First Blog

For general happiness, research shows that regular, or even occasional, exercise is more important than money*.  Works for me. The Yin and Yang of our lives is the conflict between chaos and order**. Which dominates your life? Today is National Hug Day. Hug somebody! For politicians, now mostly semi-literate, talking points is the preferred literary form. Just listen to political campaigns - all of them. Do you have a favorite President?  And why?*** * https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/02/well/move/even-a-little-exercise-might-make-us-happier.html ** Jordan Peterson, 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos  (A great book) The (symbolic) rules are 1.     Stand up straight with your shoulders back 2.     Treat yourself like someone you are responsible for helping 3.     Make friends with people who want the best for you 4.     Compare yourself to who you were yesterday, not to who someone else is today 5.     Do not let your children do anything that makes you dis

Freedom vs. Security It is said that by the second century of our era that ancient Romans during the reign of Trajan (Roman emperor from 98 to 117 CE) that at least one provision of current social justice was popular even then, that it is better that the guilty remain unpunished than the innocent to be condemned.  This is a thorny issue plaguing us all today. However, and of more subtle distinction was at this time Romans loved security too much to be capable of freedom.  The distinction should not be lost on modern times.  At least one party in most western countries promotes security above everything else.  In their version of politics, they work to attract groups that venerate security, having persuaded them they never had it and that it is the primal goal to achieve.  Security, however, comes at the price of surrender of power, of thought, and of freedom in all forms. It surrenders to the provider (usually government) virtually unlimited power over their well-being. Freedo

Nowadays we see near riots in the streets, remarkably well-organized riots, spun off as spontaneous tornados or chaos.   One problem with creating the tornado is the thought that once set its outcome cannot be controlled.  Chaos is no mother's child.  The News.   Nowadays we see news celebrities that run their shows to celebrate their greatness, their self-confessed bullseye opinions, and their news omnipotence.  There is little traditional reporting.  We see an odd combination of opinion supported by news interpretations, interpolations, or selected truths contorted to support personal views.  But more, there is now a news royalty.  These are commentators that use their show to celebrate themselves.  Specifically, we have Bill O’Reilly (FOX) and Chris Matthews (MSNBC). Both regard their opinions as supreme and true.  Matthews seeks affirmation from his guests. O’Reilly corrects views    alternative  from his.   Both frequently interrupt guests far more intelligent than themse