There is plenty that we are exposed to in the "information" age to let us know just how much horror goes on in the world everyday. In addition, the media manages to send people into panic mode over every new development that effects humans, their behavior, the environment and our perceived ability to survive. Here is where hindsight can come in handy.
I love reading biographies and true stories, watch documentaries and true stories. They cease to remind me of two things:
How destructive, careless, irresponsible and downright evil people can be, and
That by and large people overcome tremendous adversity and if you go back even 100 years, there is overwhelming evidence that we have improved in the four negative traits listed above.
For me, there is encouragement in knowing what people lived through during the Great Depression, World War I and II; that at one point it was acceptable to treat "second class" citizens (slaves and women) like animals and worse, yet today we have largely overcome such horrific behavior - at the very least it is not accepted by the vast majority.
Hindsight tells us that people have managed to prevail through some rather unspeakable acts and that more often than not, the collective attitude becomes less tolerant of what I will label evil for lack of a better term.
Hopefully hindsight will help us develop even less tolerance for behaviors that are disrespectful, hateful and irresponsible. It still needs to improve in all areas, in how we treat each other, how we treat the earth (that which provides us life) and animals that inhabit and contribute to the cycle that allows us to continue to thrive.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The Blind Eye
Most of us contribute to destructive behavior and practices through one (non) activity - turning a blind eye. Everyday I learn about more atrocities going on in the world, many of which are simply too far removed for me to have any influence on the circumstance but there are also many things going on very close to home (so to speak) that are quite appalling. It has forced me to recognize that when I learn about something that concerns me and I could have done something (anything, even indirectly) - choosing not to only allows the practice or behavior to grow and continue.
Some of the information I have come across recently is so disturbing, I simply can't keep myself from learning more and doing whatever I can. There are so many atrocities going on right here in our country that if left unchecked will cause it to become worse, not better. Time to lose our distractions, pick an area to make a difference and go for it. Time is a wastin' when we turn a blind eye.
Some of the information I have come across recently is so disturbing, I simply can't keep myself from learning more and doing whatever I can. There are so many atrocities going on right here in our country that if left unchecked will cause it to become worse, not better. Time to lose our distractions, pick an area to make a difference and go for it. Time is a wastin' when we turn a blind eye.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Problem
With so many problems, challenges and conflicts in our daily lives we are infinitely attempting to identify the problem. This one you can take to the bank - the problem is always in the people or the person. There is no such thing as an external problem. It always lies within. No other species on the planet takes without giving back in some way. We do, and we're oblivious to our effect on the balance. The only thing that can change this trend is to change our decisions to have more respect for each other, life, and recognizing that we have to find a way to give back to the cycle of life.
My prediction is that we won't change. Many think that human beings are the greatest thing to ever set foot on the earth. My thought is the opposite - we are the worst and will be the demise of not just our own kind, but virtually every living thing on the earth. Simply put - we don't think we are the problem, we don't understand our impact, and we are too arrogant in general to anticipate there may be consequences to thoughtlessness. If you can't be thankful for what you have, you lack a prerequisite to ensuring its continuation. We tend not to value that which we don't work for on our own in some way, and value prompts thankfulness.
We no longer work for our food, for our shelter, for heat, for clothing, for tools. All of it is mass produced by someone else for our benefit. And because we don't know what is being sacrified for our comfort and survival, we have no chance of contributing to a cycle that renews all of those resources. In a word, we are pretty much doomed. People are the only problem creating that end, and certainly they are the only species that can do something to change it.
My prediction is that we won't change. Many think that human beings are the greatest thing to ever set foot on the earth. My thought is the opposite - we are the worst and will be the demise of not just our own kind, but virtually every living thing on the earth. Simply put - we don't think we are the problem, we don't understand our impact, and we are too arrogant in general to anticipate there may be consequences to thoughtlessness. If you can't be thankful for what you have, you lack a prerequisite to ensuring its continuation. We tend not to value that which we don't work for on our own in some way, and value prompts thankfulness.
We no longer work for our food, for our shelter, for heat, for clothing, for tools. All of it is mass produced by someone else for our benefit. And because we don't know what is being sacrified for our comfort and survival, we have no chance of contributing to a cycle that renews all of those resources. In a word, we are pretty much doomed. People are the only problem creating that end, and certainly they are the only species that can do something to change it.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Nothingness
Since I have no particular issue in mind today I decided that "nothingness" is an appropriate title. Nothingness in one form is merely a convoluted mixture of everything within one's grasp at any given point in time. Similar to not seeing forest for the trees. There are just too many things going on in the mind to focus on any one thing.
It is not such a bad condition to be in, as long as some kind of incubation process is going on while in such a state. Sometimes there is simply too much information being processed to take much of an action anything.
Anyway, that's where I am today. Been here for a week or so. Somehow, I think I have taken more action in between my states of nothingness during this week than I have in the last six months. The paradox never ends.
It is not such a bad condition to be in, as long as some kind of incubation process is going on while in such a state. Sometimes there is simply too much information being processed to take much of an action anything.
Anyway, that's where I am today. Been here for a week or so. Somehow, I think I have taken more action in between my states of nothingness during this week than I have in the last six months. The paradox never ends.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Synchronicity
Why do people try to force any other person or living being into thinking, behaving or saying what they want? I don't think I will ever understand it, nor do I want to. We see the worst of what people are capable of when they impose their will, rather than try to find sychronistic efforts.
Taking the time to gain information that indicates an opportunity to cooperate and gain a willing partner in any endeavor for too many people seems to take more energy. I think the opposite. Resistance, in my mind, either internal (through frustration and anger) or external (push-back from an unwilling party) takes away for more energy than does the process of gathering information. But that's just me.
So why don't more people actively look for cooperative situations? Because it takes more time, and they want results right now. Not to mention having to sort through the inevitable differences that always exist between two parties. There are always some differences, and the key is finding the path and goal that are similar, where both parties gain something. Which leads to another challenge, who cares what the other party gains? Unfortunately, in my opinion, this is the predominant attitude today.
I can only do my part and look for those places and spaces where I find mutual goals and benefits, synchronicity, if you will. Situations where the actions I do take help myself or provides some joy or comfort, and first and foremost causes no harm to any other being and at the same time provides some service, joy or comfort to them as well. We have to be looking (observing) to see these opportunities when they happen.
And it helps when you are not distracted trying to force your will on someone or something else.
Taking the time to gain information that indicates an opportunity to cooperate and gain a willing partner in any endeavor for too many people seems to take more energy. I think the opposite. Resistance, in my mind, either internal (through frustration and anger) or external (push-back from an unwilling party) takes away for more energy than does the process of gathering information. But that's just me.
So why don't more people actively look for cooperative situations? Because it takes more time, and they want results right now. Not to mention having to sort through the inevitable differences that always exist between two parties. There are always some differences, and the key is finding the path and goal that are similar, where both parties gain something. Which leads to another challenge, who cares what the other party gains? Unfortunately, in my opinion, this is the predominant attitude today.
I can only do my part and look for those places and spaces where I find mutual goals and benefits, synchronicity, if you will. Situations where the actions I do take help myself or provides some joy or comfort, and first and foremost causes no harm to any other being and at the same time provides some service, joy or comfort to them as well. We have to be looking (observing) to see these opportunities when they happen.
And it helps when you are not distracted trying to force your will on someone or something else.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
It's The Other Bird
Well, I would have preferred a more storybook ending but when all is said and done - it's still a Bird. The "other" Bird, Summer Bird, takes the Belmont this year spoiling the fairy tale quest by Mine That Bird. Of course, this victory has its own story with Kent Desormeaux winning his first Belmont after last year's disappointing developments for Big Brown's bid for the Triple Crown with Kent aboard. In my opinion, Kent did the right thing by the horse when he pulled up Big Brown and he was redeemed this year with a great run by Summer Bird.
I was concerned when Calvin Borel guaranteed victory early in the week. I was concerned about the detention barn at the Belmont. I was concerned that Calvin did not run any races during the week or that day leading up to major race of the day. I was concerned when I saw Mine That Bird's temperament before the race, quite out of character for the horse who captured my heart by being so easy going, laid back and relaxed. Anxious to get the race started, when it finally started, I noticed that Mine That Bird's body language was very different early in the race. Then when he started to move up on the back stretch, I immediately thought the move was too soon. Easy for me to say, I wasn't the one trying to guide the amped up horse. Coming around the turn for the home stretch, I briefly believed the "original" Bird was going to take home the prize. Not so. Creaping up from behind and finding another gear, Summer Bird blew by both Mine That Bird and Dunkirk to win with a final push.
While happy for Kent, this year's Triple Crown got me thinking about the structure of the three races. Bottom line, Mine That Bird got beat by two fresh horses, and still outran the rest of the field which included only one other horse that ran in all three Triple Crown races. There are a couple of ideas floating around to either space the three races differently, resting the horses a bit more, or allowing only the same field of horses to compete in all three races. Think of it like allowing one or more teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs to bypass one or two rounds altogether. The physical condition of those teams would be vastly different to those that had to play every 7 game series. On paper it sets up a big disadvantage for the non-rested teams. So how can the Belmont really be the "test of a champion" when the majority of the horses in the field are not being tested under the same conditions? Just a thought.
I liked Summer Bird going into the race, and I think it is interesting that he is a half-brother to Mine That Bird, both sons of Birdstone, another Belmont winner. My sentiment, however, is still with the original Bird. Considering his fresh competition yesterday, this horse is still top dog for me.
I was concerned when Calvin Borel guaranteed victory early in the week. I was concerned about the detention barn at the Belmont. I was concerned that Calvin did not run any races during the week or that day leading up to major race of the day. I was concerned when I saw Mine That Bird's temperament before the race, quite out of character for the horse who captured my heart by being so easy going, laid back and relaxed. Anxious to get the race started, when it finally started, I noticed that Mine That Bird's body language was very different early in the race. Then when he started to move up on the back stretch, I immediately thought the move was too soon. Easy for me to say, I wasn't the one trying to guide the amped up horse. Coming around the turn for the home stretch, I briefly believed the "original" Bird was going to take home the prize. Not so. Creaping up from behind and finding another gear, Summer Bird blew by both Mine That Bird and Dunkirk to win with a final push.
While happy for Kent, this year's Triple Crown got me thinking about the structure of the three races. Bottom line, Mine That Bird got beat by two fresh horses, and still outran the rest of the field which included only one other horse that ran in all three Triple Crown races. There are a couple of ideas floating around to either space the three races differently, resting the horses a bit more, or allowing only the same field of horses to compete in all three races. Think of it like allowing one or more teams in the Stanley Cup playoffs to bypass one or two rounds altogether. The physical condition of those teams would be vastly different to those that had to play every 7 game series. On paper it sets up a big disadvantage for the non-rested teams. So how can the Belmont really be the "test of a champion" when the majority of the horses in the field are not being tested under the same conditions? Just a thought.
I liked Summer Bird going into the race, and I think it is interesting that he is a half-brother to Mine That Bird, both sons of Birdstone, another Belmont winner. My sentiment, however, is still with the original Bird. Considering his fresh competition yesterday, this horse is still top dog for me.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Sign of the Times
I'm wondering just how the US economy can ever recover from our dilemma. My understanding of capitalism is that in order to build wealth under the system that something actually has to be produced.
We no longer really produce anything in the US, instead we consume (items "produced" in other countries) and tell ourselves that we are more "service" oriented. Without real wealth, sooner or later the pool of customers dwindles. This is where we are right now. We have a few truly wealthy people in this country, but frankly, servicing a couple hundred thousand people who have some money to spend on services will leave a large percentage of the remaining 300 million or so without a method of earning a living. Unless, of course, we actually produce something.
We tell our young that in order to increase their chances they need a college education. In order to accomplish that, they need student loans, the only form of "financial aid" available for the vast majority. So we saddle them with $100,000 or so of debt before they ever get their first professional position. With salaries on the downturn (since we aren't creating wealth, companies stay profitable only by decreasing expenses, i.e. salary), starting out like Sisephus is not a good sign.
Then we have the tax factor. The government takes 25% from even the lowest income individuals and as far as I can tell, there are no services provided for that bill. If you are among this lower bracket, you are screwed. Our taxes go to bail out bad business models and union employees stuck in job banks because there isn't enough work for them to have an actual function. That's largely because we don't produce anything anymore, certainly not anything that is affordable by the majority of our population.
Next, buying everything with money you don't yet have. They tell us consumerism is good for the economy. Not when you don't produce anything and not when you spend what you have yet to earn. It's exactly what the government is doing, but that won't work either. We spend money into a black hole that doesn't churn anything back out in the form of real wealth.
I am not a believer in consumerism, and I certainly don't believe in a "service-oriented economy". The trend is disturbing to say the least, and at some point we need to start producing actual goods that improve our quality of life and get the economy creating wealth again. Without this process the black hole just gets bigger.
We no longer really produce anything in the US, instead we consume (items "produced" in other countries) and tell ourselves that we are more "service" oriented. Without real wealth, sooner or later the pool of customers dwindles. This is where we are right now. We have a few truly wealthy people in this country, but frankly, servicing a couple hundred thousand people who have some money to spend on services will leave a large percentage of the remaining 300 million or so without a method of earning a living. Unless, of course, we actually produce something.
We tell our young that in order to increase their chances they need a college education. In order to accomplish that, they need student loans, the only form of "financial aid" available for the vast majority. So we saddle them with $100,000 or so of debt before they ever get their first professional position. With salaries on the downturn (since we aren't creating wealth, companies stay profitable only by decreasing expenses, i.e. salary), starting out like Sisephus is not a good sign.
Then we have the tax factor. The government takes 25% from even the lowest income individuals and as far as I can tell, there are no services provided for that bill. If you are among this lower bracket, you are screwed. Our taxes go to bail out bad business models and union employees stuck in job banks because there isn't enough work for them to have an actual function. That's largely because we don't produce anything anymore, certainly not anything that is affordable by the majority of our population.
Next, buying everything with money you don't yet have. They tell us consumerism is good for the economy. Not when you don't produce anything and not when you spend what you have yet to earn. It's exactly what the government is doing, but that won't work either. We spend money into a black hole that doesn't churn anything back out in the form of real wealth.
I am not a believer in consumerism, and I certainly don't believe in a "service-oriented economy". The trend is disturbing to say the least, and at some point we need to start producing actual goods that improve our quality of life and get the economy creating wealth again. Without this process the black hole just gets bigger.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Mine That Bird
I just can't get enough of the little big guy. He comes out of nowhere to stun anyone who was watching in the Kentucky Derby - even the announcer, who during the Bird's final push didn't even let us know he was on the move. No fault of the announcer, though, when I watch the replay from above I don't know how he could have seen the little guy flashing through the pack. One would think that spectacular dash from last to first would have garnered Mine That Bird a little attention. Not so much.
Afterwards, the Bird is set for the second leg of the Triple Crown immediately. Then his jockey, Calvin Borel, ends up with a decision to make. No decision, his beloved filly whom he has been riding for several months is sold, and ends up in the Preakness - Calvin remains her jockey. New jockey for Mine That Bird, who, coming out of nowhere was a last minute pickup for Borel, and does not have a regular jockey. No problem there, experienced, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith picks up the mount.
Borel's horse, Rachel Alexandra, is a heavy favorite and gains most of the attention prior to the race. Although content with the thrill given in the long shot win, most doubt Mine That Bird's ability to come close to duplicating his Derby day performance. Well, the little guy came up big. He didn't win the race, Rachel held her own against the boys and she proved herself in her own right - a question for many was whether or not she could beat the boys after trouncing her own gender for several races. At the end of the race, Mine That Bird came within one length of catching the favored filly. The little guy came up big.
I don't think I have ever witnessed a sporting event with two winners, but this one fit that bill. At the Preakness, all of the riders knew the Bird's game, and not a single one was going to let him through on his move for the home stretch. But Mine That Bird found his away around and finally got going with about fifty yards to go. He didn't quite catch the big gal. Even so, second place for the horse many doubted turns out to be a win. There is no more doubt. If this horse, who is a bit smaller than most on the race track, finds an opportunity he does not hesitate. He has another gear that none of his competitors come close to displaying, at least from my perspective. I call that gear heart.
He should get some respect now that he has finished two major races in similar fashion. His story just keeps developing with more twists. Now he's lost his second jockey, Mike Smith, to a prior commitment. Mine That Bird is on his way to the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, and it will be interesting to watch the story as it unfolds. He's already a winner in my book, the results for me are in. I'll be tuning into the Belmont, and following the Bird to get my daily dose of the little big guy.
Afterwards, the Bird is set for the second leg of the Triple Crown immediately. Then his jockey, Calvin Borel, ends up with a decision to make. No decision, his beloved filly whom he has been riding for several months is sold, and ends up in the Preakness - Calvin remains her jockey. New jockey for Mine That Bird, who, coming out of nowhere was a last minute pickup for Borel, and does not have a regular jockey. No problem there, experienced, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith picks up the mount.
Borel's horse, Rachel Alexandra, is a heavy favorite and gains most of the attention prior to the race. Although content with the thrill given in the long shot win, most doubt Mine That Bird's ability to come close to duplicating his Derby day performance. Well, the little guy came up big. He didn't win the race, Rachel held her own against the boys and she proved herself in her own right - a question for many was whether or not she could beat the boys after trouncing her own gender for several races. At the end of the race, Mine That Bird came within one length of catching the favored filly. The little guy came up big.
I don't think I have ever witnessed a sporting event with two winners, but this one fit that bill. At the Preakness, all of the riders knew the Bird's game, and not a single one was going to let him through on his move for the home stretch. But Mine That Bird found his away around and finally got going with about fifty yards to go. He didn't quite catch the big gal. Even so, second place for the horse many doubted turns out to be a win. There is no more doubt. If this horse, who is a bit smaller than most on the race track, finds an opportunity he does not hesitate. He has another gear that none of his competitors come close to displaying, at least from my perspective. I call that gear heart.
He should get some respect now that he has finished two major races in similar fashion. His story just keeps developing with more twists. Now he's lost his second jockey, Mike Smith, to a prior commitment. Mine That Bird is on his way to the final leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, and it will be interesting to watch the story as it unfolds. He's already a winner in my book, the results for me are in. I'll be tuning into the Belmont, and following the Bird to get my daily dose of the little big guy.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Carpe Diem
I've always considered myself a planner. I like to know the variables, anticipate outcomes and consequences, factor in the resources I have to use, create a loose timetable and go from there.
Structure and knowledge in this form makes me feel more secure in whatever task or endeavor I am intent on participating in. Well, sometimes I get slapped upside the head and reminded that my comfort zone is not always the best place to be.
Recent events in my life have me responding in almost a completely different fashion. While the end result is still the goal, my attitude has become more in line with Carpe Diem. Do what you can, while you can, with whatever resources you have right now. None of us know what tomorrow holds, so doing what we can today can be our ticket to internal freedom. While I am not promoting irresponsibility in the form of radical compulsion, what I am advocating is doing whatever you can to feed yourself, your dreams and those you care about everyday.
Structure and knowledge in this form makes me feel more secure in whatever task or endeavor I am intent on participating in. Well, sometimes I get slapped upside the head and reminded that my comfort zone is not always the best place to be.
Recent events in my life have me responding in almost a completely different fashion. While the end result is still the goal, my attitude has become more in line with Carpe Diem. Do what you can, while you can, with whatever resources you have right now. None of us know what tomorrow holds, so doing what we can today can be our ticket to internal freedom. While I am not promoting irresponsibility in the form of radical compulsion, what I am advocating is doing whatever you can to feed yourself, your dreams and those you care about everyday.
Friday, May 8, 2009
The American Dream In Two Minutes
A perfect time for an unknown horse, Mine That Bird, to find an opportunity in the 135th Kentucky Derby and take it all the way to the bank. Sometimes the American Dream is right in front of us, and we just need a little reminder that it still exists today.
I, for one, cannot help but be inspired by watching a long-shot horse catapult from a dead last position in the pack to overtake a lead in a matter of seconds. Leaving all others in the dust (okay mud as the case may be), this small horse was held back until the opportunities opened up and then he made no mistake about it.
The story is just rich with inspiration - following one's dream and doing what you love to do (Borel); contributing what you can and putting forth an effort to create something larger than yourself (Woolley); and then of course the fatalistic series of events that led to the perfect fit between horse, jockey, trainer and owner.
Whether we are lagging behind, running with the pack, or setting the pace while enjoying a lead, opportunities eventually find us as long as we are in the race. This is the American Dream - but you do have to be part of the pursuit to recognize and work the opportunities when they appear. The race in our daily lives is much longer, so a little reminder from Mine That Bird is a welcome one in my book. The two minute race gave us a concise illustration of what the Dream is. Make no mistake, however, the work that created the race opportunity took a lot longer than that.
I, for one, cannot help but be inspired by watching a long-shot horse catapult from a dead last position in the pack to overtake a lead in a matter of seconds. Leaving all others in the dust (okay mud as the case may be), this small horse was held back until the opportunities opened up and then he made no mistake about it.
The story is just rich with inspiration - following one's dream and doing what you love to do (Borel); contributing what you can and putting forth an effort to create something larger than yourself (Woolley); and then of course the fatalistic series of events that led to the perfect fit between horse, jockey, trainer and owner.
Whether we are lagging behind, running with the pack, or setting the pace while enjoying a lead, opportunities eventually find us as long as we are in the race. This is the American Dream - but you do have to be part of the pursuit to recognize and work the opportunities when they appear. The race in our daily lives is much longer, so a little reminder from Mine That Bird is a welcome one in my book. The two minute race gave us a concise illustration of what the Dream is. Make no mistake, however, the work that created the race opportunity took a lot longer than that.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Fees or Interest?
If a bank "loans" a person $1.12 to clear a written check, then charges $35.00 for the "service", isn't that really a loan and therefore an interest rate as opposed to a "fee"? I mean, they actually loan money to the writer of the check in the process do they not?
I don't know which is worse...
The notion that a grown man AND his 13 year-0ld daughter would engage is such severe animal abuse or that twelve individuals on a jury failed to convict even with an officer witnessing the event:
http://www.equinevoices.org/kachina.php
http://www.equinevoices.org/kachina.php
In the beginning....
My purpose in starting this blog is to provide a forum to share my views on all of the "distractions" I find myself looking into on a regular basis. Most of the time, I do research and find facts on these subjects, resulting in firm opinions that "can be taken to the bank" - atleast from my perspective. At this point the subject matter will be widely varied and who knows if a particular theme or direction develops. Either way, hopefully what I write inspires some thought or even action in others.
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