The Stranger in the Woods: The Extraordinary Story of the Last True Hermit
Thursday, April 23, 2020
Wednesday, April 22, 2020
Roy Zimmerman - Impeach Trump (to the tune of The Lion Sleeps Tonight)
As I have long said - what magic remains in the world - from the last remnants of eldritch days long since past - is music. For what is magic - but the speaking of words coupled with the cosmic strains of melody - to affect changes in the physical and spiritual spheres within which we simultaneously inhabit? Was it not so when God created the heavens and the earth? For in Genesis, Chapter 1 - it is written "And God said, 'Let there be...' "
For no other force can so awaken the hearts and minds - and rouse the consciousness of a people - raising their long-dead passion and stirring them to rise up for the cause of justice, truth, liberty, and freedom.
Saturday, April 18, 2020
How Beauty Will Save the World
To understand the exquisite beauty of the movie, "Cloud Atlas" - these two YouTube videos will be of immense benefit:
"Cloud Atlas is the first movie of its kind to combine eastern philosophy with western theoretical physics. Giving us a movie that synergistically explores the concepts of quantum entanglement and reincarnation."
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/19771050.Aleksandr_Solzhenitsyn
"Cloud Atlas is the first movie of its kind to combine eastern philosophy with western theoretical physics. Giving us a movie that synergistically explores the concepts of quantum entanglement and reincarnation."
https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/19771050.Aleksandr_Solzhenitsyn
“One day Dostoevsky threw out the enigmatic remark: "Beauty will save the world". What sort of a statement is that? For a long time I considered it mere words. How could that be possible? When in bloodthirsty history did beauty ever save anyone from anything? Ennobled, uplifted, yes - but whom has it saved?
"There is, however, a certain peculiarity in the essence of beauty, a peculiarity in the status of art: namely, the convincingness of a true work of art is completely irrefutable and it forces even an opposing heart to surrender. It is possible to compose an outwardly smooth and elegant political speech, a headstrong article, a social program, or a philosophical system on the basis of both a mistake and a lie. What is hidden, what distorted, will not immediately become obvious."
"Then a contradictory speech, article, program, a differently constructed philosophy rallies in opposition - and all just as elegant and smooth, and once again it works. Which is why such things are both trusted and mistrusted."
"In vain to reiterate what does not reach the heart."
"But a work of art bears within itself its own verification: conceptions which are devised or stretched do not stand being portrayed in images, they all come crashing down, appear sickly and pale, convince no one. But those works of art which have scooped up the truth and presented it to us as a living force - they take hold of us, compel us, and nobody ever, not even in ages to come, will appear to refute them."
"So perhaps that ancient trinity of Truth, Goodness and Beauty is not simply an empty, faded formula as we thought in the days of our self-confident, materialistic youth? If the tops of these three trees converge, as the scholars maintained, but the too blatant, too direct stems of Truth and Goodness are crushed, cut down, not allowed through - then perhaps the fantastic, unpredictable, unexpected stems of Beauty will push through and soar to that very same place, and in so doing will fulfil the work of all three?
"In that case Dostoevsky's remark, "Beauty will save the world", was not a careless phrase but a prophecy? After all he was granted to see much, a man of fantastic illumination."
"And in that case art, literature might really be able to help the world today?”
― Nobel Lecture
the Solzhenitsyn test:
“The simple act of an ordinary brave man is not to participate in lies, not to support false actions! His rule: Let that come into the world, let it even reign supreme—only not through me.”
"Actors are agents of change. A film, a piece of theater, a piece of
music, or a book can make a difference. It can change the world."
~ Alan Rickman (source: IMDB)
“I got saved by poetry and I got saved by the beauty of the world.”
~Mary Oliver
Friday, April 17, 2020
The Emptiness of a Room...
There's an eerie feeling I get - when I have been in a room that was previously full of people, bustling with activity - and then afterward - when it is silent and empty.
I'm not talking about an office, staying late one night, after hours.
I'm talking about moments that bridge the before - and the after.
Hotel conference halls - that are suddenly dismantled on the last day of the conference...standing in an empty conference room - as the last table was being folded, the last chair being removed - leaving an emptiness more profound - than just an empty room.
Company offices in which I previously worked - often for periods of years - frequently late into the night - and over the weekends - where I collaborated with colleagues - and shared many adventures - that were emptied of furniture - as the business failed - and closed.
Restaurants - that I enjoyed for years - to peer into their boarded-up interiors - and see dry dusty bones of memories - long gone...
An empty house, or apartment - after the last load has been moved onto the moving truck.
The finality of endings - that haunts me in ways that I do not think that I yet fully grok.
Sunday, April 12, 2020
Book: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
As a PFC in the U.S. Army, in 1981, while wandering through the aisles of the Ft. Stewart (home to the 24th Infantry Division) base library - looking for something to take with me to read on an upcoming field training exercise - I happened upon a book that I have often returned to when I am seeking peace of mind in troubling times.
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Emperor of Rome)
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2680
Suggested additional reading:
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (Emperor of Rome)
http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2680
Suggested additional reading:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Aurelius
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoicism
- Letters from a Stoic: Epistulae Morales AD Lucilium
- Seneca's Morals of a Happy Life, Benefits, Anger and Clemency by Seneca
Sunday, April 05, 2020
Be A Helper
It is easy to let fear overcome us - but, we must not lose our humanity - and abandon those who are in need.
A good message (and, a reminder) to share with others.
Have courage. Be Kind. Be a helper to those in need.
A good message (and, a reminder) to share with others.
Have courage. Be Kind. Be a helper to those in need.
Saturday, April 04, 2020
The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything - Josh Kaufman
Can you say "Dilettante"?
The first 20 hours -- how to learn anything | Josh Kaufman | TEDxCSU
“The First 20 Hours: How to Learn Anything . . . Fast!” by Josh Kaufman
- "it only takes around 20 hours of deliberate practice to become competent in something."
YouTube Channel: Productivity Game
Outliers: The Story of Success, by Malcolm Gladwell
Friday, April 03, 2020
A Celebration of Star Trek Music
At the heart of everything related to Star Trek, is the spirit of voyaging, of discovery.
The message and vision of Star Trek embodies hope for humanity - and celebrates the spirit of innovation, exploration, and discovery. Although its depictions may not have always been pretty (or, perhaps consistent) - the underlying themes are life-affirming: Courage, Dedication, Duty, Effort, Compassion, Selflessness, Fairness, Equality, Sacrifice, Freedom, Liberty, Justice.
The message and vision of Star Trek embodies hope for humanity - and celebrates the spirit of innovation, exploration, and discovery. Although its depictions may not have always been pretty (or, perhaps consistent) - the underlying themes are life-affirming: Courage, Dedication, Duty, Effort, Compassion, Selflessness, Fairness, Equality, Sacrifice, Freedom, Liberty, Justice.
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Thursday, March 26, 2020
During this Pandemic Crisis - Be Grateful for Man's Best Friend
[begin_humor]
During this pandemic crisis - be grateful for man's best friend.
1) Always carry dog treats.
2) Make friends with the dogs in your area
3) Even if the owners can't afford to feed their dogs during this crisis - be ready and willing to help keep their precious companions well fed.
These animals may be an essential component of your neighbors' ability to cope with the stress of this crisis.
And, while the owners may see them as pets - you and I both know that they are so much more:
An emergency food supply.
I'm talking livestock.
[end_humor]
Tuesday, March 24, 2020
Inspirational Speeches of Trek
Now, in this time of darkness, of doubt, of fear - the spirit of these words calls out - across time and space - and expresses that which is the best of our species. For we shall prevail, and hope shall not perish. Stand your ground. Do not abandon any member of your "crew". Against the unseen foe, against ignorance, against greed that would jeopardize the health of all peoples of the earth - we must be united in a vision of helping one another - and a better tomorrow.
COVID-19 Last Resort Support Network
LinkedIn Group: COVID-19 Last Resort Support Network
This is intended as a mechanism of last resort - when all other resources have been exhausted.
Do you have loved ones that are far away - and have some urgent need for basic necessities? Are you willing/able to help out a stranger's loved ones in your local area?
This could be as simple as helping deliver some groceries to a person's elderly family member - so that folks in high risk groups can maintain their isolation and not require them to go out.
Heroes, Assemble! Indeed.
Tuesday, March 17, 2020
A Writer - Alfred Henry Lewis
This writer was brought to my attention - by a quote that I happened upon this evening....which I found intriguing...
In a March 1906 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Alfred Henry Lewis stated,
Alfred Henry Lewis
There is much of interest mentioned in the IMDB page:
And in his obituary, from The New York Times. December 24, 1914.
As well as this Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Henry_Lewis
His books are available on the Project Gutenberg site:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1257
In a March 1906 issue of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Alfred Henry Lewis stated,
"There are only nine meals between mankind and anarchy."
Alfred Henry Lewis
There is much of interest mentioned in the IMDB page:
And in his obituary, from The New York Times. December 24, 1914.
As well as this Wikipedia page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_Henry_Lewis
(January 20, 1855 – December 23, 1914) was an American investigative journalist, lawyer, novelist, editor, and short story writer,[1] who sometimes published under the pseudonym Dan Quin
His books are available on the Project Gutenberg site:
https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/author/1257
- Wolfville: Episodes of Cowboy Life (1893)
- Sandburrs (1900)
- Wolfville Days (1902)
- The Black Lion Inn (1903)
- The Boss, and How He Came to Rule New York (1903)
- Peggy O'Neal (1903)
- The President (1904)
- The Sunset Trail (1905)
- Confessions of a Detective (1906)
- When Men Grew Tall; or, The Story of Andrew Jackson (1907)
- An American Patrician; or, The Story of Aaron Burr (1908)
- Wolfville Folks (1908)
- Wolfville Nights (1908)
- The Apaches of New York (1912)
- Faro Nell and Her Friends: Wolfville Stories (1913)
Sunday, March 15, 2020
Saturday, March 07, 2020
The way that I work with clients...
There is much in the way that I work with clients - that bears a striking resemblance to the strictures of Nanny McPhee
"When you want me, but no longer need me - then I have to go"
Friday, March 06, 2020
New item on my Bucket List - Predators of the Heart Sanctuary
"The Predators of the Heart Sanctuary lets you have an awoosome 2-hour Wolf Encounter Experience. The sanctuary’s located in Anacortes"
https://www.boredpanda.com/wolves-sanctuary-predators-of-the-heart/
https://predatorsoftheheart.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pg/pothwildlife/
https://www.instagram.com/predatorsoftheheart/
Wednesday, March 04, 2020
A Meeks-ism
"Good Luck"
means...
means...
"I leave you now, to your own devices, and the consequences of your poor choices.
A Hindenburg looms large in your future."
Monday, March 02, 2020
My Counter to Your Offer
Some business management consultant connected with me recently on LinkedIn.
He asked if I would be interested in joining a new "mastermind group" he was forming.
I replied: "No, thank you".
He asked if I would be interested in joining a new "mastermind group" he was forming.
I replied: "No, thank you".
Today, I received a call from someone following-up on his behalf -
asking if I would be interesting in joining this mental masturbation
group.
Caller: "What do you think about the idea?"
Me: "My first thought would be - what would be the fee charged for joining this group?"
Caller: "$495/month"
Me: "Well, as a consultant myself - I charge for giving my advice and expertise - and for short-term engagements - like a 1-hour call per week, to share my advice with the group - my rate would be $340/hour".
Caller: "So..., ..., ...you, ..., ...would be charging HIM?"
Me: "Correct".
Caller: "Yeaaaahhhh....I don't think that's what he had in mind..."
Me: "I didn't think so".
{click}
Caller: "What do you think about the idea?"
Me: "My first thought would be - what would be the fee charged for joining this group?"
Caller: "$495/month"
Me: "Well, as a consultant myself - I charge for giving my advice and expertise - and for short-term engagements - like a 1-hour call per week, to share my advice with the group - my rate would be $340/hour".
Caller: "So..., ..., ...you, ..., ...would be charging HIM?"
Me: "Correct".
Caller: "Yeaaaahhhh....I don't think that's what he had in mind..."
Me: "I didn't think so".
{click}
Monday, February 24, 2020
Dr. Leila Hoteit 3 lessons on success from an Arab businesswoman
Dr. Leila Hoteit's Ted Talk
If you have a friend who is female, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a girlfriend - share this with them.
It is inspiring.
If you have a friend who is female, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a wife, a girlfriend - share this with them.
It is inspiring.
Friday, February 07, 2020
Memories of My Grandfather
Friday night.
9:19pm...
The end of the first week - of a three week business trip.
Living out of a suitcase has definitely grown old.
I've been traveling almost non-stop for ~4.5 months...with only one week not spent in a hotel...
My fraternal grandfather has been on my mind this week.
I remember how he would often go on long road trips in between farming seasons - hunting for old antiques to purchase and resell. I'm sure he enjoyed those trips. His enthusiastic way of explaining how he negotiated - stands out in my memory - even to this day - and was informative to how I began my own antique trading business with my sister - when we were just 7-9 years old (staked by him with a few boxes of Depression Era glassware - that we apparently ended-up selling in our first season for pennies on the dollar. Oops.)
I remember the drive from Little Rock that I would make to visit him and my father - in my Mazda Miata sports car...enjoying the the drive with the top down.
The most profound visceral memory I have of that house - was of the silence - as we sat in the living room or the kitchen - occasionally talking, between cups of instant coffee - or a Dr. Pepper. Folgers - being my father's favorite, and Dr. Pepper being always on hand in my grandfather's homes, as far back as I can recall.
A deep feeling of peace - of being settled in one place - that is what I recall most from those visits - in that place - during those years.
It is what some part of me now yearns for - in a way that is beyond want - and approaching need.
As of 2020-02-25, this home was listed on Realtor.com for $39,900 (3 bedroom, 1 bath, 2,224 sq ft)
9:19pm...
The end of the first week - of a three week business trip.
Living out of a suitcase has definitely grown old.
I've been traveling almost non-stop for ~4.5 months...with only one week not spent in a hotel...
My fraternal grandfather has been on my mind this week.
I remember how he would often go on long road trips in between farming seasons - hunting for old antiques to purchase and resell. I'm sure he enjoyed those trips. His enthusiastic way of explaining how he negotiated - stands out in my memory - even to this day - and was informative to how I began my own antique trading business with my sister - when we were just 7-9 years old (staked by him with a few boxes of Depression Era glassware - that we apparently ended-up selling in our first season for pennies on the dollar. Oops.)
The last house that he lived in - was purchased for a very modest cost of $18K (if I recall correctly) - in the little town of Tuckerman, Arkansas. (population 1,862 - as of the 2010 census)
The most profound visceral memory I have of that house - was of the silence - as we sat in the living room or the kitchen - occasionally talking, between cups of instant coffee - or a Dr. Pepper. Folgers - being my father's favorite, and Dr. Pepper being always on hand in my grandfather's homes, as far back as I can recall.
A deep feeling of peace - of being settled in one place - that is what I recall most from those visits - in that place - during those years.
It is what some part of me now yearns for - in a way that is beyond want - and approaching need.
As of 2020-02-25, this home was listed on Realtor.com for $39,900 (3 bedroom, 1 bath, 2,224 sq ft)
Sunday, December 08, 2019
2019 - Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year in 2020
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Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
|
Reflections on 2019
- Sailboat Projects:
- New LED lights in the main cabin
- Re-sealed deck hatch
- Client Engagements:
- Two new clients
- Four client engagements
- Writing:
- 86 ITV blogs postings
- [6] Essays
- Technical Editor/Reviewer (for Manning Publications)
- [3] books
- Github Repositories:
- [928] Github commits
- Conferences:
- InsureTech Connect 2019
- Travel:
- Toronto, Canada
- Niagara Falls, NY
- Las Vegas, NV
- San Luis Obispo, CA
- Seattle, WA
- Irvine, CA
- Salt Lake City, UT
Saturday, November 30, 2019
Creative Writing Short Story: The Tragic End of LIttle Red Riding Hood
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Photo by Manja Vitolic on Unsplash
|
Little Red Riding Hood wasn't little anymore. In fact, she had only just escaped the retirement home her children had banished here to some years ago. Tired of constantly hearing her paranoid fantastical delusional stories of `The Big Bad Wolf` - they eventually resorted to electroshock and a failed frontal lobotomy as their `final cure`.
As she raced down the long drive to freedom - she felt the wind blowing through her hair - as her red cape flew behind her. "Freedom!", she thought. "Just beyond that bend in the road up ahead..."
The son of the Big Bad Wolf had been waiting for this moment - all of his life. 'Justice will be mine!' he thought to himself...as he waited behind the giant tree just ahead.
Saturday, November 09, 2019
Film Review: Little Forest. A luminous feast for the mind & soul
For
the most part, the world of modern cinema is a travesty of extremes. Of
sex. Of violence. Of banality. Of sophomoric humor. In a word - an
assault on the senses and sensibilities - a "shock & awe" of
excesses.
But, every so often - a film comes along that is subtle - a rich tapestry of nuances. Layered. Deep. A feast for the mind. Entire scenes expressed with the barest economy of emotion, movement, expression, and dialogue.
Such a film is this exquisite morsel - "Little Forest" - featuring the luminous talents of Kim Tae-ri.
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Forest-Kim-Tae-ri/dp/B07L1D19XR/
But, every so often - a film comes along that is subtle - a rich tapestry of nuances. Layered. Deep. A feast for the mind. Entire scenes expressed with the barest economy of emotion, movement, expression, and dialogue.
Such a film is this exquisite morsel - "Little Forest" - featuring the luminous talents of Kim Tae-ri.
https://www.amazon.com/Little-Forest-Kim-Tae-ri/dp/B07L1D19XR/
Sunday, September 29, 2019
All The President's Men
For probably the 5th or 6th time, I watched "All The President's Men" again this weekend.
A powerful film. The IMDB Trivia section is filled with interesting bits that I didn't know about the film.
However, while watching this time, I was more profoundly struck by so many of the parallels between the actual historical footage of Republicans denouncing that impeachment inquiry - and our current situation with the malignant tumor that sits in the White House today.
Saturday, September 28, 2019
Tuesday, September 17, 2019
Madison Manor Boutique Hotel, Toronto ON
If you ever travel to Toronto - this boutique hotel should be on your short list of possible places to stay: Centrally located; next-door to an excellent pub; convenient access to transit resources; walking distance to many restaurants, museums, attractions, etc.
(note: I didn't stay there - discovered it during some of my traveling. I did visit the pub - and it has an excellent ambiance)
20 Madison Avenue Toronto ON
Sunday, September 08, 2019
I miss Anthony Bourdain
There are many people that have passed, that I do not miss - even members of my own extended family.
There are just a few people that I miss.
I miss Robin Williams.
But, even more, I miss Anthony Bourdain.
The world is dimmer and grayer - without him in it.
Just knowing that he was on the planet at the same time - as during my time - was a comfort.
There are just a few people that I miss.
I miss Robin Williams.
But, even more, I miss Anthony Bourdain.
The world is dimmer and grayer - without him in it.
Just knowing that he was on the planet at the same time - as during my time - was a comfort.
Monday, September 02, 2019
Philosophy Reading...
One of my favorite sources for quotations - the writings of Francois Duc De La Rochefoucauld
- Reflections; or Sentences and Moral Maxims By Francois Duc De La Rochefoucauld, Prince de Marsillac.
I'm not as familiar with Pascal's quotations, so looking forward to reading this...
Friday, August 30, 2019
Orson Welles - Interviews and Biographies
I happened across this interesting brief snippet of a Dick Cavett interview with Orson Welles...regarding some of his interactions with Winston Churchill - and that spurred me to seek out some other interviews on YouTube...
Books:
Books:
- Citizen Welles Hardcover – April 28, 1989 by Brady
- Orson Welles: A Biography Hardcover – September 23, 1985 by Barbara Leaming
- This Is Orson Welles Hardcover – September 1, 1992 by Orson Welles (Author), Peter Bogdonavich (Author), Jonathan Rosenbaum (Editor)
- The Magic World of Orson Welles Hardcover – May 30, 2015 by James Naremore
- Me and Mr Welles: Travelling Europe with a Hollywood Legend Paperback – September 1, 2018
- Orson Welles, Volume 1: The Road to Xanadu Paperback – February 1, 1997 by Simon Callow (Author)
- Orson Welles, Volume 2: Hello Americans Paperback – November 27, 2007 by Simon Callow (Author)
- Orson Welles, Volume 3: One-Man Band Hardcover – April 5, 2016 by Simon Callow (Author)
Sunday, August 25, 2019
House - Hallelujah
Because, I understand House - his pain - his choices - and the nobility of his soul.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Sunday, August 04, 2019
P.G. Wodehouse
Serendipity.
During my years in the U.S. Army - whenever possible, I would spend my weekends at the base library. Wandering the aisles - and relying upon the spur of the moment serendipity to guide me to some interesting tome that I would then check-out and bring with me on field maneuvers.
That was how I first became acquainted with Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius, and Letters From a Stoic (Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium) - by Seneca the Younger (fully, Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
That was how I first became acquainted with Meditations by Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius, and Letters From a Stoic (Epistulae Morales ad Lucilium) - by Seneca the Younger (fully, Lucius Annaeus Seneca)
Now, the internet allows much greater depth and breadth in such meanderings.
Today, one such gem uncovered: The life & writings of P.G. Wodehouse.
I am fascinated by his prolific output - his creative process and techniques for writing - and the conditions under which his creativity thrived under the hash conditions while interned in a German prison during WW II.
It was the briefest of mentions in a Wikipedia article, quoting the great British actor, Hugh Laurie, regarding the import of P.G. Wodehouse's writings on his life - that led me on this path of discovery today.
Serendipity, indeed.
Sunday, July 14, 2019
Why You Should Care About the Protections Enshrined in The Constitution
Imagine how different this story would have been if chip-embedded ID cards/passports had existed; or AI facial recognition, or consolidated national databases; or the massive deployment of cameras in every venue that aggregated data on the movement of every individual into a national intelligence database, etc.. This is why I am opposed to the promotion by insurance companies of car tracking devices - to offer you discounted rates. It is the terrible potential for misuse and abuse of that data - which the government can subpoena with secret warrants.
It is not a question of IF - but WHEN - governments will devolve into tyranny and autocratic rule.
For the fascist to use fear to drive the populace to elect demagogues was the basis of Hitler's rise to power - and that same prelude is being repeated in our own time - and not just in the United States - but in the lurch toward extreme right-wing ideologies in countries around the world - where dictators are admired by tRump.
This is why the Right to Privacy and to Liberty, enshrined in the The Fourth and Fifth Amendments, are so vital to protect - as our country's foundational bones.
Evil must be named and confronted with Truth
This is an exercise of my First Amendment Right, under the United States Constitution.
Note tRump's use of the plural "congresswomen" - and "they".
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
If
you suffer under any delusion, that tRump is not a racist white
nationalist - then please carefully read his twitter posts from this
morning that I've included below.
Note tRump's use of the plural "congresswomen" - and "they".
Congresswoman @AyannaPressley-born in Chicago.Congresswiman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez @AOC- born in NYC.Congresswoman @RashidaTlaib- born in Detroit.Only Ilhan Omar was born elsewhere. She arrived in 1992, and has been a U.S. citizen for 19 years, six years longer than his immigrant wife.
The sitting U.S. President is a racist white nationalist. For the blind and ignorant, let me clarify: His views can only be described as being most closely aligned with two groups: The KKK, and Nazis.
He promotes divisive policies.
He promotes hatred of immigrants.
He promotes hatred of other religions.
This is no longer something that can be ignored for the sake of keeping peace between parties, between friends, between families. This is an evil - and must be named and confronted with the Truth.
Silence is acceptance.
Silence is to be complicit.
This is how the beginning of atrocities against the Jewish people began in Germany, during the rise of Hitler. Would you have been silent then too?
In 1980, I swore an oath at the time of my enlistment in the United States Army.
Silence is to be complicit.
This is how the beginning of atrocities against the Jewish people began in Germany, during the rise of Hitler. Would you have been silent then too?
In 1980, I swore an oath at the time of my enlistment in the United States Army.
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).Note that the instruction to defend the Constitution precedes obeying the orders of POTUS. That was repeatedly impressed upon every soldier - that there is such a thing as an unlawful order. The Congress must act against his continued attacks on our Constitution - and against The Rule of Law.
Sunday, July 07, 2019
Saturday, July 06, 2019
Securing Your Computer's Financial Transaction Activity
Security is never absolute. It is a balancing act of trade-offs. Effort/Cost vs. Potential Benefit.
Security is not one thing - it is the intentional creation of a layered defense-in-depth.
An IT engineer I know reported that his computer was compromised yesterday. He stepped away to have dinner with his family - and when he came back - his cursor was behaving erratically. Then, he noted that his crypto-wallets had been completely drained. He assumes that all of his passwords have been compromised.
A few things someone could/should do to help protect themselves:
Isolation and launching a fresh/known Linux - can go a long way to protecting your financial assets - and help prevent the leaking of passwords that may be kept unencrypted in memory in the base OS (i.e. Windows).
But even with these precautions - it is important to note that there have been several critical security defects reported, over the past few years, in which the crypto-wallet itself was the key vulnerability in the attack vector.
Excuse me, I'm going to strap on my scuba gear to check on my gold & silver stash, in the safest place i know...
Security is not one thing - it is the intentional creation of a layered defense-in-depth.
An IT engineer I know reported that his computer was compromised yesterday. He stepped away to have dinner with his family - and when he came back - his cursor was behaving erratically. Then, he noted that his crypto-wallets had been completely drained. He assumes that all of his passwords have been compromised.
A few things someone could/should do to help protect themselves:
- Make sure your base OS is running the latest version/patch (e.g. Windows Update FAQ)
- Ensure that you have a Firewall and Anti-Virus software installed and running. On Windows - you should minimally be running two Anti-Virus products: Windows Defender - and Malwarebytes.
- Create two Linux virtual machines - running one of the security-focused Linux distributions (e.g. Kali or Qubes might be my first options to consider). Docker can be very helpful in setting these two VMs up. Both VMs are launched fresh each time. You only launch __ONE__ of those VMs when you need to do a transaction. Never both at the same time.
- Use the Chrome browser in one - just for financial/banking/bill paying transactions.
- Use the Firefox browser in the other one - just for the crypo transactions.
- ***NEVER*** visit any other web sites with either of the browsers - in either of those VMs - other than the financial transaction sites you regularlyh use.
- Close those browsers and VMs when you are not using them.
- Use a USB for cold storage of all crypto-wallets. These should never be left connected to any machine.
- The VMs should be configured with encrypted disk mounts.
- Change passwords at least quarterly
- Enable multi-factor authentication on every account that supports it.
- For financial accounts, enable alerts for any transaction activity above a specific threshold (my level is set at $1)
Isolation and launching a fresh/known Linux - can go a long way to protecting your financial assets - and help prevent the leaking of passwords that may be kept unencrypted in memory in the base OS (i.e. Windows).
But even with these precautions - it is important to note that there have been several critical security defects reported, over the past few years, in which the crypto-wallet itself was the key vulnerability in the attack vector.
Excuse me, I'm going to strap on my scuba gear to check on my gold & silver stash, in the safest place i know...
Tuesday, July 02, 2019
Mr. Hardcastle
Hi name was Mr. Hardcastle.
As a child, growing up in the countryside - I would walk about a 1/5 of a mile up a hill to road juncture - where I would catch a bus every morning to elementary and junior high school.
The bus driver, during my junior high school years - was a man by the name of Mr. Hardcastle.
One day, I left my saxaphone case on the bus.
My mother somehow found Mr. Hardcastle's phone number - and called - and confirmed that he had my saxaphone - so we drove to his house (a trailer) and picked it up. That is probably the first really distinct memory I have of him.
In my final year of junior high - we moved to a subdivision in the city - and I was able to walk to school every day.
In my first year of high school, I signed-up for a geometry class - and was surprised to find out that Mr. Hardcastle wasn't just a bus driver - he was a math teacher as well.
I have warm memories of him as a teacher. He was kind, patient, and it was obvious that he cared about his students.
I don't know if he recalled that I was the same kid that left a saxaphone on his bus. I suspect he did.
Another favorite teacher in high school was Mr. Screeton, who taught Physics and Chemistry - both of which I took with him.
Now, the interesting thing about both of these men - was that they had both served in Vietnam:
In my voracious reading - I had happened upon a paperback book at a local used book reseller: The Green Berets, by Robin Moore - and I was fascinated by the elite role they played, their specialized military training; and the types of mission for which they were assigned. They were unsung heroes.
During this same period of time - I was working toward achieving my black belt in Shotokan Karate - and had joined the Air Force Junior ROTC in my junior year.
In my senior year, I was a finalist for an Air Force ROTC Scholarship - and later, was notified that I would be awarded the scholarship.
As the events of November 4, 1979 unfolded in Iran - with the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran - and the seizing of 52 American hostages - a sense of duty overcame my desire to proceed straight to university - and a sense of weariness from academic studies was also probably a factor (having been working 32 hours/week at a part-time job, teaching classes 2-3 times per week at my Karate Dojo, and having carried a heavy academic load all throughout both junior high - and high school - in preparation for college).
One Saturday, I went to the local U.S. Army recruiting station and asked about opportunities to join the Green Berets. Sadly, that wasn't possible. But, the next-best strategy - was to sign-up as an Airborne Ranger - and then seek to volunteer for the Green Beret program once I had a few years of the mandatory qualifying service completed.
And so, I was probably quite jubilant when I stopped by Mr. Hardcastle's classroom, prior to my graduation in 1980 - and told him of my plans.
Unexpectedly, he did not share in my excitement.
He was a wise man - and knew the risks and dangers that would certainly lay ahead for me.
Once I left home for the U.S. Army, I never saw Mr. Hardcastle again - but the impression he made in my life has had a lasting effect.
If you had met him - you would never guess that he was a deadly trained Special Forces warrior.
In all his mannerisms, speech, and duty-of-care as a teacher - he was a gentleman, with a quiet disposition - who exuded a mild sense of sad melancholy. Some of that sadness was likely due to the ending of a romantic relationship he had with a fellow teacher - that was widely known.
I remember both him, and Mr. Screeton (Billy Louis Screeton), with great fondness for the wisdom and instruction I received.
In their own rights, they were exemplary manifestations of all the best qualities of "The Doctor" [Who] - in real life.Thus, my deep and abiding heartfelt connection with all that the character of Doctor Who represents.
As a child, growing up in the countryside - I would walk about a 1/5 of a mile up a hill to road juncture - where I would catch a bus every morning to elementary and junior high school.
The bus driver, during my junior high school years - was a man by the name of Mr. Hardcastle.
One day, I left my saxaphone case on the bus.
My mother somehow found Mr. Hardcastle's phone number - and called - and confirmed that he had my saxaphone - so we drove to his house (a trailer) and picked it up. That is probably the first really distinct memory I have of him.
In my final year of junior high - we moved to a subdivision in the city - and I was able to walk to school every day.
In my first year of high school, I signed-up for a geometry class - and was surprised to find out that Mr. Hardcastle wasn't just a bus driver - he was a math teacher as well.
I have warm memories of him as a teacher. He was kind, patient, and it was obvious that he cared about his students.
I don't know if he recalled that I was the same kid that left a saxaphone on his bus. I suspect he did.
Another favorite teacher in high school was Mr. Screeton, who taught Physics and Chemistry - both of which I took with him.
Now, the interesting thing about both of these men - was that they had both served in Vietnam:
- Mr. Screeton had been a Marine Sniper.
- Mr. Hardcastle had been a Green Beret.
In my voracious reading - I had happened upon a paperback book at a local used book reseller: The Green Berets, by Robin Moore - and I was fascinated by the elite role they played, their specialized military training; and the types of mission for which they were assigned. They were unsung heroes.
During this same period of time - I was working toward achieving my black belt in Shotokan Karate - and had joined the Air Force Junior ROTC in my junior year.
In my senior year, I was a finalist for an Air Force ROTC Scholarship - and later, was notified that I would be awarded the scholarship.
As the events of November 4, 1979 unfolded in Iran - with the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Tehran - and the seizing of 52 American hostages - a sense of duty overcame my desire to proceed straight to university - and a sense of weariness from academic studies was also probably a factor (having been working 32 hours/week at a part-time job, teaching classes 2-3 times per week at my Karate Dojo, and having carried a heavy academic load all throughout both junior high - and high school - in preparation for college).
One Saturday, I went to the local U.S. Army recruiting station and asked about opportunities to join the Green Berets. Sadly, that wasn't possible. But, the next-best strategy - was to sign-up as an Airborne Ranger - and then seek to volunteer for the Green Beret program once I had a few years of the mandatory qualifying service completed.
And so, I was probably quite jubilant when I stopped by Mr. Hardcastle's classroom, prior to my graduation in 1980 - and told him of my plans.
Unexpectedly, he did not share in my excitement.
He was a wise man - and knew the risks and dangers that would certainly lay ahead for me.
Once I left home for the U.S. Army, I never saw Mr. Hardcastle again - but the impression he made in my life has had a lasting effect.
If you had met him - you would never guess that he was a deadly trained Special Forces warrior.
In all his mannerisms, speech, and duty-of-care as a teacher - he was a gentleman, with a quiet disposition - who exuded a mild sense of sad melancholy. Some of that sadness was likely due to the ending of a romantic relationship he had with a fellow teacher - that was widely known.
I remember both him, and Mr. Screeton (Billy Louis Screeton), with great fondness for the wisdom and instruction I received.
In their own rights, they were exemplary manifestations of all the best qualities of "The Doctor" [Who] - in real life.Thus, my deep and abiding heartfelt connection with all that the character of Doctor Who represents.
Monday, June 24, 2019
The Investigation - A Search for the Truth in Ten Acts
Words can be powerful things - power for good, or for ill.
When used for good:
...They can reveal that which has been hidden - by lies and subterfuge.
...They can rally a people to come together.
...They can inspire and give courage.
...They can ignite a spark - that can lead to a conflagration...that will burn away the rot and decay.
https://lawworksaction.org/
Watching this was fascinating.
Near the end (@ 01:16:30), after the recital of the 10 Acts of Obstruction, while everyone is still on stage - Annette Bening makes a brief final statement....
that sent shivers of Hope through my being - as if the first rays of sunlight broke over a ridge, into a valley that has long laid under the dark night of winter...
When used for good:
...They can reveal that which has been hidden - by lies and subterfuge.
...They can rally a people to come together.
...They can inspire and give courage.
...They can ignite a spark - that can lead to a conflagration...that will burn away the rot and decay.
https://lawworksaction.org/
Watching this was fascinating.
Near the end (@ 01:16:30), after the recital of the 10 Acts of Obstruction, while everyone is still on stage - Annette Bening makes a brief final statement....
that sent shivers of Hope through my being - as if the first rays of sunlight broke over a ridge, into a valley that has long laid under the dark night of winter...
Tuesday, June 18, 2019
I Stand With The Doctor: Be Kind
There are things that are real.
There are things that are true.
There are things that have never been - and will never be.
There are shadows of sketches of forms - captured in the wisps of the fiction that have been created during the brief time that humans have dominated this world.
Figments of imagination.
Words - that strike chords so deep in the psyche - that they are like the ringing of steel on an anvil - for they resonate across time and space - with...something.
Such is the beauty and grandeur of the tales told of a man in a blue box.
Sunday, June 16, 2019
Movie: Kesari - The Battle of Saragarhi
I watched a movie on Amazon Prime tonight - a retelling of a true historical event - that is every bit as powerful a story as the 300 Spartans at the Battle of Thermopylae.
The Battle of Saragarhi - in which, on 12 September 1897 - 21 Jat Sikh soldiers of the 36th Sikhs (now the 4th battalion of the Sikh Regiment), who were stationed at an army post and were attacked by 10000 to 12,000 Afghans. The Sikhs, led by Havildar Ishar Singh, chose to fight to the death, in what is considered by some military historians as one of history's greatest last stands
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Music IS The Magic That Remains
Music IS the magic that remains in the world - for by the mere
invocation of words and vibrations of sound - feelings are summoned...
and thoughts may be changed, shaped, nurtured - and it is through
thought and feeling that action arises - and all conditions and material manifestations
made by humans are realized.
Wednesday, May 22, 2019
My 2020 Mars Ticket
NASA's Mars 2020 Rover is heading to the red planet.
Submit your name by Sept. 30, 2019, and fly along!
Friday, April 26, 2019
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Movie: The Way West
I watched an old 1967 movie last night.
I had forgotten everything about it - except for a scene near the end - when they are lowering a wagon down to the bottom of a river gorge.
I'm pretty sure I must have watched it when it first came out on TV - that would have been when I was still young, 8-10 years old - living on Tadpole Road - on our 10 acres in the woods that I helped my father clear (before I entered the 2nd grade - chopping trees and brush with an axe and my hatchet).
I had forgotten everything about it - except for a scene near the end - when they are lowering a wagon down to the bottom of a river gorge.
I'm pretty sure I must have watched it when it first came out on TV - that would have been when I was still young, 8-10 years old - living on Tadpole Road - on our 10 acres in the woods that I helped my father clear (before I entered the 2nd grade - chopping trees and brush with an axe and my hatchet).
I don't think I even recalled who the actors were ( Kirk Douglas, Robert Mitchum, Richard Widmark)
It was surprisingly good...and has aged well. One of the finest performances I can recall seeing by Robert Mitchum.
It was surprisingly good...and has aged well. One of the finest performances I can recall seeing by Robert Mitchum.
- https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062479/
- https://www.amazon.com/Way-West-Kirk-Douglas/dp/B001NTIBMG
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_West_(film)
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Way_West
Saturday, April 20, 2019
The Dropout: Podcast by ABC Radio & ABC News Nightline
http://abcradio.com/podcasts/the-dropout/
"Money. Romance. Tragedy. Deception. The story of Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos is an unbelievable tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong. How did the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire lose it all in the blink of an eye? How did the woman once heralded as “the next Steve Jobs” find herself facing criminal charges — to which she pleaded not guilty — and up to 20 years in jail? How did her technology, meant to revolutionize healthcare, potentially put millions of patients at risk? And how did so many smart people get it so wrong along the way? ABC News chief business, technology and economics correspondent Rebecca Jarvis, along with producers Taylor Dunn and Victoria Thompson, take listeners on a journey that includes a three-year-long investigation. You’ll hear exclusive interviews with former employees, investors, and patients, and for the first-time, the never-before-aired deposition testimony of Elizabeth Holmes, and those at the center of this story."
Wednesday, April 03, 2019
Monday, March 18, 2019
Book: China. Travels and investigations in the Middle Kingdom : a study of its civilization and possibilities : with a glance at Japan ...
Serendipity recently led me to an interesting historical travelers' account of the people, culture, and traditions of a bygone era in China and Japan (see below) while doing some further reading triggered by another interesting story: A famous American silk merchant businessman (James Harrison Wilson Thompson) was mysteriously lost in the Cameron Highlands of Malaysia in 1967 (last seen by Margaret Landon, the author of "The King and I"). In 2017, some film makers thought they may have finally solved the mystery.
Further googling and reading led me to Thompson's grandfather, a famous Civil War Union General, James Harrison Wilson - and a book that he wrote and published in 1888 of his travels to Japan and China - which captures a fascinating glimpse into the cultures of that time - and is exceptionally well written - by an astute observer.
Book: China. Travels and investigations in the Middle Kingdom : a study of its civilization and possibilities : with a glance at Japan ...
- by Wilson, James Harrison, 1837-1925
- Publication date
1888
Tuesday, February 05, 2019
Friday, January 18, 2019
The Mark of a True Master
From my decades of training - and closely watching the behavior of true masters of their respective arts - I have learned:
Mastery isn't to be found in grandiose movements, showmanship, or prideful loud boasting.Mastery is to be found in the smallest of movements.Mastery is economy of motion.Doing the smallest thing possible, expending the least energy, exerting the least force - to achieve the desired outcome.Quiet Stillness - Action - then, returning to Quiet Stillness.Silent and still, like the calm surface of a pond.Decisive, like the strike of the mongoose.Clarity, like the moon seen through crisp winter air.Relaxed, loose, waiting - until the moment to act is reached in the fullness of time.The mark of the true master is to be found in their humility - always knowing that they are still the student.
Monday, September 24, 2018
Words
Words.
A man I know of, only by the words he has written - is dying a horrible death, by cancer - that has spread throughout his body.
By most measures, he is probably not what you would deem a good man - but I have enjoyed his written words, the weaving of stories - always with keen humor - and the humanity and empathy that are expressed by his words.
His eye is well tuned to observe his fellow man.
The news of his imminent death gives me pause, for I have not yet written the greater part of the words that I will hopefully leave behind one day.
But I hope to be able to write with the humanity and empathy that his words have revealed for me.
I'm not a good man, and I'm not a bad man. I'm just a man with a boat - and a tool box. Passing through. Helping out. Searching. Learning.
Pardon me, I have some words to go write.
A man I know of, only by the words he has written - is dying a horrible death, by cancer - that has spread throughout his body.
By most measures, he is probably not what you would deem a good man - but I have enjoyed his written words, the weaving of stories - always with keen humor - and the humanity and empathy that are expressed by his words.
His eye is well tuned to observe his fellow man.
The news of his imminent death gives me pause, for I have not yet written the greater part of the words that I will hopefully leave behind one day.
But I hope to be able to write with the humanity and empathy that his words have revealed for me.
I'm not a good man, and I'm not a bad man. I'm just a man with a boat - and a tool box. Passing through. Helping out. Searching. Learning.
Pardon me, I have some words to go write.
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