Property and Theft.
Another example of a dominant paradigm struggling with a community setting its own ethics.
Human society is in the grips of a huge pyramid scheme. It's called capitalism: Those at the top of the pyramid -- those with the most capital -- make more capital.
Those at the bottom make nothing.
The market model sets a cost on an intangible, whatever it thinks we can stand.
The market now does not tolerate this. It stands for nothing.
Economists are scratching their collective heads asking how to make money from the digital economy.
The truth is, there is no digital economy. It's a digital community. It fosters trade while resisting capital.
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Community values
BBC NEWS | Business | US health care coverage shrinks
An example of a system in paradigm paralysis. The United States can only see a problem in the context of a free-market solution.
Universal health care is the duty of society to its constituents.
A society can provide the best level of health care to all it's constituents -- no one need have a second rate experience. All it takes is a shift in thinking.
What is important -- bullets or beds?
An example of a system in paradigm paralysis. The United States can only see a problem in the context of a free-market solution.
Universal health care is the duty of society to its constituents.
A society can provide the best level of health care to all it's constituents -- no one need have a second rate experience. All it takes is a shift in thinking.
What is important -- bullets or beds?
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Insight
Digital Copying.
If an object can be duplicated in exact detail an unlimited number of times and without depleting limited resources -- where is the value model?
This is the fundamental problem facing the packagers of content. They are placing artificial constraints by enforcing rights managements. The record industry are finding out that the nature of the content dictates how it will thrive.
A distribution channel is no longer needed. A gatekeeper is no longer needed. Making money from copying, is no longer needed.
This is the threat to power. We individuals are empowered, the anonymous authorities are emasculated. They will not go quietly into the night. How many more 12 year olds will be sued during the death throws of system that is on the wane?
If an object can be duplicated in exact detail an unlimited number of times and without depleting limited resources -- where is the value model?
This is the fundamental problem facing the packagers of content. They are placing artificial constraints by enforcing rights managements. The record industry are finding out that the nature of the content dictates how it will thrive.
A distribution channel is no longer needed. A gatekeeper is no longer needed. Making money from copying, is no longer needed.
This is the threat to power. We individuals are empowered, the anonymous authorities are emasculated. They will not go quietly into the night. How many more 12 year olds will be sued during the death throws of system that is on the wane?
Moments in the now
Standing cheek-by-jowl with other commuters on the train this morning, my gaze fell upon those of a schoolgirl who was staring into space.
For the briefest instant, I saw in that face all of human existence -- a child, an adult and an old woman -- and I was filled with profound compassion for all of humanity.
For the briefest instant, I saw in that face all of human existence -- a child, an adult and an old woman -- and I was filled with profound compassion for all of humanity.
The ethics of employment
Smart cards track commuters.
Privacy threat or a genuine attempt to improve public transport in London?
I'm a believer in public transport. I lived and worked in London for a while and the Tube is a national treasure; the only way to get around while retaining ones sanity. But there are legitimate concerns with such data tracking.
Like any tool, I.T. per se is not inherently evil. It is the employer of the tool that decides if it's use is to be for good or bad.
Privacy threat or a genuine attempt to improve public transport in London?
I'm a believer in public transport. I lived and worked in London for a while and the Tube is a national treasure; the only way to get around while retaining ones sanity. But there are legitimate concerns with such data tracking.
Like any tool, I.T. per se is not inherently evil. It is the employer of the tool that decides if it's use is to be for good or bad.
Monday, September 22, 2003
Material property
The road to the extinguishing of desire is a long one.
I have divested myself of much property. I've sold my house, my car and a great number of my possessions.
What is left is core to me. Some clothes, some cherished keepsakes from my travels, a digital camera, a video camera and of course my computer.
This has traveled with me from the UK and contains music digitally copied from my own CDs.
With my drive to dis-possession, buying new property has to me become almost anathema. Therefore it has been interesting for me to purchase a new computer.
Today, I bought an Apple powerBook. It is a symbol to me. After 15 years using PC's I have deliberately chosen a Macintosh because it better supports my creativity. It marks where I have come from and my journey onward in the Long Now.
I don't want for much. I don't need for much. Very slowly, little by little, I am letting go of material desires.
...Even if I am buying the occasional big ticket item!
I have divested myself of much property. I've sold my house, my car and a great number of my possessions.
What is left is core to me. Some clothes, some cherished keepsakes from my travels, a digital camera, a video camera and of course my computer.
This has traveled with me from the UK and contains music digitally copied from my own CDs.
With my drive to dis-possession, buying new property has to me become almost anathema. Therefore it has been interesting for me to purchase a new computer.
Today, I bought an Apple powerBook. It is a symbol to me. After 15 years using PC's I have deliberately chosen a Macintosh because it better supports my creativity. It marks where I have come from and my journey onward in the Long Now.
I don't want for much. I don't need for much. Very slowly, little by little, I am letting go of material desires.
...Even if I am buying the occasional big ticket item!
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Moments in the now
Talking in Liz's car, the conversation turned to the drug ecstasy. Liz tried it in the past:
"You feel at ease with people in the same way you do when you have become close to them."
"But that feeling is nothing compared to the closeness I feel to you."
"You feel at ease with people in the same way you do when you have become close to them."
"But that feeling is nothing compared to the closeness I feel to you."
Friday, September 19, 2003
Pornography
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
BBC NEWS | Americas | Bush rejects Saddam link to 9/11
So now we have no evidence of Iraqi links to the September 11th atrocities as well as no evidence on weapons of mass destruction.
What now?
What now?
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Insight: The Middle Way and The Triangle
Extremes are counter-productive. There is a middle way.
The base of an equilateral triangle has two points at extreme opposites.
The third point is in the middle yet above them all. Seemingly superior.
Yet they are all connected.
The middle way is not superior, it is an equal part of the whole.
The base of an equilateral triangle has two points at extreme opposites.
The third point is in the middle yet above them all. Seemingly superior.
Yet they are all connected.
The middle way is not superior, it is an equal part of the whole.
Monday, September 15, 2003
Fair
From dictionary.com
fairness n.
Synonyms: fair, just, equitable, impartial, unprejudiced, unbiased, objective, dispassionate
These adjectives mean free from favoritism, self-interest, or preference in judgment.
Fair is the most general: a fair referee; a fair deal. Just stresses conformity with what is legally or ethically right or proper: “a just and lasting peace” (Abraham Lincoln).
Equitable implies justice dictated by reason, conscience, and a natural sense of what is fair: an equitable distribution of gifts among the children. Impartial emphasizes lack of favoritism: “the cold neutrality of an impartial judge” (Edmund Burke).
Unprejudiced means without preconceived opinions or judgments: an unprejudiced evaluation of the proposal. Unbiased implies absence of a preference or partiality: gave an unbiased account of her family problems.
Objective implies detachment that permits impersonal observation and judgment: an objective jury. Dispassionate means free from or unaffected by strong emotions: a dispassionate reporter.
fairness n.
Synonyms: fair, just, equitable, impartial, unprejudiced, unbiased, objective, dispassionate
These adjectives mean free from favoritism, self-interest, or preference in judgment.
Fair is the most general: a fair referee; a fair deal. Just stresses conformity with what is legally or ethically right or proper: “a just and lasting peace” (Abraham Lincoln).
Equitable implies justice dictated by reason, conscience, and a natural sense of what is fair: an equitable distribution of gifts among the children. Impartial emphasizes lack of favoritism: “the cold neutrality of an impartial judge” (Edmund Burke).
Unprejudiced means without preconceived opinions or judgments: an unprejudiced evaluation of the proposal. Unbiased implies absence of a preference or partiality: gave an unbiased account of her family problems.
Objective implies detachment that permits impersonal observation and judgment: an objective jury. Dispassionate means free from or unaffected by strong emotions: a dispassionate reporter.
BBC NEWS | Business | Mixed feelings over Cancun collapse
...And the view of the rich nations is that the WTO should be overhauled to enable "more efficient decision making."
What is the definition of more efficient decision making? The opening of poorer countries trade and financial controls so that the large corporations and acquisition companies can make even more profit?
The free market is only free when it is fair to all. The asymmetrical concentration of power is not fair
What is the definition of more efficient decision making? The opening of poorer countries trade and financial controls so that the large corporations and acquisition companies can make even more profit?
The free market is only free when it is fair to all. The asymmetrical concentration of power is not fair
BBC NEWS | Business | The poor should not cheer Cancun
A view of Cancun from the developing nations.
Darkness
I'm currently laid a little low with a springtime (Southern hemisphere) cold. Consequently, I'm a little lethargic and rely on the words of others to express feelings.
It's almost one year since I arrived in Australia. Upon my arrival I bought two CDs, both of which have been instrumental in my mental/emotional paradigm shift.
Peter Gabriel's Up album opens with this track, Darkness. For such a...er..."dark" title, it's positive content helped me see my predicament for what it was.
iÂ’m scared of swimming in the sea
dark shapes moving under me
every fear i swallow makes me small
inconsequential things occur
alarms are triggered
memories stir
itÂ’s not the way it has to be
iÂ’m afraid of what i do not know
i hate being undermined
iÂ’m afraid i can be devil man
and iÂ’m scared to be divine
donÂ’t mess with me my fuse is short
beneath this skin these fragments caught
when i allow it to be
thereÂ’s no control over me
i have my fears
but they do not have me
walking through the undergrowth, to the house in the woods
the deeper i go, the darker it gets
i peer through the window
knock at the door
and the monster i was
so afraid of
lies curled up on the floor
is curled up on the floor just like a baby boy
i cry until i laugh
iÂ’m afraid of being mothered
with my balls shut in the pen
iÂ’m afraid of loving women
and iÂ’m scared of loving men
flashbacks coming in every night
donÂ’t tell me everythingÂ’s alright
when i allow it to be
it has no control over me
i own my fear
so it doesnÂ’t own me
walking through the undergrowth, to the house in the woods
the deeper i go, the darker it gets
i peer through the window
knock at the door
and the monster i was
so afraid of
lies curled up on the floor
is curled up on the floor just like a baby boy
i cry until i laugh
It's almost one year since I arrived in Australia. Upon my arrival I bought two CDs, both of which have been instrumental in my mental/emotional paradigm shift.
Peter Gabriel's Up album opens with this track, Darkness. For such a...er..."dark" title, it's positive content helped me see my predicament for what it was.
iÂ’m scared of swimming in the sea
dark shapes moving under me
every fear i swallow makes me small
inconsequential things occur
alarms are triggered
memories stir
itÂ’s not the way it has to be
iÂ’m afraid of what i do not know
i hate being undermined
iÂ’m afraid i can be devil man
and iÂ’m scared to be divine
donÂ’t mess with me my fuse is short
beneath this skin these fragments caught
when i allow it to be
thereÂ’s no control over me
i have my fears
but they do not have me
walking through the undergrowth, to the house in the woods
the deeper i go, the darker it gets
i peer through the window
knock at the door
and the monster i was
so afraid of
lies curled up on the floor
is curled up on the floor just like a baby boy
i cry until i laugh
iÂ’m afraid of being mothered
with my balls shut in the pen
iÂ’m afraid of loving women
and iÂ’m scared of loving men
flashbacks coming in every night
donÂ’t tell me everythingÂ’s alright
when i allow it to be
it has no control over me
i own my fear
so it doesnÂ’t own me
walking through the undergrowth, to the house in the woods
the deeper i go, the darker it gets
i peer through the window
knock at the door
and the monster i was
so afraid of
lies curled up on the floor
is curled up on the floor just like a baby boy
i cry until i laugh
Sunday, September 14, 2003
mmm bop
You have so many relationships in this life
Only one or two will last
You go through all this pain and strife
Then you turn your back and they're gone so fast
And they're gone so fast
So hold on the ones who really care
In the end they'll be the only ones there
When you get old and start losing your hair
Can you tell me who will still care
Can you tell me who will still care
Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du
Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose
You can plant any one of those
Keep planting to find out which one grows
It's a secret no one knows
It's a secret no one knows
In an mmm bop they're gone, in an mmm bop they're not there
In an mmm bop they're gone, in an mmm bop they're not there
Until you lose your hair
But you don't care
Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du
Can you tell me? You say you can but you don't know
Can you tell me which flower's going to grow?
Can you tell me if it's going to be a daisy or a rose?
Can you tell me which flower's going to grow?
Can you tell me? You say you can but you don't know
Only one or two will last
You go through all this pain and strife
Then you turn your back and they're gone so fast
And they're gone so fast
So hold on the ones who really care
In the end they'll be the only ones there
When you get old and start losing your hair
Can you tell me who will still care
Can you tell me who will still care
Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du
Plant a seed, plant a flower, plant a rose
You can plant any one of those
Keep planting to find out which one grows
It's a secret no one knows
It's a secret no one knows
In an mmm bop they're gone, in an mmm bop they're not there
In an mmm bop they're gone, in an mmm bop they're not there
Until you lose your hair
But you don't care
Mmm bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du bop, ba duba dop
Ba du
Can you tell me? You say you can but you don't know
Can you tell me which flower's going to grow?
Can you tell me if it's going to be a daisy or a rose?
Can you tell me which flower's going to grow?
Can you tell me? You say you can but you don't know
Reconnecting
Maybe it's the time of year. Maybe it's synchronicity.
This morning I checked my email to discover missives from two of my dearest friends. I had not heard from them in a long while. Their words warmed my heart.
Both have journeyed far and like all of us (myself included), they have a journey ahead.
MB wrote:
"I’ve learned, ... that life's
what you make it and it’s easy to become stuck in a place and plod on
with life, seemingly stoic to what’s going on. You can see this when
you come back to England. People don’t express any happiness here."
JH wrote:
"I miss you old friend and I want to keep in touch properly. I would like to
share the highs and lows of my life with the highs and lows of your life"
Guys, thank you for your friendship. You are two of the most truly humans it has been my privilelge to know. I look forward to re-establishing communication with two noble souls.
Namaste
Your deeply moved friend,
Paul.
This morning I checked my email to discover missives from two of my dearest friends. I had not heard from them in a long while. Their words warmed my heart.
Both have journeyed far and like all of us (myself included), they have a journey ahead.
MB wrote:
"I’ve learned, ... that life's
what you make it and it’s easy to become stuck in a place and plod on
with life, seemingly stoic to what’s going on. You can see this when
you come back to England. People don’t express any happiness here."
JH wrote:
"I miss you old friend and I want to keep in touch properly. I would like to
share the highs and lows of my life with the highs and lows of your life"
Guys, thank you for your friendship. You are two of the most truly humans it has been my privilelge to know. I look forward to re-establishing communication with two noble souls.
Namaste
Your deeply moved friend,
Paul.
Harvest for the World
Gather everyman, gather everywoman
Celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children
When will there be a harvest for all the people
When will there be a harvest for all the world
Harvest For The World
All babies together, everyone a seed
Half of us are satisfied, half of us in need
Love's bountiful in us, tarnished by our greed
When will there be a harvest for the world
A nation planted, so concerned with gain
As the seasons come and go, greater grows the pain
And far too many feelin' the strain
When will there be a harvest for the world
Gather everyman, gather everywoman
Celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children
Gather everyone, gather all together
Overlooking none, hopin' life gets better for the world
Dress me up for battle, when all I want is peace
Those of us who pay the price, come home with the least
Nation after nation, turning into beast
When will there be a harvest for the world
Celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children
When will there be a harvest for all the people
When will there be a harvest for all the world
Harvest For The World
All babies together, everyone a seed
Half of us are satisfied, half of us in need
Love's bountiful in us, tarnished by our greed
When will there be a harvest for the world
A nation planted, so concerned with gain
As the seasons come and go, greater grows the pain
And far too many feelin' the strain
When will there be a harvest for the world
Gather everyman, gather everywoman
Celebrate your lives, give thanks for your children
Gather everyone, gather all together
Overlooking none, hopin' life gets better for the world
Dress me up for battle, when all I want is peace
Those of us who pay the price, come home with the least
Nation after nation, turning into beast
When will there be a harvest for the world
Thursday, September 11, 2003
BBC NEWS | Business | Rich and poor clash over farm aid
BBC NEWS | Business | Rich and poor clash over farm aid
The charity [Action Aid ] claims US trade representative Robert Zoellick attempted to bribe some countries into leaving the G21 with trade incentives.
It said Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala had been offered increased trade quotas if they quit the alliance.
A spokesman for the US delegation said: "This is an outrageous accusation that is groundless."
The G21 was, so far, standing firm and new members were expected to join in the next few days, Action Aid added.
The big question now was whether the alliance could remain united, or whether "the US would pick countries off one by one", a spokeswoman told BBC News Online.
Here is the true battlefield. Here is where the poor will make their stand.
The charity [Action Aid ] claims US trade representative Robert Zoellick attempted to bribe some countries into leaving the G21 with trade incentives.
It said Costa Rica, El Salvador and Guatemala had been offered increased trade quotas if they quit the alliance.
A spokesman for the US delegation said: "This is an outrageous accusation that is groundless."
The G21 was, so far, standing firm and new members were expected to join in the next few days, Action Aid added.
The big question now was whether the alliance could remain united, or whether "the US would pick countries off one by one", a spokeswoman told BBC News Online.
Here is the true battlefield. Here is where the poor will make their stand.
Early Morning
It is a beautiful morning. The skyline of the city is set against a roiling grey sky.
The pavement is wet with overnight rain. The tires of the cars that pass swish with thrown up surface water.
Occassionally, when there are no cars in the immediate vacinity, there is a pocket of near-silence.
There is just me and the city.
So starts another working day.
The pavement is wet with overnight rain. The tires of the cars that pass swish with thrown up surface water.
Occassionally, when there are no cars in the immediate vacinity, there is a pocket of near-silence.
There is just me and the city.
So starts another working day.
Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Australian recovering
Sky News:
Fatal bus crash in Scotland.
Australian man recovering.
Why do I care about one more than the others? It is natural to feel concern for someone close to us, but all life is precious.
Fatal bus crash in Scotland.
Australian man recovering.
Why do I care about one more than the others? It is natural to feel concern for someone close to us, but all life is precious.
Tuesday, September 09, 2003
Dawkins vs Buddha
The central question in my mind is this:
Self - ish or less?
The selfish will point to the works of Dawkins as all the justification they need: greed is biological, it is a part of us ergo it is beyond our control.
The selfless will offer the works of the Buddha: The Dharma and the Sangha.
The trouble with any belief system (Science or Religion) is that rigid interpretation leads to further problems. The science of eugenics underpinned the philosopy of the Nazis. Religion has killed more people throughout history than has pestilence.
The selfish point to greed being the primary driver of progress.
I contest that. I say that greed-as-a-motivator is a paradigm that has had it's day. It is no longer useful. It breeds pain and unhappiness, not just in the have-nots, but in the haves too.
We are at a point in human development where our mental and spiritual health needs addressing.
If there were some physiological blight on our species -- something tangible -- we would mobilise whole armies of researchers to find a cure.
Where is the army?
It is the community of indivduals that we call Humanity.
Self - ish or less?
The selfish will point to the works of Dawkins as all the justification they need: greed is biological, it is a part of us ergo it is beyond our control.
The selfless will offer the works of the Buddha: The Dharma and the Sangha.
The trouble with any belief system (Science or Religion) is that rigid interpretation leads to further problems. The science of eugenics underpinned the philosopy of the Nazis. Religion has killed more people throughout history than has pestilence.
The selfish point to greed being the primary driver of progress.
I contest that. I say that greed-as-a-motivator is a paradigm that has had it's day. It is no longer useful. It breeds pain and unhappiness, not just in the have-nots, but in the haves too.
We are at a point in human development where our mental and spiritual health needs addressing.
If there were some physiological blight on our species -- something tangible -- we would mobilise whole armies of researchers to find a cure.
Where is the army?
It is the community of indivduals that we call Humanity.
Head hunting
What a curious name. Recuitment agencies have re-branded themselves as "Head Hunters".
We market ourselves as desirable. Responding to recruitment adverts is passive. Most Professionals now talk of being "head hunted" instead, it exudes desirability. It enhances image.
But why the need for image? Why is there a need to project a veneer? Why is there a need to be something we are not?
We market ourselves as desirable. Responding to recruitment adverts is passive. Most Professionals now talk of being "head hunted" instead, it exudes desirability. It enhances image.
But why the need for image? Why is there a need to project a veneer? Why is there a need to be something we are not?
Observation
The power of the nation state is a falacy.
Democracy is the opiate bestowed upon the populace by the anonymous forces of power.
The opressed feel their only recourse to the injustices imposed upon them by the anonymous power is violence.
Yet they own the means of consumption. This is the tool that can bring change, as was shown in India's case.
We know this.
What we are unwilling to acknowledge is that the changes we all subconsciously yearn starts within us. We cannot ask, nor apathetically expect, a government to make those changes. Government is but a reflection of the gestalt psychology of its constituents.
somewhere between ruggedly individualism of western thinking and the community-first based eastern thinking, there is a space that will free the full potential of the human spirit for all.
But that shift in thinking takes a commitment from all of us -- We get the government we deserve.
All of us deserve better, but that will not come unless we are prepared to confront ourselves, to make the effort to become free individuals. Not free from actual and metaphorical shackles, but free to be ourselves. When each one of can do that, we will have a truly human society.
The choice belongs with each one of us.
Democracy is the opiate bestowed upon the populace by the anonymous forces of power.
The opressed feel their only recourse to the injustices imposed upon them by the anonymous power is violence.
Yet they own the means of consumption. This is the tool that can bring change, as was shown in India's case.
We know this.
What we are unwilling to acknowledge is that the changes we all subconsciously yearn starts within us. We cannot ask, nor apathetically expect, a government to make those changes. Government is but a reflection of the gestalt psychology of its constituents.
somewhere between ruggedly individualism of western thinking and the community-first based eastern thinking, there is a space that will free the full potential of the human spirit for all.
But that shift in thinking takes a commitment from all of us -- We get the government we deserve.
All of us deserve better, but that will not come unless we are prepared to confront ourselves, to make the effort to become free individuals. Not free from actual and metaphorical shackles, but free to be ourselves. When each one of can do that, we will have a truly human society.
The choice belongs with each one of us.
Monday, September 08, 2003
Who is L?
Throughout this blog I have made numerous refernce to L. but who or what is L.?
L. is a she, an individuated person. She came into my life 4 months ago in a moment of synchronicity. I read a short passage written by her: symbolic and playful, hinting at a depth I have seldom encountered through this electronic medium.
We exchanged emails, each responding to the previous like musical variation upon a theme. When we met in person I was captivated by her. She is intelligent, attractive, creative, humerous and spiritual with a love of life that refreshes like a glass of the coollest, cleanest water.
We survived the date from hell to become friends, lovers, companions, confidants, playmates and co-muses.
I go to sleep in her arms and she awakens the next morning in mine.
We don't annoy each other.
We inspire each other.
We dance together.
When I need to talk, she listens.
When I listen to her, I see the world as if through another set of senses: all is fresh and open to enquiry.
She is full of grace: In her speech, her feelings, in the way she walks with her head held high.
Her smile warms my soul like sun.
Her embrace cleanses me like rain.
Her kiss has the power to excite and calm.
Her tacos are divine!
Her form is petite, yet her presence is significant.
Her qualities are manifold.
Her name is Liz.
L. is a she, an individuated person. She came into my life 4 months ago in a moment of synchronicity. I read a short passage written by her: symbolic and playful, hinting at a depth I have seldom encountered through this electronic medium.
We exchanged emails, each responding to the previous like musical variation upon a theme. When we met in person I was captivated by her. She is intelligent, attractive, creative, humerous and spiritual with a love of life that refreshes like a glass of the coollest, cleanest water.
We survived the date from hell to become friends, lovers, companions, confidants, playmates and co-muses.
I go to sleep in her arms and she awakens the next morning in mine.
We don't annoy each other.
We inspire each other.
We dance together.
When I need to talk, she listens.
When I listen to her, I see the world as if through another set of senses: all is fresh and open to enquiry.
She is full of grace: In her speech, her feelings, in the way she walks with her head held high.
Her smile warms my soul like sun.
Her embrace cleanses me like rain.
Her kiss has the power to excite and calm.
Her tacos are divine!
Her form is petite, yet her presence is significant.
Her qualities are manifold.
Her name is Liz.
The Gift
Someone was handing out DVD boxes at Town Hall station yesterday morning. Still conditioned to the psychology of "free", I accepted one, reaching out for it like a famished child grasping at a handful of rice.
The box was covered in tiny adverts for consumer electronics. I opened it with a sense of expectation, hoping to be surprised, only to be cynically rewarded: it was empty. Without pausing I deposited it on a convenient ledge as I descended the steps into the station. Nearby, there were other such the plastic and paper carcasses.
How many people threw their "gift" away? How much of a response justifies such wanton waste in the pursuit of sharholder value?
When will I break my own conditioning?
When will people awaken and see how they are being manipulated?
How much is enough?
The box was covered in tiny adverts for consumer electronics. I opened it with a sense of expectation, hoping to be surprised, only to be cynically rewarded: it was empty. Without pausing I deposited it on a convenient ledge as I descended the steps into the station. Nearby, there were other such the plastic and paper carcasses.
How many people threw their "gift" away? How much of a response justifies such wanton waste in the pursuit of sharholder value?
When will I break my own conditioning?
When will people awaken and see how they are being manipulated?
How much is enough?
Sunday, September 07, 2003
Springtime
This morning L.'s fever had broken and she was feeling more like herself. We celebrated with mugs of hot lemon and honey. It's citrus sweetness adding to my sense of well being at sharing a quiet morning and a celebration of life with a person who has re-affirmed my faith in both love and humanity.
The gym beckoned and I worked out for about an hour before returning to L.'s tender embrace and eventually our first coffee of the day.
This afternoon I helped J. clean up our appartment. It was a pleasure to perform simple house keeping when the sky was wide and clear and the sun felt so warm.
With my duties discharged I sat on my bed and communed with my domicile and thoughts.
It doesn't take much to reconnect with life. The hard work has been accomplished. I have stripped away layers of avoidance and dependence. I am not fearful.
I am an indvidual.
Not the kind that seeks differentiation in the trappings of the global marketing engine. Difference through inevitable conformance. No, I am one who is individuated by my decision to say "no more". Not just one, but at one.
Spring is a time of renewal. This springtime my emergence is complete. I am new. This life has begun.
I am free.
The gym beckoned and I worked out for about an hour before returning to L.'s tender embrace and eventually our first coffee of the day.
This afternoon I helped J. clean up our appartment. It was a pleasure to perform simple house keeping when the sky was wide and clear and the sun felt so warm.
With my duties discharged I sat on my bed and communed with my domicile and thoughts.
It doesn't take much to reconnect with life. The hard work has been accomplished. I have stripped away layers of avoidance and dependence. I am not fearful.
I am an indvidual.
Not the kind that seeks differentiation in the trappings of the global marketing engine. Difference through inevitable conformance. No, I am one who is individuated by my decision to say "no more". Not just one, but at one.
Spring is a time of renewal. This springtime my emergence is complete. I am new. This life has begun.
I am free.
Communion
I am finding special moments in the now. Like Saturday.
The long week ended and Friday evening I joined my beloved L. to catch a movie at the Dendy in Martin Place.
Saturday morning we awoke early and enjoyed a simple breakfast of coffee and home made muffins (courtesy of L.) before heading over to the University of NSW open day. I was not impressed with neither the campus nor the course -- Melbourne still beckons.
L. didn't feel well upon returning to her place. She cocooned herself in a blanket and fell asleep on the sofa.
While she rested, I retired to the kitchen and made bread.
Without haste, I prepared the ingredients: Organic wholemeal wheat flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, olive oil. Seeds: Pumkin, poppy, sunflower and lin. The Wet and the dry combined to become a sticky mass. Very soon it became dough; pleasingly pliable in my firm hands. For ten minutes I stretched and kneaded the elastic ball.
I left it to prove and I checked on L. who had the beginnings of a fever. Considering the significance for me of the this time, I didn't not over react. But her illness and reaction to it was a reminder of how far I have progressed these last two years.
After an hour I returned to my bread making. The dough had risen to twice it's original size, like some creature from a 50's horror movie. I turned out the dough, savoring the odor of the working yeast and enjoying the slow deflation of the mass. Some more kneading and before transfering it to the tin ready for a second rising and then baking.
By 20:00 L. had awoken, her fever burning her skin with a red flush. She felt cold, so I got her another blanket.
We feasted on chicken soup and fresh bread, before retiring early and sleeping a full and restfull night.
The long week ended and Friday evening I joined my beloved L. to catch a movie at the Dendy in Martin Place.
Saturday morning we awoke early and enjoyed a simple breakfast of coffee and home made muffins (courtesy of L.) before heading over to the University of NSW open day. I was not impressed with neither the campus nor the course -- Melbourne still beckons.
L. didn't feel well upon returning to her place. She cocooned herself in a blanket and fell asleep on the sofa.
While she rested, I retired to the kitchen and made bread.
Without haste, I prepared the ingredients: Organic wholemeal wheat flour, yeast, brown sugar, salt, olive oil. Seeds: Pumkin, poppy, sunflower and lin. The Wet and the dry combined to become a sticky mass. Very soon it became dough; pleasingly pliable in my firm hands. For ten minutes I stretched and kneaded the elastic ball.
I left it to prove and I checked on L. who had the beginnings of a fever. Considering the significance for me of the this time, I didn't not over react. But her illness and reaction to it was a reminder of how far I have progressed these last two years.
After an hour I returned to my bread making. The dough had risen to twice it's original size, like some creature from a 50's horror movie. I turned out the dough, savoring the odor of the working yeast and enjoying the slow deflation of the mass. Some more kneading and before transfering it to the tin ready for a second rising and then baking.
By 20:00 L. had awoken, her fever burning her skin with a red flush. She felt cold, so I got her another blanket.
We feasted on chicken soup and fresh bread, before retiring early and sleeping a full and restfull night.
Thursday, September 04, 2003
Fairness
BBC NEWS | Business | US talks tough on Asian currencies:
'We expect our trading partners to treat our people fairly - our producers and workers and farmers and manufacturers - and we don't think we're being treated fairly when a currency is controlled by the government,' -- George W. Bush
Perhaps it's fair if the currency is controlled by unseen financial power mongers? And what of the millions of low paid workers in Asia?
'We expect our trading partners to treat our people fairly - our producers and workers and farmers and manufacturers - and we don't think we're being treated fairly when a currency is controlled by the government,' -- George W. Bush
Perhaps it's fair if the currency is controlled by unseen financial power mongers? And what of the millions of low paid workers in Asia?
Misty Morning
There is a light mist adorning Sydney's skyline this morning. It softens the harsh outslines of the tall buildings in the Central Business District with a blue-grey wash that makes the cityscape appear like a painted backdrop.
At Town Hall station, the train lumbered out of the tunnel like some behemoth from pre-history. A now before now.
Crossing the bridge, the harbour was alive with ferrys and sailboats, shrunk by the distnce into a plethora of aquatics insects. Sun shines throught he lattice work of the superstructure, imprinting the tarmac and cars with an intricate teselation of light and shadow.
The smell of people lingers in the cariage: stale musk, sweet perfume, acrid body odour.
The doors open and I am surrounded by the throng, racing for the stairs, to be the first to their office, their desk, their alloted tasks.
I smile and take my time.
At Town Hall station, the train lumbered out of the tunnel like some behemoth from pre-history. A now before now.
Crossing the bridge, the harbour was alive with ferrys and sailboats, shrunk by the distnce into a plethora of aquatics insects. Sun shines throught he lattice work of the superstructure, imprinting the tarmac and cars with an intricate teselation of light and shadow.
The smell of people lingers in the cariage: stale musk, sweet perfume, acrid body odour.
The doors open and I am surrounded by the throng, racing for the stairs, to be the first to their office, their desk, their alloted tasks.
I smile and take my time.
And now for something completely different...
BBC NEWS | UK | England | Psychiatrist's joke 'world's funniest'
Something I thought about this morning reminded me of this gem. It makes interesting reading, especially in the post Politically Correct era, that we still have a sense of humour that is based on "superiority."
That said, the joke does make me laugh ;-)
Something I thought about this morning reminded me of this gem. It makes interesting reading, especially in the post Politically Correct era, that we still have a sense of humour that is based on "superiority."
That said, the joke does make me laugh ;-)
Community versus Property
ZDNet UK - News - SCO prepares to send invoices for Linux
I work in I.T. -- at least for now -- and I have been following Linux for many years now. This story cuts across thought streams: Community, Capitalism and Selfishness.
A monopoly in the Operating Systems is allegedly good for the consumer. We can buy any PC and know we can run whatever application we want and manipulate our data.
However, that same homogeneity has spawned viruses that at best an incovenience and at worse life threatening.
Enter Linux, a community project. An operating system that is free. Not free as in "free from cost", but "Free to modify". This is an important distinction.
more to follow...
I work in I.T. -- at least for now -- and I have been following Linux for many years now. This story cuts across thought streams: Community, Capitalism and Selfishness.
A monopoly in the Operating Systems is allegedly good for the consumer. We can buy any PC and know we can run whatever application we want and manipulate our data.
However, that same homogeneity has spawned viruses that at best an incovenience and at worse life threatening.
Enter Linux, a community project. An operating system that is free. Not free as in "free from cost", but "Free to modify". This is an important distinction.
more to follow...
Wednesday, September 03, 2003
The need to be differentiated
An open plan office. Walking past "workstations" with low dividing walls.
Everyone decorates their workstation. A picture here, there a calendar. Sometimes there are collcetions of things, like the minature teddy bears in an ordered row, queueing up to pay homage to the yellow rubber duck.
We all yearn to differentiate ourselves, yet we seek the safety of conformity, of acceptance by our peers.
When is enough?
Everyone decorates their workstation. A picture here, there a calendar. Sometimes there are collcetions of things, like the minature teddy bears in an ordered row, queueing up to pay homage to the yellow rubber duck.
We all yearn to differentiate ourselves, yet we seek the safety of conformity, of acceptance by our peers.
When is enough?
The need to be loved
A timely reminder of this old chestnut -- Lunch with a friend who is wrestling with this concept.
We all need to feel loved. It is actrually more the need to feel emotionally secure.
Love for the right reasons. But love yourself honestly first.
We all need to feel loved. It is actrually more the need to feel emotionally secure.
Love for the right reasons. But love yourself honestly first.
When is enough?
BBC NEWS | Business | US mutual funds under attack
The system trains us to be good units of productive work. Indeed the system cannot exist without our work.
From the moment we are able to comprehend, we are indoctrinated. "To work is good." "Don't be a waster. Get a job." The system needs us, we are employed by it.
We are indoctrinated to make money, then we are indoctrinated to disperse that money. To spend, to save.
In North Sydney train station there is a billboard advertising a shopping centre in Chatswood: "Today I didn't want to fall in love, I didn't want red roses, or a puppy. I just wanted to shop . Obey your shopping gene."
We save. And those savings are usurped. We give an abstract number to someone else, who aggregates it with other contributions from the indoctrinated and uses it to make huge profits for themselves. Meanwhile, they trickle fed back to us an ammount that is "competitive with the market."
Yes, we obey.
We lock ourselves into the cycle of abstraction. And as we do, we move ourselves away from what it means to be alive. What it means to lead a truly human existence.
When will we decide that we have had enough?
The system trains us to be good units of productive work. Indeed the system cannot exist without our work.
From the moment we are able to comprehend, we are indoctrinated. "To work is good." "Don't be a waster. Get a job." The system needs us, we are employed by it.
We are indoctrinated to make money, then we are indoctrinated to disperse that money. To spend, to save.
In North Sydney train station there is a billboard advertising a shopping centre in Chatswood: "Today I didn't want to fall in love, I didn't want red roses, or a puppy. I just wanted to shop . Obey your shopping gene."
We save. And those savings are usurped. We give an abstract number to someone else, who aggregates it with other contributions from the indoctrinated and uses it to make huge profits for themselves. Meanwhile, they trickle fed back to us an ammount that is "competitive with the market."
Yes, we obey.
We lock ourselves into the cycle of abstraction. And as we do, we move ourselves away from what it means to be alive. What it means to lead a truly human existence.
When will we decide that we have had enough?
Good Morning
It is another beautiful morning in Sydney.
L. and I talked this morning. We discussed time, ideals, opprotunity, directions. We held each other. Everyday I spend with L. I love her just a little more. She has shared so much of herself with me. I am truly humbled and honoured. She has given me the greatest gift that anyone has bestowed upon me.
She has allowed me to love freely once more.
Yes, this morning was a good morning.
L. and I talked this morning. We discussed time, ideals, opprotunity, directions. We held each other. Everyday I spend with L. I love her just a little more. She has shared so much of herself with me. I am truly humbled and honoured. She has given me the greatest gift that anyone has bestowed upon me.
She has allowed me to love freely once more.
Yes, this morning was a good morning.
Tuesday, September 02, 2003
Financial Hegemony
BBC NEWS | Business | China defiant on currency rate
A call by the U.S. for the free flow of capital. Who does it serve? Who will be protected? The America workers who's jobs are being lost because of cheap imports? Or the speculators on Wall Street?
Soviet style Communism failed, therefore capitalism is best. Why do humans always fall back on the the zero sum game? Where is our sense of community? We all bleed the same blood...
Financial capitalism has caused great wealth for some and extreme poverty for a disproportionate many. Mutually beneficial trade is one thing, but making money from abstractions is another.
When we abstract ourselves from the now, when we think in numbers, bottom lines, returns on investment, collatoral damage. We are removing ourselves from reality. We are not living a human existence
How much is enough?
When do we stop consuming and exploiting?
When will we be happy with what we have?
When will we decide to start living?
A call by the U.S. for the free flow of capital. Who does it serve? Who will be protected? The America workers who's jobs are being lost because of cheap imports? Or the speculators on Wall Street?
Soviet style Communism failed, therefore capitalism is best. Why do humans always fall back on the the zero sum game? Where is our sense of community? We all bleed the same blood...
Financial capitalism has caused great wealth for some and extreme poverty for a disproportionate many. Mutually beneficial trade is one thing, but making money from abstractions is another.
When we abstract ourselves from the now, when we think in numbers, bottom lines, returns on investment, collatoral damage. We are removing ourselves from reality. We are not living a human existence
How much is enough?
When do we stop consuming and exploiting?
When will we be happy with what we have?
When will we decide to start living?
Monday, September 01, 2003
Taste and awareness
Orange and ginger upon my tongue. sweetly it carresses my throat as it soothes and warms before reaching my stomach.
Blue sky spied through a large window and the structure of a crane. Air conditioned comfort. Headphones playing simple harmonics.
Another working day begins.
Blue sky spied through a large window and the structure of a crane. Air conditioned comfort. Headphones playing simple harmonics.
Another working day begins.
"And so it begins..."
Monday, 1st September.
It's 17:10. Another working day ends.
Right now, I'm sitting in front of a PC at work. Possibly this is a mis-use of assets, but I care not.
Even though I am in the now, I cannot help but think of the past.
1 year ago, Kota Kinabalu.
2 years ago, Fareham.
13 Years ago, Eastbourne.
Today? Sydney.
Next year? Who knows?
Am I fearful of that? No.
1st September. The beginning of a month with so many memories. How will they effect me this time around? I know not.
The future is a now that is not now.
And I live in the now.
It's 17:10. Another working day ends.
Right now, I'm sitting in front of a PC at work. Possibly this is a mis-use of assets, but I care not.
Even though I am in the now, I cannot help but think of the past.
1 year ago, Kota Kinabalu.
2 years ago, Fareham.
13 Years ago, Eastbourne.
Today? Sydney.
Next year? Who knows?
Am I fearful of that? No.
1st September. The beginning of a month with so many memories. How will they effect me this time around? I know not.
The future is a now that is not now.
And I live in the now.
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