Day by day we hear more about the financial crisis. I have neighbors on both sides of my yard that are out of work. I myself have been forced to take a paycut, although I’m grateful that I’m still working. The mortgage lending crisis has spilled over into so many sectors because we are a credit-based economy – there is no “gold standard” any more.
But did they see it coming? Apparently they did, as our neighbors to the north point out. Have a look at this video, preserved by a group in Canada. This video was once available via YouTube here in the U.S., but was apparently removed by those who didn’t want it to be shown.
Is this the change we were looking for? And the most important question of all – where is the money coming from to bail out all of these companies?
One of my personal favorites in the world of great personalities, Gary Vaynerchuk, has just posted a show reviewing more Kosher wines. You might remember in a previous post here that I listed all reviews on The Thunder Show that covered Kosher wines. This time Gary sits down with one of the most renowned reviewers of Kosher wines, Daniel Rogov.
Interestingly, many do not know what is different between Kosher and non-Kosher wines. Below is an appearance of Tovia Singer (one of my most favorite Rabbis in the world) on the television show “Passages”. Rabbi Singer has appeared on “Passages” before in a polemical debate, but this time takes a pause to discuss Kosher wines. Have a look – I think you’ll find it enlightening.
There are many things that I don’t believe in (including ending sentences with prepositions). Some of these things are controversial, but it simply is a fact that I stand where I stand. Among the things in which I don’t believe are the following:
I do not believe in change for change’s sake. It is a wreckless and foolhardy thing to make a change simply out of a desire for something different.
I do not believe that what the majority holds as true makes a thing right. History is filled with stories of destruction precipitated by the majority. Remember, one meaning of the Greek word “Democracy” (demokratia) is “Mob Rule”.
I do not believe in slogans without substance. People love to rally around a mantra, but a mantra without meaning is simply repetitive noise.
I do not believe that personality and charisma make a person a good leader. Adolph Hitler had personality and charisma in spades.
I do not believe in resolving cognitive dissonance by ignoring facts. This is the very definition of self-delusion.
I do not believe that one can distance themselves from the behaviors of those with whom they associate, especially when many of those associates exhibit similar and consistent behaviors. I remember only too well my mother’s admonition that we’re all judged by the people with whom we associate.
Since I was in Chicago for business this week, I thought I’d take some of my personal time and spend it at Chicago’s Field Museum. One of the things that this museum is most known for is its permanent Egypt exhibit. Let me take you on a small tour and show you some of the beautiful things I saw while I was there!
First Glance
After checking the museum directory, I began to wander (in best tourist fashion) toward the area conspicuously marked “Welcome To Ancient Egypt”. Why did I need to check a directory for this – seems a bit obvious…
Some Welcome Mat...
It was at this point that I was surprised by what waited around the corner. It was a massive mastaba-type replica tomb! Read the rest of this entry »
Upon the suggestion of my friend Chris over at Unquiet Desperation, I’ve decided to do a quick getting started guide to one of my favorite pastimes: Geocaching. Let’s dive right in!
What is Geocaching?
Geocaching is conceptually similar to orienteering in that the underlying method is to use tools to figure out how to navigate terrain. Geocaching however uses Global Positioning Satellites and a GPS receiver to give indication about one’s location. The stated intent of Geocaching is to use a GPS receiver to locate “caches” (pronounced “cashes”) placed by other participants in recorded locations.
Why Geocaching is like Golf
I tried golf several years ago – I really did. I bought the best clubs at a price I could stomach. I even took a few lessons at Golf Galaxy. But the best part of golfing? It was the walk. Seriously. Getting out and walking where it was quiet, seeing nature and smelling the smells – that kinda gets to you after a while. The problem (and the difference between golf and geocaching) was that little white ball and the ensuing self-battle it would provoke. Note to self – internal dialogues that begin with “why you suck” are not good for the psyche.
Point is, Geocaching will get you out for a walk. In fact it will force you to go to places you’ve never even imagined existing. That is one of the many beautiful things about taking part in Geocaching. Participating in this sport/hobby, if nothing else, lets you walk away knowing that you’ve seen something or somewhere most people haven’t. Good for the soul, I say.
My favorite musical artist is Enigma. I’ve listened to him/them since their first album (remember the chanting monks?), although I’m not so pleased with the latest release.
I am totally fascinated by mechanical wrist watches, because “there is no electricity in there”. My current favorite and most-wanted is the Ulysse Nardin Planetarium Copernicus (picture in this post).
Michelle Belanger. Not sure I buy all of this, but its entertaining and I’m sure that my parents would love to know they live in the same city as Michelle.
Chuck Maddox, although he hasn’t posted since May. You still out there Chuck?
One of my personal favorites in the world of great personalities, Gary Vaynerchuk, has just posted a show reviewing more Kosher wines. You might remember in a previous post here that I listed all reviews on The Thunder Show that covered Kosher wines. This time Gary sits down with one of the most renowned reviewers of Kosher wines, Daniel Rogov.
