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That's a good point. I have done the same after reading Goodkind's SoT series, and then seeing the two seasons of Legend of the Seeker. ~ Shane

I just saw that, but it's doubtful that Nick would have known. Who's to say? But it's a great book all the same. ~ Shane

George, I agree there are probably more hooks in that show's water than required. I'm just keeping an open mind about our past and I enjoy some of the topics that are brought up. I don't buy into a lot of the junk history, but some important (albeit unanswered) questions are being raised. That's the hook I'm biting, not necessarily the interpretation of the speakers on the show. Call it going to a yard sale. Not everything is for me, but a few things are certain to catch my eye ;) Pawn Stars is an awesome show! ~ Shane

Rich, I saw the first link you posted. That's some pretty eye-opening cases, especially the Yukon case and the Nova Scotia. I really like the case of the sighting over Santa Barbara Channel by Mr Johnson and his flight crew. That depiction looks eerily similar to today B2 stealth bomber, possibly an homage to that specific event ;) In watching the season 2 episode (Unexplained Structures), I learned of the Gobekli Tepe in Turkey, some 12,000 years old. I like that this essentially shatters the concept of the Bible's dating of human history to approximately 4000 B.C. I'm sure there's other evidence, but this one has to top the list. ~ Shane

In the recent past, there was a sailing effort from Hawaii to Tahiti (or the other way around) using the same techniques of navigating via stars. These guys knew their stuff. But how does it all begin to gain that knowledge? That's the kicker for me ~ Shane

Tony, Carol and Rich, Glad to see there's an interest in here on this subject. Rich, thanks for the links... I'll be sure to check those out at home. I bring up the subject at work, and even with my neighbor this past weekend. A lot of them are holy rollers to an extent, so they are "unbelievers" when it comes to this subject... haha!! I've seen most of the episodes, but of all of them, I really like the one that speaks to the Star Child skull. I caught a glimpse of a UFO Hunters episode where they met with the current caretakers of the skull. I had read up on it, but this episode highlighted some more information regarding DNA make-up. Very cool stuff. Another interesting subject were the Vimanas (flying machines). A team of scientists created large-scale versions of these, and they were air-worthy. It's little things (ok, maybe not so little) like these that really hold my attention. A lot of what was written in ancient civilazations was in context and limits of their known world and language. So what a lot of folks take as verbatim leads me to believe they aren't reading between the lines. And their pictograms and art depicts a lot of other-worldly phenomenon. ~ Shane

A link for reference... Ancient Aliens - History.com ~ Shane

Last week on Netflix, I started watching Season 1. I was introduced to quite an array of topics, focused on the possibility/evidence of alien influnces within our ancient civilizations (Mayans, Egyptians, American Indians). While I don't necessarily buy a lot of the theories proposed, I'm specifically intrigued by the architectural feats of these past civilizations. The one that stands out prominently is Puma Punku ruins in Bolivia. The precision of the stone masonry and how the pieces interconnected is mind-boggling, even to today's experts and craftsmen. One guy was quoted as saying that if tasked, he would turn the job down because it would take him a lifetime to complete. Granted, in those days, it wouldn't have been the work of one man, but a community. There are other remarkable pieces of evidence that merit consideration, but I'm curious if anyone else has watched these series and given it serious consideration with regard to plausibility. One thing's for certain: our ancestors had a profound knowledge of the stars. But how did they gain that knowledge, and how did we not inherit it? ~ Shane

If I ever decide to buy an off-the-shelf computer, my next one will certainly be a Mac. But for building, I'm more familiar with PC components/architecture. ~ Shane

I would suggest that be the new song for Mac users (as part of a Trojan) to take over the "Rick Roll" song that we all occasionally get redirected to... Ha!! ~ Shane

It was just a matter of time... ~ Shane

Tony, I see what you mean. The People's Party (PP) did a good thing for Spain in trying to become more competitive in the world market. I'm just surprised that it took the Madrid bombings to shake the nation to shift the political climate so drastically. I agree the Spanish Socialist Workers Party (PSOE) were trying to do right by their people. Spain did see a lot of growth since the mid-80s. The downturn came with the economic crisis of 2008, and Spain was hurt badly in the process. So the standing governement isn't solely to blame other than maybe not having a contingency plan in place? What that would be, I couldn't say. I've managed to do a lot of traveling in Spain with my father and some friends... Madrid, Toledo, Cuidad Real, Getafe, Zaragoza, Santander (where I was lost for a few hours on a small island...haha!), Aranjuez (best strawberries and cream in the world!), and Calpe for my last trip to Spain. Of note, I spent my summer there when I was 14. THAT was an experience. When I was younger, I managed to be in a couple commercials (MacDonald's and Gitano jeans), and a couple appearances on their kids' show, La Cometa Blanca (The White Kite). What I miss most are the people. I was never ostracized for being American during my weekend visits with my step-family in Getafe. I spoke fluent Spanish back then which probably helped a lot in that regard. I made many friends in all the barrios there, too. It was a very rich childhood. Their food was my next love from their paella, seafood, ham, bread, and churros! Even the foreign restaurants were amazing. The best Chinese and German restaurants I've eaten at were in Madrid. Their culture is very rich, and I enjoyed their art museums... Goya was my favorite. I only hope that Spain can make a strong comeback and come to prominence once again. ~ Shane

I'm hoping to go back in the near future. I missed a great opportunity to work for NATO in Madrid due to a clerical error (I'm still miffed to this day). What I remember there was nice people, full of life. Of course, this was back in the 80s. Madrid was amazing! I hope the change will spark something better for a country I love dearly. Time will tell if the majority of the population will push for lasting change. As for the feeling of entitlement, some of that may come from their Catholic upbringing. It sure was hard to steal a kiss from the girls when I was growing up there...haha! ~ Shane

Apparently, Harold Camping was shocked that the Rapture did not come to pass. I feared they would latch on to the small earthquake that kicked off in California, but no injuries or damage - Rapture averted. What surprised me most was they didn't grandstand their position with the volcano in Iceland, or the tornado that devastated Joplin, MO. I'm hoping many of their numbers question Mr. Camping and their faith. Sometimes, it takes a major kick in the face to set people straight. Let's hope this one came from a size 21. ~ Shane

Having lived there a number of years in my youth, I take great pride in learning the socialists are out on their ears. I guess the lessons learned during the Spanish Civil War didn't stick as much as it should have. ~ Shane

I've had this occur once, back when I was stationed in Korea (wonder if it was all that awesome kimchi...). I remember just before waking up, my eyes were still closed and it felt like I was being held down completely by force. I woke up breathing quickly to find no one there. I tried with all my might to move my arms but they wouldn't budge. Still breathing I hard, I tried to hold my breath. Here's where it gets good. I was waiting to hear a voice tell me I was no longer in control of my body...that I was possessed...haha! I attribute this to be my state of awakening and fear, never having experienced this sort of thing. I was literally saying to myself, "WFT is going on?" To my relief, no voices coalesced. I relaxed a bit and my brain switched my body back on. First thing I did while I still had control was hit the internet and looked up sleep paralysis. The coolest thing I remember from Wikipedia was that the brain switches off some motor functions to keep the body from moving around while sleeping. I'm guessing this is what's broken in sleep-walkers. ~ Shane

Michael, Thanks for the transcripts, as I can not view long videos posted to YouTube from work. I still think that some here have a thorn sticking in their side due to Beck's faith, but I'd take a man with faith who walks the right path in life over one without walking the wrong path. I understand there are fundamental conflicts philosophically, but I set those aside regarding Beck because because his compass points true north on what's right (imho). ~ Shane

I'd like to try and participate. I don't know if my schedule will accomodate chapters in days, but I'm willing to crack at it. ~ Shane

Welcome to our neck of the woods ~ Shane

It's a world-wide audience playing and smack talking. I'm nearing 40 and can hold my own in the game. What made the lasting impression a few months ago was coming across a team full of KKK players. I had fun shooting those morons. And their language was even more laughable. ~ Shane

It works best to clothe appropriately. You know, like football gear. ~ Shane

Now that would be great to hear a mom in chat trash talking the trash talkers ;) It might even make a YouTube session go viral...haha!! ~ Shane

Guilty pleasure - Modern Warfare: Black Ops. You get to shoot trash-talkers that spend more time in their mom's basement in one sitting than you could ever imagine. The best part, they come back to life almost instantly so you can do it all over again. This followed by more trash talking while waiting for the next match. B) ~ Shane

It's all in his stance... "Word!............of God." ~ Shane

I was thinking along Michael's wavelength. With regard to his dislike for reading, I might suggest just mailing him a book on occasion. I know that if I try to hand a book to my kids with any sort of explanation, they usually don't bite. I was the same way. However, if I were given a book with no explanation, I might be curious to read it and find out for myself. I'm glad he has regular visitors. That's got to go a long way for his sanity. And friends like him that are wathcing your back are hard to find. ~ Shane