When a friend needs help…do you? Always? For as long as it takes? No matter what? How can you not! This is more than philosophic musing. I have been engrossed with these thoughts since a good friend of mine raised similar questions as he has been giving of himself to a close friend of his. Frank [...]
Archive for October, 2007
A scientist decided to determine if animals other than humans and chimps could communicate and learn. Chimps can communicate through sign language but do not have the vocal chords that are up to the task of human speech. Dr. Irene Pepperberg chose a one year old African parrot named Alex as her subject. An African parrot was chosen [...]
This opening line gave me chills. “It used to be easy to tell whether you were in a free country or a dictatorship.” It is well past 1984 and yet the government can check up on us in ways Orwell never imagined. And you and I make it easy for them. The line above is from [...]
For the umpeenth time I noticed after the fact that coffee had dripped on my shirt. (Don’t tell my wife.) Fortunately its a black knit shirt and the stain did not show. The other times I have not been so lucky. The problem? The tops to the cups often don’t fit snugly. Yet I have [...]
NPR airs a great series titled This I Believe which is a project getting people to write, share, and discuss the core values that guide their daily lives. The essays are archived and some are selected to become 3 minute orations on NPR. This latest one struck a cord with with me especially after reading Frank’s post last Friday, Three [...]
Everything Looks Like a Nail
Posted: October 20, 2007 in Personality, Philosophy, The Economist, Truth“To a man with a hammer everything looks like a nail.” (The Economist attributed this quote to Mark Twain though I am trying to independently confirm the source.) I find this quote illuminating. It explains why two people can observe or experience the same things and understand them quite differently. As humans, we view and interpret data– [...]
I am a Gemini. That is the extent of my astrological knowledge. Every now and then I check my horoscope in the daily paper. They now not only give you words but a 1-10 rating. Today, I am supposedly a 9. And I quote… “It must be difficult to have such boundless enthusiasm, and yet be cautioned not to [...]
We have been using the same taxi service for a couple of years. Over time they have moved to more automated reservations. Generally this has worked, until today. Today of all days. My wife is hoping to catch a plane to leave the country on business. The cab was never going to show. I called [...]
It had continued to be summer in Chicago for several weeks beyond the official date. Last weekend the temps were in the low 90s. Today it was in the 50s with rain on and off throughout the day. In summer, Sunday mornings are for riding. I am up early and on my bike for hours. [...]
Frank recently wrote about the joy of a last second victory in his son’s high school soccer game. I applaud Frank all parents who show support for something important to their child. And victories, especially last second ones, are certainly “more fun” than losing. Sports provide a unique opportunity for parents to show support that are not available [...]
