Sunday, January 30, 2005

Iraqi Election Day

I am thinking about independence as I read the news of the Iraqi Elections. I think independence is a mind game we play with ourselves.

After all who or what can be truly independent?

To be truly independent wouldn't you have to exist outside the Universe. I know a lot of us humans think it's ME and the Universe. Truth is, it's ME in the Universe.

Interdependence is a word that much better describes our collective situation... don't you think? We actually want the independence to be interdependent in ways that are right for us as individuals.

Anyway, before I confuse the issue, here's something I liked...

The Declaration of Interdependence
by Melanie Bacon

We hold these truths to be self-evident:

That all life is interconnected, and endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights and responsibilities,

That among these are presence, compassion, and the pursuit of happiness.

That to secure these rights and responsibilities,

We open our minds and hearts to the needs of others, and our own true needs,

We hear the sound of the living universe in our ears, and add our voices to the song,

We live every moment with awareness of the purity and power of existence.

And for the support of this Declaration, we pledge to each other our love and our breath,

For the freedom of the one is the freedom of the all, and the pain of the one is the pain of the all;

The breath of the one is the breath of the all, and the breath of the all is the breath of God.


Other links to the concept of Interdependence.

Why I like Boggers

Reading the blogs of strangers is a lot like going to a public place and watching people pass by. Some say that is a great and common human pleasure... watching others.

Curiosity.

Going deeper, I would have to say that it's almost a form of voyeurism. Looking into the window of someone's mind... revealing secrets, fears, motivations, interests, and more. And really, it reveals the uniqueness of everyone. But paradoxically, it reveals how we are the same. It demonstrates that there is no such thing as an 'ordinary' person.

Blogging could be considered a form of intimate social intercourse with strangers, don't you think? ...flirting? ...or maybe, blirting?

Here's an interesting interpretation of the word intimacy --- 'into me see'.

Now if only we can begin to find more ways to transfer all this into the offline world. Like this maybe.

Yahoo! News - SpongeBob & the Asexual Crustaceans

Yahoo! News - SpongeBob & the Asexual Crustaceans

Comments: Boy I sure glad they clarified this.

You know, I raised three kids, and I can't ever remember any of them being concerned about a cartoon's sexual orientation.

I continue to be amazed by the trivial concerns of certain groups. If they were REALLY concerned about child issues how about these...

HUNGER
DISEASE
LAND MINES
SLAVERY
ETC.

...so many more important issues.

Yahoo! News - Student Who Cooked Pets Won't Face Charges

Yahoo! News - Student Who Cooked Pets Won't Face Charges

Comments: What would they charge him with eating? If that were the case, maybe we should station police outside MacDonalds and charge everyone who buys a hamburger with accessory to cow murder. Come on now... did you forget that every time you eat meat, something had to die. So easy to be hypocrites when someone else does your killing for you.

Also, notice how the writer of this news article grabbed you by your emotions by using the word PETS to describe the animals. Pure manipulation.

On the other hand, if these were truly family PETS then the kid needs some help.

Saturday, January 29, 2005

What IS Love? Here's the answer!

This is one newsletter I subscribe to and I wish it came more often than twice a month. Danish Ahmed always has an interesting and insightful article in every issue.

Check out the LOVE Presentation.

What IS Love? Here's the answer!

I bet it will give you something to think about!

PS: Here's Danish's book.





Wednesday, January 26, 2005

Kefir or grow your own probiotics at home.

I've always had a fascination for alternative health information. The concept of tonics has been the latest area of interest. Mostly because I turned 50 recently, and some days feel like a need a tonic.

In particular, I've noticed a difference in the efficiency of digestion and associated processes. Diet is important. I usually eat as simply and naturally as possible. (But I'm no saint!)

I've tried digestive enzymes and probiotics with some good results.

But...

...after I started making and consuming real KEFIR, I noticed a major improvement. Kefir is a cultured milk product - real food. You can make it at home for the cost of milk. No pills. It tastes somewhat like buttermilk, with about the same texture.

Try it. Usually you can get the Kefir Grains from someone for the cost of postage. There are directories that list people willing to share their Kefir Grains.

I've set up a page of links to more information about KEFIR here.

Also find the latest scientific research on KEFIR here. Use KEFIR as a search term.

Monday, January 24, 2005

Power vs. Force

"Power vs. Force - The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior" by David R. Hawkins. This is the most interesting book I've added to my library in a long time. I'll be writing more about this book in the future as I re-read it. Get yourself a copy. I would like to start an online discussion group based on the material in Power vs. Force. Email me or comment if you are interested in participating.



Yahoo! News - U.S. Christians Issue Gay Warning Over Kid Video

Yahoo! News - U.S. Christians Issue Gay Warning Over Kid Video

Comments: This headline would be more accurate if it said some but not all (sombunall from R.A.W.) Christians. Maybe they should invest more time in reading their Bibles and less time watching cartoons. Although some cartoons make more sense.

Saturday, January 22, 2005

Yahoo! News - Family Scuffles, Pastor Says Jeans a Demon

Yahoo! News - Family Scuffles, Pastor Says Jeans a Demon

Comments: I searched through an online Bible and could not find a single mention of the devil wearing blue jeans. The world will be a much better place when so-called religious folks quit making things up and actually live the spiritual teachings of their founders.

I stand by my assertion - "I have NEVER met a real Christian."

Friday, January 21, 2005

Things I've been exploring on the Web.

Here's a new(?) thing I learned about the web this week:

Folksonomies - which deals with user generated data about data.

Confused?

More info (a lot more)
Folksonomy Article by Adam Mathes

Or if you can't wait and want to jump right in -
http://www.flickr.com
http://del.icio.us