases, are not accessible at all on a mobile device. Recent attempts that I made return internal server errors when attempting to access the site with a mobile browser! Nothing like following Federal and industry-standard guidelines for accessibility…)

Scoble’s experiment is an important one for today. Web design needs to move away from the fluff of print magazine design and into standards compliant, accessible design. This does not imply a lack of design or visual interest; however, much of what is currently being produced will need to be overhauled in the interest of accessibility.

[Link - The things I'm learning from having an ugly design]

Tags: ,
Posted in New Media | No Comments »

Hiking Four Dances Natural Area

April 27th, 2009

Terri and I went back to Four Dances Natural Area for another great hike yesterday. Four Dances is a 765 acre preserve located just across the Yellowstone River from Billings MT. The preserve is largely native sagebrush/grassland with ponderosa pine forest along the rocky cliff faces. Four Dances is bordered to the west by cliffs that rise 200-500 feet above the Yellowstone River.

Four Dances Natural Area provides some outstanding scenery only a five minute drive from the city. Of course, the view to the west from the cliffs is somewhat less than exciting as the sprawling metropolitan area extends beneath. The coal energy plant and petroleum refineries add nothing to the view. They also add nothing to the air quality when the wind blows from the west… (Anyone who still thinks coal plants are a good energy source should really hike at Four Dances Natural Area to view and smell the true impact of a coal plant.)

Wildlife and bird viewing opportunities at Four Dances are a real treat considering how close the preserve is to downtown Billings. Yesterday we saw a peregrine falcon as well as both male and female mountain bluebirds. On a previous hike we saw several peregrine falcons and bald eagles. We were also able to observe a number of mule deer and rabbits. Yesterday offered a particular treat as we observed movement on a sandstone ledge across a ravine. Closer observation revealed a large, adult wolverine resting on the ledge and surveying the ravine below. Viewing a wolverine is something of a treat since they are solitary animals and tend to range over several hundred square miles.

I took a few photographs with my cell phone camera while we were hiking. The resolution is somewhat less-than-ideal but better than nothing… I attempted to photograph the wolverine by pairing the camera phone with the binoculars but without success. I have read of people using optics to facilitate a zoom on camera phones; however, the sun was so bright that I could not really make out the display when I attempted this improvisation.

We took a nice ride through the middle of nowhere on the way home and were thrilled to see two large sandhill cranes in a field along the road. All in all this was quite a day for wildlife viewing!

[Link - Four Dances Natural Area]

Update: I have uploaded some higher resolution photos taken on a subsequent hike to Associated Content.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Outdoors | 1 Comment »

« Older Entries