Simply go to this website and watch a few of these. They are positive, real, really helpful, and all-around good people talking about good things.
It's perfect for the theme of this blog.
Washington Post Special "On Being"
Enjoy and Happy Christmas Eve Day and Christmas!
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
UN Milennium Project and Jeffrey Sachs
I was reading through the January/February issue of "The Good Magazine" and was wonderfully struck by the opening article by Jeffrey Sachs, entitled: "The Obama Generation Takes the Helm."
I researched who Professor Sachs is and have to invite everyone to research this man and what he is doing. According to the article in Good, Prof. Sachs is the director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and a special advisor to the UN's secretary general, Ban Ki-moon. Wow.
I researched a bit his work as the director of the UN Millennium Project.
I have to say, the 8 goals listed are an idealist's greatest dream. I can see parallels to these goals as the same "goals" listed as Universal Human Rights in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In the case that you did not or cannot link to the UN Millennium Project page, I have copied in the 8 goals of the Project here:
What they are
At the Millennium Summit in September 2000 the largest gathering of world leaders in history adopted the UN Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and setting out a series of time-bound targets, with a deadline of 2015, that have become known as the Millennium Development Goals and the introduction to the goals (MDGs) Source: UN Millennium Project Webpage.
"The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the world's time-bound and quantified targets for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions-income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. They are also basic human rights-the rights of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter, and security.
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty
Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development"
The organization of the Project is broken up into 10 "thematic Task Forces" with a work force of more than 250 experts from around the world. Their goal is to dramatically reduce extreme poverty by 2015.
Spread the word and educate yourself.
I researched who Professor Sachs is and have to invite everyone to research this man and what he is doing. According to the article in Good, Prof. Sachs is the director of the Earth Institute at Columbia University and a special advisor to the UN's secretary general, Ban Ki-moon. Wow.
I researched a bit his work as the director of the UN Millennium Project.
I have to say, the 8 goals listed are an idealist's greatest dream. I can see parallels to these goals as the same "goals" listed as Universal Human Rights in the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
In the case that you did not or cannot link to the UN Millennium Project page, I have copied in the 8 goals of the Project here:
What they are
At the Millennium Summit in September 2000 the largest gathering of world leaders in history adopted the UN Millennium Declaration, committing their nations to a new global partnership to reduce extreme poverty and setting out a series of time-bound targets, with a deadline of 2015, that have become known as the Millennium Development Goals and the introduction to the goals (MDGs) Source: UN Millennium Project Webpage.
"The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) are the world's time-bound and quantified targets for addressing extreme poverty in its many dimensions-income poverty, hunger, disease, lack of adequate shelter, and exclusion-while promoting gender equality, education, and environmental sustainability. They are also basic human rights-the rights of each person on the planet to health, education, shelter, and security.
Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Hunger and Poverty
Goal 2: Achieve Universal Primary Education
Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women
Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality
Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health
Goal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, Malaria and other diseases
Goal 7: Ensure Environmental Sustainability
Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development"
The organization of the Project is broken up into 10 "thematic Task Forces" with a work force of more than 250 experts from around the world. Their goal is to dramatically reduce extreme poverty by 2015.
Spread the word and educate yourself.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Happy holidays to all as science refreshingly bounces to top priority.
Yet again, the upcoming Obama administration grows in astounding ways and by extraordinary means. If you are not already watching the weekly addresses at Change.gov I lovingly encourage you to do so. You will join the other million individuals doing the same. So, for those people following my blog, whether silently or otherwise, I will continue to include those videos and links in hopes that we will become an educated public.
The founders and shaping forces of democracy from its earliest years have written that democracy only works when the public for which it stands is an educated one. Aristotle and Montesquieu wrote much in line with these ethics, these morals, these fundamentals for all mankind. (I stress the reader to focus their attention on Montesquieu's Book 4 of his "The Spirit of Laws"- especially #5)
Today, December 22, 2008, we stand not just as a nation, but rather as a world on the brink of realizing these fundamentals as something possible. Hope rules today and together we shall watch it grow; we will come together to cultivate the peace and love needed to appreciate our differences and relish our likenesses.
Most importantly, I hope, much like President-elect Obama does with his appointments in the Science and Technology faction of his administration that Facts are what we should base our decisions on--not mere politics or ideology.
Here is the weekly address for 12-20-08. Enjoy and happy holidays to all.
The founders and shaping forces of democracy from its earliest years have written that democracy only works when the public for which it stands is an educated one. Aristotle and Montesquieu wrote much in line with these ethics, these morals, these fundamentals for all mankind. (I stress the reader to focus their attention on Montesquieu's Book 4 of his "The Spirit of Laws"- especially #5)
Today, December 22, 2008, we stand not just as a nation, but rather as a world on the brink of realizing these fundamentals as something possible. Hope rules today and together we shall watch it grow; we will come together to cultivate the peace and love needed to appreciate our differences and relish our likenesses.
Most importantly, I hope, much like President-elect Obama does with his appointments in the Science and Technology faction of his administration that Facts are what we should base our decisions on--not mere politics or ideology.
Here is the weekly address for 12-20-08. Enjoy and happy holidays to all.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Transhumanism
As I spent some time watching the fantastic videos posted daily on www.good.is/video I stumbled on one in particular that raised an interesting question: "Transhumanism." The question is simple: Due to the military development and deployment of autonomous, killing drones and aircrafts, will those machines eventually turn to kill us all?
This is the question coming from the transhumanist theory that suggest that if we continue to develop and use robotic, remote-control killing devices that they will, eventually, turn around and point the guns at the people that created them (and anyone else for that matter that they come into contact with).
Please watch this video and make any comments on this intriguing idea.
Source- www.good.is/?p=13263
For a great definition of Transhumanism, click on this link to Transhumanism.org
This is the question coming from the transhumanist theory that suggest that if we continue to develop and use robotic, remote-control killing devices that they will, eventually, turn around and point the guns at the people that created them (and anyone else for that matter that they come into contact with).
Please watch this video and make any comments on this intriguing idea.
Source- www.good.is/?p=13263
For a great definition of Transhumanism, click on this link to Transhumanism.org
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Hope, Energy, Meaningful Change, and now Education
How happy is makes me and I am sure the rest of the nation that our new President will look at education in the way that it should be looked at. As you watch this video, I would like to highlight my favorite part of President-elect Obama's educational philosophy-a philosophy that I believe he lives and does not just speak. To quote this speech:
"Well, I think it’s time we raised expectations for our kids all across this country and built schools that meet – and exceed – those expectations. As the husband and brother of educators, the Vice President-Elect and I know this won’t be easy – we’ve seen how hard Jill and Maya work every day. And we know it’s going to take all of us, working together. Because in the end, responsibility for our children’s success doesn’t start in Washington. It starts in our homes and our families. No education policy can replace a parent who makes sure a child gets to school on time, or helps with homework and attends those parent-teacher conferences. No government program can turn off the TV, or put away the video games and read to a child at night."
What will it look like if we can get just a quarter of the parents that were not focusing on their child's education to now turn a focused eye and demand a certain academic integrity that has been dwindling in our nation over the past few decades.
As an educator myself I see daily the importance of the parent in the education adventure/journey that each child takes. Without the sincere support of a parent, it is extremely challenging and sometimes impossible for a child to value his/her education to the extent that it should be valued. With that being said, please enjoy the announcement of the Secretary of Education in the upcoming administration: Arne Duncan.
Link to Obama announcing Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education at Change.gov
"Well, I think it’s time we raised expectations for our kids all across this country and built schools that meet – and exceed – those expectations. As the husband and brother of educators, the Vice President-Elect and I know this won’t be easy – we’ve seen how hard Jill and Maya work every day. And we know it’s going to take all of us, working together. Because in the end, responsibility for our children’s success doesn’t start in Washington. It starts in our homes and our families. No education policy can replace a parent who makes sure a child gets to school on time, or helps with homework and attends those parent-teacher conferences. No government program can turn off the TV, or put away the video games and read to a child at night."
What will it look like if we can get just a quarter of the parents that were not focusing on their child's education to now turn a focused eye and demand a certain academic integrity that has been dwindling in our nation over the past few decades.
As an educator myself I see daily the importance of the parent in the education adventure/journey that each child takes. Without the sincere support of a parent, it is extremely challenging and sometimes impossible for a child to value his/her education to the extent that it should be valued. With that being said, please enjoy the announcement of the Secretary of Education in the upcoming administration: Arne Duncan.
Link to Obama announcing Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education at Change.gov
Monday, December 15, 2008
A perfect explination of happiness and rights for ALL
Please, follow this link to my friend's blog. Watch the comments made by Keith Olbermann because I think he perfectly and eloquently hit the crux of the gay rights issue that Proposition 8 in California did to force our nation's progress into a terrible regression.
Follow this link to Rapture of Clamour
Follow this link to Rapture of Clamour
Friday, December 12, 2008
A new energy plan...finally!
This blog entry is mostly informative. I have included the energy plan that is included on www.change.gov
So, please enjoy these ideas and at the end I have included a few ideas of my own.
Energy Plan Overview
* Provide Short-term Relief to American Families Crack Down on Excessive Energy Speculation.
* Swap Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Cut Prices.
Eliminate Our Current Imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 Years
* Increase Fuel Economy Standards.
* Get 1 Million Plug-In Hybrid Cars on the Road by 2015.
* Create a New $7,000 Tax Credit for Purchasing Advanced Vehicles.
* Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
* A “Use it or Lose It” Approach to Existing Oil and Gas Leases.
* Promote the Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Natural Gas.
Create Millions of New Green Jobs
* Ensure 10 percent of Our Electricity Comes from Renewable Sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
* Deploy the Cheapest, Cleanest, Fastest Energy Source – Energy Efficiency.
* Weatherize One Million Homes Annually.
* Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology.
* Prioritize the Construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline.
Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
* Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
* Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change.
Now for some ideas of my own. Nothing too profound of course.
I could not be more ecstatic to have a President that is finally pushing our country to be more responsible in our energy consumption (both usage and types of energy). My only concern is that he is continuing our off-shore drilling of oil. Anyone can understand that no "energy snap of the fingers" will suddenly and without-consequence drag our oil addicted nation away from using such an unhealthy amount of petroleum. However, I think we can move our country to try. I thoroughly enjoy the plan to reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 percent by 2050. This is unprecedented in our country, but what most excites me is the next point: "Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change."
If we take a leadership role, the world will finally feel able, supported, and willing to take environmentally responsible action in their own country-specific ways.
Do I believe we will accomplish these environmental and energy goals by the proposed dates? Yes. Yes, I do. It all starts with our own lives, our own conversations, and our own hope. Like most things in life, not much actually gets done when the people have no desire to get it done.
So, please enjoy these ideas and at the end I have included a few ideas of my own.
Energy Plan Overview
* Provide Short-term Relief to American Families Crack Down on Excessive Energy Speculation.
* Swap Oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to Cut Prices.
Eliminate Our Current Imports from the Middle East and Venezuela within 10 Years
* Increase Fuel Economy Standards.
* Get 1 Million Plug-In Hybrid Cars on the Road by 2015.
* Create a New $7,000 Tax Credit for Purchasing Advanced Vehicles.
* Establish a National Low Carbon Fuel Standard.
* A “Use it or Lose It” Approach to Existing Oil and Gas Leases.
* Promote the Responsible Domestic Production of Oil and Natural Gas.
Create Millions of New Green Jobs
* Ensure 10 percent of Our Electricity Comes from Renewable Sources by 2012, and 25 percent by 2025.
* Deploy the Cheapest, Cleanest, Fastest Energy Source – Energy Efficiency.
* Weatherize One Million Homes Annually.
* Develop and Deploy Clean Coal Technology.
* Prioritize the Construction of the Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline.
Reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 Percent by 2050
* Implement an economy-wide cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050.
* Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change.
Now for some ideas of my own. Nothing too profound of course.
I could not be more ecstatic to have a President that is finally pushing our country to be more responsible in our energy consumption (both usage and types of energy). My only concern is that he is continuing our off-shore drilling of oil. Anyone can understand that no "energy snap of the fingers" will suddenly and without-consequence drag our oil addicted nation away from using such an unhealthy amount of petroleum. However, I think we can move our country to try. I thoroughly enjoy the plan to reduce our Greenhouse Gas Emissions 80 percent by 2050. This is unprecedented in our country, but what most excites me is the next point: "Make the U.S. a Leader on Climate Change."
If we take a leadership role, the world will finally feel able, supported, and willing to take environmentally responsible action in their own country-specific ways.
Do I believe we will accomplish these environmental and energy goals by the proposed dates? Yes. Yes, I do. It all starts with our own lives, our own conversations, and our own hope. Like most things in life, not much actually gets done when the people have no desire to get it done.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Paradigm Shift Needed
It appears our world and most countries on it are ready for a massive shift in the way things are done. We have moved from simply desiring to desperately needing changes in energy sources, conflict resolutions,and communication. The majority of newspapers all across the world are currently publishing pieces focusing on the wonderful hope that the grave economic, social, and political problems might be solved soon. Hope. Could hope be the word the world has been needing in order to adequately transition from the war trodden 20th century to the unknowns that will manifest themselves in the 21st century?
I would agree with the new President-elect, Barack Obama, as he spent over 20 months on the campaign trail passionately professing that hope was and is what the United States of America as well as the world needs and needs now.
Our world is in need of a massive change. Whether in the macro or micro areas of our world, a shift in the way things are done appears necessary. If you run into a wall once, why would you ever continue to repeat your mistake? Obama strongly agrees with this idea that we must be able and willing to admit our mistakes and be able and willing to listen to those around us for a possible solution to the problem.
Underneath the surface of every major historical and contemporary problem there lies a more fundamental problem. Fear, hate, and lack of communication are three that come to mind initially. I would like to add a fourth one that is especially existent in the US: irresponsibility.
This notion that everything is always someone else's fault and never our own is simply ridiculous. I can count on one hand the amount of people that I know that consistently take ownership and responsibility for their actions. One example of the way our American society lacks responsibility is seen in the huge number of lawsuits against anyone for any thinkable reason. After all, blaming another person or group is so much easier than blaming ourselves. Another example is seen in education when students are tending to blame anything other than themselves for late or inadequate work. When are we going to start teaching students and world citizens that this world best functions when people take responsibility for their actions and thoughts.
My favorite example of taking more responsibility exists in the current "Green Craze" spreading like wildfire across most developed and some developing countries. Exponential increases in alternative energies, recycling, conscious eating, and organic farming are all positive proofs that we are making progress in being more environmentally aware. If we just mix in the recent cry for hope with a stronger and more consistent responsibility for our thoughts and actions, this massive paradigm shift will be easier.
I do not want this blog to be my personal rant, but rather ideas that plant seeds to later grow when appropriate for each individual reading this.
We find ourselves on the brink of a massive paradigm shift, a change we have desperately been needing after the bloodiest century in our nation as well as world's history. The hope and unity that is currently of paramount interest in the world are the catalysts we have been needing for becoming a world filled with responsibility, compassion, peace, and grace rather than fear, war, hate, and inadequate communication.
I would agree with the new President-elect, Barack Obama, as he spent over 20 months on the campaign trail passionately professing that hope was and is what the United States of America as well as the world needs and needs now.
Our world is in need of a massive change. Whether in the macro or micro areas of our world, a shift in the way things are done appears necessary. If you run into a wall once, why would you ever continue to repeat your mistake? Obama strongly agrees with this idea that we must be able and willing to admit our mistakes and be able and willing to listen to those around us for a possible solution to the problem.
Underneath the surface of every major historical and contemporary problem there lies a more fundamental problem. Fear, hate, and lack of communication are three that come to mind initially. I would like to add a fourth one that is especially existent in the US: irresponsibility.
This notion that everything is always someone else's fault and never our own is simply ridiculous. I can count on one hand the amount of people that I know that consistently take ownership and responsibility for their actions. One example of the way our American society lacks responsibility is seen in the huge number of lawsuits against anyone for any thinkable reason. After all, blaming another person or group is so much easier than blaming ourselves. Another example is seen in education when students are tending to blame anything other than themselves for late or inadequate work. When are we going to start teaching students and world citizens that this world best functions when people take responsibility for their actions and thoughts.
My favorite example of taking more responsibility exists in the current "Green Craze" spreading like wildfire across most developed and some developing countries. Exponential increases in alternative energies, recycling, conscious eating, and organic farming are all positive proofs that we are making progress in being more environmentally aware. If we just mix in the recent cry for hope with a stronger and more consistent responsibility for our thoughts and actions, this massive paradigm shift will be easier.
I do not want this blog to be my personal rant, but rather ideas that plant seeds to later grow when appropriate for each individual reading this.
We find ourselves on the brink of a massive paradigm shift, a change we have desperately been needing after the bloodiest century in our nation as well as world's history. The hope and unity that is currently of paramount interest in the world are the catalysts we have been needing for becoming a world filled with responsibility, compassion, peace, and grace rather than fear, war, hate, and inadequate communication.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Change.gov
America and the world are ready for and deserve more transparency in our government. www.change.gov is the answer. The President-elect Barack Obama is breaking new ground by replicating a similar weekly "Fireside Chat" that FDR calmed the troubled nation of the early 1930s with. He is doing the same thing, but with a weekly video update on his website called Change.gov. My hope is that you all watch this video and then go to the website and look around. We might as well take advantage of this opportunity to be in a more "personal touch" with our new president. We have a civic duty to stay informed and now it could not be easier to do so with this new website. Log on. Sign up for updates and stay informed.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Being not just Doing
I recently set a goal for myself: I want to BE and not just DO.
I am going to talk about my own life very briefly but hopefully emphasize this new idea that I have been working with so that you can adopt it into your own life.
I looked at myself recently, (one of those self-aware moments), and realized I was completely exhausted. 36 Final Exams were graded, homework for 2 Masters level classes was lurking, and I was moving houses all at the same time. I have rarely ever had a time in my life when I was so busy as recently.
I felt uncomfortable and unsure that this was the ONLY way to live. There had to be a different way to deal with these "lists" of things I had on my "plate".
As life tends to do when we are living happily and doing good, someone came into my life and enlightened my thought. They made me aware. They opened my eyes.
They said to me, "Jon, try to not just do. Don't be just a doer. Try more BEing."
So, there you have it. Is it easy to do this? It has its hard points; however, I can assure you that things are much less stressful and more more happy and harmonious.
I don't usually write about my personal life in this blog, but maybe one time in a long time is ok. I'd love to hear from people what they think about this idea. It changed my life.
I am going to talk about my own life very briefly but hopefully emphasize this new idea that I have been working with so that you can adopt it into your own life.
I looked at myself recently, (one of those self-aware moments), and realized I was completely exhausted. 36 Final Exams were graded, homework for 2 Masters level classes was lurking, and I was moving houses all at the same time. I have rarely ever had a time in my life when I was so busy as recently.
I felt uncomfortable and unsure that this was the ONLY way to live. There had to be a different way to deal with these "lists" of things I had on my "plate".
As life tends to do when we are living happily and doing good, someone came into my life and enlightened my thought. They made me aware. They opened my eyes.
They said to me, "Jon, try to not just do. Don't be just a doer. Try more BEing."
So, there you have it. Is it easy to do this? It has its hard points; however, I can assure you that things are much less stressful and more more happy and harmonious.
I don't usually write about my personal life in this blog, but maybe one time in a long time is ok. I'd love to hear from people what they think about this idea. It changed my life.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Michelle Obama and Family
Anyone that watched Obama with his family instantly feels chills down his/her spine. Their pure genuineness and overt love could not be a better example to those people struggling with what a happy family looks like.
I have hardly ever heard a man talk about his wife as Obama talks about Michelle Obama. His speech last night was testimony of this point. He introduced his wife as: "I would not be standing here without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama."
This video shows the sincere love amongst their family.
I have hardly ever heard a man talk about his wife as Obama talks about Michelle Obama. His speech last night was testimony of this point. He introduced his wife as: "I would not be standing here without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family, the love of my life, the nations next First Lady, Michelle Obama."
This video shows the sincere love amongst their family.
Obama's Perfect and Graceful Acceptance
Please take 17:25 and watch this video whether you are black, white, purple, pink, red, or blue. This speech is truly history, not in the making, but history MADE.
God bless America and the horse it rode in on.
The next two videos are the speeches by McCain and Bush. Both of these videos are worth watching as they are, on the whole, unifying and positive speeches. Enjoy.
It is time to actually unify as a nation and as a world
For those who love the election turn out, I offer my happiest hugs. For those who are frustrated and upset, I offer something a bit different.
We MUST as a nation lift our thoughts higher now. We must hold ourselves more responsible for our actions and thoughts. We must actually live in a post-racist nation. We must not fear. "The only thing to fear is fear itself." A wonderful man once said that who understood, just as President Obama does, that the only way for our nation to continue its road to success and prosperity is not through fear but through responsibility, integrity, and a sincere and practiced equality.
These are my thoughts to those struggling right now. I struggled to elect another war hawk into the presidency 4 years ago. It has been hard for me to watch my two cousins and friends go into a war we should have never been in in the first place. I have had to swallow my disagreements and support them though. They risked their lives (4 tours for one of my cousins) because some men thought stepping into a 1400 year old sectarian conflict was the right choice.
Now, we live in a new world. I speak to all humans all across the globe. Black, brown, white, purple, and pink in skin color. Now is the time that we can actually do anything.
What will we do now?
We MUST as a nation lift our thoughts higher now. We must hold ourselves more responsible for our actions and thoughts. We must actually live in a post-racist nation. We must not fear. "The only thing to fear is fear itself." A wonderful man once said that who understood, just as President Obama does, that the only way for our nation to continue its road to success and prosperity is not through fear but through responsibility, integrity, and a sincere and practiced equality.
These are my thoughts to those struggling right now. I struggled to elect another war hawk into the presidency 4 years ago. It has been hard for me to watch my two cousins and friends go into a war we should have never been in in the first place. I have had to swallow my disagreements and support them though. They risked their lives (4 tours for one of my cousins) because some men thought stepping into a 1400 year old sectarian conflict was the right choice.
Now, we live in a new world. I speak to all humans all across the globe. Black, brown, white, purple, and pink in skin color. Now is the time that we can actually do anything.
What will we do now?
Monday, November 3, 2008
This is simply embarrassing! Palin is in no question NOT READY
I got the opportunity to go canvassing for Barack Obama last Sunday with a good friend. We talked extensively about the important issues we are going to have to vote on TOMORROW!
If you are voting for McCain/Palin, you need follow this link and listen to this "Interview with Sarah Palin" by the President of France, "Sarkozy".
Here are the facts about this interview according to the BBC.
"Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has been taken in by a prank call from a Canadian comedian posing as French President Nicolas Sarkozy." It turns out that a Canadian comedian actually was able to get on the phone with Gov. Palin and convince her that he was the President of France?!?! Don't you think that her advisors would be a little bit more cautious than to automatically hand her the phone when the person says they are "Sarkozy, President of France"??!??!
This is simply amazing to me. Please do me a favor and listen to this prank call and then ask this question to you self in an honest and urgent manor: Is Palin really ready to be Vice-President of the United States of America?
Link to the Prank Call from Canadian Comedian
If you are voting for McCain/Palin, you need follow this link and listen to this "Interview with Sarah Palin" by the President of France, "Sarkozy".
Here are the facts about this interview according to the BBC.
"Republican vice-presidential candidate Sarah Palin has been taken in by a prank call from a Canadian comedian posing as French President Nicolas Sarkozy." It turns out that a Canadian comedian actually was able to get on the phone with Gov. Palin and convince her that he was the President of France?!?! Don't you think that her advisors would be a little bit more cautious than to automatically hand her the phone when the person says they are "Sarkozy, President of France"??!??!
This is simply amazing to me. Please do me a favor and listen to this prank call and then ask this question to you self in an honest and urgent manor: Is Palin really ready to be Vice-President of the United States of America?
Link to the Prank Call from Canadian Comedian
Changeling
I strongly recommend you to go out and see the new Clint Eastwood film, “Changeling”. There is no question in my mind that Eastwood is "on fire" when it comes to directing and producing films lately, (to use the common speech of the basketball world). If you saw his other masterpiece movie, “Mystic River”, starring Sean Penn, you will remember feeling quite uncomfortable during much of the movie. I hope that this next comment will not move people reading this to not see the movie; however, I will say it nonetheless. I am predicting that if you see this film, “Changeling”, you will feel 10 times more uncomfortable than you felt when watching Sean Penn screaming to see his murdered daughter in “Mystic River”. That made the movie, however, that much better for me! It was so real and heart-wrenching.
So discomfort aside, I would love to share why I loved this film. For the sake of taking too much away from this movie and ruining it, I will keep my excitement about this movie brief. I loved the film because of its masterfully crafted script, its downright beautiful score, and its perfectly acted characters. John Malkovich’s character is nothing short of an exact personification of the true definition of moral courage. The character who plays the LAPD corrupt police Captain makes you want to jump into the movie and yell straight in his face to wake up. And then, there is Angelina Jolie. If she does not win Best Actress for her role in this film, then something has seriously gone wrong in this world and/or the entire Earth moved off of its axis just a bit.
You probably had thought about going to see this film already, but hopefully after reading this you are now going to see it with more urgency and desire.
Go to their website to watch a trailer if you still are not convinced.
Friday, October 31, 2008
3 Trillion Dollar War
I found this video from the recent issue of "Good" to be absolutely amazing. For me it clarifies how much the US is actually paying and how much we will owe (interest included) in the war we are fighting in Iraq.
It is a must see!
"The Hidden Cost of War."
It is a must see!
"The Hidden Cost of War."
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
US Electoral System: Undemocratic and Flawed?
I love checking the world and her opinion. So often we just look for our US news tycoons for advice and information and forget that there is a whole world out there doing similar journalistic activities as our own journalists in the US. This blog will be short as I just want to share one idea and in no way does this show me as a supporter of what is going in Iran right now!!! I am strictly talking about a more worldly perspective when it comes to news and where we get it.
So here it is. www.presstv.ir is Iran's "the first Iranian international news network, broadcasting in English on a round-the-clock basis." It "aims to offer expansive news coverage, specifically delving into Middle Eastern current affairs." Source. Why I am citing this is because of the poll that it was taking on the homepage. The questions was: "In your opinion why is it that apart from Republican and Democratic candidates, the nominees of other parties are marginalized in the US presidential race? Because: 1) Only these two parties are qualified to run the country 2) The Dems and Reps have better financial resources 3) The US electoral system is undemocratic and flawed.
I chose an answer to the question and was struck by the response to the poll! A staggering 79% thought that answer three was correct: "The US electoral system is undemocratic and flawed", 19% chose answer 2 and 7% chose answer 1.
I am in no way sure about the people contributing to this poll, who they are, where they live, or how educated they are of the US electoral system in the first place. However, the numbers are quite telling nontheless.
I recently heard a poll taken across Europe telling that about 8 out of every 10 people want Obama to win the election. 80%?!?!? That is amazingly high and something I believe is quite important. Yes, our country first. But I say the other countries a close second, third, fourth...194th. (The US State Department recognizes 194 countries in the world).
We must begin to actually think globally for both our sake and the sake of others. We must start eating with the planet in mind. We must start thinking about our carbon footprint with our neighbors and children (present or those to come in the future) in mind.
I finished with a mini soap box. Not too bad for being the 8th blog post so far.
So here it is. www.presstv.ir is Iran's "the first Iranian international news network, broadcasting in English on a round-the-clock basis." It "aims to offer expansive news coverage, specifically delving into Middle Eastern current affairs." Source. Why I am citing this is because of the poll that it was taking on the homepage. The questions was: "In your opinion why is it that apart from Republican and Democratic candidates, the nominees of other parties are marginalized in the US presidential race? Because: 1) Only these two parties are qualified to run the country 2) The Dems and Reps have better financial resources 3) The US electoral system is undemocratic and flawed.
I chose an answer to the question and was struck by the response to the poll! A staggering 79% thought that answer three was correct: "The US electoral system is undemocratic and flawed", 19% chose answer 2 and 7% chose answer 1.
I am in no way sure about the people contributing to this poll, who they are, where they live, or how educated they are of the US electoral system in the first place. However, the numbers are quite telling nontheless.
I recently heard a poll taken across Europe telling that about 8 out of every 10 people want Obama to win the election. 80%?!?!? That is amazingly high and something I believe is quite important. Yes, our country first. But I say the other countries a close second, third, fourth...194th. (The US State Department recognizes 194 countries in the world).
We must begin to actually think globally for both our sake and the sake of others. We must start eating with the planet in mind. We must start thinking about our carbon footprint with our neighbors and children (present or those to come in the future) in mind.
I finished with a mini soap box. Not too bad for being the 8th blog post so far.
Unprecedented Donations
I continue to say, "Wow!", to Senator Obama's unprecedented amount of money raised during this campaign. Anyone that can rake in over $600,000,000 for a single campaign must be doing something right.
To anyone, that number is staggering, but to me the number of people donating to the campaign is even more mind-blowing! According to a recent article citing Sen. Obama's campaign contributions of $150 million just in the month of September, David Plouffe (Obama's campaign manager) contributed an email that said, "the campaign had added 632,000 new donors in September, for a total of 3.1 million contributors to the campaign."
WHAT?! 3.1 million contributors in this campaign alone? In my meager knowledge of the history of our country, that number of donors to a single, presidential campaign is impressively unprecedented and impressive.
I love figuring out the percentages of people that constitute a group. For example, I just was watching the wacky network called FoxNews and the anchor cited how many viewers they have watch their broadcasts: "over a million viewers", she said. That means that one-third of 1% of the American population watches the outwardly conservative network called FoxNews. So what percentage of the American population has donated to Obama's campaign? If I do my math right with the US's population being about 300 million people, about 1% of the entire country has financially invested in the "Obama movement".
I make the comparison to FoxNews not to bash the network or say that we should stay away from the network. I, personally, watch the channel every once in a while to gather information from the more conservative opinion-slanted news anchors. We must be constantly looking at all sides of the issue before professing that our opinion is the best.
In short, Obama has a lot of money. Yes, his $600 million in campaign donations seems excessive; however, when you realize that 3.1 million people have donated to his campaign, tha makes the average donation to be a roughly $200.
To finish, I will make a comparison to the sources that Senator McCain gets his campaign money. According to another article from the International Herald Tribune, "But an examination by The New York Times of a list of 106 elite fund-raisers who have brought in more than $100,000 each for McCain found that about a sixth of his money collectors are lobbyists." That's roughly 17% of all his donations that have come from lobbyists. Could this be why his message has stayed with "Drill Baby Drill" and "Win the War"? He might have a few people "in his back pocket paying him to say a few things that makes their own pocketbooks considerably thicker.
In conclusion, money is a big deal in a campaign. Obama has a heck of a lot of it from a heck of a lot of average, wealthy, and even poor Americans wishing to be a part of history in the making.
To anyone, that number is staggering, but to me the number of people donating to the campaign is even more mind-blowing! According to a recent article citing Sen. Obama's campaign contributions of $150 million just in the month of September, David Plouffe (Obama's campaign manager) contributed an email that said, "the campaign had added 632,000 new donors in September, for a total of 3.1 million contributors to the campaign."
WHAT?! 3.1 million contributors in this campaign alone? In my meager knowledge of the history of our country, that number of donors to a single, presidential campaign is impressively unprecedented and impressive.
I love figuring out the percentages of people that constitute a group. For example, I just was watching the wacky network called FoxNews and the anchor cited how many viewers they have watch their broadcasts: "over a million viewers", she said. That means that one-third of 1% of the American population watches the outwardly conservative network called FoxNews. So what percentage of the American population has donated to Obama's campaign? If I do my math right with the US's population being about 300 million people, about 1% of the entire country has financially invested in the "Obama movement".
I make the comparison to FoxNews not to bash the network or say that we should stay away from the network. I, personally, watch the channel every once in a while to gather information from the more conservative opinion-slanted news anchors. We must be constantly looking at all sides of the issue before professing that our opinion is the best.
In short, Obama has a lot of money. Yes, his $600 million in campaign donations seems excessive; however, when you realize that 3.1 million people have donated to his campaign, tha makes the average donation to be a roughly $200.
To finish, I will make a comparison to the sources that Senator McCain gets his campaign money. According to another article from the International Herald Tribune, "But an examination by The New York Times of a list of 106 elite fund-raisers who have brought in more than $100,000 each for McCain found that about a sixth of his money collectors are lobbyists." That's roughly 17% of all his donations that have come from lobbyists. Could this be why his message has stayed with "Drill Baby Drill" and "Win the War"? He might have a few people "in his back pocket paying him to say a few things that makes their own pocketbooks considerably thicker.
In conclusion, money is a big deal in a campaign. Obama has a heck of a lot of it from a heck of a lot of average, wealthy, and even poor Americans wishing to be a part of history in the making.
Monday, October 27, 2008
A Must See Program Breaking All Journalism Boundaries
Last night I was watching my usual CNN, Fox News, CNN, Fox News, with a little Baseball World Series mixed in between commercial breaks. Larry King was decked out in his matching suspenders and tie, this time a sparkling silver. He had a few panelists on talking about the usual political talking points, and strangely enough ALL ENDORSING OBAMA. The last panel was three men, comedians to be exact. A hispanic comedian, an African-American comedian, and another man I did not recognize. Their wispy jokes and light-hearted comments cast such a wonderful and positive flare on a seemingly-negative election. Then it began...
D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, a program filled with equal parts comedy as substantial reporting, rewired my way of looking at a nightly news show. So long America has enjoyed the wonderful talking heads like CNN's Larry King and NBC's Brian Williams, but never in my short history have I seen something like this show, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News.
Airing at 10PM Eastern Standard Time, the very funny and very intelligent African-American comedian, D.L. Hughley takes us into a whole new world of political, domestic, and international news reporting. My suggestion: Watch an episode next Saturday. Can't make it on Saturday? Try Sunday when it re-aires at the same time, 10PM ET.
I guarentee you that with a light-hearted and open-minded attitude, you will enjoy yourself thoroughly. One of my suggestions of how a talented, intelligent African-American comedian as D.L. Hughley can gain a nighttime slot on CNN is the idea of post-racism. That is another blog entry, but please watch this man and let me know what you think as I thoroughly enjoyed it!
D.L. Hughley Breaks the News, a program filled with equal parts comedy as substantial reporting, rewired my way of looking at a nightly news show. So long America has enjoyed the wonderful talking heads like CNN's Larry King and NBC's Brian Williams, but never in my short history have I seen something like this show, D.L. Hughley Breaks the News.
Airing at 10PM Eastern Standard Time, the very funny and very intelligent African-American comedian, D.L. Hughley takes us into a whole new world of political, domestic, and international news reporting. My suggestion: Watch an episode next Saturday. Can't make it on Saturday? Try Sunday when it re-aires at the same time, 10PM ET.
I guarentee you that with a light-hearted and open-minded attitude, you will enjoy yourself thoroughly. One of my suggestions of how a talented, intelligent African-American comedian as D.L. Hughley can gain a nighttime slot on CNN is the idea of post-racism. That is another blog entry, but please watch this man and let me know what you think as I thoroughly enjoyed it!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
A Magazine Called GOOD? Genius!
A great friend of mine recently wrote me with a suggestion that I look at this new publication he had recently found called "Good Magazine". I went to their website www.good.is and immediately fell in love with everything the publication was about. I sprinted around the website looking at the out-of-the-box posts, videos, articles, and comments people had contributed to the organization with the goal to "Doing Well and Doing Good" for "People Who Give A Damn".
Now for their publication--an outright needed magazine that comes every two months like clockwork. Each issue is centered around a central theme. The first one I received was about responsible, perspective-opening travel; the second one was all about moving towards a sound, successful education system, and the most recent one blew me out of the water: the "Election Issue(s)".
This post is simple, yet extremely to-the-point. Go out and check this publication out. Yes, I have had people say, "Jon, this is outright liberal BS." But, the majority of people I have showed the publication to have been equally enthralled with its out-of-the-box, progressive, positive thinking. Why? Because I sincerely believe with the fact that those three things are what we need in the world as well as in our country.
How do I sign up? It's simple. Go to Join Good and if you are not excited about the Magazine than at least you were part of a noble and needed donation. Yes, a donation. By now going to the last link you have now realized by going to the website that the company is a non-profit and the magazine payment goes to a Charity of your choice?!?! AMAZING!
Now for their publication--an outright needed magazine that comes every two months like clockwork. Each issue is centered around a central theme. The first one I received was about responsible, perspective-opening travel; the second one was all about moving towards a sound, successful education system, and the most recent one blew me out of the water: the "Election Issue(s)".
This post is simple, yet extremely to-the-point. Go out and check this publication out. Yes, I have had people say, "Jon, this is outright liberal BS." But, the majority of people I have showed the publication to have been equally enthralled with its out-of-the-box, progressive, positive thinking. Why? Because I sincerely believe with the fact that those three things are what we need in the world as well as in our country.
How do I sign up? It's simple. Go to Join Good and if you are not excited about the Magazine than at least you were part of a noble and needed donation. Yes, a donation. By now going to the last link you have now realized by going to the website that the company is a non-profit and the magazine payment goes to a Charity of your choice?!?! AMAZING!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Department of Peace
As I admit that the ideas in this post are in no way original, I find them extremely pertinent to a world and country so focused on war and struggle.
I recently attended a conference at Webster University led by a man who possibly no better embodies a sustainable, peaceful, pragmatic lifestyle: Satish Kumar. (Please follow this link to one of the most eloquent publications which Kumar is and has been the editor for the past 30 years called Resurgence.) During this conference, the speakers stood in front of us and talked very clearly and passionately about Kumar's three word mantra: Soil, Society, and Soul. In short, he and his movement towards a more equal, sustainable, peaceful world supports a sustainable earth, an equal society, and a spiritual faith no matter what particular religious faith. One man particularly impressed the crowd and gave the final speech: Dennis Kucinich. I had heard a little bit about this humanitarian, environmental politician running for the Democratic Presidential Nomination; however, I knew very little about him. Then my ears perked up as he introduced an idea to me that I believe is worthy of discussion.
Kucinich and many others in this country and around the world are in favor of introducing a Department of Peace. The argument is that the U.S. has a Department of Defense (aka Department of War and Defense of the State). I urge you all to go read the bill that he has attempted to introduce into Congress multiple times. Here is the meet of the issue.
"The United States was founded on hope, optimism, and a commitment to freedom. We can once again become a beacon of hope for the world. To do that, we must reject the current administration's policies of fear, suspicion, and preemptive war. It is time to jettison our illusions and fears and to transform age-old challenges with new thinking. This is the idea behind my proposal to establish a Department of Peace. This is the idea to make nonviolence an organizing principle at home and abroad and dedicate ourselves to peaceful coexistence, consensus building, disarmament, and respect for international treaties. Violence and war are not inevitable. Nonviolence and peace are inevitable." (Source: Kucinich.us )
What would happen if we as a nation were to move this idea from an ideal to a reality? I end this blog post with one more idea to answer the aforementioned question: WE WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF WE NEVER TRY.
I do want to add that I believe Kucinich would have been too idealistic to be President of the United States; however, his ideas have the possibility of being revolutionary for the greater good of humanity.
I recently attended a conference at Webster University led by a man who possibly no better embodies a sustainable, peaceful, pragmatic lifestyle: Satish Kumar. (Please follow this link to one of the most eloquent publications which Kumar is and has been the editor for the past 30 years called Resurgence.) During this conference, the speakers stood in front of us and talked very clearly and passionately about Kumar's three word mantra: Soil, Society, and Soul. In short, he and his movement towards a more equal, sustainable, peaceful world supports a sustainable earth, an equal society, and a spiritual faith no matter what particular religious faith. One man particularly impressed the crowd and gave the final speech: Dennis Kucinich. I had heard a little bit about this humanitarian, environmental politician running for the Democratic Presidential Nomination; however, I knew very little about him. Then my ears perked up as he introduced an idea to me that I believe is worthy of discussion.
Kucinich and many others in this country and around the world are in favor of introducing a Department of Peace. The argument is that the U.S. has a Department of Defense (aka Department of War and Defense of the State). I urge you all to go read the bill that he has attempted to introduce into Congress multiple times. Here is the meet of the issue.
"The United States was founded on hope, optimism, and a commitment to freedom. We can once again become a beacon of hope for the world. To do that, we must reject the current administration's policies of fear, suspicion, and preemptive war. It is time to jettison our illusions and fears and to transform age-old challenges with new thinking. This is the idea behind my proposal to establish a Department of Peace. This is the idea to make nonviolence an organizing principle at home and abroad and dedicate ourselves to peaceful coexistence, consensus building, disarmament, and respect for international treaties. Violence and war are not inevitable. Nonviolence and peace are inevitable." (Source: Kucinich.us )
What would happen if we as a nation were to move this idea from an ideal to a reality? I end this blog post with one more idea to answer the aforementioned question: WE WILL NEVER KNOW WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF WE NEVER TRY.
I do want to add that I believe Kucinich would have been too idealistic to be President of the United States; however, his ideas have the possibility of being revolutionary for the greater good of humanity.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Political Politics???
It is absolutely amazing that our country will finally come out and vote in unprecedented numbers in a few weeks! I have a sense of national pride for the first time in at least 8 years and really appreciate the fact that my national pride is back. How is it back? The answer is one word: Obama.
Over the past few years I have had the chance to hear Senator Barack Obama three times in a live setting and each time was similarly life changing! Each time Obama spoke "to me" I received a distinct feeling up my spine that I get right after I write a new piano song. This kind of inspiration has driven me to never doubt the sincere hope and unwaivering integrity that I believe this unique man to possess.
You will hopefully not hear me (or read me haha) saying that John McCain is a terrible man. In fact, I believe that he is inherently a wonderful person; except for the fact that he is a puppet for a mudslinging campaign that makes him look like a poor individual when he really is not. In short, I agree with a friend who recently said that McCain's campaign ruined the image that their candidate had made for himself by the desperate, erradic measures they have taken recently.
Mudslinging....hmmm mudslinging. I do not agree with the fashion in which McCain and Palin do it. Nor do I agree with the ways Obama retaliates at times. PICK UP THE OVERALL INTEGRITY OF POLITICS PEOPLE!
I do not and will never accept the stupid excuse: "It's politics. It's ok to do that. After all, it works, sadly." I believe human beings to be inherently good until they are shaped by their surroundings to be otherwise. The social pressures to adopt a specific doctrine whether it is from your parents or from "your political party" can be things we do not have to take so seriously. Have opinions but never lose a sense of perspective.
Which leads me to my last point this morning: having a world perspective. Having traveled to the 11 countries I have been to so far in my short life, I have realized how impressively important it is to understand other countries. Not only should we be traveling to other countries, but I sincerely believe we should be participating in the societies and cultures on a more personal level. Speak to those people reading in a plaza. Smile at others when they smile. Eat on the streets with the locals.
This is the way my thought expands from one idea to another. This blog post went from politics to traveling. There you have it.
Over the past few years I have had the chance to hear Senator Barack Obama three times in a live setting and each time was similarly life changing! Each time Obama spoke "to me" I received a distinct feeling up my spine that I get right after I write a new piano song. This kind of inspiration has driven me to never doubt the sincere hope and unwaivering integrity that I believe this unique man to possess.
You will hopefully not hear me (or read me haha) saying that John McCain is a terrible man. In fact, I believe that he is inherently a wonderful person; except for the fact that he is a puppet for a mudslinging campaign that makes him look like a poor individual when he really is not. In short, I agree with a friend who recently said that McCain's campaign ruined the image that their candidate had made for himself by the desperate, erradic measures they have taken recently.
Mudslinging....hmmm mudslinging. I do not agree with the fashion in which McCain and Palin do it. Nor do I agree with the ways Obama retaliates at times. PICK UP THE OVERALL INTEGRITY OF POLITICS PEOPLE!
I do not and will never accept the stupid excuse: "It's politics. It's ok to do that. After all, it works, sadly." I believe human beings to be inherently good until they are shaped by their surroundings to be otherwise. The social pressures to adopt a specific doctrine whether it is from your parents or from "your political party" can be things we do not have to take so seriously. Have opinions but never lose a sense of perspective.
Which leads me to my last point this morning: having a world perspective. Having traveled to the 11 countries I have been to so far in my short life, I have realized how impressively important it is to understand other countries. Not only should we be traveling to other countries, but I sincerely believe we should be participating in the societies and cultures on a more personal level. Speak to those people reading in a plaza. Smile at others when they smile. Eat on the streets with the locals.
This is the way my thought expands from one idea to another. This blog post went from politics to traveling. There you have it.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
हप्पिनेस Happiness
How do we stay consistently happy every day and every moment?
I have recently been thinking a lot about happiness. To simplify a complex issue, I have realized that being happy is a decision that we make everyday.
Is it a decision that we make every moment? If we make the decision to be happy in the beginning of the day do we stay happy throughout the day? Or do we need to make the decision every few hours?
I love other languages so sometimes my titles will be in other languages. This one is in Hindi in honor of one man from whom I get most of my inspiration to live a more loving, tolerant, respectful life.
I have recently been thinking a lot about happiness. To simplify a complex issue, I have realized that being happy is a decision that we make everyday.
Is it a decision that we make every moment? If we make the decision to be happy in the beginning of the day do we stay happy throughout the day? Or do we need to make the decision every few hours?
I love other languages so sometimes my titles will be in other languages. This one is in Hindi in honor of one man from whom I get most of my inspiration to live a more loving, tolerant, respectful life.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
An introduction of sorts
As there is something innately egotistical about the new era of blogging that our flat and ever-so-flattening world has emerged into, I find a desire and need to share my own thoughts with those people who may be interested. I only ask that you enjoy and question what I say as I sincerely believe in what Socrates said: "There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance."
It is our moral responsibility to all mankind to always be seeking knowledge and consequently diminish our ignorance.
This first blog post introduces my thoughts and hopefully sets the stage for my following posts. Living aware is an idea I got from studying Buddhism for a short amount of time. A paramount ideal for Buddhists is to always be increasingly aware of things around you both physically and spiritually. "The greatest precept is continual awareness."
Being a man trying to realize a clearer faith in God every day, I am always struggling to gain a broader sense of awareness, a "continual awareness." One of my greatest goals is that those reading this will attempt in their own lives to continually strive to be aware on a deeper level than simply noticing the happenings around you.
I perceive it as quite ironic that some of my most lucid moments have occurred when I was dreaming. Hence, the other half of the title of this blog, Open Eyes, relates to much more than simply having ones' eyes physically open. I am referring to keeping our perspectives open to differences that might make us want to close our eyes. Obviously I am speaking metaphorically here and referring to closing our eyes as shutting off the uncomfortable or unfamiliar instead of trying to understand it more clearly.
In an attempt to maintain the reader's attention here, I will pause my thoughts (which is not possible actually), and leave these little "thought seeds" to germinate and grow.
Feel free to become a "Follower" of this blog as I am not writing this for only myself but for the possibility that others might find it helpful as well.
I will leave this post with a quote from a wonderful collections of books which I read often yet do not take literally 100% of the time, The Bible. Jesus is quoted in the book of Mark as saying, "And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened."
So I pass on this revolutionary idea to you: Ephphatha.
It is our moral responsibility to all mankind to always be seeking knowledge and consequently diminish our ignorance.
This first blog post introduces my thoughts and hopefully sets the stage for my following posts. Living aware is an idea I got from studying Buddhism for a short amount of time. A paramount ideal for Buddhists is to always be increasingly aware of things around you both physically and spiritually. "The greatest precept is continual awareness."
Being a man trying to realize a clearer faith in God every day, I am always struggling to gain a broader sense of awareness, a "continual awareness." One of my greatest goals is that those reading this will attempt in their own lives to continually strive to be aware on a deeper level than simply noticing the happenings around you.
I perceive it as quite ironic that some of my most lucid moments have occurred when I was dreaming. Hence, the other half of the title of this blog, Open Eyes, relates to much more than simply having ones' eyes physically open. I am referring to keeping our perspectives open to differences that might make us want to close our eyes. Obviously I am speaking metaphorically here and referring to closing our eyes as shutting off the uncomfortable or unfamiliar instead of trying to understand it more clearly.
In an attempt to maintain the reader's attention here, I will pause my thoughts (which is not possible actually), and leave these little "thought seeds" to germinate and grow.
Feel free to become a "Follower" of this blog as I am not writing this for only myself but for the possibility that others might find it helpful as well.
I will leave this post with a quote from a wonderful collections of books which I read often yet do not take literally 100% of the time, The Bible. Jesus is quoted in the book of Mark as saying, "And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened."
So I pass on this revolutionary idea to you: Ephphatha.
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