World Affairs
WHY THE WAR BETWEEN GEORGIA AND RUSSIA MATTERS...A LOT! by Larry Stout
WHY THE WAR BETWEEN GEORGIA AND RUSSIA MATTERS...A LOT! by Larry Stout 8/10/08
I recently attended a conference of the International Institute for Christian Studies and found it unbelievably refreshing to be around 200 people who actually knew where Latvia was on the map! Most of those who were working in Russia and Eastern Europe had even been to Riga. The astuteness to world affairs was a tremendous asset when discussing various issues relating to international outreach efforts and how world events impacted global missions.
I recently attended a conference of the International Institute for Christian Studies and found it unbelievably refreshing to be around 200 people who actually knew where Latvia was on the map! Most of those who were working in Russia and Eastern Europe had even been to Riga. The astuteness to world affairs was a tremendous asset when discussing various issues relating to international outreach efforts and how world events impacted global missions.
WHY GAS PRICES ARE TOO LOW by Larry Stout, 6/22/08
WHY GAS PRICES ARE TOO LOW by Larry Stout
I once complimented my Russian translator after a service, and he turned to me and asked, “How would you know if I translated well or not?” He was right, and the same could be said for our understanding of fuel prices. For almost all of us, we have no idea of whether we are paying too much at the pump.
By now, most readers are wondering if I have been living in a cave for the past year, because the price of oil has certainly been rapidly escalating. In fact, the price of gas has more than doubled in the past five years. But, this fact is still not a good barometer for determining if the cost is too high today. It is a matter of economics – supply, demand, and market forces.
I once complimented my Russian translator after a service, and he turned to me and asked, “How would you know if I translated well or not?” He was right, and the same could be said for our understanding of fuel prices. For almost all of us, we have no idea of whether we are paying too much at the pump.
By now, most readers are wondering if I have been living in a cave for the past year, because the price of oil has certainly been rapidly escalating. In fact, the price of gas has more than doubled in the past five years. But, this fact is still not a good barometer for determining if the cost is too high today. It is a matter of economics – supply, demand, and market forces.
THE MIRACLE OF ISRAEL by Larry Stout, 6/6/05
THE MIRACLE OF ISRAEL by Larry Stout
Last month an event occurred that should not have gone unnoticed. On May 14th, the nation of Israel celebrated its 60th anniversary. Not much media attention was given to this incredible event, which is truly a travesty, because modern Israel is a modern-day miracle.
Most people know that Israel had to defend itself against the Arab nations from the moment of its inception in 1948, again in 1956, during the Six Day War in 1967, the Yom Kippur War of 1973, the Intifadas through the 1990s, and as recently as Hezbollah War in 2006. To simply survive at all would have been a miracle.
Last month an event occurred that should not have gone unnoticed. On May 14th, the nation of Israel celebrated its 60th anniversary. Not much media attention was given to this incredible event, which is truly a travesty, because modern Israel is a modern-day miracle.
Most people know that Israel had to defend itself against the Arab nations from the moment of its inception in 1948, again in 1956, during the Six Day War in 1967, the Yom Kippur War of 1973, the Intifadas through the 1990s, and as recently as Hezbollah War in 2006. To simply survive at all would have been a miracle.
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 4 (and Last): Good Science Does Not Play Politics by Larry Stout
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 4 (and Last): Good Science Does Not Play Politics by Larry Stout
Julian Simon, the late and great economist, was speaking at an environmental forum and asked the participants, "How many people here believe that the earth is increasingly polluted and that our natural resources are being exhausted?"
Every hand went up.
Simon followed up, "Is there any evidence that could dissuade you?"
Nothing.
Again he tried, "Is there any evidence I could give you – anything at all – that would lead you to reconsider these assumptions?"
Julian Simon, the late and great economist, was speaking at an environmental forum and asked the participants, "How many people here believe that the earth is increasingly polluted and that our natural resources are being exhausted?"
Every hand went up.
Simon followed up, "Is there any evidence that could dissuade you?"
Nothing.
Again he tried, "Is there any evidence I could give you – anything at all – that would lead you to reconsider these assumptions?"
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 3: Good Science is Honest Science by Larry Stout
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 3: Good Science is Honest Science by Larry Stout
I worked for nine years in an academic institution that required its undergraduate as well as graduate students to write a scientific paper in order to graduate. I served as an advisor and an evaluator for hundreds of papers over those years. In addition, I have been forced to read a staggering number of technical science papers related to psychology in the normal course of keeping abreast with the latest developments in my field. I make this preface to establish that I know of a few established rules in science research that somehow seem to be forgotten or ignored when it comes to the subject of global warming.
I worked for nine years in an academic institution that required its undergraduate as well as graduate students to write a scientific paper in order to graduate. I served as an advisor and an evaluator for hundreds of papers over those years. In addition, I have been forced to read a staggering number of technical science papers related to psychology in the normal course of keeping abreast with the latest developments in my field. I make this preface to establish that I know of a few established rules in science research that somehow seem to be forgotten or ignored when it comes to the subject of global warming.
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 2: Celebrity Science is No Science by Larry Stout
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 2: Celebrity Science is No Science by Larry Stout
My niece's husband Matt is working on his Master's degree in geology and was recently on a field trip in Iceland with two of his professors to conduct research on glacier movement. They were surprised to learn that one of their sites was closed off although it was apparent that there was something going on there. Later, they found out that Leonardo DiCaprio needed the location for a photo shoot for Vanity Fair. I saw the issue in an airport bookstore with the star on the cover standing in front of a huge glacier with the caption, "Leonardo DiCaprio: Actor and Activist."
My niece's husband Matt is working on his Master's degree in geology and was recently on a field trip in Iceland with two of his professors to conduct research on glacier movement. They were surprised to learn that one of their sites was closed off although it was apparent that there was something going on there. Later, they found out that Leonardo DiCaprio needed the location for a photo shoot for Vanity Fair. I saw the issue in an airport bookstore with the star on the cover standing in front of a huge glacier with the caption, "Leonardo DiCaprio: Actor and Activist."
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 1: Bad Science is Bad for Everyone by Larry Stout
Why I am Cool to Global Warming – Part 1: Bad Science is Bad for Everyone by Larry Stout
There are real problems in the world today and concern for the environment certainly is among them. Yet when it comes to the issue of global warming – I have a big problem. Proverbs 11:1 states that God abhors dishonest scales. True science should be balanced and objective with a goal at arriving at verifiable facts that can be practically used. Today we are witnessing an abomination of science in the media hype and hysteria over global warming.
Before I continue, I would like to establish some guidelines so there is no misunderstanding. Much of the difficulty in discussing this area rationally is because there is not a clear outline what is meant by 'global warming.' Since the inconvenient truth that this has been an extremely cold or delayed winter in many parts of the world, and particularly America, the term 'climate change' is sometimes used. The terms are used interchangeably, but I will stick with 'global warming' since it is the more commonly used phrase and the term that is most often cited in scientific literature.
There are real problems in the world today and concern for the environment certainly is among them. Yet when it comes to the issue of global warming – I have a big problem. Proverbs 11:1 states that God abhors dishonest scales. True science should be balanced and objective with a goal at arriving at verifiable facts that can be practically used. Today we are witnessing an abomination of science in the media hype and hysteria over global warming.
Before I continue, I would like to establish some guidelines so there is no misunderstanding. Much of the difficulty in discussing this area rationally is because there is not a clear outline what is meant by 'global warming.' Since the inconvenient truth that this has been an extremely cold or delayed winter in many parts of the world, and particularly America, the term 'climate change' is sometimes used. The terms are used interchangeably, but I will stick with 'global warming' since it is the more commonly used phrase and the term that is most often cited in scientific literature.
AS THE WORLD TURNS (UPSIDE DOWN) by Larry Stout
AS THE WORLD TURNS (UPSIDE DOWN) by Larry Stout
I know that I sometimes come across as a snob by quoting classic literature, but I do not do it to show off. I honestly believe that the classics ARE classics, simply because they tell us things about the human experience which we should always remember. A recent event in the news reminded me of an event in William Shakespeare’s play, Henry IV, Part II.
In the play, there is an ongoing tension between Prince Hal, who would eventually become England’s next king, Henry V, and the usurper to the throne, Hotspur. Near the end of the play there is a savage battle in which Hal finally triumphs over his arch- rival. However, the aged warrior Falstaff comes along and confiscates the body and claims that he has killed Hotspur. In the end, Hal does not protest and allows Falstaff his false glory. It is enough for Hal that he knows the truth and he marvels at the incredulity of those who believe that an old drunken louse like Falstaff could possibly have vanguished such a formidable foe as Hotspur.
I know that I sometimes come across as a snob by quoting classic literature, but I do not do it to show off. I honestly believe that the classics ARE classics, simply because they tell us things about the human experience which we should always remember. A recent event in the news reminded me of an event in William Shakespeare’s play, Henry IV, Part II.
In the play, there is an ongoing tension between Prince Hal, who would eventually become England’s next king, Henry V, and the usurper to the throne, Hotspur. Near the end of the play there is a savage battle in which Hal finally triumphs over his arch- rival. However, the aged warrior Falstaff comes along and confiscates the body and claims that he has killed Hotspur. In the end, Hal does not protest and allows Falstaff his false glory. It is enough for Hal that he knows the truth and he marvels at the incredulity of those who believe that an old drunken louse like Falstaff could possibly have vanguished such a formidable foe as Hotspur.
THE DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING: September 11, 2001 by Larry Stout
THE DAY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING: September 11, 2001 by Larry Stout
I was in my office at Stockholm School of Economics in Riga finishing up my preparations for a counseling course at the Riga (now Baltic) Reformed Theological Seminary. It was almost 5:00 PM, September 11, 2001. Debbie was at a “Meet and Greet” reception at the US Embassy, and received a phone call from Olya who was at home. Our daughter had just heard on the radio that an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Amazingly, Debbie was the first person at the US Embassy in Riga to hear this news. She quickly relayed the info to the others at the embassy and called me at school. By the time I had turned on the BBC on the radio to see what had happened, the second plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, and it was quickly apparent that this was not simply a tragic airline accident.
I was in my office at Stockholm School of Economics in Riga finishing up my preparations for a counseling course at the Riga (now Baltic) Reformed Theological Seminary. It was almost 5:00 PM, September 11, 2001. Debbie was at a “Meet and Greet” reception at the US Embassy, and received a phone call from Olya who was at home. Our daughter had just heard on the radio that an airplane had crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Amazingly, Debbie was the first person at the US Embassy in Riga to hear this news. She quickly relayed the info to the others at the embassy and called me at school. By the time I had turned on the BBC on the radio to see what had happened, the second plane had crashed into the World Trade Center, and it was quickly apparent that this was not simply a tragic airline accident.
Toon Town Terror: Thoughts on the Danish Cartoon Controversy Part II, by Larry Stout
TOON TOWN TERROR: Thoughts on the Danish Cartoon Controversy PART II by Larry Stout
Few international issues in the past few years have raised my ire as much as the controversy over the Danish caricatures of Mohammed. The incredible simplicity of these drawings only adds to the ludicrous reaction that is taking place in the Muslim world. Let me see if I can get this straight. When terrorist use Mohammed to justify the savage 9/11 attacks on the United States, bombings in Spain and England, these are met by a total indifference on the Arab street. When insurgents (polite name for murderers) invoke the name of Mohammed for the car bombing of innocent women and children, or even an entire school such as Breslin in Russia, this is met with a collective shrug by the imams who must safeguard Muslim purity. And when politicians cite Mohammed to demand the destruction of Israel, and the total extermination of all Jews – this is considered normal. Not an eyebrow is raised in anger over any of these violations of the Koran. But when a Danish newspaper publishes several cartoons to complain about the difficulty of finding an illustrator for a book on Mohammed – Muslims everywhere scream with outrage. What in the name of all that is holy justifies the burning of embassies in Beirut, Damascus, and Tehran, the murder of a Catholic priest in Turkey, and the death of at least another dozen people throughout the Middle East in anti-Danish riots? These are cartoons, for goodness sake!
Few international issues in the past few years have raised my ire as much as the controversy over the Danish caricatures of Mohammed. The incredible simplicity of these drawings only adds to the ludicrous reaction that is taking place in the Muslim world. Let me see if I can get this straight. When terrorist use Mohammed to justify the savage 9/11 attacks on the United States, bombings in Spain and England, these are met by a total indifference on the Arab street. When insurgents (polite name for murderers) invoke the name of Mohammed for the car bombing of innocent women and children, or even an entire school such as Breslin in Russia, this is met with a collective shrug by the imams who must safeguard Muslim purity. And when politicians cite Mohammed to demand the destruction of Israel, and the total extermination of all Jews – this is considered normal. Not an eyebrow is raised in anger over any of these violations of the Koran. But when a Danish newspaper publishes several cartoons to complain about the difficulty of finding an illustrator for a book on Mohammed – Muslims everywhere scream with outrage. What in the name of all that is holy justifies the burning of embassies in Beirut, Damascus, and Tehran, the murder of a Catholic priest in Turkey, and the death of at least another dozen people throughout the Middle East in anti-Danish riots? These are cartoons, for goodness sake!
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