Sunday, April 28, 2013

"How They Succeeded"

This is what our kids should be being taught at school.

Each chapter is a short interview with one successful person and the same question is asked: What advice to you have on how to succeed for young people today?  From Edison to Carnegie to Rockerfeller the answer is always the same.  There is no secret to success but there are keys and these successful people give them to you.

However, there is one answer, one key - "One ring to rule them all" - to put in the language of today's youth, and that is PERSEVERANCE.  It was true before their time, during their time and it's true today.





Monday, March 25, 2013

The internet unlocked something dark in humanity.




Is "unlocked" the right word?  I think exposed is more accurate.  And that's a good thing isn't it?  Take these comments for example:

"Using the examples of church sex scandals, politicians’ expenses and phone-hacking, he added: ‘In the last few  years every single pillar of society has collapsed one after the other.

‘I can’t remember as a boy growing up that so many  pillars were found to be so rotten."

The Internet didn't "unlock" these misdeeds - it exposed them - informing the world and allowing something to be done about them.

In addition, these pillars were rotten decades ago and only fell in the last few years thanks to the Internet.  He can't remember the pillars being so rotten because there was no Internet to expose them when he was a boy.

I don't know if a book has been written on the subject but, someone should write one.


Sunday, March 24, 2013

Life manifesto


Sequester? What sequester?

First this.


The United States has quietly unblocked almost $500 million in aid to the Palestinian Authority which had been frozen by Congress for months, a top US official said Friday.

Then this.

Obama to give $200 million to Syria.

Ready for the apocalypse! One American family shows what it takes to prepare for the end of civilisation as we know it

There are people who laugh at these people.  Those laughing don't live in Greece or Cyprus.

Sunday, March 17, 2013

Cash machines EMPTIED across Cyprus

Now they're stealing savings!


Up to 60,000 British savers are to lose thousands of pounds each after European finance chiefs ordered an unprecedented  raid on personal bank accounts.

Expats and UK troops based in Cyprus will have their savings decimated as part of a  painful bid to bail out the bankrupt island. 

Britons have about £1.7 billion of deposits in Cyprus and could lose up to £170 million.


Saturday, March 16, 2013

Happiness

What is it?  Since so many search in vain for happiness perhaps a proper definition is in order.

Before I begin to set out my thoughts on the subject, be aware that I'm no expert in the field, have no qualifications and am simply an old man.

In my humble opinion most people confuse pleasure with happiness.  Things like drugs, alcohol, sex, video games, movies, fine food, money etc., etc., even love, are considered by many to bring them happiness.  Some of those items taken in strength or combined, may even bring temporary euphoria.  Indulging in such things one after the other or in some sort of rotation, may even prolong a perceived happiness for long periods of time.  To me such things may bring temporary pleasure, and that's ok, but take them away or indeed over use them and the pleasure lessens or ends.

If we were to agree then, that these are temporary pleasures and not lasting or true happiness, we must find a true definition of happiness.  I'll put forth this as a definition - peace of mind or, contentment if you prefer.  I prefer peace of mind because, to me, it includes the mind, body and spirit.  In addition, contentment seems temporary to me as you might feel after a satisfying meal. If we accept peace of mind as a definition, how do we all find our own peace of mind?

Thousands of books have been written on the subject and it might seem no one can agree on an answer.  Perhaps that is because we are all unique individuals and approach the subject with our own prejudices.  Still, some like me do find peace of mind.  In my opinion therefore, there must be some basic elements that make up peace of mind.  Before I set out what I think they are, I would caution not to dismiss them as they may seem too simple and, depending on where you are in your life, they may take a great deal of study.  In fact, I study and practice them everyday - this is vital to success.

Before we begin,  I advise this and advise reading it first thing every morning, "smile, you're on a grand adventure!"  And if you hit any difficulties along the way say this, "This too shall pass".

I would advise to start with researching and developing a set of written ethics to live by, which are then read several times a day.  I would start with ethics as they will be your compass.  I would write them down because it forces you to refine and understand what each means to you.  I would read them several times a day to ingrain them in your subconscious mind.  That way, you will act and react to the outside world automatically, in the most appropriate manner.  Here are the ethics I try and live by - I say try because I'm not perfect and occasionally fail:

The Golden Rule - do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Strict honesty - do this everday in all your dealings
Don't criticise, complain or condemn - there are ways to instruct or put things right without them.
Remember the other person has their own story - understand other people
It's not about you - it's about the people you serve, their success is your success
Never argue - you can never win.  You may win "the point" but you will lose friends and allies
Live frugally and healthy
Learn everyday
Insist on excellence
Study human nature - we are vain creatures ruled by emotions. Everyone wants to feel important.
Know what you want - be as precise as you can
What you think you become - thoughts are powerful things.
Do at least one good deed every day - it makes you and the other person both happy
Work for the benefit of mankind - you'll improve your world and yourself.
Live debt free - a major boost to peace of mind.  "Lying rides on debts back" - Franklin
Happiness comes from within - true by definition as peace of mind comes from within

Next, I would read and study the subject in depth.  I would suggest reading autobiographies and biographies of successful people.  They learned happiness the hard way and have a lot to teach.

Monday, March 11, 2013

Ex-Detroit Mayor Kilpatrick convicted in corruption case

Notice what's missing from this CNN report?

Kirkpatrick is a Democrat.  Interesting how the left wing media always leave that out.

Oh, and don't forget, Kilpatrick is a close friend of Obama's.

Just in case you think the CNN report is a one off, CBS fails to mention he's a Democrat as well.

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Why Leftism is Failure Incarnate

A good primer on the subject.

Mark Lynas "I was wrong" to oppose GM crops

Takes a big person to admit they're wrong

"Once the crowd's mannered applause had died down, he began. "My lords, ladies and gentlemen. I want to start with some apologies, which I believe are most appropriate to this audience. For the record, here and upfront, I apologise for having spent several years ripping up GM crops. I'm also sorry that I helped to start the anti-GM movement back in the mid-1990s and that I thereby assisted in demonising an important technological option which can be used to benefit the environment. As an environmentalist, and someone who believes that everyone in this world has a right to a healthy and nutritious diet of their choosing, I could not have chosen a more counter-productive path. I now regret it completely."

Amazing the Guardian ran the story.

We've seen some "warmist" change their minds lately on global warming.  Maybe there's hope yet.

Haiti's nightmare: Missing billions in aid

This  is why I never donate to these causes.

Where's the media and celebrities now?  Surely, this is as bad as the earthquake itself.  Good on the Mail for this story but it needs a lot more attention.

Protesters burn Christian homes in Pakistan

The religion of peace at work.

This caught my eye:

"Blasphemy is an extremely sensitive issue in Pakistan, where 97 percent of the population are Muslims, and allegations of insulting Islam or the Prophet Mohammed can prompt violent outbursts of public anger, even when unproven."

Any excuse to attack non Muslims.

Britain and America need to cut off aid to Pakistan.

Thursday, March 07, 2013

Obama's drones and Bill Ayers

Those on the left supporting Obama's drone policy directed at Americans, would do well to think about Bill Ayers.
 
Brain Bliss