Thoughts
by Fred Berman //
JANUARY 31st!! Already? What up wit dat?
It seems like only yesterday I wrote down a whole new set of resolutions. I haven’t quite got around to implementing them yet. I am just giving myself until next Monday and then “Look out World!”
“Hope springs eternal in every human breast!” POPE. (Alexander, not Jorge Mario Bergoglio)
by Fred Berman //
So Jon and Pam were married for twelve days in 2020 and Pam says it wasn’t even a legal marriage. But they remained friends and Jon told People Mag he is leaving her $10 Million in his will. He is 77 but we know 70 is the new 50 so who knows when she’ll collect? There is no rush, that’s not the point.
And we all know the story of George Clooney giving each of his closest friends a suitcase containing a million dollars cash. Beautiful gesture George! Also, let’s not forget the reclusive millionaire John Beresford Tipton who charged Michael Anthony with surprising total strangers with a cool million bucks, (but to be historically accurate there was a 90% tax bracket in those days so it may not have equaled Jon and George’s largesse).
It all does beg the question, “Where’s mine?” I want to put it out there that I will marry you for 12 days, (not legally and with Linda’s permission, of course; all genders welcome), will accept all suitcases and will maintain the secrecy of a reclusive millionaire if that be his, or her, wish.
Please don’t misunderstand, this is not about money! Hahahahahahahahaha! Sorry, I couldn’t say that with a straight face!
by Fred Berman //
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world.”
Is that the dumbest thing you ever heard? What Einstein came up with that idea?
Oh really…Albert? The E = mc2 guy?
Actually, it makes sense…I imagine.
by Fred Berman //
I received an email from my hosting service informing me today, January 28th, is Data Privacy Day. Is data privacy really a thing? Between Siri, Alexa, every social media account and any on-line service we see daily examples of just how un-private all of our data has become.
In fact, isn’t the term “Data Privacy” a perfect example of the primary definition of an oxymoron?
Ox·y·mo·ron:
/ˌäksəˈmôrˌän/
1. A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
2. A person who really believed Billy Mays when he said Oxiclean gets out tough stains.
3. A couple’s portmanteau of the brain’s Occipital Lobe and Donald Trump.
by Fred Berman //
The sign of Rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. 2023 is predicted to be a year of hope. According to my limited knowledge of Chinese astrology, Rabbits are predicted to be gentle, quiet, elegant, and alert as well as quick, skillful, kind, and patient.
People born in a year of the Rabbit are called “Rabbits” and are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious, all of which leads me to believe that out of 435 Representatives and 100 Senators in Washington, DC, not one of them was born a Rabbit!
You know what might be more interesting? Let’s discuss The Year of the Rat!
by Fred Berman //
Our government has a terrible record when it comes to rebuilding the infrastructure of the nation. We have made 1% of our population billionaires from our massive war spending, but now find our roads, power grids, sewage systems and many other projects are crumbling and need to be upgraded or replaced. We have to start somewhere and while I may have chosen a different item to receive government assistance, I am happy for those with worn out harps and hope the program expands to the woodwinds, percussion and brass as well.
And for those of you that think the obvious misunderstanding of the acronym HARP is cheesy and not worthy of a true wordsmith; someone so clever and erudite as myself, I say tough toenails and I’m rubber and you’re glue so whatever you say bounces off me and sticks to you!
You’ve been schooled!
by Fred Berman //
Though I am far from an expert; way far, I read “Buddhism emphasizes the cultivation of four “sublime” or “noble” attitudes toward all beings: loving-kindness (friendliness), compassion (willing to cease suffering), appreciative joy (feeling happy for others), and equanimity (calm based on wisdom).” These are known as the “Four Immeasurables.”
If you don’t live or strive to live any of these behaviors, your career choices are somewhat limited. You can do the following:
by Fred Berman //
Our Friends at the AARP Magazine published an article quoting Alexis Supan, an outpatient dietitian with the Cleveland Clinic Center for Integrative & Lifestyle Medicine. “Mostly any vegetable besides potato, corn and peas, you can eat endlessly.” Ignoring the questionable syntax, I was intrigued and wanted to see the list.
Indulge in these to your heart’s content, along with a balanced diet.
I eat everything on the list yet am always fighting a weight gain. I ate two heads if iceberg lettuce last week and gained 2 pounds. I suppose there may have been better choices than the fried bologna, mayonnaise and Wonder Bread I ate with the greenery.
(Note to self: Try a kiwi, carrot, cauliflower and Kale sandwich on lettuce leaves for lunch and then get on the scale. If that does not work I am at a loss).
by Fred Berman //
I anticipate 10 chapters in this, volume one of a 4-part series. I started it in 1999, (24 years ago, so an average of 8 years per chapter). If I do the math correctly Book 1 should be ready for publication in 2079.
I hope you are all still around to celebrate with me!
by Fred Berman //
For those of you fortunate enough to be a friend of Geoff’s know he is a walking Encyclopedia of Music and musical artists. I have discovered many favorites through his posts and have expanded my interest in all types of music. So my quick foray into his realm is only to tell you about a video on YouTube I came across one sleepless night.
I have always loved Etta James’ rendition of “I’d Rather be Blind.” You might not be able to beat it, but the one from Singer Beth Hart and guitarist Joe Bonamassa from their 2015 “Live in Amsterdam” is amazing as well.
Just Google: YouTube Joe Bonamassa Beth Hart I’d Rather go Blind (9:43)
In the words of Hans and Franz: “Listen now and believe me later!”