Home

Archive - Mar 11, 2010

Date

Google visualizes data on the 'Net: e.g., change in STD instance rates over time.

Submitted by frlarry on Thu, 03/11/2010 - 12:58

What's particularly interesting about this technology is that it ties into an on-line database that may add data over time, and the changes will be reflected in the graph. It's also possible to animate such changes when the data is time-dependent. See "​Data visualizations for a changing world." Of course, when we tie our documents to on-line data which is managed by another entity, we depend upon the ongoing honesty and professionalism of that entity, something which the second law of thermodynamics suggests will tend to degrade over time. Wouldn't that make an interesting graph!

»
  • frlarry's blog
  • Share this

A letter to the O'Reilly Factor

Submitted by frlarry on Thu, 03/11/2010 - 01:14

Bill O'Reilly interviewed Fr. Jonathan Morris on the recent case of children (in the legal sense) of a lesbian couple being expelled from a Denver Catholic school. (See the pastoral letter issued by Bishop Charles J. Chaput, "Catholic schools: Partners in faith with parents" for details.) I felt that Mr. O'Reilly's interview displayed a significant level of ignorance on his part. Of course, this could have been feigned ignorance for the purpose of engaging in an enlightening and emotionally involving line of questioning.

»

"What did you go out to the desert to see--a reed swayed by the wind? Then what did you go out to see? Someone dressed in fine garments? Those who dress luxuriously and live sumptuously are found in royal palaces. Then what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom scripture says: 'Behold, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, he will prepare your way before you.' I tell you, among those born of women, no one is greater than John; yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."
Jesus, commenting on John the Baptist — Luke 7:24b-28, NAB
If any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. Behold, I have told you before. Wherefore if they shall say unto you, Behold, he is in the desert; go not forth: behold, he is in the secret chambers; believe it not. For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For wheresoever the carcase is, there will the eagles be gathered together.
Jesus commenting on the perennial project of evil to co-opt the good — Matthew 24:23-28, KJV

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword; for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
[Isaiah 1:18-20]

We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves; let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to edify him. For Christ did not please himself; but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached thee fell on me." For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by steadfastness and by the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope. May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Welcome one another, therefore, as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
[Romans 15:1-7]