Archive for the 'General Discussion' Category

The Seasons Come

Thursday, August 23rd, 2007

Like it or not the seasons  come, times change, and the cycle of life goes on.  That is the way it is.  There is a rythm; there is a pulsating rythmic vibration that runs through the whole universe.  And that force has a purpose, a way, a goal, a movement that can not be stopped. You go with the flow, or you get run over. Ride the crest, my friend.  Ride the crest! May you be with the Force.

The Idea of Change

Saturday, August 4th, 2007

Why do people fear change?  Is it because they are comfortable where they are?  Or is it because they fear losing what they have in the process of effecting change?  The question is: Can they sacrifice a greater future for the comfort of the moment?  What is your take on this?

Thank you!!

Tuesday, July 17th, 2007

We complained loud and clear about spam attack on our blog a few weeks ago.  I am happy to report that such attacks have decreased immensely in the past few weeks, for which we are very grateful.  Post items that may educate, entertain, inform, enlighten but not pervert.  Thank you.

Spam attack

Sunday, July 8th, 2007

It is a sad commentary on our times that this blog forum has been under constant attack from spammers.  Spam, spam, spam everywhere.  It has therefore hindered our ability to post well-intentioned comments on issues of our time.  I wish these spammers would stop. This website is not interested in whatever pervesion they have to sell.  STOP.

Is America Ready for a Black president?

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007

Barack Obama is making a serious contention for the highest office in the land. Is America ready for it?  Will he be elected? What do you think?

IRAQ: To Surge or Not to Surge

Friday, January 19th, 2007

President Bush recently announced plans to increase American Troop presence in Iraq by 21,000. What is your take on this? Will this escalation result in peace? Or is this effort doomed to fail? Will the killings finally stop? In your opinion, what is the best way to achieve a safe, secure and democratic Iraq? Do the surrounding countries, namely Iran, Syria, and Saudi Arabia have a role to play in achieving an Iraq free of sectarian violence? Express yourself.

This Much I Learned

Wednesday, November 15th, 2006

Success Codes
1) Write yourself a starring role.2) Don’t let others rent space in your head.

These two principles are not original.  They came from my readings recently.  The first from Ken Inamuori, one of the leading Japanese businessmen and international investor.  The second is American grown. These two principles struck a chord with me, because they are so true and so real.  They both speak to having an identity, and following through on your true callings without fear or timidity.

The first speaks to having a plan, having confidence in yourself, in your ability, in effect becoming the master of your own destiny.  If you do not believe in yourself, nobody else will. Many people around you will underestimate your potential.  Well meaning people might have doubts in your plans, most of the time because they also doubt themselves.  Some will outright knock your ideas down, but in the end each life is personal and individual - you are going to have to decide for yourself what you can do, what you can achieve.

The second principle - Don’t let others rent space in your head is necessary in order to accomplish the first.  The modern society is suffering from an information overload, as never seen before, from TV, internet, radio, political and industry leaders.  Fashion, fad, and tradition lead to brain colonization.  They rent space in your head.  Your parents might also be renting space in your head, wanting to live their lives through you. If you want to succeed, you must find your way through the maze - carve yourself your own territory, write yourself your own game plan with you as the leading star.

Examples of people who have applied these two principle include Oprah Winfrey.  Bill O’Reilly of Fox News is another.  You might not agree with him but he is doing what he is good at and doing really well.  Others include the two young men who created Youtube, which Time magazine has dubbed The Invention of the Year.

CONCLUSION:  To succeed you must define yourself and act accordingly.  That much I learned.

Post your comment!

The Iraq Issue. Way Out.

Friday, October 27th, 2006
The Iraq question has again bubbled to the top in national discourse, with President Bush and Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, giving press interviews. “Stay the Course” as administrative policy is not working. The daily violence in Iraq has not abated. American soldiers are being killed. There has to be a change. This is my two cents: The regional powers in the area must be brought to the table. That should include Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. The old members of the Sadam Hussein era must be given more important positions within the new government. The truth is they have ruled the country, Iraq, for over thirty years, and they know the intricacies and local politics involved. What we have is a dangerous situation, with the possibility of getting worse and throwing the whole region into a turmoil, with the potential of destabilizing world peace, and threatening the security of even the most secure countries. The Iraqi situation cannot be allowed to get out of hand. The Iraq situation is a dangerous situation that requires draconian measures, both military and political. Dusk to dawn curfew should be imposed nationwide. Movement of vehicles, restricted and controlled. Newspapers that fan the flame of violence shut down You cannot establish democracy in an unsecured society. You cannot build on a volcano. Freedom of expression only becomes relevant when right to life, safety and security has been protected.

Jacksonville, The Beautiful

Friday, October 20th, 2006

Without a doubt, Jacksonville is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States of America.  Nestled  on top the  north east region of Florida, only a few miles from Georgia, Jacksonville, offers a climate that is welcoming, inviting and unremorsefully blissfull.  It is October, and yet we are experiencing temperatures in the 80s, calm winds, soft caressing rain, and cool nights.

One of the best places to visit in Jacksonville, is the University of North Florida, a great academic center, and yet a soothing relaxing environment.  They have the Arena, where the Orlando Magic, of the National Basketball Association, have practiced.  They have the Sears swimming pool, where I have done a lot of swimming.  They have the Carpenter’s Library, with its vast catalogues and computer resource.  The lustrous and luxious green environment is most pleasant.

That is Jacksonville, where Florida begins.  Where the fun begins.

Was the Iraq war a dissappointing mistake?

Thursday, September 28th, 2006

Sadam Hussein was dangerous to  his neighbours.  Yet, more than 2,000 American servicemen have died in Iraq.  What is your take on this?  Was the war a mistake?