Worldy Wisdom?

On my mind? I am trying to contain my patience with the cretins in the news. Am I in a vacuum believing that if one is in the limelight, as a leader or spokesperson that we civilians to look to for guidance, that the honor entails responsibly? Why not raise the bar? Why not make the world a better place for our children ...in discussing and writing about the issues? I see nefarious self promotion schemes as an accepted and admired norm: schemes where the means justifies the ends, ethics and fair play are not even in the universe for so many leaders on all sides of the political arena throughout academia in the US and around the world. The US has noble legacy that we should be proud of and these lost souls who represent us in the news need to be embarrassed away from self promotion via sleazy strategies. I recently discovered “The Art of Worldly Wisdom” by Balthasar Gracian. I am just starting to look at it and don't know how much I agree or disagree, but it is one of many starting options. Can we progress as a species a little faster?
http://www.sacred-texts.com/eso/aww/index.htm Every political-socio-economic-racial-religious-geographic-social group needs to_clean house_. Individually as well. I am also guilty of complacency. Of couse I need to elevate my actions, thoughts and words as well, it is a process.
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The Art of Worldly Wisdom Index
www.sacred-texts.com
The Art of Worldly Wisdom, by Balthasar Gracian, tr. by Joseph Jacobs, [1892], full text etext at sacred-texts.com

John Stewart’s Speech at the Rally for Sanity and/or Fear

I liked Jon's speech. A day before the rally I listened to a recording of Jon Stewart's first show after 911. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqY3_0RSAXY It gave me a nice perspective about the importance and need of a sane political rally.

Both of Jon's speeches had a similar message. The message is that we are all American and that we stand together. During the last few months I have been getting so worked up listening to the news. The political scene, as reported, is composed of opposing armies bringing this country down. The feelings of animosity between the political parties, candidates, alleged grass root groups, etc. can be contagious and sometimes these emotions and assumptions filter down into my everyday life. My life has enough wear and tear without extremist thoughts worming their way into my head.

Jon Stewart, a talented comedian, took the higher ground yesterday and used his popularity for the greater good. He had an audience far larger then the rally attendees and he some good things to say about the real americans.

An email from Paul-Joe

We are going back in time to "The Block". I pasted the first email created for the West 11th Street alumni directly below. Mike Piazza


" Dear Friends,

I am happy to report that due to my recent re-acquaintance with my old and good friend Mike
Let me also say how rewarding it is to see our February 2006 reunion gaining momentum, with the group adding such critical components as the long lost Mike Piazza. The only downside to Mike is that his memory of past deeds seems to be pretty good, which may have some of us in denial mode. Nevertheless, there is something very special about old friends, and certainly about the bond we all created on that common but unique corner we all call "The Block." I wish I were there to share these experiences with all of you, but I will gain comfort in knowing that time will come, and the next reunion will be bigger and better than ever, even if Fazio behaves himself.

Hope to speak with you all soon.

In Friendship,

Paul "

Cinquante Anni

Ok. In the next 12 months I will learn:

To speak French, Read Hebrew, touchtype, lose 25 pounds, run for 60 minutes 3 times a week, double last years income and organize and apply my 130+- undergraduate credits to completing a BS degree. To be continued..

This year I turned 50. Cinquante anni. Now what ?

Sunday, October 8th, 2006. It appears that I have been on a trajectory into chaos. I started my early adult years with a general idea of where I was going. I am still going, but I never anticipated the hundreds, if not thousands, of forks in the road. With each choice I veered left or right and my straight line pathway became a spiraling zig-zagging journey. My Myriad. I want to say, "how the fuck did I get here?", but I know how, I just can't believe it.