Author Archives: RF_Alum

Shadow of the Sultan’s Realm

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The subtitle of this book written by Daniel Allen Butler is “The Destruction of the Ottoman Empire and the Creation of the Modern Middle East.” I found this book to be absolutely fascinating. The book is only 235 pages long before you reach the Author’s Notes, and perhaps that isn’t enough space for an accurate description of an empire that lasted more than six centuries. However, I found the book informative and interesting.

The Ottoman Empire thrived, prospered, and expanded for several centuries What most people know about it relates to the decision of the politicians in the Empire to join with Germany in the Great War, which provided the Empire no apparent advantages, and had tremendous impact on history of the region and the world. This book, if it is nothing else, should be a primer about how arrogance and ignorance of national leaders can create misery and sacrifice of life for soldiers who have little invested except for loyalty to their countries and fellow soldiers. Continue reading →

I Have a Bone to Pick with You

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I used a version of this expression in a book review I intend to post today, and decided I needed to learn the origin. It is commonly used when a person challenges that they want to discuss something they believe to be inaccurate or they want to challenge someone who they feel has wronged them. A posting on The Phrase Finder informs that the expression dates back to the sixteenth century and referred to a dog chewing endlessly on a large bone.

Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) Versus Hybrids

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dna_helixI recall drives through Kansas where there were fields of corn and other crops that had signs designating different rows of the plants as different hybrids. That memory made me think about the differences between hybrid plants and those that have been genetically modified (GMOs). I knew those fields in Kansas were planted to study which hybrid gave the best yields. The researchers would consider disease and pest exposure and rainfall and other weather conditions. The yields under those various conditions would then tell the seed companies and farmers which hybrids they should plant in coming years. That research and the information developed was and is a key to keeping up with the appetite of a hungry world. Continue reading →

Libertarianism

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libertarianismThe subtitle of this book by Jason Brennan is “What Everyone Needs to Know.” For those unfamiliar with this web site, I refer to myself as a “part-time Libertarian,” and I was interested in comparing my views to those that are presented as the Libertarian by the author. I often, but not always, agreed with what was presented as the Libertarian position. The first sentence of the Introduction is a good place to start. “Libertarians believe so long as we do not violate others’ rights, we should each be free to live as we choose.” What isn’t included in that sentence is that an ever-expanding government is the greatest risk to our freedom to live as we chose. Continue reading →

Alcohol Proof

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Last week there was a posting that described how purchasers of whiskey could determine whether it contained high or low alcohol content by giving it a hard, or “fair shake.” Higher alcohol content caused the froth or ‘head’ to disappear quickly. A test used to determine the “proof” of alcoholic beverages, a term that remains in use today, originated in the early 1700s. The beverage was “proved” by pouring some on gunpowder and lighting it. It was considered 100 proof or 57.15% alcohol by volume if it burned steadily with a blue flame. It was considered ‘under proof” if it failed to burn and ‘over proof’ if it burned too quickly.

Genetically Modified Organisms

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I have been interested in the arguments for and against genetically modified foods, although the standard reference has been “genetically modified organisms (GMO).” There is major conflict between those who believe we must develop this new technology to have a chance to feed an expanding world population and those who believe the technology of genetic modification presents significant risks. I was poorly informed about the technology, and the initial reaction is that “man should not be involved in modifying genetics.” Of course it isn’t quite that simple.  One side of the argument is that GMOs are useful to combating hunger, which is a powerful argument. Others contend that the technology is dangerous to the environment and consumers.  Some opponents consider the Monsanto, which has been a leader in development of GMOs, to be worthy of the harshest criticism possible. Continue reading →