2011-01-30

tendentiousness

i adore people that have preconceived ideas about intelligence -- ya know, those dealing with gender, race, region, etc. --- while some aren't intentional [as the title suggests] i am still amused at those i meet who automatically assume i am of below average intelligence.

many of my elder profs looked at me and thought i was in the wrong class...
"a female in quantum physics??  an attractive female?? ... she MUST have read her schedule incorrectly"

the one time i defended sarah palin was after the katie couric interview.  if you recall, couric grilled palin on the newspapers she read. i despise defending politicians and/or celebrities... my area of expertise is snark... and it's much more enjoyable than defending... much, much more fun.


it reminded me of a time in san fransisco -- i was at a coffee shop reading the times or wall street journal [ loooong before cell phones and smart phones were de rigueur], can't recall which.. and my server started a conversation, noted my accent, asked where i was from, then stated,
"wow, i never would expect to see you reading THIS paper"

i was a bit startled and asked 'why?' --- he stammered and stuttered.. and i told him...
"aawww babe, don't be embarrassed... i just picked up this purty paper to wipe my aaaiiiss with later... y'all sell some mighty fine toilet paper here in cal-I-forn-ia"

he sent another server and i didn't see his face again.

2011-01-10

Desiderata ~ Max Ehrman

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,

and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender, be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,

even to the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.



Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter,

for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.

Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.



Keep interested in your own career, however humble;

it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,

for the world is full of trickery.

But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;

many persons strive for high ideals,

and everywhere life is full of heroism.



Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.

Neither be cynical about love;

for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment

it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,

gracefully surrendering the things of youth.

Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.

Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.



Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you,

no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.



Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be.

And whatever your labors and aspirations,

in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams,

it is still a beautiful world.

Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.





(c) Max Ehrman 1926

2011-01-07

now you are not supposed to doubt

US Armed Forces and spirituality......

 is there a study that says those that do not believe [spirituality/religion] are not fit for combat? no ... i'm serious... is there?




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