INTERESTING: Beck’s astute observation

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

http://www.theblaze.com/stories/2013/08/15/becks-fascinating-breakdown-of-the-obl-situation-room-photo-and-how-what-obama-doesnt-have-in-front-of-him-is-incredibly-telling/

POLITICS
BECK’S FASCINATING BREAKDOWN OF THE OBL SITUATION ROOM PHOTO — AND HOW WHAT OBAMA DOESN’T HAVE IN FRONT OF HIM IS INCREDIBLY TELLING
Aug. 15, 2013 4:42pm Erica Ritz

*** begin quote ***

How closely have you looked at the now-historic photo of the White House Situation Room during the Osama bin Laden raid?

On his radio show Thursday — in light of recent claims that President Obama said “I can’t watch this entire thing” and played about “15 games of Spades” during the 2011 raid — Glenn Beck took a closer look at everything from the president’s lack of a seat at the table to what the commander in chief’s motivations may have been for reportedly opting to be absent for a large part of the proceedings.

*** end quote ***

An excellent observation!

A picture IS worth a thousand words.

Who is in charge?

Biden!

The General!

No one?

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INTERESTING: Fifty Questions

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Because sometimes asking the right questions is the answer.

  1. How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?

    I feel 40. What difference do the numbers mean?

  2. Which is worse, failing or never trying?

    Failure is is always worth.

  3. If life is so short, why do we do so many things we don’t like and like so many things we don’t do?

    We “have” to. Either to satisfy an external figure or an inner delusion.

  4. When it’s all said and done, will you have said more than you’ve done?

    Absolutely more said. Often doing is some much easier than selling or claiming.

  5. What is the one thing you’d most like to change about the world?

    The hypocrisy of politicians and their corruption.

  6. If happiness was the national currency, what kind of work would make you rich?

    Working as a health care advocate for sick folks.

  7. Are you doing what you believe in, or are you settling for what you are doing?

    Always what I believe in; otherwise who cares.

  8. If the average human life span was 40 years, how would you live your life differently?

    Skip chasing the dollar and take sabbaticals.

  9. To what degree have you actually controlled the course your life has taken?

    Not at all. I made “choices” but who knows if they controlled anything.

  10. Are you more worried about doing things right, or doing the right things?

    Doing the right things. Often just doing them is “good enough”.

  11. You’re having lunch with three people you respect and admire.  They all start criticizing a close friend of yours, not knowing she is your friend.  The criticism is distasteful and unjustified.  What do you do?

    Even if the criticism is justified, I must defend my friend. If they talk about my friend behind their back, then they will do the same for me. Beware!

  12. If you could offer a newborn child only one piece of advice, what would it be?

    Keep a diary of your entire life. You’ll forget the details. And, you won’t learn the lessons of your personal history.

  13. Would you break the law to save a loved one?

    Absolutely!

  14. Have you ever seen insanity where you later saw creativity?

    No.

  15. What’s something you know you do differently than most people?

    Don’t keep track of details.

  16. How come the things that make you happy don’t make everyone happy?

    I’m weird!

  17. What one thing have you not done that you really want to do?  What’s holding you back?

    Go to Alaska. Conflicts with an opportunity that is currently more important that Alaska which isn’t going anywhere.

  18. Are you holding onto something you need to let go of?

    My past.

  19. If you had to move to a state or country besides the one you currently live in, where would you move and why?

    New Hampshire because all the crazy lIbertarians are there.

  20. Do you push the elevator button more than once?  Do you really believe it makes the elevator faster?

    No.

  21. Would you rather be a worried genius or a joyful simpleton?

    How would I know the difference?

  22. Why are you, you?

    More worried genius than joyful simpleton, but that may be debated.

  23. Have you been the kind of friend you want as a friend?

    I hope so.

  24. Which is worse, when a good friend moves away, or losing touch with a good friend who lives right near you?

    I’ve had friends move away; never lost touch with one close by. So the move is away.

  25. What are you most grateful for?

    Finding my sulmate.

  26. Would you rather lose all of your old memories, or never be able to make new ones?

    Never make new ones. The best years of my life are behind me.

  27. Is is possible to know the truth without challenging it first?

    Yes. A priori knowledge comes from the Creator.

  28. Has your greatest fear ever come true?

    Yes, my spouse passed. Knew it was coming for 35 years. It did.

  29. Do you remember that time 5 years ago when you were extremely upset?  Does it really matter now?

    Yes. Yes. I think the medical profession screwed up. I believe it made a long term difference.

  30. What is your happiest childhood memory?  What makes it so special?

    Read to the old nuns in First Grade instead of being stuck in Yack In The Box class. I was helping them and enjoying what I did. They felt that they were helping me.

  31. At what time in your recent past have you felt most passionate and alive?

    When the Critical Care doc took my charts and said to the other docs that “The husband has the answer here in these charts if we just look at them.” Made me feel vindicated in my anal record keeping.

  32. If not now, then when?

    Had my moment in the sun. Don’t know if it did any good. The final outcome was pre-destined.

  33. If you haven’t achieved it yet, what do you have to lose?

    Done.

  34. Have you ever been with someone, said nothing, and walked away feeling like you just had the best conversation ever?

    When my wife’s near last words were: “Thank you for all youv’e done for me. I love you.” I was too choked to say anything.

  35. Why do religions that support love cause so many wars?

    Everyone has the “truth” and they ignore the Dali Lama’s “We are all fingers on the same hand.”

  36. Is it possible to know, without a doubt, what is good and what is evil?

    Yes, certain principles are universal.

  37. If you just won a million dollars, would you quit your job?

    No.

  38. Would you rather have less work to do, or more work you actually enjoy doing?

    More.

  39. Do you feel like you’ve lived this day a hundred times before?
    No.

  40. When was the last time you marched into the dark with only the soft glow of an idea you strongly believed in?

    Never.

  41. If you knew that everyone you know was going to die tomorrow, who would you visit today?

    No one. They know how I feel and I can’t help them.

  42. Would you be willing to reduce your life expectancy by 10 years to become extremely attractive or famous?

    Yeah, sure. Like that could happen.

  43. What is the difference between being alive and truly living?

    The passion and joy that you feel.

  44. When is it time to stop calculating risk and rewards, and just go ahead and do what you know is right?

    Always.

  45. If we learn from our mistakes, why are we always so afraid to make a mistake?

    Because there are two types of mistakes, above and below the waterline. People don’t understand and hence all mistakes are treated as bad.

  46. What would you do differently if you knew nobody would judge you?

    Nothing.

  47. When was the last time you noticed the sound of your own breathing?

    Every day when I meditate.

  48. What do you love?  Have any of your recent actions openly expressed this love?

    I believe so.

  49. In 5 years from now, will you remember what you did yesterday?  What about the day before that?  Or the day before that?

    No. No. And, no. Nothing is memorable.

  50. Decisions are being made right now.  The question is:  Are you making them for yourself, or are you letting others make them for you?

    Making them for myself. Flipping a coin if needed.

    –30–


INTERESTING: TheHappy Meal’s Eternal Life

Monday, August 12, 2013

http://youtu.be/FoFpsUvaJlE

This Is Why You Shouldn’t Eat Happy Meals — Six Months of a Happy Meal’s Eternal Life

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In a one minute time-lapse video, it convinces me to stay away from fast food. 

Even though, it tastes good. It can’ the good for you?

Seems like it can’t even grow mold?

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INTERESTING: Let kids loose

Friday, August 9, 2013

http://www.today.com/moms/kids-jeopardy-controversy-offers-lesson-losing-6C10851874

“Don’t let children win.”

Here is ONE big difference between Frau Reinke and I. (Which we discussed, until I was dismissed with: “Having none, you’re an expert”!)

I would NEVER ever let any child win. When they won, they knew they had beat me fair and square.

Sorry, but I never ought into self-esteem .

Laff, I’d give anything to have that debate again.

I’ll leave it to the children to comment about it.

–30–


INTERESTING: A more universal power that animates everything

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/radio-preacher.html

The Moral Code We All Forget to Follow
Dr. Steven Farmer
August 3, 2013
3:50 pm

*** begin quote ***

I tuned into a radio station where a very enthusiastic preacher was giving his sermon. As I noted in my book Sacred Ceremony, I’d learned to appreciate all the different ways we humans try to reach God, no matter the face and clothing of any particular religion or spiritual practice. It all comes down to different ways we try to get or remain in touch with Great Spirit, Source, Creator, All-That-Is, or whatever term you want to apply here. It’s still God. Maybe not in the sense of a really big guy with a long white beard watching for you to make the wrong moves, but a more universal power that animates everything in the heavens and on Earth.

*** end quote ***

As a fat old white guy injineer, I was always moved but the “watchmaker” argument about the existence of God. Then, I played roulette for a while and thought about random number. When my head hurt, I filed the whole topic under: “Stuff I don’t understand”.

I read something that said human beings are unique in that they can understand “death” and yet go on their daily business ignoring it. As well as, whole parts of their conflicted understanding. Sort of like modern day crazy people. 

I have trouble when “life” smacks you in the face and you can’t ignore the loss of a loved one. Or just go on pretending.

Haven’t figured that out either.

That “Stuff I don’t understand” folder is getting bigger every day!

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INTERESTING: Asiana 214 animation

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

http://youtu.be/JhoAfgYhhs0

Asiana 214 ver 2

John Suchocki

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The pilot really missed the glide path.

Don’t know enough to make any comment.

Seems that all systems and people failed.

Was any one watching from the tower?

Why was the rescue response so slow?

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INTERESTING: 57 million overseas Chinese created as much wealth as the one billion people living in China

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

http://lewrockwell.com/sowell/sowell139.html

The Mindset of the Left
by Thomas Sowell

*** begin quote ***

When teenage thugs are called “troubled youth” by people on the political left, that tells us more about the mindset of the left than about these young hoodlums.

Seldom is there a speck of evidence that the thugs are troubled, and often there is ample evidence that they are in fact enjoying themselves, as they create trouble and dangers for others.

Why then the built-in excuse, when juvenile hoodlums are called “troubled youth” and mass murderers are just assumed to be “insane”?

*** and ***

The political left has long claimed the role of protector of “the poor.” It is one of their central moral claims to political power. But how valid is this claim?

Leaders of the left in many countries have promoted policies that enable the poor to be more comfortable in their poverty. But that raises a fundamental question: Just who are “the poor”?

If you use a bureaucratic definition of poverty as including all individuals or families below some arbitrary income level set by the government, then it is easy to get the kinds of statistics about “the poor” that are thrown around in the media and in politics. But do those statistics have much relationship to reality?

“Poverty” once had some concrete meaning – not enough food to eat or not enough clothing or shelter to protect you from the elements, for example. Today it means whatever the government bureaucrats, who set up the statistical criteria, choose to make it mean. And they have every incentive to define poverty in a way that includes enough people to justify welfare state spending.

Most Americans with incomes below the official poverty level have air-conditioning, television, own a motor vehicle and, far from being hungry, are more likely than other Americans to be overweight. But an arbitrary definition of words and numbers gives them access to the taxpayers’ money.

This kind of “poverty” can easily become a way of life, not only for today’s “poor,” but for their children and grandchildren.

*** and ***

If our goal is for people to get out of poverty, there are plenty of heartening examples of individuals and groups who have done that, in countries around the world.

Millions of “overseas Chinese” emigrated from China destitute and often illiterate in centuries past. Whether they settled in Southeast Asian countries or in the United States, they began at the bottom, taking hard, dirty and sometimes dangerous jobs.

Even though the overseas Chinese were usually paid little, they saved out of that little, and many eventually opened tiny businesses. By working long hours and living frugally, they were able to turn tiny businesses into larger and more prosperous businesses. Then they saw to it that their children got the education that they themselves often lacked.

By 1994, the 57 million overseas Chinese created as much wealth as the one billion people living in China.

*** end quote ***

In one short article, Sowell nails our problem:

(1) low expectations by making excuses for evil;

(2) “poverty” has a poor definition and has become an “industry”; and

(3) poor immigrants seem to thrive.

Gooferment IS the problem.

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INTERESTING: Living longer?

Sunday, July 7, 2013

http://www.impactlab.net/2013/07/04/109913/

July 4th, 2013 at 8:15 am
Top 3 challenges of longevity
in: Health & Fitness,Latest Trend,Science & Technology News

*** begin quote ***

In developed nations people are living longer. There are increases in life expectancy at birth ranging from 2.7 years in Greece to 5.1 years in Ireland, between 1990 and 2010.This longevity rise has been attributed to improving health factors, better lifestyles and medical advances. This is giving us reasons to celebrate, but what are the challenges of living longer?

*** end quote ***

Money?

Nursing homes?

Dementia?

Cost of health care?

Seems that the Gooferment has really messed up pensions, Social Security, and now is aiming at health care.

Issue crossword puzzle books to everyone. Sudoku works for the Japanese.

Argh!

Money is a whole other issue. Keep working, slave!

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INTERESTING: Sleep = Weight?

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

http://lifehacker.com/the-less-you-sleep-the-more-weight-you-gain-647587090

The Less You Sleep, the More Weight You Gain

*** begin quote ***

If you need more convincing to finally fix your sleep deprivation problem, here it is: A new sleep study has found people who lose a lot of sleep eat more fatty foods and gain more weight.

The study, from researchers at the University of Pennsylvania, confirms several other similar studies conducted over the past few years. This one is pretty significant, because it used the largest, most diverse sample to date—225 healthy adults ages 22 to 50—and it was done in a controlled sleep lab.

*** end quote ***

So that’s my problem?

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INTERESTING: You can’t make this stuff up!

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

http://www.geekosystem.com/testicles-taste/

Tuesday, July 2nd 2013 at 2:15 pm
Testicles Have Taste Receptors, And They May Be Pretty Important To Fertility
By Glen Tickle 

*** begin quote ***

Our tongues have taste receptors, obviously, but it turns out that’s not the only place we have them. Taste receptors are found all over the body — even in the testicles. Scientists don’t understand what the taste receptors outside of our tongue do, but they’ve recently discovered that the taste receptors in the testicles of male mice are important to fertility.

*** end quote ***

I can’t even keep a straight face with this post.

Hey, we’re all adults. 

God, the Universe, or the Flying Spaghetti Monster must have a huge sense of humor.

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