I WISH YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR!
The party is at my place, all are welcome, enjoy the very finest food and drink, as we dance the night away!
Up date )1/01/o9
Getting low on Cuban cigars and champagne, First song I danced to was, "Can't tear it up enuff" by The Fabulous Thunderbirds. I love big balls, I made food and drink for 20 people, why are there only six? Sorry I have no time, they are calling for me, I must get back to the party. This is the next song I will be playing I lived it, and still love it!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Writing as Illusion
I am not a writer, perhaps in a few years I will be. Until then, you are welcome to study with me: This is part of what I have been reading today.
Daryll Anderson. Writing as Illusion:
Traditional literary aesthetics can clarify the murky status of originality and honesty in nonfiction. Analyses that specifically apply to poetry and fiction apply equally well to ordinary expository prose, though people rarely apply them. Many aids to writing recommend originality and honesty in essays, and many readers try to evaluate essays by these criteria, but true originality and honesty do not fit in good writing. At the same time, writing must appear original and honest. This illusion the writer controls through a conventional literary persona.
About JAC".
JAC provides a forum for scholars interested in theoretical approaches to the interdisciplinary study of rhetoric, writing, culture, and politics. We publish four book-length issues a year, featuring articles, interviews, essays, review essays, and reviews. The journal is peer-reviewed and sponsors four annual awards for outstanding scholarship. JAC receives generous financial support from Illinois State University.
Daryll Anderson. Writing as Illusion:
Traditional literary aesthetics can clarify the murky status of originality and honesty in nonfiction. Analyses that specifically apply to poetry and fiction apply equally well to ordinary expository prose, though people rarely apply them. Many aids to writing recommend originality and honesty in essays, and many readers try to evaluate essays by these criteria, but true originality and honesty do not fit in good writing. At the same time, writing must appear original and honest. This illusion the writer controls through a conventional literary persona.
About JAC".
JAC provides a forum for scholars interested in theoretical approaches to the interdisciplinary study of rhetoric, writing, culture, and politics. We publish four book-length issues a year, featuring articles, interviews, essays, review essays, and reviews. The journal is peer-reviewed and sponsors four annual awards for outstanding scholarship. JAC receives generous financial support from Illinois State University.
Behind Enemy Lines
Man is the only animal that deals in that atrocity of atrocities, War. He is the only one that gathers his brethren about him and goes forth in cold blood and calm pulse to exterminate his kind. He is the only animal that for sordid wages will march out and help to slaughter strangers of his own species who have done him no harm and with whom he has no quarrel . . . And in the intervals between campaigns he washes the blood off his hands and works for "the universal brotherhood of man" - with his mouth.
Mark Twain
All men are brothers, like the seas throughout the world; So why do winds and waves clash so fiercely everywhere?
Emperor Hirohito
Israel, the beleaguered island in a hostile sea. In this world of grave violence and hate, is it any wonder that so many feel they are living behind enemy lines?
All truly wise thoughts have been thoughts already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take root in our personal experience.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
I keep Von Goethe to remind me there is nothing new under the sun. That liberty and wisdom cannot be inherited. Like our Founders, we must make that Declaration of Independence for ourselves and take a stand for our self-declared, self-evident, inalienable rights.
Mark Twain
All men are brothers, like the seas throughout the world; So why do winds and waves clash so fiercely everywhere?
Emperor Hirohito
Israel, the beleaguered island in a hostile sea. In this world of grave violence and hate, is it any wonder that so many feel they are living behind enemy lines?
All truly wise thoughts have been thoughts already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take root in our personal experience.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
I keep Von Goethe to remind me there is nothing new under the sun. That liberty and wisdom cannot be inherited. Like our Founders, we must make that Declaration of Independence for ourselves and take a stand for our self-declared, self-evident, inalienable rights.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Post-Holiday Blues
After the usual holiday celebrations, I have often found myself feeling a bit depressed and lethargic. This big old house becomes much too quiet; when all my friends and family have returned to their homes.
In trying to recreate those fond memories from childhood events, it is not uncommon that we end the holiday season with a sense of letdown. As we tend to long for the protected carefree days of our youth. This is probably due to our unrealistic expectation that holiday events can provide us with lasting happiness despite the fact that we know deep down it is impossible for us to be happy all the time.
Even the happiest of people feel blue at times, it is only natural. What is more, feeling blue can actually be good for you. Mild to moderate doses of negative experience can be very beneficial to our growth and development. Studies have shown that animals that were moderately stressed when young fared better as adults in recovering from stress. Difficult situations have made them more resilient by giving them opportunities to practice bouncing back from traumatic events. Studies of people who have undergone life-altering trauma reveal a similar resiliency. Those who lose their limbs to devastating accidents tend to bounce back in due time. One study found that those who were injured in accidents felt severely angry and victimized after the first week. However, after 8 weeks, most revealed that happiness was their strongest emotion—a situation that demonstrates how adaptable the human mind can be. It also suggests that happiness is not necessarily tied to circumstance, but to the “interpretation” we give to that circumstance.
By the same token, fortunate events can trigger intense happiness, but this state of intense happiness is never lasting. Study after study shows that happiness is not founded on what is normally considered marks of prestige or pleasure. Money (and all that money can buy) does not contribute to lasting happiness. Neither does a good education or youth. In fact, older people (who have probably developed more resilience) seem on the whole to be more satisfied with life than young people are.
Studies also show that those who are spiritually and communally involved tend to experience more frequently positive emotions and an overall sense of satisfaction with life. What accentuates this satisfaction is the sense of purpose and larger context that spiritual beliefs provide.
So what can you do to improve your happiness quotient, especially after the holidays?
1. Eliminate the either/or mentality that insists you are either happy or sad. This rigid either /or perception does not make room for the flexibility required to see joy in unhappy events. Even the most tragic of events can be a source of good and it is this insistence that you see good in all situations, even the most disastrous ones, that will predispose you to experience joy. In my case, I see the empty house as an opportunity for new growth through meditation and cleaning up the mess.
2. Move away from the victim mentality. You tend to grieve more intensely when you are unwilling to let go of yourself as victim. If you can shift away from being victimized, you can be in a much better position to see how the situation can also be a source of good. Remaining flexible in your perception is the key to resilience.
3. Cultivate an awareness of the silent witness—that is, taking a third party view of yourself. Imagine you as someone watching your "self" from a third party perspective. Detaching yourself from your ego can give you a totally different view of your situation.
4. Nurture a sense of history and time in the way you look at yourself—that is, identify a purpose in your life and develop strategies to achieve it. This purpose will make you more proactive in the way you view your situation. It will also allow you to engage in long-term vision and goals. Oprah Winfrey once said that it was her extreme devastation at age 16(the victim of family abuse) that made her vow she would never be victim again. And she was never victim again; in fact, what is remarkable about Oprah is that she has not stopped re-inventing herself and the contexts of her purpose in life.
Ultimately, our happiness quotient is dependent not on how much we get, but how much we give. The way we see the context of our lives as a whole is often a good place to examine how and what we can give back to our community and the universe that nurtured us.
Please don't give me credit, I only posted this because I care, and it is in agreement with all my past experience and training.
All truly wise thoughts have been thoughts already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take root in our personal experience.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
In trying to recreate those fond memories from childhood events, it is not uncommon that we end the holiday season with a sense of letdown. As we tend to long for the protected carefree days of our youth. This is probably due to our unrealistic expectation that holiday events can provide us with lasting happiness despite the fact that we know deep down it is impossible for us to be happy all the time.
Even the happiest of people feel blue at times, it is only natural. What is more, feeling blue can actually be good for you. Mild to moderate doses of negative experience can be very beneficial to our growth and development. Studies have shown that animals that were moderately stressed when young fared better as adults in recovering from stress. Difficult situations have made them more resilient by giving them opportunities to practice bouncing back from traumatic events. Studies of people who have undergone life-altering trauma reveal a similar resiliency. Those who lose their limbs to devastating accidents tend to bounce back in due time. One study found that those who were injured in accidents felt severely angry and victimized after the first week. However, after 8 weeks, most revealed that happiness was their strongest emotion—a situation that demonstrates how adaptable the human mind can be. It also suggests that happiness is not necessarily tied to circumstance, but to the “interpretation” we give to that circumstance.
By the same token, fortunate events can trigger intense happiness, but this state of intense happiness is never lasting. Study after study shows that happiness is not founded on what is normally considered marks of prestige or pleasure. Money (and all that money can buy) does not contribute to lasting happiness. Neither does a good education or youth. In fact, older people (who have probably developed more resilience) seem on the whole to be more satisfied with life than young people are.
Studies also show that those who are spiritually and communally involved tend to experience more frequently positive emotions and an overall sense of satisfaction with life. What accentuates this satisfaction is the sense of purpose and larger context that spiritual beliefs provide.
So what can you do to improve your happiness quotient, especially after the holidays?
1. Eliminate the either/or mentality that insists you are either happy or sad. This rigid either /or perception does not make room for the flexibility required to see joy in unhappy events. Even the most tragic of events can be a source of good and it is this insistence that you see good in all situations, even the most disastrous ones, that will predispose you to experience joy. In my case, I see the empty house as an opportunity for new growth through meditation and cleaning up the mess.
2. Move away from the victim mentality. You tend to grieve more intensely when you are unwilling to let go of yourself as victim. If you can shift away from being victimized, you can be in a much better position to see how the situation can also be a source of good. Remaining flexible in your perception is the key to resilience.
3. Cultivate an awareness of the silent witness—that is, taking a third party view of yourself. Imagine you as someone watching your "self" from a third party perspective. Detaching yourself from your ego can give you a totally different view of your situation.
4. Nurture a sense of history and time in the way you look at yourself—that is, identify a purpose in your life and develop strategies to achieve it. This purpose will make you more proactive in the way you view your situation. It will also allow you to engage in long-term vision and goals. Oprah Winfrey once said that it was her extreme devastation at age 16(the victim of family abuse) that made her vow she would never be victim again. And she was never victim again; in fact, what is remarkable about Oprah is that she has not stopped re-inventing herself and the contexts of her purpose in life.
Ultimately, our happiness quotient is dependent not on how much we get, but how much we give. The way we see the context of our lives as a whole is often a good place to examine how and what we can give back to our community and the universe that nurtured us.
Please don't give me credit, I only posted this because I care, and it is in agreement with all my past experience and training.
All truly wise thoughts have been thoughts already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take root in our personal experience.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Seasons of Love
Seasons of Love from RENT the movie:
Carole King, Celine, Gloria, Shania:
Trijntje Oosterhuis Sings Burt Bacharach:
Let's make last, the season of Love in our hearts forever.
Together as one we can make a difference.
Carole King, Celine, Gloria, Shania:
Trijntje Oosterhuis Sings Burt Bacharach:
Let's make last, the season of Love in our hearts forever.
Together as one we can make a difference.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Scientists to Make Cows Fart Like Kangaroos to Cool the Planet
What do I know? It could be true:
We’re guessing that headline caught your attention! (YES, YOU COULD SAY THAT)
Cow farts are a source of greenhouse gases, while kangaroo farts are methane free thanks to a particular bacteria in their stomachs. Now, in a bizarre twist of science-reality, scientists from Australia are trying to neutralize cow-produced methane by transferring that kangaroo bacteria to cattle and sheep’s guts. According to the government of Queensland, almost 14% of all greenhouse gas emissions from Australia come from cow farts, so this seemingly silly idea could actually make a big difference:
That is comforting to be sure, but do Santa's Reindeer Fart?
We’re guessing that headline caught your attention! (YES, YOU COULD SAY THAT)
Cow farts are a source of greenhouse gases, while kangaroo farts are methane free thanks to a particular bacteria in their stomachs. Now, in a bizarre twist of science-reality, scientists from Australia are trying to neutralize cow-produced methane by transferring that kangaroo bacteria to cattle and sheep’s guts. According to the government of Queensland, almost 14% of all greenhouse gas emissions from Australia come from cow farts, so this seemingly silly idea could actually make a big difference:
That is comforting to be sure, but do Santa's Reindeer Fart?
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Oh The Cross Eyed Bear
When I was a little boy, my mother would talked a lot about the Cross eyed bear; whenever I would piss my pants or make a mess of things. I used to wonder why this bear was so special, and what he must look like. Yes folks when I got older I learned there was no Santa Claus or a Cross Eyed Bear. Instead one should not bare a cross openly, or to seek a spurious glorification in self abasing; in order to put on an air of righteousness.
Friendships and gardening have much in common. There is much joy in producing a bountiful crop. One must plant and cultivate your seeds wisely. I am fortunate to find myself in an orchard of well established fruit bearing trees. I like BC much better than Facebook. It takes a lot of work to make a fruitful garden out of a weed infested jungle, where I have new friends I know nothing about. Like young seedlings, new friends require much more attention, unless they are like an old soul they will quickly dry up and wither away. And remember we will always have the weeds, but there are some beautiful flowers hiding among the weeds. You old souls, know what to look for.
I will learn to deal with what G-d gave me, and not bitch anymore about having too many seeds in my garden.
Friendships and gardening have much in common. There is much joy in producing a bountiful crop. One must plant and cultivate your seeds wisely. I am fortunate to find myself in an orchard of well established fruit bearing trees. I like BC much better than Facebook. It takes a lot of work to make a fruitful garden out of a weed infested jungle, where I have new friends I know nothing about. Like young seedlings, new friends require much more attention, unless they are like an old soul they will quickly dry up and wither away. And remember we will always have the weeds, but there are some beautiful flowers hiding among the weeds. You old souls, know what to look for.
I will learn to deal with what G-d gave me, and not bitch anymore about having too many seeds in my garden.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Who's Your Friend?
Almost everyday, the list of people wanting, or declaring themselves to be my friend keeps growing . Some are genuine and sincere, while others seem to me like Amazon Headhunters. They are the ones that seem to collect friends like trophies to hang on their walls. I understand this kind of thing can be good politics, but I don't expect any of them will desire to shake my hand anytime soon. Still, I have yet to reject an offer of friendship. Though I question my ability to be a true friend to so many remarkable souls, and if one day, I were to fall in love, finding myself engulfed in torrid passion; would I be able to serve all my mystery friends, or lose everything to blind lust? Well the truth is, electronic friends are as expendable as simply turning off your computer. For most of us, real people and real events take up most of social life. Being a friend to the Internet, is a bit like being a ghost, we can make a lot of noise, but for the most part, we lack the ability to become physical beyond the picture screen of a monitor.
Perhaps I'm not keeping up with the times, and value this kind of friendship more than I should, I seem to be blessed with only highest caliber of people as my friends. I feel guilty whenever I fail to give them the proper attention they deserve, or lose track of them completely. I'm not sure how this will all work out, but there is no place for me to run, I will always be part of this cyber world. With each and every one of you, as my brothers, and sisters.
As a friend, you may have to hit me over the head a time or two, but I will do my best to keep up, if I fall behind,( and you know I will), remember to come and get me. Be you an old or new, a friend is a friend; you are never alone, when you have my head, and can always talk to me.
I wish you all happy holidays!
All truly wise thoughts have been thoughts already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take root in our personal experience.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Perhaps I'm not keeping up with the times, and value this kind of friendship more than I should, I seem to be blessed with only highest caliber of people as my friends. I feel guilty whenever I fail to give them the proper attention they deserve, or lose track of them completely. I'm not sure how this will all work out, but there is no place for me to run, I will always be part of this cyber world. With each and every one of you, as my brothers, and sisters.
As a friend, you may have to hit me over the head a time or two, but I will do my best to keep up, if I fall behind,( and you know I will), remember to come and get me. Be you an old or new, a friend is a friend; you are never alone, when you have my head, and can always talk to me.
I wish you all happy holidays!
All truly wise thoughts have been thoughts already thousands of times; but to make them truly ours, we must think them over again honestly, till they take root in our personal experience.
Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Life's Moments
Life's changing every moment
Life is now a shade
Life is now sunshine
Every moment on earth
Live life to the fullest
Whatever time you have is yours
For tomorrow might never come
Someone to love you with all their heart
Is difficult to come by
Should there be someone like that
They are the one for you, be sure
Their hand, you must take
For all you know, tomorrow might never be
In the realm of your eyes
Should someone get close to you
Try a millions times to control your crazy heart
But it shall continue to beat wildly
But think it over
This moment, this legend
For it might not exist tomorrow
And if you feel like you can't carry on
Your heart grieves and your eyes cry
That which has to happen is happening
Forget about it
For no trace of this may remain tomorrow
Every moment here
Live life to the fullest
This is the moment, for tomorrow may never be
Who knows what tomorrow may hold?
Author unknown:
Life is now a shade
Life is now sunshine
Every moment on earth
Live life to the fullest
Whatever time you have is yours
For tomorrow might never come
Someone to love you with all their heart
Is difficult to come by
Should there be someone like that
They are the one for you, be sure
Their hand, you must take
For all you know, tomorrow might never be
In the realm of your eyes
Should someone get close to you
Try a millions times to control your crazy heart
But it shall continue to beat wildly
But think it over
This moment, this legend
For it might not exist tomorrow
And if you feel like you can't carry on
Your heart grieves and your eyes cry
That which has to happen is happening
Forget about it
For no trace of this may remain tomorrow
Every moment here
Live life to the fullest
This is the moment, for tomorrow may never be
Who knows what tomorrow may hold?
Author unknown:
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Future of Earth
We're headed into a deep world wide economic depression that will make the 1930's era depression look like a walk in the park. Large foundations, such as the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, The Packard Foundation, and many others, derive their grant-making power from endowment income.
The meltdown of the financial market means that these endowments have nowhere to run for cover. The crisis has gotten to them and, by consequence, to the organizations they support. Science the week of(7 November 2008) the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has lost over $3.6 billion from January to September alone. The Nature Conservancy, a frequent partner and co-financier of GEF biodiversity projects, has announced a 10% cut in its budget, and began to lay off staff.
Reportedly, their international programs will suffer most. TNC is financially the largest of the international environmental NGOs, and there is no reason to believe that others in its category won’t be experiencing similar challenges. This is bad news for some of GEF initiatives, as international NGOs such as TNC, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Wildlife Conservation Society, among others, have been providing co-financing and technical resources to many projects. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published a report in 2006 that documented the plunder of natural resources by human activity and warned that the globe itself could be outstripped in its capacity to support life, rendering the earth extinct in under 50 years. Based on scientific data collected from across the globe, it revealed that more than a third of the natural world has been destroyed by human activity in just over the past three decades. In a soon to be desperate and hungry world, how are we going to preserve our biological diversity as more and more irreplaceable life goes extinct? It is true man must eat or die, but at what cost? In our greed and lust for power, we have made a disaster of biblical proportions that may never heal itself. Alas to make things worse, there will be more wars. As always, deep economic downturns lead to riots, revolutions and brutal warfare. Is it too late now to stop the rain?
Humanity has been a very poor steward of all that's been given, and it is the Great Spirit's creatures who must pay the price.
The meltdown of the financial market means that these endowments have nowhere to run for cover. The crisis has gotten to them and, by consequence, to the organizations they support. Science the week of(7 November 2008) the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has lost over $3.6 billion from January to September alone. The Nature Conservancy, a frequent partner and co-financier of GEF biodiversity projects, has announced a 10% cut in its budget, and began to lay off staff.
Reportedly, their international programs will suffer most. TNC is financially the largest of the international environmental NGOs, and there is no reason to believe that others in its category won’t be experiencing similar challenges. This is bad news for some of GEF initiatives, as international NGOs such as TNC, World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, Wildlife Conservation Society, among others, have been providing co-financing and technical resources to many projects. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) published a report in 2006 that documented the plunder of natural resources by human activity and warned that the globe itself could be outstripped in its capacity to support life, rendering the earth extinct in under 50 years. Based on scientific data collected from across the globe, it revealed that more than a third of the natural world has been destroyed by human activity in just over the past three decades. In a soon to be desperate and hungry world, how are we going to preserve our biological diversity as more and more irreplaceable life goes extinct? It is true man must eat or die, but at what cost? In our greed and lust for power, we have made a disaster of biblical proportions that may never heal itself. Alas to make things worse, there will be more wars. As always, deep economic downturns lead to riots, revolutions and brutal warfare. Is it too late now to stop the rain?
Humanity has been a very poor steward of all that's been given, and it is the Great Spirit's creatures who must pay the price.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Finding Love
Dating Tips For My Girls:
Many of my best girls are already married, it is the best way to face an uncertain future. As for the rest of my dear ones, I can't think of a better time to find you a good prince of a man. It would do my heart good, knowing you that you have someone noble and strong to protect and keep you safe. I have never met a single one of you, and yet you are all so delightful, it feels as if I'm flirting with the angels in Heaven. For those who make me smile, nothing but the best will do!
Some of you may remember, I did Videojug once before. They have some excellent advice, and most of them are full of good humor.
"For women, the world of dating should be fun and fulfilling and not fraught and fractious. And, if you have the right information and tips, it will be just that.
VideoJug can help; with the help of renowned dating coach Michele Hubatsek, we will answer dozens of your most critical questions about getting a date and making sure that the date is a great success. Or, if it isn’t, how you can escape with grace".
When you find someone, make sure that he fully respects you for who you are, not what he wants you to be.
Bettie Page, A Sexual Icon, Dies
December 12, 2008 - 12:00 pm, By Mandy - Hofstra
Many of my best girls are already married, it is the best way to face an uncertain future. As for the rest of my dear ones, I can't think of a better time to find you a good prince of a man. It would do my heart good, knowing you that you have someone noble and strong to protect and keep you safe. I have never met a single one of you, and yet you are all so delightful, it feels as if I'm flirting with the angels in Heaven. For those who make me smile, nothing but the best will do!
Some of you may remember, I did Videojug once before. They have some excellent advice, and most of them are full of good humor.
"For women, the world of dating should be fun and fulfilling and not fraught and fractious. And, if you have the right information and tips, it will be just that.
VideoJug can help; with the help of renowned dating coach Michele Hubatsek, we will answer dozens of your most critical questions about getting a date and making sure that the date is a great success. Or, if it isn’t, how you can escape with grace".
When you find someone, make sure that he fully respects you for who you are, not what he wants you to be.
Bettie Page, A Sexual Icon, Dies
December 12, 2008 - 12:00 pm, By Mandy - Hofstra
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
How to Survive Total Economic Collapse
By WriterGig
"Is total economic collapse just around the corner? As the U.S. dollar weakens and the price of goods such as oil, grain and gold rise, many fear for the economic stability of the country. So how does one survive total economic collapse? The U.S. dollar is weak and it may be too late to save the finances of this debt-driven economy. However, it's not too late to learn some basic".
All I ever wanted was to be entertaining to you folks, and not to be your prophet of doom. But I love you people and I am not willing to let a single one of you suffer needlessly. This will be an exiting challenge for all of us to prove our grit, and compassion for one another. Do not worry, we will get through this together; worry never helps a thing, and will only make you sick.
Heidi-Lore’s Musings
"*I feel this is very important. The signs are already here, we are going into another great depression. Everything has consequences. Please prepare yourself now, not later".*
In the future, our faith and trust, will carry us through to victory over adversity.
"In many ways, not knowing what the future has in store brings out in us the qualities we need to grow. For example, it would have been difficult to commit yourself to certain people or projects if you knew they wouldn’t ultimately work out. Yet, it was through your commitment to see them through that you experienced the lessons you needed to grow. Looking back on your life, you would likely be hard pressed to say that anything in your past should not have happened. In fact, your most challenging experiences with their inevitable lessons may have ultimately brought you the greatest rewards. Not knowing the future keeps us just where we need to be—fully committed and in the present moment.
do you think?"
"Is total economic collapse just around the corner? As the U.S. dollar weakens and the price of goods such as oil, grain and gold rise, many fear for the economic stability of the country. So how does one survive total economic collapse? The U.S. dollar is weak and it may be too late to save the finances of this debt-driven economy. However, it's not too late to learn some basic".
All I ever wanted was to be entertaining to you folks, and not to be your prophet of doom. But I love you people and I am not willing to let a single one of you suffer needlessly. This will be an exiting challenge for all of us to prove our grit, and compassion for one another. Do not worry, we will get through this together; worry never helps a thing, and will only make you sick.
Heidi-Lore’s Musings
"*I feel this is very important. The signs are already here, we are going into another great depression. Everything has consequences. Please prepare yourself now, not later".*
In the future, our faith and trust, will carry us through to victory over adversity.
"In many ways, not knowing what the future has in store brings out in us the qualities we need to grow. For example, it would have been difficult to commit yourself to certain people or projects if you knew they wouldn’t ultimately work out. Yet, it was through your commitment to see them through that you experienced the lessons you needed to grow. Looking back on your life, you would likely be hard pressed to say that anything in your past should not have happened. In fact, your most challenging experiences with their inevitable lessons may have ultimately brought you the greatest rewards. Not knowing the future keeps us just where we need to be—fully committed and in the present moment.
do you think?"
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
Experience Women; And FeeL The Power
I am blessed, I mean extraordinarily blessed, to have so many beautiful friends, and the best part, each and every one, is a brilliant and charming lady of the first order. "Each and every one a virgin! You don't believe me? Well, don't take my word for it. Go ahead- ask Helga!".....On second thought you better not. You see, one night I got a little tipsy, and I believe dear Helga may have taken advantage of me. Oooh Helllgaa! Like a little lamb to the slaughter, she led this inebriated fool off to her apartment for a cup of coffee or was it tea? It was an experience I could never tell mother about.
Outside it is winter. But here is a little mood music just for you girls, it will help heat things up a bit, and you may even dance off all that turkey and pie.
It's raining men
NEUTRON DANCE
You Shook Me All Night Long
I Feel Like A Woman!
Happy Campers
My friends all have excellent taste, and they know just what they want, ha ha,too bad it is not me.
Outside it is winter. But here is a little mood music just for you girls, it will help heat things up a bit, and you may even dance off all that turkey and pie.
It's raining men
NEUTRON DANCE
You Shook Me All Night Long
I Feel Like A Woman!
Happy Campers
My friends all have excellent taste, and they know just what they want, ha ha,too bad it is not me.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Love in action
The proper function of man (or a woman)is to love, not just to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.
~ Almost Jack London ~
Life should be love in action. That is why sitting still and not doing anything eventually leads to decay and disintegration of being. The dance of life is best experienced by connecting with others. The more loving a group of living beings is, the more they are connecting and interacting with one another. To connect gives us more energy and passion for the joys of life itself. Every activity that is presented in this world is for the purpose of making that connection between people. The Providence of life is the evolution of the ways that we learn to connect.
How many times have we heard that old commercial slogan, "Reach out and touch someone"? Yet the fear of rejection is so strong, it becomes tempting for many of us to set back and do nothing.
Live to love, and love to live. Is that not the answer?
Explore the power in the divine unity that is Love.
~ Almost Jack London ~
Life should be love in action. That is why sitting still and not doing anything eventually leads to decay and disintegration of being. The dance of life is best experienced by connecting with others. The more loving a group of living beings is, the more they are connecting and interacting with one another. To connect gives us more energy and passion for the joys of life itself. Every activity that is presented in this world is for the purpose of making that connection between people. The Providence of life is the evolution of the ways that we learn to connect.
How many times have we heard that old commercial slogan, "Reach out and touch someone"? Yet the fear of rejection is so strong, it becomes tempting for many of us to set back and do nothing.
Live to love, and love to live. Is that not the answer?
Explore the power in the divine unity that is Love.
Saturday, December 06, 2008
"Tzaruch shemirah" & "Hasof bah"
A fish spoke in Brooklyn. The event was in Jan 2003.
Do you not remember?
Everyone thought the carp was only joking, now we know better.
Many in the world were gripped in awe by what they believe to be a mystical visitation by a 20lb carp that was heard shouting in Hebrew, in what many Jews worldwide are hailing as a modern miracle.
Many of the 7,000-member Skver sect of Hasidim in New Square, 30 miles north of Manhattan, believe God has revealed himself in fish form.
According to two fish-cutters at the New Square Fish Market, the carp was about to be slaughtered and made into gefilte fish for Sabbath dinner when it suddenly began shouting apocalyptic warnings in Hebrew.
Many believe the carp was channelling the troubled soul of a revered community elder who recently died; others say it was God. The only witnesses to this mystical event were Zalmen Rosen, a 57-year-old Hasid with 11 children, and his co-worker, Luis Nivelo. They say that on 28 January at 4pm they were about to club the carp on the head when it began yelling.
Nivelo, a Gentile who does not understand Hebrew, was so shocked at the sight of a fish talking in any language that he fell over. He ran into the front of the store screaming: 'It's the Devil! The Devil is here!' Then the shop owner heard it shouting warnings and commands too.
'It said "Tzaruch shemirah" and "Hasof bah",' he told the New York Times, 'which essentially means that everyone needs to account for themselves because the end is near.'
The animated carp commanded Rosen to pray and study the Torah. Rosen tried to kill the fish but injured himself. It was finally butchered by Nivelo and sold.
However, word spread far and wide and Nivelo complains he has been plagued by phone calls from as far away as London and Israel. The story has since been amplified by repetition and some now believe the fish's outburst was a warning about the Americas demise from the impending war in Iraq. Many members of the city's Jewish community are now certain that God, troubled by the prospect of war in Iraq, has revealed Himself in fish form.
"Ah, enough already about the fish, I wish I never said anything about it."
Zalmen Rosen
"Two men do not dream the same dream," said Abraham Spitz, a resident who visited Mr Rosen's shop to observe the site of the miracle.
"It is very rare that God reminds people he exists in this modern world. But when he does, you cannot ignore it."
Some think the carp's voice is that of the reincarnated. Or, like the burning bush, the cloud, and the pillar of fire, God has spoken to men, from the mouth of a fish.But the fish story speaks to all Faiths, including pagan Muslims, and Christians; as well as the Jews. If the voice was indeed from God, Then this WILL happen as God has spoken. It will not return to Him void.
We have all heard of things equally as strange - the Koran verses that appear when a pomegranite is sliced open, the damp patch on the wall of a church which makes an unmistakable portrait of Jesus, the bagel that tumbles from the oven in the rotund form of a Buddha.
What is strangest of all is that humans have become so immune to wonderment, so sceptical of the spiritual, that God is compelled to move in ways that are not merely mysterious, but jaw-droppingly odd. We have forced God to be a fish.
Do you not remember?
Everyone thought the carp was only joking, now we know better.
Many in the world were gripped in awe by what they believe to be a mystical visitation by a 20lb carp that was heard shouting in Hebrew, in what many Jews worldwide are hailing as a modern miracle.
Many of the 7,000-member Skver sect of Hasidim in New Square, 30 miles north of Manhattan, believe God has revealed himself in fish form.
According to two fish-cutters at the New Square Fish Market, the carp was about to be slaughtered and made into gefilte fish for Sabbath dinner when it suddenly began shouting apocalyptic warnings in Hebrew.
Many believe the carp was channelling the troubled soul of a revered community elder who recently died; others say it was God. The only witnesses to this mystical event were Zalmen Rosen, a 57-year-old Hasid with 11 children, and his co-worker, Luis Nivelo. They say that on 28 January at 4pm they were about to club the carp on the head when it began yelling.
Nivelo, a Gentile who does not understand Hebrew, was so shocked at the sight of a fish talking in any language that he fell over. He ran into the front of the store screaming: 'It's the Devil! The Devil is here!' Then the shop owner heard it shouting warnings and commands too.
'It said "Tzaruch shemirah" and "Hasof bah",' he told the New York Times, 'which essentially means that everyone needs to account for themselves because the end is near.'
The animated carp commanded Rosen to pray and study the Torah. Rosen tried to kill the fish but injured himself. It was finally butchered by Nivelo and sold.
However, word spread far and wide and Nivelo complains he has been plagued by phone calls from as far away as London and Israel. The story has since been amplified by repetition and some now believe the fish's outburst was a warning about the Americas demise from the impending war in Iraq. Many members of the city's Jewish community are now certain that God, troubled by the prospect of war in Iraq, has revealed Himself in fish form.
"Ah, enough already about the fish, I wish I never said anything about it."
Zalmen Rosen
"Two men do not dream the same dream," said Abraham Spitz, a resident who visited Mr Rosen's shop to observe the site of the miracle.
"It is very rare that God reminds people he exists in this modern world. But when he does, you cannot ignore it."
Some think the carp's voice is that of the reincarnated. Or, like the burning bush, the cloud, and the pillar of fire, God has spoken to men, from the mouth of a fish.But the fish story speaks to all Faiths, including pagan Muslims, and Christians; as well as the Jews. If the voice was indeed from God, Then this WILL happen as God has spoken. It will not return to Him void.
We have all heard of things equally as strange - the Koran verses that appear when a pomegranite is sliced open, the damp patch on the wall of a church which makes an unmistakable portrait of Jesus, the bagel that tumbles from the oven in the rotund form of a Buddha.
What is strangest of all is that humans have become so immune to wonderment, so sceptical of the spiritual, that God is compelled to move in ways that are not merely mysterious, but jaw-droppingly odd. We have forced God to be a fish.
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Aho Mitakuye Oyasin
Aho Mitakuye Oyasin is a simple yet profound statement. It comes from the Lakota Nation and means all my relations. It is spoken during prayer and ceremony to invite and acknowledge all relatives to the moment.
To most of us today, relative means a blood relation or another human in the family lineage. We have not been taught that an entity, other than human, could be a relative. Understanding this simple statement and contemplating it, could change your outlook on life forever. If you love and honor your relatives, you would be loving and honoring most of what is on this earth, if you lived by this meaning of “relative." What a different world we would be living in!
Sit with this statement, see the Truth in it. Everything is related because it all emanates from one source and has purpose. Truth can be found in Native philosophy, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, all belief systems, because they are all related. I have studied Buddhism and found Christ. I have studied Native philosophy and found Buddha. I have studied Mother Nature and found self.
Truth does not owe homage to humans. Humans owe homage to Truth.
Aho!
- Silver Wolf Walks Alone
"Aho Mitakuye Oyasin....All my relations. I honor you in this circle of life with me today. I am grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge you in this prayer....
To the Creator, for the ultimate gift of life, I thank you.
To the mineral nation that has built and maintained my bones and all foundations of life experience, I thank you.
To the plant nation that sustains my organs and body and gives me healing herbs for sickness, I thank you.
To the animal nation that feeds me from your own flesh and offers your loyal companionship in this walk of life, I thank you.
To the human nation that shares my path as a soul upon the sacred wheel of Earthly life, I thank you.
To the Spirit nation that guides me invisibly through the ups and downs of life and for carrying the torch of light through the Ages. I thank you.
To the Four Winds of Change and Growth, I thank you.
"You are all my relations, my relatives, without whom I would not live. We are in the circle of life together, co-existing, co-dependent, co-creating our destiny. One, not more important than the other. One nation evolving from the other and yet each dependent upon the one above and the one below. All of us a part of the Great Mystery".
"Thank you for this Life".
Who hath the courage to strip themselves of the vain dogma of man's religions, and walk naked down life's pathway with the Creator?
To most of us today, relative means a blood relation or another human in the family lineage. We have not been taught that an entity, other than human, could be a relative. Understanding this simple statement and contemplating it, could change your outlook on life forever. If you love and honor your relatives, you would be loving and honoring most of what is on this earth, if you lived by this meaning of “relative." What a different world we would be living in!
Sit with this statement, see the Truth in it. Everything is related because it all emanates from one source and has purpose. Truth can be found in Native philosophy, Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Islam, all belief systems, because they are all related. I have studied Buddhism and found Christ. I have studied Native philosophy and found Buddha. I have studied Mother Nature and found self.
Truth does not owe homage to humans. Humans owe homage to Truth.
Aho!
- Silver Wolf Walks Alone
"Aho Mitakuye Oyasin....All my relations. I honor you in this circle of life with me today. I am grateful for this opportunity to acknowledge you in this prayer....
To the Creator, for the ultimate gift of life, I thank you.
To the mineral nation that has built and maintained my bones and all foundations of life experience, I thank you.
To the plant nation that sustains my organs and body and gives me healing herbs for sickness, I thank you.
To the animal nation that feeds me from your own flesh and offers your loyal companionship in this walk of life, I thank you.
To the human nation that shares my path as a soul upon the sacred wheel of Earthly life, I thank you.
To the Spirit nation that guides me invisibly through the ups and downs of life and for carrying the torch of light through the Ages. I thank you.
To the Four Winds of Change and Growth, I thank you.
"You are all my relations, my relatives, without whom I would not live. We are in the circle of life together, co-existing, co-dependent, co-creating our destiny. One, not more important than the other. One nation evolving from the other and yet each dependent upon the one above and the one below. All of us a part of the Great Mystery".
"Thank you for this Life".
Who hath the courage to strip themselves of the vain dogma of man's religions, and walk naked down life's pathway with the Creator?
Do your Beliefs Reflect Reality or Create It?
"The answer to the question is realized in understanding the concept of objective and subjective reality and the difference between the two. Most people believe that objective reality is made up by the physical laws that govern the universe. Law of gravity, thermodynamics, electromagnetism are some of those laws. But the truth is that even the physical laws themselves are governed by the higher laws of reality".
"Quantum physics states that everything in the most minute level is actually pure energy that is conscious, intelligent and living. This energy is directed and governed by consciousness itself. Therefore the physical laws of the universe are actually governed by the mental laws of consciousness. The physical is ruled by the spiritual".
"Now although we know that mind rules over matter, that does not suffice to say that we can go ahead and attempt to defy the law of gravity by jumping off a cliff just for the fun of it, without a real and strongly justifiable purpose of doing so. This is where some people misunderstand the truth and why they go and do stupid things which land them in undesirable consequences".
"The physical laws of the universe are not governed by the mind of a single individual alone but by the universal mind. The universal mind is the infinite intelligent consciousness of God which is connected to the minds of every single living thing in the universe. It is the universal mind that determines whether a physical law of reality is subjugated by the mind of an individual or not".
Alas, man still clings to the primitive ideas of his ancestors. He fights and dies over the limited view of reality he perceives as a mix of holy, and unholy. When all of creation is holy, it is the natural nature of man to fear what he does not have the ability to understand, or comprehend that God is absolute and is omnipresent in all things.
From ignorance, and our lack of knowledge, our fears grows till we learn to hate all that seems contrary to our faith. This is why there are those that you will find in almost all religions, who in the name of God, seek to kill or destroy each other, and all things of divine nature, they fail to understand. As evident, even the well meaning author has been tainted by his pagan beliefs. It goes to show how difficult it is to free one's self of the false doctrines of tradition.
Many traditional doctrines are founded on false teachings which invokes fear for the sake of power and control. For example the fear of not pleasing God and suffering for an eternity. Hence, their entire teachings are fear-based and not of love. Yet because God is everything, and has no need of religion. You can find Him wherever you may be devoutly seeking God with an open heart. Be it a temple, church, or a musty closet. Love is the key to what you seek.
"Quantum physics states that everything in the most minute level is actually pure energy that is conscious, intelligent and living. This energy is directed and governed by consciousness itself. Therefore the physical laws of the universe are actually governed by the mental laws of consciousness. The physical is ruled by the spiritual".
"Now although we know that mind rules over matter, that does not suffice to say that we can go ahead and attempt to defy the law of gravity by jumping off a cliff just for the fun of it, without a real and strongly justifiable purpose of doing so. This is where some people misunderstand the truth and why they go and do stupid things which land them in undesirable consequences".
"The physical laws of the universe are not governed by the mind of a single individual alone but by the universal mind. The universal mind is the infinite intelligent consciousness of God which is connected to the minds of every single living thing in the universe. It is the universal mind that determines whether a physical law of reality is subjugated by the mind of an individual or not".
Alas, man still clings to the primitive ideas of his ancestors. He fights and dies over the limited view of reality he perceives as a mix of holy, and unholy. When all of creation is holy, it is the natural nature of man to fear what he does not have the ability to understand, or comprehend that God is absolute and is omnipresent in all things.
From ignorance, and our lack of knowledge, our fears grows till we learn to hate all that seems contrary to our faith. This is why there are those that you will find in almost all religions, who in the name of God, seek to kill or destroy each other, and all things of divine nature, they fail to understand. As evident, even the well meaning author has been tainted by his pagan beliefs. It goes to show how difficult it is to free one's self of the false doctrines of tradition.
Many traditional doctrines are founded on false teachings which invokes fear for the sake of power and control. For example the fear of not pleasing God and suffering for an eternity. Hence, their entire teachings are fear-based and not of love. Yet because God is everything, and has no need of religion. You can find Him wherever you may be devoutly seeking God with an open heart. Be it a temple, church, or a musty closet. Love is the key to what you seek.
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Zitkala-sa (Red Bird),
Gertrude Simmons Bonnin, Zitkala-sa (Red Bird), was an extraordinarily talented and educated Native American woman who struggled and triumphed in a time when severe prejudice prevailed toward Native American culture and women. Her talents and contributions in the worlds of literature, music, and politics challenge long-standing beliefs that the white man's culture is good, and Native Americans are sinful savages. Bonnin aimed at creating understanding between the dominant white and Native American cultures. As a woman of mixed white and Native American ancestry, she embodied the need for the two cultures to live cooperatively within the same body of land. Her works criticized dogma, and her life as a Native American woman was dedicated against the evils of oppression.
Though most noted for her literary and political genius, Bonnin was also an accomplished violinist and even won a scholarship to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. As a writer, she adopted the pen name "Zitkala-a" and in 1900 began publishing articles criticizing the Carlisle Indian School. She resented the degradation the students were subjected to, from forced Christianity to severe punishment for speaking in native languages. She was criticized for this at the time because many felt she showed no gratitude for the kindness and support that white people had given her in her education.
Of her literary works, Bonnin's "Why I Am a Pagan" perhaps best explains her religious beliefs. It was first published in the Atlantic in December of 1902, a time in which society was accustomed to and expectant of Native American essays about conformations to Christianity. Coupled with a chapter - "The Big Red Apples" - from Impressions of an Indian Childhood, the essay makes a case against traditional and religious Christianity. The two works are fascinating, and the dynamic they form expresses the indignations suffered by the Native Americans at the hands of Christians.
Book results for Gertrude Bonnin Zitkala-Sa
American Indian Stories - by Zitkala Sa - 146 pages
American Indian Stories Legends and Other Writings - by Zitkala Sa - 328 pages
Dreams and Thunder: Stories Poems and The Sun - by Zitkala Sa - 169 pages
Talking Back to Civilization By Frederick E. Hoxie
"LONG before I ever heard of Christ, or saw a white man, I had learned from an untutored woman the essence of morality. With the help of dear Nature herself, she taught me things simple but of mighty import. I knew God. I perceived what goodness is. I saw and loved what is really beautiful. Civilization has not taught me anything better!"
Eastman, Charles Alexander, 1858-1939. (The Soul of the Indian).
Tatanka
Though most noted for her literary and political genius, Bonnin was also an accomplished violinist and even won a scholarship to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. As a writer, she adopted the pen name "Zitkala-a" and in 1900 began publishing articles criticizing the Carlisle Indian School. She resented the degradation the students were subjected to, from forced Christianity to severe punishment for speaking in native languages. She was criticized for this at the time because many felt she showed no gratitude for the kindness and support that white people had given her in her education.
Of her literary works, Bonnin's "Why I Am a Pagan" perhaps best explains her religious beliefs. It was first published in the Atlantic in December of 1902, a time in which society was accustomed to and expectant of Native American essays about conformations to Christianity. Coupled with a chapter - "The Big Red Apples" - from Impressions of an Indian Childhood, the essay makes a case against traditional and religious Christianity. The two works are fascinating, and the dynamic they form expresses the indignations suffered by the Native Americans at the hands of Christians.
Book results for Gertrude Bonnin Zitkala-Sa
American Indian Stories - by Zitkala Sa - 146 pages
American Indian Stories Legends and Other Writings - by Zitkala Sa - 328 pages
Dreams and Thunder: Stories Poems and The Sun - by Zitkala Sa - 169 pages
Talking Back to Civilization By Frederick E. Hoxie
"LONG before I ever heard of Christ, or saw a white man, I had learned from an untutored woman the essence of morality. With the help of dear Nature herself, she taught me things simple but of mighty import. I knew God. I perceived what goodness is. I saw and loved what is really beautiful. Civilization has not taught me anything better!"
Eastman, Charles Alexander, 1858-1939. (The Soul of the Indian).
Tatanka
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Seventeen
Love is always seventeen: by David Gates
The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance. Love and wisdom are synonymous. Only those who are wise can be truly loving. The love of money can be the root of all evil. The love of anything can be the root of all evil. People would steal, kill, destroy, cheat, lie and commit all kinds of evil in the name of love. On the other hand, love can also be the root of all good. What determines whether the love is the root of good of evil is wisdom. Love with wisdom is the root of good. Without wisdom it is evil.
Truth and love are one. Some people place love as of higher importance than truth. They are being ignorant and can never attain the fullness of love. If there was an order of which comes first in the divine hierarchy of things, then it would be truth. Because Logos is the foundation of all existence. When you seek truth, you will know love. When you seek love, you may not find truth. Because truth stands by itself whereas love needs truth for it to be true. Truth and love are one, but truth is the preeminent to know.
I am not a stranger to you path, indeed I know by heart,
the Trail Of Tears
The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance. Love and wisdom are synonymous. Only those who are wise can be truly loving. The love of money can be the root of all evil. The love of anything can be the root of all evil. People would steal, kill, destroy, cheat, lie and commit all kinds of evil in the name of love. On the other hand, love can also be the root of all good. What determines whether the love is the root of good of evil is wisdom. Love with wisdom is the root of good. Without wisdom it is evil.
Truth and love are one. Some people place love as of higher importance than truth. They are being ignorant and can never attain the fullness of love. If there was an order of which comes first in the divine hierarchy of things, then it would be truth. Because Logos is the foundation of all existence. When you seek truth, you will know love. When you seek love, you may not find truth. Because truth stands by itself whereas love needs truth for it to be true. Truth and love are one, but truth is the preeminent to know.
I am not a stranger to you path, indeed I know by heart,
the Trail Of Tears
Two Wolves
A Cherokee Legend
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
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Here is the same story, but it is called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within"
An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.
I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.
But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."
Many Paths One Love:
An old Cherokee is teaching his grandson about life. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy.
"It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil - he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued, "The other is good - he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you - and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed."
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
```````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Here is the same story, but it is called "Grandfather Tells" which is also known as "The Wolves Within"
An old Grandfather said to his grandson, who came to him with anger at a friend who had done him an injustice, "Let me tell you a story.
I too, at times, have felt a great hate for those that have taken so much, with no sorrow for what they do.
But hate wears you down, and does not hurt your enemy. It is like taking poison and wishing your enemy would die. I have struggled with these feelings many times." He continued, "It is as if there are two wolves inside me. One is good and does no harm. He lives in harmony with all around him, and does not take offense when no offense was intended. He will only fight when it is right to do so, and in the right way.
But the other wolf, ah! He is full of anger. The littlest thing will set him into a fit of temper. He fights everyone, all the time, for no reason. He cannot think because his anger and hate are so great. It is helpless anger,for his anger will change nothing.
Sometimes, it is hard to live with these two wolves inside me, for both of them try to dominate my spirit."
The boy looked intently into his Grandfather's eyes and asked, "Which one wins, Grandfather?"
The Grandfather smiled and quietly said, "The one I feed."
Many Paths One Love:
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Office Depot Black Friday
I never thought I would find myself first in line at 3:am with my handsome nephew just to buy new toys that will help me keep up with all of you blogger friends, and satisfie your request. With my new camera and lap top I'm free to travel the world, and still keep up with all you wonderful guys. It may look like I may have only two brave highly intelligent, attractive and sexy women as followers, but I know all you old timers are out there. I hope all of you in my tribe will welcome and embrace my friends Lisa, and Akira
Thursday, November 27, 2008
A less Christian more more generic day of thanksgiving is needed.
American Indian protests against Thanksgiving began in Massachusetts in the 1970s. Every Thanksgiving Day, protestors gather at the top of Cole's Hill, which overlooks Plymouth Rock. This is in honor of Wamsutta James, who, in 1970, was the first person to demonstrate Cole's Hill and protest of the injustices that the American Indians had endured. Such injustices include the capturing and selling of American Indians as slaves; the robbing of their ancestor's graves; the theft of their winter food provisions; the taking of their lands and culture; and depriving them of their freedom. Since the day James' speech was given, Thanksgiving Day for American Indians has become the "National Day of Mourning."
Religion, is there any hope?
Joseph Dan argues convincingly that the very concepts of religion and theology as the academy understands them today are Christian concepts, derived from Christianity's early accommodations with Greco-Roman culture, resulting in a clear differentiation between the realms of church and state and between theology and philosophy. Judaism (and Islam), in contrast, have no such conceptual differentiation between the profane and the religious realms. Instead, these are cultures in which everything ideally participates in the holy, including the most mundane activities. Consequently, nothing lies outside the realm of religion; divinely ordained law governs literally every aspect of life, from the privacy of the home, to the marketplace, to the government, to matters of worship. Thus, the Jewish understanding of the non-Jew builds from a understanding of the self as a member of this holy community in contrast with an outside world that lives according to a different (or non-existent) relationship to God. (5) Modernity has challenged many aspects of this traditional identity, but one cannot understand this challenge without understanding.
From the days of the great Roman Empire; it has been the scared duty of the followers of Christ, to bloody everyone's noses including themselves, going as far as to slaughter millions of their fellow Christians. Though no Christian will claim him as such, Hitler was a very devout dark age type of Christian.
"In a Reichstag speech in 1938, Hitler again echoed the religious origins of his crusade. "I believe today that I am acting in the sense of the Almighty Creator. By warding off the Jews, I am fighting for the Lord's work."
Hitler regarded himself as a Catholic until he died. "I am now as before a Catholic and will always remain so," he told Gerhard Engel, one of his generals, in 1941.
There was really no reason for Hitler to doubt his good standing as a Catholic. The Catholic press in Germany was eager to curry his favor, and the princes of the Catholic Church never asked for his excommunication. Religions encourage their followers to hold authority in unquestioning respect; this is what makes devout religionists such wonderful dupes for dictators.
When Hitler narrowly escaped assassination in Munich in November, 1939, he gave the credit to providence. "Now I am completely content," he exclaimed. "The fact that I left the Burgerbraukeller earlier than usual is a corroboration of Providence's intention to let me reach my goal." Catholic newspapers throughout the Reich echoed this, declaring that it was a miraculous working of providence that had protected their Fuhrer. One cardinal, Michael Faulhaber, sent a telegram instructing that a Te Deum be sung in the cathedral of Munich, "to thank Divine Providence in the name of the archdiocese for the Fuhrer's fortunate escape." The Pope also sent his special personal congratulations!
Later the Pope was to publicly describe Hitler's opposition to Russia as a "highminded gallantry in defense of the foundations of Christian culture." Several German bishops openly supported Hitler's invasion of Russia, calling it a "European crusade."
Religion, is there any hope?
Joseph Dan argues convincingly that the very concepts of religion and theology as the academy understands them today are Christian concepts, derived from Christianity's early accommodations with Greco-Roman culture, resulting in a clear differentiation between the realms of church and state and between theology and philosophy. Judaism (and Islam), in contrast, have no such conceptual differentiation between the profane and the religious realms. Instead, these are cultures in which everything ideally participates in the holy, including the most mundane activities. Consequently, nothing lies outside the realm of religion; divinely ordained law governs literally every aspect of life, from the privacy of the home, to the marketplace, to the government, to matters of worship. Thus, the Jewish understanding of the non-Jew builds from a understanding of the self as a member of this holy community in contrast with an outside world that lives according to a different (or non-existent) relationship to God. (5) Modernity has challenged many aspects of this traditional identity, but one cannot understand this challenge without understanding.
From the days of the great Roman Empire; it has been the scared duty of the followers of Christ, to bloody everyone's noses including themselves, going as far as to slaughter millions of their fellow Christians. Though no Christian will claim him as such, Hitler was a very devout dark age type of Christian.
"In a Reichstag speech in 1938, Hitler again echoed the religious origins of his crusade. "I believe today that I am acting in the sense of the Almighty Creator. By warding off the Jews, I am fighting for the Lord's work."
Hitler regarded himself as a Catholic until he died. "I am now as before a Catholic and will always remain so," he told Gerhard Engel, one of his generals, in 1941.
There was really no reason for Hitler to doubt his good standing as a Catholic. The Catholic press in Germany was eager to curry his favor, and the princes of the Catholic Church never asked for his excommunication. Religions encourage their followers to hold authority in unquestioning respect; this is what makes devout religionists such wonderful dupes for dictators.
When Hitler narrowly escaped assassination in Munich in November, 1939, he gave the credit to providence. "Now I am completely content," he exclaimed. "The fact that I left the Burgerbraukeller earlier than usual is a corroboration of Providence's intention to let me reach my goal." Catholic newspapers throughout the Reich echoed this, declaring that it was a miraculous working of providence that had protected their Fuhrer. One cardinal, Michael Faulhaber, sent a telegram instructing that a Te Deum be sung in the cathedral of Munich, "to thank Divine Providence in the name of the archdiocese for the Fuhrer's fortunate escape." The Pope also sent his special personal congratulations!
Later the Pope was to publicly describe Hitler's opposition to Russia as a "highminded gallantry in defense of the foundations of Christian culture." Several German bishops openly supported Hitler's invasion of Russia, calling it a "European crusade."
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Growing up
My lame attempts at humor sometimes gets the best of me. I'm always digging a hole that I have to try and write myself out of.
I should grow up and quit writing like I'm still in high school, where my little news paper often got me a ticket to the Principal's office.
I need to find the proper balance it is good to be funny, but by what measure? And not by sacrificing all credibility.
I should grow up and quit writing like I'm still in high school, where my little news paper often got me a ticket to the Principal's office.
I need to find the proper balance it is good to be funny, but by what measure? And not by sacrificing all credibility.
Monday, November 24, 2008
I could Scream!
A picture is worth a thousand words so it is said, but only if someone cares to see it. I was shocked to learn not even my very first contact Caren; remembers what I look like.
Last year I paid over five hundred dollars for a new camera phone so I could send pictures to a special friend, then she quit talking to me! At least I had a nice phone, until someone stole it out of my office. Last month my brother gave me a new camera, I've been fooling with it for weeks now and have come to the conclusion that the damn thing is broken! No wonder my dear little brother was so generous, Ha, the cheap bastard.
Well at last I am pleased that there is someone really wants to know what I look like, and those ancient pictures I gave to Dave will never do. So I'm off to buy a new camera.
Last year I paid over five hundred dollars for a new camera phone so I could send pictures to a special friend, then she quit talking to me! At least I had a nice phone, until someone stole it out of my office. Last month my brother gave me a new camera, I've been fooling with it for weeks now and have come to the conclusion that the damn thing is broken! No wonder my dear little brother was so generous, Ha, the cheap bastard.
Well at last I am pleased that there is someone really wants to know what I look like, and those ancient pictures I gave to Dave will never do. So I'm off to buy a new camera.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
What is a real friend?
Is it someone you can call at three in the morning, to come get you out of jail, or maybe it is someone who will come sit with you when you are sick? Are friendships characterized by tolerance of under benefiting and need-based helping or do they conform to the logic of give and take? Biologists and social scientists differ in their concept of friendship. Most biologists conceive of friends as social tools to achieve fitness-related benefits. In contrast, most social scientists? definitions of friendship stress concern for each other?s well-being and a willingness to help each other without expecting repayment. These different views might reflect a real difference between human and non-human friendships as a consequence of different selection pressures. Most of our friends are human, and unlike dogs; at some point they will let you down. This is when understanding and forgiveness become necessary. As unpleasant as that may sound, we the strong must forgive those who are weak, or we risk becoming weak ourselves.
"The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget". - Thomas Szasz
"The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naive forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget". - Thomas Szasz
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
From a Distance
Three Dog Night said it well: One can be The loneliest number. For most of us, the desire to connect with others is a powerful force. Strong attachments with others not only make us happier, they also can make us healthier and help us to live longer. What do we live for? Nothing in life is as important as loving relationships!
I marvel at the fact that it is possible to have a solid friendship without ever speaking to one another. I can't be every one's friend, but I will try.
I marvel at the fact that it is possible to have a solid friendship without ever speaking to one another. I can't be every one's friend, but I will try.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
It Hurts Like Hell
Love sick fool, I know it hurts, you think that I have not been down that road a few times myself? Well think again. I never wanted to alarm you, but my heart had perceived that the most grievous tragedy of your life, created a fathomless vacuum in the center of you world.
I did my feeble best to embrace and comfort you. For I knew you could be heading for disaster, and even greater heartache. I did the best that I could under the restrictions, that so hindered my efforts to be a true friend. I wanted share with you my empathy, and help to calm your anguished spirit. I have no trouble seeing into the hearts of men, and I clearly saw the danger. Dear one, you were suffering from anxiety, very lonely, and in other words, you were in an extremely vulnerable state of mind, when you were seduced by that fake shadow of a man. I know all too well, the relentless power of infatuation. You were helpless and so lost in love that you were beyond any ones ability to warn you of the danger.
So now you know how it feels to be me:
I hate writing so generic like this, much like you my friend, it puts severe limitations on my ability to express my true feelings, but in order to preserve your anonymity, I can say little more, except:
Welcome to the club kid.
I got my face back, and in my eyes, so have you!
One has not truly lived, until they have been a Fool for the sake of LOVE!
Nanci Griffith & The Boston Pops
I did my feeble best to embrace and comfort you. For I knew you could be heading for disaster, and even greater heartache. I did the best that I could under the restrictions, that so hindered my efforts to be a true friend. I wanted share with you my empathy, and help to calm your anguished spirit. I have no trouble seeing into the hearts of men, and I clearly saw the danger. Dear one, you were suffering from anxiety, very lonely, and in other words, you were in an extremely vulnerable state of mind, when you were seduced by that fake shadow of a man. I know all too well, the relentless power of infatuation. You were helpless and so lost in love that you were beyond any ones ability to warn you of the danger.
So now you know how it feels to be me:
I hate writing so generic like this, much like you my friend, it puts severe limitations on my ability to express my true feelings, but in order to preserve your anonymity, I can say little more, except:
Welcome to the club kid.
I got my face back, and in my eyes, so have you!
One has not truly lived, until they have been a Fool for the sake of LOVE!
Nanci Griffith & The Boston Pops
Friday, November 07, 2008
To Every Thing There is a Season
As King Solomon wrote in Ecclesiastes (and as immortalized in folk song), "To everything there is a season... a time for war and a time for peace" (3:1,8). More than just words, it is life, and everyday we are put to the test. We all need some bad times in our lives. it builds and strengthens our character, and teaches us to be thankful for our many blessings. All the best writers and philosophers, have suffered from adversity, at some point in their lives.
I always wondered what it would be like, to work with someone like Dolly. This is a rare view of Dolly making a recording with the help of Mr.McGuinn. .. Roger McGuinn Records With Dolly Parton.
"Que sera, sera – whatever will be will be – is a very popular philosophy. It has its equivalents in Judaism. In fact even stronger versions: gam zu letovah, was Rabbi Akiva’s favourite dictum, when anything bad befell him – this too is for the good. Or in another phrase kol d’avid rachmanah letav avid – Everything that the All-Merciful does, is done for the best.
"Take note that ‘Que sera sera’ doesn’t say what will be will be for the best - it just will be and we have to accept it at that. It’s acceptance without regrets".
"Now, having complete trust in the Creator come what may is a strong religious virtue. There’s a time for everything under the sun says Kohelet in our Haftarah for Succot: "A time to be born, a time to die, a time for war, a time for peace…" The Succah also represents the duality of life: it’s frailty and vulnerability open to the elements; and it’s celebration of the good harvest of life.
"Kohelet says; to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. Everything is there for a purpose; ‘beshert’ as we say – beshert means decreed".
"There was a Rabbi Yosi who took this view of marriage. He asked what has the Creator been doing since the 6 days of Creation? Answer: matching up couples for marriage".
"Are marriages made in heaven? My answer is, if you want to believe that, well, you may believe that they are made in heaven – but they have to be maintained in the here and now by two down-to-earth-people with their feet firmly on the ground".
"There’s a lovely old-fashioned term for this belief that we can leave everything to the Almighty to take care of. It’s called Quietism.
"Jewish Quietism – sounds like a contradiction in terms. Quietists are people who believe in leaving everything to God to sort out. We shouldn’t interfere".
"I want to suggest we question Quietism.
"Modern Judaism, not only Reform, takes the view that, although much is not in our hands, free will is given to us. We take responsibility for our actions, we strive for a better world, we try to influence things for good".
"Indeed the same Rabbi Akiva who said ‘everything is for the good’ says: "Everything is known to God, yet free will is given to man." God knows what we will do and how things will work out, but it is still up to us, to arrange our own lives".
"Isn’t this a bit of a puzzle? Let’s just take a peep at how the Talmud deals with this issue. [B. Berachot 60a, b].
"There’s a rule: If you hear good news, there’s a berachah to say. For bad news, there’s also a berachah to say. For good news – Baruch… Hatov vehamaitiv we praise the One who does good and makes good. Over bad news Baruch Dayan ha'emet – Blessed be the true Judge. And it goes on to say: a person has to make a blessing over bad news as well as over good news. Chayav adam levareich al hara keshem shemevareich al tovah".
"What does that mean ? The Talmud answers it with a little story:
Rabbi Akiva was once on a journey. He came to a town and he wanted a room. Everyone refused to give him a room. Quite the opposite of the Succot message of hospitality!
"And what did Akiva say? Gam zu letovah. This too is for good.
So off goes Rabbi Akiva with his three prized possessions: a cockerel, an ass and a lamp. During the night, the wind came and blew out the lamp. A fox came and ate the cock. A lion came and ate the ass. So he wakes up and there is nothing there. Rabbi Akiva says: Gam zu letovah. This also is for good".
"When he comes back into the town the next morning, Akiva discovers that some bandits had entered the town and taken all the inhabitants away captive.
"So Rabbi Akivah says: you see! "Wasn't I right to say gam zu letovah? All this is for the good. If I had got a room in the town, I would have been taken captive. If the light had been burning, they’d have caught me. If the cock had been there it would have crowed it would have given me away. If the ass had been there, it would have brayed and they would have known I was there. So, obviously, whatever the Almighty does is for good".
"That’s the story". © Reuven Silverman 22.10.05
We pray, now as always, for an end to all wars, and that a just and lasting peace will ensue.
I always wondered what it would be like, to work with someone like Dolly. This is a rare view of Dolly making a recording with the help of Mr.McGuinn. .. Roger McGuinn Records With Dolly Parton.
"Que sera, sera – whatever will be will be – is a very popular philosophy. It has its equivalents in Judaism. In fact even stronger versions: gam zu letovah, was Rabbi Akiva’s favourite dictum, when anything bad befell him – this too is for the good. Or in another phrase kol d’avid rachmanah letav avid – Everything that the All-Merciful does, is done for the best.
"Take note that ‘Que sera sera’ doesn’t say what will be will be for the best - it just will be and we have to accept it at that. It’s acceptance without regrets".
"Now, having complete trust in the Creator come what may is a strong religious virtue. There’s a time for everything under the sun says Kohelet in our Haftarah for Succot: "A time to be born, a time to die, a time for war, a time for peace…" The Succah also represents the duality of life: it’s frailty and vulnerability open to the elements; and it’s celebration of the good harvest of life.
"Kohelet says; to everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. Everything is there for a purpose; ‘beshert’ as we say – beshert means decreed".
"There was a Rabbi Yosi who took this view of marriage. He asked what has the Creator been doing since the 6 days of Creation? Answer: matching up couples for marriage".
"Are marriages made in heaven? My answer is, if you want to believe that, well, you may believe that they are made in heaven – but they have to be maintained in the here and now by two down-to-earth-people with their feet firmly on the ground".
"There’s a lovely old-fashioned term for this belief that we can leave everything to the Almighty to take care of. It’s called Quietism.
"Jewish Quietism – sounds like a contradiction in terms. Quietists are people who believe in leaving everything to God to sort out. We shouldn’t interfere".
"I want to suggest we question Quietism.
"Modern Judaism, not only Reform, takes the view that, although much is not in our hands, free will is given to us. We take responsibility for our actions, we strive for a better world, we try to influence things for good".
"Indeed the same Rabbi Akiva who said ‘everything is for the good’ says: "Everything is known to God, yet free will is given to man." God knows what we will do and how things will work out, but it is still up to us, to arrange our own lives".
"Isn’t this a bit of a puzzle? Let’s just take a peep at how the Talmud deals with this issue. [B. Berachot 60a, b].
"There’s a rule: If you hear good news, there’s a berachah to say. For bad news, there’s also a berachah to say. For good news – Baruch… Hatov vehamaitiv we praise the One who does good and makes good. Over bad news Baruch Dayan ha'emet – Blessed be the true Judge. And it goes on to say: a person has to make a blessing over bad news as well as over good news. Chayav adam levareich al hara keshem shemevareich al tovah".
"What does that mean ? The Talmud answers it with a little story:
Rabbi Akiva was once on a journey. He came to a town and he wanted a room. Everyone refused to give him a room. Quite the opposite of the Succot message of hospitality!
"And what did Akiva say? Gam zu letovah. This too is for good.
So off goes Rabbi Akiva with his three prized possessions: a cockerel, an ass and a lamp. During the night, the wind came and blew out the lamp. A fox came and ate the cock. A lion came and ate the ass. So he wakes up and there is nothing there. Rabbi Akiva says: Gam zu letovah. This also is for good".
"When he comes back into the town the next morning, Akiva discovers that some bandits had entered the town and taken all the inhabitants away captive.
"So Rabbi Akivah says: you see! "Wasn't I right to say gam zu letovah? All this is for the good. If I had got a room in the town, I would have been taken captive. If the light had been burning, they’d have caught me. If the cock had been there it would have crowed it would have given me away. If the ass had been there, it would have brayed and they would have known I was there. So, obviously, whatever the Almighty does is for good".
"That’s the story". © Reuven Silverman 22.10.05
We pray, now as always, for an end to all wars, and that a just and lasting peace will ensue.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
War
"Perhaps America will one day go fascist democratically, by popular vote."
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"
William L. Shirer made these words the epigraph for his Rise and Fall
of the Third Reich (1959)."
It cost about 75 cents to kill a man in Caesar's time. The price rose to about $3,000 per man during the Napoleonic wars; to $5,000 in the American Civil War; and then to $21,000 per man in World War I. Estimates for the future wars indicate that it may cost the warring countries not less than $50,000 for each man killed. [The 2003-2006 Iraq War cost the U.S. Congress, per enemy killed, $11 million.]
Homer Truet Bone, US Senator during World War II
War is the health of the state [government power].
Randolph Bourne
Imagine there's a war and no one shows up
— then war will come to you.
Whoever stays home when the battle begins
and lets others fight for his cause
ought to watch out:
because whoever has not shared in the fight
will share in defeat.
He who wants to avoid fighting
will not once avoid the fight:
because he will fight for the cause of the enemy
who hasn't fought for his own.
Bertolt Brecht
Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events.
Sir Winston Churchill
Endless money forms the sinews of war.
Cicero, in Philippics
War is a series of catastrophes that results in a victory.
Georges Clemenceau
I think that people want peace so much that one of these days government had better get out of the way and let them have it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, President, 1952-1960
There is nothing that war has ever achieved that we could not better achieve without it.
Henry Havelock Ellis
The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility.
Sir John Fisher
There never was a good war or a bad peace.
Benjamin Franklin, 1773-9-11
Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger. It works the same way in any country.
Hermann Göring, Nazi leader, at Nuremberg trials
War usually starts with collective euphoria.
Chris Hedges, War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, p. 84
The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and economic opportunists.
Ernest Hemingway
I abhor war and view it as the greatest scourge of mankind.
Thomas Jefferson
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"
William L. Shirer made these words the epigraph for his Rise and Fall
of the Third Reich (1959)."
It cost about 75 cents to kill a man in Caesar's time. The price rose to about $3,000 per man during the Napoleonic wars; to $5,000 in the American Civil War; and then to $21,000 per man in World War I. Estimates for the future wars indicate that it may cost the warring countries not less than $50,000 for each man killed. [The 2003-2006 Iraq War cost the U.S. Congress, per enemy killed, $11 million.]
Homer Truet Bone, US Senator during World War II
War is the health of the state [government power].
Randolph Bourne
Imagine there's a war and no one shows up
— then war will come to you.
Whoever stays home when the battle begins
and lets others fight for his cause
ought to watch out:
because whoever has not shared in the fight
will share in defeat.
He who wants to avoid fighting
will not once avoid the fight:
because he will fight for the cause of the enemy
who hasn't fought for his own.
Bertolt Brecht
Never, never, never believe any war will be smooth and easy, or that anyone who embarks on the strange voyage can measure the tides and hurricanes he will encounter. The statesman who yields to war fever must realize that once the signal is given, he is no longer the master of policy but the slave of unforeseeable and uncontrollable events.
Sir Winston Churchill
Endless money forms the sinews of war.
Cicero, in Philippics
War is a series of catastrophes that results in a victory.
Georges Clemenceau
I think that people want peace so much that one of these days government had better get out of the way and let them have it.
Dwight D. Eisenhower, President, 1952-1960
There is nothing that war has ever achieved that we could not better achieve without it.
Henry Havelock Ellis
The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility.
Sir John Fisher
There never was a good war or a bad peace.
Benjamin Franklin, 1773-9-11
Of course the people don't want war. But after all, it's the leaders of the country who determine the policy, and it's always a simple matter to drag the people along whether it's a democracy, a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. Voice or no voice, the people can always be brought to the bidding of the leaders. That is easy. All you have to do is tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism, and exposing the country to greater danger. It works the same way in any country.
Hermann Göring, Nazi leader, at Nuremberg trials
War usually starts with collective euphoria.
Chris Hedges, War Is a Force That Gives Us Meaning, p. 84
The first panacea for a mismanaged nation is inflation of the currency; the second is war. Both bring a temporary prosperity; both bring a permanent ruin. But both are the refuge of political and economic opportunists.
Ernest Hemingway
I abhor war and view it as the greatest scourge of mankind.
Thomas Jefferson
Whackanomics
Whackanomics
by Dymphna
This post is dedicated to Larwyn, who is feeling as though the bottom has dropped out of things. Which it has. May this fable cheer her up and help her usually optimistic disposition return a little more quickly.
A regular lurker in Oklahoma recently emailed the following tale. When I wrote back to ask its origins, he didn’t know. A little googling led me to Doug Powers, who wrote it.
No doubt some of you will have read this already; it does appear to be going viral. As a tongue-in-cheek lesson in economics, it is one that Walter Williams, an ebullient economist who has made his profession anything but dismal, would enjoy.
Speaking of which, Mr. Williams must be shaking his head over the election. Unlike Colin Powell, Mr. Williams would never let his race - black - interfere with his good sense. He calls Obama’s fiscal policies "whackanomics" - sounds right to me.
Obama’s leaky plumbing
Barack Obama discovers a leak under his sink, so he calls Joe the Plumber to come and fix it.
Joe drives to Obama’s house, which is located in a very nice neighborhood and where it’s clear that all the residents make more than $250,000 per year.
Joe arrives and takes his tools into the house. Joe is led to the room that contains the leaky pipe under a sink. Joe assesses the problem and tells Obama, who is standing near the door, that it’s an easy repair that will take less than 10 minutes.
Obama asks Joe how much it will cost.
Joe immediately says, "$9,500."
$9,500?" Obama asks, stunned. "But you said it’s an easy repair!"
- - - - - - - - -
"Yes, but what I do is charge a lot more to my clients who make more than $250,000 per year so I can fix the plumbing of everybody who makes less than that for free," explains Joe. "It’s always been my philosophy. As a matter of fact, I lobbied government to pass this philosophy as law, and it did pass earlier this year, so now all plumbers have to do business this way. It’s known as ‘Joe’s Fair Plumbing Act of 2008.’ Surprised you haven’t heard of it, senator."
In spite of that, Obama tells Joe there’s no way he’s paying that much for a small plumbing repair, so Joe leaves.
Obama spends the next hour flipping through the phone book looking for another plumber, but he finds that all other plumbing businesses listed have gone out of business. Not wanting to pay Joe’s price, Obama does nothing.
The leak under Obama’s sink goes unrepaired for the next several days.
A week later the leak is so bad that Obama has had to put a bucket under the sink. The bucket fills up quickly and has to be emptied every hour, and there’s a risk that the room will flood, so Obama calls Joe and pleads with him to return.
Joe goes back to Obama’s house, looks at the leaky pipe, and says "Let’s see - this will cost you about $21,000."
"A few days ago you told me it would cost $9,500!" Obama quickly fires back.
Joe explains the reason for the dramatic increase. "Well, because of the ‘Joe’s Fair Plumbing Act,’ a lot of rich people are learning how to fix their own plumbing, so there are fewer of you paying for all the free plumbing I’m doing for the people who make less than $250,000. As a result, the rate I have to charge my wealthy paying customers rises every day.
"Not only that, but for some reason the demand for plumbing work from the group of people who get it for free has skyrocketed, and there’s a long waiting list of those who need repairs. This has put a lot of my fellow plumbers out of business, and they’re not being replaced - nobody is going into the plumbing business because they know they won’t make any money. I’m hurting now too - all thanks to greedy rich people like you who won’t pay their fair share."
Obama tries to straighten out the plumber: "Of course you’re hurting, Joe! Don’t you get it? If all the rich people learn how to fix their own plumbing and you refuse to charge the poorer people for your services, you’ll be broke, and then what will you do?"
Joe immediately replies, "Run for president, apparently."
See, now we have something to look forward to: Joe the Presidential Plumber.
Except that Mr. Powers, on his blog, cautions Joe:
All I can say before heading off to bed tonight is this: Joe the Plumber, enjoy your extensive audit.
I’d have said prior to this campagin that the Obamanas wouldn’t dare audit him, but after this election, I’d believe anything.
by Dymphna
This post is dedicated to Larwyn, who is feeling as though the bottom has dropped out of things. Which it has. May this fable cheer her up and help her usually optimistic disposition return a little more quickly.
A regular lurker in Oklahoma recently emailed the following tale. When I wrote back to ask its origins, he didn’t know. A little googling led me to Doug Powers, who wrote it.
No doubt some of you will have read this already; it does appear to be going viral. As a tongue-in-cheek lesson in economics, it is one that Walter Williams, an ebullient economist who has made his profession anything but dismal, would enjoy.
Speaking of which, Mr. Williams must be shaking his head over the election. Unlike Colin Powell, Mr. Williams would never let his race - black - interfere with his good sense. He calls Obama’s fiscal policies "whackanomics" - sounds right to me.
Obama’s leaky plumbing
Barack Obama discovers a leak under his sink, so he calls Joe the Plumber to come and fix it.
Joe drives to Obama’s house, which is located in a very nice neighborhood and where it’s clear that all the residents make more than $250,000 per year.
Joe arrives and takes his tools into the house. Joe is led to the room that contains the leaky pipe under a sink. Joe assesses the problem and tells Obama, who is standing near the door, that it’s an easy repair that will take less than 10 minutes.
Obama asks Joe how much it will cost.
Joe immediately says, "$9,500."
$9,500?" Obama asks, stunned. "But you said it’s an easy repair!"
- - - - - - - - -
"Yes, but what I do is charge a lot more to my clients who make more than $250,000 per year so I can fix the plumbing of everybody who makes less than that for free," explains Joe. "It’s always been my philosophy. As a matter of fact, I lobbied government to pass this philosophy as law, and it did pass earlier this year, so now all plumbers have to do business this way. It’s known as ‘Joe’s Fair Plumbing Act of 2008.’ Surprised you haven’t heard of it, senator."
In spite of that, Obama tells Joe there’s no way he’s paying that much for a small plumbing repair, so Joe leaves.
Obama spends the next hour flipping through the phone book looking for another plumber, but he finds that all other plumbing businesses listed have gone out of business. Not wanting to pay Joe’s price, Obama does nothing.
The leak under Obama’s sink goes unrepaired for the next several days.
A week later the leak is so bad that Obama has had to put a bucket under the sink. The bucket fills up quickly and has to be emptied every hour, and there’s a risk that the room will flood, so Obama calls Joe and pleads with him to return.
Joe goes back to Obama’s house, looks at the leaky pipe, and says "Let’s see - this will cost you about $21,000."
"A few days ago you told me it would cost $9,500!" Obama quickly fires back.
Joe explains the reason for the dramatic increase. "Well, because of the ‘Joe’s Fair Plumbing Act,’ a lot of rich people are learning how to fix their own plumbing, so there are fewer of you paying for all the free plumbing I’m doing for the people who make less than $250,000. As a result, the rate I have to charge my wealthy paying customers rises every day.
"Not only that, but for some reason the demand for plumbing work from the group of people who get it for free has skyrocketed, and there’s a long waiting list of those who need repairs. This has put a lot of my fellow plumbers out of business, and they’re not being replaced - nobody is going into the plumbing business because they know they won’t make any money. I’m hurting now too - all thanks to greedy rich people like you who won’t pay their fair share."
Obama tries to straighten out the plumber: "Of course you’re hurting, Joe! Don’t you get it? If all the rich people learn how to fix their own plumbing and you refuse to charge the poorer people for your services, you’ll be broke, and then what will you do?"
Joe immediately replies, "Run for president, apparently."
See, now we have something to look forward to: Joe the Presidential Plumber.
Except that Mr. Powers, on his blog, cautions Joe:
All I can say before heading off to bed tonight is this: Joe the Plumber, enjoy your extensive audit.
I’d have said prior to this campagin that the Obamanas wouldn’t dare audit him, but after this election, I’d believe anything.
Heaven help us, or there will be War in America
There is no winner, we are all losers in a corrupt system, where only criminals, and traitors can be elected president.
While I would not want to see a civil war in America, I would also not be surprised if America witnessed a new revolution, or a civil war in this coming year. When the Republicans and Democrats attempt to use force against people who say “enough is enough”. All the same, the Republicans and Democrats have paved the way for the demise of America with their behaviour. I am also in agreement that voluntary association as well as the right to self-determination is as American as the apple pie. Have you tried to buy a bag of rice lately?
The food riots are coming sooner than you think.
While I would not want to see a civil war in America, I would also not be surprised if America witnessed a new revolution, or a civil war in this coming year. When the Republicans and Democrats attempt to use force against people who say “enough is enough”. All the same, the Republicans and Democrats have paved the way for the demise of America with their behaviour. I am also in agreement that voluntary association as well as the right to self-determination is as American as the apple pie. Have you tried to buy a bag of rice lately?
The food riots are coming sooner than you think.
Sunday, November 02, 2008
We Are Family
The proper function of man is to entertain women, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to avoid them. I shall use my hands.
~ Da Keeper ~
In the past 20 years I was home for Halloween maybe twice, most times I was at a party, with some blond, or I was at work. This time I wanted to really put on the dog for all the little spooks and goblins. I had 8 pounds of apples, 6 pounds of candy, fireworks, and chicken embryos with assorted caned consumables. but all was too quiet up on the hill. the town down below was giving a party for the kids. I got only two of the little devils, one 3, dressed as a pirate and the other about 4 years old dressed as a robot. I crammed all the candy I could into their small bags. I was so disappointed, I wish I had kids myself.
"Hit the Road, Jack!"
Ladies Night Live - Kool & the Gang
Funkytown
Puttin on the Ritz
Downtown
Born to be alive
Right here waiting for you.
It must have been love
Holding Out For A Hero.
Men, there is no great mystery to women. They are women, and we are expendable. I know the disk jockeys killed this song by playing it too much, but I still like it. Always a Woman To Me. It reminds me of someone.
~ Da Keeper ~
In the past 20 years I was home for Halloween maybe twice, most times I was at a party, with some blond, or I was at work. This time I wanted to really put on the dog for all the little spooks and goblins. I had 8 pounds of apples, 6 pounds of candy, fireworks, and chicken embryos with assorted caned consumables. but all was too quiet up on the hill. the town down below was giving a party for the kids. I got only two of the little devils, one 3, dressed as a pirate and the other about 4 years old dressed as a robot. I crammed all the candy I could into their small bags. I was so disappointed, I wish I had kids myself.
"Hit the Road, Jack!"
Ladies Night Live - Kool & the Gang
Funkytown
Puttin on the Ritz
Downtown
Born to be alive
Right here waiting for you.
It must have been love
Holding Out For A Hero.
Men, there is no great mystery to women. They are women, and we are expendable. I know the disk jockeys killed this song by playing it too much, but I still like it. Always a Woman To Me. It reminds me of someone.
Friday, October 31, 2008
~Happy Halloween! All You Spooks.~
I wonder where I could find myself a good trick?
Halloween Costume Tribute
Donald Duck - Trick Or Treat - 1954
1 A French Halloween Dog Costumes
Ray Parker Jr - Ghostbusters!
Right Place, Wrong Time
Stevie Wonder-Superstition
I Put A Spell On You!
Bacardi Halloween
Goddess of Hellfire
RIDERS ON THE STORM
Ghost Riders In the Sky
Halloween Costume Tribute
Donald Duck - Trick Or Treat - 1954
1 A French Halloween Dog Costumes
Ray Parker Jr - Ghostbusters!
Right Place, Wrong Time
Stevie Wonder-Superstition
I Put A Spell On You!
Bacardi Halloween
Goddess of Hellfire
RIDERS ON THE STORM
Ghost Riders In the Sky
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Special People
It was a rare moment in time that shall never be duplicated. When all the right elements combined with exuberant hearts and brilliant minds. We were for the most part, all survivors of a most unpopular war. Young men and women of the highest caliber. With no one to welcome us home except ourselves. It was a special bond, borne out of the grief of their lost youth, teenage boys who became old men in the grim nightmare that would consume well over 50,000 of America's best. We were not defeated on the the battlefield, but by the very ones at home, who sent us off to war; and the beat goes on. From great and harrowing hardships and devastating losses of friends, and comrades, we had learned how precious and short life could be, and were determined to live every moment as if it were to be our last. To say the least we were the strangest kids on campus. Military discipline had taught us the value of team work, And even a wild movie like "Animal House" had nothing on us.
It was perhaps the first time the army, navy, air force marines, and coastguard ever got along together. Indeed we were a true joy to behold.
Someday We'll Be Together
The Supremes did not actually sing the back up for the recorded version of "Someday We'll Be Together". Behind Diana Ross’s voice are session artists and Johnny Bristol who co-wrote the song.
"Someday We'll be Together" was the last Billboard #1 hit of the 1960’s
It was perhaps the first time the army, navy, air force marines, and coastguard ever got along together. Indeed we were a true joy to behold.
Someday We'll Be Together
The Supremes did not actually sing the back up for the recorded version of "Someday We'll Be Together". Behind Diana Ross’s voice are session artists and Johnny Bristol who co-wrote the song.
"Someday We'll be Together" was the last Billboard #1 hit of the 1960’s
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Waste Not A Word
I only meant to commit on Sarah's blog, that Caren's wit and style, has always been a lingering reminder of a more flamboyant, audacious time in my life. But I could not stop reminiscing. I was afraid Sarah would have a cow: So I made this blog post out of it. Well here is my foolish musings, I wisely retracted from Sarah's:
"Ah, Caren.
Your clever wit never fails to remind me, that in those ancient times, I once roamed the city nightlife with a group of free spirited people, very much like you. Back in those days, I had the pleasure of being the entourage of what I would call the Grand Cadre of Fools. These gay bravados, were known to do almost anything on a dare; obviously these men and women were no ordinary common fools, each and every one, a sterling professional. Together we could crash any old hole in the wall dive, and turn it into a grand ballroom of gaiety, and mirth. Those were indeed rare and magical times, for that bodacious pack of roving thrill seekers, and jesters, with their seemingly unbounded energy, and spontaneity. We were closer than most kin folk, but they that were so dear to my heart, have long ago, given up their unique magic, to become more sober, and mature adults.
And so in giving up so much, what did we get in return? It would seem that, perhaps, we really were the biggest fools of all.
If I had a handful of Carens, and maybe a few Daves, I would do it all again, but I am getting a little too old to be crawling across the dance floor, to be looking up young girls dresses, although I still would like to sponsor another wet T-shirt contest".
Oh I love Sarah, just as much if not more, She could wash my car anytime, but I can't help but wonder who would be the best pole dancer?
"Ah, Caren.
Your clever wit never fails to remind me, that in those ancient times, I once roamed the city nightlife with a group of free spirited people, very much like you. Back in those days, I had the pleasure of being the entourage of what I would call the Grand Cadre of Fools. These gay bravados, were known to do almost anything on a dare; obviously these men and women were no ordinary common fools, each and every one, a sterling professional. Together we could crash any old hole in the wall dive, and turn it into a grand ballroom of gaiety, and mirth. Those were indeed rare and magical times, for that bodacious pack of roving thrill seekers, and jesters, with their seemingly unbounded energy, and spontaneity. We were closer than most kin folk, but they that were so dear to my heart, have long ago, given up their unique magic, to become more sober, and mature adults.
And so in giving up so much, what did we get in return? It would seem that, perhaps, we really were the biggest fools of all.
If I had a handful of Carens, and maybe a few Daves, I would do it all again, but I am getting a little too old to be crawling across the dance floor, to be looking up young girls dresses, although I still would like to sponsor another wet T-shirt contest".
Oh I love Sarah, just as much if not more, She could wash my car anytime, but I can't help but wonder who would be the best pole dancer?
Monday, October 27, 2008
Jewish Circumcision Resource Center
Circumcision is a Choice:
Like the American cultural practice of circumcision, Jewish circumcision (bris or brit milah) is dependent on the acceptance of cultural myths. Of all the myths that Jews believe about circumcision, the one that is paramount is the belief that all Jews circumcise. With this belief, we put ourselves under tremendous pressure to conform.
Bound by this burden to comply with social expectations, most Jewish parents do not recognize that circumcision is a choice. Since open communication about circumcision is discouraged, there is virtually no awareness of others who feel similar conflicts and doubts around circumcision. Moreover, if a Jewish parent does decide not to circumcise a male child, it is not generally known to the rest of the community. As a result, many parents submit to the pressure and then discover only too late, perhaps after witnessing the circumcision of their son, that they wish they had chosen differently. Some parents report that if they could take back one decision, it would be their son's circumcision.
NOW SNIP IT! INTO SHAPE! SHAPE IT UP! GET STRAIGHT!
By Brad Trechak 11.14.05
Several weeks ago my brother's family had a boy, giving me my first nephew. He was born a week before Rosh Hashanah and to celebrate the Jewish new year, in keeping with traditions dating back thousands of years, my family hired a man with minimal medical credentials to snip off the tip of their baby boy's wee-wee with a scalpel.
Circumcision, the ritual removal of the foreskin of the male penis, has been practiced since long before recorded history. It is believed to have originated in eastern Africa since before the time of Abraham when it is believed to have been done for the suppression of the male sex drive. It has long since been a tradition for the Jewish people to circumcise each male child within eight days of birth in a ceremony known as a Brit milah or Bris Milah (Hebrew for "Covenant of circumcision" or "Covenant of the word").
According to WebMD, it may also
be done to treat some medical conditions that affect the penis of older boys and men, such as balanitis (inflammation of the tip of the penis), phimosis, and paraphimosis and other terrible sounding afflictions.
There is also one popular myth developed in 1985 by Dr. Thomas Wiswell is that it helps prevent urinary tract infection. It was determined that his methods were skewed and his conclusions were unreliable. However, even if it were true then such an infection would likely have a small statistical probability of occurrence, similar to getting an infection in your tonsils, which are only removed if necessary. The same theory should apply to the foreskin; it should only be cut off if it is causing a problem. To remove it beforehand is akin to removing your legs at birth because they might get crushed in an auto accident someday.
Circumcise Yourself in Four Easy Steps:
Does your penis look like Jesus' penis?
Like the American cultural practice of circumcision, Jewish circumcision (bris or brit milah) is dependent on the acceptance of cultural myths. Of all the myths that Jews believe about circumcision, the one that is paramount is the belief that all Jews circumcise. With this belief, we put ourselves under tremendous pressure to conform.
Bound by this burden to comply with social expectations, most Jewish parents do not recognize that circumcision is a choice. Since open communication about circumcision is discouraged, there is virtually no awareness of others who feel similar conflicts and doubts around circumcision. Moreover, if a Jewish parent does decide not to circumcise a male child, it is not generally known to the rest of the community. As a result, many parents submit to the pressure and then discover only too late, perhaps after witnessing the circumcision of their son, that they wish they had chosen differently. Some parents report that if they could take back one decision, it would be their son's circumcision.
NOW SNIP IT! INTO SHAPE! SHAPE IT UP! GET STRAIGHT!
By Brad Trechak 11.14.05
Several weeks ago my brother's family had a boy, giving me my first nephew. He was born a week before Rosh Hashanah and to celebrate the Jewish new year, in keeping with traditions dating back thousands of years, my family hired a man with minimal medical credentials to snip off the tip of their baby boy's wee-wee with a scalpel.
Circumcision, the ritual removal of the foreskin of the male penis, has been practiced since long before recorded history. It is believed to have originated in eastern Africa since before the time of Abraham when it is believed to have been done for the suppression of the male sex drive. It has long since been a tradition for the Jewish people to circumcise each male child within eight days of birth in a ceremony known as a Brit milah or Bris Milah (Hebrew for "Covenant of circumcision" or "Covenant of the word").
According to WebMD, it may also
be done to treat some medical conditions that affect the penis of older boys and men, such as balanitis (inflammation of the tip of the penis), phimosis, and paraphimosis and other terrible sounding afflictions.
There is also one popular myth developed in 1985 by Dr. Thomas Wiswell is that it helps prevent urinary tract infection. It was determined that his methods were skewed and his conclusions were unreliable. However, even if it were true then such an infection would likely have a small statistical probability of occurrence, similar to getting an infection in your tonsils, which are only removed if necessary. The same theory should apply to the foreskin; it should only be cut off if it is causing a problem. To remove it beforehand is akin to removing your legs at birth because they might get crushed in an auto accident someday.
Circumcise Yourself in Four Easy Steps:
Does your penis look like Jesus' penis?
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Physician heal thyself
Playing doctor, I had a wonderful time lancing the wound and squeezing the yellow pus out like it was a tube of toothpaste. It was amazing what shot out of that hole in my arm. I am much better now, thanks to all of you, for your concern, but I worry more about you guys, because of what I see coming down the road. Should Jews have guns? Jews and "Gun Control" .
Monday, October 20, 2008
Spider Bite?
Ouch! I had a late night visitor, and it bit me in my sleep, coming just hours after my brother let an old flea bitten hound dog lounge on my bed. I'm not sure if it was a flea, or a spider, No, it was not a flea; I now have a serious infection in my forearm, and it hurts.
And to think, I used to play with small spiders as if they were harmless toys. These little monsters can be as dangerous as a rattlesnake. I should see a doctor, but I am a man. We never see a doctor unless a woman makes us. This is a lesson I will not soon forget, if it does not kill me first!
Bitten by Poisonous Spider.
Nursery Rhyme & History.
Hey, don't worry about me, I will live!
The Master of fate, did not put me in your life just to snatch me away from you. We have many miles yet to travel.
And to think, I used to play with small spiders as if they were harmless toys. These little monsters can be as dangerous as a rattlesnake. I should see a doctor, but I am a man. We never see a doctor unless a woman makes us. This is a lesson I will not soon forget, if it does not kill me first!
Bitten by Poisonous Spider.
Nursery Rhyme & History.
Hey, don't worry about me, I will live!
The Master of fate, did not put me in your life just to snatch me away from you. We have many miles yet to travel.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Happy Talk
Whoopee!
Hey now my friends, there will always be a need to put on a happy face, especially when we need a little reassurance in these troublesome times.
We need more happy talk, and those of you who blog in order to escape life's worries, know what I am talking about. There are still many things to be thankful for; I see a triumph for a brokenheart, regaining her poise with dignity, and grace. A new mom and dad, enraptured by the birth of their first child. The satisfaction of knowing that after six years, and so many many happy, and zany e-mails; my Ha Ha girl, is still sending me her ha ha's. It is the little things you do that keeps me going. "Today: Sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph". The weather has been just wonderful, you could not ask for better days. It would be nice to hear some more good news from you people.
Don't worry!
Hey now my friends, there will always be a need to put on a happy face, especially when we need a little reassurance in these troublesome times.
We need more happy talk, and those of you who blog in order to escape life's worries, know what I am talking about. There are still many things to be thankful for; I see a triumph for a brokenheart, regaining her poise with dignity, and grace. A new mom and dad, enraptured by the birth of their first child. The satisfaction of knowing that after six years, and so many many happy, and zany e-mails; my Ha Ha girl, is still sending me her ha ha's. It is the little things you do that keeps me going. "Today: Sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind between 5 and 10 mph". The weather has been just wonderful, you could not ask for better days. It would be nice to hear some more good news from you people.
Don't worry!
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Perhaps the wind has changed
I would much rather not be here, than to stay and have to witness the grim destruction of our proud nation, the land we hold so dear. It is of little consolation that I get to use inflammatory words that should increase hits on my blog multifold and no doubt even get me onto some fascist national security watch list.
Hello boys and girls! Nothing to see here. Move along, folks.
For I speak as would a prophet; I don't champion destruction, and war, by any means (as opposed to those who favor open anarchy). If I had a choice, I would rather be in Israel, but this is where G-d put me, and I have no choice but to sound the warning cry. I can't wear a false happy face when I know that all Hell is coming down the road at full gallop and there is nothing to hinder it when it gets here. So now you get to see the face under the face; the mask removed.
The trouble with masks is that, if you wear them for long enough, you become like them. And (as they say in Hoboken) if you make a face and the wind changes, the face sticks. So grimace at your peril!
On the other hand, without a mask, without an extra face, one becomes ... well ... exposed to public view.
So what of many masks and faces do I use? Oh, much the same as most of you other bloggers.
Certainly, I have played a round or two of The Vicious Circle of the Great Mask of Indifference. The rules are simple. Think of something that you want. Imagine, for whatever reason you can come up with, that you can't get it. Then pretend that you don't want it. This almost guarantees that you won't actually get it. So you can start to believe that you never get what you want, and that you really don't care one way or the other. The Great Mask of Indifference ensures that you stay well within this comfort zone.
This, by the way, is not to be confused with The Raised Drawbridge Mask of Nonchalance. Such a mask is a defensive posture for use against provocative fellows who wish to see the colour of the wallpaper inside your castle. Whatever they do, jumping up and down or chucking cannonballs through your windows, the inscrutable Mask of Nonchalance demonstrates that you hardly even notice their presence.
Another example would be The Day-to-Day Drudgery Mask of Getting By. In Yorkshire where they make the pudding, this would be known as the Mask of Nobbut Middlin'. It's been quite a favourite of folks like us, and I've been so habitual in its use that, even when I'm feeling that life is quite good, people come up to me and ask what the matter is.
Maybe the wind is changing.
But now, a little like a forty-year-old Winston Smith at the Ministry of Truth and salvation, at the age at which a man supposedly has the face he deserves, I begin to wonder how life would feel if the oppression of public view was removed and I could peel back the masks. To not care that, when I laugh, my eyes pop out and my rabbit teeth protrude. To not give a damn about having a few crows feet, or the frosty look of my graying hair.
Would I get all that I want? Would I be able to feast and drink, chortle with merriness, and frolic in the nakedness of truth, for the rest of my days?
Or, have we have turned into the world of Orwell, is it the job of the internal Thought Police to prevent such insane freedom?
I intend to save as many as possible. That is why I have long kept a ambulance.
And thank you, Mr.Kanikoski for your help.
Hello boys and girls! Nothing to see here. Move along, folks.
For I speak as would a prophet; I don't champion destruction, and war, by any means (as opposed to those who favor open anarchy). If I had a choice, I would rather be in Israel, but this is where G-d put me, and I have no choice but to sound the warning cry. I can't wear a false happy face when I know that all Hell is coming down the road at full gallop and there is nothing to hinder it when it gets here. So now you get to see the face under the face; the mask removed.
The trouble with masks is that, if you wear them for long enough, you become like them. And (as they say in Hoboken) if you make a face and the wind changes, the face sticks. So grimace at your peril!
On the other hand, without a mask, without an extra face, one becomes ... well ... exposed to public view.
So what of many masks and faces do I use? Oh, much the same as most of you other bloggers.
Certainly, I have played a round or two of The Vicious Circle of the Great Mask of Indifference. The rules are simple. Think of something that you want. Imagine, for whatever reason you can come up with, that you can't get it. Then pretend that you don't want it. This almost guarantees that you won't actually get it. So you can start to believe that you never get what you want, and that you really don't care one way or the other. The Great Mask of Indifference ensures that you stay well within this comfort zone.
This, by the way, is not to be confused with The Raised Drawbridge Mask of Nonchalance. Such a mask is a defensive posture for use against provocative fellows who wish to see the colour of the wallpaper inside your castle. Whatever they do, jumping up and down or chucking cannonballs through your windows, the inscrutable Mask of Nonchalance demonstrates that you hardly even notice their presence.
Another example would be The Day-to-Day Drudgery Mask of Getting By. In Yorkshire where they make the pudding, this would be known as the Mask of Nobbut Middlin'. It's been quite a favourite of folks like us, and I've been so habitual in its use that, even when I'm feeling that life is quite good, people come up to me and ask what the matter is.
Maybe the wind is changing.
But now, a little like a forty-year-old Winston Smith at the Ministry of Truth and salvation, at the age at which a man supposedly has the face he deserves, I begin to wonder how life would feel if the oppression of public view was removed and I could peel back the masks. To not care that, when I laugh, my eyes pop out and my rabbit teeth protrude. To not give a damn about having a few crows feet, or the frosty look of my graying hair.
Would I get all that I want? Would I be able to feast and drink, chortle with merriness, and frolic in the nakedness of truth, for the rest of my days?
Or, have we have turned into the world of Orwell, is it the job of the internal Thought Police to prevent such insane freedom?
I intend to save as many as possible. That is why I have long kept a ambulance.
And thank you, Mr.Kanikoski for your help.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Tarot Reading for 10/16/08
This is just a general reading, with only the five of you in mind. I'm a little surprised, I was expecting it to come out a little tame. And to my amazement, the one I did for Sarah, came out a little too personal for me to publish. Hey, it's just a computer game, right? The other night, was kind of funny, I accused Caren of being pregnant, the cards kept saying that there was a baby on the way.
So now back to the reading:
The following current situation is happening:
(1)A fair, light-eyed masculine person, who likes the country, and the things mother earth gives us. Could represent you or someone who is wise, educated, mature and loyal and is seen as a father figure or leader. If it is someone you know, you look up to this person and can ask them for advice.
This current situation is amplified by: You or an auburn-haired feminine person, with light eyes one who is nature loving, fond of children and home life. This person is loyal and capable of strong friendship. If this is you, then your friends are lucky to have you.
This reading is in relation to: Your love life, intimate partner or lover.
The outcome of this current situation:
(2)Time of sorrow or tears, could be tied to a 3 party situation. Distress due to separation, conflict or absence.
This reading is in relation to: A financial situation within a partnership or marriage, which is not going well.
In your past and behind you:
(3)An adventurous quest. You will do what you want, leave people, and places behind. This may indicate an impulsive action. Normally this is a good card, especially if you are a person who loves adventure and change. If not, you may see this as a bad and scary change in your life.
This reading is in relation to: Your professional, academic or business life, possibly specific to a project or task
What is foremost on your mind:
(4)Your skills and knowledge are above everyone. Financial rewards are expected because of your personal effort.
This reading is in relation to: Your preoccupation with a financial situation or your possessions. Your wealth or a monetary situation are specifically impacted through too much control or restriction.
In your immediate future (next several days):
(5)You or someone you know who is worldly, a leader, and protective of those he loves. This person is masculine, has dark-hair and eyes, and has been very successful professionally.
This reading is in relation to: You feel as if you need time to think. Time to retreat from the direct situation and get a clear view or different perspective.
Currently the cards see you as:
(6) You or a masculine person who has brown hair and eyes. This person is authoritative, and ambitious, and demands respect. May be an expert in arts, science or law and makes an excellent counselor. This person can be trusted to help those in need.
This reading is in relation to: Travel or movement in your professional or business life, possibly specific to a project or task
Your current strengths are:
(7)An illusory situation, fraud or entrapment. Don't let others fool you or take advantage, you have an idea of who or what it is.
This reading is in relation to: You will find the truth in the middle of this murky situation. Staying focused on your goals, and using caution will bring you to new awareness and meaning.
The advice for this overall reading:
(8)A traumatic and difficult change that will lead to new awareness. This will have a significant negative impact, which represents illness, unhappiness, or chaos. Eventually after this has passed there will be new opportunities, possibly a feeling of liberation.
This reading is in relation to: Your professional, academic or business life, possibly specific to the start of a project or task. This may also indicate pregnancy or birth
In your future or final outcome:
(9)An imminent move to a calm and peaceful place. This is very indicative of a journey or travel, for business or pleasure.
This reading is in relation to: You or a feminine person who is psychic, wise and very knowledgeable. If this represents you then your foresight and ability to make decisions are well tuned.
The overall impression of this reading
(10)Things are not too bad, but they are also not good. There are some problems and issues that you need to deal with. You may feel as if you are not accomplishing what you would like because there are obstacles in your way. You need to be careful, re-evaluate your relationships and goals in life, and make the necessary adjustments.
Oh boy, this blog reading is indeed a strange one. I did readings for Caren, and Dave, they all came out better than this one.
PS. After posting this, I did another reading for us, and once again, the end was not so good.
In your future or final outcome:
A traumatic change that will lead to new awareness. This will have a significant negative impact, it could represent illness, a catastrophe, unhappiness, chaos.
This reading is in relation to: A time for soul searching and caution. You are alone in this quest for answers and truth after this hard hitting event.
The overall impression of this reading:
Things are average in your life right now. There are some issues and problems, but also some good things. This is typical life, with no major worries, or major celebrations going on. You may be in transition or working on something, but the final result or what your future will bring is not completely set. Additionally your final outcome is showing some strife and bad things. You are in need of help.
The cards found this special reading: Your final outcome though it appears to bad, very difficult, or traumatic, can be something good for you. You may not understand why these hardships occur, but when you look back, you will see it was for the better. You are in control and how you handle the situation will reflect as a positive or negative final outcome.
I would not worry there are six of us, and one is already hurting very deeply, and when a friend hurts, I hurt along with them.
Empathy sucks.
So now back to the reading:
The following current situation is happening:
(1)A fair, light-eyed masculine person, who likes the country, and the things mother earth gives us. Could represent you or someone who is wise, educated, mature and loyal and is seen as a father figure or leader. If it is someone you know, you look up to this person and can ask them for advice.
This current situation is amplified by: You or an auburn-haired feminine person, with light eyes one who is nature loving, fond of children and home life. This person is loyal and capable of strong friendship. If this is you, then your friends are lucky to have you.
This reading is in relation to: Your love life, intimate partner or lover.
The outcome of this current situation:
(2)Time of sorrow or tears, could be tied to a 3 party situation. Distress due to separation, conflict or absence.
This reading is in relation to: A financial situation within a partnership or marriage, which is not going well.
In your past and behind you:
(3)An adventurous quest. You will do what you want, leave people, and places behind. This may indicate an impulsive action. Normally this is a good card, especially if you are a person who loves adventure and change. If not, you may see this as a bad and scary change in your life.
This reading is in relation to: Your professional, academic or business life, possibly specific to a project or task
What is foremost on your mind:
(4)Your skills and knowledge are above everyone. Financial rewards are expected because of your personal effort.
This reading is in relation to: Your preoccupation with a financial situation or your possessions. Your wealth or a monetary situation are specifically impacted through too much control or restriction.
In your immediate future (next several days):
(5)You or someone you know who is worldly, a leader, and protective of those he loves. This person is masculine, has dark-hair and eyes, and has been very successful professionally.
This reading is in relation to: You feel as if you need time to think. Time to retreat from the direct situation and get a clear view or different perspective.
Currently the cards see you as:
(6) You or a masculine person who has brown hair and eyes. This person is authoritative, and ambitious, and demands respect. May be an expert in arts, science or law and makes an excellent counselor. This person can be trusted to help those in need.
This reading is in relation to: Travel or movement in your professional or business life, possibly specific to a project or task
Your current strengths are:
(7)An illusory situation, fraud or entrapment. Don't let others fool you or take advantage, you have an idea of who or what it is.
This reading is in relation to: You will find the truth in the middle of this murky situation. Staying focused on your goals, and using caution will bring you to new awareness and meaning.
The advice for this overall reading:
(8)A traumatic and difficult change that will lead to new awareness. This will have a significant negative impact, which represents illness, unhappiness, or chaos. Eventually after this has passed there will be new opportunities, possibly a feeling of liberation.
This reading is in relation to: Your professional, academic or business life, possibly specific to the start of a project or task. This may also indicate pregnancy or birth
In your future or final outcome:
(9)An imminent move to a calm and peaceful place. This is very indicative of a journey or travel, for business or pleasure.
This reading is in relation to: You or a feminine person who is psychic, wise and very knowledgeable. If this represents you then your foresight and ability to make decisions are well tuned.
The overall impression of this reading
(10)Things are not too bad, but they are also not good. There are some problems and issues that you need to deal with. You may feel as if you are not accomplishing what you would like because there are obstacles in your way. You need to be careful, re-evaluate your relationships and goals in life, and make the necessary adjustments.
Oh boy, this blog reading is indeed a strange one. I did readings for Caren, and Dave, they all came out better than this one.
PS. After posting this, I did another reading for us, and once again, the end was not so good.
In your future or final outcome:
A traumatic change that will lead to new awareness. This will have a significant negative impact, it could represent illness, a catastrophe, unhappiness, chaos.
This reading is in relation to: A time for soul searching and caution. You are alone in this quest for answers and truth after this hard hitting event.
The overall impression of this reading:
Things are average in your life right now. There are some issues and problems, but also some good things. This is typical life, with no major worries, or major celebrations going on. You may be in transition or working on something, but the final result or what your future will bring is not completely set. Additionally your final outcome is showing some strife and bad things. You are in need of help.
The cards found this special reading: Your final outcome though it appears to bad, very difficult, or traumatic, can be something good for you. You may not understand why these hardships occur, but when you look back, you will see it was for the better. You are in control and how you handle the situation will reflect as a positive or negative final outcome.
I would not worry there are six of us, and one is already hurting very deeply, and when a friend hurts, I hurt along with them.
Empathy sucks.
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Baby Love
It's a Celebration! Dave Has a Son!
"There is still beer to be drunk in New York City" As Bananaman once said: Put aside your worries, and take a moment in time to celebrate the joy of the miracle of life with Dave and his growing family!
A new baby is the best way I can think of, to make a functional surrogate family out of all you damn introverted bloggers. This is a wonderful time to rejoice in our common love for each other. As well as for bonding, and pledging our allegiance to each other in these times of uncertainty.
"There is still beer to be drunk in New York City" As Bananaman once said: Put aside your worries, and take a moment in time to celebrate the joy of the miracle of life with Dave and his growing family!
A new baby is the best way I can think of, to make a functional surrogate family out of all you damn introverted bloggers. This is a wonderful time to rejoice in our common love for each other. As well as for bonding, and pledging our allegiance to each other in these times of uncertainty.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I'm Not Infallible
I should know better, sometimes I'm glad, that I am not at the top of your reading list.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Dead Cat Bounce
My brother did not wait for the dead cat to bounce, he sold every thing he had at the lowest point. I should never call my brother a fool, but what was he doing with so much money in the market, and having a $60,000. credit card debt at the same time? Now he is hording all those soon to be worthless dollars! It looks like the cat will keep on bouncing until the dying dollar is at last dead. There yet could be the biggest bounce in the history of the stock market, as investors try to figure out what to do with all their funny money. as more and more people around the world are starting to realize the dollar will soon be worthless. The world is now in a frenzy, in it's rush to cash in the dollar, and the end of this once great pillar of trust is very near. Those who have a lot of cash, know that stocks are better bet than holding a bag of money that is worth nothing.
Let's face it, everyone in the world knows that the Fed is pumping dollars out as fast as they can print them, so it is only a matter of time before the music stops, everyone else takes a seat, and we are the ones who get kicked out of the game.
Very soon, the dollar will become worthless, or at least deeply devalued. Gold has already skyrocketed in price. And everyone who has one of these legal contracts that says they can buy gold at $900/ounce are demanding their gold.
Problem is there's not enough of it to go around at any price, which fuels the cycle and forces gold prices higher and higher, and the dollar lower.
And if you think that can't happen here, sorry about that, don't forget, I warned you a few years ago, that is exactly what happened in post-WWI Germany.
The great allied powers, after having striped Germany of all it's wealth. Quit taking impoverished Germany's "inflated" paper money and demanded gold in exchange for goods and services. (Germany had their own version of The Fed.) This sparked a massive decline in the value of their currency, and in the end, it took a whole wheel-barrel load of Deutchmarks to buy a loaf of bread.
Germany was in anarchy, and from this chaos, the stage was set for Hitler to storm in on his painted white horse and save the day at the expense of....guess who?.....the Jews.
Let's face it, everyone in the world knows that the Fed is pumping dollars out as fast as they can print them, so it is only a matter of time before the music stops, everyone else takes a seat, and we are the ones who get kicked out of the game.
Very soon, the dollar will become worthless, or at least deeply devalued. Gold has already skyrocketed in price. And everyone who has one of these legal contracts that says they can buy gold at $900/ounce are demanding their gold.
Problem is there's not enough of it to go around at any price, which fuels the cycle and forces gold prices higher and higher, and the dollar lower.
And if you think that can't happen here, sorry about that, don't forget, I warned you a few years ago, that is exactly what happened in post-WWI Germany.
The great allied powers, after having striped Germany of all it's wealth. Quit taking impoverished Germany's "inflated" paper money and demanded gold in exchange for goods and services. (Germany had their own version of The Fed.) This sparked a massive decline in the value of their currency, and in the end, it took a whole wheel-barrel load of Deutchmarks to buy a loaf of bread.
Germany was in anarchy, and from this chaos, the stage was set for Hitler to storm in on his painted white horse and save the day at the expense of....guess who?.....the Jews.
Monday, October 13, 2008
The Great Adventure
Our dull lives suddenly got a lot more interesting. Welcome to high drama 101. As we prepare for life in the post crash world.
The following Chinese saying "时势造英雄"(pin-yin:shi shi zao ying xiong), which means heroes(leaders) are made over turbulent times. Let us pray all pray we get some good leaders out of this, and that the hard times, that are sure to come will not harm us, but will only serve to make each of us stronger, and more self reliant.
It is fortunate that most of you who read this blog, are acquaintances, friends, or at least know of each other. We are all in this together for our mutual defence. And I am more than willing to be of service to you whenever I am needed. Caren has been very loyal to me, whatever I ask of her she has done it without question, but you folks, (all five of you), will in the future need to be helping each other. I will not be sending Caren around to wipe your asses for you. If you want to be in my crew, you must all become like brothers and sisters, for better or worse. You are my people, and I'm not willing to let a single one of you perish in the turbulent times that may yet come.
My phone number is 859-595-2411 My crew can call me at anytime,
I live to serve.
There have been times, when Sarah has shielded me from looking too outrageous, but not even she can help me now.
Either I am, or I am not.
This economic disaster will likely develop like the big recession of the early ’90s. Wave after wave of lay offs will put millions of Americans out of work. Because of reforms instituted after the First Great Depression, individual bank accounts are insured to $100,000 each. There shouldn’t be a “run on banks.” Considering that most Americans don’t have any money in their bank accounts, they don’t have anything to withdraw. If someone wants to be extra-paranoid and keep their money in a mattress or gold bricks in a safe, then fine. It’s always a good idea to have canned food and guns -just in case things deteriorate to a New Orleans style disaster.
The best course of action to survive this economic collapse is to own some inexpensive real estate and don’t buy that new car. Don’t blow four grand on a plasma TV. Don’t buy the latest notebook computer, cell phone or other needless gadget. Live as frugally as possible. And if we all watch each other's back; we will all survive this disaster. The more prepared we are, the less we will have to suffer because of those two-party crooks.
The following Chinese saying "时势造英雄"(pin-yin:shi shi zao ying xiong), which means heroes(leaders) are made over turbulent times. Let us pray all pray we get some good leaders out of this, and that the hard times, that are sure to come will not harm us, but will only serve to make each of us stronger, and more self reliant.
It is fortunate that most of you who read this blog, are acquaintances, friends, or at least know of each other. We are all in this together for our mutual defence. And I am more than willing to be of service to you whenever I am needed. Caren has been very loyal to me, whatever I ask of her she has done it without question, but you folks, (all five of you), will in the future need to be helping each other. I will not be sending Caren around to wipe your asses for you. If you want to be in my crew, you must all become like brothers and sisters, for better or worse. You are my people, and I'm not willing to let a single one of you perish in the turbulent times that may yet come.
My phone number is 859-595-2411 My crew can call me at anytime,
I live to serve.
There have been times, when Sarah has shielded me from looking too outrageous, but not even she can help me now.
Either I am, or I am not.
This economic disaster will likely develop like the big recession of the early ’90s. Wave after wave of lay offs will put millions of Americans out of work. Because of reforms instituted after the First Great Depression, individual bank accounts are insured to $100,000 each. There shouldn’t be a “run on banks.” Considering that most Americans don’t have any money in their bank accounts, they don’t have anything to withdraw. If someone wants to be extra-paranoid and keep their money in a mattress or gold bricks in a safe, then fine. It’s always a good idea to have canned food and guns -just in case things deteriorate to a New Orleans style disaster.
The best course of action to survive this economic collapse is to own some inexpensive real estate and don’t buy that new car. Don’t blow four grand on a plasma TV. Don’t buy the latest notebook computer, cell phone or other needless gadget. Live as frugally as possible. And if we all watch each other's back; we will all survive this disaster. The more prepared we are, the less we will have to suffer because of those two-party crooks.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
It's All in The Cards
What the cards said: Reading for 10/12/08
True love. It is a person who you connect so well with, as if you had a cord tied to each other. Your thoughts, wants and needs are united. Rare love, enjoy and nurture your relationship remember the reason why you feel connected. Remember why when you look in each others eyes you see each others soul.
This reading is in relation to: A quarrel between lovers and the need to overcome this. It represents conquest or taking control over something. Make sure to discuss and understand each other's position because in the end you will conquer and triumph together.
Things are not too bad, but they are also not good. There are some problems and issues that you need to deal with. You may feel as if you are not accomplishing what you would like because there are obstacles in your way. You need to be careful, re-evaluate your relationships and goals in life, and make the necessary adjustments. The cards found this special reading: Your final outcome is showing true love. It is rare to find love like this. If you don't have someone now, it is inevitable that you will find someone. Perhaps it is someone you know, or will meet some day. If your cards continue to repeat the lovers card, specially under outcomes or strength it will most surely happen. Otherwise you know who it is.
My Old Kentucky Blog
FRIENDS "Still the One"
True love. It is a person who you connect so well with, as if you had a cord tied to each other. Your thoughts, wants and needs are united. Rare love, enjoy and nurture your relationship remember the reason why you feel connected. Remember why when you look in each others eyes you see each others soul.
This reading is in relation to: A quarrel between lovers and the need to overcome this. It represents conquest or taking control over something. Make sure to discuss and understand each other's position because in the end you will conquer and triumph together.
Things are not too bad, but they are also not good. There are some problems and issues that you need to deal with. You may feel as if you are not accomplishing what you would like because there are obstacles in your way. You need to be careful, re-evaluate your relationships and goals in life, and make the necessary adjustments. The cards found this special reading: Your final outcome is showing true love. It is rare to find love like this. If you don't have someone now, it is inevitable that you will find someone. Perhaps it is someone you know, or will meet some day. If your cards continue to repeat the lovers card, specially under outcomes or strength it will most surely happen. Otherwise you know who it is.
My Old Kentucky Blog
FRIENDS "Still the One"
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Buy Stocks, Don't Sale Them
Before the crash, my stupid brother had one million in stocks. Against all advice; now he sales them. He gets what he deserves.
The man is so tight, you couldn't drive a mouse's whisker up his ass. Folks, we have no real money, so cash will not do you much good. And by the first of the year there will be Hell to pay. Buy the things you will need NOW, while your money is still worth a little something.
For The Love of Money.
A Ball Of Confusion! (That's What The World Is Today).
The man is so tight, you couldn't drive a mouse's whisker up his ass. Folks, we have no real money, so cash will not do you much good. And by the first of the year there will be Hell to pay. Buy the things you will need NOW, while your money is still worth a little something.
For The Love of Money.
A Ball Of Confusion! (That's What The World Is Today).
Friday, October 10, 2008
Doctor Thomas Szasz
At last, a man who shares the same philosophy as I do! If only I had a man like him as my mentor, instead of my two brilliant but burnt out alcoholics. I would have never dropped out. Alas, I found there were too many professionals in the field suffering from the same maladies as their patients. You could say, I became a therapist, to therapists, and lost them both to acute organic psychosis. One is now at rest, the other lives in fear, regulated to existing as a hermit on his farm.
"Perhaps most radically ... Dr. Thomas Szasz deemed mental illness a mythic and monstrous beast,
and proclaimed that 'mental illness' was a fiction. Insanity, he has continued ever since to claim, is not a real disease, whose nature has been progressively scientifically unveiled; mental illness is rather a myth, forged by psychiatrists for their own greater glory.
In the past, men created witches; now they create mental patients."
"If the dead talk to you, you are a spiritualist; if God talks to you, you are a schizophrenic."
"We often speak of love when we really should be speaking of the drive to dominate or to master, so as to confirm ourselves as active agents, in control of our own destinies and worthy of respect from others."
"Knowledge is gained by learning; trust by doubt; skill by practice; love by love."
"The many faces of intimacy: the Victorians could experience it through correspondence, but not through cohabitation; contemporary men and women can experience it through fornication, but not through friendship."
"Men are afraid to rock the boat in which they hope to drift safely through life's currents, when, actually, the boat is stuck on a sandbar. They would be better off to rock the boat and try to shake it loose, or, better still, jump in the water and swim for the shore."
"We achieve active mastery over illness and death by delegating all responsibility for their management to physicians, and by exiling the sick and the dying to hospitals. But hospitals serve the convenience of staff not patients: we cannot be properly ill in a hospital, nor die in one decently; we can do so only among those who love and value us. The result is the institutionalized dehumanization of the ill, characteristic of our age."
"Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly often attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children, and by children to adults."
"The proverb warns; Don't bite the hand that feeds you. But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
"The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the na?ve forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget."
"Two wrongs don't make a right, but they make a good excuse."
"Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all."
"It is easier to do one's duty to others than to one's self. If you do your duty to others, you are considered reliable. If you do your duty to yourself, you are considered selfish."
"Doubt is to certainty as neurosis is to psychosis. The neurotic is in doubt and has fears about persons and things; the psychotic has convictions and makes claims about them. In short, the neurotic has problems, the psychotic has solutions."
"In the animal kingdom, the rule is, eat or be eaten; in the human kingdom, define or be defined."
"No further evidence is needed to show that mental illness is not the name of a biological condition whose nature awaits to be elucidated, but is the name of a concept whose purpose is to obscure the obvious."
"Men often treat others worse than they treat themselves, but they rarely treat anyone better. It is the height of folly to expect consideration and decency from a person who mistreats himself."
"Psychiatric expert testimony: mendacity masquerading as medicine."
"Involuntary mental hospitalization is like slavery. Refining the standards for commitment is like prettifying the slave plantations. The problem is not how to improve commitment, but how to abolish it."
"Institutional psychiatry is a continuation of the Inquisition. All that has really changed is the vocabulary and the social style. The vocabulary conforms to the intellectual expectations of our age: it is a pseudo-medical jargon that parodies the concepts of science. The social style conforms to the political expectations of our age: it is a pseudo-liberal social movement that parodies the ideals of freedom and rationality."
"Psychoanalysis is an attempt to examine a person's self-justifications. Hence it can be undertaken only with the patient's cooperation and can succeed only when the patient has something to gain by abandoning or modifying his system of self-justification."
"Aided and abetted by corrupt analysts, patients who have nothing better to do with their lives often use the psychoanalytic situation to transform insignificant childhood hurts into private shrines at which they worship unceasingly the enormity of the offenses committed against them. This solution is immensely flattering to the patients -- as are all forms of unmerited self-aggrandizement; it is immensely profitable for the analysts -- as are all forms pandering to people's vanity; and it is often immensely unpleasant for nearly everyone else in the patient's life."
"There is no psychology; there is only biography and autobiography."
"If he who breaks the law is not punished, he who obeys it is cheated. This, and this alone, is why lawbreakers ought to be punished: to authenticate as good, and to encourage as useful, law-abiding behavior. The aim of criminal law cannot be correction or deterrence; it can only be the maintenance of the legal order."
"When a person can no longer laugh at himself, it is time for others to laugh at him."
"Some people say they haven't yet found themselves. But the self is not something one finds; it is something one creates."
"Addiction, obesity, starvation (anorexia nervosa) are political problems, not psychiatric: each condenses and expresses a contest between the individual and some other person or persons in his environment over the control of the individual's body."
"He who does not accept and respect those who want to reject life does not truly accept and respect life itself."
"The system isn't stupid, but the people in it are."
"Permissiveness is the principle of treating children as if they were adults; and the tactic of making sure they never reach that stage."
"The greatest analgesic, soporific, stimulant, tranquilizer, narcotic, and to some extent even antibiotic --in short, the closest thing to a genuine panacea --known to medical science is work."
"Adulthood is the ever-shrinking period between childhood and old age. It is the apparent aim of modern industrial societies to reduce this period to a minimum."
"A child becomes an adult when he realizes that he has a right not only to be right but also to be wrong."
"Narcissist: psychoanalytic term for the person who loves himself more than his analyst; considered to be the manifestation of a dire mental disease whose successful treatment depends on the patient learning to love the analyst more and himself less."
"People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something that one finds. It is something one creates."
"Perhaps most radically ... Dr. Thomas Szasz deemed mental illness a mythic and monstrous beast,
and proclaimed that 'mental illness' was a fiction. Insanity, he has continued ever since to claim, is not a real disease, whose nature has been progressively scientifically unveiled; mental illness is rather a myth, forged by psychiatrists for their own greater glory.
In the past, men created witches; now they create mental patients."
"If the dead talk to you, you are a spiritualist; if God talks to you, you are a schizophrenic."
"We often speak of love when we really should be speaking of the drive to dominate or to master, so as to confirm ourselves as active agents, in control of our own destinies and worthy of respect from others."
"Knowledge is gained by learning; trust by doubt; skill by practice; love by love."
"The many faces of intimacy: the Victorians could experience it through correspondence, but not through cohabitation; contemporary men and women can experience it through fornication, but not through friendship."
"Men are afraid to rock the boat in which they hope to drift safely through life's currents, when, actually, the boat is stuck on a sandbar. They would be better off to rock the boat and try to shake it loose, or, better still, jump in the water and swim for the shore."
"We achieve active mastery over illness and death by delegating all responsibility for their management to physicians, and by exiling the sick and the dying to hospitals. But hospitals serve the convenience of staff not patients: we cannot be properly ill in a hospital, nor die in one decently; we can do so only among those who love and value us. The result is the institutionalized dehumanization of the ill, characteristic of our age."
"Happiness is an imaginary condition, formerly often attributed by the living to the dead, now usually attributed by adults to children, and by children to adults."
"The proverb warns; Don't bite the hand that feeds you. But maybe you should, if it prevents you from feeding yourself."
"The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the na?ve forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget."
"Two wrongs don't make a right, but they make a good excuse."
"Every act of conscious learning requires the willingness to suffer an injury to one's self-esteem. That is why young children, before they are aware of their own self-importance, learn so easily; and why older persons, especially if vain or important, cannot learn at all."
"It is easier to do one's duty to others than to one's self. If you do your duty to others, you are considered reliable. If you do your duty to yourself, you are considered selfish."
"Doubt is to certainty as neurosis is to psychosis. The neurotic is in doubt and has fears about persons and things; the psychotic has convictions and makes claims about them. In short, the neurotic has problems, the psychotic has solutions."
"In the animal kingdom, the rule is, eat or be eaten; in the human kingdom, define or be defined."
"No further evidence is needed to show that mental illness is not the name of a biological condition whose nature awaits to be elucidated, but is the name of a concept whose purpose is to obscure the obvious."
"Men often treat others worse than they treat themselves, but they rarely treat anyone better. It is the height of folly to expect consideration and decency from a person who mistreats himself."
"Psychiatric expert testimony: mendacity masquerading as medicine."
"Involuntary mental hospitalization is like slavery. Refining the standards for commitment is like prettifying the slave plantations. The problem is not how to improve commitment, but how to abolish it."
"Institutional psychiatry is a continuation of the Inquisition. All that has really changed is the vocabulary and the social style. The vocabulary conforms to the intellectual expectations of our age: it is a pseudo-medical jargon that parodies the concepts of science. The social style conforms to the political expectations of our age: it is a pseudo-liberal social movement that parodies the ideals of freedom and rationality."
"Psychoanalysis is an attempt to examine a person's self-justifications. Hence it can be undertaken only with the patient's cooperation and can succeed only when the patient has something to gain by abandoning or modifying his system of self-justification."
"Aided and abetted by corrupt analysts, patients who have nothing better to do with their lives often use the psychoanalytic situation to transform insignificant childhood hurts into private shrines at which they worship unceasingly the enormity of the offenses committed against them. This solution is immensely flattering to the patients -- as are all forms of unmerited self-aggrandizement; it is immensely profitable for the analysts -- as are all forms pandering to people's vanity; and it is often immensely unpleasant for nearly everyone else in the patient's life."
"There is no psychology; there is only biography and autobiography."
"If he who breaks the law is not punished, he who obeys it is cheated. This, and this alone, is why lawbreakers ought to be punished: to authenticate as good, and to encourage as useful, law-abiding behavior. The aim of criminal law cannot be correction or deterrence; it can only be the maintenance of the legal order."
"When a person can no longer laugh at himself, it is time for others to laugh at him."
"Some people say they haven't yet found themselves. But the self is not something one finds; it is something one creates."
"Addiction, obesity, starvation (anorexia nervosa) are political problems, not psychiatric: each condenses and expresses a contest between the individual and some other person or persons in his environment over the control of the individual's body."
"He who does not accept and respect those who want to reject life does not truly accept and respect life itself."
"The system isn't stupid, but the people in it are."
"Permissiveness is the principle of treating children as if they were adults; and the tactic of making sure they never reach that stage."
"The greatest analgesic, soporific, stimulant, tranquilizer, narcotic, and to some extent even antibiotic --in short, the closest thing to a genuine panacea --known to medical science is work."
"Adulthood is the ever-shrinking period between childhood and old age. It is the apparent aim of modern industrial societies to reduce this period to a minimum."
"A child becomes an adult when he realizes that he has a right not only to be right but also to be wrong."
"Narcissist: psychoanalytic term for the person who loves himself more than his analyst; considered to be the manifestation of a dire mental disease whose successful treatment depends on the patient learning to love the analyst more and himself less."
"People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something that one finds. It is something one creates."
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