Yukon River
Brand new from Jeff Jenkins of
Thoughts and Theology
Well done, thanks Jeff.
Part One
According to Louis P. Pojman, pragmatism is a theory set forth by C.S. Peirce and William James, which interprets the meaning of a statement by its consequences. Usually a proposition is true or false based on whether it is pragmatic. Pojman (1996: 598).
William James (1842-1910) is a well-known American philosopher, psychologist and a founder of the philosophy of pragmatism. John K. Roth (1892-1907)(1969) explains within the Introduction to The Moral Philosophy of William James that James’ pragmatism emphasizes the human ability to choose an individual lifestyle from several actual and authentic possibilities. Roth (1892-1907)(1969: 3-4). Pragmatism emphasized the need for a community of free thought that was open to inquiry and testing. Roth (1892-1907)(1969: 3-4).
JAMES, WILLIAM (1892-1907)(1969) The Moral Philosophy of William James, John K. Roth (ed.), Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York.
POJMAN, LOUIS P. (1996) Philosophy: The Quest for Truth, New York, Wadsworth Publishing Company.
ROTH, JOHN K. ‘Introduction’ (1892-1907)(1969) in The Moral Philosophy of William James, John K. Roth (ed.), Thomas Y. Crowell Company, New York.
Above are definitions of pragmatism used within my PhD. I am still waiting for the final passing results from Wales.
Often today pragmatism is commonly understood in terms of being pragmatic, as in being practical.
I have to admit that in two areas of my life, I may not be overly typically pragmatic/practical, but I am actually quite philosophically driven.
1. In regard to work and vocation. By earning almost four academic degrees over the last 18 years, and working only part-time with telemarketing, labouring, security, and census work, I have not been in the work force full-time. I have missed out making much more money than I could have in that time. I also have worked extremely hard to earn my degrees, with the first two course work degrees keeping me busy with up to 60 hours of work a week between classes, travel, research, writing, and internships and the last two theses degrees taking up to 30+ hours a week with a significantly higher standard of work than course work. At the same time while writing theses I put in 20-30 hours a week with theological blogging. All of this was for free, and I was only paid $300 dollars in my undergrad for winning a Bible Studies scholarship. Even so I pursued a PhD in Theology and Philosophy of Religion rather than Biblical Studies. Yes, the two PhD degrees are different. Biblical Studies would be less philosophical and more technical in regard to background studies and languages. I do think I could do a PhD in Biblical Studies but only would if I was offered an offer 'I could not refuse.' I am just tired of the controversy related to trying to please several people with a major theses and not getting paid for it.
By the way, the reason I did not work 60 hours a week on theses is that as many writers will probably tell you, and my MPhil advisor did, that research and especially writing more than 4-6 hours a day soon becomes ineffective. One needs to think about the work while away from it. Some of my best ideas came while sitting awake in bed or while going for a walk. Plus, I used the time to add teaching experience to my curriculum vitae with my blogs thekingpin68 and satire and theology. This was good for me especially as I had for a long time heavy fatigue associated with undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea.
It has not been pragmatic/practical for me to be a student for so long, but philosophically, I know I need to be able to spend approximately 1/3 of my life working at a career that I am excellent at and enjoy. Perhaps I have been using a more philosophical, less typical pragmatism in the sense of choosing an individual lifestyle from several actual and authentic possibilities. Roth (1892-1907)(1969: 3-4). I want a lifestyle where I am successful and not merely collecting a pay cheque. Money is important though.
2. Okay, this is where I may annoy some people as I have previously. I am not primarily typically pragmatic/practical when it comes to potential romantic relationships. Internet love advisors such as Doc Love and Don Steele (he has some very good insights, but also some very non-Christian views which I strongly disagree with) are teachers I have learned from over the last few years especially, although I will not pay them a dime for various reasons. I have also read and listened to Christian teachers. Steele states that virtually all single attractive young women have boyfriends and if you show a slight interest in one you are just one of many possibilities for her. I see his point, but realize there are of course a few exceptions. I, on the other hand, like some single intellectual Christian men I know, have never dated much and are waiting for someone right, in Christ. I am not stating that one approach or the other is the right one, but perhaps it would be more pragmatic/practical to date more with whatever I can get. Perhaps I should be more willing to settle for someone that is in her late 30s or 40s, does not want to exercise, one I cannot have children with, one that has much baggage, and perhaps one that has her own largely grown-up children. Better yet, one that is not Christian and one that has no appreciation for Reformed theology or theologians.
For some people the above are very good. I am not criticizing you. Stay cool.
But, philosophically, I am not there. I am not even close to being there. I am sexually inexperienced and in my heart would like my own family with someone young enough that is reasonably spiritually, intellectually and physically attractive. In that order. Although looking like a strong man/kingpin and not a classic Hollywood pretty boy or Las Vegas boxer, I have always worked out and would like to be with someone that takes that seriously. I would rather be alone than settle for someone where there is not significant mutual attraction and where Biblically I would be required to put in significant commitment in marriage. Perhaps once again I am being philosophically rather than typically pragmatic though in the sense of choosing an individual lifestyle from several actual and authentic possibilities.
Reason and Facebook experience tells me that certainly finishing my PhD and moving to Christianized America should provide me with more opportunities. I also have friends telling me that if need be Eastern Europe should bode very well for me and Facebook experience has me thinking that this is reasonable.
I conclude that within God's plans my philosophical approach is better for me than any other more typical and practical alternative.
May the Lord lead me and please enjoy the martial arts photos when they are posted.
Four year old drinks beer
‘CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) -- Tennessee investigators say a 4-year-old boy was found roaming his neighborhood in the night, drinking beer and wearing a little girl's dress taken from under a neighbor's Christmas tree.’
Previously published fine graphic work from:
Jeff Jenkins
This Kingpin has 200 pounds on me!
Part Two
Christmas 2008
That is Chucky, the victim of my 'light' rear naked choke. He is also promoting 'Happiness' from Coffeehouse-Journal in links.
Rick B
Christmas 2009
From December 18, 2009
My newer photos demonstrate to me that my sleep apnea appliance is slowly working. Thank you Lord.
Left hook punch.
Right hook punch.
Right elbow strike in a roundhouse motion.
Right roundhouse. I can kick higher with left but with less power.
Right roundhouse.
Left hook punch, over the years my left punch now compares to my right. The 50 pound dumbbell I use while watching television seems to help.
I switched to lighter red bag for contrast. I work mainly on military type strikes now. To the throat etc. Sorry, but the streets could be bad.
Right sidekick, again I can kick higher with left, but I think my right probably has more power, but I am not certain. Anyway, a good finishing move if someone is stunned, but generally not difficult to avoid in a fight.
December 20, 2009
Guillotine choke. This choke can be done on the ground too.
Rear naked choke from Saint Chucklins.
Me getting out of the rear naked choke. Don't mess with the Chuck. Demon-eyed Chucky?
A double-handed defence against an overhand knife strike. The defence continues with an elbow strike and I will attempt to grab the arm holding the knife with my left hand as I elbow strike with my right arm. We never actually train with the blade elongated. I would expect to get cut in an actual fight, but I would aim to not be seriously or fatally injured. Showing the blade was just for show as we train with the blade retracted.
A defence against a straight knife strike. A key is to move off the line of attack. I can grab the knife arm with an underhand (here) or overhand grip and the defence changes depending on the grip. I would then likely use a right elbow strike as I do not let go of the knife arm.
In the progress of an armbar with very little room. I have been focusing more on weapons, judo and grappling the last few years since I was attacked in the UK (I won against three guys, mainly two, but still had a bottle thrown at me and was hit), and less on Karate. But since my focus is street fighting defence against multiple opponents and not the ring, for example, I try to stay on my feet as much as possible. I am no expert on this move but got the technique from more than one website. Chuck was in pain (that is real pain on his face) and could not get out it, and he has done it to me as well and it would be very difficult to get out of.
Chuck is out!! Nighty night Mennonite. Could not happen to a nicer guy?
A book I use.
