The United States of Entertainment?
Pearl Harbor Day, 2006
We ought to be ashamed. So, let's admit to it. We are most definitely, the "United States of Entertainment". American culture has a huge influence on the world, especially the Western world. The development of the arts and entertainment in the United States (music, movies, dance, architecture, literature, poetry and the visual arts) has been marked by a tension between two historical sources of inspiration: European sophistication and Domestic originality.
Frequently, the best American artists manage to harness both sources. But some don't.
Me Thinks that red flags should be raised, and alarm bells should be sounding -- whenever Britney Spears manages to trump the War in Iraq on TV News. The news networks seem to air more minutes about her latest scandal, than America's biggest money-sink -- the ongoing Iraqi death-trap. It's killing our boys (and the girls next door). Everyone has seen Britney's crotch -- so now what?
What we want to see is ENTERTAINMENT -- not media coverage accorded to a war in Viet Nam, the Gulf, or in Iraq. What Americans want to see, is Britney.
Should we watch the TV war in IRAQ: tribal violence, sectarian murder, political collapse, more of the "US of E's" involement -- apparently, over their ocean of oil, but under the guises of our latest Red, White, & Blue liberation? Or...
Do we prefer to watch the TV woes of BRITNEY: marriage, pregnancy, baby, divorce, sexy moves, scant clothing, missing underwear, and crotch-shots?
Frankly, Britney's got what all women have got -- been there, seen that. Americans would do themselves a favor to pay more attention to the important issues! Would those who have been "entertained" care to join me on the front lines -- someplace real and inhospitalble?
Perhaps that choice will be made FOR you -- once our latest war arrives at your doorstep?
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 27, 2006
Selfishness in Relationships
Just how selfish are you? Speak of "Relationship Truth" with yourself:
What fool will ever put YOU "first", when you put the FOOL "second"?
Me no fool, Me Thinks.
What fool will ever put YOU "first", when you put the FOOL "second"?
Me no fool, Me Thinks.
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Two Littles, Too Much
Everything has its wonders ...even waiting in silence. And I've learned that whatever state I may be in -- to be content. For a happier life cannot be without its shades of gray, and the word "happiness" might lose its meaning, were it not balanced by the waiting (for) the wanting. It is far better to take things with equanimity (as they come along) following periods of patience. When one adds a little, to a little (then do it again) soon, two littles become too much. Genius knows eternal patience -- and that all things come at the appointed hour.
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Never Done ~ Sometimes Do
To get what we've never had, we must sometimes do what we've never done.
Me Thinks
Me Thinks
Friday, November 10, 2006
Thursday, November 09, 2006
Tonic of Wilderness
To live in the ways ...to which I aspire, you must feel the need for the Tonic Of Wilderness -- desiring to sojourn in places of great Peace and Peace of mind -- where Mother Nature takes you into the comfort of her folded arms, so that you may feel wanted, needed, a part of it all -- and loved, forever young.
Does anyone ever get enough love... ?
Does anyone ever get enough love... ?
A Task So Difficult?
Is loving me properly (like living your life), a task SO difficult as to have never been attempted before today?
Me Wonders.
Me Wonders.
When LOVE becomes TOXIC !
Virtuous sexual behavior is the most important quality in the woman whom I could admire -- whose love and body I would desire. For a woman's betrayal of her man is just as serious as a man's betrayal of his woman. But perhaps worse? Because she has her virtue to lose, and a woman such as she (whose company I did aspire to share), must have many virtues!
A woman's betrayal causes a mounting of his rage. And his pain (that terrible hurt within) is voiced as his anger. It impels a truly GOOD man to endure her violence of the heart -- with his mind, and this occurs without any violence of the hand and fist.
Thus, his complaint is contained, expressed as anger. The sage will see that his courage (over such containment) is actually a proof by demonstration, of his wounded love...
For her!
Her opposition to his sincere gifts of love and her disdain of his simple needs is perhaps merely a semantic distinction (but ones that must be explored). By juxtaposing (contextually) her sexual obsessions and her withdrawal from the relationship (through her lies, and under the many guises of the feminine way) -- at least he can retain his dignity, identify, his innocence while amplifying her guilt by doing nothing -- as he continues to love...
Her!
But when a betrayal occurs -- LOVE dies and becomes TOXIC!
Me Feels.
A woman's betrayal causes a mounting of his rage. And his pain (that terrible hurt within) is voiced as his anger. It impels a truly GOOD man to endure her violence of the heart -- with his mind, and this occurs without any violence of the hand and fist.
Thus, his complaint is contained, expressed as anger. The sage will see that his courage (over such containment) is actually a proof by demonstration, of his wounded love...
For her!
Her opposition to his sincere gifts of love and her disdain of his simple needs is perhaps merely a semantic distinction (but ones that must be explored). By juxtaposing (contextually) her sexual obsessions and her withdrawal from the relationship (through her lies, and under the many guises of the feminine way) -- at least he can retain his dignity, identify, his innocence while amplifying her guilt by doing nothing -- as he continues to love...
Her!
But when a betrayal occurs -- LOVE dies and becomes TOXIC!
Me Feels.
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Pinning a tail on the Donkey vs Elephantitis
Whatever the results tonight, it won't have been the Republican campaign that did it...
The Republicans will have won or lost this election a long time ago. If they hold onto the Senate, it will be because the redistricting levees built by Republicans ("over" the past six years) were strong enough to withstand the backlash ...that their failed policies have built ("under" the past six years). If they get ousted, it will be for running the country into the ground. We'll find out soon enough -- whether the Anti-Bush hurricane is a Category 3, 4, or 5 storm -- and whether it lost any force passing by last week's temporary low: Massachusetts Senator, John F. Kerry's "Kerry Carnage". He was out in California, tells a joke -- it backfires. Now, he's walking around saying that he botched the joke, adding that he was trying to tell a joke about Bush. I'm telling you, that guy could lose elections he's not even in. Then, President Bush warned Democrats not to celebrate victory too early. Yeah. Right. Lest we forget, that talk is coming from the guy that put up the 'Mission Accomplished' sign three years ago.If Republicans survive the storm, it won't be because they saw it coming. If they lose, it will be because they had it coming.
Team Bush and their Congressional enablers have enmired the nation in unceasing war, debt, and scandal. It's tipping-point time: hopefully, the Dems will rock the House and roll the Senate. But I'm willing to eat this: the House for now, the Senate later.
It's gonna be a "doggie eat dog day, all wrapped-up in a doggie-bag -- a free lunch".
Me Thinks.
The Republicans will have won or lost this election a long time ago. If they hold onto the Senate, it will be because the redistricting levees built by Republicans ("over" the past six years) were strong enough to withstand the backlash ...that their failed policies have built ("under" the past six years). If they get ousted, it will be for running the country into the ground. We'll find out soon enough -- whether the Anti-Bush hurricane is a Category 3, 4, or 5 storm -- and whether it lost any force passing by last week's temporary low: Massachusetts Senator, John F. Kerry's "Kerry Carnage". He was out in California, tells a joke -- it backfires. Now, he's walking around saying that he botched the joke, adding that he was trying to tell a joke about Bush. I'm telling you, that guy could lose elections he's not even in. Then, President Bush warned Democrats not to celebrate victory too early. Yeah. Right. Lest we forget, that talk is coming from the guy that put up the 'Mission Accomplished' sign three years ago.If Republicans survive the storm, it won't be because they saw it coming. If they lose, it will be because they had it coming.
Team Bush and their Congressional enablers have enmired the nation in unceasing war, debt, and scandal. It's tipping-point time: hopefully, the Dems will rock the House and roll the Senate. But I'm willing to eat this: the House for now, the Senate later.
It's gonna be a "doggie eat dog day, all wrapped-up in a doggie-bag -- a free lunch".
Me Thinks.
Friday, November 03, 2006
Right Questions
What is important in life, isn't knowing if you have all the right answers -- it's knowing if the all of the questions were ... (right).
(Thanks for sharing HK...)
(Thanks for sharing HK...)
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
"The Greening of Americans"
Money is the root of all Wealth.(What did you think that I was going to say?)
"Wealth is the product of man's capacity to think, and the barometer of a society's virtue." -Ayn Rand
On Money & Wealth - Russian born American novelist Ayn Rand is originator of the philosophy of "Objectivism". You can learn more about her life and philosophy at the Ayn Rand Institute. "Francisco's Money Speech", an excerpt from "Atlas Shrugged", Copyright ©1957 Ayn Rand. Reprinted [see link] with permission from the Estate of Ayn Rand:
http://www.congregator.net/topical/money-speech.htm
"Wealth is the product of man's capacity to think, and the barometer of a society's virtue." -Ayn Rand
On Money & Wealth - Russian born American novelist Ayn Rand is originator of the philosophy of "Objectivism". You can learn more about her life and philosophy at the Ayn Rand Institute. "Francisco's Money Speech", an excerpt from "Atlas Shrugged", Copyright ©1957 Ayn Rand. Reprinted [see link] with permission from the Estate of Ayn Rand:
http://www.congregator.net/topical/money-speech.htm
Part-II "I want a Ring & Nearby Living"
See also, Part-I [below]
It seems there's a bevy of women who hanker-after a wedding ring as a top priority. Why? Because they simply want the wedding? Perhaps they're just obsessed with the venue -- the dress, the flowers, the food, and the glamour of it all?
Well maybe. But maybe it's ALL about money?
Have they forgotten about the true values of marriage? What happened to love, commitment and "till death do us part"? Sadly they are sometimes so caught up in the notion of personal security and safety and affluence -- that they also get caught planning the fairytale wedding long before they've even met "the one" -- "Prince Charming" on a white horse (in a convenient parking lot).
Holy Tiara!
Ride him Cowgirl!
These days, and everywhere you look -- couples are tying the knot, and the hotties are cashing in their 'tits'. Oops. 'Scuse me ... their 'c-h-i-p-s'.
Women are sporting bling-bling rings, snazzy see-through dresses (I recall reading that Nicole Kidman's was worth a reported $100K. SWEET! ). All want to revel around and around, waltzing into dreamland by dancing like a "Princess for a Day".
So why the wedding obsession?
Perhaps it's all thanks to a mix of little-girl desires, savvy marketing and the lure of a Tiffany-esque ring, but either way, it seems the desperate desire for a wedding (felt by so many modern women) is spiraling out of control.
In the film "Muriel's Wedding", Muriel, a 22-year-old girl obsessed by marriage, lies, steals and then marries a man she doesn't love -- just to experience the transformative thrill of marching down the aisle. And it seems that despite women being more assertive in the Boardrooms of the World (and also in the bedroom), this sort of behavior is still running rife. (OK, where's my rifle? -ed)
While I agree that there's certainly nothing wrong with a bit of fantasy (what little girl doesn't dream of being a bride at age 8?). But what's at the root of such motivation?
Is it: To love, honor and obey, in sickness and in health, till death do them part?
Or is it: To have the best darn wedding possible?
Or is it; Simply the lure of flowers, showers, dresses and of course -- a HUGE diamond ring?
"Oh, definitely the ring," scoffed one of my male friends (who admitted that he was "forced" to buy a HUGE ring for his ex-fiancée). She gave him the dreaded ultimatum:
"Marry me, or else we are at a 'dead end', and I will (unstated: sleep with someone else)!"
"She kept demanding a big ring," he said. He added, "But once I proposed and she'd gotten 'what' she wanted, it was like she no longer cared for our relationship. She certainly wasn't interested in me anymore. It was like all she wanted was a big fancy wedding, a big fancy dress and a big fancy ring to show off to all her non-married friends. The actual meaning of marriage was lost on her. When it came down to our relationship, it felt like it meant nothing to her." In his case, he called it quits "before it was too late". (He didn't get the ring back. -ed).
In our culture obsessed with weddings, it comes as no surprise that reality TV shows hit our airwaves like swarms of bees. Titles like: "Suzie's getting Married". The show aims to marry-off an insecure female nick-named, "Sue". Her dress is chosen; the venue is booked; the caterers have their menus; and the drinks are decided on. There's only one tiny little catch: Suzie opted to 'dead end' the man of her dreams.
Yep, there's no groom and no Good man in sight. That's why she's got the whole team at (Focker) Family Channel behind her -- to find her one such groom (same religion of course) -- and they've got just a few more years do it, and must make sure he's who he says he is -- AND -- he has to be rich! Quite the order to fill, Me Thinks.
And while that's just fantasy on Reality Television, the trend is very, very real. Often nicknamed "Bridezillas" (AKA "Monsters"), even Oprah is on that trend-line -- devoting entire shows to women who've become so obsessed with their wedding, that the obsessions evolve towards being more important than any thoughts of actually pleasing their poor down-trodden groom-to-be.
But guys, don't fear -- because not all women are wedding-obsessed. A quick dip into the BLOG-O-Sphere found this comment from a bride-to-be: "I wish we could actually skip the wedding, go to Vegas and just get married -- like I wanted to do in the first place!
"Did I just hear a cheer of, "Amen !!!" over by the slot machines?
By so doing, the Road to Riches can be green (indeed).
To close, and as for fitting advice? Neither a gambler... nor a lover be.
Get an appartment nearby, buy a "Mercedes Benz SL 500", drive by her house daily.
It seems there's a bevy of women who hanker-after a wedding ring as a top priority. Why? Because they simply want the wedding? Perhaps they're just obsessed with the venue -- the dress, the flowers, the food, and the glamour of it all?
Well maybe. But maybe it's ALL about money?
Have they forgotten about the true values of marriage? What happened to love, commitment and "till death do us part"? Sadly they are sometimes so caught up in the notion of personal security and safety and affluence -- that they also get caught planning the fairytale wedding long before they've even met "the one" -- "Prince Charming" on a white horse (in a convenient parking lot).
Holy Tiara!
Ride him Cowgirl!
These days, and everywhere you look -- couples are tying the knot, and the hotties are cashing in their 'tits'. Oops. 'Scuse me ... their 'c-h-i-p-s'.
Women are sporting bling-bling rings, snazzy see-through dresses (I recall reading that Nicole Kidman's was worth a reported $100K. SWEET! ). All want to revel around and around, waltzing into dreamland by dancing like a "Princess for a Day".
So why the wedding obsession?
Perhaps it's all thanks to a mix of little-girl desires, savvy marketing and the lure of a Tiffany-esque ring, but either way, it seems the desperate desire for a wedding (felt by so many modern women) is spiraling out of control.
In the film "Muriel's Wedding", Muriel, a 22-year-old girl obsessed by marriage, lies, steals and then marries a man she doesn't love -- just to experience the transformative thrill of marching down the aisle. And it seems that despite women being more assertive in the Boardrooms of the World (and also in the bedroom), this sort of behavior is still running rife. (OK, where's my rifle? -ed)
While I agree that there's certainly nothing wrong with a bit of fantasy (what little girl doesn't dream of being a bride at age 8?). But what's at the root of such motivation?
Is it: To love, honor and obey, in sickness and in health, till death do them part?
Or is it: To have the best darn wedding possible?
Or is it; Simply the lure of flowers, showers, dresses and of course -- a HUGE diamond ring?
"Oh, definitely the ring," scoffed one of my male friends (who admitted that he was "forced" to buy a HUGE ring for his ex-fiancée). She gave him the dreaded ultimatum:
"Marry me, or else we are at a 'dead end', and I will (unstated: sleep with someone else)!"
"She kept demanding a big ring," he said. He added, "But once I proposed and she'd gotten 'what' she wanted, it was like she no longer cared for our relationship. She certainly wasn't interested in me anymore. It was like all she wanted was a big fancy wedding, a big fancy dress and a big fancy ring to show off to all her non-married friends. The actual meaning of marriage was lost on her. When it came down to our relationship, it felt like it meant nothing to her." In his case, he called it quits "before it was too late". (He didn't get the ring back. -ed).
In our culture obsessed with weddings, it comes as no surprise that reality TV shows hit our airwaves like swarms of bees. Titles like: "Suzie's getting Married". The show aims to marry-off an insecure female nick-named, "Sue". Her dress is chosen; the venue is booked; the caterers have their menus; and the drinks are decided on. There's only one tiny little catch: Suzie opted to 'dead end' the man of her dreams.
Yep, there's no groom and no Good man in sight. That's why she's got the whole team at (Focker) Family Channel behind her -- to find her one such groom (same religion of course) -- and they've got just a few more years do it, and must make sure he's who he says he is -- AND -- he has to be rich! Quite the order to fill, Me Thinks.
And while that's just fantasy on Reality Television, the trend is very, very real. Often nicknamed "Bridezillas" (AKA "Monsters"), even Oprah is on that trend-line -- devoting entire shows to women who've become so obsessed with their wedding, that the obsessions evolve towards being more important than any thoughts of actually pleasing their poor down-trodden groom-to-be.
But guys, don't fear -- because not all women are wedding-obsessed. A quick dip into the BLOG-O-Sphere found this comment from a bride-to-be: "I wish we could actually skip the wedding, go to Vegas and just get married -- like I wanted to do in the first place!
"Did I just hear a cheer of, "Amen !!!" over by the slot machines?
By so doing, the Road to Riches can be green (indeed).
To close, and as for fitting advice? Neither a gambler... nor a lover be.
Get an appartment nearby, buy a "Mercedes Benz SL 500", drive by her house daily.
Part-I "Honeymoon Over & The Itch"
See also, Part-II [above]
What's the best part of any relationship? Ah ...the spin-up, "honeymoon" period, of course! But once the conjoined baths, public smooching, and non-stop canoodling are over, the relationship can come to a screeching halt. Someone announces a "dead end" (cul de sac).
That's when she starts to feel the itch.
According to experts, sometimes it's not merely a "rough patch" (to scratch), but THE inescapable "love crisis point" that occurs (it's a point in time when an "EXODUS" is no Book of the Bible). She is CONVINCED that the grass is sure to be greener on the other side. More often than not, the grass does all the damage. More often than not, all that is grass is NOT green. Maybe it's money, maybe it's sex (a romp in the hay), maybe it's true incompatibility -- but there's that itch.
It always gets touched by someone. (Itched.)
In the classic film "Seven Year Itch", lead man (Richard Sherman) who has been married for seven years meets 22-year-old lead lady (Marilyn Monroe). And he is petrified. Why? He had recently stumbled across a phenomenon known as the 'seven-year itch' -- the time in a relationship when a significant proportion of men and women have extra-relationship affairs. And while he doesn't succumb to scratching the itch, it seems he's not alone in feeling it.
Ah, the itch. "I felt it after just 3-years." revealed Ms. "X".
She's a self-employed professional who recently found herself placed on the outside of a three-year union by a boy friend who demands zero impropriety in the form of consistent decency and irreproachable moral behavior (at all times) -- and the total absence of abuse and violence in a home.
Well, "Now, it's alive and real.", " I will do whatever I want. It’s a free world. For both of us." (The itch.)
It was all running smoothly between the two of them, and then BAM (wambam, AKA marriage wampum?). She hit the mark and everything went pear-shaped from there.
"He broke things off due to my behavior, and things have been lousy for me ever since.", she said.
"The problem now, is that I'm petrified this will happen again, because she can't contain herself.", he said.
Research shows the median time for an enduring relationship is approximately, 7.2 years. So why all the malice at the 3-year point?
People change naturally over the years (anyone who broke off a marriage after about seven years) ought to know. Life works in cycles and everything changes (about every seven years). Suddenly, you wake up with someone that you weren't with those (few) years ago. So you need to make an effort to get to know that person again.
The itch occurs when people think 'I cant be bothered to do anything about the problems that we have to surmount, and I'm just not going to accept a mediocre relationship." (The itch.)
Yet the seventh year isn't the only blimp on the relationship radar. Oh no. Sometimes this occurs during the 6th, 5th, 4th, or even the 3rd year!
Those "love crises points" are the times (in every relationship) where things get a little unpleasant. Some relationships have more, others less. Experts (and serial "candy shop" daters), say there's the one-month itch, the one-year itch (when the honeymoon period is over and reality slowly starts to creep in), the 2-year itch (when realities surface), and the third-year itch (usually at the point where the couple is actually thinking about being together for the long haul) -- but each interval leaves couples out in the cold... shivering and stark-naked, their souls bared.
Within that three-year period, the initial euphoria has worn off and each person is getting down to the business of 'How can we be together?", "What must we do with our lives to make that possible?", "How are we going to coordinate our work and home lives to care for our children?", "Are we going to get to travel and enjoy love and life together?", "Or will it be all work, and no play?
"A girl just wants to have fun? So let's forget about the seven year conundrum for just a moment.
How do we scratch the three-year itch? After all, no-one wants the honeymoon to end after just three years, right?
Perhaps we can look to Hollywood for some answers?
In the film "The Break Up", Jennifer Aniston's character finds the perfect solution for her relationship itch. So how does she get character Vince Vaughn's attention? She opts for Brazilian bikini wax. And yes, according to my friends, it works wonders...
Have you felt it? How do you prevent the itch?
And so Bikini wax it is...
What's the best part of any relationship? Ah ...the spin-up, "honeymoon" period, of course! But once the conjoined baths, public smooching, and non-stop canoodling are over, the relationship can come to a screeching halt. Someone announces a "dead end" (cul de sac).
That's when she starts to feel the itch.
According to experts, sometimes it's not merely a "rough patch" (to scratch), but THE inescapable "love crisis point" that occurs (it's a point in time when an "EXODUS" is no Book of the Bible). She is CONVINCED that the grass is sure to be greener on the other side. More often than not, the grass does all the damage. More often than not, all that is grass is NOT green. Maybe it's money, maybe it's sex (a romp in the hay), maybe it's true incompatibility -- but there's that itch.
It always gets touched by someone. (Itched.)
In the classic film "Seven Year Itch", lead man (Richard Sherman) who has been married for seven years meets 22-year-old lead lady (Marilyn Monroe). And he is petrified. Why? He had recently stumbled across a phenomenon known as the 'seven-year itch' -- the time in a relationship when a significant proportion of men and women have extra-relationship affairs. And while he doesn't succumb to scratching the itch, it seems he's not alone in feeling it.
Ah, the itch. "I felt it after just 3-years." revealed Ms. "X".
She's a self-employed professional who recently found herself placed on the outside of a three-year union by a boy friend who demands zero impropriety in the form of consistent decency and irreproachable moral behavior (at all times) -- and the total absence of abuse and violence in a home.
Well, "Now, it's alive and real.", " I will do whatever I want. It’s a free world. For both of us." (The itch.)
It was all running smoothly between the two of them, and then BAM (wambam, AKA marriage wampum?). She hit the mark and everything went pear-shaped from there.
"He broke things off due to my behavior, and things have been lousy for me ever since.", she said.
"The problem now, is that I'm petrified this will happen again, because she can't contain herself.", he said.
Research shows the median time for an enduring relationship is approximately, 7.2 years. So why all the malice at the 3-year point?
People change naturally over the years (anyone who broke off a marriage after about seven years) ought to know. Life works in cycles and everything changes (about every seven years). Suddenly, you wake up with someone that you weren't with those (few) years ago. So you need to make an effort to get to know that person again.
The itch occurs when people think 'I cant be bothered to do anything about the problems that we have to surmount, and I'm just not going to accept a mediocre relationship." (The itch.)
Yet the seventh year isn't the only blimp on the relationship radar. Oh no. Sometimes this occurs during the 6th, 5th, 4th, or even the 3rd year!
Those "love crises points" are the times (in every relationship) where things get a little unpleasant. Some relationships have more, others less. Experts (and serial "candy shop" daters), say there's the one-month itch, the one-year itch (when the honeymoon period is over and reality slowly starts to creep in), the 2-year itch (when realities surface), and the third-year itch (usually at the point where the couple is actually thinking about being together for the long haul) -- but each interval leaves couples out in the cold... shivering and stark-naked, their souls bared.
Within that three-year period, the initial euphoria has worn off and each person is getting down to the business of 'How can we be together?", "What must we do with our lives to make that possible?", "How are we going to coordinate our work and home lives to care for our children?", "Are we going to get to travel and enjoy love and life together?", "Or will it be all work, and no play?
"A girl just wants to have fun? So let's forget about the seven year conundrum for just a moment.
How do we scratch the three-year itch? After all, no-one wants the honeymoon to end after just three years, right?
Perhaps we can look to Hollywood for some answers?
In the film "The Break Up", Jennifer Aniston's character finds the perfect solution for her relationship itch. So how does she get character Vince Vaughn's attention? She opts for Brazilian bikini wax. And yes, according to my friends, it works wonders...
Have you felt it? How do you prevent the itch?
And so Bikini wax it is...
Sunday, October 29, 2006
"KNOW IT ALLS"
People who THINK that they KNOW EVERYTHING, generally annoy those of us who do...
(jest jestin')
(jest jestin')
Monday, October 23, 2006
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Shaming & Blaming & Ridicule (of Truth)
Personal INSULTS are the "last resort" of an exhausted mind -- when confronted with undeniable Truth.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
9/11 Economics ~ What if?
Week of 9/11, 2006 ~ five years after the events...
Let us never forget the devastating human cost of the 9/11 attacks. All too poignantly, those memories (impaled into our hearts and minds 5 years ago) were relived (and rehashed) through the medias (and in premier position) this week. There was no escaping total recall, nor the ongoing impact.
Hence, we marked the 5th anniversary of that terrible day.
While taking-on a certain distance from the human cost, the economic costs of 9/11 have also been staggering. But I've wondered, what would the world economy look like if September 11th, 2001 had never happened?
Those attacks changed our perspectives about violent death, and what was possible in the way of new "crimes against humanity". The world economy was altered in two distinct ways, Me Thinks...
First, there was significant, unthinkable, and immediate damage back in 2001. We responded with the closing of America's borders, a halt on international travel. Soon thereafter, the "CNN Effect" on consumer spending sent growth into a veritable nosedive (that ill-fated September)! That gloomy month contributed to one of the worst 3rd Quarters in years -- with U.S. gross domestic product declining 1.4 percent. In retrospect, it seems clear that the U.S. wouldn't have had an official recession that year (since there might have only been one quarter of negative GDP growth in 2001, the first).
By following that chain of events forward, the US Federal Reserve aggressively reduced interest rates to levels not seen since the 1950s and held them low for some time. As spending by businesses plummeted, housing demand was stimulated by the low interest rates, keeping the economy afloat. (Looking back, it seems likely that we might be talking less of a collapsing housing bubble today if 9/11 had never happened.)
Just as significant, has been the varied, yet intangible damage to the economy.
The attacks taught the world that the risk of becoming a victim to the ideologies of another person, group, or country was far higher than we believed. That realization has made market participants a great deal more risk averse. That increased risk aversion has driven up the prices of assets that are perceived to be safe and depressed those of assets that may be more exposed to a sharp decline if another terrorist attack occurs. In this way, intangible damage leads to visible symptoms.
Some examples...
Assets and prices? This has helped boost the price of gold and other commodities, as well as of government bonds. The yield on the 10- year U.S. Treasury, which closed at 4.77 percent on Sept. 8th 2006, is about three-quarters of a percentage point lower than in June 2001. Given that the economic-growth and inflation rates are both higher than they were back then, we might well expect interest rates today to be as much as a percentage point higher than they now are. Flight to safety because of fears of terrorism probably explains much of the difference. The avoidance of volatility is also seen in stock valuations. The price-to-earnings ratio of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index spent the first two years of this millennium ranging from 23 to 40.
Last week, that ratio was about 17. Again, it is likely that a good bit of that change is attributable to risk aversion that was heightened by 9/11. The index would have to rise 37 percent to reach the lowest P/E level in the two years before the terrorist attacks of 2001.
Middle East?
Equally significant may be the impact of the attacks on the economies of the Middle East. Many Middle East nations share a common trait -- their relative political oppression. Indeed, they rank among the least politically free countries in the world, according to the annual World Freedom survey conducted by various organizations that track the spread (or decline) of freedom throughout the world. The surveys rank countries by political and civil freedom on a scale of 1-to-7, with one being the most free and seven the least. For context, the average world rating for both measures of freedom is about 3, or "closer to free" than not.
Saudi Arabia (home to most of the September 11 hijackers), and Syria (a state-sponsor of terrorism), received a rating of 7 for both political and civil freedoms -- a distinction they share with only six other countries, including North Korea and Sudan. Is anyone surprised?
Freedom ranking of countries? According to the Index of Economic Freedom, these nations differ in economic freedom as well. Ranked on a scale from 1-to-5, with a lower score representing "greater freedom" -- half of the nations examined were freer than the world average, while half were less free. Iran, for example, received a score of 4.5, the second worst in the index -- while Jordan received 2.8, a score reflecting a freer economy than the world average of 2.98. By comparison, Hong Kong was ranked as the freest economy in the world with a score of 1.28, while the U.S. was tied for 8th at 1.84.
There is ample evidence that a "lack of freedom" undermines economic growth, and the miserable standard of living in most Muslim-dominated Middle Eastern countries can be attributed to their position in these rankings. Once again, that comes as no surprise (or shouldn't). Indeed, the International Monetary Fund recently released a careful analysis of the Arab growth deficit. Except for oil, things look very bad indeed.
Are some counties "immune" to acquiring Freedom? Compare the [above] findings with the rest of the world. The past few decades have seen an enormous spread of Freedom across the globe, from Asia to the former Soviet Union, and with Freedom has come striking improvement in economic well-being. The Middle East continues to be more or less immune (vulnerable) to these forces of Good, well being, and dare I say it... Democracy!
The decline of totalitarian regimes elsewhere in the world suggests that their existence is perilous at best.
The world's citizens prefer Freedom.
Osama bin Laden has doubtless, had a one-man, negative-effect on the spread of economic freedom. His radical agenda gave repressive regimes in the Middle East an excuse to tighten their grips on power, thwarting the spread of liberty that has brought prosperity to so many other regions of the world.
That leads to my second point.
Regardless of the damage Bin Laden inflicted on western economies with his heinous attacks on 9/11, the harm his network has done to the standard of living of the Muslims throughout the Middle East is far worse. If 9/11 had never occurred, we would all be better off ...but the biggest economic winners might have been the world's Muslims.
Is that not a bit of an irony? Me Thinks, yes.
Meanwhile, I'm really not prepared to begin reading the Qu'aran (Koran) in lieu of the Wall Street Journal and the NY Times just yet...
And so it is.
Let us never forget the devastating human cost of the 9/11 attacks. All too poignantly, those memories (impaled into our hearts and minds 5 years ago) were relived (and rehashed) through the medias (and in premier position) this week. There was no escaping total recall, nor the ongoing impact.
Hence, we marked the 5th anniversary of that terrible day.
While taking-on a certain distance from the human cost, the economic costs of 9/11 have also been staggering. But I've wondered, what would the world economy look like if September 11th, 2001 had never happened?
Those attacks changed our perspectives about violent death, and what was possible in the way of new "crimes against humanity". The world economy was altered in two distinct ways, Me Thinks...
First, there was significant, unthinkable, and immediate damage back in 2001. We responded with the closing of America's borders, a halt on international travel. Soon thereafter, the "CNN Effect" on consumer spending sent growth into a veritable nosedive (that ill-fated September)! That gloomy month contributed to one of the worst 3rd Quarters in years -- with U.S. gross domestic product declining 1.4 percent. In retrospect, it seems clear that the U.S. wouldn't have had an official recession that year (since there might have only been one quarter of negative GDP growth in 2001, the first).
By following that chain of events forward, the US Federal Reserve aggressively reduced interest rates to levels not seen since the 1950s and held them low for some time. As spending by businesses plummeted, housing demand was stimulated by the low interest rates, keeping the economy afloat. (Looking back, it seems likely that we might be talking less of a collapsing housing bubble today if 9/11 had never happened.)
Just as significant, has been the varied, yet intangible damage to the economy.
The attacks taught the world that the risk of becoming a victim to the ideologies of another person, group, or country was far higher than we believed. That realization has made market participants a great deal more risk averse. That increased risk aversion has driven up the prices of assets that are perceived to be safe and depressed those of assets that may be more exposed to a sharp decline if another terrorist attack occurs. In this way, intangible damage leads to visible symptoms.
Some examples...
Assets and prices? This has helped boost the price of gold and other commodities, as well as of government bonds. The yield on the 10- year U.S. Treasury, which closed at 4.77 percent on Sept. 8th 2006, is about three-quarters of a percentage point lower than in June 2001. Given that the economic-growth and inflation rates are both higher than they were back then, we might well expect interest rates today to be as much as a percentage point higher than they now are. Flight to safety because of fears of terrorism probably explains much of the difference. The avoidance of volatility is also seen in stock valuations. The price-to-earnings ratio of the Standard & Poor's 500 Index spent the first two years of this millennium ranging from 23 to 40.
Last week, that ratio was about 17. Again, it is likely that a good bit of that change is attributable to risk aversion that was heightened by 9/11. The index would have to rise 37 percent to reach the lowest P/E level in the two years before the terrorist attacks of 2001.
Middle East?
Equally significant may be the impact of the attacks on the economies of the Middle East. Many Middle East nations share a common trait -- their relative political oppression. Indeed, they rank among the least politically free countries in the world, according to the annual World Freedom survey conducted by various organizations that track the spread (or decline) of freedom throughout the world. The surveys rank countries by political and civil freedom on a scale of 1-to-7, with one being the most free and seven the least. For context, the average world rating for both measures of freedom is about 3, or "closer to free" than not.
Saudi Arabia (home to most of the September 11 hijackers), and Syria (a state-sponsor of terrorism), received a rating of 7 for both political and civil freedoms -- a distinction they share with only six other countries, including North Korea and Sudan. Is anyone surprised?
Freedom ranking of countries? According to the Index of Economic Freedom, these nations differ in economic freedom as well. Ranked on a scale from 1-to-5, with a lower score representing "greater freedom" -- half of the nations examined were freer than the world average, while half were less free. Iran, for example, received a score of 4.5, the second worst in the index -- while Jordan received 2.8, a score reflecting a freer economy than the world average of 2.98. By comparison, Hong Kong was ranked as the freest economy in the world with a score of 1.28, while the U.S. was tied for 8th at 1.84.
There is ample evidence that a "lack of freedom" undermines economic growth, and the miserable standard of living in most Muslim-dominated Middle Eastern countries can be attributed to their position in these rankings. Once again, that comes as no surprise (or shouldn't). Indeed, the International Monetary Fund recently released a careful analysis of the Arab growth deficit. Except for oil, things look very bad indeed.
Are some counties "immune" to acquiring Freedom? Compare the [above] findings with the rest of the world. The past few decades have seen an enormous spread of Freedom across the globe, from Asia to the former Soviet Union, and with Freedom has come striking improvement in economic well-being. The Middle East continues to be more or less immune (vulnerable) to these forces of Good, well being, and dare I say it... Democracy!
The decline of totalitarian regimes elsewhere in the world suggests that their existence is perilous at best.
The world's citizens prefer Freedom.
Osama bin Laden has doubtless, had a one-man, negative-effect on the spread of economic freedom. His radical agenda gave repressive regimes in the Middle East an excuse to tighten their grips on power, thwarting the spread of liberty that has brought prosperity to so many other regions of the world.
That leads to my second point.
Regardless of the damage Bin Laden inflicted on western economies with his heinous attacks on 9/11, the harm his network has done to the standard of living of the Muslims throughout the Middle East is far worse. If 9/11 had never occurred, we would all be better off ...but the biggest economic winners might have been the world's Muslims.
Is that not a bit of an irony? Me Thinks, yes.
Meanwhile, I'm really not prepared to begin reading the Qu'aran (Koran) in lieu of the Wall Street Journal and the NY Times just yet...
And so it is.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Ravioli, Ravioli, Ravioli...
Some years ago, when I was living in Europe, I came to like making and eating "Ravioli" -- from out of a can, or made from scratch! It was pasta made "wonderful'a"! I like Ravioli! My kids like Ravioli! We were crazy about Ravioli! We liked making Ravioli ..."ra-ra-ra-Ravioli"! We're probably making Ravioli right now! We're making meat Ravioli, cheese Ravioli (and no Italian "Mama mia" is gonna show us how to make Ravioli)! Making Ravioli is a colorful addition to one's life, loves, and living. We even reminisce about eating Ravioli. My first Ravioli experience was exquisite! I suppose when thinking about it, making Ravioli is a learning experience similar to any. Just like reading a manual. There are steps which you need to follow but no advice you need to take. I knew about a few things. The dough needs to be nice and elastic, it needs to be very thin, and what else? Of course the pasta will be cooked al dente. And oh yes, and I learned this the hard way... "La Femme Nikita", played by Anne Parillaud (French film, directed by: Luc Besson, 1990) loved Ravioli! When do we get to go out to eat... Ravioli ?
Monday, September 04, 2006
The Art (of Love) Touch
Touch transposes a warm feeling into our hearts...
(to be lost in the other's charms)
Touch sings a melody chanted like a mantra within one's thoughts.
(deep comfort, wrapped within the cocoon of four arms)
Touch can cause the heart to skip a beat...
(although the heart beats pure & fast)
Touch is what true love does "for" you (not "to").
(fingertips caress, as passions rise & last)
Touch is what I want to feel when I'm with you.
(to have you near, held tight, wanted most)
Touch me, and I fall inside of your warm embrace.
(the body aches to join with the other close)
(to be lost in the other's charms)
Touch sings a melody chanted like a mantra within one's thoughts.
(deep comfort, wrapped within the cocoon of four arms)
Touch can cause the heart to skip a beat...
(although the heart beats pure & fast)
Touch is what true love does "for" you (not "to").
(fingertips caress, as passions rise & last)
Touch is what I want to feel when I'm with you.
(to have you near, held tight, wanted most)
Touch me, and I fall inside of your warm embrace.
(the body aches to join with the other close)
Touch is a taste of tender lips.
(embraced to feel that sweetest nectar, refined)
Touch is what I feel whenever I'm thinking of you.
(while thoughts as soft as multicolors, drift gently into my mind)
Touch, is that explosive oneness, while waiting.
(forever messages conveyed through, best "wanting"...)
(embraced to feel that sweetest nectar, refined)
Touch is what I feel whenever I'm thinking of you.
(while thoughts as soft as multicolors, drift gently into my mind)
Touch, is that explosive oneness, while waiting.
(forever messages conveyed through, best "wanting"...)
And I can wait.
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
When Two Equals One
Given that, a = b
It ensues that, a² = a b
Hence also, a² - b² = ab - b²
Clearly, (a + b) (a - b) = 2b (a - b)
And, (a + b) (a - b) = b (a - b)
Divide both sides by (a - b), they cancel each other out...
Then, (a + b) = b
And since a = b, then logically (a + a) = a
Restated, 2a = a
Dividing by "a", 2 = a/a
Therefore 2 = 1
Where is the error? Is there an error? What is the error?
It ensues that, a² = a b
Hence also, a² - b² = ab - b²
Clearly, (a + b) (a - b) = 2b (a - b)
And, (a + b) (a - b) = b (a - b)
Divide both sides by (a - b), they cancel each other out...
Then, (a + b) = b
And since a = b, then logically (a + a) = a
Restated, 2a = a
Dividing by "a", 2 = a/a
Therefore 2 = 1
Where is the error? Is there an error? What is the error?
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Touch Me (Touched by You)
Were you here... I could measure the soft of thy skin with but one finger. Touch conveys thoughts as smooth as velvet ~ gently drifting... into the mind. Each stroke, reminiscent of becoming lovers ~ and our place in all time. Touched. We make memories... As ever skin will do. As ever touch will do.
My body aches to hold you close, My heart beats pure and fast. I embrace the feel of your sweet taste, To have you here again... at last! As ever I shall do. As ever you will do.
Fingers caress, as our passions rise... The love we make shines brightly, softly through our eyes. Deep within, each becomes lost in the other's charms, And the place my heart desires is the comfort of your arms. As ever we could do. As ever we should do.
Touch me, remind me of who I want to be. Touch me, remind me of who I can be. Touch me, remind me of who I am. The matching of your hand in mine comforts the Spirit, dear (wo)man. As ever Spirits should do. As ever our Love will do.
The Rose as Art?
Poetry is the written evidence of life. If our life is burning well, poetry is the flame, not the ash. Poetry is a mans' rebellion against being what he is not. Poetry surrounds us everywhere. But placing it on paper is (alas) not so easy as the reading of it. Poetry is the music of one's soul ~ above all, the symphony of great and feeling souls. Poetry is the art of substantiating shadows. I do not create poetry, I create myself. For the reader, the poems are but one pathway towards me...
-ooOoo-
The Rose as Art
In my hand I bear a rose, soft and red, single yet whole.
In a field of flowers I stand, beneath skies of vivid hues.
Sweet air I breathe, I breathe again.
Embraced I am by waves of color, by waves Of light.
My eyes behold In all its beauty, a lone blossom 'cross the field.
A splash of lips, amid endless seas of tears.
Within my mind Is born a thought, made fertile by desire.
Forsake but which? Partake of which?
This rose I bear? Or that which tempts?
I fear that should I forsake this rose, so rare, so fine.
For another I'd find Its petals frayed, stained, withered and dry.
In a field of flowers I stand, beneath skies of vivid hues.
Sweet air I breathe, I breathe again.
Embraced I am by waves of color, by waves Of light.
My eyes behold In all its beauty, a lone blossom 'cross the field.
A splash of lips, amid endless seas of tears.
Within my mind Is born a thought, made fertile by desire.
Forsake but which? Partake of which?
This rose I bear? Or that which tempts?
I fear that should I forsake this rose, so rare, so fine.
For another I'd find Its petals frayed, stained, withered and dry.
Saturday, August 26, 2006
9Lives@ShortTime2Live-Long2StayDead.Com
Often, history reminds us of just how beautiful the saga of our universal humanity can be. The distant past is an ancient story of love ...and it is alive and well (love still transforms everything it touches). Sometimes that story is not quite so pleasant. And it forces us to face cultural baggage that we’d rather leave stored away in the basement of human experience...
For example, examine these facts about: Israel & Jerusalem.
1. Israel became a state in 1312 BC (2 millennia before Islam).
2. Arab refugees from Israel began calling themselves "Palestinians" in 1967, two decades after (modern) Iraeli statehood.
3. After conquering the land in 1272 BC, Jews ruled it for a thousand years and maintained a continuous presence there for 3,300 years.
4. The only Arab rule following conquest in 633 AD lasted just 22 years.
5. For over 3,300 years, Jerusalem was the Jewish capital. It was never the capital of any Arab or Muslim entity. Even under Jordanian rule, (East) Jerusalem was not made the capital, and no Arab leader came to visit it.
6. Jerusalem is mentioned over 700 times in the Bible, but is not mentioned at all in the Qur'an (Koran).
7. King David founded Jerusalem. (Mohammed never set foot there.)
8. Jews pray facing Jerusalem; Muslims face Mecca. If they are between the two cities, Muslims pray facing Mecca (backs turned, with respect to Jerusalem).
9. In 1948, Arab leaders urged their people to leave, promising to cleanse the land of Jewish presence, and 68% of them fled (without laying eyes on an Israeli soldier).
10. Virtually the entire Jewish populations of Muslim countries has fled (as the result of violence targeted at them).
11. Some 630,000 Arabs left Israel in 1948 -- while close to a million Jews were forced to leave the Muslim countries.
12. In spite of the vast territories "at their disposal", Arab refugess were deliberately prevented from being assimilated into their host countries. Of 100 million refugees following World War II, they are the only group to have never integrated to join their co-religionists. Most of the Jewish refugees from Europe and Arab lands were settled in Israel (a country no larger than New Jersey).
13. There are 22 Muslim countries (not counting Palestine). There is only one Jewish state.
14. Arabs started all of the wars against Israel and lost (or were losing), every one of them.
15. The Fatah and Hamas constitutions still call for the destruction of Israel.
16. Israel ceded most of the West Bank and all of Gaza to the Palestinian authority, and even provided it with arms.
17. During the Jordanian occupation, Jewish holy sites were vandalized and were off limits to Jews.
18. Under Israeli rule, all Muslim and Christian holy sites are accessible to all faiths.
19. Out of 175 United Nations Security Council resolutions up to 1990, 97 were against Israel; out of 690 general assembly resolutions, 429 were against Israel.
20. The U.N. remained silent when the Jordanians destroyed 58 synagogues in the old city of Jerusalem. It remained silent while Jordan systematically desecrated the ancient Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, and it remained silent when Jordan enforced "apartheid-style" laws, preventing Jews from having access to the Temple Mount and Western Wall.
For example, examine these facts about: Israel & Jerusalem.
1. Israel became a state in 1312 BC (2 millennia before Islam).
2. Arab refugees from Israel began calling themselves "Palestinians" in 1967, two decades after (modern) Iraeli statehood.
3. After conquering the land in 1272 BC, Jews ruled it for a thousand years and maintained a continuous presence there for 3,300 years.
4. The only Arab rule following conquest in 633 AD lasted just 22 years.
5. For over 3,300 years, Jerusalem was the Jewish capital. It was never the capital of any Arab or Muslim entity. Even under Jordanian rule, (East) Jerusalem was not made the capital, and no Arab leader came to visit it.
6. Jerusalem is mentioned over 700 times in the Bible, but is not mentioned at all in the Qur'an (Koran).
7. King David founded Jerusalem. (Mohammed never set foot there.)
8. Jews pray facing Jerusalem; Muslims face Mecca. If they are between the two cities, Muslims pray facing Mecca (backs turned, with respect to Jerusalem).
9. In 1948, Arab leaders urged their people to leave, promising to cleanse the land of Jewish presence, and 68% of them fled (without laying eyes on an Israeli soldier).
10. Virtually the entire Jewish populations of Muslim countries has fled (as the result of violence targeted at them).
11. Some 630,000 Arabs left Israel in 1948 -- while close to a million Jews were forced to leave the Muslim countries.
12. In spite of the vast territories "at their disposal", Arab refugess were deliberately prevented from being assimilated into their host countries. Of 100 million refugees following World War II, they are the only group to have never integrated to join their co-religionists. Most of the Jewish refugees from Europe and Arab lands were settled in Israel (a country no larger than New Jersey).
13. There are 22 Muslim countries (not counting Palestine). There is only one Jewish state.
14. Arabs started all of the wars against Israel and lost (or were losing), every one of them.
15. The Fatah and Hamas constitutions still call for the destruction of Israel.
16. Israel ceded most of the West Bank and all of Gaza to the Palestinian authority, and even provided it with arms.
17. During the Jordanian occupation, Jewish holy sites were vandalized and were off limits to Jews.
18. Under Israeli rule, all Muslim and Christian holy sites are accessible to all faiths.
19. Out of 175 United Nations Security Council resolutions up to 1990, 97 were against Israel; out of 690 general assembly resolutions, 429 were against Israel.
20. The U.N. remained silent when the Jordanians destroyed 58 synagogues in the old city of Jerusalem. It remained silent while Jordan systematically desecrated the ancient Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, and it remained silent when Jordan enforced "apartheid-style" laws, preventing Jews from having access to the Temple Mount and Western Wall.
There are only 2 things that I hate In this World:
"People who are intolerant of other cultures, and the French..."
Ferchriztsakez!
Ferchriztsakez!
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Lexophiles "do it" with Letters!
1. A bicycle can't stand alone; it is two tired.
2. A will is a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes in verse.
5. Democracy = your vote counts; Feudalism = your Count votes.
6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
7. If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
8. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
9. Piano fell down a mine, resulted in A-flat minor.
10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
12. Exploded French kitchen floor? Linoleum Blownapart.
13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
14. Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.
15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
16. A calendar's days are numbered.
17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
18. A boiled egg is hard to beat.
19. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
20. A plateau is a high form of flattery.
21. Short fortuneteller escaped from prison? A small medium at large.
22. Get too big for your britches = be exposed in the end.
23. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
24. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
25. Seing her first gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
26. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
27. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
28. Acupuncture: a jab well done.
29. Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
30. A president of a democracy is a man who is always ready, willing, and able to lay down your life for his country.
2. A will is a dead giveaway.
3. Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.
4. A backward poet writes in verse.
5. Democracy = your vote counts; Feudalism = your Count votes.
6. A chicken crossing the road: poultry in motion.
7. If you don't pay your exorcist you can get repossessed.
8. With her marriage she got a new name and a dress.
9. Piano fell down a mine, resulted in A-flat minor.
10. When a clock is hungry it goes back four seconds.
11. The guy who fell onto an upholstery machine was fully recovered.
12. Exploded French kitchen floor? Linoleum Blownapart.
13. You are stuck with your debt if you can't budge it.
14. Local Area Network in Australia: The LAN down under.
15. He broke into song because he couldn't find the key.
16. A calendar's days are numbered.
17. A lot of money is tainted: 'Taint yours, and 'taint mine.
18. A boiled egg is hard to beat.
19. He had a photographic memory which was never developed.
20. A plateau is a high form of flattery.
21. Short fortuneteller escaped from prison? A small medium at large.
22. Get too big for your britches = be exposed in the end.
23. When you've seen one shopping center you've seen a mall.
24. If you jump off a Paris bridge, you are in Seine.
25. Seing her first gray hair, she thought she'd dye.
26. Bakers trade bread recipes on a knead to know basis.
27. Santa's helpers are subordinate clauses.
28. Acupuncture: a jab well done.
29. Marathon runners with bad shoes suffer the agony of de feet.
30. A president of a democracy is a man who is always ready, willing, and able to lay down your life for his country.
Friday, August 11, 2006
In the time of Australopithecines...
In the time of Australopithecines... I was still a monkey (a chimp I think, not a chump)...
"Robert! I don't care if you do think that you're related to Napoleon... Get your hand out of my blouse!"
Australopithecines are a genus of extinct hominids that lived in eastern Africa from about 4.2 Ma until about 1 Ma. Some anthropologists believe that some of the australopithecine species are directly ancestral to humans, however others hold they are a "side-branch" of the line that led to humans, and not direct human ancestors. I rather look like one those fellows, me thinks.
There are a variety of accepted taxonomic schemes for the australopithecines, however the four most commonly accepted species are Australopithecus afarensis, Australopithecus africanus, Australopithecus robustus, and Australopithecus boisei.
A. robustus and A. boisei are larger boned and more "robust" than A. afarensis & A. africanus, which are termed "gracile." The smaller gracile forms Australopithecus africanus and Australopithecus afarensis (the species which includes the famous fossil "Lucy") are typically thought to be the most closely related to humans. Studies have found that Australopithecus africanus (very similar to Australopithecus afarensis), the australopithecine species often thought to be the most closely related to humans, had a body shape more similar to modern apes than to members of the genus Homo.
Australopithecines stood about 1-1.5 m in height and had relatively small brains typically measuring between 370 and 515 cm3 (cc) -- only slightly larger than the brain of a chimpanzee.
The australopithecine mode of locomotion has been a point of controversy, usually centered around the shape of australopithecine pelvis and knee bones. Early studies believed the australopithecine pelvis was a clear-cut precursor to Homo with human-like bipedality, while later studies of australopithecine locomotion found it to be different from modern apes, but also very different from humans -- a distinct mode of locomotion. The most common consensus is that forms of australopithecines were adapted for both tree-climbing and at least semi-upright, if not fully upright walking, having a mode of locomotion different from all extant primates, including humans and modern apes."
"Cogito, ergo sum" I think, therefore I am?
And so it was...
I remember those days, like it was (well) yesterday...
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Precious Loved
Carried with every Breath escaping mine Lips,
There is a Sweet thought of Thee.
And every Heartbeat,
Brings me precious Life and...
Caresses a new Memory made of We.
For each Tear shed due to Loss,
I would cry each another time Ov'r.
Because every Moment & Memory
That is being Shared & Made with You,
Is worth every Tear Lost, For'ver.
There is a Sweet thought of Thee.
And every Heartbeat,
Brings me precious Life and...
Caresses a new Memory made of We.
For each Tear shed due to Loss,
I would cry each another time Ov'r.
Because every Moment & Memory
That is being Shared & Made with You,
Is worth every Tear Lost, For'ver.
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
(peace) VIOLENCE ~ (war) VIOLENCE
terrorist (ter' or ist), n 1. A person who commits violence in pursuit of political goals we oppose.
hero (hē' rō) n 1. A person who commits violence in pursuit of political goals we favor.
hero (hē' rō) n 1. A person who commits violence in pursuit of political goals we favor.
Wonderous Hugs
Just wonderous what a hug can do!
A hug can cheer you when pink turns to blue.
A hug can say, "I love you so!"...
Or, "So sad to see you go."
A hug is,"welcome back again!"
And, "Great to see you, where've you been?"
A hug can soothe a lot of pain,
Or bring forth rainbows after the rain.
The hug! There's just no doubt about it,
We scarcely could survive without it.
A hug delights and warms and charms,
'Tis why God gave new love four arms!
Hugs are great for Dads and Mothers.
So sweet for sisters, just swell for brothers.
And chances are some favorite Aunts.
Love them more than their potted plants.
Kittens crave 'em! Puppies love 'em!
Heads of State are not above them.
A hug can break the language barrier.
And make the dullest day seem that much merrier.
No need to fret about having a store of them,
The more you give... the more there are of them!
So, reach out those arms without delay,
And give someone you love, a hug today!
Sunday, July 30, 2006
As spirit gently weeps...
This troubled World must be a constant source of tears for the Creator.
Me Thinks
Me Thinks
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Buffet Billions
It was Andrew Carnegie who said, "The man who dies rich, dies disgraced." When the steel tycoon retired, he set up public libraries across the country and gave away $350 million (an enormous fortune by the standards of wealth 100 years ago). Give now, die later?
Thank you on behalf of all humanity, Mr. Warren Edward Buffet!
Another "Good friend" leading the way, Me Thinks.
Thank you on behalf of all humanity, Mr. Warren Edward Buffet!
Another "Good friend" leading the way, Me Thinks.
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Friday, June 23, 2006
The Speaking of Truth to Power
The time-honored role of the Thinker, is to Speak Truth to Power.
We could create a group of favorite, thinking saints. They are all around us. Many of us take them too much for granted and even bask in reflected glory because of the work that they do. Some are spiritually enlightened -- while quite a few more are not. But it doesn't matter. They do Good work, the work of Good. Or at least, after the Thinking is over or when history gives Good works credibility -- we all can claim it as Good and Decent. These people are the ones who work as loyal friends. They are intelligent, resourceful, patient, and wise. They may be found in modest places doing routine work. They dig into facts. They try to understand. They study and research, they walk the halls of Power. They go out and live with the people, they go anywhere in the world, modestly. They bind wounds, they feed the hungry, they teach, they excavate foundations, and they build shelter. And when it is necessary (and if they are qualified) they put down their tools, and look authority in the eye and Speak Truth to Power.
One does not need to describe their work, for we all know it. We can celebrate the balance in these saints. They are spoken of as naive, idealistic, do-gooders, and innocent doves. But we can believe they also have the wisdom of the serpent. They are spoken of with a touch of scorn as being "establishment" types -- too concerned with hierarchy and system, but we can believe that the work they do and the testimony they give, wears the ring of Truth. They live with and witness to the Good values in a down-to-earth, practical way.
They are also objected to as being too radical, too revolutionary, too pushy. They are -- for some. But not for we.
Love the way that they receive unfavorable judgment from both sides yet continue to Speak Truth to Power.
Such Good friends do die -- and once so, each ending will be an insignificant event -- barely a whimper in the scope of all things, begun and ended. But if this human experiment continues -- if this particular experience of Grace, Good, and Godliness evolves into something with increasing potential for life; if we don't destroy ourselves and our splendid planet -- it will be because more and more people will gradually believe, and behave, like the very best of mankind. They will gradually understand and commit themselves to live to, and by Higher values.
Calling ourselves by a label-name is not important.
What matters is how we live. And some of those "Good friends" are showing the way.
Me Thinks.
We could create a group of favorite, thinking saints. They are all around us. Many of us take them too much for granted and even bask in reflected glory because of the work that they do. Some are spiritually enlightened -- while quite a few more are not. But it doesn't matter. They do Good work, the work of Good. Or at least, after the Thinking is over or when history gives Good works credibility -- we all can claim it as Good and Decent. These people are the ones who work as loyal friends. They are intelligent, resourceful, patient, and wise. They may be found in modest places doing routine work. They dig into facts. They try to understand. They study and research, they walk the halls of Power. They go out and live with the people, they go anywhere in the world, modestly. They bind wounds, they feed the hungry, they teach, they excavate foundations, and they build shelter. And when it is necessary (and if they are qualified) they put down their tools, and look authority in the eye and Speak Truth to Power.
One does not need to describe their work, for we all know it. We can celebrate the balance in these saints. They are spoken of as naive, idealistic, do-gooders, and innocent doves. But we can believe they also have the wisdom of the serpent. They are spoken of with a touch of scorn as being "establishment" types -- too concerned with hierarchy and system, but we can believe that the work they do and the testimony they give, wears the ring of Truth. They live with and witness to the Good values in a down-to-earth, practical way.
They are also objected to as being too radical, too revolutionary, too pushy. They are -- for some. But not for we.
Love the way that they receive unfavorable judgment from both sides yet continue to Speak Truth to Power.
Such Good friends do die -- and once so, each ending will be an insignificant event -- barely a whimper in the scope of all things, begun and ended. But if this human experiment continues -- if this particular experience of Grace, Good, and Godliness evolves into something with increasing potential for life; if we don't destroy ourselves and our splendid planet -- it will be because more and more people will gradually believe, and behave, like the very best of mankind. They will gradually understand and commit themselves to live to, and by Higher values.
Calling ourselves by a label-name is not important.
What matters is how we live. And some of those "Good friends" are showing the way.
Me Thinks.
Sunday, June 04, 2006
Billions & Billions
Our galaxy, the "Milky Way" would take 200,000 years to cross -- traveling at the speed of light. It is known to contain about 200 Billion stars. Approximately 125 Billion galaxies are presently known to Science... that adds-up to about 25 Sextillion stars (25 followed by 21 zeros).
The inner workings of the human brain is the make-up of what we call "human nature". Amazingly, it has been calculated that the number of permutations (of possible connections between the synapses within a single mind) gives rise to a larger number.
"We are starstuff", "We are one species", "History is full of people who out of fear, or ignorance, or lust for power have destroyed knowledge of immeasurable value which truly belongs to all of us. We must not let it happen again." - Dr. Carl Sagan
In his Memory.
The inner workings of the human brain is the make-up of what we call "human nature". Amazingly, it has been calculated that the number of permutations (of possible connections between the synapses within a single mind) gives rise to a larger number.
"We are starstuff", "We are one species", "History is full of people who out of fear, or ignorance, or lust for power have destroyed knowledge of immeasurable value which truly belongs to all of us. We must not let it happen again." - Dr. Carl Sagan
In his Memory.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
lowercase PEOPLE -- UPPERCASE people
Provoking, single-minded, non-thinkers (UPPERCASE people) are perfectly content to walk directly to a destination, looking straight ahead, not noticing, nor counting advantage -- senses OFF, judgements ON, mind CLOSED -- while missing OUT on the journey. Thought-provoking, observant (lowercase people) are intrigued by the human experience. The more they look in all directions, the more they see great variety -- although this would seem to point (somewhat paradoxically), to the similarity of our lives and existence.
Me Thinks.
Me Thinks.
On Self & Trust & Love
A human being is only interesting if that individual is in contact with self. To trust your self, be Who you are -- do what you ought to do, the way you need do it. Discover you, what you do, and trust it. If a person doesn't trust themselves, they will never trust anyone else. While you may be deceived if you trust too much, you will live in torment if you do not trust enough. For it is mutual trust -- even more than mutual interest, that holds human relationships together. Our friends seldom profit us, but they make us feel safe. Marriage is a scheme to accomplish exactly that same end. To be loved, and love well -- trust a man of worth. Trust that man and he will be true to you; treat him greatly, and he will show himself Great.
Love well.
Love well.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
DREAMS
Ah, yes -- DREAMS -- you'll find (in them) the most perfect way to feel better about your life (while making great fun of mine)...
Beaux rêves!
Beaux rêves!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
"Wedding the Locksmith's Daughter"
Glide forth to embed the extended blade,
(the right fit, matched to its sheathing).
Slid upon graphite, pushed inside the Maide,
(finding the clicks of her Lock -- all hidden feelings).
His Key slips home into a foreign, oiled milieu,
(geared tight to match, mesh, and turn together).
For the parts all move as inner couplings do,
(tripping springs -- throwing open bolts, but better).
Encased within the workings of this machine,
there is movement without sound on sound:
to convey what no musical notes can mean,
(played silent when ‘er whole-rests abound).
The Key and Lock engage, and marry now…
(while brass bells ring by keeping time).
And Church doors open then close aloud…
(for both the Lock, and the Key -- are mine)!
.
-ooOoo-
Note: 'locksmith's daughter': 19th-century slang for a key.
Copyright ©2006 – Robert C. Kuhmann -- All Rights Reserved
Thursday, May 25, 2006
Farm boys make & keep promises!
When a man's word is no good, how Good is the man?
(Thought for the Day.)
(Thought for the Day.)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
TRUST:
Love her to trust him and Trust him to love her.
Love him to trust her and Trust her to love him.
Trust to Love and Love to Trust?
Trust to Trust and Love to Love?
And so, a GOOD & HAPPY union make.
Me Thinks.
Love him to trust her and Trust her to love him.
Trust to Love and Love to Trust?
Trust to Trust and Love to Love?
And so, a GOOD & HAPPY union make.
Me Thinks.
Saturday, May 20, 2006
"Her Piano Concerto"
'Tis a recital of touch -- myriad notes of her piano concerto played with nimble fingers,
Like spilt, warmed water that would not balance nor remain within his upturned palms.
Like spilt, warmed water that would not balance nor remain within his upturned palms.
This engaging melodic dance, is one of composed, yet steadied harmonies,
Each drawing her into a magical world -- where she hears the arias of his wanderings.
Nearby, sunlight flashes in rainbows through the uneven glass pane of an open window,
Reminding the listener of Morning Glories -- and the glint and glitter of fairy-dust.
As her piano concerto
Plays on.
A gentle breeze shudders ever verdant leaves into individual rustles and sways,
Like miniature ballerinas clad in green -- doing piroettes on the tip of a shoe.
Restfully down, cool grasses tease and tickle at the back of her neck,
While errant butterflies flit through sultry air -- gracefully just above the depth of her gaze.
As her piano concerto
Plays on.
She walks to where the sand spreads soft beneath her feet,
Like granular waves sifting up to kiss and then stick to her toes.
A bluejay clammors a piercing call,
Snails slide silently over moss.
As her piano concerto
Plays on.
Twinkling stars wink at her,
Like a reunion of old friends.
The man in the moon grins down at her with a broad smile,
One of kindness and understanding.
A burst of light flares up in her eyes,
But it is only the sun comforting an end of her day-dreaming.
And she is safe.
As her piano concerto
Plays on...
Copyright ©2006 ~ Robert C. Kuhmann ~ All Rights Reserved
English, the "official" language of the USA.
Dear reader, I was once an immigrant (not to the USA, because I was born here), but to France. Thus, I spent 16 years of my adult life in a second country. As a polyglot linguist who speaks: US English, fluent French, good Spanish, some German, a little Japanese, and who can read Italian & Portuguese -- I am a proponent of the mandatory official use of US English in the United States of America. Similarly, I encourage everyone to learn several languages.
Having travelled all over the world (and resided in various countries), I underwrite the use of US English as the ONLY legally supported language of the land. I for one, ask newcomers to tolerate and respect the diversity of all origins, but I shall also ask each person to honor the common ground. Wave your national flag (that of your country of origin), but take pause to remember to display "Old Glory". Learn to speak, read, and write US English. Integrate yourself and your cultural identity into the best of the values of your host country (the USA is an amalgum of so many). English is firmly established as a dominant historical and integral part of the national identity (albeit that my ancestors were German [Saxony & Bavaria] and Norwegian).
When one is a visitor (anywhere), or an immigrant to a "new land" -- it is simply polite, good taste to exercise such common sense, i.e. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".
Cum dilegentia sunt!
Having travelled all over the world (and resided in various countries), I underwrite the use of US English as the ONLY legally supported language of the land. I for one, ask newcomers to tolerate and respect the diversity of all origins, but I shall also ask each person to honor the common ground. Wave your national flag (that of your country of origin), but take pause to remember to display "Old Glory". Learn to speak, read, and write US English. Integrate yourself and your cultural identity into the best of the values of your host country (the USA is an amalgum of so many). English is firmly established as a dominant historical and integral part of the national identity (albeit that my ancestors were German [Saxony & Bavaria] and Norwegian).
When one is a visitor (anywhere), or an immigrant to a "new land" -- it is simply polite, good taste to exercise such common sense, i.e. "When in Rome, do as the Romans do".
Cum dilegentia sunt!
Monday, May 15, 2006
Prosaic Poetic Pinafore
(LIFE) should be enclosed by Philosophic Parenthesis.
And ...
"DEATH" should be bounded by Quintessential Quotes.
For we have but a short time to live, and there is a long time to stay dead...
And ...
"DEATH" should be bounded by Quintessential Quotes.
For we have but a short time to live, and there is a long time to stay dead...
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Music Theory (for beginners)
Music Theory (basics)
http://www.8notes.com/theory/
Piano Chords
http://www.8notes.com/piano_chord_chart/
Guitar Chords
http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/
http://www.8notes.com/theory/
Piano Chords
http://www.8notes.com/piano_chord_chart/
Guitar Chords
http://www.8notes.com/guitar_chord_chart/
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Fashion Catalog
Were I any more PERFECT for you -- you'd have to pick me from out of a fashion catalog.
;-)
;-)
Saturday, March 04, 2006
TRUTH:
TRUTH: Subjective versus Objective/Relative versus Absolute
Metaphysical Subjectivism maintains that the truth or fallacy of all propositions depends, at least partly, on what we believe (as individuals). There are at least 4 ways to interpret this...
SKEPTICISM
1) The most extreme is "solipsism" (an extreme form of skepticism, stating that nothing exists beyond one's immediate experiences -- it maintains that nothing exists outside of our selves -- or, in a slightly less extreme form, that we cannot know anything about anything outside of ourselves). People tend to become and remain wherever they were born into -- without thinking outside of the comfort of their one familiar box.
DIRECT EXPERIENCE
2) Another way to interpret subjectivism is that we are most sure of our direct experiences. This viewpoint would maintain that "My finger hurts," is more certainly true than "Madison is the capital of Wisconsin."
WORLDVIEW
3) A third interpretation focuses on beliefs or worldview rather than on sensation. In this view, belief "colors" experience, so that we decide what is true or false based on our worldview rather than on external reality.
CONSENSUS
4) Next, there is the postmodern idea of consensus reality (When most people believed the earth was flat, it was flat. Now that most people believe the earth is round, it is round.) Another view of consensus reality is that there is no truth except what authoritative people say is true. But who are the authorities? All of whose friends?
OBJECTIVE TRUTH
5) In contrast, objective truths are supposed in some way to be independent of our subjective beliefs and sensations. Such truths would subsist not in the mind but in the external Universe. Indeed, except for propositions that are actually about our beliefs or sensations -- what is true or false is independent of what we think is true or false. Some claim that physical science provides objective truths by means of measurement and independent confirmation of results. Kant made that claim for mathematics.
RELATIVE TRUTH
6) Relative truths are statements or propositions that are true only relative to some standard or convention or point-of-view. Usually the standard cited is tied to the tenets of one's own birth-culture (or birth-religion). Everyone agrees that the truth or falsity of some statements is relative: That "a fork is to the left of a spoon" depends on from where one is standing and viewing. Relativism is the doctrine that all truths within a particular domain (say, morality or aesthetics) are of this form, and Relativism entails that what is true varies across cultures and eras.
For example, Moral Relativism is the view that moral truths are socially determined. Relative truths can be contrasted with absolute truths. The latter are statements or propositions that are taken to be true for all cultures and all eras.
For example, for most Muslims "God is Great." expresses an absolute truth; for the economist, that the laws of "Supply and Demand" determine the value of any consumable in a market economy is true in all situations; for the reader of Kant, "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." forms an absolute moral truth.They are statements that are often claimed to emanate from the very nature of the Universe, God, human nature, or some other ultimate essence or transcendental signifier...
ABSOLUTISM
7) In a particular domain of thought we find the view that all statements in that domain are either absolutely true or absolutely false (for example: extreme, literal belief in the King James version of the Bible). None is true for some cultures or eras while false for other cultures or eras.
For example, Moral Absolutism is the view that moral claims such as "Abortion is wrong." or "Charity is good." are either true for all people in all times or false for all people in all times.
I make only relative claims in this life of love, and other experiences.
RK
P.S. Relativism expresses the view that the meaning and value of human beliefs and behaviors have no absolute reference. Relativists claim that humans understand and evaluate beliefs and behaviors only in terms of, for example, their historical and cultural context. Philosophers identify many different kinds of relativism depending upon what allegedly depends on something and what something depends on. The term often refers to truth relativism - the doctrine that there is no absolute truth (i.e. whether a belief is true or not, depends entirely on the believer).
"It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak & one other to hear it."
-Henry David Thoreau
And so it is...
Metaphysical Subjectivism maintains that the truth or fallacy of all propositions depends, at least partly, on what we believe (as individuals). There are at least 4 ways to interpret this...
SKEPTICISM
1) The most extreme is "solipsism" (an extreme form of skepticism, stating that nothing exists beyond one's immediate experiences -- it maintains that nothing exists outside of our selves -- or, in a slightly less extreme form, that we cannot know anything about anything outside of ourselves). People tend to become and remain wherever they were born into -- without thinking outside of the comfort of their one familiar box.
DIRECT EXPERIENCE
2) Another way to interpret subjectivism is that we are most sure of our direct experiences. This viewpoint would maintain that "My finger hurts," is more certainly true than "Madison is the capital of Wisconsin."
WORLDVIEW
3) A third interpretation focuses on beliefs or worldview rather than on sensation. In this view, belief "colors" experience, so that we decide what is true or false based on our worldview rather than on external reality.
CONSENSUS
4) Next, there is the postmodern idea of consensus reality (When most people believed the earth was flat, it was flat. Now that most people believe the earth is round, it is round.) Another view of consensus reality is that there is no truth except what authoritative people say is true. But who are the authorities? All of whose friends?
OBJECTIVE TRUTH
5) In contrast, objective truths are supposed in some way to be independent of our subjective beliefs and sensations. Such truths would subsist not in the mind but in the external Universe. Indeed, except for propositions that are actually about our beliefs or sensations -- what is true or false is independent of what we think is true or false. Some claim that physical science provides objective truths by means of measurement and independent confirmation of results. Kant made that claim for mathematics.
RELATIVE TRUTH
6) Relative truths are statements or propositions that are true only relative to some standard or convention or point-of-view. Usually the standard cited is tied to the tenets of one's own birth-culture (or birth-religion). Everyone agrees that the truth or falsity of some statements is relative: That "a fork is to the left of a spoon" depends on from where one is standing and viewing. Relativism is the doctrine that all truths within a particular domain (say, morality or aesthetics) are of this form, and Relativism entails that what is true varies across cultures and eras.
For example, Moral Relativism is the view that moral truths are socially determined. Relative truths can be contrasted with absolute truths. The latter are statements or propositions that are taken to be true for all cultures and all eras.
For example, for most Muslims "God is Great." expresses an absolute truth; for the economist, that the laws of "Supply and Demand" determine the value of any consumable in a market economy is true in all situations; for the reader of Kant, "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law." forms an absolute moral truth.They are statements that are often claimed to emanate from the very nature of the Universe, God, human nature, or some other ultimate essence or transcendental signifier...
ABSOLUTISM
7) In a particular domain of thought we find the view that all statements in that domain are either absolutely true or absolutely false (for example: extreme, literal belief in the King James version of the Bible). None is true for some cultures or eras while false for other cultures or eras.
For example, Moral Absolutism is the view that moral claims such as "Abortion is wrong." or "Charity is good." are either true for all people in all times or false for all people in all times.
I make only relative claims in this life of love, and other experiences.
RK
P.S. Relativism expresses the view that the meaning and value of human beliefs and behaviors have no absolute reference. Relativists claim that humans understand and evaluate beliefs and behaviors only in terms of, for example, their historical and cultural context. Philosophers identify many different kinds of relativism depending upon what allegedly depends on something and what something depends on. The term often refers to truth relativism - the doctrine that there is no absolute truth (i.e. whether a belief is true or not, depends entirely on the believer).
"It takes two to speak the truth - one to speak & one other to hear it."
-Henry David Thoreau
And so it is...
Thursday, March 02, 2006
T'sin'T
The world is full of equations. There must be a Right answer for everything? (Now, if I only knew how to pose the Right questions.)
And so 'tisn't...
And so 'tisn't...
Monday, February 27, 2006
Ain't Nuttin'
There are those who assert that I have the "power of words", therefore and drawing on my allegedly fine command of the English language, today I shall say nothing at all...
And so it ain't...
And so it ain't...
Words are Birds & Experience the Tree
“In the end, words are birds and experience the tree they roost in. The power of inner truth is rooted in the tree. Birds come and go.”
- The 'I Ching'
- The 'I Ching'
Monday, February 20, 2006
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Mammie N Pappy tellin' Stories
Ah gon'st't tell y'all sum stories -- true, true blue stories. Like doz dat m' Gram'pa 'N m' Nanee wouda, but cou'nt -- 'cause dey don' lay'd down N dai'd long afor Ah waz born. Dey war folkz I n'er knew -- but dey be ancestors fer me N m' son too.
Pappy sayed, "Ya gosta take half, N' leave half... "
Mammie sayed, "Ya gosta jest cry, N' laff... "
Son sayed, "Wacha ya earn N learn is up to y'all!"
Ah sayed, "Enjoy the gaffe, take yer half."
Pappy sayed, "Ya gosta take half, N' leave half... "
Mammie sayed, "Ya gosta jest cry, N' laff... "
Son sayed, "Wacha ya earn N learn is up to y'all!"
Ah sayed, "Enjoy the gaffe, take yer half."
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Love Will Never Die.
As Manon Lescault (from the opera of the same name) says before she dies, "My faults will be forgotten, but my love will never die."
Life is a spiral journey from the known to the unknown.
And so it is...
Life is a spiral journey from the known to the unknown.
And so it is...
Saint Valentine
"How do you spell 'Love'?" Piglet asked Pooh.
"I don't have to spell it," said Pooh., "I just feel it."
Happy Valentine's Day !
Historical Note
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers.
"I don't have to spell it," said Pooh., "I just feel it."
Happy Valentine's Day !
Historical Note
There are varying opinions as to the origin of Valentine's Day. Some experts state that it originated from St. Valentine, a Roman who was martyred for refusing to give up Christianity. He died on February 14, 269 A.D., the same day that had been devoted to love lotteries. Legend also says that St. Valentine left a farewell note for the jailer's daughter, who had become his friend, and signed it "From Your Valentine". Other aspects of the story say that Saint Valentine served as a priest at the temple during the reign of Emperor Claudius. Claudius then had Valentine jailed for defying him. In 496 A.D. Pope Gelasius set aside February 14 to honour St. Valentine. Gradually, February 14 became the date for exchanging love messages and St. Valentine became the patron saint of lovers. The date was marked by sending poems and simple gifts such as flowers.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Smart Thoughts & Pensive Ponderings
Intelligence is not measured by how much you know, but by your ability to learn -- afterall, you can lead a fool to wisdom but you can’t make him think.
Me, ambivalent? Well, yes and no.
Me, ambivalent? Well, yes and no.
Monday, February 06, 2006
Poetry (love) brings meaning to life...
"Love Brings Meaning To Life, it is what Makes Us Whole..."
POETRY & PROSE
A Kitten Went A Walkin'
Poem
PDF Word
Adoption Baby
Poem
PDF Word
A Friend Is
Poem
PDF Word
A Love for All Time
Poem
PDF Word
And so it is that I love you
Letter
PDF Word
A Nation of Victims
Essay
PDF Word
Apocalyptic Xmas Gift Giving
Essay
PDF Word
Beautiful All Over
Poem
PDF Word
Blind Justice
Essay
PDF Word
Blue Heron
Poem
[PDF not online] Word
Divide Thy Grief
Poem
PDF Word
Does the Philosopher Love the Poet?
Poem
PDF Word
Earth Dancing
Essay
PDF Word
Friendship Gold
Poem
PDF Word
Frist Times & Let's Be Friends
Poem
PDF Word
Good Morning World
Poem
PDF Word
Gwenevière had Green Eyes
Poem
PDF Word
Her Egnimatic Smile
Letter
PDF Word
I am a Man Who ...
Poem
PDF Word
I Don't Know
Poem
PDF Word
Joy and Pain
Poem
PDF Word
Keep the Candle Burning Bright
Poem
PDF Word
Live Life to the Fullest!
Narrative
PDF Word
Message in a Bottle
Poem
PDF Word
Negative Thoughts Positive Thoughts
Poem
[PDF not online] Word
Not Even the Rain
Poem
PDF Word
Oh Beautiful Woman
Poem
PDF Word
On Behalf of Common Courtesy
Essay
PDF Word
On Love
Essay
PDF Word
On Self Confidence and Relationships
Essay
PDF Word
Our First Kiss
Poem
PDF Word
Our Love Gate
Poem
PDF Word
Our Time
Poem
PDF Word
People and Horse Sense
Narrative
PDF Word
Raindrops On Roses
Poem
PDF Word
Secret Crush
Poem
PDF Word
Secret Dreams
Poem
PDF Word
Sometimes We Walk Alone
Poem
PDF Word
Spirit the Magician
Poem
PDF Word
The Bullshit Society
Essay
PDF Word
The Great Spirit Known As ...
Essay
[PDF not online] Word
The House of Cards
Poem
PDF Word
The Slow Dance by the Light of Moon
Poem
PDF Word
The Lady in My Dreams II
Poem
[PDF not online] [DOC not online]
Touched By Love
Poem
PDF Word
Tone of Voice
Poem
PDF Word
Trials
Poem
PDF Word
Violintuition
Poem
[PDF not online] Word
Volubilis
Travel
PDF [DOC not online]
Walk in Beauty
Poem
PDF Word
When I Weep
Poem
[PDF not online] Word
Without You
Poem
PDF Word
Contributed by Others (Friends and Guests)
Gale, You gave Me the Sea
Memorial
PDF WORD
His Wounded Heart
Poem
[PDF not online] [DOCnot online]
Sayings
Sayings
PDF WORD
The Search for a Rich Man
Narrative
[PDF not online] [DOC not online]
Inspirational Reading
As A Man Thinketh
Essay
PDF WORD
Byways Of Blessedness
Essay
[PDF not online] WORD
"Life should be Enjoyed and Savored, not Endured and Suffered".
All selections are Copyright ©1999-2008 RCK
All Rights Reserved, all Wrongs Avenged.
FORGIVENESS (Attribute of the Strong)
ATTRIBUTE of the STRONG
To forgive
Is really to know
That nobody is perfect.
To forgive
Is not to forget.
To forgive is to see,
That we can be more kind and caring --
By accepting another's flaws,
So we can accept our own.
To forgive is
To pick one's self up,
Because each of us may stumble,
When we were trying to stand tall.
To forgive is
To acknowledge,
That each of us may sometimes say things
We wish we had never said.
To forgive is really to recognize
That we are much more
Than our mistakes.
To forgive is to calculate
That the odds are pretty good that
We might soon need to be forgiven ourselves.
Forgivenss is a statement.
That life sometimes gives us more
Than we can handle gracefully.
To forgive is to remember
That we must make room in our hearts to
Begin again, and again,
And again, and again.
To forgive is to remember that love
Is always more important than being right.
Forgiveness is starting over...
(with the knowledge that we have gained).
I forgive you, and I forgave myself.
I hope you can do the same.
-ooOoo-
Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. -Mahatma Ghandi
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