My suggestion for navigating through the material for Day 673 on Blake Hall's THE 800 DAYS blog is for readers to grab and pen/pencil and paper and jot down some notes as they move down the page.
The article presented, explaining a way of thinking about the origins of humans is by a dear friend of Blake's named, Cricket Rockastellar! "The Story of the Earth...In Reverse" by Cricket with Blake4d...
I am going to mention, right now, there are *SPOILERS* in a huge way on the Day 673 post - concerning the movie, Avatar... Basically, Blake gives a summary of the movie. If you haven't seen the movie, you will know what it is all about by the time you get through the Day 673 post.
Blake summarizes what happens in the movie, Avatar, and relates these to concepts in Christian scriptures, New Age concepts, etc... and launches into some apt social commentary along the way.
"Look around, it's the world we live in" Blake asserts... well do just that - Look around at the world you live in and TRY TO SAY that the human species in real life isn't as awful as in the Avatar movie... materialistic, disconnected from nature and other human beings...
A warning: The Day 673 post over on Blake's blog is LENGTHY. It contains a human history, summarized, along with the Avatar movie summary... which - (not coincidentally?) resemble each other a whole lot. Use your pen and paper, your notes to refer back to as you watch the movie, Avatar sometime. Yes, even if you have seen the movie already - try watching once more - and see if the things Blake discusses do or don't show up as pretty damn BIG concepts in the Avatar film...
Avatar (Movie-2009) at the Internet Movie Data Base site.
Avatar Movie site Avatar Movie official site - links and movie clips.
Read the blog. Take some notes. Check your notes. Watch the movie. Check your notes. Think, think, think. What do you think?
--Myth~~
The Day 673 post is associated with Wednesday February 16 2011
Showing posts with label Wednesday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wednesday. Show all posts
Monday, July 4, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Day 680 (Tidbits)
2012 Theories, Planet X and Nibiru information await you over at Day 680 on Blake Hall's THE 800 DAYS blog. It will help to be open minded as you read this article as there are a lot of "far out" ideas conveyed in it, however, the ideas aren't wholly dreamed up by Blake4d...
The ideas are largely from the late Zechariah Sitchin (1920-2010) who was best known for his Ancient Astronaut theory for human origins. Sitchin was a scholar of ancient Sumerian culture and myth, as well as being known for using Biblical Scriptures to support his theories - sort of a synthesis of historical interpretation of data from ancient Sumerian myth combined with interpretation of Scriptures.
A lot of other scholars have questioned and continue to question Sitchin's interpretations and even the accuracy of his scholarship (his methodology) concerning Biblical and mythological interpretations. In particular and most prominently, Sitchin's knowledge of, interpretation of and statements surrounding ancient language and translation are still contested by scholars in several academic and spiritual/religious fields.
That said (and because I wanted to be sure to assert that there are, in fact, some questions surrounding the validity of parts of Sitchin's theory), people interested in learning about Planet X, Ancient Astronaut theory and such have the option to approach these and related topics with caution and use of critical thinking. I don't mind saying that, although I also question Sitchin's methodology and translation of a few important ancient terms, myself, I find his Ancient Astronaut theory compelling to a certain extent - even when the words "aliens" and "reptiles" enter the picture within the scope of his theory.
Blake has given a lot of summary information about what the Planet X ideas are over on his blog post, along with a list of instances where serpents, lizards, reptiles are present in other cultures (as explanations for human origin or as gods of early human generations) - making Sitchin's claims that humans are derived from an ancient, reptilian race seem like information we should sit the heck up and be aware of.
The Day 680 entry over on The 800 Days blog is associated with Wednesday February 9 2011.
The ideas are largely from the late Zechariah Sitchin (1920-2010) who was best known for his Ancient Astronaut theory for human origins. Sitchin was a scholar of ancient Sumerian culture and myth, as well as being known for using Biblical Scriptures to support his theories - sort of a synthesis of historical interpretation of data from ancient Sumerian myth combined with interpretation of Scriptures.
A lot of other scholars have questioned and continue to question Sitchin's interpretations and even the accuracy of his scholarship (his methodology) concerning Biblical and mythological interpretations. In particular and most prominently, Sitchin's knowledge of, interpretation of and statements surrounding ancient language and translation are still contested by scholars in several academic and spiritual/religious fields.
That said (and because I wanted to be sure to assert that there are, in fact, some questions surrounding the validity of parts of Sitchin's theory), people interested in learning about Planet X, Ancient Astronaut theory and such have the option to approach these and related topics with caution and use of critical thinking. I don't mind saying that, although I also question Sitchin's methodology and translation of a few important ancient terms, myself, I find his Ancient Astronaut theory compelling to a certain extent - even when the words "aliens" and "reptiles" enter the picture within the scope of his theory.
Blake has given a lot of summary information about what the Planet X ideas are over on his blog post, along with a list of instances where serpents, lizards, reptiles are present in other cultures (as explanations for human origin or as gods of early human generations) - making Sitchin's claims that humans are derived from an ancient, reptilian race seem like information we should sit the heck up and be aware of.
The Day 680 entry over on The 800 Days blog is associated with Wednesday February 9 2011.
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Day 687 (Tidbits)
It's Hippy Dippy Weatherman time over at the Day 687 post on THE 800 DAYS blog!
The Hippy Dippy Weatherman is a character/skit created by the late George Carlin (1937-2008). Carlin was noted for his black humour and also for taking risks in his comedic efforts by often creating scathing social commentary comedy bits on political topics, and many, many taboo topics. The topics of Psychology, Religion, Gender, Drugs/dope were topics most comics would shy away from but some of Carlin's greatest comedy routines were full of these topics.
George Carlin is definitely one of my favourite comedy presenters EVER and a most impressive thinker, too. I'm glad Blake put the Hippy Dippy Weatherman vid on the Day 687 post 'cos I had forgotten about that one and wouldn't have searched for it without prompts! Blake mentions Carlin as one of his mom's (Kat Vale's) fave performers, too!
The Hippy Dippy Weatherman skit is a lead in Blake uses to approach the topic of severe weather and current weather events...
Oh, and by the way, February 2, the date of Blake's post to The 800 Days blog is known as GROUNDHOG DAY to most North Americans. The idea of this involves a groundhog as predictor of the weather for the next few months after the groundhog rises out of its winter hibernation state. If the groundhog awakens and comes out of its burrow to see clouds, winter will soon end. If the groundhog meets with the sun, the winter weather will supposedly continue for 6 more weeks.
Another way to put it: If the groundhog sees his shadow (he pops out of his burrow when the sun is shining), more winter and Mr. Groundhog will go directly back into his burrow to wait out the weather. If the groundhog doesn't see his shadow - winter is almost over- and Mr. Groundhog will leave his burrow and start exploring.
In Canada, one of the most well known Groundhogs is Sutton Sammy from Ontario. This year, Sutton Sammy predicted and early spring by coming out of his burrow to explore. HOWEVER - Balzac Billy in Alberta, Canada went back into his burrow - thus, Alberta's going to have at least 6 more weeks of winter (Balzac Billy has been correct so far as there have been mostly minus 15 celsius or colder temperatures ever since Billy woke up from his hibernation). Truthfully, I think Sutton Sammy may have made an error as I have heard via National News sources that Ontario's had awful, snowy weather throughout February.
(*Note: I am using HINDSIGHT HERE as I am writing my reviews, at this point, several weeks AFTER Blake's original posts).
The Day 687 post is associated with funnyman George Carlin, with severe weather predictions, with Mr. Groundhog and the posting date of Wednesday February 2 2011.
The Hippy Dippy Weatherman is a character/skit created by the late George Carlin (1937-2008). Carlin was noted for his black humour and also for taking risks in his comedic efforts by often creating scathing social commentary comedy bits on political topics, and many, many taboo topics. The topics of Psychology, Religion, Gender, Drugs/dope were topics most comics would shy away from but some of Carlin's greatest comedy routines were full of these topics.
George Carlin is definitely one of my favourite comedy presenters EVER and a most impressive thinker, too. I'm glad Blake put the Hippy Dippy Weatherman vid on the Day 687 post 'cos I had forgotten about that one and wouldn't have searched for it without prompts! Blake mentions Carlin as one of his mom's (Kat Vale's) fave performers, too!
The Hippy Dippy Weatherman skit is a lead in Blake uses to approach the topic of severe weather and current weather events...
Oh, and by the way, February 2, the date of Blake's post to The 800 Days blog is known as GROUNDHOG DAY to most North Americans. The idea of this involves a groundhog as predictor of the weather for the next few months after the groundhog rises out of its winter hibernation state. If the groundhog awakens and comes out of its burrow to see clouds, winter will soon end. If the groundhog meets with the sun, the winter weather will supposedly continue for 6 more weeks.
Another way to put it: If the groundhog sees his shadow (he pops out of his burrow when the sun is shining), more winter and Mr. Groundhog will go directly back into his burrow to wait out the weather. If the groundhog doesn't see his shadow - winter is almost over- and Mr. Groundhog will leave his burrow and start exploring.
In Canada, one of the most well known Groundhogs is Sutton Sammy from Ontario. This year, Sutton Sammy predicted and early spring by coming out of his burrow to explore. HOWEVER - Balzac Billy in Alberta, Canada went back into his burrow - thus, Alberta's going to have at least 6 more weeks of winter (Balzac Billy has been correct so far as there have been mostly minus 15 celsius or colder temperatures ever since Billy woke up from his hibernation). Truthfully, I think Sutton Sammy may have made an error as I have heard via National News sources that Ontario's had awful, snowy weather throughout February.
(*Note: I am using HINDSIGHT HERE as I am writing my reviews, at this point, several weeks AFTER Blake's original posts).
The Day 687 post is associated with funnyman George Carlin, with severe weather predictions, with Mr. Groundhog and the posting date of Wednesday February 2 2011.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Day 694 (Tidbits)
People who are wanting to know where Blake4d frequently and virtually travels, as far as online sites go, and where Blake pulls information from, etc., will love the Day 694 entry on his THE 800 DAYS weblog.
It's a LINK-fest galore!
Naturally, it must be said that Blake may not be in 100% in agreement with all content or statements on pages at the links provided, but certainly, I think his point in posting such a diverse list of web locations is that there are certain sites people should visit to inform themselves of what's out there on the net (ie: The Heaven's Gate website/pages). Also, from what I know of Blake Hall - all reasonable discussion on controversial topics (or even strange-sounding topics) is a MUST - and I am in agreement with this, as well.
When I used the word, "diverse," above - it was an entirely inadequate word to use for the differing topic matter and links found at the Day 694 post. What you'll find once you go to Blake's blog are links to Aleister Crowley works and bio, google keywords pages, link to website of the now defunct cult called Heaven's Gate, links to Children of the Matrix material - theories from David Icke, a virtual library of metaphysical writings, theories from Zechariah Sitchin, "WeMoon" women's writers and arts site, links to the NASA site... and a whole lot more.
Personally, I'm caught up in the Heaven's Gate website. There are a lot of links and pages to that site that I feel are important to read - in order to understand what might have been in the minds of Heaven's Gate members, at least 39 of whom all committed mass suicide on March 26, 1997, in order to escape this world and follow along with what their belief system about the universe detailed. I'm very interested in the Heaven's Gate cult because I have no doubts that a present day cult with similar beliefs CAN occur and the mass suicide events can repeat in our day and age. I'm very troubled about this - even moreso when I double-check the links Blake provides in posts overall, not just in this Day 694 post. I'm working on educating myself about all sorts of phenomena, belief systems, knowledge, and doctrines. Now, I don't have to hold each doctrine I learn about as my own - but knowing of many doctrines helps me understand what informs other people to make certain decisions, act in certain ways, think in certain ways, etc., so that I know others better.
That aside behind, back to the links... May I make a suggestion?
Here it is for those who are interested: take 1 week of your time and dedicate just 1 hour each day to reading from just 7 of the links Blake has displayed on his Day 694 post. That will make 7 hours out of a whole week made up of 168 hours. Read enough on each of 7 sites to become very familiar with the material on the site. Take note at the end of 1 week on how much you've learned and about ways in which your worldview might have been changed, made better informed, etc., by your 7 hours of time dedicated to learning something - EVEN if the link you selected represents doctrines, people (many people really hate Crowley but have never read any of his works).
I'll bet that your 7 ours of self-decided and self-asserted education will turn out someone who is more capable of asking meaningful questions as well as providing meaningful answers to random questions.
Just TRY IT!
There are any of a number of links you can choose.
For my self-study, self-asserted study, I am going to stick with just one site, but by the end of 7 days, I am going to know a WHOLE LOT MORE about Heaven's Gate than I do right now. I'll post on this blog, in 7 days - next Wednesday - about what I learn from the one link Blake has provided amongst so many other valuable links. As well, next Wednesday, I'm going to post an argument to Blake's first wording on the Day 694 post as I am in disagreement with the message to a certain extent. If you need a reminder of the text, see below:
At this moment, the only thing I can agree with about these statements are that they mean SOMETHING and I sure hope they are "artistic," and not meant to be taken entirely literally! *Hint - I'm going to take the viewpoint that the words are an attempt to play Devil's Advocate...
So tune in next wednesday (March 2 2011)! lol Well, keep reading Blake4d in the meantime - and DO check out a 7 day course of reading from the links provided by Blake in the Day 694 article!
The Day 694 post is associated with links galore, a bunch of cool palindrome words at the beginning of the post and, before I forget - the date of Wednesday January 26 2011.
It's a LINK-fest galore!
Naturally, it must be said that Blake may not be in 100% in agreement with all content or statements on pages at the links provided, but certainly, I think his point in posting such a diverse list of web locations is that there are certain sites people should visit to inform themselves of what's out there on the net (ie: The Heaven's Gate website/pages). Also, from what I know of Blake Hall - all reasonable discussion on controversial topics (or even strange-sounding topics) is a MUST - and I am in agreement with this, as well.
When I used the word, "diverse," above - it was an entirely inadequate word to use for the differing topic matter and links found at the Day 694 post. What you'll find once you go to Blake's blog are links to Aleister Crowley works and bio, google keywords pages, link to website of the now defunct cult called Heaven's Gate, links to Children of the Matrix material - theories from David Icke, a virtual library of metaphysical writings, theories from Zechariah Sitchin, "WeMoon" women's writers and arts site, links to the NASA site... and a whole lot more.
Personally, I'm caught up in the Heaven's Gate website. There are a lot of links and pages to that site that I feel are important to read - in order to understand what might have been in the minds of Heaven's Gate members, at least 39 of whom all committed mass suicide on March 26, 1997, in order to escape this world and follow along with what their belief system about the universe detailed. I'm very interested in the Heaven's Gate cult because I have no doubts that a present day cult with similar beliefs CAN occur and the mass suicide events can repeat in our day and age. I'm very troubled about this - even moreso when I double-check the links Blake provides in posts overall, not just in this Day 694 post. I'm working on educating myself about all sorts of phenomena, belief systems, knowledge, and doctrines. Now, I don't have to hold each doctrine I learn about as my own - but knowing of many doctrines helps me understand what informs other people to make certain decisions, act in certain ways, think in certain ways, etc., so that I know others better.
That aside behind, back to the links... May I make a suggestion?
Here it is for those who are interested: take 1 week of your time and dedicate just 1 hour each day to reading from just 7 of the links Blake has displayed on his Day 694 post. That will make 7 hours out of a whole week made up of 168 hours. Read enough on each of 7 sites to become very familiar with the material on the site. Take note at the end of 1 week on how much you've learned and about ways in which your worldview might have been changed, made better informed, etc., by your 7 hours of time dedicated to learning something - EVEN if the link you selected represents doctrines, people (many people really hate Crowley but have never read any of his works).
I'll bet that your 7 ours of self-decided and self-asserted education will turn out someone who is more capable of asking meaningful questions as well as providing meaningful answers to random questions.
Just TRY IT!
There are any of a number of links you can choose.
For my self-study, self-asserted study, I am going to stick with just one site, but by the end of 7 days, I am going to know a WHOLE LOT MORE about Heaven's Gate than I do right now. I'll post on this blog, in 7 days - next Wednesday - about what I learn from the one link Blake has provided amongst so many other valuable links. As well, next Wednesday, I'm going to post an argument to Blake's first wording on the Day 694 post as I am in disagreement with the message to a certain extent. If you need a reminder of the text, see below:
"EVERYBODY HAS THE RIGHT TO BELIEVE AND DISBELIEVE IN EVERYTHING
EVERYTHING HAS THE ABILITY TO BELIEVE OR DISBELIEVE IN EVERYBODY
EVERYBODY IS WRONG ABOUT EVERYTHING
EVERYTHING IS RIGHT ABOUT EVERBODY"
EVERYTHING IS RIGHT ABOUT EVERBODY"
(from blake4d's Day 694 post)
At this moment, the only thing I can agree with about these statements are that they mean SOMETHING and I sure hope they are "artistic," and not meant to be taken entirely literally! *Hint - I'm going to take the viewpoint that the words are an attempt to play Devil's Advocate...
So tune in next wednesday (March 2 2011)! lol Well, keep reading Blake4d in the meantime - and DO check out a 7 day course of reading from the links provided by Blake in the Day 694 article!
The Day 694 post is associated with links galore, a bunch of cool palindrome words at the beginning of the post and, before I forget - the date of Wednesday January 26 2011.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Day 701 (Tidbits)
It appears that Blake made his weekend fall in the middle of the week here as the Day 701 post on THE 800 DAYS blog is on a lighter topic than usual again.
Blake's not letting anyone off the hook here at all... it's just the vid at the top of the Day 701 post that made me think Blake was taking his weekend kickin'-up-his-feet-time early in the week instead of starting on Friday evening for this week!
You WILL have to engage your cerebrum, after all! Blake has inserted the topic of GUNS (mythbuster ducking here - myth does NOT like guns)...in the Day 701 post...
It appears that the content is an interview with a gun owner - who has stated she'd like to remain anonymous. More gravely, the content turns out not to just be random and general, about guns, either. This Day 701 post is going to bring the Tuscson January 8 2011 shootings to mind...
I personally do not like guns. I live in Canada where gun laws are much different than in the U.S.A. Here's a nifty link I just found that some readers might find interesting - an article:
Canada's Gun Laws For Americans
This article was updated recently on Jan 27th 2001.
I have to admit, I dislike guns so much that I rarely discuss the topic of guns... Consequently, I don't closely follow news stories even as big as the Tucson Shooting on January 8th 2011. In defense of this fact, when people try to rile me or change my mind about both the benefits of guns and how they believe I should follow such stories more closely, I answer,
"Is it not enough that I am looking into the deeper picture here...the social problem that causes PEOPLE to be dangerous while weilding weapons?" and a statement, "Even a kitchen butter knife is a dangerous, lethal weapon in the wrong hands."
There are very few details about the January 8th shooting that differ from other tragic shooting events and I choose to focus, not on the details of each event - those details are for forensics people and law enforcement authorities to deal with... The targets, of course, are unique to this incident, the casualties are, as well, but the "warning signs" and "preventable details" are similar to almost every act of violence that has occurred in North America over the past hundred years or so...
This is not to say that from my point of view, "I don't care" - it's just that I don't allow myself to get wrapped up in certain details and in actuality, I DO pay close attention to these current events - albeit from a focus that many people don't talk about... at THE ROOTS of the issues, as far as these can be determined.
In my gun-less home, I don't sit around planning to rally for or against gun laws or related things, I study sociological aspects of our society and I make up appropriate speeches for engaging people in discussions about how to agree to disagree, how to respect people even when they're from another culture or hold to a differing belief system, and I'm also learning how to enter verbal conflict in a way so as to make resolutions possible if both parties are willing to resolve issues. Communication is the focal point of all our relationships whether one to one citizens are conversing or one citizen to a government representative or even a group being heard by a government department...
Besides, I'm from Canada where the likes of an urban legend came true just a few years ago and a man was beheaded along a bus route that used to be my most travelled way from Alberta to Ontario and back again...
See: 2008 Beheading Incident on Canadian Greyhound Bus No Mere Urban Legend
There was no gun in that instance - and the reasons why the incident happened and a man perished in 2008 in Canada are much the same as why a shooter was allowed to shoot people, including bystanders and government officials on January 8 2011 in Tucson Arizona, U.S.A. - because someone slipped through a bunch of systems...and ALSO (I might get cyberHIT for this) because someone slipped through community systems and community failed to effectively communicate a danger in the community when it/a person who was questionable was in their midst...
Again, I hate guns...but what I hate more is all the focus on GUNS when it is the handler of weapons who is dangerous.
I very much appreciate the mind-set of the anonymous interviewee on the Day 701 post and feel that her answers give proof of a responsible gun owner. She purchased a weapon at an appropriate time whereby she had means, resources and teachers to show her how to handle the weapon safely and properly, how to shoot - and she obviously spent a great deal of time and focus on handling the weapon - making regular trips to the shooting range for proper practice.
If I was told by someone in authority that I MUST own and know how to use a gun - if it were a law or something, I would follow the interviewee's example but I would forever be nervous about owning a gun. Even if I am responsible with the weapon - someone who really wants a gun can break into almost any kind of locked compartment if they really have their minds set on such a thing. Additionally, the mind/person that is set on such a prize who would go to a lot of work to get it would be something to reckon with, no doubt.
I like Blake's parting words, "If these issues have not hit your state yet, it is just a matter of time until they do," however, I'm sure I have a different take on what these words are about...rather, where I would place the focus would be different than Blake suggests...
For me, I'd say, "these issues of bystander effect, apathy, public confusion and lack of public responsibility combined with ineffectual government responsibility to its citizens WILL get to your region if they are not already present in abundant supply...so watch for them rather than spending ALL your focus on guns..."
On this matter, I'm sure Blake and I will have to agree to disagree tho' I am not fully certain that I'm not judging what Blake's POV is to hastily...really, he's offered a bunch of information and I cannot be absolutely positive that he is "For" the responsible ownership of guns. I'll have to wait and see what comments Blake drops by to make regarding this post.
I will apologize now, not for my POV, but in the event that I assumed to know Blake's POV on this matter. I have offered by POV and put it up for discussion nonetheless...
The Day 701 post is associated with Wednesday January 19 2011.
P.S.
Once you've finished reading about the "Beheading Incident," take a deep breath and please offer up prayers to BOTH Tim McLean's family (R.I.P. Tim McLean) and the assailant, along with his family (it was an open and close case of mental illness gone out of control and the assailant suffers emotionally to this day over what he did).
Also - after all this seriousness, please enjoy the complementary vid, "Shout" - by the original artists, "Tears For Fears" ... The cover version mix was at the top of the Day 701 post on The 800 Days blog...
Oh, WAIT!
SILLY ME!
Blake's not letting anyone off the hook here at all... it's just the vid at the top of the Day 701 post that made me think Blake was taking his weekend kickin'-up-his-feet-time early in the week instead of starting on Friday evening for this week!
You WILL have to engage your cerebrum, after all! Blake has inserted the topic of GUNS (mythbuster ducking here - myth does NOT like guns)...in the Day 701 post...
It appears that the content is an interview with a gun owner - who has stated she'd like to remain anonymous. More gravely, the content turns out not to just be random and general, about guns, either. This Day 701 post is going to bring the Tuscson January 8 2011 shootings to mind...
I personally do not like guns. I live in Canada where gun laws are much different than in the U.S.A. Here's a nifty link I just found that some readers might find interesting - an article:
Canada's Gun Laws For Americans
This article was updated recently on Jan 27th 2001.
I have to admit, I dislike guns so much that I rarely discuss the topic of guns... Consequently, I don't closely follow news stories even as big as the Tucson Shooting on January 8th 2011. In defense of this fact, when people try to rile me or change my mind about both the benefits of guns and how they believe I should follow such stories more closely, I answer,
"Is it not enough that I am looking into the deeper picture here...the social problem that causes PEOPLE to be dangerous while weilding weapons?" and a statement, "Even a kitchen butter knife is a dangerous, lethal weapon in the wrong hands."
There are very few details about the January 8th shooting that differ from other tragic shooting events and I choose to focus, not on the details of each event - those details are for forensics people and law enforcement authorities to deal with... The targets, of course, are unique to this incident, the casualties are, as well, but the "warning signs" and "preventable details" are similar to almost every act of violence that has occurred in North America over the past hundred years or so...
This is not to say that from my point of view, "I don't care" - it's just that I don't allow myself to get wrapped up in certain details and in actuality, I DO pay close attention to these current events - albeit from a focus that many people don't talk about... at THE ROOTS of the issues, as far as these can be determined.
In my gun-less home, I don't sit around planning to rally for or against gun laws or related things, I study sociological aspects of our society and I make up appropriate speeches for engaging people in discussions about how to agree to disagree, how to respect people even when they're from another culture or hold to a differing belief system, and I'm also learning how to enter verbal conflict in a way so as to make resolutions possible if both parties are willing to resolve issues. Communication is the focal point of all our relationships whether one to one citizens are conversing or one citizen to a government representative or even a group being heard by a government department...
Besides, I'm from Canada where the likes of an urban legend came true just a few years ago and a man was beheaded along a bus route that used to be my most travelled way from Alberta to Ontario and back again...
See: 2008 Beheading Incident on Canadian Greyhound Bus No Mere Urban Legend
There was no gun in that instance - and the reasons why the incident happened and a man perished in 2008 in Canada are much the same as why a shooter was allowed to shoot people, including bystanders and government officials on January 8 2011 in Tucson Arizona, U.S.A. - because someone slipped through a bunch of systems...and ALSO (I might get cyberHIT for this) because someone slipped through community systems and community failed to effectively communicate a danger in the community when it/a person who was questionable was in their midst...
Again, I hate guns...but what I hate more is all the focus on GUNS when it is the handler of weapons who is dangerous.
I very much appreciate the mind-set of the anonymous interviewee on the Day 701 post and feel that her answers give proof of a responsible gun owner. She purchased a weapon at an appropriate time whereby she had means, resources and teachers to show her how to handle the weapon safely and properly, how to shoot - and she obviously spent a great deal of time and focus on handling the weapon - making regular trips to the shooting range for proper practice.
If I was told by someone in authority that I MUST own and know how to use a gun - if it were a law or something, I would follow the interviewee's example but I would forever be nervous about owning a gun. Even if I am responsible with the weapon - someone who really wants a gun can break into almost any kind of locked compartment if they really have their minds set on such a thing. Additionally, the mind/person that is set on such a prize who would go to a lot of work to get it would be something to reckon with, no doubt.
I like Blake's parting words, "If these issues have not hit your state yet, it is just a matter of time until they do," however, I'm sure I have a different take on what these words are about...rather, where I would place the focus would be different than Blake suggests...
For me, I'd say, "these issues of bystander effect, apathy, public confusion and lack of public responsibility combined with ineffectual government responsibility to its citizens WILL get to your region if they are not already present in abundant supply...so watch for them rather than spending ALL your focus on guns..."
On this matter, I'm sure Blake and I will have to agree to disagree tho' I am not fully certain that I'm not judging what Blake's POV is to hastily...really, he's offered a bunch of information and I cannot be absolutely positive that he is "For" the responsible ownership of guns. I'll have to wait and see what comments Blake drops by to make regarding this post.
I will apologize now, not for my POV, but in the event that I assumed to know Blake's POV on this matter. I have offered by POV and put it up for discussion nonetheless...
The Day 701 post is associated with Wednesday January 19 2011.
P.S.
Once you've finished reading about the "Beheading Incident," take a deep breath and please offer up prayers to BOTH Tim McLean's family (R.I.P. Tim McLean) and the assailant, along with his family (it was an open and close case of mental illness gone out of control and the assailant suffers emotionally to this day over what he did).
Also - after all this seriousness, please enjoy the complementary vid, "Shout" - by the original artists, "Tears For Fears" ... The cover version mix was at the top of the Day 701 post on The 800 Days blog...
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Day 708 (Tidbits)
Blake gets into some arcane literature and biographical details on Manly P. Hall - and since Blake does a nice job of the biographical details, I will refrain from adding to these.
I would, however, like to comment that the videos Blake selected for the Day 708 on his THE 800 DAYS blog are some of the most interesting to date within the content of The 800 Days Countdown Project. These are some of the clearest messages and powerful concepts yet expressed via video, and I hope that readers do listen to all the videos from the Day 708 post. I know sometimes people skim through the content to get the ghist of topics, intending to return to other media forms (audios/vids), but for this Day 708 post, I have to openly suggest that these videos not be skipped.
In the first video, there is a discussion on love, happiness, virtue, love as an experience of consciousness, placing something bigger than yourself into the foreground, and more. Also discussed, "what love is NOT."
"Democracy is a Fallacy" is a statement made in the 2nd video from the top...with such clear wording and explanation that anyone who chooses to believe otherwise is just nursing a need to "stay the same" and resist a better common sense.
Perhaps Manly P Hall and topics/works by Manly P Hall don't seem too closely related to Mayan Calendar countdown details but part of the point here is to engage people in CRITICAL THINKING about topics related to knowledge, philosophy, beliefs. Manly P Hall, during his lifetime, engaged consistently in difficult debates, topics, and studies - all related to learning, knowledge, society, "the self," philosophy, beliefs, science, mind, body, etc.
The third vid deals with "the mind" to a great degree and the speaker (Manly P. Hall) talks in very clear language to explain how we think what we think, mostly based on who offers to let us have information... ie: governments may be limiting our critical thinking (my conclusion based on Hall's given information) and selecting the information we receive in society so we can't use our minds to their full extent and purposes. If this isn't a wake up call TO THINK FOR OURSELVES, I don't know what is...
Blake's first words on the Day 708 post are "If you haven't heard of Manly P. Hall...then you really should have." I agree - how true, how true! Now to assist Blake in projecting info and the works of Manly P. Hall, I went and found the item (Secret Teachings) mentioned in the Day 708 post - to make it available to readers via my Scribd account.
Read for free: The Secret Teachings Of All Ages by Manly P. Hall
Inside are topics such as:
The Day 708 post is associated with WAKING UP YOUR CRITICAL THINKING, as well as the date Wednesday January 12 2011.
I would, however, like to comment that the videos Blake selected for the Day 708 on his THE 800 DAYS blog are some of the most interesting to date within the content of The 800 Days Countdown Project. These are some of the clearest messages and powerful concepts yet expressed via video, and I hope that readers do listen to all the videos from the Day 708 post. I know sometimes people skim through the content to get the ghist of topics, intending to return to other media forms (audios/vids), but for this Day 708 post, I have to openly suggest that these videos not be skipped.
In the first video, there is a discussion on love, happiness, virtue, love as an experience of consciousness, placing something bigger than yourself into the foreground, and more. Also discussed, "what love is NOT."
"Democracy is a Fallacy" is a statement made in the 2nd video from the top...with such clear wording and explanation that anyone who chooses to believe otherwise is just nursing a need to "stay the same" and resist a better common sense.
Perhaps Manly P Hall and topics/works by Manly P Hall don't seem too closely related to Mayan Calendar countdown details but part of the point here is to engage people in CRITICAL THINKING about topics related to knowledge, philosophy, beliefs. Manly P Hall, during his lifetime, engaged consistently in difficult debates, topics, and studies - all related to learning, knowledge, society, "the self," philosophy, beliefs, science, mind, body, etc.
The third vid deals with "the mind" to a great degree and the speaker (Manly P. Hall) talks in very clear language to explain how we think what we think, mostly based on who offers to let us have information... ie: governments may be limiting our critical thinking (my conclusion based on Hall's given information) and selecting the information we receive in society so we can't use our minds to their full extent and purposes. If this isn't a wake up call TO THINK FOR OURSELVES, I don't know what is...
Blake's first words on the Day 708 post are "If you haven't heard of Manly P. Hall...then you really should have." I agree - how true, how true! Now to assist Blake in projecting info and the works of Manly P. Hall, I went and found the item (Secret Teachings) mentioned in the Day 708 post - to make it available to readers via my Scribd account.
Read for free: The Secret Teachings Of All Ages by Manly P. Hall
Inside are topics such as:
- Pythagorean Mathematics
- The Human Body in Symbolism
- The Initiation of the Pyramid
- Mystic Christianity
- Bacon, Shakespeare, and the Rosicrucians
- Freemasonic Symbolism
- American Indian Symbolism
- Flowers, Plants, Fruits, and Trees
- The Tabernacle in the Wilderness
- many, many more topics - these are less than half those in the book
The Day 708 post is associated with WAKING UP YOUR CRITICAL THINKING, as well as the date Wednesday January 12 2011.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Day 715 (Tidbits)
Full instructions for following and supporting The 800 Days Countdown are on the Day 715 entry on Blake Hall's THE 800 DAYS weblog.
I'll be checking in soon with Blake to find out details about the video/song posted on Day 715. I'm totally unfamiliar with the artist and song but found it an attractive vid and interesting bit of lyrics.
Seriously - that's all for today as the post on The 800 Days blog says it all - simple instructions for those who wish to follow along for the next 700+ days to see what happens when the Mayan Calendar counts all the way to December 21 2012.
The Day 715 entry is associated with Wednesday January 5 2011.
I'll be checking in soon with Blake to find out details about the video/song posted on Day 715. I'm totally unfamiliar with the artist and song but found it an attractive vid and interesting bit of lyrics.
Seriously - that's all for today as the post on The 800 Days blog says it all - simple instructions for those who wish to follow along for the next 700+ days to see what happens when the Mayan Calendar counts all the way to December 21 2012.
The Day 715 entry is associated with Wednesday January 5 2011.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Time Crunch
Well, I just got caught up with Blake around New Years Day and as I look over to Blake's THE 800 DAYS blog, I am viewing vids, very little text... So I am assuming Blake has hit up with a Time Crunch of some sort.
Hey, January is heck for many people: A New Year, new plans, wrapping up on old plans and often - for most people - tons of paperwork and biz-type tidbits from the year just passed...
I'm hitting the same sort of time crunch stuff but ploughing through said duties so as to get back on track and dedicate time to the blogs.
I'm sure many people can relate, so - please - just have a bit of patience as the beginning of 2011 gets on a roll, eh?
In the event that Blake is tied up for a few more days, I'm traipsing through "uck" duties today so that my evenings can be spent supplementing what Blake has posted over on his blog. Look for some additions in the Glossary, an added tab and posts on "Practices" such as meditations, smudging, prayers, over the next week. There have been a number of posts since October on different religions and belief systems, so it seems if people want to know more, a "practices" section on the blog might be a helpful addition.
Let me know if you have a ritual, prayer or meditation technique to share.
We'll soon be out of this time crunch...thx for understanding.
Hey, January is heck for many people: A New Year, new plans, wrapping up on old plans and often - for most people - tons of paperwork and biz-type tidbits from the year just passed...
I'm hitting the same sort of time crunch stuff but ploughing through said duties so as to get back on track and dedicate time to the blogs.
I'm sure many people can relate, so - please - just have a bit of patience as the beginning of 2011 gets on a roll, eh?
In the event that Blake is tied up for a few more days, I'm traipsing through "uck" duties today so that my evenings can be spent supplementing what Blake has posted over on his blog. Look for some additions in the Glossary, an added tab and posts on "Practices" such as meditations, smudging, prayers, over the next week. There have been a number of posts since October on different religions and belief systems, so it seems if people want to know more, a "practices" section on the blog might be a helpful addition.
Let me know if you have a ritual, prayer or meditation technique to share.
We'll soon be out of this time crunch...thx for understanding.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Day 722 (Tidbits)
Today is a good day for action! Especially if you're a writer - particularly one who writes and publishes ONLINE! Blake has listed a whole JACKPOT collection of online writing resources on THE 800 DAYS BLOG for the Day 722 web log entry!
But first, I want to restate some powerful commands that are contained in an word-image Blake has posted - just because I am sorta bossy and all...
Mrowl!
Here are the statements (they look cool, by the way, in the image over on the 800 DAYS blog):
But first, I want to restate some powerful commands that are contained in an word-image Blake has posted - just because I am sorta bossy and all...
Here are the statements (they look cool, by the way, in the image over on the 800 DAYS blog):
Worry Less
Smile More
Accept Criticism [this hurts a li'l sometimes but it's GOOD FOR YOU!]
Take Responsiblity [also hurts a li'l but is also good for you]
Listen & Love
Don't Hate
Embrace Change [hurts me a li'l - probably fine for everyone else lol]
FEEL GOOD ANYWAY!
GOT IT?
This bossy moment has been brought to you by Mythbuster2009, sometimes called Mythy, MB, or - Hey U!
I am now laughing about the fact that Blake uses the word "Secret" in the first line of his Day 722 post 'cos, well... secret's OUT NOW!
Basically, what I see in those links - in part, anyway - are some awesome content and learning resources for people who write about certain topics online. I'm not sure people who write about celebrity gossip or technical computer or internet stuff will find most of the links useful but I, FOR ONE - use the said links to learn a whole lot about things I don't know yet. Luckily, I will never be bored now that I have these links at my disposal because,
1. The links are awesome
2. I find out how much I don't know by visiting those links and finding way cool information at those links.
Thank goodness I have a lot to learn yet about life, in general.
Heck - 'bout the only think I'm an expert in is... how to tell Springheel Jack stories or how to take apart an urban legend (while very cool things to know about - not exactly the most common or popular conversation starters lol ie: "Hey - what do you think of ol' Springhell Jack? Think he was an alien or what?").
Now, Blake let me in on some of these secret links a little while before this Day 722 came out - however, I was so busy tryin' to catch up with reviewing Blake's content, I didn't actually use all the links yet! Once I'm caught up (which should be in a matter of hours, 8-48h), I'm going to hit those links HARD and check out everything Blake uses for writing tools online.
Fave sites I have checked out:
Linux .com site! (I'm going to switch over to Linux in 2011 It's my main New Years' Resolution and project beyond keeping up with The 800 Days Project!)
Cthulhu .com - 'cos I need to learn more about the ancients
Ross Walker's Alternatives to Adsense (it's good to diversify with revenue sites and I am learning how to with tips from Blake and others who are more experienced with online publishing)
Cryptome .org - interviews, research, reports galore - on things that generally don't get mainstream media spots!
Anyway, shoot! Now that I went to the Cryptome site again, I just spotted about 9 articles I JUST HAVE TO READ... I gotta go...
The Day 722 post is associated with Wednesday December 29 2010.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Day 729 (Tidbits)
I'm going to go ahead and post some quotes I believe in - right before reviewing the Day 729 entry on THE 800 DAYS BLOG.
Why would I do such a thing? Well... just so you get the IMPACT of what Blake does...
The quotes:
Why would I do such a thing? Well... just so you get the IMPACT of what Blake does...
The quotes:
"Poetry is finer and more philosophical than history; for poetry expresses the universal, and history only the particular. "
~~Aristotle.
"Poetry is not an expression of the party line. It's that time of night, lying in bed, thinking what you really think, making the private world public, that's what the poet does."
~~Allen Ginsberg.
"Poetry comes nearer to vital truth than history."
~~Plato.
"When a poet's mind is perfectly equipped for its work, it is constantly amalgamating disparate experiences."
~~T.S. Eliot.
"Poetry doesn't belong to those who write it, but to those who need it."
~~Unknown.
"Poetry is an echo, asking a shadow to dance."
~~Carl Sandburg.
"Poets are masters of us ordinary men, in knowledge of the mind, because they drink at streams which we have not made accessible to science."
~~Sigmund Freud.
Unfortunately, of my fave quotes, almost all of them come from old, dead dudes - lol. I feel that in our current day and age, POETRY AND POETICS are a lost art, misunderstood and greatly undervalued. In ancient times, a great deal of time was spent on poetry and poetics in education systems. Today, many youngsters equate "poetry" with only "rhyme" that occurs at the end of every couple of lines of text or so, using the most commonly rhymed words - while alliteration, syllabic structure, apostrophe (not a punctuation mark - but an effect in poetry), synechdoche - techniques and effects - are largely ignored and even unknown to vast numbers in our civilized population.
I'm not sure how much Blake has studied poetics but his knowledge of how words go together, sometimes quite artistically - sometimes in powerful prose for effect - is worth looking at within the context of the quotes above...
Just take a few moments, please, and chill... letting the quotes above sink in... before continuing on to Blake's 800 DAYS blog.
What awaits on The 800 Days blog is
POETRY
Three Sections of Expression by Blake4d on The 800 Days blog await: "Autogenesis," "My Religion Is Not What I Want," and "Of Starlight, Crimson, and Scarlet: The Last Prophecy."
The Day 729 post is associated with Wednesday December 22 2010.
Day 736 (Tidbits)
Ah, more music appreciation is going on over at THE 800 DAYS BLOG on the Day 736 entry. I have been enjoying the various music videos and audios as well as the vid/audio interviews of different types, so I just added a new tab on the blog... you'll be able to find it at the top of the blog, over at the right hand side.
The group Blake focuses on for the Day 736 post is called Current 93, the album, Thunder Perfect Mind and there are two songs included in the post. Blake suggests that the artists have made these tracks in an effort to create a Rock Opera and Blake gives comparisons between Current 93 and bands like The Who, Pink Floyd and The Beatles - who also made very successful Rock Opera albums.
Apparently Current 93/Thunder Perfect Mind, name and all were inspired by spiritual writings (Nag Hammadi, Dead Sea Scrolls) outside of the long-established Christian canon. Gnosticism...That alone makes the music and opera-storyline within the music interesting to me.
Now, just so I don't ruin the focus here, I'm going to end the post so you can head over to The 800 Days blog and have a listen to the music...links above, remember?
Day 736 is associated with Wednesday December 15 2010.
The group Blake focuses on for the Day 736 post is called Current 93, the album, Thunder Perfect Mind and there are two songs included in the post. Blake suggests that the artists have made these tracks in an effort to create a Rock Opera and Blake gives comparisons between Current 93 and bands like The Who, Pink Floyd and The Beatles - who also made very successful Rock Opera albums.
Apparently Current 93/Thunder Perfect Mind, name and all were inspired by spiritual writings (Nag Hammadi, Dead Sea Scrolls) outside of the long-established Christian canon. Gnosticism...That alone makes the music and opera-storyline within the music interesting to me.
Now, just so I don't ruin the focus here, I'm going to end the post so you can head over to The 800 Days blog and have a listen to the music...links above, remember?
Day 736 is associated with Wednesday December 15 2010.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Day 743 (Tidbits)
The TIDBITS being discussed on THE 800 DAYS BLOG for the DAY 743 entry center around cereals and particularly, around a most unusual figure...
*Drumroll*
COUNT CHOCULA!!!
Okay - just kidding... Blake just mentions that "Anyone can say they know the general truth...And who can say that their cheerios are better than my count chocula[...?]"
Blake gets on the concept of perspective - and truth - and touches upon the difficulty we (general humankind) have in determining what truth really is, amongst a host of diverse peoples and perspectives. Personally, I think I "GET" what Blake is putting forth here: [who are WE to determine someone else's truth?]
As Blake gets into some descriptions of "Relative Truth" versus "Absolute Truth," I actually wanted to get a pencil and paper out and sort through a few things... but like the conclusion to his post, when I did get a pencil and paper out and wrote a few things down, things cleared up about like pouring milk into water and tryin' to see the truthful pan at the bottom... things got obscure - and I had to conclude, myself, that I have no right to absolutely determine another person's perspective or truth. I can, however, ask from persons close to me - that they choose something as their truth only that which harms no one else...but that's about it. I can't ask that others believe in the intricately detailed concepts, word for word or step per step and concept connection for connection that I believe in...
Clear
As
Mud: T R U T H...
I understand Count Chocula a whole lot better than I understand all the societal norms, dominant ideologies, etc., ideas that people collectively believe in - big ideas about systems, religions, governments, etc...and I think this is the mud that Blake is getting at, too...
I think we may have to agree to be different instead of agreeing to hold all the same truths. Maybe that is what Blake is also getting at...
You decide - go have a read over at Blake's blog.
The Day 743 post is associated with Wednesday December 8 2010 - on top of Count Chocula cereal, topped off at the edges with cheerios and cherry on top.
*Drumroll*
COUNT CHOCULA!!!
Blake gets on the concept of perspective - and truth - and touches upon the difficulty we (general humankind) have in determining what truth really is, amongst a host of diverse peoples and perspectives. Personally, I think I "GET" what Blake is putting forth here: [who are WE to determine someone else's truth?]
As Blake gets into some descriptions of "Relative Truth" versus "Absolute Truth," I actually wanted to get a pencil and paper out and sort through a few things... but like the conclusion to his post, when I did get a pencil and paper out and wrote a few things down, things cleared up about like pouring milk into water and tryin' to see the truthful pan at the bottom... things got obscure - and I had to conclude, myself, that I have no right to absolutely determine another person's perspective or truth. I can, however, ask from persons close to me - that they choose something as their truth only that which harms no one else...but that's about it. I can't ask that others believe in the intricately detailed concepts, word for word or step per step and concept connection for connection that I believe in...
Clear
As
Mud: T R U T H...
I understand Count Chocula a whole lot better than I understand all the societal norms, dominant ideologies, etc., ideas that people collectively believe in - big ideas about systems, religions, governments, etc...and I think this is the mud that Blake is getting at, too...
I think we may have to agree to be different instead of agreeing to hold all the same truths. Maybe that is what Blake is also getting at...
You decide - go have a read over at Blake's blog.
The Day 743 post is associated with Wednesday December 8 2010 - on top of Count Chocula cereal, topped off at the edges with cheerios and cherry on top.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Day 750 (Tidbits)
As the Day 750 entry on THE 800 DAYS blog begins, a reminder is placed: for 2010, Hanukkah begins on Wednesday December 1 2010.
The Day 750 post, however, doesn't go into details about Hanukkah. Instead, you'd better get your tissue box near to your computer before you play the video embedded in the post...
The topics of Day 750 are "Familiars" and domestic pet care tips.
Cats and Dogs As Familiar Spirits
Just prior to the content on cats and dogs, the video shows the response of a cat to the death of his likewise feline friend. Personally, I had to sniffle into a Kleenex while watching. In fact, this post is short because in returning to the 800 DAYS blog to review the post, I watched the vid again and feel the emotional effects of it once more.
Do dab your eyes and check out Blake's awesome pet care tips for looking after your familiars errrr your cats and dogs!
The Day 750 post is associated with Wednesday December 1 2010.
The Day 750 post, however, doesn't go into details about Hanukkah. Instead, you'd better get your tissue box near to your computer before you play the video embedded in the post...
The topics of Day 750 are "Familiars" and domestic pet care tips.
Cats and Dogs As Familiar Spirits
Just prior to the content on cats and dogs, the video shows the response of a cat to the death of his likewise feline friend. Personally, I had to sniffle into a Kleenex while watching. In fact, this post is short because in returning to the 800 DAYS blog to review the post, I watched the vid again and feel the emotional effects of it once more.
Do dab your eyes and check out Blake's awesome pet care tips for looking after your familiars errrr your cats and dogs!
The Day 750 post is associated with Wednesday December 1 2010.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Day 757 (Tidbits)
One of my favourite topics is being opened up for discussion over on THE 800 DAYS blog for the Day 757 entry. The topic is: DISCORDIANISM
...and for me, Discordianism is closely related to some studies I have done in the recent past regarding DISSENT LITERATURE. For me, anyway, I find the two topics fairly related. Quite naturally, when discussing either topic, the word "anarchism" or "anarchy" will invariably surface.
Burroughs and 23 Enigma are a nice segue into the topic of Discordianism and a major work, Principia Discordia states that "All things happen in fives, or are divisible by or are multiples of five, or are somehow directly or indirectly appropriate to 5." ie: "THE LAW OF FIVES." 23 is related (considered a corollary to the Law of Fives and the number "5").
Although I am not a Discordian, myself, I find the concepts, correspondences, corollary details within Discordianism fascinating. I have to admit, some of the concepts make one wonder if CHAOS really rules in our world. If I take a look at all the war and mayhem in just the recent past - since the year 1900, I have to start stating that there are very few rational events going on in the world since 1900 'til now. At least it can be said that human beings do not seem to have been behaving with much rational logical grounding for the past several decades... we seem to be causing our own chaos...
Before the 800 Day countdown narrows down to that well-known date in December 2012, I am sure to know a whole lot more about Discordianism than I do right now. I admit, upon first glance, Discordianism and the most basic definitions of it brought an air of pessimism to me but on looking into things, I find that I had just rested into a set way of thinking about the world. Discordianism has made me stretch the comfortable "explanation of the world" that I was at least marginally content with and made me take second and third views of certain situations and explanations that have been handed to me by those who spout off the current societal ideologies in my region of the the world. If pessimistic, Discordianism at least seems to aim to put people in a place where complacency with the status quo is just not acceptable nor applauded. For that, I give a big thumbs-up!!
The article: Discordianism as Religion by Blake Hall
Now I'll let you go read and learn more as I delve into the Principia Discordia (provided in links within the article, so you'll find the Principia Discordia, too, as you read on) so that I can learn more about these principles and The Law of Fives, etc.
The post for Day 757 is associated with Wednesday November 24, 2010.
...and for me, Discordianism is closely related to some studies I have done in the recent past regarding DISSENT LITERATURE. For me, anyway, I find the two topics fairly related. Quite naturally, when discussing either topic, the word "anarchism" or "anarchy" will invariably surface.
Burroughs and 23 Enigma are a nice segue into the topic of Discordianism and a major work, Principia Discordia states that "All things happen in fives, or are divisible by or are multiples of five, or are somehow directly or indirectly appropriate to 5." ie: "THE LAW OF FIVES." 23 is related (considered a corollary to the Law of Fives and the number "5").
Although I am not a Discordian, myself, I find the concepts, correspondences, corollary details within Discordianism fascinating. I have to admit, some of the concepts make one wonder if CHAOS really rules in our world. If I take a look at all the war and mayhem in just the recent past - since the year 1900, I have to start stating that there are very few rational events going on in the world since 1900 'til now. At least it can be said that human beings do not seem to have been behaving with much rational logical grounding for the past several decades... we seem to be causing our own chaos...
Before the 800 Day countdown narrows down to that well-known date in December 2012, I am sure to know a whole lot more about Discordianism than I do right now. I admit, upon first glance, Discordianism and the most basic definitions of it brought an air of pessimism to me but on looking into things, I find that I had just rested into a set way of thinking about the world. Discordianism has made me stretch the comfortable "explanation of the world" that I was at least marginally content with and made me take second and third views of certain situations and explanations that have been handed to me by those who spout off the current societal ideologies in my region of the the world. If pessimistic, Discordianism at least seems to aim to put people in a place where complacency with the status quo is just not acceptable nor applauded. For that, I give a big thumbs-up!!
The article: Discordianism as Religion by Blake Hall
Now I'll let you go read and learn more as I delve into the Principia Discordia (provided in links within the article, so you'll find the Principia Discordia, too, as you read on) so that I can learn more about these principles and The Law of Fives, etc.
The post for Day 757 is associated with Wednesday November 24, 2010.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day 764 (Tidbits)
Blake has really offered a lot of good information (in my opinion) and has given prime attention to the Muslim celebration of Eid Al-Adha on the previous Day 765 post. On Day 764 of his The 800 Days blog, he does something a little different and writes something to appreciate and honour a person from India who is held dearly in his heart. Blake does this in poetic form - and to my way of thinking, the poetics are as close to an "act of reverence" (definitely a focused "mindfullness") as one can get when coming from a different culture.
Blake has dedicated this piece to a dear friend of his, "dreamreachout" who was already mentioned recently in my "Follower Reader Appreciation" post.
The poem is called "Do Good" and to my knowledge, you're not going to be able to find this piece anywhere, save for THE 800 DAYS blog.
My perception of the general essence of this poem is that Blake is associating his dear friend, dreamreachout, with someone (or the sort of person) who will just "Do Good," regardless of circumstances... There are those who do good things for different motives and who sometimes need the right coaxing in order to act humanely and rightly. I gather that Blake feels his friend is one of the exceptional people who just "Do Good" without requiring additional motivational factors to push them in the right, humane direction. Of course, the poem is open to interpretation, but this is my interpretation.
I sincerely hope to get to that humane level, myself, someday but as yet... I have this poem to absorb as a guideline - and, of course, dreamreachout's materials to read when I so choose, too!
DO GOOD, dreamreachout, poetry, hints of Eid Al-Adha and Day 764 in the 800 Days Countdown are all associated with Wednesday November 17 2010.
Blake has dedicated this piece to a dear friend of his, "dreamreachout" who was already mentioned recently in my "Follower Reader Appreciation" post.
The poem is called "Do Good" and to my knowledge, you're not going to be able to find this piece anywhere, save for THE 800 DAYS blog.
My perception of the general essence of this poem is that Blake is associating his dear friend, dreamreachout, with someone (or the sort of person) who will just "Do Good," regardless of circumstances... There are those who do good things for different motives and who sometimes need the right coaxing in order to act humanely and rightly. I gather that Blake feels his friend is one of the exceptional people who just "Do Good" without requiring additional motivational factors to push them in the right, humane direction. Of course, the poem is open to interpretation, but this is my interpretation.
I sincerely hope to get to that humane level, myself, someday but as yet... I have this poem to absorb as a guideline - and, of course, dreamreachout's materials to read when I so choose, too!
DO GOOD, dreamreachout, poetry, hints of Eid Al-Adha and Day 764 in the 800 Days Countdown are all associated with Wednesday November 17 2010.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Day 771 (Tidbits)
Oh, wow...some of my favourite stuff is being presented for Day 771 on Blake Hall's The 800 Days blog ! What we're talking about here is - commentary on PROPAGANDA.....
Nice!
Well, propaganda isn't nice - but people recognizing propaganda makes me smile!
Nice!
Well, propaganda isn't nice - but people recognizing propaganda makes me smile!
Muhahahaha!
Okay that's not exactly a smile but you get the picture.
What's in store when you head on over to the 800 DAYS blog is a pertinent and detailed message not only about reading your way through propaganda but also some information for content providers online (bloggers, article writers, THIS MEANS YOU!)...
You've already been supplied with the blog link above...
It's Blake's "Take" on a certain sort of ethical consideration for writing online that you'll find on the other blog...and it's interesting. I wish more people had the guts to BE REAL as is suggested on the 800 Days blog in the Day 771 post. Blake reminds us to BE ASSOCIATED BUT NEVER CONTENT!
The day 771 post date: Wednesday November 10 2010.
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Day 778 (Tidbits)
Hey - Check out the groovy (I'm old, pick your own "cool" adjective - "neat" - "fantastic" - "sweet"?) Vid/Audio on the blog for the Day 778 entry on Blake4d's "The 800 Days" blog!
The audio is perfect for a meditative state - and it won't be a bad idea to meditate SERIOUSLY upon the Day 778 post.
If you haven't been made at least a little bit anxious by any of the posts thus far - and anxious enough to consider making some changes in your life (*hint... change starts at - "awareness" - ridding the self of ignorance and becoming WILLING to become aware), or at least explore the world for different meanings, then the meditative-enhancing audio clip from the Day 778 post, along with the text content OUGHT TO bring you to a space in your head where you can PAY CLOSE ATTENTION !
Frankly, the "all-chemical war" content APPLIES TO YOU...
It applies to virtually everyone on the globe who has ever been excited to see the golden double-arches (kids who like "Mc D" food and treats), or been relieved to see the Yellow Double Arches (parents, adults, too busy to cook, teens - in a rush, on their way to someplace fun)... even if you groan 'cos you KNOW McD(amage)'s items have no nutrition value but know you've eaten it anyway or/and will eat it again the next time you're in a rush to stuff some "food" (and I say that loosely) down and 'cos it's CHEAP...
...heads up! This post is for YOU!
Now I'm not sure I totally agree with the author's full conclusions on the Day 778 post (his conclusions lead to "conspiracy theory") but I definitely do believe the author is exposing some pertinent information about large food, beverage and drug entities. Personally, I am not positive one has to make a list of large corporate entities then use the "C" (Conspiracy) word as an all-round explanation for why the world is sick, why these corporate entities seem to be controlling everything in the world and seem to be the source of sickness. I believe there's an equally powerful and detrimental "C" word that gives an equally nice closure on WHY WE ARE ALL GETTING SICK and why the world is so messed up... the other "C" word - "Capitalism." That is - Capitalism at its worst - with no controls...but then again, getting into a discussion on "capitalism" is for some other blog... I'm just stating my personal "take" on some of this stuff...
Oh what the heck... I'll rant a li'l more...
ie: capitalism is an ECONOMIC system...that has long been mistaken for a governing system. Sure, there are humans IN IT, in the system, but the humans are in a low place in the hierarchy of this system. (if a human leaves the system, it will take a while for capitalism to fall down - but nothing will likely fall down so long as another human is inserted into the system to push the buttons, grease the machine, etc). This economic system allows for growth of large entities and as such, when entities become huge and when massive trade, money-exchange and overwhelming profits - including some monopoly - happens, this just means that this particular economic system is in "success mode." It's not that Capitalism is so bad - it's just that CAPITALISM IS BAD FOR HUMAN BEINGS... it's an economic system - not a system built for managing human beings... capitalism is a system for managing trade, goods and services, money, mergers of business, etc... and Humans are merely the "batteries" or energy in the capitalism machine. Naturally, humans are expendible in the Capitalism machine, (Heck, there are BILLIONS OF US on the earth - a lot of batteries, huh?) so this is a system that quite logically isn't meant to project well-being for humans.
Okay, so I've taken things a bit far and am definitely writing something that is not quite in line with Blake's post on The 800 Days blog for Day 778. I'm pretty sure Blake's going to see this soon and say (in his "inside the head voice"), as he slams a fist upon his palm, "That darn Canuck Mythbuster...only Myth would start a supporter blog then argue against it." lol Well, I'm not arguing entirely against Blake's ideas... just providing more FOOD FOR THOUGHT since most of the Day 788 post is ABOUT OUR FOOD - OUR NECESSITIES OF LIFE THAT WE NEED FOR SURVIVAL...
No matter what you believe about the spirit, afterlife, body/mind connections, etc - whether you're a believer in the body as mortal, immortal and even whether you believe that "dead is final" or not... we're all stuck here RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, with human body shells... and those bodies need food, medicine, clean drinking water, AIR (in a very delicate balance of chemical components)... and frankly...
WE ARE ALLOWING - BY MANUFACTURED CONSENT - OUR FOOD, WATER, MEDICINES AND AIR TO BE RAVAGED BY A HUGE ECONOMIC SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HUMAN BEINGS....
*Heh! I saw Blake writing all in caps a lot, so I decided to try it... just to have a little "same-ness" after all this difference of opinion...
:)
So as you might be able to tell... Blake and I are on the same wavelength to a certain degree (ie: information is of tantamount importance...people NEED TO KNOW MORE news details than they currently get from mainstream sources) - I'm simply not drawing all the same conclusions as Blake does... HOWEVER - the message I believe we're both trying to get across - no matter what the actual CAUSE of the problems are in this world...
WE NEED TO MAKE CHANGES - and those changes are going to seem very strange to us...extremely difficult for some, not so difficult for others - but WE NEED TO BE AWARE, PICK UP ON POSITIVE CALLS TO ACTION - AND DO SOMETHING instead of being victims in this world...
I'm not positive that Blake holds the particular opinion that there's a world-wide "CONSPIRACY" of corporate and gov't entities poisoning, altering and ruining our food, medicine, air and water resources - or if he's just offering this as one explanation for a "MAJOR CAUSE" of why the world and its inhabitants are getting so sick and crazy... but
IT IS WORTH CONSIDERING - VERY SERIOUSLY...
And there you have it for Day 778 from more than one perspective...
I've ranted enough... GO READ: The 800 Days Blog - Day 778
An Amazing "Must Read" Article: ALCHEMICAL WAR
Day 778 on the 800 Days blog: Wednesday November 3 2010.
The audio is perfect for a meditative state - and it won't be a bad idea to meditate SERIOUSLY upon the Day 778 post.
If you haven't been made at least a little bit anxious by any of the posts thus far - and anxious enough to consider making some changes in your life (*hint... change starts at - "awareness" - ridding the self of ignorance and becoming WILLING to become aware), or at least explore the world for different meanings, then the meditative-enhancing audio clip from the Day 778 post, along with the text content OUGHT TO bring you to a space in your head where you can PAY CLOSE ATTENTION !
Frankly, the "all-chemical war" content APPLIES TO YOU...
It applies to virtually everyone on the globe who has ever been excited to see the golden double-arches (kids who like "Mc D" food and treats), or been relieved to see the Yellow Double Arches (parents, adults, too busy to cook, teens - in a rush, on their way to someplace fun)... even if you groan 'cos you KNOW McD(amage)'s items have no nutrition value but know you've eaten it anyway or/and will eat it again the next time you're in a rush to stuff some "food" (and I say that loosely) down and 'cos it's CHEAP...
...heads up! This post is for YOU!
Now I'm not sure I totally agree with the author's full conclusions on the Day 778 post (his conclusions lead to "conspiracy theory") but I definitely do believe the author is exposing some pertinent information about large food, beverage and drug entities. Personally, I am not positive one has to make a list of large corporate entities then use the "C" (Conspiracy) word as an all-round explanation for why the world is sick, why these corporate entities seem to be controlling everything in the world and seem to be the source of sickness. I believe there's an equally powerful and detrimental "C" word that gives an equally nice closure on WHY WE ARE ALL GETTING SICK and why the world is so messed up... the other "C" word - "Capitalism." That is - Capitalism at its worst - with no controls...but then again, getting into a discussion on "capitalism" is for some other blog... I'm just stating my personal "take" on some of this stuff...
Oh what the heck... I'll rant a li'l more...
ie: capitalism is an ECONOMIC system...that has long been mistaken for a governing system. Sure, there are humans IN IT, in the system, but the humans are in a low place in the hierarchy of this system. (if a human leaves the system, it will take a while for capitalism to fall down - but nothing will likely fall down so long as another human is inserted into the system to push the buttons, grease the machine, etc). This economic system allows for growth of large entities and as such, when entities become huge and when massive trade, money-exchange and overwhelming profits - including some monopoly - happens, this just means that this particular economic system is in "success mode." It's not that Capitalism is so bad - it's just that CAPITALISM IS BAD FOR HUMAN BEINGS... it's an economic system - not a system built for managing human beings... capitalism is a system for managing trade, goods and services, money, mergers of business, etc... and Humans are merely the "batteries" or energy in the capitalism machine. Naturally, humans are expendible in the Capitalism machine, (Heck, there are BILLIONS OF US on the earth - a lot of batteries, huh?) so this is a system that quite logically isn't meant to project well-being for humans.
Okay, so I've taken things a bit far and am definitely writing something that is not quite in line with Blake's post on The 800 Days blog for Day 778. I'm pretty sure Blake's going to see this soon and say (in his "inside the head voice"), as he slams a fist upon his palm, "That darn Canuck Mythbuster...only Myth would start a supporter blog then argue against it." lol Well, I'm not arguing entirely against Blake's ideas... just providing more FOOD FOR THOUGHT since most of the Day 788 post is ABOUT OUR FOOD - OUR NECESSITIES OF LIFE THAT WE NEED FOR SURVIVAL...
No matter what you believe about the spirit, afterlife, body/mind connections, etc - whether you're a believer in the body as mortal, immortal and even whether you believe that "dead is final" or not... we're all stuck here RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, with human body shells... and those bodies need food, medicine, clean drinking water, AIR (in a very delicate balance of chemical components)... and frankly...
WE ARE ALLOWING - BY MANUFACTURED CONSENT - OUR FOOD, WATER, MEDICINES AND AIR TO BE RAVAGED BY A HUGE ECONOMIC SYSTEM THAT DOES NOT CARE ABOUT THE QUALITY OF LIFE OF HUMAN BEINGS....
*Heh! I saw Blake writing all in caps a lot, so I decided to try it... just to have a little "same-ness" after all this difference of opinion...
:)
So as you might be able to tell... Blake and I are on the same wavelength to a certain degree (ie: information is of tantamount importance...people NEED TO KNOW MORE news details than they currently get from mainstream sources) - I'm simply not drawing all the same conclusions as Blake does... HOWEVER - the message I believe we're both trying to get across - no matter what the actual CAUSE of the problems are in this world...
WE NEED TO MAKE CHANGES - and those changes are going to seem very strange to us...extremely difficult for some, not so difficult for others - but WE NEED TO BE AWARE, PICK UP ON POSITIVE CALLS TO ACTION - AND DO SOMETHING instead of being victims in this world...
I'm not positive that Blake holds the particular opinion that there's a world-wide "CONSPIRACY" of corporate and gov't entities poisoning, altering and ruining our food, medicine, air and water resources - or if he's just offering this as one explanation for a "MAJOR CAUSE" of why the world and its inhabitants are getting so sick and crazy... but
IT IS WORTH CONSIDERING - VERY SERIOUSLY...
And there you have it for Day 778 from more than one perspective...
I've ranted enough... GO READ: The 800 Days Blog - Day 778
An Amazing "Must Read" Article: ALCHEMICAL WAR
Day 778 on the 800 Days blog: Wednesday November 3 2010.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Day 785 (Tidbits)
If you've ever been a bit or a lot confused about certain principles involved with Magick and/or Satanism, then the Day 785 article/post on The 800 Days blog will be excellent reading for you. In particular, a focused view on "The Left Hand Path" is presented.
Three Main Principles:
As I am still learning more about The Left hand Path, myself, I'll let you read the article for yourself instead of my summarizing here.
The Article: A Definition of The Left Hand Path For Dummies
Day 785 of the 800 day countdown is Wednesday October 27 2010.
Three Main Principles:
- The First Law: The Law of Self-Preservation
- The Second Law: The Law of Procreation
- The Third Law: The Law of An' it Harm None, Do As Thou Wilt
As I am still learning more about The Left hand Path, myself, I'll let you read the article for yourself instead of my summarizing here.
The Article: A Definition of The Left Hand Path For Dummies
Day 785 of the 800 day countdown is Wednesday October 27 2010.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Day 792 (Tidbits)
Get ready to stretch the boundaries of your beliefs when you approach the Day 792 material on The 800 Days blog !
One of my favourite articles EVER by Blake4d is within this post... it's an interview with a Vampire - a self-proclaimed Vampire named "Montague." Now it probably won't come as a surprise that Montague is also a practitioner of the Dark Arts (Occult practices, Magik), but before you turn away (if you're so inclined), please think about something...
Do you wish to forever or mostly stay comfortable within your own belief system, rejecting all else but that which you've become accustomed to? (This might be the way you think if you're one who is inclined to turn away when you read the words "occult" or "vampire-as a lifestyle").
Or - do you understand that the world in which we live is full of inconsistent explanations and properties but you hope to learn more about life, living, death, morality, humankind - via open-minded exploration into topics that most people will not even open their EYES, must less their minds to...?
If you identify with the latter statements, you'll certainly learn from Blake's interview with Montague! If you put aside your reservations about the word "vampire," you'll notice that Montague has some important concepts to share about LIVING, morality, perception. I would hate to think people might miss these points just from being turned off on the words "occult," "vampire," or similarly-related words.
For me, reading about Montague, his ideas and perceptions, reminds me that life is filtered through our perceptions, our boundaries of belief but that no matter what you believe, others can and DO perceive the world in some unique ways. At the same time, there are UNIVERSAL qualities in life, perception, in living (possibly in death) - so really, our world is so very complex and, at times, seems contradictory or paradoxical... I can't imagine why anyone would shy away from the chance to read what a vampire has to say about a mix of topics... the same sorts of topics that concern everyday, living people...
Frankly, I found Montague's perceptions about life and certain other narrower topics to be more human and humane than I experience when listening to people chit-chat in a public arena like the mall, the bus, the line-up of people waiting to get in to a movie theatre, etc. Perhaps Montague is trying to maintain his humanity within his immortality - I'm not sure exactly but whatever Montague is - he is interesting and has words of wisdom...
The Article:
Dark Art - an Interview with a Modern American Vampire on Being Human, Immortal, and the Practice of the Dark Arts
The date of Day 792 of the 800 day countdown and the post on the 800 Days blog was on Wednesday, October 20, 2010.
One of my favourite articles EVER by Blake4d is within this post... it's an interview with a Vampire - a self-proclaimed Vampire named "Montague." Now it probably won't come as a surprise that Montague is also a practitioner of the Dark Arts (Occult practices, Magik), but before you turn away (if you're so inclined), please think about something...
Do you wish to forever or mostly stay comfortable within your own belief system, rejecting all else but that which you've become accustomed to? (This might be the way you think if you're one who is inclined to turn away when you read the words "occult" or "vampire-as a lifestyle").
Or - do you understand that the world in which we live is full of inconsistent explanations and properties but you hope to learn more about life, living, death, morality, humankind - via open-minded exploration into topics that most people will not even open their EYES, must less their minds to...?
If you identify with the latter statements, you'll certainly learn from Blake's interview with Montague! If you put aside your reservations about the word "vampire," you'll notice that Montague has some important concepts to share about LIVING, morality, perception. I would hate to think people might miss these points just from being turned off on the words "occult," "vampire," or similarly-related words.
For me, reading about Montague, his ideas and perceptions, reminds me that life is filtered through our perceptions, our boundaries of belief but that no matter what you believe, others can and DO perceive the world in some unique ways. At the same time, there are UNIVERSAL qualities in life, perception, in living (possibly in death) - so really, our world is so very complex and, at times, seems contradictory or paradoxical... I can't imagine why anyone would shy away from the chance to read what a vampire has to say about a mix of topics... the same sorts of topics that concern everyday, living people...
Frankly, I found Montague's perceptions about life and certain other narrower topics to be more human and humane than I experience when listening to people chit-chat in a public arena like the mall, the bus, the line-up of people waiting to get in to a movie theatre, etc. Perhaps Montague is trying to maintain his humanity within his immortality - I'm not sure exactly but whatever Montague is - he is interesting and has words of wisdom...
The Article:
Dark Art - an Interview with a Modern American Vampire on Being Human, Immortal, and the Practice of the Dark Arts
The date of Day 792 of the 800 day countdown and the post on the 800 Days blog was on Wednesday, October 20, 2010.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Day 799 (Tidbits)
Offered on the Day 799 post are commentary bits about the Mayan calendar, and a very interesting introductory statement about the possibility that the Mayans were descendants of an older, alien culture...
An interesting, interactive feature of the day 799 post is a link to a Mayan calendar decoder - type in your birthday and you'll find out what astrological details pertain to you, according to the Mayan calendar! My previous post here was about what my Mayan calendar astrological details turned out to be after using this same decoder. (I am under Kin 54: White Lunar Wizard).
Charts, early moon landing pics and commentary within the day799 post will keep you busy for a little while and, hopefully, get your mind thinking OUTSIDE of what you've been told by "common" sources of information...
Remember, most of what we "know" about the Mayan calendar and have taken for "truth" so far has been brought to us by "traditional" sources... our pastors, our parents, mainstream news. We are not going to get very far in learning what's WHAT if we just keep reiterating what our traditional sources have taught us. Much of what traditional sources "know" is heavily steeped in myth, lore - and during some ages past - possibly even politics.
I urge you to visit the day 799 post and have a look at the charts, commentary and quotes over there.
Visit: The 800 Days blog
day 799 was posted over on The 800 Days blog on Wednesday October 13, 2010 (courtesy of Blake4d)
An interesting, interactive feature of the day 799 post is a link to a Mayan calendar decoder - type in your birthday and you'll find out what astrological details pertain to you, according to the Mayan calendar! My previous post here was about what my Mayan calendar astrological details turned out to be after using this same decoder. (I am under Kin 54: White Lunar Wizard).
Charts, early moon landing pics and commentary within the day799 post will keep you busy for a little while and, hopefully, get your mind thinking OUTSIDE of what you've been told by "common" sources of information...
Remember, most of what we "know" about the Mayan calendar and have taken for "truth" so far has been brought to us by "traditional" sources... our pastors, our parents, mainstream news. We are not going to get very far in learning what's WHAT if we just keep reiterating what our traditional sources have taught us. Much of what traditional sources "know" is heavily steeped in myth, lore - and during some ages past - possibly even politics.
I urge you to visit the day 799 post and have a look at the charts, commentary and quotes over there.
Visit: The 800 Days blog
day 799 was posted over on The 800 Days blog on Wednesday October 13, 2010 (courtesy of Blake4d)
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