Month: January 2013

Genetic Roulette

On By brandonadamsIn health, politicsLeave a comment

I have a long article in the works explaining why I would be recommending this video, but for the time being I just wanted to make a quick post to let you know the low budget documentary/informational video “Genetic Roulette” is available on Youtube until Feb 3. It’s very much worth watching and then looking into in more detail. I’d love to hear your thoughts

Psychiatric Drugs, Not A Lack Of Gun Control, Are The Common Denominator In Murderous Violence

On By brandonadamsIn newsLeave a comment

Lawrence Hunter, columnist at Forbes.com, wrote and article arguing that psychiatric drugs are a common denominator in high profile mass shootings like the one at Sandy Hook. He quotes 2000 New York Senate Bill 7035:

There is a large body of scientific research establishing a connection between violence and suicide and the use of psychotropic drugs in some cases. This research, which has been published in peer reviewed publications such as the American Journal of Psychiatry, The Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and The Journal of Forensic Science, has shown, among other things, that: certain drugs can induce mania (a psychosis which can produce bizarre, grandiose and highly elaborated destructive plans, including mass murder);. . .and certain drugs can produce an acute psychotic reaction in an individual not previously psychotic.

Most of the nation has spent the last month discussing and debating what happened at Sandy Hook and why. As you gathered together with family for Christmas and then returned to work, I’m sure you have all had at least one, if not many conversations with people about guns.

But how many conversations have you had with people about other possible contributing factors to murderous rampages such as psychiatric drugs? None? And as most media outlets have been talking non-stop about gun control, have you heard even one single mention of the two words “psychiatric drugs”? Why not? Even if you don’t think there is causation, if we’re trying to really understand and prevent these things, shouldn’t this glaring correlation be talked about?

Forbes.com doesn’t think so. They deleted Hunter’s column shortly after it was posted and started going viral. Here’s what you’ll find if you try to access the page now: http://www.forbes.com/sites/lawrencehunter/2013/01/14/psychiatric-drugs-not-a-lack-of-gun-control-are-the-common-denominator-in-murderous-violence/

Here’s more info on the removal: http://dailycaller.com/2013/01/16/forbes-withdraws-online-essay-blaming-psychiatric-medications-for-sandy-hook-shooting/

Again, even if it might only be a correlation (which I doubt), why not talk about? Why the absolute silence in light of the absolutely raging discussion about guns?

Here’s an old clip from 2003

ETS 2012 – “Caring for Creation” Panel Discussion on Global Warming

On By brandonadamsIn politics, science, theology15 Comments

Free MP3 of the ETS 2012 – “Caring for Creation” Panel Discussion on Global Warming (warning: most of the mp3s on Wordmp3.com are Federal Vision)

Speaker: Dr. Douglas Moo
Type: Lecture
Organization: ETS National
Price: $3.00 FREE
Download Download Stream Stream

A lively debate from the 64th annual Evangelical Theological Society (ETS) meeting (November 14th-16, 2012 in Milwaukee, WI). This panel discussion on the theme for this year’s meeting, “Caring for Creation” with plenary speakers Richard Bauckham, E. Calvin Beisner, Douglas Moo, and Russell Moore. An observer noted that, “The panel discussion after Moo’s talk quickly became contentious. E. Calvin Beisner began by arguing that we must not lose the distinction between scientific models and reality . . . Bauckham really turned up the heat when he started his response by saying “Remember Galileo.” He noted that Galileo was initally condemned due to Scripture, but his example shows how trying to “predict from Scripture what science must observe is extremely dangerous.” He said that we need to stop playing “silly games with pseudoscience” [clearly aimed at Beisner’s use of arguments against the consensus Moo and the others argued was in place] and step outside of the Amero-centric view of the world.” (Quoted from JW Wartick).

Misérable means Miserable

On By brandonadamsIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Misérable means Miserable

Good review of Les Miserable, particularly the last third. I thought the movie was fantastic

Pensees II

UnknownA lot of discussion about Les Misérables has been had.

I’ll join with some scattered thoughts under the following categories:

  1. Musicality
  2. Vulgarity
  3. Spirituality

Musicality

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and everyone has a reason for why their opinion is credible (whether it makes sense or not). I’m no different. I think I know a thing or two about music having had some formal training in music. Thus, I think my opinion about the vocals and musicality has some credibility (with me anyway).

First of all, it’s hard to do a disservice to the music. The literature itself, musically and lyrically, is tested by time and will be sung for years to come. But it was the musical experience that was totally different. Many of us have heard the best singers in the world sing the music on the world’s largest stages. Or we have heard recordings of the same…

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