The Great Master 12/6/21

Hearing L saying how she looked to T as a model reminded me of the Iching, which I shared with L. In the passage called “The Gentle”, the Iching discusses the lasting effects of a gentle force always applied in a consistent direction. These changes are not as noticeable as those brought about by violence, such as the massive earthquakes that gives rise to mountains, and yet the gentle force is far more permanent, such as the winds that eventually erode them. The passage ends by suggesting that it helps to follow the great master, as this helps to maintain focus on the direction of that force. T is a terrific choice for such a master, a model of overcoming personal demons, a model of giving, and a model of accomplishment. I hope L follows that example, as one day she, too, will be a great master.

Engaged 12/5/21

College was not her time, nor was it mine (including graduate school, although thanks to my beautiful office mate and great friend it was so much better). I told her (or her mother) this, and predicted that once college was over, and she found her career, she would find much more serious minded and mature people with whom she would better relate.

Purification 12/4/21

The chemist is faced with the difficult question of how pure the product should be, versus how high the theoretical yield?

Misplaced Anger 12/3/21

I am upset that we are considering universal basic income, but I’m angry at the business owners forcing this to be a discussion in the first place. And I’ll tell you something else, although they’ve not spoken up yet, corporations and the business community would love universal basic income.

Changes 12/2/21

This post took a very different turn from the direction I thought it would go. Originally, I wanted to talk about software updates to my PC, and changes to fast food menus. I had intended to bemoan change for change’s sake, but this thread is far more significant, and more important than even I had planned.

Art Linkletter 12/1/21

I had two of his books, and they were among my favorite with hilarious comments from children. Every time I read them, I couldn’t help but think of the tragic pathway he took that led him to such a project. And I think of the similarities in the stories of the history of the ancient Spanish Inquisition, and recent political history.

Holidays 11/30/21

If I had a family, it would be a very different affair altogether. (It would be a very different affair. Sorry, paraphrasing a movie joke there.) For example, I think I would leave the tree down until after Thanksgiving dinner. I could see that as a fun family activity (replacing the early Black Friday nonsense). After a bit of time to let the dinner settle, put up the tree and begin decorating it as a family as a tradition and way for the family to interact.

Harley 11/29/21

rap became the predominant style of music replacing Disco of the ‘70’s. Many people (including myself) were put off by this violent and disturbing music form, but many of these people, like me, were white. Rap was never written for us, but rather was an expression of frustration, of oppression, and of anger building within the minority segment of our nation.

Trust 11/28/21

it was an important lesson for me to trust in myself, or at least double-check, if something seems amiss

Tina 11/27/21

the barbaric practice of rape should be long in our ancient history, and it’s made worse when it happens by a man like a father or husband