Bold Contemplations

Eye for an Eye

2009-03-05T08:10:00.004-06:00

[Photo: RedEye by lokiv7]

Everyday when I wake up in the morning, I flip through whatever little nuggets of news someone(?) in the world chooses to make available to my cellphone to read. Nothing earthshattering, but on occasion, there's articles like this one that get me thinking; thought I'd share this one today:

MADRID (AP) — An Iranian woman [Bahrami] living in Spain said Wednesday she welcomed a Tehran court ruling that awards her eye-for-an-eye justice against a suitor who blinded her with acid.
[...]
Late last year an Iranian court ruled that the man — identified only as Majid — who blinded Bahrami in 2004 after she spurned him, should also be blinded with acid based on the Islamic law system of "qisas," or eye-for-an-eye retribution, according to Iranian newspaper reports from November.

Just this idea alone raises questions for me over what justice truly is, and whether punishments like this are for simple revenge, or if they are truly preventing future repeats of the same crime. If someone steals my car, are things really square if I'm allowed to go steal theirs? Does 'eye for an eye' really work any better than our current system of fines/jailtime does now? One person is already blind, does it really square things if we purposely blind someone else?

Anyway, all that aside, there's more to this story, because..

Bahrami [...] said Wednesday that under Iranian law, she is entitled to blind him in only one eye, [...] because in Iran women are not considered equal to men.

"They have told us that my two eyes are equal to one of his because in my country each man is worth two women. [Men and women] are not the same,"

Now, I was already struggling to find actual justice in the punishment, and now I can't even find justice in the justice! If I steal a woman's car, is she only entitled to steal half of my car in return? Only entitled to steal it on every even day of the month?

The whole reason her blindness is so bad, is that she can't see .. anything! Where is the justice in him only losing a portion of his sight? (though, where is the justice in him being blind as well ... neither brings her sight back, so what's the point?)

So, .. go. What's the point? :)

So cute!

2008-11-29T21:19:00.001-06:00

Life according to a dog...

2008-11-23T14:17:00.002-06:00

If a dog was the teacher, you'd learn things like:

When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp, and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days, stop to lie on your back on the grass.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

-- Author unknown

Visualize

2008-11-17T19:42:00.003-06:00

[Photo by monicaA]

What is something that you'd really, really like to see happen in your life,
but have not visualized in a really, really long time?

-- The Univers e

Happiness

2008-11-09T13:01:00.010-06:00

[Photo: Happiness by Sawmibu]

It takes a BIG person to accept full responsibility for their own happiness.

It takes an even BIGGER person to accept full responsibility for their own unhappiness.

But, it takes a spiritual GIANT, who upon realizing any degree of unhappiness, decides to be the change they seek - in spite of having to endure the "same old, same old" that may still linger on for awhile.

-- The Universe

And the winner is...

2008-11-04T19:48:00.006-06:00

[Photo]

GO OBAMA!!

It looks like we are on the right track for change.
We are at an urgent crossroads in America and
I believe Obama is the person to lead us down the right path.
I even teared up a bit this morning when I went to vote.
What a momentous point in American history.

I am ready for a change!

Appreciation

2008-11-02T18:21:00.002-06:00

[Picture by Tim Cummins]

Appreciating what you have little of is easy.

Appreciating what you have lots and lots of takes a spiritual master.

-- www.tut.com

Where the hell is Matt?

2008-10-31T23:15:00.000-05:00

Be happy

2008-10-27T20:11:00.003-05:00

[Photo: A "few" balloons by mortimer?]

The only person you really have to make happy, is you.
-- tut.com

What does it mean?

2008-10-26T12:35:00.003-05:00

What are the implications of the explosive development of technology on our global future? Check out this video for a thought provoking demonstration. (Allow the video a few seconds to load, after you click)

Live Simply

2008-10-26T12:15:00.000-05:00

Remember the five simple rules to be happy:

Free your heart from hatred - Forgive.

Free your mind from worries - Most never happen.

Live simply and appreciate what you have.

Give more.

Expect less.

--Author unknown

McCain == Bush

2008-09-07T14:22:00.001-05:00

DO NOT be blindsided!

THINK before you vote

2008-09-07T14:20:00.000-05:00

Is McCain really the MAVERICK he claims to be??

Self Standards

2008-08-20T11:06:00.003-05:00

[Photo by velomar72]

The only person who should ever have to live by your standards is you.

Let everyone else off the hook.

-- The Universe

Distorted Mind

2008-08-17T22:20:00.002-05:00

[Photo by Harpagornis - resting]

According to Buddhist philosophy,
happiness is the result of an enlightened mind,
whereas suffering is caused by a distorted mind.

This is very important.
A distorted mind,
in contrast to an enlightened mind,
is one that is not in tune with reality.

-- Dalai Lama

Proof there isn't a god

2008-08-13T22:12:00.003-05:00

[Photo by giopuo]

I trust God speaks through me.
Without that, I couldn't do my job.

-- George W. Bush

Success

2008-08-03T18:00:00.002-05:00

[Photo by drp]

Judge your success by what you had
to give up in order to get it.

-- Dalai Lama

Open

2008-07-30T21:10:00.002-05:00

[Photo by ricardo.martins]

Contrary to what would seem like logical thinking,
putting up your defenses actually inspires others
to put up their offenses.

-- The Universe

MUST watch

2008-07-28T22:17:00.002-05:00

This is a MUST watch for everyone -- Randy Pausch's commencement address in May 2008 at CMU. One can never be reminded too many times of the message...

2008-07-28T20:53:00.003-05:00

[Photo by lnsight]

Share your knowledge.

It's a way to achieve immortality.

-- Dalai Lama

Common identity

2008-07-28T20:43:00.004-05:00

[Photo by euthman]

If you and I find common ground as human beings,
we will communicate on a basic level.

If I say, "I am a monk,"or "I am a Buddhist," these are,
in comparison to my nature as a human being, temporary.

To be human is basic, the foundation from which we all arise.

You are born as a human being,
and cannot change that until death.

All else --
whether you are educated or uneducated,
young or old, rich or poor --
is secondary.

-- Dalai Lama

Live the Dream

2008-07-25T23:00:00.001-05:00

Randy Pausch died today of complications from pancreatic cancer. I am reposting his "Last Lecture" in celebration of his life and the unintended legacy he left behind: Live and love each day, as if it is your last. Enjoy.

****
Randy Pausch is a 46 year old professor at Carnegie Mellon, who is dying of pancreatic cancer. He delivered his Last Lecture to an audience of over 40 students, and it has been widely downloaded on the internet. Randy appeared on Oprah and delivered a shortened version of this lecture. His message is exetremely powerful and uplifting, emphasizing the way we should all live!

You don't say....

2008-07-25T22:50:00.002-05:00

[Photo by Michael R. Swigart]

I'm also not very analytical.
You know I don't spend a lot of time
thinking about myself,
about why I do things.

-- George W. Bush,
aboard Air Force One, June 4, 2003

In memory ...

2008-07-21T21:10:00.002-05:00

[Photo by tanakawho]

At a personal level, as a Buddhist practitioner,
I deliberately visualize and think about death in my daily practice.
Death is not separated from our lives.
Due to my research and thoughts about death,
I have some guarantee and some conviction
that it will be a positive experience.

--Dalai Lama

Time to Vote!

2008-07-17T21:10:00.001-05:00

Send a JibJab Sendables® eCard Today!

Risk

2008-07-15T20:50:00.002-05:00

[Photo: Apollo's Prism by m.a.x]

Take into account that
great love
and
great achievements
involve
great risk.

-- Dalai Lama

Presidential Humor

2008-07-06T17:41:00.001-05:00

Jon Stewart at the Ocscars...

Words to live by...

2008-06-24T20:44:00.002-05:00

[Photo by technokitten]

It is said that if you want to know what you were doing in the past,
look at your body now;
if you want to know what will happen to you in the future,
look at what your mind is doing now.

-- Dalai Lama

How old is your brain?

2008-06-23T21:45:00.002-05:00

Take this quick test to find out how "old" your brain is!

The page is written in Japanese, so scan these easy instructions before you click:

Procedure of Flash Game:

1. Touch 'start'

2. Wait for 3, 2, 1.

3. Memorize the number's position on the screen,
then click the circle from the smallest number to the biggest number.

4. At the end of game, computer will tell you how old is your brain.

How old is your brain?

Mine was 22.....

Ugh, another 6 months?

2008-06-17T20:39:00.005-05:00

[Photo: help me by nicdalic]

I'm honored to shake the hand of a brave Iraqi citizen
who had his hand cut off by
Saddam Hussein.

-- George W. Bush, Washington, DC, May 25, 2004

Mindfulness

2008-06-10T20:07:00.003-05:00

[Photo: Freedom by Alternate:Words]

Be kinder than necessary,
because everyone you meet
is fighting some kind of battle.

-- Unknown

Finally the truth!

2008-06-05T21:39:00.003-05:00

[Image by ClintJCL]

I'm the master of low expectations.

-- George W. Bush,
aboard Air Force One, June 4, 2003

Dona Nobis Pacem

2008-06-02T22:25:00.001-05:00

Blogging for Peace
June 4, 2008

Check out peace globes from all over the blogosphere here.

Pain

2008-06-02T21:57:00.003-05:00

[Photo: all the pain by Ali K.

All pain is self-inflicted.

-- The Universe

Maturity

2008-05-27T12:46:00.005-05:00

[Photo: Changhua Coast Conservation Action]

When you understand that your disappointment in another's behavior or choices
always stems from their immaturity, or yours,
rather than their unkindness, or yours,
it becomes much harder not to keep skipping through life,
giddy with joy, smelling the flowers.

Moreover, when you understand that with enough maturity on your end
you can always find peace in all of your relationships,
it becomes much harder not to run down the street
kissing everyone you meet on both cheeks.

-- The Universe

Thoughts

2008-05-26T10:06:00.005-05:00

[Photo by Emuishere Peliculas]

The trick with "thoughts becoming things,"
is remembering that they all do.

-- The Universe

Happiness

2008-05-26T09:52:00.004-05:00

[Photo: Bubbles of Happiness... by Lukman Kusuma]

Happiness is what greases the wheels of life.

It's also what opens the floodgates, marshals the forces, commands the elements,
raises the sun, aligns the starts, beats your heart,
heals what hurts, turns the page, makes new friends, finds true love,
calls the shots, waves the wand, connects the dots,
feeds your mind, feeds your soul, rocks your world,
and pays compound interest.

-- The Universe

Warm Heart

2008-05-22T20:38:00.006-05:00

[Photo by Thai Jasmine]

It is quite simple:
If you do not smile at people, but frown at them,
they respond similarly, don't they?

If you deal with other people in a very sincere, open way,
they behave similarly.

Everybody wants to have friends and does not want enemies.

The proper way to create friends is to have a warm heart,
not simply money or power.

--Dalai Lama

2008-05-19T20:49:00.002-05:00

[Photo by James Gordon]

For every fatal shooting, there were roughly three non-fatal shootings.
And, folks, this is unacceptable in America.
It's just unacceptable.
And we're going to do something about it.

- George W. Bush

IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE.
OBAMA 2008

Play Us Out

2008-05-15T21:58:00.001-05:00

Proof that Bill O'Reilly is a crazy mf both on camera and off...

Patience

2008-05-13T22:22:00.004-05:00

[Photo: tranquility by tobym]

The person who has a tremendous reserve of patience and tolerance
has a certain degree of tranquility and calmness in his or her life.

Such a person is not only happy and more emotionally grounded,
but also seems to be physically healthier
and to experience less illness.

The person possesses a strong will,
has good appetite,
and can sleep with a clear conscience.

--Dalai Lama

2008-05-07T21:10:00.002-05:00

[Photo by Armel*]

When you realize that by changing your perspective,
big things can be seen as little things,
it becomes much harder to worry about anything.

-- TUT.com

Responsible

2008-05-04T13:42:00.005-05:00

[Picture: A Gentle World by futurowoman]

I am convinced that human nature is basically gentle, not aggressive.
And every one of us has a responsibility to act as if all our
thoughts, words, and deeds matter.
For, really, they do.
Our lives have both purpose and meaning.

--Dalai Lama

Cleaning Lady

2008-04-28T20:46:00.005-05:00

[Photo: Naming of Names]

During my second month of college, our professor
gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student
and had breezed through the questions until I read
the last one:

'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?'

Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the
cleaning woman several times. She was tall,
dark-haired and in her 50's, but how would I know her name?

I handed in my paper, leaving the last question
blank. Just before class ended, one student asked if
the last question would count toward our quiz grade.

'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers,
you will meet many people. All are significant. They
deserve your attention and care, even if all you do
is smile and say 'hello.'

--Author Unknown

Priorities

2008-04-26T22:54:00.003-05:00

[Photo by Steve took it]

Actually, when you think about it,
everything boils down to priorities.
Everything.

-- TUT.com

2008-04-15T20:39:00.002-05:00

[Photo: do u fear love?]

Always listen to your doubts.

Not just because they might teach you of your fears, but because,
sometimes, they might teach you of your wisdom.

-- TUT.com

9/11 Skeptics

2008-04-13T11:55:00.002-05:00

Is it REALLY so far fetched to believe that the government staged 9/11??

Intertwined

2008-04-05T19:19:00.002-05:00

[Photo: Sock Creature]

The creatures that inhabit this earth --
be they human beings or animals --
are here to contribute, each in its own particular way,
to the beauty and prosperity of the world.

-- Dalai Lama

huh?

2008-03-31T19:44:00.002-05:00

[Image posted by dannyman]

And there is a distrust in Washington.
I am surprised, frankly, at the amount of distrust that exists in this town.
And I'm sorry it's the case, and I'll work hard to try to elevate it.

--George W. Bush, speaking on NPR, January 29, 2007

Emptiness

2008-03-29T20:56:00.003-05:00

[Photo: Opening into Emptiness by SriHarsha PVSS]

If your mind is empty, it is always ready for anything;
it is open to everything.

In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities;
in the expert's mind there are few.
-Shunryu Suzuki

Agitation

2008-03-25T21:14:00.004-05:00

[Photo: Council of Ents by stitch]

The world is facing a lot of new problems, most of which are man made.
The root cause of these man made problems is the inability of human beings
to control their agitated minds.
--Dalai Lama

Impatience

2008-03-24T19:39:00.005-05:00

[Photo: Impatience by Lev]

Impatience is a sign of hurrying;
hurrying is a sign of worrying;
worrying is a sign of fear;
and fear is a sign that someone has temporarily forgotten to change their thoughts, and therefore their "things."
--TUT

2008-03-24T19:33:00.003-05:00

[Photo: Light of Wisdom - VI by carf]

Those who are not spiritually wise simply cannot appreciate,
or even recognize, those who are.
--TUT

Must Watch

2008-03-19T18:51:00.002-05:00

Barack Obama's speech on race, "A More Perfect Union." Finally, as Jon Stewart put it and unbelievable as it may seem, a politician speaking to the people as if they are adults! It's good to hear some truth and sense coming from a politician. If this is a genuine, heartfelt speech on his part, I can only imagine what progress can be made in our country under his leadership. Go Barack!

Compassion

2008-03-18T18:49:00.003-05:00

[Photo: A Monk's Compassion by Marc Shandro]

The key to a happier world is the growth of compassion.
We do not need to become religious, nor do we need to believe in an ideology.
All that is necessary is for each of us to develop our good human qualities.
-- The Dalai Lama

The Solution

2008-03-11T20:03:00.005-05:00

[Photo by gwENvision]

[President Bush] says that if we need to, we can lower the temperature dramatically just by switching from Fahrenheit to Celsius.

-- Jimmy Kimmel

Moonvertising?

2008-03-08T21:31:00.002-06:00

[Photo: Moonvertising by lokiv7]

When will advertising finally have gone too far? At what point will someone finally notice that I don't click on banner ads, or text ads, or the 30-second ads before online videos? I don't pick up the phone when they advertise things on TV or on the radio. I don't open the daily books of coupons I get in the mail. They get thrown away. Every 3 days I get something from Comcast asking me to dump my phone line and dsl, and switch to their competing product. Do they think the 67th new font presenting the same bad deal is going to sway me?

WHY(!) do these companies think I'm going to do these things? Are all of you out there clicking banners and buying goofy trinkets from the TV just because there's a model reading "This is awesome!" off of a card? Is anyone?

Granted, the moon thing isn't even technically possible with what the moon's made of, along with the incredible amount of energy you'd need. But honestly, if it were possible, would you put it past some marketing exec somewhere to broadcast a neverending Swoosh(tm) up onto the moon?

... are you their target audience? Have you been wishing you could see more logos everywhere you look, and currently find it annoying that you aren't sure what kind of shoe to buy while you're out with a loved one at midnight staring up at the moon?

Is this the technology you've been waiting for? :)

2008-02-18T11:37:00.004-06:00

[Photo: Winter Sunset by christianrobinson]

True brilliance is not a function of understanding one's view of the world and finding order, logic, and spirituality in it. True brilliance is understanding that your view of order, logic, and spirituality is what created your world.

And therefore being forever capable of changing everything.

-- The Universe

Change

2008-02-05T23:05:00.001-06:00

[Photo by radiospike photography]

We are the ones we have been waiting for.
We are the change that we seek.

--Barack Obama

You are what you think

2008-02-03T12:44:00.000-06:00

[Photo: Good thoughts, or bad... by carf]

All that we are is the result of what we have thought.
--Buddha

Insight

2008-01-31T22:42:00.000-06:00

[Photo: Butterfly Effect by marirs]

Your bad mood serves your enemy.
--Dalai Lama

Obama for President!

2008-01-31T19:53:00.000-06:00

If I were Hillary, I'd be embarrassed. Is this the type of righteousness and arrogance we want in the White House? Sounds a little too familiar for comfort... Go Barack!

Imagine

2008-01-31T19:10:00.000-06:00

[Photo: Give to humanity... by Aphrodite]

When I speak about love and compassion, I do so not as a Buddhist, nor as a Tibetan, nor as the Dalai Lama. I do so as one human being speaking with another. I hope that you at this moment will think of yourself as a human being rather than as an American, Asian, European, African, or member of any particular country. These loyalties are secondary.

-- Dalai Lama

Imagine what our world could be if all just believed in and valued our most base elements...

Enough

2007-12-09T20:38:00.000-06:00

[Photo by Beyond Forgetting]

I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.

-- Author Unknown

Would you?

2007-12-09T18:02:00.000-06:00

[Photo: bunn-gas by lokiv7]

So, I thought this story was kind of interesting, and genuinely wondered what I'd do. Thought I'd post and ask you, too. :)

If you drove up to a gas station, late at night (no one present working the store, but the gas pumps are still accepting credit cards), and you notice the pumps have been (obviously accidentally) set to charge $0.33 per gallon of gas...

Do you fill up and high tail it out of there? Do you call and tell someone? Do you come back with a 50 gallon drum? :)

Do you feel it's stealing? Does the company have a right to ask for its money back?

If it was reversed, and the pump was accidentally set to $30.33 per gallon, and a customer inadvertantly filled their tank up, does your opinion still hold? Is the customer out of luck, or do they have a right to ask for their money back?

The president is an aetheist!

2007-12-03T21:27:00.000-06:00

[Photo: Separation of Church and State by iampeas]

I was watching The View this morning. during the Hot Topics segment, one of the panelists asserted that she could never support a president or presidential candidate who does not have faith in God or a higher power. I found her comments very intriguing, especially given the fundamental principal of the separation of church and state that our country was built on. (Not that our current president has been a great advocate of it...)

I began wondering about the following:

What qualities does a president who does not believe in a higher power lack that would cause him to be an ineffective leader?

How does a belief in a higher power better qualify you to lead a democratic nation?

What higher power is it acceptable for the president to believe in? The Christian God? Buddha? Allah?

Is a president with a strong faith more likely to deny citizens secular rights that do not agree with his/her beliefs? (*ahem* Mr. Bush)

What do you think?

9/11 Mystery Plane

2007-12-02T13:19:00.001-06:00

No end in sight?

2007-11-18T23:52:00.000-06:00

I highly recommend the documentary No End in Sight, which recently came out on DVD. It is a thought provoking piece of work that adds to the evidence strongly suggesting that the invasion of Iraq was far from a humanitarian effort and was not motivated by security concerns. The documentary suggests that the debacle that was/is the Iraq invasion and occupation has been orchestrated by a small number of inept and smug people, ultimately leading to virtual hell on earth for many Iraqis.

Take a look at the trailer:

Outdated, but still hilarious

2007-10-21T14:54:00.001-05:00

This Land! | Funny Jokes at JibJab

May the best man -- or woman -- win!

2007-10-08T22:08:00.000-05:00

[Photo by lokiv7] -- Be sure to take a look at loki's new ventures into photography by browsing through his flickr album! And, be sure to say hi!

Who's your man? Oops -- or woman?

Do you know which presidential candidate most closely represents the issues that are important to you? Or, more importantly, are you even familiar with all the candidates that are running in the primary?

If not, don't fret and hurry to visit the Candidate Calculator! After you complete a short survey to detail what issues are important to you (don't forget to specify a priority for each issue), the site will report which candidate best represents your values. It will also provide a list of the runner-ups in each party.

I was quite surprised as to which candidate matched my profile -- unfortunately he is likely not a contender!

Let me know what you think.

Imagini VisualDNA

2007-10-02T19:00:00.000-05:00

[Photo by j / f / photos]

A fun little personality test can be found here.

When you link on to this web page, a series of 12 pictures will come up.

Click on the photo that you feel fits your preference for the current category --
if you feel that none of the pictures are appropriate, choose the blank box.

Continue through the categories and at the end it will offer a profile of yourself.

My profile:
Mood -- Wild Cat
Fun -- Conqueror
Habits -- Junkie Monkey
Love -- Love bug

Enjoy!

How accurate were your results?

Faith?

2007-09-28T20:53:00.000-05:00

[Photo: Faith by sspantherss]

How to Believe in God
Six Easy Steps
By Sam Harris

1. First, you must want to believe in God.
2. Next, understand that believing in God in the absence of evidence is especially noble.
3. Then, realize that the human ability to believe in God in the absence of evidence might itself constitute evidence for the existence of God.
4. Now consider any need for further evidence (both in yourself and in others) to be a form of temptation, spiritually unhealthy, or a corruption of the intellect.
5. Refer to steps 2-4 as acts of “faith.”
6. Return to 2.

9/11 news broadcasts of 2nd "plane's" impact

2007-09-24T23:40:00.000-05:00

I know many may think I am beating a dead horse, but I find all the September 11 conspiracies extremely interesting and compelling. This video compares the impact of the 2nd "plane" as shown on various news channels. Very thought provoking... Join the fight for the truth!

SEPTEMBER CLUES part8

Ahmadinejad

2007-09-24T22:04:00.000-05:00

[photo by youngobv]

Iranian president, Ahmadinejad, spoke at Columbia University today at the protest of many. He also wished to visit Ground Zero, but his request was denied. He commented on this as follows:

QUESTION: One is, what did you hope to accomplish by speaking at Columbia today? And the second is, what would you have said if you were permitted to visit the site of the September 11th tragedy?

AHMADINEJAD (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Well, here, I'm your guest. I've been invited by Columbia, an official invitation given for me to come here. But I do want to say something here.

In Iran, when you invite a guest, you respect them. This is our tradition, required by our culture. And I know that American people have that culture, as well. Last year, I wanted to go to the site of the September 11th tragedy to show respect to the victims of the tragedy, to show my sympathy with their families.

But our plans got overextended. We were involved in negotiations and meetings until midnight. And they said it would be very difficult to go visit the site at that late hour of the night. So, I told my friends then that they need to plan this for the following year so that I can go and visit the site and to show my respects.

Regretfully, some groups had very strong reactions, very bad reactions. It's bad for someone to prevent someone to show sympathy to the families of the victims of the September 11 event -- tragic event. This is a respect from my side. Somebody told me this is an insult. I said, "What are you saying? This is my way of showing my respect. Why would you think that?"

Thinking like that, how do you expect to manage the world and world affairs?

AHMADINEJAD (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): Don't you think that a lot of problems in the world come from the way you look at issues because of this kind of way of thinking, because of this sort of pessimistic approach toward a lot of people, because of a certain level of selfishness, self-absorption that needs to be put aside so that we can show respect to everyone, to allow an environment for friendship to grow, to allow all nations to talk with one another and move toward peace?

What was the second question?

I wanted to speak with the press. The September 11th tragic event was a huge event. It led to a lot of many other events afterwards. After 9/11 Afghanistan was occupied, and then Iraq was occupied. And for six years in our region there is insecurity, terror and fear.

If the root causes of 9/11 are examined properly -- why it was happened, what caused it, what were the conditions that led to it, who truly was involved, who was really involved -- and put it all together to understand how to prevent the crisis in Iraq, fix the problem in Afghanistan and Iraq combined.

Why do you think he was not allowed to visit Ground Zero? Are we causing further rifts by denying his requests? Do the concerns he raised have any merit?

His comments seem to be well thought out and not far from the truth. But it is hard to take any man with seriousness when he says the following:

QUESTION: Mr. President, another student asks -- Iranian women are now denied basic human rights and your government has imposed draconian punishments, including execution on Iranian citizens who are homosexuals. Why are you doing those things?
...
AHMADINEJAD (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In Iran, we don't have homosexuals, like in your country.

(LAUGHTER)

We don't have that in our country.

(AUDIENCE BOOING)

AHMADINEJAD (THROUGH TRANSLATOR): In Iran, we do not have this phenomenon. I don't know who's told you that we have it.

(LAUGHTER)

Liars.

2007-09-15T00:21:00.000-05:00

Why is there not a greater movement for ANSWERS? The more I read and research, the angrier I become. It seems we are just pawns in the crazy chess game played by those we entrusted our lives and safety to.

Read Frank Rich's The Greatest Truth Ever Sold for an overview of how Bush's version of reality appears to vastly differ from actual reality.

Huh?

2007-09-15T00:17:00.000-05:00

Come again, Mr. President? You saw the first plane hit the WTC? On TV? Outside the school?
Your statement is equally disturbing whether it is fact or fiction.

My Apologies, Mr. President

2007-09-13T18:36:00.000-05:00

[Picture: Muddy Camera Guy by bowers95713]

Finally proof that our president DOES have a clue and is likely smarter than he looks...and acts. Those of us who purported that the invasion of Iraq was a self-serving, power trip intended to line the pockets of Bush and his cronies with cash were SO wrong. Thanks to Washington University in St. Louis, the real motivation is no longer a mystery!

What is this up-till-now well kept secret?

It really is quite ingenious.

Apparently, Bush is actually waging a secret war against the ever growing girth of Americans, using al Qaeda only as a scape goat.

That's right -- as absurd as it sounds. A new study demonstrates that as gas prices climb, obesity rates decline. Apparently, people forgo McDonald's and Burger King to gas up their SUV's or decide to dust off the bike or walking shoes in lieu of jumping in the car. What better way to motivate Americans to shed those pesky pounds?

Perhaps we have even uncovered the reason why the Bush administration fails to actively support preventative measures for global warming. The special interest groups and lobbyists must have nothing to do with it after all.

Therefore, Mr. President, I must apologize for ever insinuating that the interests of the everyday American citizen have been the furthest from your mind since you stepped into the oval office -- the shape of America is definitely in your hands.

Bushism

2007-09-13T09:20:00.000-05:00

[Picture: The MisEducation of George W. Bush by Comandante Agi]

"Either we will succeed, or we won't succeed."
-- George W. Bush

Yes, Bushisms are old hat by now. But I just heard this one on CNN and I couldn't help but marvel at the motivational rhetoric of our commander in chief. Plus, it's a great reason to publish the above picture!

September 11, 2007

2007-09-10T19:03:00.000-05:00

[Photo: In Memory... by free2bjcphotos]

The greatest homage that can be paid to those who died on this day in 2001, and in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past 6 years, is to never stop seeking the truth.

Together

Together we have been through a monstrosity,
a test of endurance and strength.
Together we have watched, glued to new information as the situation unravels.
Together we have expressed our confusion,
anger, and sadness.
Together we have mourned silently, love
lost and lives departed.
Together we shall see this as an opportunity
to make right what once went wrong.
Jennifer Kay Tracy, from poetry.com

Copyright ©2007 Jennifer Tracy

They say that September 11, 2001 was the "day that changed our country forever."

How much truth is there in this statement? Was the change fleeting? Was the change positive? Negative? What evidence of the change is visible in our country today?

Two Watches

2007-09-06T21:09:00.000-05:00

[Photo: watch faces by cbcastro]

"A man with one watch knows what time it is;
a man with two watches is never quite sure."
--Lee Segall

Looking for some fresh quality blog material? Check out my brother's inaugural adventure into the blogosphere, Two Watches. He describes his blog as follows:

It seems to me that the majority of the world is caravaning through life with two watches, and this includes myself. Through these writings, and of course rants, I hope to lose one of these watches and know exactly where I am at the right time. I am hoping to talk through my world and find profoundness not only in my words, but in my life.

Hurry and click over to Two Watches to check out Frank's ramblings -- and don't forget to drop him a line and say hello!

A Perfect Circle

2007-09-05T19:08:00.000-05:00

This video will likely turn many people off, but I think it is extremely well done. It well characterizes what our country has become over the past 6 years -- filled with people who are hypnotized by Bush's rhetoric of greed, power, and hate. Most are too afraid to even question the garbage they have been spoon fed by the media for reasons I don't understand. Is it a fear of being dubbed unpatriotic? Or a fear of what the truth may be?

Our ignorance is their bliss....the truth is out there.

This is the video for the song, Counting bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war drums, by A Perfect Circle. What a great song. A link to the words is here.

Rhythm of the War Drums

2007-09-04T20:50:00.000-05:00

"Three million souls can be starved and murdered in the Congo, and our Argus-eyed media scarcely blink.
When a princess dies in a car accident, however, a quarter of the earth's population falls prostrate with grief.

Perhaps we are unable to feel what we must feel to change our world."

--Sam Harris, The End of Faith

The Rabbit Hole

2007-09-02T12:19:00.000-05:00

No evidence of a plane at the Pentagon and no evidence of the same in Shanksville. Do we really have evidence of Boeing passenger jets at the WTC? Seeing isn't always believing....

the rabbit hole

For more information about the "no plane" theory, visit here. Watch each of the seven 10 minute videos in numbered order.

Technorati tags: September 11, September 11 conspiracy, 9/11 conspiracy, no plane theory

Secrets

2007-08-19T17:30:00.000-05:00

"There are two kinds of secrets:
those we keep from others,
and the ones we hide from ourselves."
--Frank

What are you hiding from others and yourself?

How would releasing your secrets change your life?

Check out the Post Secrets project

Technorati tags: secrets, Post Secrets

What a difference 10 years and some cash make...

2007-08-15T22:05:00.000-05:00

Perhaps Cheney needs to have his memory checked in addition to his heart!

A 3rd plane?

2007-06-18T19:56:00.000-05:00

Was there another plane in restricted NY air space on 9/11?

Amalgam Virgo

2007-06-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

Amalgam Virgo was a military defense exercise that took place in June 2001. Was it a bit too similar to 9/11?

Top 10...

2007-06-04T13:38:00.000-05:00

Top 10 Reasons why the 9-11 Hijackers were fabricated...

Help!

2007-05-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

Are we really this clueless?

The Biggest Lie?

2007-05-27T10:58:00.000-05:00

Why Doubt the government's explanation for 9/11? Read here for a brief overview.

In this video, 9/11: What We Know Now that We Didn't Know Then, Prof. James Fetzer provides a great in depth explanation of some of the contradictory evidence. It's long so you may want to watch in parts. Revisit the video here.

Scholars for 9/11 Truth

Cicadas

2007-05-15T20:02:00.000-05:00

In the moment

2007-05-12T00:27:00.000-05:00

[Photo: Forest by photoreciprocity]

"... Now is the only place life ever is,
always new and full of marvelous things.
And what more could we ask for?"
--Richard Pitcairn

Inquiring Minds

2007-05-07T21:58:00.000-05:00

[Photo: Feel the rain on your skin by ???]

If people could truly read your mind,
what would they discover that you think about most often?

Question selected from The Conversation Piece 2.

Perplexed

2007-05-04T12:49:00.000-05:00

[Photo: immigration by: eeyorenada]

I appreciate the emotional and legal complexity of the immigration issues facing the United States at this time. On May 1, many rallied in major cities across the country to urge law makers to develop humane and fair policies regarding illegal immigrants. However, I found it quite ironic and perplexing to see those demonstrating for illegal immigrants to have the right to remain in the US waving and wearing Mexican flags and carrying demonstration signs in Spanish.

Perhaps they should rethink their tactics......?

The nerve!

2007-04-01T12:21:00.000-05:00

[Photo: Guantanamo graffiti by burge5000]

Isn't it peculiar how horrified we are that Iran would have the nerve to reach beyond the extent of their borders, capture military personnel on trumped up charges, and then hold them against all notions of justice?

What would make them think we'd stand by and let that happen?

Conflict

2007-03-27T19:06:00.000-05:00

From "Tweedledum and Tweedledee"
by Lewis Carroll

Tweedledum and Tweedledee
Agreed to have a battle;
For Tweedledum said Tweedledee
Had spoiled his nice new rattle.

Just then flew down a monstrous crow,
As black as a tar-barrel;
Which frightened both the heroes so,
They quite forgot their quarrel.

Do you choose your battles wisely?

Assinine

2007-03-19T19:45:00.000-05:00

[Photo by wiseacre photo]

Being an animal lover and the owner of 2 dogs and a rabbit, I was naturally concerned when I heard about the extensive pet food recall that was announced over the weekend. Thankfully, none of the foods I feed my dogs were on the list, but my heart went out to those pet owners who are affected. The manufacturer of the pet foods noted that they were not definitively sure as to the cause of the potentially poisonous food, but speculated that it may be related to a new supplier of gluten.

I assumed that the company would conduct tests on the food to determine what may be causing illness, but never did I imagine that they would test it by feeding it to healthy animals and observing the effects. I thought I had surely misread the title of this news article, "FDA: Tests of suspect pet food killed 7 animals," but unfortunately I hadn't.

During those tests, the company fed its product to 40 to 50 dogs and cats and some seven animals — the mix of species was not immediately known — died, Sundlof said. The contamination appeared more deadly to cats than to dogs, he said.

DUH! What are they thinking? "We suspect that this food kills animals, so let's torture some innocent animals for the hell of it?" I can't rationalize this. Aren't there better ways to test for the noxious ingredient? Especially when they have a very good idea of where the source of the problem lies? Is this how pet food companies test new concepts for food?

When the spinach e-coli breakout occurred, did we feed it to otherwise healthy humans to confirm the problem? To determine which brands really were lethal? It was probably fed to some poor lab animals just to confirm what was already known. I just don't get it; maybe I am just too naive.

Change of Direction

2007-03-18T22:13:00.000-05:00

[Photo: M Tree by Olivier Daaram]

"If we don't change the direction we are headed,
we will end up where we are going."
-- Chinese Proverb

In what areas of your life might you be ready for a change of direction?

Assimilation

2007-02-19T18:32:00.000-06:00

[Photo: musing by gagah]

Today's fast-paced world filled with instant gratification often leads to short attention spans and poor communication and listening skills.

How well do you absorb information and follow directions?

Take this fun test to find out!

How far did you get on your first try?

Hypocrites

2007-02-19T11:46:00.000-06:00

[Photo: Buy Cigarettes by ambergris]

Please stop the hypocrisy. Lawmakers have taken away our freedom of choice in many areas, supposedly in efforts to preserve the good of the common welfare. We can't ride in a car without a seat belt. We can't eat trans-fats. We can't partake in recreational drugs. However, they have consistently back peddled regarding cigarettes. What's worse? French fries with lunch or 2 packs a day?

R.J. Reynold's recent press announcing a new line of cigarettes meant to attract more women smokers to the Camel brand really annoyed me. Why are such blatant dangers to public health allowed such public press and advertising? The legality of promoting such a lethal drug makes no sense. If I don't wear a seat belt, I am the only person who will suffer the potential consequences. However, lighting-up indirectly affects me as well as all those around me.

Obviously, the answer to my questions is money. But how can those who directly and indirectly profit from the sale and advertising of cigarettes not consider their gains to be blood money? How can one morally choose financial gain by knowingly abetting a deadly addiction? I don't think I would be able to sleep at night if it was me.

Technorati tags: Camel, cigarettes, R.J. Reynolds