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DECEMBER 8th '06 AS THE YEAR ENDS
As the year draws to an end, I've been looking over my journal entries and commentaries and am reasonably pleased with the majority of entries. However, as I noted a bit ago, I think there are way too many involved with politics, war, extremists, illegal migration etc. They are obviously moving subjects for me, and I suppose I wouldn't be so vocal about any of them. . .if any of them were being handled appropriately. There I go again.
I think I'm going to make a vow not to involve journal entries with those subjects anymore. At the very least, not to the extent that I have. To be honest, my own mental health is the main reason. I get very angry, very frustrated about those things. I have been disappointed with mankind in general this last year. It's genuinely interfering with more constructive thought about my art and personal philosophy. Life is just too short to allow that to happen. It'll be interesting to see how I do.
__________________________________________
NOVEMBER 15 '06 NO MIGRATION COMMON SENSE
Bush's choice to back Mel Martinez for RNC chairman lets us know that the real important problem we're facing is apparently the satisfaction of Latino voters. With the Democrats now leading the House and Senate. . .there's absolutely no one in a leadership position to stand for solid interpretation and enforcment of migration and imigration law. The founding fathers would stand aghast and slack-jawed at such rampant stupidity.
I wonder what the United States could be if politicians made decisions based on common sense, the law and the constitution. . .rather than political consequences.
__________________________________________
NOVEMBER 4, '06 SUPERNATURAL
No matter how seemingly impossible, rare, extra-dimensional, mystical or spiritual any information or experience is . . . it's natural (nature). If it occurs, then it's possible and therefore natural, whether one grasps, or is even capable of grasping how.
I certainly know what people mean when they use the word supernatural. I used to use it, but now I find it as meaningless as words like superalive, superdead, supernow or supercorrect would be. I simply don't care for it. It's a word that ultimately only denotes a lack of understanding with regard to what is possible.
People love to say they have witnessed or believe in the impossible, but if the impossible happens or exists. . .then It's natural. . .It's just new to us.
Unnatural: Now. . .that's a word. . .or is it?
__________________________________________
OCTOBER 15 '06 GREAT BOOK
"THE FABRIC OF THE COSMOS" by Brian Greene: By far the best layman's book on basic theoretical physics, that I know of. He covers what we knew, what we know and where we're going. I can't say enough about how good he is at putting it all in understandable language, and that's always nice. I consider it a requirement for my personal library.
I picked up the book about a year or two ago and every once in a while I just like re-reading what I've high-lighted. That always makes me re-read certain chapters. Absolutely amazing stuff.
__________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 21, 06 "REALITY AND SATIRE"
In the 14th Century, Manuel II Paleologus said: Islam offers "things. . .evil and inhuman" and that Muhammad, "spread by the sword the faith he preached".
In the 21st Century, Pope Benedict XVI quoted Paleologus as an introduction of relevance to his argument that religion and violence cannot be paired.
Outraged that the Pope quoted Paleologus, many Muslims responded: "Kill the Pope and Chop off his head". These being the same ones attempting to bring the world under Islamic law, happy to kill everyone who stands in their way. . . . . Duh.
It's a sad state of affairs when the differences between reality and satire are indiscernible. . . and civilization is at stake.
__________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 02, '06 "HIT OR MISS?"
This has always seemed strange to me: There are aviation headlines every month or so about "A NEAR MISS". Two planes that DIDN'T hit each other. Almost an accident. Although they came close, they MISSED each other. . . they call it "A NEAR MISS".
It wasn't NEARLY a MISS. . . it WAS a MISS! Assuming that missing each other was what they intended, "A NEAR MISS" makes it sound like they didn't quite MISS each other. . . .which would make it a HIT. "A NEAR HIT" or "NEARLY A HIT" or "A near collision" would probably be best.
It's as though somewhere along the line, someone coined the phrase inaccurately. . .and it stuck like a bad habit. Everytime I come across it, my eyes squint, my head shakes back and forth in quick little jerky motions and I mumble to myself: "A NEAR MISS. . . .What-the-hell is that?"
_________________________________________
AUGUST '06: for Quotesmefiles: " AMAZING"
"We are sentient, integral aspects of THE TRUTH as it exists here and now. How could it possibly be more personal, more intimate, more humbling, more exciting. It's only logical to be responsible in the position."
__________________________________________
AUGUST 24 '06 "INTROSPECTION"
Looking over entries in this Journal, I think maybe a few too many of the recent ones are concerned with my disappointments in world affairs. . . politics. (There are, after all, a lot of disappointments to choose from). I can't ignore the the world, but more personal introspection and interests might be healthier. It's just too easy to get caught up in all the "big messes".
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 2 from "QUOTESMEFILES"
"Epiphanies are life defining moments that arrive 'unexpectedly'. I miss them when they don't come, and then get mired in the expectation of their arrival. That. . .should be a definition of conundrum."
"We all seek definition in our lives, when it's actually freedom from definition we desire" __________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "And they're called GREAT RELIGIONS"
"No matter how large its constituency, calling a religion "Great" is certainly a worthless proclamation if a large portion of the fold interpret and practice it in such a way as to endanger the whole of civilization. If a religion is to be of real value to the world, if it is to be truly "Great", it must share equally in promoting and maintaining the free and peaceful coexistence that all sane and reasonable people seek. . . no matter how they worship."
___________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "A BERTRAND RUSSEL QUOTE"
"What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite." - Bertrand Russell
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "FILTERS"
People see through a personal filter that has been molded by knowledge and experience. A wise person sees through his own filter, but learns how to look through everyone else's' as well.
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "A LARGE BIT OF THE TRUTH"
While jotting down some notes the other day, a rather profound thought occured to me. THINK about it: "Other than what mankind misinterprets, misunderstands, contrives or lies about, there is absolutely nothing in the entire universe . . .that is false."
It's an interesting perspective on our position within the whole of existence. . .isn't it? We're an amazing life form to be sure, but so much of what we contribute to life is nothing short of free-will abuse. . .and it seems we're getting worse.
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "to ISLAMIC EXTREMEISTS"
You believe that God wants you to murder innocent people. Apparently, if they don't worship as you do, their lives are worthless. You believe God even approves of suicide in order to accomplish that goal. You believe God wants you to destroy a whole race of people, the Jews. We call that Genocide. For heaven's sake, you even seem to enjoy killing each other over different interpretations of your own religion. Apparently, you believe God wants you to do that too!
I feel so dumb. It didn't occur to me until recently that you're apparently worshiping a different god than the rest of the civilized world ! They worship a God that doesn't approve of any of those things, but does approve of peace, love and understanding. They don't believe in raising their children to Hate either . . . not anyone. You might seriously consider switching.
You can keep all the same rituals if you'd like. Just throw away the weapons and pray for clarity of thought, love and peace for your neighbors. . .no matter who they are. I can absolutely guarantee better results than you're getting. No exploding people for one thing.
If you believe prayers are answered, why not pray for peace. It's what we're doing. The thing is, if you purposely stand in the way of having prayers for peace answered, imagine what that makes you. . . in the eyes of our God anyway.
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "PROCESS"
"I've noticed: After enough years on the planet, even those who make stupid, silly or irrational decisions believe in their own process. I can only assume they've concluded that: "If I'm still alive. . .how wrong could I be ?"
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "PHOTO AGE"
I don't particularly like having my picture taken. I always think I look better than how I appear in the photos. This forces me to confront the fact that I'm probably fooling myself and have been for a long, long time.
Along with that foible, I've come to realize the obvious: I'm younger in every photo than I am right now; so, I look older right now than I do in all the photos of me that exist. And to top it off, that will always be the case.
When I was younger (and there are a lot of pictures to prove I was) I remember hearing stories about American Indians and African natives who refused to have their picture taken because they thought it would steal their spirit. Then. . . I thought they were dumb. Now. . . not so dumb.
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "JUDGMENTAL"
I often hear the comment: "I don't want to be judgmental" or "I'm not judgmental" (which is usually followed with a "but". . .and then their opinion). "You're very judgmental aren't you", is another one. People have somehow come to the conclusion that drawing a judgment about something or someone is a bad thing.
Perhaps in claiming not to be judgmental, they're really saying: "Don't worry, I won't hold it against you if you do or say something stupid". Or maybe they mean: "Feel free to be a phoney, because I don't plan on taking you seriously anyway." Most likely, it's: "I won't judge you if you don't judge me. We have both made fools of ourselves in the past. . .and this way we can both feel safe."
If people go through life unable or unwilling to evaluate and make judgments about others, how are they going to tell the good guys from the bad? Good ideas from crazy ones? Proper from barbaric, or moronic behavior?
The fact is, your capability to judge speaks volumes about YOU and your capacity to observe and discern.
When charged with being judgmental, I always reply: "You bet I am. I don't believe people who say they aren't. . .and wouldn't rely on a person who can't be."
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "GOD'S GENDER. . .?"
I have a little difficulty dealing with people who seem preoccupied with proclaiming a GENDER for God. Though I certainly have no problem with male or female pronouns being used during the course of conversation about the subject, I personally find that "IT" works just fine most of the time and, in fact, serves as a far more inclusive reference. "IT" incorporates everything, including sexual connotations. . .if you feel that you (or God) absolutely need them. And though it may not seem so at first, "IT" is just as personal. The quality of being "personal", after all, depends on the relationship, the attitude and the reverence.
"HE" and "HIM" have been around for a long, long time and I won't presume to address the dominating, male, father, masculine why of it all. Then, there are those who absolutely insist on "SHE" and "HER". Primarily. . .certain women.
They appear lost in some sort of "Mother of the universe / Women are greater than men" mode that they can't (or won't) dig their way out of. Desperately searching for empowerment (wherever that might be hiding) they speak of God in terms of: "HER" and "SHE this" and "GODDESS that", gloriously managing to miss "IT" altogether.
If God's gender is critically important to one's philosophical doctrine, rejoice in the fact that they've gratuitously divulged their depth of understanding at the same time. So now, should the subject arise, you can wade away from it by swiftly changing the conversation to something just as meaningful, like. . . . .their favorite ice cream flavor.
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "IMAGINATION"
"Imagination is certainly our most important faculty. Functionary attributes are necessary of course. . . but it's what we imagine to do with them that ultimately defines each of us, as well as all of us together. Good or bad, mankind's future is ultimately what he imagines it to be."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 " The LIBERAL Profiler"
The Liberal leader of the Zebra tribe gathered all the zebras together and pleaded that they listen to reason: " . . .And just because it looks and smells like a lion and has big sharp teeth like a Lion, that doesn't mean it will kill you and tear your flesh off and . . .Oh Oh. . .. .I guess that one there in the back will. Sorry about that. Of course that doesn't mean that just because the next one looks, smells and has big teeth like a . . . .Oh Oh !!. . ..
Well, we'd better start checking all the Penguins and Bunnys and parakeets. Anyone could be hiding big sharp teeth. It's a time to be very cautious. . . but only if we can be fair about it."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "SCREAMING & YELLING"
"There's a lot of screaming and yelling going on out there. All kinds of Religious and Political stuff. It's the most barbaric method of drawing attention to yourself. Cavemen probably yelled a lot. Advertisers certainly do (which proves the barbaric thing).
If what you have to say is so shallow that you have to scream it, in order to get people to hear it, perhaps you should try to find something more important to say before you open your mouth. Intelligent people listen . . . even to whispers."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "SPECIAL CLOTHING required"
"There are a lot of religions that seem to have clothing requirements for the clergy as well as the congregation, hats and robes etc. I can almost hear the ancient religious leader speaking at the first meeting: "First things first, and this is important, I talked to God and he told me we're gonna have to get some hats."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "COMMON SENSE"
"Common sense is something most of us try to use everyday. Life is just too short to spend time with people who don't, can't or won't use theirs (even though it's occasionally entertaining). Maybe they could just wear T-Shirts with a logo. Give everyone a little warning."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "NOTE TO THE BOMBERS"
"As much as you think God enjoys watching you blow yourself up and killing all the innocent people around you. . .no sane person can fathom how you came up with that idea. That this needs to be addressed at all indicates there are a number of you out there that are simply too fucking stupid to be alive.
So. . .for you: The bomb idea is OK, but make sure you're alone when you hit the button. Any sane person would be happy to help with these instructions. Afterlife consequences are between you and whatever the hell it is you're worshiping."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "ENEMIES"
"No one is born your enemy, but some willingly train for the role."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "As an artist, I always feel I'm about to do my best work."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06: "RACISM? GIVE ME A BREAK"
"There is a country on one side of a border and a different country on the other side. People from either country need approval to live or work in the other. Race is not involved in the rules or their implementation. Race is not involved at all.
Interjecting racism into discussions about things that have nothing to do with race is a crude and obscene means of denigrating dialogues. Those that insist on such action should be publicly demeaned, before being totally ignored. It should disgust and shame everyone when stupidity is given equal footing with common sense."
__________________________________________
FEBRUARY '06: "THE ZONE"
" I read an article the other day that indicated there are living, breathing human beings who would actually vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton.. . . for President. . . OF THE UNITED STATES!!! PLEEEEZE Mr. Serling . . . tell me you're still alive and writing"
__________________________________________
As the year draws to an end, I've been looking over my journal entries and commentaries and am reasonably pleased with the majority of entries. However, as I noted a bit ago, I think there are way too many involved with politics, war, extremists, illegal migration etc. They are obviously moving subjects for me, and I suppose I wouldn't be so vocal about any of them. . .if any of them were being handled appropriately. There I go again.
I think I'm going to make a vow not to involve journal entries with those subjects anymore. At the very least, not to the extent that I have. To be honest, my own mental health is the main reason. I get very angry, very frustrated about those things. I have been disappointed with mankind in general this last year. It's genuinely interfering with more constructive thought about my art and personal philosophy. Life is just too short to allow that to happen. It'll be interesting to see how I do.
__________________________________________
NOVEMBER 15 '06 NO MIGRATION COMMON SENSE
Bush's choice to back Mel Martinez for RNC chairman lets us know that the real important problem we're facing is apparently the satisfaction of Latino voters. With the Democrats now leading the House and Senate. . .there's absolutely no one in a leadership position to stand for solid interpretation and enforcment of migration and imigration law. The founding fathers would stand aghast and slack-jawed at such rampant stupidity.
I wonder what the United States could be if politicians made decisions based on common sense, the law and the constitution. . .rather than political consequences.
__________________________________________
NOVEMBER 4, '06 SUPERNATURAL
No matter how seemingly impossible, rare, extra-dimensional, mystical or spiritual any information or experience is . . . it's natural (nature). If it occurs, then it's possible and therefore natural, whether one grasps, or is even capable of grasping how.
I certainly know what people mean when they use the word supernatural. I used to use it, but now I find it as meaningless as words like superalive, superdead, supernow or supercorrect would be. I simply don't care for it. It's a word that ultimately only denotes a lack of understanding with regard to what is possible.
People love to say they have witnessed or believe in the impossible, but if the impossible happens or exists. . .then It's natural. . .It's just new to us.
Unnatural: Now. . .that's a word. . .or is it?
__________________________________________
OCTOBER 15 '06 GREAT BOOK
"THE FABRIC OF THE COSMOS" by Brian Greene: By far the best layman's book on basic theoretical physics, that I know of. He covers what we knew, what we know and where we're going. I can't say enough about how good he is at putting it all in understandable language, and that's always nice. I consider it a requirement for my personal library.
I picked up the book about a year or two ago and every once in a while I just like re-reading what I've high-lighted. That always makes me re-read certain chapters. Absolutely amazing stuff.
__________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 21, 06 "REALITY AND SATIRE"
In the 14th Century, Manuel II Paleologus said: Islam offers "things. . .evil and inhuman" and that Muhammad, "spread by the sword the faith he preached".
In the 21st Century, Pope Benedict XVI quoted Paleologus as an introduction of relevance to his argument that religion and violence cannot be paired.
Outraged that the Pope quoted Paleologus, many Muslims responded: "Kill the Pope and Chop off his head". These being the same ones attempting to bring the world under Islamic law, happy to kill everyone who stands in their way. . . . . Duh.
It's a sad state of affairs when the differences between reality and satire are indiscernible. . . and civilization is at stake.
__________________________________________
SEPTEMBER 02, '06 "HIT OR MISS?"
This has always seemed strange to me: There are aviation headlines every month or so about "A NEAR MISS". Two planes that DIDN'T hit each other. Almost an accident. Although they came close, they MISSED each other. . . they call it "A NEAR MISS".
It wasn't NEARLY a MISS. . . it WAS a MISS! Assuming that missing each other was what they intended, "A NEAR MISS" makes it sound like they didn't quite MISS each other. . . .which would make it a HIT. "A NEAR HIT" or "NEARLY A HIT" or "A near collision" would probably be best.
It's as though somewhere along the line, someone coined the phrase inaccurately. . .and it stuck like a bad habit. Everytime I come across it, my eyes squint, my head shakes back and forth in quick little jerky motions and I mumble to myself: "A NEAR MISS. . . .What-the-hell is that?"
_________________________________________
AUGUST '06: for Quotesmefiles: " AMAZING"
"We are sentient, integral aspects of THE TRUTH as it exists here and now. How could it possibly be more personal, more intimate, more humbling, more exciting. It's only logical to be responsible in the position."
__________________________________________
AUGUST 24 '06 "INTROSPECTION"
Looking over entries in this Journal, I think maybe a few too many of the recent ones are concerned with my disappointments in world affairs. . . politics. (There are, after all, a lot of disappointments to choose from). I can't ignore the the world, but more personal introspection and interests might be healthier. It's just too easy to get caught up in all the "big messes".
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 2 from "QUOTESMEFILES"
"Epiphanies are life defining moments that arrive 'unexpectedly'. I miss them when they don't come, and then get mired in the expectation of their arrival. That. . .should be a definition of conundrum."
"We all seek definition in our lives, when it's actually freedom from definition we desire" __________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "And they're called GREAT RELIGIONS"
"No matter how large its constituency, calling a religion "Great" is certainly a worthless proclamation if a large portion of the fold interpret and practice it in such a way as to endanger the whole of civilization. If a religion is to be of real value to the world, if it is to be truly "Great", it must share equally in promoting and maintaining the free and peaceful coexistence that all sane and reasonable people seek. . . no matter how they worship."
___________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "A BERTRAND RUSSEL QUOTE"
"What is wanted is not the will to believe, but the will to find out, which is the exact opposite." - Bertrand Russell
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "FILTERS"
People see through a personal filter that has been molded by knowledge and experience. A wise person sees through his own filter, but learns how to look through everyone else's' as well.
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "A LARGE BIT OF THE TRUTH"
While jotting down some notes the other day, a rather profound thought occured to me. THINK about it: "Other than what mankind misinterprets, misunderstands, contrives or lies about, there is absolutely nothing in the entire universe . . .that is false."
It's an interesting perspective on our position within the whole of existence. . .isn't it? We're an amazing life form to be sure, but so much of what we contribute to life is nothing short of free-will abuse. . .and it seems we're getting worse.
__________________________________________
AUGUST '06 "to ISLAMIC EXTREMEISTS"
You believe that God wants you to murder innocent people. Apparently, if they don't worship as you do, their lives are worthless. You believe God even approves of suicide in order to accomplish that goal. You believe God wants you to destroy a whole race of people, the Jews. We call that Genocide. For heaven's sake, you even seem to enjoy killing each other over different interpretations of your own religion. Apparently, you believe God wants you to do that too!
I feel so dumb. It didn't occur to me until recently that you're apparently worshiping a different god than the rest of the civilized world ! They worship a God that doesn't approve of any of those things, but does approve of peace, love and understanding. They don't believe in raising their children to Hate either . . . not anyone. You might seriously consider switching.
You can keep all the same rituals if you'd like. Just throw away the weapons and pray for clarity of thought, love and peace for your neighbors. . .no matter who they are. I can absolutely guarantee better results than you're getting. No exploding people for one thing.
If you believe prayers are answered, why not pray for peace. It's what we're doing. The thing is, if you purposely stand in the way of having prayers for peace answered, imagine what that makes you. . . in the eyes of our God anyway.
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "PROCESS"
"I've noticed: After enough years on the planet, even those who make stupid, silly or irrational decisions believe in their own process. I can only assume they've concluded that: "If I'm still alive. . .how wrong could I be ?"
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "PHOTO AGE"
I don't particularly like having my picture taken. I always think I look better than how I appear in the photos. This forces me to confront the fact that I'm probably fooling myself and have been for a long, long time.
Along with that foible, I've come to realize the obvious: I'm younger in every photo than I am right now; so, I look older right now than I do in all the photos of me that exist. And to top it off, that will always be the case.
When I was younger (and there are a lot of pictures to prove I was) I remember hearing stories about American Indians and African natives who refused to have their picture taken because they thought it would steal their spirit. Then. . . I thought they were dumb. Now. . . not so dumb.
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "JUDGMENTAL"
I often hear the comment: "I don't want to be judgmental" or "I'm not judgmental" (which is usually followed with a "but". . .and then their opinion). "You're very judgmental aren't you", is another one. People have somehow come to the conclusion that drawing a judgment about something or someone is a bad thing.
Perhaps in claiming not to be judgmental, they're really saying: "Don't worry, I won't hold it against you if you do or say something stupid". Or maybe they mean: "Feel free to be a phoney, because I don't plan on taking you seriously anyway." Most likely, it's: "I won't judge you if you don't judge me. We have both made fools of ourselves in the past. . .and this way we can both feel safe."
If people go through life unable or unwilling to evaluate and make judgments about others, how are they going to tell the good guys from the bad? Good ideas from crazy ones? Proper from barbaric, or moronic behavior?
The fact is, your capability to judge speaks volumes about YOU and your capacity to observe and discern.
When charged with being judgmental, I always reply: "You bet I am. I don't believe people who say they aren't. . .and wouldn't rely on a person who can't be."
__________________________________________
JUNE '06 "GOD'S GENDER. . .?"
I have a little difficulty dealing with people who seem preoccupied with proclaiming a GENDER for God. Though I certainly have no problem with male or female pronouns being used during the course of conversation about the subject, I personally find that "IT" works just fine most of the time and, in fact, serves as a far more inclusive reference. "IT" incorporates everything, including sexual connotations. . .if you feel that you (or God) absolutely need them. And though it may not seem so at first, "IT" is just as personal. The quality of being "personal", after all, depends on the relationship, the attitude and the reverence.
"HE" and "HIM" have been around for a long, long time and I won't presume to address the dominating, male, father, masculine why of it all. Then, there are those who absolutely insist on "SHE" and "HER". Primarily. . .certain women.
They appear lost in some sort of "Mother of the universe / Women are greater than men" mode that they can't (or won't) dig their way out of. Desperately searching for empowerment (wherever that might be hiding) they speak of God in terms of: "HER" and "SHE this" and "GODDESS that", gloriously managing to miss "IT" altogether.
If God's gender is critically important to one's philosophical doctrine, rejoice in the fact that they've gratuitously divulged their depth of understanding at the same time. So now, should the subject arise, you can wade away from it by swiftly changing the conversation to something just as meaningful, like. . . . .their favorite ice cream flavor.
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "IMAGINATION"
"Imagination is certainly our most important faculty. Functionary attributes are necessary of course. . . but it's what we imagine to do with them that ultimately defines each of us, as well as all of us together. Good or bad, mankind's future is ultimately what he imagines it to be."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 " The LIBERAL Profiler"
The Liberal leader of the Zebra tribe gathered all the zebras together and pleaded that they listen to reason: " . . .And just because it looks and smells like a lion and has big sharp teeth like a Lion, that doesn't mean it will kill you and tear your flesh off and . . .Oh Oh. . .. .I guess that one there in the back will. Sorry about that. Of course that doesn't mean that just because the next one looks, smells and has big teeth like a . . . .Oh Oh !!. . ..
Well, we'd better start checking all the Penguins and Bunnys and parakeets. Anyone could be hiding big sharp teeth. It's a time to be very cautious. . . but only if we can be fair about it."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "SCREAMING & YELLING"
"There's a lot of screaming and yelling going on out there. All kinds of Religious and Political stuff. It's the most barbaric method of drawing attention to yourself. Cavemen probably yelled a lot. Advertisers certainly do (which proves the barbaric thing).
If what you have to say is so shallow that you have to scream it, in order to get people to hear it, perhaps you should try to find something more important to say before you open your mouth. Intelligent people listen . . . even to whispers."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "SPECIAL CLOTHING required"
"There are a lot of religions that seem to have clothing requirements for the clergy as well as the congregation, hats and robes etc. I can almost hear the ancient religious leader speaking at the first meeting: "First things first, and this is important, I talked to God and he told me we're gonna have to get some hats."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "COMMON SENSE"
"Common sense is something most of us try to use everyday. Life is just too short to spend time with people who don't, can't or won't use theirs (even though it's occasionally entertaining). Maybe they could just wear T-Shirts with a logo. Give everyone a little warning."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "NOTE TO THE BOMBERS"
"As much as you think God enjoys watching you blow yourself up and killing all the innocent people around you. . .no sane person can fathom how you came up with that idea. That this needs to be addressed at all indicates there are a number of you out there that are simply too fucking stupid to be alive.
So. . .for you: The bomb idea is OK, but make sure you're alone when you hit the button. Any sane person would be happy to help with these instructions. Afterlife consequences are between you and whatever the hell it is you're worshiping."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "ENEMIES"
"No one is born your enemy, but some willingly train for the role."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06 "As an artist, I always feel I'm about to do my best work."
__________________________________________
APRIL '06: "RACISM? GIVE ME A BREAK"
"There is a country on one side of a border and a different country on the other side. People from either country need approval to live or work in the other. Race is not involved in the rules or their implementation. Race is not involved at all.
Interjecting racism into discussions about things that have nothing to do with race is a crude and obscene means of denigrating dialogues. Those that insist on such action should be publicly demeaned, before being totally ignored. It should disgust and shame everyone when stupidity is given equal footing with common sense."
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FEBRUARY '06: "THE ZONE"
" I read an article the other day that indicated there are living, breathing human beings who would actually vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton.. . . for President. . . OF THE UNITED STATES!!! PLEEEEZE Mr. Serling . . . tell me you're still alive and writing"
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