There is nothing in American experience or in American political life or in our culture that suggests we want to use hard power. But what we have found over the decades is that unless you do have hard power -- and here I think you're referring to military power -- then sometimes you are faced with situations that you can't deal with.
I mean, it was not soft power that freed Europe. It was hard power. And what followed immediately after hard power? Did the United States ask for dominion over a single nation in Europe? No. Soft power came in the Marshall Plan. Soft power came with American GIs who put their weapons down once the war was over and helped all those nations rebuild. We did the same thing in Japan.
So our record of living our values and letting our values be an inspiration to others I think is clear. And I don't think I have anything to be ashamed of or apologize for with respect to what America has done for the world.
(Applause.)
We have gone forth from our shores repeatedly over the last hundred years and we’ve done this as recently as the last year in Afghanistan and put wonderful young men and women at risk, many of whom have lost their lives, and we have asked for nothing except enough ground to bury them in, and otherwise we have returned home to seek our own, you know, to seek our own lives in peace, to live our own lives in peace. But there comes a time when soft power or talking with evil will not work where, unfortunately, hard power is the only thing that works.
Complete Transcript:
http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2003/16869.htm
Colin Powell quote
You've Got Propaganda!
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Irena Sendler
Fate may have led Irena Sendler to the moment almost 70 years ago when she began to risk her life for the children of strangers. But for this humble Polish Catholic social worker, who was barely 30 when one of history's most nightmarish chapters unfolded before her, the pivotal influence was something her parents had drummed into her.
"I was taught that if you see a person drowning," she said, "you must jump into the water to save them, whether you can swim or not."
When the Nazis occupying Poland began rounding up Jews in 1940 and sending them to the Warsaw ghetto, Sendler plunged in.
With daring and ingenuity, she saved the lives of more than 2,500 Jews, most of them children, a feat that went largely unrecognized until the last years of her life.
Sendler, 98, who died of pneumonia Monday in Warsaw, has been called the female Oskar Schindler, but she saved twice as many lives as the German industrialist, who sheltered 1,200 of his Jewish workers. Unlike Schindler, whose story received international attention in the 1993 movie "Schindler's List," Sendler and her heroic actions were almost lost to history until four Kansas schoolgirls wrote a play about her nine years ago.
The lesson Sendler taught them was that "one person can make a difference," Megan Felt, one of the authors of the play, said Monday.
"Irena wasn't even 5 feet tall, but she walked into the Warsaw ghetto daily and faced certain death if she was caught. Her strength and courage showed us we can stand up for what we believe in, as well," said Felt, who is now 23 and helps raise funds for aging Holocaust rescuers.
Sendler was born Feb. 15, 1910, in Otwock, a small town southeast of Warsaw. She was an only child of parents who devoted much of their energies to helping workers.
She was especially influenced by her father, a doctor who defied anti-Semites by treating sick Jews during outbreaks of typhoid fever. He died of the disease when Sendler was 9.
She studied at Warsaw University and was a social worker in Warsaw when the German occupation of Poland began in 1939. In 1940, after the Nazis herded Jews into the ghetto and built a wall separating it from the rest of the city, disease, especially typhoid, ran rampant. Social workers were not allowed inside the ghetto, but Sendler, imagining "the horror of life behind the walls," obtained fake identification and passed herself off as a nurse, allowed to bring in food, clothes and medicine.
By 1942, when the deadly intentions of the Nazis had become clear, Sendler joined a Polish underground organization, Zegota. She recruited 10 close friends -- a group that would eventually grow to 25, all but one of them women -- and began rescuing Jewish children.
She and her friends smuggled the children out in boxes, suitcases, sacks and coffins, sedating babies to quiet their cries. Some were spirited away through a network of basements and secret passages. Operations were timed to the second. One of Sendler's children told of waiting by a gate in darkness as a German soldier patrolled nearby. When the soldier passed, the boy counted to 30, then made a mad dash to the middle of the street, where a manhole cover opened and he was taken down into the sewers and eventually to safety.
Decades later, Sendler was still haunted by the parents' pleas, particularly of those who ultimately could not bear to be apart from their children.
"The one question every parent asked me was 'Can you guarantee they will live?' We had to admit honestly that we could not, as we did not even know if we would succeed in leaving the ghetto that day. The only guarantee," she said, "was that the children would most likely die if they stayed."
Most of the children who left with Sendler's group were taken into Roman Catholic convents, orphanages and homes and given non-Jewish aliases. Sendler recorded their true names on thin rolls of paper in the hope that she could reunite them with their families later. She preserved the precious scraps in jars and buried them in a friend's garden.
In 1943, she was captured by the Nazis and tortured but refused to tell her captors who her co-conspirators were or where the bottles were buried. She also resisted in other ways. According to Felt, when Sendler worked in the prison laundry, she and her co-workers made holes in the German soldiers' underwear. When the officers discovered what they had done, they lined up all the women and shot every other one. It was just one of many close calls for Sendler.
During one particularly brutal torture session, her captors broke her feet and legs, and she passed out. When she awoke, a Gestapo officer told her he had accepted a bribe from her comrades in the resistance to help her escape. The officer added her name to a list of executed prisoners. Sendler went into hiding but continued her rescue efforts.
Felt said that Sendler had begun her rescue operation before she joined the organized resistance and helped a number of adults escape, including the man she later married. "We think she saved about 500 people before she joined Zegota," Felt said, which would mean that Sendler ultimately helped rescue about 3,000 Polish Jews.
When the war ended, Sendler unearthed the jars and began trying to return the children to their families. For the vast majority, there was no family left. Many of the children were adopted by Polish families; others were sent to Israel.
In 1965, she was recognized by Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust authority, as a Righteous Gentile, an honor given to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Nazi reign. In her own country, however, she was unsung, in part because Polish anti-Semitism remained strong after the war and many rescuers were persecuted.
Her status began to change in 2000, when Felt and her classmates learned that the woman who had inspired them was still alive. Through the sponsorship of a local Jewish organization, they traveled to Warsaw in 2001 to meet Sendler, who helped the students improve and expand the play. Called "Life in a Jar," it has been performed more than 250 times in the United States, Canada and Poland and generated media attention that cast a spotlight on the wizened, round-faced nonagenarian.
After each performance, Felt and the other cast members passed a jar for Sendler, raising enough money to move her into a Catholic nursing home with round-the-clock care. They and the teacher who assigned them the play project, Norman Conard, started the Life in a Jar Foundation, which has raised more than $70,000 to help pay for medical and other needs of Holocaust rescuers.
Last year, Sendler was honored by the Polish Senate and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, which brought dozens of reporters to her door. She told one of them she was wearying of the attention.
"Every child saved with my help is the justification of my existence on this Earth," she said, "and not a title to glory."
Sendler, who was the last living member of her group of rescuers, is survived by a daughter and a granddaughter.
For more information on Irena Sendler, or to contribute to the Life In a Jar Foundation, go to www.irenasendler.org
elaine.woo@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-sendler13-2008may13,0,4435918.story
"I was taught that if you see a person drowning," she said, "you must jump into the water to save them, whether you can swim or not."
When the Nazis occupying Poland began rounding up Jews in 1940 and sending them to the Warsaw ghetto, Sendler plunged in.
With daring and ingenuity, she saved the lives of more than 2,500 Jews, most of them children, a feat that went largely unrecognized until the last years of her life.
Sendler, 98, who died of pneumonia Monday in Warsaw, has been called the female Oskar Schindler, but she saved twice as many lives as the German industrialist, who sheltered 1,200 of his Jewish workers. Unlike Schindler, whose story received international attention in the 1993 movie "Schindler's List," Sendler and her heroic actions were almost lost to history until four Kansas schoolgirls wrote a play about her nine years ago.
The lesson Sendler taught them was that "one person can make a difference," Megan Felt, one of the authors of the play, said Monday.
"Irena wasn't even 5 feet tall, but she walked into the Warsaw ghetto daily and faced certain death if she was caught. Her strength and courage showed us we can stand up for what we believe in, as well," said Felt, who is now 23 and helps raise funds for aging Holocaust rescuers.
Sendler was born Feb. 15, 1910, in Otwock, a small town southeast of Warsaw. She was an only child of parents who devoted much of their energies to helping workers.
She was especially influenced by her father, a doctor who defied anti-Semites by treating sick Jews during outbreaks of typhoid fever. He died of the disease when Sendler was 9.
She studied at Warsaw University and was a social worker in Warsaw when the German occupation of Poland began in 1939. In 1940, after the Nazis herded Jews into the ghetto and built a wall separating it from the rest of the city, disease, especially typhoid, ran rampant. Social workers were not allowed inside the ghetto, but Sendler, imagining "the horror of life behind the walls," obtained fake identification and passed herself off as a nurse, allowed to bring in food, clothes and medicine.
By 1942, when the deadly intentions of the Nazis had become clear, Sendler joined a Polish underground organization, Zegota. She recruited 10 close friends -- a group that would eventually grow to 25, all but one of them women -- and began rescuing Jewish children.
She and her friends smuggled the children out in boxes, suitcases, sacks and coffins, sedating babies to quiet their cries. Some were spirited away through a network of basements and secret passages. Operations were timed to the second. One of Sendler's children told of waiting by a gate in darkness as a German soldier patrolled nearby. When the soldier passed, the boy counted to 30, then made a mad dash to the middle of the street, where a manhole cover opened and he was taken down into the sewers and eventually to safety.
Decades later, Sendler was still haunted by the parents' pleas, particularly of those who ultimately could not bear to be apart from their children.
"The one question every parent asked me was 'Can you guarantee they will live?' We had to admit honestly that we could not, as we did not even know if we would succeed in leaving the ghetto that day. The only guarantee," she said, "was that the children would most likely die if they stayed."
Most of the children who left with Sendler's group were taken into Roman Catholic convents, orphanages and homes and given non-Jewish aliases. Sendler recorded their true names on thin rolls of paper in the hope that she could reunite them with their families later. She preserved the precious scraps in jars and buried them in a friend's garden.
In 1943, she was captured by the Nazis and tortured but refused to tell her captors who her co-conspirators were or where the bottles were buried. She also resisted in other ways. According to Felt, when Sendler worked in the prison laundry, she and her co-workers made holes in the German soldiers' underwear. When the officers discovered what they had done, they lined up all the women and shot every other one. It was just one of many close calls for Sendler.
During one particularly brutal torture session, her captors broke her feet and legs, and she passed out. When she awoke, a Gestapo officer told her he had accepted a bribe from her comrades in the resistance to help her escape. The officer added her name to a list of executed prisoners. Sendler went into hiding but continued her rescue efforts.
Felt said that Sendler had begun her rescue operation before she joined the organized resistance and helped a number of adults escape, including the man she later married. "We think she saved about 500 people before she joined Zegota," Felt said, which would mean that Sendler ultimately helped rescue about 3,000 Polish Jews.
When the war ended, Sendler unearthed the jars and began trying to return the children to their families. For the vast majority, there was no family left. Many of the children were adopted by Polish families; others were sent to Israel.
In 1965, she was recognized by Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust authority, as a Righteous Gentile, an honor given to non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews during the Nazi reign. In her own country, however, she was unsung, in part because Polish anti-Semitism remained strong after the war and many rescuers were persecuted.
Her status began to change in 2000, when Felt and her classmates learned that the woman who had inspired them was still alive. Through the sponsorship of a local Jewish organization, they traveled to Warsaw in 2001 to meet Sendler, who helped the students improve and expand the play. Called "Life in a Jar," it has been performed more than 250 times in the United States, Canada and Poland and generated media attention that cast a spotlight on the wizened, round-faced nonagenarian.
After each performance, Felt and the other cast members passed a jar for Sendler, raising enough money to move her into a Catholic nursing home with round-the-clock care. They and the teacher who assigned them the play project, Norman Conard, started the Life in a Jar Foundation, which has raised more than $70,000 to help pay for medical and other needs of Holocaust rescuers.
Last year, Sendler was honored by the Polish Senate and nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, which brought dozens of reporters to her door. She told one of them she was wearying of the attention.
"Every child saved with my help is the justification of my existence on this Earth," she said, "and not a title to glory."
Sendler, who was the last living member of her group of rescuers, is survived by a daughter and a granddaughter.
For more information on Irena Sendler, or to contribute to the Life In a Jar Foundation, go to www.irenasendler.org
elaine.woo@latimes.com
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/front/la-me-sendler13-2008may13,0,4435918.story
Think Mental Models
How normal people become really smart
Most humans do much of their problem solving not by searching selectively, but through simply recognizing the relevant cues in situations similar to those they have experienced before (solution by recognition).
“The better decision maker has at his/her disposal repertoires of possible actions; checklists of things to think about before he acts; and he has mechanisms in his mind to evoke these, and bring these to his conscious attention when the situations for decision arise.” -- Herbert Simon, Nobel Laureate
This website, inspired by the work of Charles Munger, provides over 100 checklists that can be brought consciously to mind to aid the thinking process.
Each model is described by at least one distinguished user. Examples include Warren Buffett, Richard Feynman, Robert Rubin and Peter Drucker, among others.
[from Dah Hui Lau]
Most humans do much of their problem solving not by searching selectively, but through simply recognizing the relevant cues in situations similar to those they have experienced before (solution by recognition).
“The better decision maker has at his/her disposal repertoires of possible actions; checklists of things to think about before he acts; and he has mechanisms in his mind to evoke these, and bring these to his conscious attention when the situations for decision arise.” -- Herbert Simon, Nobel Laureate
This website, inspired by the work of Charles Munger, provides over 100 checklists that can be brought consciously to mind to aid the thinking process.
Each model is described by at least one distinguished user. Examples include Warren Buffett, Richard Feynman, Robert Rubin and Peter Drucker, among others.
[from Dah Hui Lau]
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Dalai Lama Renaissance
I saw in the Hi Life section of the 5/8/08 Star-Bulletin (evidently this section is not on the web) that the film, Dalai Lama Renaissance, was being shown at the Unity Chuck of Honolulu.
"Narrated by Harrison Ford, the 80-minute documentary tells the story of 40 of the world's most innovative Western thinkers who travel to India in the Himalayan mountains to meet with the Dalai Lama to try and solve many of the world's problems. What happened was surprising and unexpected, as an 18-person, five-camera crew documented much of the weeklong meeting and exploratoin of the future of mankind.
* * *
Actually I see this film opens one day after Indiana Jones 4.
I didn't know much about the Dalai Lama until I bought the movie Seven Years In Tibet at Safeway for 5 bucks. Then I bought 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama used at Blockbuster. Both interesting.
Then I saw recently two DVDs being sold at Costco: A Path to Happiness (I see some of it on youtube) and The Art of Peace. Oddly, Amazon says the latter DVD is due to be released on July 1.
"Narrated by Harrison Ford, the 80-minute documentary tells the story of 40 of the world's most innovative Western thinkers who travel to India in the Himalayan mountains to meet with the Dalai Lama to try and solve many of the world's problems. What happened was surprising and unexpected, as an 18-person, five-camera crew documented much of the weeklong meeting and exploratoin of the future of mankind.
* * *
Actually I see this film opens one day after Indiana Jones 4.
I didn't know much about the Dalai Lama until I bought the movie Seven Years In Tibet at Safeway for 5 bucks. Then I bought 10 Questions for the Dalai Lama used at Blockbuster. Both interesting.
Then I saw recently two DVDs being sold at Costco: A Path to Happiness (I see some of it on youtube) and The Art of Peace. Oddly, Amazon says the latter DVD is due to be released on July 1.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Colin Powell's Rules
I found this old clipping in (one of my) stacks of stuff. I don't know how old it is, but the paper is yellowing.
Colin Powell has 13 rules by which he has collected over the years and written down on a small white card labeled, "Colin Powell's Rules." Many of his admirers in the Pentagon keep a copy at their desks or in their wallets.
1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
A search on the net turned up Maureen Dowd's somewhat cynical revisions.
Colin Powell has 13 rules by which he has collected over the years and written down on a small white card labeled, "Colin Powell's Rules." Many of his admirers in the Pentagon keep a copy at their desks or in their wallets.
1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.
2. Get mad, then get over it.
3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.
4. It can be done!
5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.
8. Check small things.
9. Share credit.
10. Remain calm. Be kind.
11. Have a vision. Be demanding.
12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.
13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.
A search on the net turned up Maureen Dowd's somewhat cynical revisions.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
feng shui and clutter
The feng shui perspective recognizes clutter as a blockage to the chi -- or energy flow -- in your house or office. Blockages of any kind are seen as inhibiting growth, health and harmony, so de-cluttering is often the first step in implementing feng shui not only in a home, but also within yourself.
* * *
A great book dealing with this topic is Karen Kingston's Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I read it and proceeded to clear up some clutter. (Unfortunately, looking around I see I still have a long long way to go. But I think it's better than before. Still working at it. You may have better results. I like to do things the slow way, a little bit by bit.)
* * *
A great book dealing with this topic is Karen Kingston's Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui. I read it and proceeded to clear up some clutter. (Unfortunately, looking around I see I still have a long long way to go. But I think it's better than before. Still working at it. You may have better results. I like to do things the slow way, a little bit by bit.)
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Lob Songs
I'm giving away my copy of Lob Songs (I believe I made two, but I don't know where the other one is).
Anyway, in case I want to make another one, here's the list.
1. Book of Lob 2:18
2. Dedicated to the One I Lob 2:03
3. Will You Still Lob Me Tomorrow 2:41
4. All You Need Is Lob 3:47
5. She Lobs You 2:19
6. All My Lobbing 2:05
7. And I Lob Her 2:27
8. You Can't Hurry Lob 2:53
9. When A Man Lobs A Woman 3:45
10. I Just Called To Say I Lob You 4:21
11. How Sweet It Is (To Be Lobbed By You) 3:33
12. Crazy Lob 2:58
13. Could You Be Lobbed 3:55
14. Can You Feel The Lob Tonight 2:56
15. Can You Feel The Lob Tonight / Elton John 3:59
16. I Just Can't Stop Lobbing You 4:13
17. Saving All My Lob For You 3:54
18. Greatest Lob Of All 4:48
19. Greatest Lob of All (Junior Vasquez Mix) 4:49
20. Lob You All The Time 2:37
Actually I tried to get William Hung's version of Can You Feel The Lob Tonight, but I think the CD is a little off and it couldn't be extracted.
Anyway, in case I want to make another one, here's the list.
1. Book of Lob 2:18
2. Dedicated to the One I Lob 2:03
3. Will You Still Lob Me Tomorrow 2:41
4. All You Need Is Lob 3:47
5. She Lobs You 2:19
6. All My Lobbing 2:05
7. And I Lob Her 2:27
8. You Can't Hurry Lob 2:53
9. When A Man Lobs A Woman 3:45
10. I Just Called To Say I Lob You 4:21
11. How Sweet It Is (To Be Lobbed By You) 3:33
12. Crazy Lob 2:58
13. Could You Be Lobbed 3:55
14. Can You Feel The Lob Tonight 2:56
15. Can You Feel The Lob Tonight / Elton John 3:59
16. I Just Can't Stop Lobbing You 4:13
17. Saving All My Lob For You 3:54
18. Greatest Lob Of All 4:48
19. Greatest Lob of All (Junior Vasquez Mix) 4:49
20. Lob You All The Time 2:37
Actually I tried to get William Hung's version of Can You Feel The Lob Tonight, but I think the CD is a little off and it couldn't be extracted.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
The Ultimate Sinatra Documentary
Financial adviser Guy Steele knows a bit more than most people about legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra (he wrote a time line of Sinatra's life that amounts to more than 1,000 pages), and he shares his vast knowledge with Hawaii Public Radio listeners Sundays at 5 p.m. on 89.3 KIPO.
This month marks the 10th anniversary of Sinatra's death, and Steele will honor the occasion with an overview of Sinatra's music and movies -- featuring plenty of Sinatra's most popular hits -- on his May 18 show.
Steele began "Sinatra: The Music and the Man" in 1998, just after Sinatra died. "I wanted to produce the ultimate Sinatra documentary," said Steele, whose interviews with musicians and arrangers such as Billy May provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes that supplement the music he selects for the entertaining hour. But Steele's approach is unusual in that every show over the past 10 years (except for a few repeats) reflects Sinatra's life and career in chronological order. The early 1998 shows brought listeners back to 1939. Now, in 2008, Steele has reached 1963. He covers "the good and the bad" from a tiny recording studio in his home.
This month marks the 10th anniversary of Sinatra's death, and Steele will honor the occasion with an overview of Sinatra's music and movies -- featuring plenty of Sinatra's most popular hits -- on his May 18 show.
Steele began "Sinatra: The Music and the Man" in 1998, just after Sinatra died. "I wanted to produce the ultimate Sinatra documentary," said Steele, whose interviews with musicians and arrangers such as Billy May provide behind-the-scenes anecdotes that supplement the music he selects for the entertaining hour. But Steele's approach is unusual in that every show over the past 10 years (except for a few repeats) reflects Sinatra's life and career in chronological order. The early 1998 shows brought listeners back to 1939. Now, in 2008, Steele has reached 1963. He covers "the good and the bad" from a tiny recording studio in his home.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Yawns
They drive hybrid cars, if they drive at all, shop at local stores, if they shop at all and pay off their credit cards every month, if they use them at all.
They may have disposable income, but whatever they make, they live below their means, in a conscious effort to tread lightly on the earth.
They are a new breed of Gen Xers and Ys, Young and Wealthy but Normal, or Yawns.
The acronym comes from The Sunday Telegraph of London, which noted that an increasing number of rich young Britons are socially aware, concerned about the environment and given less to consuming than to giving money to charity.
Yawns sound dull, but they are the new movers and shakers, their dreams big and bold. They are men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who want nothing less than to change the world and save the planet.
They may have disposable income, but whatever they make, they live below their means, in a conscious effort to tread lightly on the earth.
They are a new breed of Gen Xers and Ys, Young and Wealthy but Normal, or Yawns.
The acronym comes from The Sunday Telegraph of London, which noted that an increasing number of rich young Britons are socially aware, concerned about the environment and given less to consuming than to giving money to charity.
Yawns sound dull, but they are the new movers and shakers, their dreams big and bold. They are men and women in their 20s, 30s and 40s who want nothing less than to change the world and save the planet.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Free TV on the internet
While browsing with LocateTV, I noticed there are some free episodes of some old TV series at AOL video.
Among them are The A Team, The Addams Family, Adventures of Briscoe County, Jr., Adventures of Superman, Alias Smith and Jones, The Animatrix, Astro Boy. And that's just the A's!
A few more: Bewitched, The Bob Newhart Show, Charlie's Angels, F Troop, Family Ties, Fantasy Island, The Flintstones, Fractured Fairy Tales, The Fujitive, Gilligan's Island, Hawaii Five-O, Heroes, I Dream of Jeannie, I Spy, Ironside, The Jetsons, Jonny Quest, Kojak, Kung Fu, Late Nite with Conan O'Brien, Lost In Space, MacGyver, Magilla Gorilla, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Mary Tyler Moore Show, McHale's Navy, Miami Vice, Monk, Mr. Bill, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, My Favorite Martian, Numb3rs, The Office, Partridge Family, People's Court, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Simon and Simon, Speed Racer, Spider-Man, Star Trek, Three Stooges, Thundercats, The Tonight Show, Underdog, V, WKRP in Cincinnati, Welcome Back Kotter, What's Happening!, Wonder Woman. (To name a few.)
[5/14/08] I see that Star Trek is also available directly on CBS.com. I assume these are the new digitally enhanced episodes. [10/10/14] New link. Also available at startrek.com.
[9/5/08] See also hulu.com.
[7/11/12]
King of Queens on youtube. [10/10/14 link no longer active]
Mary Tyler Moore on youtube [first three season on hulu]
Dick Van Dyke Show at hulu
Bob Newhart Show at hulu
Green Acres at hulu [but not on hulu plus]
[4/7/16] It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of LocateTV.
The website will be shut down on April 4th, 2016, with registered users no longer able to access shortlists, My Picks, or receive weekly digest emails.
Born from a desire to find the new and the niche in telly, LocateTV grew from the tombstones of old to the wonderfully rich site it is today, with the unique ability to connect you with the TV you want to watch always at the heart of our mission.
We are heartbroken that after just over seven glorious years it is time for us to hang up our TV guide hat. We are eternally grateful to everyone who had supported the site over the years, from vendors, content editors and developers, to our fantastic users — you made our passion a reality.
Thank you.
Among them are The A Team, The Addams Family, Adventures of Briscoe County, Jr., Adventures of Superman, Alias Smith and Jones, The Animatrix, Astro Boy. And that's just the A's!
A few more: Bewitched, The Bob Newhart Show, Charlie's Angels, F Troop, Family Ties, Fantasy Island, The Flintstones, Fractured Fairy Tales, The Fujitive, Gilligan's Island, Hawaii Five-O, Heroes, I Dream of Jeannie, I Spy, Ironside, The Jetsons, Jonny Quest, Kojak, Kung Fu, Late Nite with Conan O'Brien, Lost In Space, MacGyver, Magilla Gorilla, The Man from U.N.C.L.E., The Mary Tyler Moore Show, McHale's Navy, Miami Vice, Monk, Mr. Bill, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, My Favorite Martian, Numb3rs, The Office, Partridge Family, People's Court, Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Simon and Simon, Speed Racer, Spider-Man, Star Trek, Three Stooges, Thundercats, The Tonight Show, Underdog, V, WKRP in Cincinnati, Welcome Back Kotter, What's Happening!, Wonder Woman. (To name a few.)
[5/14/08] I see that Star Trek is also available directly on CBS.com. I assume these are the new digitally enhanced episodes. [10/10/14] New link. Also available at startrek.com.
[9/5/08] See also hulu.com.
[7/11/12]
King of Queens on youtube. [10/10/14 link no longer active]
Mary Tyler Moore on youtube [first three season on hulu]
Dick Van Dyke Show at hulu
Bob Newhart Show at hulu
Green Acres at hulu [but not on hulu plus]
[4/7/16] It is with great sadness that we announce the closing of LocateTV.
The website will be shut down on April 4th, 2016, with registered users no longer able to access shortlists, My Picks, or receive weekly digest emails.
Born from a desire to find the new and the niche in telly, LocateTV grew from the tombstones of old to the wonderfully rich site it is today, with the unique ability to connect you with the TV you want to watch always at the heart of our mission.
We are heartbroken that after just over seven glorious years it is time for us to hang up our TV guide hat. We are eternally grateful to everyone who had supported the site over the years, from vendors, content editors and developers, to our fantastic users — you made our passion a reality.
Thank you.
Friday, May 09, 2008
My Philosophy
This Sally Forth comic strip kind of sums up my philosophy of life. "Leave the earth a little better than you found it."
Just try to do what you can to make things a little better step by step. (Others try to do it in big jumps.) But maybe my steps are too small.
Oddly googling the phrase brought little results. However Yahoo had a good answer.
[I remember remember reading something in one of my education books that you want to always have the feeling that you're making progress. Or words to that effect. Unfortunately I don't remember exactly where it was now.]
Just try to do what you can to make things a little better step by step. (Others try to do it in big jumps.) But maybe my steps are too small.
Oddly googling the phrase brought little results. However Yahoo had a good answer.
[I remember remember reading something in one of my education books that you want to always have the feeling that you're making progress. Or words to that effect. Unfortunately I don't remember exactly where it was now.]
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Age and Happiness
It turns out the golden years really are golden.
Eye-opening new research finds the happiest Americans are the oldest, and older adults are more socially active than the stereotype of the lonely senior suggests. The two go hand-in-hand: Being social can help keep away the blues.
"The good news is that with age comes happiness," said study author Yang Yang, a University of Chicago sociologist. "Life gets better in one's perception as one ages."
Eye-opening new research finds the happiest Americans are the oldest, and older adults are more socially active than the stereotype of the lonely senior suggests. The two go hand-in-hand: Being social can help keep away the blues.
"The good news is that with age comes happiness," said study author Yang Yang, a University of Chicago sociologist. "Life gets better in one's perception as one ages."
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
The Happiness Project
From Gretchen Rubin's blog, The Happiness Project.
I'm working on a book, THE HAPPINESS PROJECT--a memoir about the year I spent test-driving every principle, tip, theory, and scientific study I could find, whether from Aristotle or St. Therese or Martin Seligman or Oprah. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will gather these rules for living and report on what works and what doesn’t. On this daily blog, I recount some of my adventures and insights as I grapple with the challenge of being happier. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will hit the shelves in late 2009 (HarperCollins).
I'm working on a book, THE HAPPINESS PROJECT--a memoir about the year I spent test-driving every principle, tip, theory, and scientific study I could find, whether from Aristotle or St. Therese or Martin Seligman or Oprah. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will gather these rules for living and report on what works and what doesn’t. On this daily blog, I recount some of my adventures and insights as I grapple with the challenge of being happier. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT will hit the shelves in late 2009 (HarperCollins).
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
No One Can Touch Her
While looking at some Longstreet videos with Bruce Lee at youtube, I noticed that komodragon, the guy who uploaded the videos, also uploaded the movie No One Can Touch Her. Also known as 13 Evil Bandits and Against Drunken Cat's Paws. This is a chop-socky flick starring Chia Ling aka Judy Lee. I guess she was never a huge star as I can't find her in Bey Logan's book Hong Kong Action Cinema. But it looked just funky enough to give to Joyce as a present.
Unfortunately, I don't see it on DVD at Amazon.com, but only some highly priced video tapes.
Looking around, I don't see that many Judy Lee movies. One candidate is Shaolin Invincibles which is available at Amazon. She's not the star of this movie, but the review sounds quite promising.
* * * [6/18/08]
Here's another candidate while browsing the Dragon Dynasty website. My Young Auntie. They have a few videos on youtube. Dragon Dynasty has now released the classic female kung fu movie, Come Drink With Me. Heroes of the East also looks interesting. And more.
[7/1/12 one more]
Shaolin Invincibles (featuring kung fu fighting gorillas)
Unfortunately, I don't see it on DVD at Amazon.com, but only some highly priced video tapes.
Looking around, I don't see that many Judy Lee movies. One candidate is Shaolin Invincibles which is available at Amazon. She's not the star of this movie, but the review sounds quite promising.
* * * [6/18/08]
Here's another candidate while browsing the Dragon Dynasty website. My Young Auntie. They have a few videos on youtube. Dragon Dynasty has now released the classic female kung fu movie, Come Drink With Me. Heroes of the East also looks interesting. And more.
[7/1/12 one more]
Shaolin Invincibles (featuring kung fu fighting gorillas)
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Who Is Stef Wertheimer?
Early on, Stef Wertheimer, the founder of Iscar Metalworking, a manufacturer of industrial precision metal-cutting tools, decided that entrepreneurship was an answer to social and economic problems.
During the 1980s, Wertheimer spent four years as a member of the Knesset, Israel's Parliament. It was there that he came to the conclusion that he could accomplish more through industry and entrepreneurship than he ever could through government or politics. An early social entrepreneur (see BusinessWeek.com, 12/14/07), he launched his flagship industrial park, Tefen, based on his belief that creating jobs and economic prosperity in the Middle East would diffuse conflicts. Sitting in his office overlooking the Galilee, he says: "What makes peace? The answer is jobs."
During the 1980s, Wertheimer spent four years as a member of the Knesset, Israel's Parliament. It was there that he came to the conclusion that he could accomplish more through industry and entrepreneurship than he ever could through government or politics. An early social entrepreneur (see BusinessWeek.com, 12/14/07), he launched his flagship industrial park, Tefen, based on his belief that creating jobs and economic prosperity in the Middle East would diffuse conflicts. Sitting in his office overlooking the Galilee, he says: "What makes peace? The answer is jobs."
Saturday, April 19, 2008
The Last Lecture
The Lessons I'm Leaving Behind
By Randy Pausch
At many colleges, professors are asked to give a “last lecture.” In this talk, they ruminate on what matters most to them. As they speak, audiences mull the same question: What wisdom would you impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?
Last year, I agreed to give a last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University, where I’m a professor in the computer science department. A few weeks later, I learned that I had only months to live—I was dying of pancreatic cancer.
I knew I could cancel. I have three young children, I’m married to Jai, the woman of my dreams, and there were so many things to be done. But by speaking, I knew I could put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children, Dylan, Logan and Chloe. Here’s what I want to share.
-- Adapted from the book The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch and Wall Street Journal reporter Jeffrey Zaslow. Copyright © 2008 Randy Pausch. To be published by Hyperion. All rights reserved
* * *
ABC News
By Randy Pausch
At many colleges, professors are asked to give a “last lecture.” In this talk, they ruminate on what matters most to them. As they speak, audiences mull the same question: What wisdom would you impart to the world if you knew it was your last chance?
Last year, I agreed to give a last lecture at Carnegie Mellon University, where I’m a professor in the computer science department. A few weeks later, I learned that I had only months to live—I was dying of pancreatic cancer.
I knew I could cancel. I have three young children, I’m married to Jai, the woman of my dreams, and there were so many things to be done. But by speaking, I knew I could put myself in a bottle that would one day wash up on the beach for my children, Dylan, Logan and Chloe. Here’s what I want to share.
-- Adapted from the book The Last Lecture, by Randy Pausch and Wall Street Journal reporter Jeffrey Zaslow. Copyright © 2008 Randy Pausch. To be published by Hyperion. All rights reserved
* * *
ABC News
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I Am Your Brother
The highlight of American Idol season 7: Renaldo Lapuz Brothers Forever aka "I Am Your Brother"
Still he's no William Hung. (Who is?)
Still he's no William Hung. (Who is?)
Sunday, April 13, 2008
mysoju.com
Watch Korean, Japanese, Taiwanese Drama and Movies online at mysoju.com.
[12/27/11] I was playing around with the Roku yesterday at Best Buy. Not bad, though it sometimes pauses for long periods of time (I assume because of internet traffic and/or buffering). Anyway one of the choices was kdrama (korean drama). Looking it up on the internet now, it's not generally available for viewing over the internet, but as an Apple app.
[12/27/11] I was playing around with the Roku yesterday at Best Buy. Not bad, though it sometimes pauses for long periods of time (I assume because of internet traffic and/or buffering). Anyway one of the choices was kdrama (korean drama). Looking it up on the internet now, it's not generally available for viewing over the internet, but as an Apple app.
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Friday, March 28, 2008
Be Happier the Amazon way
Happiness can be elusive. We have many millions of people suffering from various anxiety and depressive disorders. There is rampant drug abuse and alcoholism, and the divorce rate is skyrocketing. Prozac, Paxil, Xanax, and Ativan are as likely to be found in homes as Tylenol and Tums. We are looking for happiness in all the wrong places. If you're unhappy, you're about to learn why and what you can do about it. If you're already happy, you're about to learn how to possibly be happier and experience more joy and peace of mind.
-- A guide by Alan Gettis "Author of The Happiness Solution, and, Seven Times Down, Eight Times Up"
[4/1/08] just about all of us would welcome being happier -- it's even a part of our Declaration of Independence: the pursuit of happiness. Fortunately, we needn't flounder alone. There's a growing body of research on the topic.
-- A guide by Alan Gettis "Author of The Happiness Solution, and, Seven Times Down, Eight Times Up"
[4/1/08] just about all of us would welcome being happier -- it's even a part of our Declaration of Independence: the pursuit of happiness. Fortunately, we needn't flounder alone. There's a growing body of research on the topic.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Mastah Preddi fell from the sky
Fred Hargesheimer was shot down in the southwest Pacific on June 5, 1943. A lifetime later, he sits in his quiet California ranch house amid the snow and soaring sugar pines of the Sierra Nevada foothills.
The light blue eyes, at age 91, can't see as well as they once did. But when he looks back over 65 years, the smiling Minnesotan sees it all clearly — the struggle to survive, the native rescuers, the Japanese patrols and narrow escapes, the mother's milk that saved him. He remembers well his return to New Britain, the people's embrace, the fundraising and building, the children taught, the adults cured, the happy years beside the Bismarck Sea with Dorothy, his wife.
"I'm so grateful for getting shot out of the sky," he said.
The light blue eyes, at age 91, can't see as well as they once did. But when he looks back over 65 years, the smiling Minnesotan sees it all clearly — the struggle to survive, the native rescuers, the Japanese patrols and narrow escapes, the mother's milk that saved him. He remembers well his return to New Britain, the people's embrace, the fundraising and building, the children taught, the adults cured, the happy years beside the Bismarck Sea with Dorothy, his wife.
"I'm so grateful for getting shot out of the sky," he said.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Handicapping American Idol
Rodney Ho handicaps the top 12.
1. David Archuleta
The former “Star Search” winner is only 17 years old but has oodles of experience. He’s performed mature, nuanced, yet captivating takes on John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise.” Odds to win: 3-2
2. Jason Castro
The shy dreadlocked Texan got virtu-ally no airtime before the top 24, but he instantly stood out with his soulful blue eyes and equally soulful voice. He is a solid dark horse and could sneak up on Archuleta. Odds: 4-1
3. Syesha Mercado
This is clearly the year for the guys. But “Idol” has never had a top 3 with-out at least one gal. Syesha’s combo of stage presence, vocal chops and in-triguing looks could help her outpace her fellow female competitors. Odds: 7-1
4. David Cook
The Oklahoma rocker possesses both confidence and pipes. His take on Lionel Richie’s wimp ballad “Hello” looked like a disaster on paper, but he gave it surprising rock cred. Odds: 10-1
5. David Hernandez
The minor uproar over his gay strip-ping past didn’t keep him from making the top 12. He arguably has the purest male voice in the competition. Smart song choices that show off his range could land him into the top 5. Odds: 12-1
6. Carly Smithson
Off-camera, the Irish native is warm and gabby. On-camera, she becomes this diva-like songstress. But in a quixotic way, that warmth seems to go AWOL when she performs. Odds: 20-1
7. Brooke White
She’s a modern-day Carly Simon, with a sweetness and sincerity that translate well in her performances. She successfully inserted coffee-house-style melancholy into what is normally an intense Pat Benatar song. Odds: 25-1
8. Michael Johns
Former club singer and Aussie trans-plant makes women swoon in a way that evokes a bit of late INXS singer Michael Hutchence. But he lacks the swagger. Odds: 30-1
9. Amanda Overmyer
Her “Munsters” hairstyle and raspy Bonnie Tyler voice make her stand out. Unfortunately, her appeal seems nar-row. When she goes off the rails (“Carry on Wayward Son”), she goes way off. Odds: 75-1
10. Ramiele Malubay
She’s cute and her vocals are solid, but her onstage persona has been deathly generic. Odds: 100-1
11. Chikezie Eze
He exudes some R&B charm but not nearly as much as past contestants such as Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard or Season 3’s George Huff. Odds: 1,000-1
12. Kristy Lee Cook
Since her wonderful first audition of “Amazing Grace,” this country singer from Oregon has failed to impress. Asia’h Epperson should have made the top 12 in her place. Odds: 500,000-1
1. David Archuleta
The former “Star Search” winner is only 17 years old but has oodles of experience. He’s performed mature, nuanced, yet captivating takes on John Lennon’s “Imagine” and Phil Collins’ “Another Day in Paradise.” Odds to win: 3-2
2. Jason Castro
The shy dreadlocked Texan got virtu-ally no airtime before the top 24, but he instantly stood out with his soulful blue eyes and equally soulful voice. He is a solid dark horse and could sneak up on Archuleta. Odds: 4-1
3. Syesha Mercado
This is clearly the year for the guys. But “Idol” has never had a top 3 with-out at least one gal. Syesha’s combo of stage presence, vocal chops and in-triguing looks could help her outpace her fellow female competitors. Odds: 7-1
4. David Cook
The Oklahoma rocker possesses both confidence and pipes. His take on Lionel Richie’s wimp ballad “Hello” looked like a disaster on paper, but he gave it surprising rock cred. Odds: 10-1
5. David Hernandez
The minor uproar over his gay strip-ping past didn’t keep him from making the top 12. He arguably has the purest male voice in the competition. Smart song choices that show off his range could land him into the top 5. Odds: 12-1
6. Carly Smithson
Off-camera, the Irish native is warm and gabby. On-camera, she becomes this diva-like songstress. But in a quixotic way, that warmth seems to go AWOL when she performs. Odds: 20-1
7. Brooke White
She’s a modern-day Carly Simon, with a sweetness and sincerity that translate well in her performances. She successfully inserted coffee-house-style melancholy into what is normally an intense Pat Benatar song. Odds: 25-1
8. Michael Johns
Former club singer and Aussie trans-plant makes women swoon in a way that evokes a bit of late INXS singer Michael Hutchence. But he lacks the swagger. Odds: 30-1
9. Amanda Overmyer
Her “Munsters” hairstyle and raspy Bonnie Tyler voice make her stand out. Unfortunately, her appeal seems nar-row. When she goes off the rails (“Carry on Wayward Son”), she goes way off. Odds: 75-1
10. Ramiele Malubay
She’s cute and her vocals are solid, but her onstage persona has been deathly generic. Odds: 100-1
11. Chikezie Eze
He exudes some R&B charm but not nearly as much as past contestants such as Season 2 winner Ruben Studdard or Season 3’s George Huff. Odds: 1,000-1
12. Kristy Lee Cook
Since her wonderful first audition of “Amazing Grace,” this country singer from Oregon has failed to impress. Asia’h Epperson should have made the top 12 in her place. Odds: 500,000-1
Kahai Street Kitchen
I tried it. Pretty good taste at a pretty good price. Parking is a problem though.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Thoughts can make you healthy
Some people still are surprised to discover that thoughts can control physical sensation. “The body responds to mental input as if it were physically real,” explains Larry Dossey, a physician and an advocate for mind-body study since the 1980s. “Images create bodily changes—just as if the experience were really happening. For example, if you imagine yourself lying on a beach in the sun, you become relaxed, your peripheral blood vessels dilate, and your hands become warm, as in the real thing.”
Similarly, under clinical hypnosis, someone who is told he is being touched by a red-hot object often will produce a burn blister, even though the object touching him was at room temperature.
* * * (also)
Foods that help you lose weight
How to live to 100
-- from Parade, March 9, 2008
Similarly, under clinical hypnosis, someone who is told he is being touched by a red-hot object often will produce a burn blister, even though the object touching him was at room temperature.
* * * (also)
Foods that help you lose weight
How to live to 100
-- from Parade, March 9, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
clean sponges
Don't keep using germ-ridden kitchen sponges to "wash" your dishes--rid them of bad bacteria every 3 to 5 days using cleaning methods proven effective by researchers at the USDA's Henry A. Wallace Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Maryland. Of the four disinfection methods tested, two made the grade:
Wash this way
Microwave the sponge for 1 minute, which kills virtually all bacteria, yeast, and mold. Just make sure it's wet first!
Run the sponge through a complete wash-and-dry dishwasher cycle; it's nearly as effective as microwaving.
...Not this way
Soaking a sponge in lemon juice for 1 minute had practically no effect on bacteria, yeast, or mold.
Soaking it in a bleach solution killed more bacteria than did lemon juice, but not all--and it had next to no effect on yeast or mold.
Wash this way
Microwave the sponge for 1 minute, which kills virtually all bacteria, yeast, and mold. Just make sure it's wet first!
Run the sponge through a complete wash-and-dry dishwasher cycle; it's nearly as effective as microwaving.
...Not this way
Soaking a sponge in lemon juice for 1 minute had practically no effect on bacteria, yeast, or mold.
Soaking it in a bleach solution killed more bacteria than did lemon juice, but not all--and it had next to no effect on yeast or mold.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Hawaii from above
Over the last quarter-century, NASA has accumulated a vast collection of Earth imagery, including many stunning photos of Hawaii. The photos here, a small sample, show the wondrous range of possibilities: glimpses from high at the so-called Forbidden Island, Niihau; the dark green slopes of the archipelago's rain-fed windward shores; ocean shallows where humpbacks gather to bear and rear their young.
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Deepak Chopra
People often believe they will be happy if they have robust health, enough money, professional success or a meaningful relationship. But really, "it's the other way around," according to Deepak Chopra. "If you're happy, you'll be successful. You'll be healthy. And you're likely to have good relationships. And the most powerful way to achieve that bliss? Quite simply, to make someone else feel good.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
helpful books
Parade has a few interesting book picks for 2008. One Year to an Organized Life by Regina Leeds. The How of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky. Helping Me Help Myself.
* * *
Parade Picks for 10/5/08:
Wise Guy
‘It was like going to grad school on the greatest generation,” photographer/director Andrew Zuckerman says of making Wisdom (Abrams; $50), a book featuring interviews and portraits of 51 actors, artists, thinkers, and leaders over age 65. Among the participants are (from top) Clint Eastwood, Vanessa Redgrave, Judi Dench, and Nelson Mandela. “These are people who’ve affected change in the world,” says Zuckerman. “We can benefit from their wisdom.” So, what advice do they have to give? Eastwood offers: “Take your profession seriously; don’t take yourself seriously.” And from Mandela: “Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any people can have.” See more for yourself —the book comes with a companion DVD of Zuckerman’s Wisdom documentary.
* * *
Parade Picks for 10/5/08:
Wise Guy
‘It was like going to grad school on the greatest generation,” photographer/director Andrew Zuckerman says of making Wisdom (Abrams; $50), a book featuring interviews and portraits of 51 actors, artists, thinkers, and leaders over age 65. Among the participants are (from top) Clint Eastwood, Vanessa Redgrave, Judi Dench, and Nelson Mandela. “These are people who’ve affected change in the world,” says Zuckerman. “We can benefit from their wisdom.” So, what advice do they have to give? Eastwood offers: “Take your profession seriously; don’t take yourself seriously.” And from Mandela: “Peace is the greatest weapon for development that any people can have.” See more for yourself —the book comes with a companion DVD of Zuckerman’s Wisdom documentary.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Secret Santa Lives On
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Susan Dahl had spent four months homeless in Colorado and just been on a harrowing 10-hour bus trip through sleet and snow. Hungry and broke, all she wanted to do was get back to family in Minnesota.
That's when a tall man in a red coat and red hat sat next to her at the downtown bus station, talked to her quietly and then slipped her $100 on that recent December afternoon.
The man was doing the work of Larry Stewart, Kansas City's original Secret Santa who anonymously wandered city streets doling out $100 bills to anyone who looked like they needed it. Stewart died of cancer at age 58 earlier this year, but his legacy lives on.
That's when a tall man in a red coat and red hat sat next to her at the downtown bus station, talked to her quietly and then slipped her $100 on that recent December afternoon.
The man was doing the work of Larry Stewart, Kansas City's original Secret Santa who anonymously wandered city streets doling out $100 bills to anyone who looked like they needed it. Stewart died of cancer at age 58 earlier this year, but his legacy lives on.
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas is just a day
As Christmas draws near, John Foster won't be decorating a tree, shopping for last-minute gifts or working on a holiday sermon for his flock. After all, it's been 50 years since Christmas was anything more than a day of the week to him.
He's one of very few American Christian pastors who follow what used to be the norm in many Protestant denominations — rejecting the celebration of Christmas on religious grounds.
He's one of very few American Christian pastors who follow what used to be the norm in many Protestant denominations — rejecting the celebration of Christmas on religious grounds.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Five Realities
Gautama awakened to five realities, which are significant in negotiating our life process. They are the truth of suffering in life; the principle of interdependence, the essence of life; the middle path of balance and moderation as the style of life; and the understanding that nothing has a fixed nature or value but is constantly changing. Finally, there is the eightfold noble path focused on realizing these truths within our own experience.
Ziggy Marley's religion
“My No. 1 issue is love and people not having the ability to love each other,"says Ziggy, the founder of U.R.G.E. (Unlimited Resources Giving Enlightenment), a charitable organization that benefits a wide range of children’s causes in Jamaica. “This is what causes everything else to happen - poverty, starvation, wars. It’s caused by us not loving each other. If we could learn that lesson, that would be the solution.So my biggest problem is people not loving each other and not understanding that within the concepts of religion, which controls so many people’s mentality on this earth, and which causes so much strife and negative energy. If we could get across to them that the message is love, it’s not about what religion you are or how you practice it. The hypocrisy and confusion of religion is common because every religion thinks it’s right. And in every religion, most people want to change somebody into their religion. But love don’t change nobody. Love is something that makes you change yourself.”
Friday, December 14, 2007
Akaka and Abercrombie defend the Akaka Bill
Washington Post columnist George F. Will's distasteful column on the Akaka Bill, published in the Star-Bulletin Friday, demonstrates a complete misunderstanding of Hawaiian history and insensitivity to the rights of native people in Hawaii and across the nation. It is disappointing and outrageous to compare the systematic atrocities of the Nazis against Jews to the efforts of our host culture to exercise control over their culture and their destiny.
Hawaiians, like our nation's other indigenous people, share a history as political entities, exercising governance on lands which later became the United States.
The U.S. government played a key role in this sad saga in 1893, when U.S. Minister to the Kingdom John Stevens formally supported Westerners seeking to overthrow Queen Liliuokalani by ordering armed U.S. troops to land in Honolulu and take up military positions at key government buildings to intimidate the queen. To avoid bloodshed, she agreed to step down temporarily, believing that the United States would restore her to the throne when it learned what had happened. And, in fact, after incoming President Grover Cleveland received a full accounting of the facts, he characterized the action of Minister Stevens and the U.S. troops as an "act of war" and called for restoration of the kingdom.
Hawaiians, like our nation's other indigenous people, share a history as political entities, exercising governance on lands which later became the United States.
The U.S. government played a key role in this sad saga in 1893, when U.S. Minister to the Kingdom John Stevens formally supported Westerners seeking to overthrow Queen Liliuokalani by ordering armed U.S. troops to land in Honolulu and take up military positions at key government buildings to intimidate the queen. To avoid bloodshed, she agreed to step down temporarily, believing that the United States would restore her to the throne when it learned what had happened. And, in fact, after incoming President Grover Cleveland received a full accounting of the facts, he characterized the action of Minister Stevens and the U.S. troops as an "act of war" and called for restoration of the kingdom.
Tuesday, December 04, 2007
chained dogs
Question: My neighbor chains his dog in his back yard. I am on good terms with him; what can I do to help the dog without causing tension between our families?
Sunday, December 02, 2007
stem cells from skin cells?
Separate teams of scientists on two continents revealed Tuesday that they have created stem cells from human skin cells - a development that eventually could allow researchers to sidestep the contentious moral issues that have hobbled early studies in a promising field.
The startling breakthrough was hailed by parties on all sides of the stem cell debate because it raised the prospect that the controversial destruction of human embryos and the need to harvest eggs from women donors might one day no longer be needed.
The startling breakthrough was hailed by parties on all sides of the stem cell debate because it raised the prospect that the controversial destruction of human embryos and the need to harvest eggs from women donors might one day no longer be needed.
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Marvel Comics online
[12/5/10] I notice in the latest Edward R. Hamilton catalog, they are featuring some of the Marvel Masterworks volumes for $9.95. I was especially interested in Avengers and X-Men, so those were comics I bought when I was first starting to buy comics and I missed buying the earliest episodes. I still hope to sell my old issues on eBay (maybe... I'm hoping they don't disintegrate when I take them out of storage). Then I'll still have the issues and can sell the originals. That's the plan.
Apparently there were both hardcover and paperback versions of these. And there's a pretty comprehensive website devoted to these books.
The Avengers might become pretty popular now with the upcoming movie. There's also a new cartoon series now running on DisneyXD with a lot of the characters/plots adapted from the early days.
***
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Marvel is putting some of its older comics online Tuesday, hoping to reintroduce young people to the X-Men and Fantastic Four by showcasing the original issues in which such characters appeared.
It's a tentative move onto the Internet: Comics can only be viewed in a Web browser, not downloaded, and new issues will only go online at least six months after they first appear in print. Still, it represents perhaps the comics industry's most aggressive Web push yet.
... The publisher is hoping fans will be intrigued enough about the origins of those characters to shell out $9.99 a month, or $4.99 monthly with a year-long commitment. For that price, they'll be able to poke through, say, the first 100 issues of Stan Lee's 1963 creation "Amazing Spider-Man" at their leisure, along with more recent titles like "House of M" and "Young Avengers." Comics can be viewed in several different formats, including frame-by-frame navigation.
Ring expects Marvel's effort to put a slight dent in the back-issue segment of the comic shop industry, where rare, out-of-print titles sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay and at trade shows.
Though most comic fans are collectors, some simply want to catch up on the backstory of their favorite characters and would no longer have to pay top dollar to do so.
Apparently there were both hardcover and paperback versions of these. And there's a pretty comprehensive website devoted to these books.
The Avengers might become pretty popular now with the upcoming movie. There's also a new cartoon series now running on DisneyXD with a lot of the characters/plots adapted from the early days.
***
LOS ANGELES, California (AP) -- Marvel is putting some of its older comics online Tuesday, hoping to reintroduce young people to the X-Men and Fantastic Four by showcasing the original issues in which such characters appeared.
It's a tentative move onto the Internet: Comics can only be viewed in a Web browser, not downloaded, and new issues will only go online at least six months after they first appear in print. Still, it represents perhaps the comics industry's most aggressive Web push yet.
... The publisher is hoping fans will be intrigued enough about the origins of those characters to shell out $9.99 a month, or $4.99 monthly with a year-long commitment. For that price, they'll be able to poke through, say, the first 100 issues of Stan Lee's 1963 creation "Amazing Spider-Man" at their leisure, along with more recent titles like "House of M" and "Young Avengers." Comics can be viewed in several different formats, including frame-by-frame navigation.
Ring expects Marvel's effort to put a slight dent in the back-issue segment of the comic shop industry, where rare, out-of-print titles sell for hundreds of dollars on eBay and at trade shows.
Though most comic fans are collectors, some simply want to catch up on the backstory of their favorite characters and would no longer have to pay top dollar to do so.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Happiness, Bhutan-style
Is there anyone who would say no to happiness? Bhutan is a place where the government decided to make the governing rule about happiness - the Gross National Happiness.
After all, Bhutan, which is isolated high in the Himalayas between China and India, has lush waterfalls, green forests, quaint villages and an active farming community.
Local veteran filmmakers Tom Vendetti, John Wehrheim and Robert Stone were among the first western filmmakers allowed in the country to share the story of Bhutan, which previously issued only 500 visas a year. The Oahu debut of their film, Bhutan: Taking The Middle Path To Happiness, screens Nov. 17 at the East-West Center and Nov. 18 at UHManoa.
*** 4/25/14
[After blogging about Tom Shadyac] I wonder if there's any documentaries about Bhutan on Netflix or Hulu? Nope, nope. Snagfilms has Into The Thunderdragon which is about bringing extreme unicycling into Bhutan, not quite on topic. HitBliss? Nope.
Googling, I see there are several movies out there.
Bhutan: Taking The Middle Path To Happiness (available on Amazon Instant Video)
Happiness (article)
The Happiest Place: A Journey Across Bhutan (kickstarter)
Bhutan: a Kingdom of Happiness
Bhutan: The Road to Happiness
Apparently, except for the first, these are hard to find. Not apparently.
Here's a short documentary on youtube called Bhutan: The Kingdom Where GDP Is Measured In Happiness.
Another short feature called Bhutan - The happiest on Earth - One Life
Gross National Happiness in Bhutan (which is excerpts from a film)
Bhutan: The Last Place (from PBS)
After all, Bhutan, which is isolated high in the Himalayas between China and India, has lush waterfalls, green forests, quaint villages and an active farming community.
Local veteran filmmakers Tom Vendetti, John Wehrheim and Robert Stone were among the first western filmmakers allowed in the country to share the story of Bhutan, which previously issued only 500 visas a year. The Oahu debut of their film, Bhutan: Taking The Middle Path To Happiness, screens Nov. 17 at the East-West Center and Nov. 18 at UHManoa.
*** 4/25/14
[After blogging about Tom Shadyac] I wonder if there's any documentaries about Bhutan on Netflix or Hulu? Nope, nope. Snagfilms has Into The Thunderdragon which is about bringing extreme unicycling into Bhutan, not quite on topic. HitBliss? Nope.
Googling, I see there are several movies out there.
Bhutan: Taking The Middle Path To Happiness (available on Amazon Instant Video)
Happiness (article)
The Happiest Place: A Journey Across Bhutan (kickstarter)
Bhutan: a Kingdom of Happiness
Bhutan: The Road to Happiness
Apparently, except for the first, these are hard to find. Not apparently.
Here's a short documentary on youtube called Bhutan: The Kingdom Where GDP Is Measured In Happiness.
Another short feature called Bhutan - The happiest on Earth - One Life
Gross National Happiness in Bhutan (which is excerpts from a film)
Bhutan: The Last Place (from PBS)
Saturday, November 24, 2007
The big person
Confucius, that fountainhead of Chinese philosophy, often contrasts the big person with the small one. In his Analects, we read, "The big person sees a question from all sides; the small person, only from one."
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Be a tough customer
Becoming a savvy consumer entails more than finding designer clothes on a sale rack. It means taking the initiative to obtain high-quality services and products at the best possible prices -- and then being assertive if you're dissatisfied.
Read Up
"Buy -- don't be sold -- products," says Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America. Don't just go into an electronics store and ask the salesman to suggest a digital camera; do research on available features and prices first. Web sites including ConsumerReports.org, ConsumerWorld.org and PriceGrabber.com make it easy to compare items by quality and user reviews and check prices across stores and Web retailers.
In addition, be careful when shopping via Craigslist.org or Facebook.com's Marketplace application, particularly for expensive items. Since the Web sites do not take responsibility for fraudulent transactions, do extra research on the product and seller. Craigslist.org's help forum suggests meeting the seller in person and cautions against giving out financial information like bank-account numbers.
Keep Up
When you bring home your latest gadget or garment, don't toss the receipt in the trash. By keeping receipts and documents and, in some cases, packaging, you leave the option open to return items. Also, many stores offer a low-price guarantee: they will issue a credit or give cash back if the item's price drops or if you find it cheaper elsewhere.
Web sites like Shoeboxed.com, FileMyReceipt.com and MakeLifeEasy.com offer free tools to help organize and store your receipts online.
Also, promptly review all phone, utility, credit-card and insurance bills, watching for unclear "miscellaneous" fees and making sure you are charged only for services you've authorized and items you've bought.
Read Up
"Buy -- don't be sold -- products," says Stephen Brobeck, executive director of the Consumer Federation of America. Don't just go into an electronics store and ask the salesman to suggest a digital camera; do research on available features and prices first. Web sites including ConsumerReports.org, ConsumerWorld.org and PriceGrabber.com make it easy to compare items by quality and user reviews and check prices across stores and Web retailers.
In addition, be careful when shopping via Craigslist.org or Facebook.com's Marketplace application, particularly for expensive items. Since the Web sites do not take responsibility for fraudulent transactions, do extra research on the product and seller. Craigslist.org's help forum suggests meeting the seller in person and cautions against giving out financial information like bank-account numbers.
Keep Up
When you bring home your latest gadget or garment, don't toss the receipt in the trash. By keeping receipts and documents and, in some cases, packaging, you leave the option open to return items. Also, many stores offer a low-price guarantee: they will issue a credit or give cash back if the item's price drops or if you find it cheaper elsewhere.
Web sites like Shoeboxed.com, FileMyReceipt.com and MakeLifeEasy.com offer free tools to help organize and store your receipts online.
Also, promptly review all phone, utility, credit-card and insurance bills, watching for unclear "miscellaneous" fees and making sure you are charged only for services you've authorized and items you've bought.
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Making Peace
A professional peacemaker says the process of reconciliation after political and ethnic violence requires listening to the perpetrators as well as the victims of human rights violations.
Reaching peace starts by seeking to understand who is "the other," said Glenda Wildschut, who was named to the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1995 by Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of that nation.
Reaching peace starts by seeking to understand who is "the other," said Glenda Wildschut, who was named to the South Africa Truth and Reconciliation Commission in 1995 by Nelson Mandela, the first democratically elected president of that nation.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Taoist photography
If Zen masters practice their philosophy through the art of calligraphy and flower arrangement, why can't a photographer exercise his Taoist sensibilities through his camera?
The answer is, he can. Philippe Gross, a research psychologist who had his first experience behind the lens at age 8, empties his mind of mental chatter while observing the world with camera in hand. It's all about staying present, he says.
The answer is, he can. Philippe Gross, a research psychologist who had his first experience behind the lens at age 8, empties his mind of mental chatter while observing the world with camera in hand. It's all about staying present, he says.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Achieving peace in schools
Bullying behavior reflects a symptom of a larger problem that is common throughout society. By addressing it at the source, we have the potential for not only diminishing the level of violence in the schools, but we might also diminish the level of chronic diseases and drug use.
My suggestion returns to the concept of "peace begins with me" -- achieving inner peace and self-acceptance. Research on the mainland and in Canada shows that two programs can have a profound impact on creating inner peace and, in doing so, can transform the school.
The first program, mindfulness, teaches people to take an inner "time out," to become quiet inside and peacefully observe and experience the fullness of the moment they are in and the thoughts that float across the surface of their minds. Research shows that children become calmer, more responsive and less reactive. Conflict in the playground and the classroom is greatly diminished with children who participate. One classroom went from having the most behavioral problems in school to having no behavior problems -- in only three weeks of mindfulness instruction.
The other program teaches a grateful state of mind. It, too, is simple, goes to the source, is easy to learn and free of charge and has impressive outcomes.
By keeping a daily gratitude journal or starting off the day writing down five things they are grateful for, children experience both mental and physical benefits. They show increased scores of life satisfaction and optimism, feel better about life and about school and have decreased negative feelings. A study of middle-school children in Vancouver who were instructed in mindfulness and gratitude experienced almost immediate results.
-- Laura Crites
My suggestion returns to the concept of "peace begins with me" -- achieving inner peace and self-acceptance. Research on the mainland and in Canada shows that two programs can have a profound impact on creating inner peace and, in doing so, can transform the school.
The first program, mindfulness, teaches people to take an inner "time out," to become quiet inside and peacefully observe and experience the fullness of the moment they are in and the thoughts that float across the surface of their minds. Research shows that children become calmer, more responsive and less reactive. Conflict in the playground and the classroom is greatly diminished with children who participate. One classroom went from having the most behavioral problems in school to having no behavior problems -- in only three weeks of mindfulness instruction.
The other program teaches a grateful state of mind. It, too, is simple, goes to the source, is easy to learn and free of charge and has impressive outcomes.
By keeping a daily gratitude journal or starting off the day writing down five things they are grateful for, children experience both mental and physical benefits. They show increased scores of life satisfaction and optimism, feel better about life and about school and have decreased negative feelings. A study of middle-school children in Vancouver who were instructed in mindfulness and gratitude experienced almost immediate results.
-- Laura Crites
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Around the world in 13 years
He was hit by a car in Colorado, attacked by a crocodile in Australia, detained as a suspected spy in Egypt and survived illness and periods of despair.
On Saturday, British adventurer Jason Lewis finally came home, completing a 13-year, 46,000-mile human-powered circumnavigation of the globe.
On Saturday, British adventurer Jason Lewis finally came home, completing a 13-year, 46,000-mile human-powered circumnavigation of the globe.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Conscientious have lower risk of Alzheimer's
A surprising study of elderly people suggests that those who see themselves as self-disciplined, organized achievers have a lower risk for developing Alzheimer's disease than people who are less conscientious.
A purposeful personality may somehow protect the brain, perhaps by increasing neural connections that can act as a reserve against mental decline, said study co-author Robert Wilson of Chicago's Rush University Medical Center.
Astoundingly, the brains of some of the dutiful people in the study were examined after their deaths and were found to have lesions that would meet accepted criteria for Alzheimer's – even though these people had shown no signs of dementia.
A purposeful personality may somehow protect the brain, perhaps by increasing neural connections that can act as a reserve against mental decline, said study co-author Robert Wilson of Chicago's Rush University Medical Center.
Astoundingly, the brains of some of the dutiful people in the study were examined after their deaths and were found to have lesions that would meet accepted criteria for Alzheimer's – even though these people had shown no signs of dementia.
single-gender education
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - David Chadwell believes boys and girls can get through the awkward middle school years better when they're separated, learning in classrooms tailored to the learning styles of each gender.
As the country's first and only statewide coordinator of single-gender education, Chadwell is helping to make South Carolina a leader among public schools that offer such programs. About 70 schools offer the program now, and the goal is to have programs available to every child within five years, he said.
The theory is that by separating girls and boys _ especially during middle school years typically marked by burgeoning hormones, self doubt and peer pressure _ lessons can be more effective because they are in unique classroom settings.
As the country's first and only statewide coordinator of single-gender education, Chadwell is helping to make South Carolina a leader among public schools that offer such programs. About 70 schools offer the program now, and the goal is to have programs available to every child within five years, he said.
The theory is that by separating girls and boys _ especially during middle school years typically marked by burgeoning hormones, self doubt and peer pressure _ lessons can be more effective because they are in unique classroom settings.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Jellyfish.com
Jellyfish.com launched in the summer of 2006. It offered many of the same product-related search features you'd find on similar sites, like CNET Networks' (Nasdaq: CNET) MySimon.com, or Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) Products -- the site formerly known as "Froogle." But unlike its predecessors, Jellyfish is a comparison-shopping website that eats like a loyalty program.
"Jellyfish is the ONLY shopping engine to directly share $ with you," explains the site. "As a Jellyfish member, you'll receive automatic savings on everything you buy. Think of us as a search engine for shopping, except we share at least half of every $1 we earn when you shop. I bet your search engine has never done that!"
"Jellyfish is the ONLY shopping engine to directly share $ with you," explains the site. "As a Jellyfish member, you'll receive automatic savings on everything you buy. Think of us as a search engine for shopping, except we share at least half of every $1 we earn when you shop. I bet your search engine has never done that!"
Friday, September 07, 2007
no thumbs
Film critic Roger Ebert said he never gave a “thumbs down” to the use of thumbs in reviews for “At the Movies with Ebert & Roeper” during contract negotiations.
In a statement released Friday to The Associated Press, the TV show’s distributor, Disney-ABC Domestic Television, said Ebert had “exercised his right to withhold use of the ‘thumbs’ until a new contract is signed.” Ebert is a copyright holder on the signature “thumbs up-thumbs down” judgment that’s part of each film review.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning critic responded in a statement Saturday on his Web site, saying he “had made it clear the Thumbs could remain during good-faith negotiations,” contrary to Disney’s press release.
In a statement released Friday to The Associated Press, the TV show’s distributor, Disney-ABC Domestic Television, said Ebert had “exercised his right to withhold use of the ‘thumbs’ until a new contract is signed.” Ebert is a copyright holder on the signature “thumbs up-thumbs down” judgment that’s part of each film review.
The Pulitzer Prize-winning critic responded in a statement Saturday on his Web site, saying he “had made it clear the Thumbs could remain during good-faith negotiations,” contrary to Disney’s press release.
Narrowness of Perception
A recurring theme in experimental psychology is the narrowness of perception: how very little of the sensory clamor makes its way into awareness. Earlier in the day, before the magic show, a neuroscientist had demonstrated a phenomenon called inattentional blindness with a video made at the Visual Cognition Laboratory at the University of Illinois.
In the video, six men and women — half with white shirts and half with black — are tossing around a couple of basketballs. Viewers are asked to count how many times members of, say, the white team, manage to complete a pass, keeping the ball from the opposition. I dutifully followed the instructions and was surprised when some 15 seconds into the game, laughter began to ripple through the audience. Only when I watched a second time did I see the person in the gorilla suit walking on from stage left. (The video is online at viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.html.)
In the video, six men and women — half with white shirts and half with black — are tossing around a couple of basketballs. Viewers are asked to count how many times members of, say, the white team, manage to complete a pass, keeping the ball from the opposition. I dutifully followed the instructions and was surprised when some 15 seconds into the game, laughter began to ripple through the audience. Only when I watched a second time did I see the person in the gorilla suit walking on from stage left. (The video is online at viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/grafs/demos/15.html.)
What's at the Heart of Happiness?
No, happiness isn't a lottery ticket away.
I am fascinated by academic studies of human happiness, because they bring scientific rigor to issues we all grapple with. We think more money will make us happier and yet studies suggest Americans are no more satisfied than they were three decades ago, when the standard of living was much lower.
So if winning the lottery won't do the trick, what will? Here are seven key lessons from happiness research. It is indeed possible to boost our happiness -- but it'll take more than a fat wallet.
1. What matters is what we focus on.
Those with higher incomes aren't necessarily happier. But when asked how satisfied they are with their lives, high earners are more likely to say they're happy.
Why? The question makes them ponder their position in society -- and they realize they're pretty lucky. The implication: If you have a hefty portfolio or hefty paycheck, you can probably bolster your happiness by regularly contemplating your good fortune.
Meanwhile, if you are less well off, avoid situations where you feel deprived -- and seek out those where comparisons are in your favor. Rather than buying the cheapest house in a wealthy neighborhood, settle for a town where people have similar salaries. When you think about your net worth, forget your well-heeled sister and focus on your cash-strapped brother.
2. Don't go it alone.
Studies have found that married folks are happier than those who are single.
"Marriage provides two sources of happiness," says Andrew Oswald, an economics professor at England's Warwick University. "One is sex and the other is friendship. Marriage has one of the largest impacts on human well-being."
Similarly, spending time with friends can boost happiness. Studies indicate that commuting is one of life's least enjoyable activities, that looking after the kids is more of a struggle than we like to admit and that eating is one of life's great pleasures.
But all of these things can be enhanced by adding friends. Commuting with others will make the trip less grim, playing with the kids will be more fun if there's another adult along and eating with others is better than eating alone.
3. We like to feel secure.
Midlife is a period of relative unhappiness. This dissatisfaction may stem from the lack of control felt by those in their 40s, as they juggle raising children and the demands of work.
By contrast, employees in senior positions, retirees and those with good job security often report being happy. One explanation: They have greater control over their daily lives.
"There's a profound link between insecurities of all kinds and human well-being," Prof. Oswald notes. "Supervisors are happier than those who are supervised. Job loss is an enormous negative and job security is an enormous plus to mental health."
4. We enjoy making progress.
Studies suggest we prefer leisure to work. But that doesn't mean work is always a source of unhappiness. We like the feeling of performing a job competently and being in the flow of work.
"There are definitely better and worse jobs," says David Schkade, a management professor at the University of California at San Diego. "If you're in the flow more often, that's going to be a better job."
But Prof. Schkade says work's real pleasure may come from the sense of accomplishment we feel afterward. "We know progress makes people feel good," he says. "You should design a life where you have that feeling of progress."
Work also has the benefit of making leisure seem sweeter, Prof. Schkade adds. This may be the reason seniors who set out solely to relax and have fun are often disappointed by their retirement.
5. We adapt to improvements.
In pursuit of progress, we strive for faster cars, fatter paychecks and winning lottery tickets.
Yet, when we get what we hanker after, we quickly become dissatisfied and soon we're lusting after something else. Academics refer to this as the "hedonic treadmill" or "hedonic adaptation."
We may, however, be able to slow the process of adaptation. If we go out and celebrate our recent promotion, we will hang onto the good feelings for a little longer. If we bought a house last year, we may recover some of the initial thrill by pausing to admire our new home.
We should also think about how we spend our money. It seems we get more lasting happiness from experiences than goods.
If we buy a new car, it will eventually go from being our pride and joy to being a scruffy set of wheels with an irritating rattle. But if we spend our money on meals with friends or vacations with family, we will be left with fond memories that may grow even fonder with time.
6. We also adapt to setbacks.
While adaptation can work against us when good things happen, it saves us from misery when bad times strike. If a close friend dies, we imagine we will never laugh again. But adaptation rides to the rescue.
Oddly enough, it seems we adjust more quickly if a setback is large or irreversible. If we become disabled, we will likely adapt with surprising speed. If our spouse is a slob, we may never get used to it.
One reason: We figure there's still a chance our spouse will change his or her slovenly ways.
7. We enjoy behaving virtuously.
If we volunteer, give to charity or behave politely, we usually feel pretty good.
Pure altruism? It may, instead, be our ancient instincts kicking in. Good behavior paid big dividends in ancient societies, notes Boston money manager Terry Burnham, co-author of "Mean Genes."
"Virtue is built into us because virtue was rewarded," he argues. "In small-scale societies, where you are well known, there are rewards for being a good citizen and severe punishments for being a rule breaker."
Still, whatever our true motivation, behaving virtuously is almost always a good thing -- and it will likely make us happier.
Jonathan Clements also writes the "Getting Going" column that appears Wednesdays in The Wall Street Journal. Write to him at: jonathan.clements@wsj.com.
I am fascinated by academic studies of human happiness, because they bring scientific rigor to issues we all grapple with. We think more money will make us happier and yet studies suggest Americans are no more satisfied than they were three decades ago, when the standard of living was much lower.
So if winning the lottery won't do the trick, what will? Here are seven key lessons from happiness research. It is indeed possible to boost our happiness -- but it'll take more than a fat wallet.
1. What matters is what we focus on.
Those with higher incomes aren't necessarily happier. But when asked how satisfied they are with their lives, high earners are more likely to say they're happy.
Why? The question makes them ponder their position in society -- and they realize they're pretty lucky. The implication: If you have a hefty portfolio or hefty paycheck, you can probably bolster your happiness by regularly contemplating your good fortune.
Meanwhile, if you are less well off, avoid situations where you feel deprived -- and seek out those where comparisons are in your favor. Rather than buying the cheapest house in a wealthy neighborhood, settle for a town where people have similar salaries. When you think about your net worth, forget your well-heeled sister and focus on your cash-strapped brother.
2. Don't go it alone.
Studies have found that married folks are happier than those who are single.
"Marriage provides two sources of happiness," says Andrew Oswald, an economics professor at England's Warwick University. "One is sex and the other is friendship. Marriage has one of the largest impacts on human well-being."
Similarly, spending time with friends can boost happiness. Studies indicate that commuting is one of life's least enjoyable activities, that looking after the kids is more of a struggle than we like to admit and that eating is one of life's great pleasures.
But all of these things can be enhanced by adding friends. Commuting with others will make the trip less grim, playing with the kids will be more fun if there's another adult along and eating with others is better than eating alone.
3. We like to feel secure.
Midlife is a period of relative unhappiness. This dissatisfaction may stem from the lack of control felt by those in their 40s, as they juggle raising children and the demands of work.
By contrast, employees in senior positions, retirees and those with good job security often report being happy. One explanation: They have greater control over their daily lives.
"There's a profound link between insecurities of all kinds and human well-being," Prof. Oswald notes. "Supervisors are happier than those who are supervised. Job loss is an enormous negative and job security is an enormous plus to mental health."
4. We enjoy making progress.
Studies suggest we prefer leisure to work. But that doesn't mean work is always a source of unhappiness. We like the feeling of performing a job competently and being in the flow of work.
"There are definitely better and worse jobs," says David Schkade, a management professor at the University of California at San Diego. "If you're in the flow more often, that's going to be a better job."
But Prof. Schkade says work's real pleasure may come from the sense of accomplishment we feel afterward. "We know progress makes people feel good," he says. "You should design a life where you have that feeling of progress."
Work also has the benefit of making leisure seem sweeter, Prof. Schkade adds. This may be the reason seniors who set out solely to relax and have fun are often disappointed by their retirement.
5. We adapt to improvements.
In pursuit of progress, we strive for faster cars, fatter paychecks and winning lottery tickets.
Yet, when we get what we hanker after, we quickly become dissatisfied and soon we're lusting after something else. Academics refer to this as the "hedonic treadmill" or "hedonic adaptation."
We may, however, be able to slow the process of adaptation. If we go out and celebrate our recent promotion, we will hang onto the good feelings for a little longer. If we bought a house last year, we may recover some of the initial thrill by pausing to admire our new home.
We should also think about how we spend our money. It seems we get more lasting happiness from experiences than goods.
If we buy a new car, it will eventually go from being our pride and joy to being a scruffy set of wheels with an irritating rattle. But if we spend our money on meals with friends or vacations with family, we will be left with fond memories that may grow even fonder with time.
6. We also adapt to setbacks.
While adaptation can work against us when good things happen, it saves us from misery when bad times strike. If a close friend dies, we imagine we will never laugh again. But adaptation rides to the rescue.
Oddly enough, it seems we adjust more quickly if a setback is large or irreversible. If we become disabled, we will likely adapt with surprising speed. If our spouse is a slob, we may never get used to it.
One reason: We figure there's still a chance our spouse will change his or her slovenly ways.
7. We enjoy behaving virtuously.
If we volunteer, give to charity or behave politely, we usually feel pretty good.
Pure altruism? It may, instead, be our ancient instincts kicking in. Good behavior paid big dividends in ancient societies, notes Boston money manager Terry Burnham, co-author of "Mean Genes."
"Virtue is built into us because virtue was rewarded," he argues. "In small-scale societies, where you are well known, there are rewards for being a good citizen and severe punishments for being a rule breaker."
Still, whatever our true motivation, behaving virtuously is almost always a good thing -- and it will likely make us happier.
Jonathan Clements also writes the "Getting Going" column that appears Wednesdays in The Wall Street Journal. Write to him at: jonathan.clements@wsj.com.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Awaken The Dragon
Bruce Lee's classic martial arts film Enter the Dragon is getting remade by Warner Bros., reports the Associated Press. The redux, to be called Awaken the Dragon, will be written and directed by Kurt Sutter, a producer on the TV series The Shield.
The 1973 original had Lee traveling to an island fortress where a villain hosts a martial-arts tournament. Warner Bros. tells the AP that the remake will be about an FBI agent who is investigating a Shaolin monk and "underground kung fu fight clubs," so there seems to be some similarity in terms of story there.
It remains to be seen who will be cast to play the lead role, though filling Lee's shoes will be a very big job indeed. Lee died just prior to the release of Enter the Dragon in 1973.
The 1973 original had Lee traveling to an island fortress where a villain hosts a martial-arts tournament. Warner Bros. tells the AP that the remake will be about an FBI agent who is investigating a Shaolin monk and "underground kung fu fight clubs," so there seems to be some similarity in terms of story there.
It remains to be seen who will be cast to play the lead role, though filling Lee's shoes will be a very big job indeed. Lee died just prior to the release of Enter the Dragon in 1973.
Twenty Million
We were taught that the American Civil War was one of the bloodiest wars, taking nearly 700,000 lives. That seems like a lot, especially when you consider that fewer than 4,000 Americans have died in our current war. But according to a buddy of mine, A.J. Jacobs, who wrote a book about how he read the entire Encyclopedia Britannica, at about the time of the Civil War, a war was raging in China that took about 20 million lives. TWENTY MILLION! The conflict is referred to quaintly, or bizarrely, as the Taiping Rebellion.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
USA like Rome?
The US government is on a ‘burning platform’ of unsustainable policies and practices with fiscal deficits, chronic healthcare underfunding, immigration and overseas military commitments threatening a crisis if action is not taken soon, the country’s top government inspector has warned.
David Walker, comptroller general of the US, issued the unusually downbeat assessment of his country’s future in a report that lays out what he called “chilling long-term simulations”.
These include “dramatic” tax rises, slashed government services and the large-scale dumping by foreign governments of holdings of US debt.
Drawing parallels with the end of the Roman empire, Mr Walker warned there were “striking similarities” between America’s current situation and the factors that brought down Rome, including “declining moral values and political civility at home, an over-confident and over-extended military in foreign lands and fiscal irresponsibility by the central government”.
[via pohick2@chucks_angels]
David Walker, comptroller general of the US, issued the unusually downbeat assessment of his country’s future in a report that lays out what he called “chilling long-term simulations”.
These include “dramatic” tax rises, slashed government services and the large-scale dumping by foreign governments of holdings of US debt.
Drawing parallels with the end of the Roman empire, Mr Walker warned there were “striking similarities” between America’s current situation and the factors that brought down Rome, including “declining moral values and political civility at home, an over-confident and over-extended military in foreign lands and fiscal irresponsibility by the central government”.
[via pohick2@chucks_angels]
Saturday, August 11, 2007
Jack Kirby revived
And now, 40 years later and 13 years after his death, the "Fourth Universe" is seeing the light of day again in swelligant new printings by DC. The first volume of "Jack Kirby's Fourth World Omnibus" collects his first works for the company when he, of all things, reinvented the lame also-ran title "Jimmy Olsen -- Superman's Pal" as a parable of the shifting forces of nature and destiny, played out in startling, vivid style. It was dense, packed comics-izations, like eating a whole pizza.
The book and Kirby's work gets the full treatment here, and the printing is extraordinarily good. DC must have kept the original artwork. The colors are so densely printed they seem as solid as poster paints.
The book is not just a blast from the past, but a blast of the future.
The book and Kirby's work gets the full treatment here, and the printing is extraordinarily good. DC must have kept the original artwork. The colors are so densely printed they seem as solid as poster paints.
The book is not just a blast from the past, but a blast of the future.
Saturday, August 04, 2007
The tallest country in the world
America used to be the tallest country in the world. From the days of the founding fathers right on through the industrial revolution and two world wars, Americans literally towered over other nations. In a land of boundless open spaces and limitless natural abundance, the young nation transformed its increasing wealth into human growth.
But just as it has in so many other arenas, America's predominance in height has faded. Americans reached a height plateau after World War II, gradually falling behind the rest of the world as it continued growing taller.
By the time the baby boomers reached adulthood in the 1960s, most northern and western European countries had caught up with and surpassed the United States. Young adults in Japan and other prosperous Asian countries now stand nearly as tall as Americans do.
Even residents of the formerly communist East Germany are taller than Americans today. In Holland, the tallest country in the world, the typical man now measures 6 feet, a good two inches more than his average American counterpart.
Compare that to 1850, when the situation was reversed. Not just the Dutch but all the nations of western Europe stood 2 1/2 inches shorter than their American brethren.
But just as it has in so many other arenas, America's predominance in height has faded. Americans reached a height plateau after World War II, gradually falling behind the rest of the world as it continued growing taller.
By the time the baby boomers reached adulthood in the 1960s, most northern and western European countries had caught up with and surpassed the United States. Young adults in Japan and other prosperous Asian countries now stand nearly as tall as Americans do.
Even residents of the formerly communist East Germany are taller than Americans today. In Holland, the tallest country in the world, the typical man now measures 6 feet, a good two inches more than his average American counterpart.
Compare that to 1850, when the situation was reversed. Not just the Dutch but all the nations of western Europe stood 2 1/2 inches shorter than their American brethren.
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Belief and Disbelief
It matters what you believe. I mean, really believe. Not just think you are supposed to believe, or even wish you believed. If the concept has any meaning, it refers to the actual wellsprings of behavior, the assumptions you make about how things are and about how you actually respond as a result. Ultimately, it is only what you really do believe that matters.
If you are uncertain about this, ask yourself how you behave "as if" you believed. It is likely different from what you tell yourself, and others, about what you believe.
PBS is running a three-part series by Jonathan Miller titled "A Brief History of Disbelief." It had previously aired on the BBC. The series was introduced recently on the Bill Moyers program with an interview with Jonathan Miller.
For history buffs, and all of us with short historical memories, it is a rough romp through the history of the diversity of opinion on matters religious. It is also a review of the challenges to literalism and dogmatic orthodoxy in Western Christian history.
On a deeper level, it is about the curious human phenomenon of belief itself, about the ways in which rigid belief can shred lives and breed violence. It is a reminder of just how tenuous freedom of belief is and how peculiar the "modern" idea of religious pluralism is.
If you are uncertain about this, ask yourself how you behave "as if" you believed. It is likely different from what you tell yourself, and others, about what you believe.
PBS is running a three-part series by Jonathan Miller titled "A Brief History of Disbelief." It had previously aired on the BBC. The series was introduced recently on the Bill Moyers program with an interview with Jonathan Miller.
For history buffs, and all of us with short historical memories, it is a rough romp through the history of the diversity of opinion on matters religious. It is also a review of the challenges to literalism and dogmatic orthodoxy in Western Christian history.
On a deeper level, it is about the curious human phenomenon of belief itself, about the ways in which rigid belief can shred lives and breed violence. It is a reminder of just how tenuous freedom of belief is and how peculiar the "modern" idea of religious pluralism is.
How to Be Happy Right Now
From the beginning of human history we have been searching for happiness. Most of our daily functions and overall desires all revolve around "being happy."
Some, the very adept, are able to reach that state of pure happiness through spiritual ascension, via ascetic practices. Going on retreat to the middle of nowhere and living in a monastery devoid of life's simple pleasures, does not seem like a practical option for a normal human being living in the 21st Century. For us, the normal human beings, spiritual ascension is a goal we might want but not at the expense of "living life to the fullest."
So we come to this statement:
More important than spiritual ascension is personal contentment.
Only with personal contentment can you ascend spiritually. Personal contentment does not mean material or sensory satisfaction. Personal contentment means to be truly happy with yourself right here and now.
From this state of personal contentment EVERYTHING is possible. Personal contentment brings peace of mind. That's why I have developed Gratitude-Bliss Meditation (GBM). Based on ancient philosophies and good old common sense, GBM is the perfect solution for 21st Century fast-paced life. This technique will put you in a state of contentment, guaranteed. Just like 1 + 1 = 2, following these instructions cannot fail.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions a human being can experience. It alone can put you in a state of Bliss (contentment). A grateful mind is a content mind. A grateful mind needs nothing. When you are in a state of Gratitude, peace and overall contentment follows.
So from this we can say that...
Gratitude = contentment = True Happiness (Bliss)
-- By Urayoan Paz via Herbert Gordon
Some, the very adept, are able to reach that state of pure happiness through spiritual ascension, via ascetic practices. Going on retreat to the middle of nowhere and living in a monastery devoid of life's simple pleasures, does not seem like a practical option for a normal human being living in the 21st Century. For us, the normal human beings, spiritual ascension is a goal we might want but not at the expense of "living life to the fullest."
So we come to this statement:
More important than spiritual ascension is personal contentment.
Only with personal contentment can you ascend spiritually. Personal contentment does not mean material or sensory satisfaction. Personal contentment means to be truly happy with yourself right here and now.
From this state of personal contentment EVERYTHING is possible. Personal contentment brings peace of mind. That's why I have developed Gratitude-Bliss Meditation (GBM). Based on ancient philosophies and good old common sense, GBM is the perfect solution for 21st Century fast-paced life. This technique will put you in a state of contentment, guaranteed. Just like 1 + 1 = 2, following these instructions cannot fail.
Gratitude is one of the most powerful emotions a human being can experience. It alone can put you in a state of Bliss (contentment). A grateful mind is a content mind. A grateful mind needs nothing. When you are in a state of Gratitude, peace and overall contentment follows.
So from this we can say that...
Gratitude = contentment = True Happiness (Bliss)
-- By Urayoan Paz via Herbert Gordon
Friday, July 20, 2007
Keeping Dogs Friendly
In a pack, dogs communicate by barking, whining, tail-wagging, licking, and, once in a while, by biting. The trouble is, most dogs don't live in packs anymore -- they live with us. Yet they haven't learned to communicate the way we do. As a result, every year dogs bite about 4.7 million people, most of them children.
That number is on the rise despite ongoing efforts by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Veterinary Medical Association, and other groups to get the word out on bite prevention. A big hurdle faced by groups like these is that much of the popular wisdom on keeping dogs friendly is just plain wrong. Here are a few of of the most enduring myths and the correct information for understanding dogs and staying safe around them.
MYTH Approach the dog and stick your hand out so it can sniff you.
TRUTH Yes, it is important to let a strange dog smell you, but always let him approach you. Sticking your hand in a dog's face may be construed as a threat. Stand still with your hands at your side or crossed in front of you for protection, says Liam Crowe, dog trainer and head of operations for Bark Busters, an in-home dog training company with branches throughout the US and Canada. Always ask an adult owner for permission to pet before touching the dog. When you pet the dog, stroke him along his upper body or under his chin, which is less threatening than a strange hand coming at his head. Never allow children to hug a dog. Kids think it's friendly but, in a pack, a dog equates covering another's body with establishing dominance. A dog that disagrees may snap.
MYTH A wagging tail indicates a friendly dog.
TRUTH Tail wagging means a dog is excited, says Wayne Hunthausen, a veterinarian at Westwood Animal Hospital in Westwood, Kansas, and author of Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. But that may be a good excitement or a bad one. "It is the quality of the wag that tells you what is going on."
If a dog is friendly, his tail will wag low (horizontal to or lower than his body) and his whole back end will move. Beware the dog that is holding his tail high and wagging stiffly.
MYTH Try to get away from a dog if it starts to attack.
TRUTH Stand tall and still and avoid direct eye contact. Do not curl up into a ball unless you have already been knocked to the ground. If so, stay quiet and cover your ears with your fists for protection. The dog may see this as submission and walk away.
MYTH Your family dog will never bite you.
TRUTH "Parents come into my office and brag about how tolerant their dog is, but all dogs bite when they've had enough," says Hunthausen. Never leave anyone under the age of 12 alone with a dog. Kids' small size and sudden movements can startle a dog into snapping its teeth. Unfortunately, all too many times the dog connects and it results in an injury that was never intended.
-- LORI NUDO, Better Homes and Gardens, May 2006
PACK BEHAVIOR
More and more, dog obedience schools are teaching owners using knowledge of pack behavior. Because these behaviors are hardwired into dogs, this kind of training makes it easier for your dog to learn, says Liam Crowe, head of U.S. operations for Bark Busters, a company that uses such techniques. A whole course can take as little as 2 hours. Learn more at 877/280-7100 or barkbusters.com.
That number is on the rise despite ongoing efforts by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, American Veterinary Medical Association, and other groups to get the word out on bite prevention. A big hurdle faced by groups like these is that much of the popular wisdom on keeping dogs friendly is just plain wrong. Here are a few of of the most enduring myths and the correct information for understanding dogs and staying safe around them.
MYTH Approach the dog and stick your hand out so it can sniff you.
TRUTH Yes, it is important to let a strange dog smell you, but always let him approach you. Sticking your hand in a dog's face may be construed as a threat. Stand still with your hands at your side or crossed in front of you for protection, says Liam Crowe, dog trainer and head of operations for Bark Busters, an in-home dog training company with branches throughout the US and Canada. Always ask an adult owner for permission to pet before touching the dog. When you pet the dog, stroke him along his upper body or under his chin, which is less threatening than a strange hand coming at his head. Never allow children to hug a dog. Kids think it's friendly but, in a pack, a dog equates covering another's body with establishing dominance. A dog that disagrees may snap.
MYTH A wagging tail indicates a friendly dog.
TRUTH Tail wagging means a dog is excited, says Wayne Hunthausen, a veterinarian at Westwood Animal Hospital in Westwood, Kansas, and author of Handbook of Behavior Problems of the Dog and Cat. But that may be a good excitement or a bad one. "It is the quality of the wag that tells you what is going on."
If a dog is friendly, his tail will wag low (horizontal to or lower than his body) and his whole back end will move. Beware the dog that is holding his tail high and wagging stiffly.
MYTH Try to get away from a dog if it starts to attack.
TRUTH Stand tall and still and avoid direct eye contact. Do not curl up into a ball unless you have already been knocked to the ground. If so, stay quiet and cover your ears with your fists for protection. The dog may see this as submission and walk away.
MYTH Your family dog will never bite you.
TRUTH "Parents come into my office and brag about how tolerant their dog is, but all dogs bite when they've had enough," says Hunthausen. Never leave anyone under the age of 12 alone with a dog. Kids' small size and sudden movements can startle a dog into snapping its teeth. Unfortunately, all too many times the dog connects and it results in an injury that was never intended.
-- LORI NUDO, Better Homes and Gardens, May 2006
PACK BEHAVIOR
More and more, dog obedience schools are teaching owners using knowledge of pack behavior. Because these behaviors are hardwired into dogs, this kind of training makes it easier for your dog to learn, says Liam Crowe, head of U.S. operations for Bark Busters, a company that uses such techniques. A whole course can take as little as 2 hours. Learn more at 877/280-7100 or barkbusters.com.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Brainwashing Kids In Religion
The late mathematician-philosopher Bertrand Russell said if he claimed a teapot too small to be seen by any telescope orbited between the Sun and the Earth, we’d call him crazy. But if you’d been told about it since you were a child starting school, you’d say “So what’s new? Everybody knows about the teapot.”
Critical thinkers are taught never to question faith. It’s impolite to ask someone at a party if he believes in God. It’s also not done, I think, because for some people answering yes or no might be embarrassing. Most people brought up in a Christian home call themselves Christians. They really haven’t given much thought to why that is.
* * *
Readers respond to Bob Jones
Critical thinkers are taught never to question faith. It’s impolite to ask someone at a party if he believes in God. It’s also not done, I think, because for some people answering yes or no might be embarrassing. Most people brought up in a Christian home call themselves Christians. They really haven’t given much thought to why that is.
* * *
Readers respond to Bob Jones
LinkTV
let's say you are a news fanatic (like me) and "Desperate Housewives" is not your first choice for viewing pleasure. Where would you go?
I posed that question to local documentary filmmaker and online TV entrepreneur, Edgy Lee. Without dropping a beat, Edgy enthusiastically replied "LinkTV."
"This illustrates one of the best things about the evolving Internet," said Edgy. "You get world news with a point of view that's just not available on network television. And the music is the best."
I posed that question to local documentary filmmaker and online TV entrepreneur, Edgy Lee. Without dropping a beat, Edgy enthusiastically replied "LinkTV."
"This illustrates one of the best things about the evolving Internet," said Edgy. "You get world news with a point of view that's just not available on network television. And the music is the best."
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Kam Bowl
After nearly 50 years in business, Kam Bowl, the popular lanes near the Kamehameha Shopping Center in Kalihi, will close next week because it has lost its lease.
That puts its regulars in a bit of a bind. The closure will leave only four public alleys left on Oahu, and one of them, Waialae Bowl in Kahala, will close in February, its owner says.
Meanwhile, the Kapiolani Coffee Shop, which is in the bowling alley on School Street, will close June 28, but reopen a little more than a mile away at City Square on Dillingham Boulevard to serve up its popular oxtail soup.
That puts its regulars in a bit of a bind. The closure will leave only four public alleys left on Oahu, and one of them, Waialae Bowl in Kahala, will close in February, its owner says.
Meanwhile, the Kapiolani Coffee Shop, which is in the bowling alley on School Street, will close June 28, but reopen a little more than a mile away at City Square on Dillingham Boulevard to serve up its popular oxtail soup.
Monday, June 18, 2007
What to Do When You Lose Your Wallet
Missing wallets can, unfortunately, mean that thieves are fast at work. Here's a quick guide on how to foil the bad guys (and save yourself a big headache).
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
How to Outsmart Burglars
No one likes to lose their valuables, and especially not by way of a burglar raiding their home. Even though property crimes have drastically dropped since 1991, there are still more than 2 million burglaries per annum in the United States.
So how can you outsmart a savvy property thief?
We have all heard by now that hiding money under the mattress is not a good idea, since that is one of the first spots where a burglar would look.
Then again, says a blog called Personal Finance Advice, you might want to do just that: leaving small amounts of money in obvious places--under the mattress, in a cookie jar, in a drawer--to prevent your real stash of cash from being found.
In a February 2007 entry, one pfadvice.com blogger describes a conversation with a former burglar, including interesting tips that might trick an intruder and make him leave (almost) empty-handed.
What you have to know, explains the anonymous ex-felon, is that 99% of burglars are not of the "this is my chosen profession and I take pride in it" kind. "They are part of organized crime, they are part of a gang or [...] they are drug addicts."
Keep in mind, he says, a burglar wants to steal as much as possible in the shortest time possible. On the other hand, finding nothing at all could frustrate the thief so much that he starts turning your house upside down in search of money... hence the tip to leave small amounts in easy-to-find places.
"If I can't find money and valuables in the normal places I usually find them, I would continue to tear the house apart until I found something. Remember, the first rule is to steal money and valuables. We'll keep looking until we find something."
But don't leave too little, he recommends. In a modest home, $100 will suffice. If you live in a wealthy neighborhood, however, and the crook finds only $100 lying around, he will assume that there must be more.
Here's some more good advice from the retired burglar:
Write "Bank Safe Deposit Box" on an envelope and fill it with a list of items. Put the envelope in an easily accessible drawer so it can be found by the burglar. This will tell him that most of your assets are stored at the bank.
Safes are generally not a good idea. If it's a portable one, the burglar will just carry it with him. If it's non-portable and looks impressive enough, he might be tempted to wait for you to come home and force you to open it at gunpoint.
When you choose a hiding place, think like a burglar. The box stashed way back in your closet might be inconvenient for you to get to, but it's one of the places where a thief would look first. In case of an intruder who's also a drug addict, he would likely search your toilet tank, cereal boxes, the refrigerator and freezer, and the medicine cabinet.
If you have children, consider hiding some cash away in their room (here, messiness actually works in your favor), maybe even inside a toy. Burglars usually won't look for valuables there. Other good hiding places are the underside of trash cans, laundry detergent boxes or bottles, empty soup cans, etc. Just make sure, warns the conman, that those "false packages" are in the appropriate spot, that is, in the laundry room or pantry.
If you can get past the "yuk factor," you can purchase a so-called "Brief Safe" that looks like badly stained underwear and can be kept at the bottom of a bedroom closet or in the laundry basket. The skid mark safe contains a small pocket to insert money, and--Mr. Z agrees--it is unlikely that any burglar will touch it.
So how can you outsmart a savvy property thief?
We have all heard by now that hiding money under the mattress is not a good idea, since that is one of the first spots where a burglar would look.
Then again, says a blog called Personal Finance Advice, you might want to do just that: leaving small amounts of money in obvious places--under the mattress, in a cookie jar, in a drawer--to prevent your real stash of cash from being found.
In a February 2007 entry, one pfadvice.com blogger describes a conversation with a former burglar, including interesting tips that might trick an intruder and make him leave (almost) empty-handed.
What you have to know, explains the anonymous ex-felon, is that 99% of burglars are not of the "this is my chosen profession and I take pride in it" kind. "They are part of organized crime, they are part of a gang or [...] they are drug addicts."
Keep in mind, he says, a burglar wants to steal as much as possible in the shortest time possible. On the other hand, finding nothing at all could frustrate the thief so much that he starts turning your house upside down in search of money... hence the tip to leave small amounts in easy-to-find places.
"If I can't find money and valuables in the normal places I usually find them, I would continue to tear the house apart until I found something. Remember, the first rule is to steal money and valuables. We'll keep looking until we find something."
But don't leave too little, he recommends. In a modest home, $100 will suffice. If you live in a wealthy neighborhood, however, and the crook finds only $100 lying around, he will assume that there must be more.
Here's some more good advice from the retired burglar:
Write "Bank Safe Deposit Box" on an envelope and fill it with a list of items. Put the envelope in an easily accessible drawer so it can be found by the burglar. This will tell him that most of your assets are stored at the bank.
Safes are generally not a good idea. If it's a portable one, the burglar will just carry it with him. If it's non-portable and looks impressive enough, he might be tempted to wait for you to come home and force you to open it at gunpoint.
When you choose a hiding place, think like a burglar. The box stashed way back in your closet might be inconvenient for you to get to, but it's one of the places where a thief would look first. In case of an intruder who's also a drug addict, he would likely search your toilet tank, cereal boxes, the refrigerator and freezer, and the medicine cabinet.
If you have children, consider hiding some cash away in their room (here, messiness actually works in your favor), maybe even inside a toy. Burglars usually won't look for valuables there. Other good hiding places are the underside of trash cans, laundry detergent boxes or bottles, empty soup cans, etc. Just make sure, warns the conman, that those "false packages" are in the appropriate spot, that is, in the laundry room or pantry.
If you can get past the "yuk factor," you can purchase a so-called "Brief Safe" that looks like badly stained underwear and can be kept at the bottom of a bedroom closet or in the laundry basket. The skid mark safe contains a small pocket to insert money, and--Mr. Z agrees--it is unlikely that any burglar will touch it.
Monday, May 28, 2007
Pacific Buddhist Academy to graduate first class
Four years after opening, the Pacific Buddhist Academy, the only Shin Buddhist high school in the country, will graduate its first class Friday.
Sheldon Konno, a senior who came from the mission school, said the academy lets him analyze current events by making peace a focus of every subject.
"It helps you look at a situation differently," the 17-year-old said. "Like with the war in Iraq. What's the purpose of war? The U.S. is getting oil ... but you are taking away someone's child."
When studying slavery in American studies, students look at the history of the slave trade and what led to it, but also the "human essence of the topic," school head Pieper Toyama said.
"The central issue is, How can one human being treat another human being that way?" said Toyama, a former headmaster of the private Parker School in Waimea on the Big Island.
"One can say this was a failing of how we were educated as teachers," he added. "Paying attention to peace was not part of our education, and sometimes I think that's why we get into the problems we get into today."
Sheldon Konno, a senior who came from the mission school, said the academy lets him analyze current events by making peace a focus of every subject.
"It helps you look at a situation differently," the 17-year-old said. "Like with the war in Iraq. What's the purpose of war? The U.S. is getting oil ... but you are taking away someone's child."
When studying slavery in American studies, students look at the history of the slave trade and what led to it, but also the "human essence of the topic," school head Pieper Toyama said.
"The central issue is, How can one human being treat another human being that way?" said Toyama, a former headmaster of the private Parker School in Waimea on the Big Island.
"One can say this was a failing of how we were educated as teachers," he added. "Paying attention to peace was not part of our education, and sometimes I think that's why we get into the problems we get into today."
Monday, May 14, 2007
Red-light cameras
PUBLIC outrage about a flawed program to catch speeding cars on camera five years ago has caused state legislators to be camera-shy. Part of that program called for eventual placement of cameras atop traffic lights at intersections to catch cars running red lights, but the entire program came crashing down before it could be implemented. The red-light program should be restored. [starbulletin editorial 4/27/07]
* * *
Advocating ticket cameras in your April 27 editorial, "Use cameras to catch red-light violators," was irresponsible because red-light ticket cameras increase accidents at intersections.
You cited a number of communities that use ticket cameras at intersections. Yet no mention was made of the many communities that have rejected the cameras because of their dismal safety record. You mentioned the District of Columbia as using the cameras but failed to mention a recent and extensive study done by the Washington Post that shows accidents doubled at intersections where the cameras are used in D.C.
Thenewspaper.com has five pages of links to news articles chronicling the devastating effects of these cameras.
You mentioned a few studies to back your claims. The National Motorists Association Web site has 15 studies from the United States, Canada and Australia showing that red-light ticket cameras increase accidents and only serve as a revenue source. [Letter to the editor, 5/2/07]
* * *
Here are some excerpts from the Washington Post article cited above
The city has cameras at 45 intersections. They take photographs of cars running red lights, generating tickets that are processed by a private contractor. Police oversee the issuance of tickets, which carry $75 fines, and the money goes into the city's general fund -- nearly $5 million last year.
The Post obtained a D.C. database generated from accident reports filed by police. The data covered the entire city, including the 37 intersections where cameras were installed in 1999 and 2000.
The analysis shows that the number of crashes at locations with cameras more than doubled, from 365 collisions in 1998 to 755 last year. Injury and fatal crashes climbed 81 percent, from 144 such wrecks to 262. Broadside crashes, also known as right-angle or T-bone collisions, rose 30 percent, from 81 to 106 during that time frame. Traffic specialists say broadside collisions are especially dangerous because the sides are the most vulnerable areas of cars.
...
D.C. Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey said he remains convinced that the devices are worthwhile. Even if the number of crashes is not going down, he said, citations for red-light running have dropped by about 60 percent at intersections that have cameras.
Ramsey said the number of accidents would be even higher without the cameras, adding that he would like to install them at every traffic light in the city. He pointed to last year's steep decrease in traffic fatalities -- 45 people died compared with 69 in 2003 -- as evidence that the program is working.
"I'd rather have them than not have them," Ramsey said. "They make people slow down. They reduce the number of traffic violations, and that's a good thing."
* * *
Advocating ticket cameras in your April 27 editorial, "Use cameras to catch red-light violators," was irresponsible because red-light ticket cameras increase accidents at intersections.
You cited a number of communities that use ticket cameras at intersections. Yet no mention was made of the many communities that have rejected the cameras because of their dismal safety record. You mentioned the District of Columbia as using the cameras but failed to mention a recent and extensive study done by the Washington Post that shows accidents doubled at intersections where the cameras are used in D.C.
Thenewspaper.com has five pages of links to news articles chronicling the devastating effects of these cameras.
You mentioned a few studies to back your claims. The National Motorists Association Web site has 15 studies from the United States, Canada and Australia showing that red-light ticket cameras increase accidents and only serve as a revenue source. [Letter to the editor, 5/2/07]
* * *
Here are some excerpts from the Washington Post article cited above
The city has cameras at 45 intersections. They take photographs of cars running red lights, generating tickets that are processed by a private contractor. Police oversee the issuance of tickets, which carry $75 fines, and the money goes into the city's general fund -- nearly $5 million last year.
The Post obtained a D.C. database generated from accident reports filed by police. The data covered the entire city, including the 37 intersections where cameras were installed in 1999 and 2000.
The analysis shows that the number of crashes at locations with cameras more than doubled, from 365 collisions in 1998 to 755 last year. Injury and fatal crashes climbed 81 percent, from 144 such wrecks to 262. Broadside crashes, also known as right-angle or T-bone collisions, rose 30 percent, from 81 to 106 during that time frame. Traffic specialists say broadside collisions are especially dangerous because the sides are the most vulnerable areas of cars.
...
D.C. Police Chief Charles H. Ramsey said he remains convinced that the devices are worthwhile. Even if the number of crashes is not going down, he said, citations for red-light running have dropped by about 60 percent at intersections that have cameras.
Ramsey said the number of accidents would be even higher without the cameras, adding that he would like to install them at every traffic light in the city. He pointed to last year's steep decrease in traffic fatalities -- 45 people died compared with 69 in 2003 -- as evidence that the program is working.
"I'd rather have them than not have them," Ramsey said. "They make people slow down. They reduce the number of traffic violations, and that's a good thing."
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
new rules of the road
Old habit: Set your outside mirrors so you can see the sides of your car.
New rule: Adjust the mirrors outward so the sides of the car are just outside your view, advises John McElroy. This greatly reduces or eliminates blind spots.
[from State Farm 2003] By properly adjusting your side-view mirrors and continuing to use your rear-view mirror you can reduce the 'blind spot.' For the driver-side mirror, place the left side of your face against the inside drivers side window, and set the mirror so you can just see the lst side of your car. For the passenger-side mirror, sit in the center of the front seat (if your car has bucket seats, lean to get your head as close to the center of the front seat (if your car has bucket seats, lean to get your head as close to the center of the windshield as possible) and set the mirror so you can just see the right side of your car. If you have adjusted your mirrors properly, you won't be able to see either side of your car in the mirrors while driving.
[1/11/09 starbulletin] Adjust the driver’s seat to the correct position. Lean your head and torso over to the left until your head contacts the window glass. I know, that seems too far. But trust me. Now, adjust the left-side mirror outward until you can barely see your own fender in it. Next, lean over to the right a similar distance, and adjust the right-side mirror so you can just see your own rear fender. Sit up straight. Your mirrors are now set to allow you to see other cars in your blind spot. You won’t need to swivel your neck around to be aware of traffic hiding at 60 mph right beside you. And the interior mirror will still let you see the traffic directly behind.
New rule: Adjust the mirrors outward so the sides of the car are just outside your view, advises John McElroy. This greatly reduces or eliminates blind spots.
[from State Farm 2003] By properly adjusting your side-view mirrors and continuing to use your rear-view mirror you can reduce the 'blind spot.' For the driver-side mirror, place the left side of your face against the inside drivers side window, and set the mirror so you can just see the lst side of your car. For the passenger-side mirror, sit in the center of the front seat (if your car has bucket seats, lean to get your head as close to the center of the front seat (if your car has bucket seats, lean to get your head as close to the center of the windshield as possible) and set the mirror so you can just see the right side of your car. If you have adjusted your mirrors properly, you won't be able to see either side of your car in the mirrors while driving.
[1/11/09 starbulletin] Adjust the driver’s seat to the correct position. Lean your head and torso over to the left until your head contacts the window glass. I know, that seems too far. But trust me. Now, adjust the left-side mirror outward until you can barely see your own fender in it. Next, lean over to the right a similar distance, and adjust the right-side mirror so you can just see your own rear fender. Sit up straight. Your mirrors are now set to allow you to see other cars in your blind spot. You won’t need to swivel your neck around to be aware of traffic hiding at 60 mph right beside you. And the interior mirror will still let you see the traffic directly behind.
1-800-GOT JUNK?
Oahu's definitely got junk.
One needs to look no further than the instant success of the first Hawaii-based 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise.
Operated by Sandi McDowell, who left her job as head of a travel agency, Hawaii's first junk-removal franchise has seen business more than double the first year.
One needs to look no further than the instant success of the first Hawaii-based 1-800-GOT-JUNK? franchise.
Operated by Sandi McDowell, who left her job as head of a travel agency, Hawaii's first junk-removal franchise has seen business more than double the first year.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The Loved Dog
Is Oprah abandoning Cesar? In a recent show, Tamar Geller was a guest, demonstrating a kinder and gentler way to having dogs behave.
* * *
Tamar Geller, a former Israeli intelligence officer who became a dog trainer to the stars, says the most important thing animal lovers can do for their dogs is to "empower them."
Geller, who calls herself a "life coach for dogs," offers her philosophy and specific tips for pet owners in her just-published book, The Loved Dog: The Playful, Non-aggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, $24.95).
"I'm completely against the notion of having your dog be submissive to you," she says. "There's a difference between submissive and well mannered. I want them to be empowered and well mannered."
* * *
More dog books while browsing
The Power of Positive Dog Training
[5/2 - see also tamikat's list of Positive Dog Training Books]
and then from a review of above
Playtraining Your Dog
Natural Dog Training by Kevin Behan
In fact, the reviewer is a guy named Lee Charles Kelley who is an author that also trains dogs. His method is based on Behan. Naturally enough, he thinks highly of Behan's book calling it "the best book every written about dogs". On his site, he calls into question the alpha theory and instead favors emergence theory. (He admittedly stands alone in applying it to dog behaviour.)
* * *
Tamar Geller, a former Israeli intelligence officer who became a dog trainer to the stars, says the most important thing animal lovers can do for their dogs is to "empower them."
Geller, who calls herself a "life coach for dogs," offers her philosophy and specific tips for pet owners in her just-published book, The Loved Dog: The Playful, Non-aggressive Way to Teach Your Dog Good Behavior (Simon Spotlight Entertainment, $24.95).
"I'm completely against the notion of having your dog be submissive to you," she says. "There's a difference between submissive and well mannered. I want them to be empowered and well mannered."
* * *
More dog books while browsing
The Power of Positive Dog Training
[5/2 - see also tamikat's list of Positive Dog Training Books]
and then from a review of above
Playtraining Your Dog
Natural Dog Training by Kevin Behan
In fact, the reviewer is a guy named Lee Charles Kelley who is an author that also trains dogs. His method is based on Behan. Naturally enough, he thinks highly of Behan's book calling it "the best book every written about dogs". On his site, he calls into question the alpha theory and instead favors emergence theory. (He admittedly stands alone in applying it to dog behaviour.)
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Don Ho
Hawaii has lost one of its most popular attractions with the death of Hawaiian entertainer Don Ho.
Promoter-producer Tom Moffatt said he once told a Los Angeles Times reporter, "People who come to Hawaii know three things -- Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and Don Ho.
"His name is synonymous with Hawaii."
Ho died yesterday morning at the Queen's Medical Center of heart failure at age 76.
Ho, famous for his hit songs "Tiny Bubbles" and "I'll Remember You," played to capacity crowds in Waikiki for more than 40 years with a signature "Ain't No Big Thing" style.
Promoter-producer Tom Moffatt said he once told a Los Angeles Times reporter, "People who come to Hawaii know three things -- Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor and Don Ho.
"His name is synonymous with Hawaii."
Ho died yesterday morning at the Queen's Medical Center of heart failure at age 76.
Ho, famous for his hit songs "Tiny Bubbles" and "I'll Remember You," played to capacity crowds in Waikiki for more than 40 years with a signature "Ain't No Big Thing" style.
It's Me or the Dog
With the success of the Dog Whisperer, I now see that a couple of new shows about correcting dog behavior have appeared on Animal Planet:
Divine Canine. Besides being monks, they train dogs. They have a book called How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners.
It's Me or The Dog. Instead of a guy from Mexico, it's a lady from England (Victoria Stillwell). Her book, naturally enough, is called It's Me or the Dog.
Here's one I haven't seen yet, Barking Mad, which deals not only with dogs but other animals as well.
I don't see that on this week, but I do see Good Dog U.
Divine Canine. Besides being monks, they train dogs. They have a book called How to Be Your Dog's Best Friend: The Classic Training Manual for Dog Owners.
It's Me or The Dog. Instead of a guy from Mexico, it's a lady from England (Victoria Stillwell). Her book, naturally enough, is called It's Me or the Dog.
Here's one I haven't seen yet, Barking Mad, which deals not only with dogs but other animals as well.
I don't see that on this week, but I do see Good Dog U.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The Forbidden Kingdom
The forthcoming martial-arts actioner that will pair Jackie Chan with Jet Li has a title and a tentative release date. The Forbidden Kingdom, formerly referred to as "Untitled J&J Project," has been picked up by Lionsgate who will partner with The Weinstein Co. on the project.
The long-pondered big-screen pairing of two of the most prolific martial arts action stars will hit theaters in September 2008.
The long-pondered big-screen pairing of two of the most prolific martial arts action stars will hit theaters in September 2008.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Bark Busters
Visitors to Scott Argus’ home in Kaimuki are promptly greeted by his four-member dog-squad. There’s Rufy, the big giant teddy bear; Chili, the pup of a Queensland healer and Catahoula McNab/border collie mix; Chico, an Australian blue healer, and little Lucky, a fox terrier and Chihuahua mix.
“This is a big dog house,” laughs Argus. “The dogs just let us live here.”
This well-behaved crew of canines can attribute their good manners to Argus’ dog training methods, afterall, their master is also the owner of the local franchise of Bark Busters Home Dog Training.
Bark Busters training methods help dogs who are nuisance barkers, have aggressive behavior, pull on their leash, toilet in the house, have separation anxiety or other deviant behaviors. The training is also ideal for puppies because the methods accelerate their learning curve in the first four to six months of life.
“This is a big dog house,” laughs Argus. “The dogs just let us live here.”
This well-behaved crew of canines can attribute their good manners to Argus’ dog training methods, afterall, their master is also the owner of the local franchise of Bark Busters Home Dog Training.
Bark Busters training methods help dogs who are nuisance barkers, have aggressive behavior, pull on their leash, toilet in the house, have separation anxiety or other deviant behaviors. The training is also ideal for puppies because the methods accelerate their learning curve in the first four to six months of life.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
dog field trips
Seven dogs embarked on a journey to the Makapuu Lighthouse recently. Like many people, the dogs appreciated being in the great outdoors, enjoying the sights and lush surroundings. But first they needed to settle down a bit.
"Things are a little chaotic at first, even if the dogs know each other," according Erin Gerwig, owner of Dogwalker, etc.
"They all want to sniff, they have to say hello. And, everyone needs to use the bathroom right when we get out of the car," she said. "It's like having a bunch of 3-year-olds running around."
Once they settle down, though, they enjoy the ambiance and socializing.
Gerwig said the idea of the field trips came from her regular dog-walking routine -- she normally takes several dogs at the same time, from three or four different households. Other dogs walking with their owners would often stop to mingle with her group, she said.
"I saw how much more happy they were -- they love to socialize. They are pack animals and really enjoy the company of other animals. It's great to watch them interact with each other."
"Things are a little chaotic at first, even if the dogs know each other," according Erin Gerwig, owner of Dogwalker, etc.
"They all want to sniff, they have to say hello. And, everyone needs to use the bathroom right when we get out of the car," she said. "It's like having a bunch of 3-year-olds running around."
Once they settle down, though, they enjoy the ambiance and socializing.
Gerwig said the idea of the field trips came from her regular dog-walking routine -- she normally takes several dogs at the same time, from three or four different households. Other dogs walking with their owners would often stop to mingle with her group, she said.
"I saw how much more happy they were -- they love to socialize. They are pack animals and really enjoy the company of other animals. It's great to watch them interact with each other."
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