New Post (38) : Where there's music there can be love ! ! !
Here's a collection of what some all time great minds have had to say about music: (reflect)...
“Music is the universal language of mankind”
“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.”
“Music is an outburst of the soul.”
“Without music, life would be an error.”
“Music expresses that which cannot be put into words and cannot remain silent”
“Music produces a kind of pleasure which human nature cannot do without”
“Music speaks what cannot be expressed, soothes the mind and gives it rest, heals the heart and makes it whole, flows from heaven to the soul.”
“Music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”
“Music is enough for a lifetime, but a lifetime is not enough for music”
“Music and rhythm find their way into the secret places of the soul”
“I despise a world which does not feel that music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy”
“Where words fail, music speaks.”
“Where there's music there can be love”.
Any commentary on these thoughts would be quite …(well)…silly !
Charlie Brown
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
6.8 Billion and counting…
New Post (37) : 6.8 Billion and counting…
The bunnies are multiplying like---“all is well”.
LESS WILL HAVE TO BE THE NEW MORE.
There are 6.8 billion people already on the planet.
(…and growing unabated)
Even if the population clock stopped ticking today, we are (already) consuming way beyond the earth’s capacity to provide.
As the population (and means as well) expands, for developing nations, their historically meager slice of the consumption pie will expand. As a corollary---For developed nations, their slice of the pie will contract.
The growth of consumption is (only) the (visible) manifestation of the population problem.
The bunnies have to be persuaded to take it easy and slow down.
But that in ---most--- parts of the world is : Politically incorrect.
If we do not slow down, nature will slow us down.
Recommended further reading(exploration) on(of) the subject:
"The psycho-social stress implications of crowding", (which) has been the subject of much rigorous scientific study---on mice as subjects.
Charlie Brown
The bunnies are multiplying like---“all is well”.
LESS WILL HAVE TO BE THE NEW MORE.
There are 6.8 billion people already on the planet.
(…and growing unabated)
Even if the population clock stopped ticking today, we are (already) consuming way beyond the earth’s capacity to provide.
As the population (and means as well) expands, for developing nations, their historically meager slice of the consumption pie will expand. As a corollary---For developed nations, their slice of the pie will contract.
The growth of consumption is (only) the (visible) manifestation of the population problem.
The bunnies have to be persuaded to take it easy and slow down.
But that in ---most--- parts of the world is : Politically incorrect.
If we do not slow down, nature will slow us down.
Recommended further reading(exploration) on(of) the subject:
"The psycho-social stress implications of crowding", (which) has been the subject of much rigorous scientific study---on mice as subjects.
Charlie Brown
Islamic banking. Here to stay in the USA ?
New Post (36) : Islamic banking. Here to stay in the USA ?
1. Islamic banking (we are told) works on the principle of ZERO interest.
2. Now get this…
Quote (open) from a recent news item :
The U.S. Federal Reserve kept short-term interest rates at a record low Tuesday after a meeting of the central bank's closely-followed open market committee.
The Fed has kept the rate between zero and 0.25 percent since Dec. 2008 to encourage America's fledgling economic recovery.
It made no change to its key pledge to keep rates "exceptionally low" for an "extended period."
"The pace of economic recovery is likely to be modest in the near term," the statement said in a reiteration of previously reserved expectations.
The Fed’s decision came as the economy remains weak and inflation is very low, running at a 1.4 percent annual pace, MarketWatch reported. Since raising interest rates could encourage consumers to save, the central bank must be careful to continue to encourage spending.
Expectations are for rates to remain in the zero to 0.25 percent range until mid-2011.
Quote (close) from a recent news item.
You may want to run an independent Search on : Fed keeps key interest rate at record low near zero ...for more news reports on the subject,
3. So---What’s the difference between an Islamic ZERO% and an American 0.25%. (treat that as a………well………….rhetorical question)
Begs the question: Islamic banking. Here to stay in the USA ?
Charlie Brown
1. Islamic banking (we are told) works on the principle of ZERO interest.
2. Now get this…
Quote (open) from a recent news item :
The U.S. Federal Reserve kept short-term interest rates at a record low Tuesday after a meeting of the central bank's closely-followed open market committee.
The Fed has kept the rate between zero and 0.25 percent since Dec. 2008 to encourage America's fledgling economic recovery.
It made no change to its key pledge to keep rates "exceptionally low" for an "extended period."
"The pace of economic recovery is likely to be modest in the near term," the statement said in a reiteration of previously reserved expectations.
The Fed’s decision came as the economy remains weak and inflation is very low, running at a 1.4 percent annual pace, MarketWatch reported. Since raising interest rates could encourage consumers to save, the central bank must be careful to continue to encourage spending.
Expectations are for rates to remain in the zero to 0.25 percent range until mid-2011.
Quote (close) from a recent news item.
You may want to run an independent Search on : Fed keeps key interest rate at record low near zero ...for more news reports on the subject,
3. So---What’s the difference between an Islamic ZERO% and an American 0.25%. (treat that as a………well………….rhetorical question)
Begs the question: Islamic banking. Here to stay in the USA ?
Charlie Brown
Monday, November 15, 2010
One yard stick for giving, another yard stick for taking.
New Post (35) : One yard stick for giving, another yard stick for taking.
I AM UNABLE TO RECONCILE THIS DOUBLE STANDARD.
News item 1. (Current)
The main reason why the Tata group failed to start a private airline about 15 years ago surfaced on Monday when Chairman Ratan Tata said a bribe demand had scuttled the venture.
Speaking at a function in Dehra Dun on Monday, Mr. Tata said he didn’t re-enter the airline business, which was to be in a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, as he was not comfortable with the idea of bribing Rs 15 crore to a minister.
“We approached three prime ministers also. But an individual thwarted our efforts to form the airline,” Mr. Tata said, recalling how he spurned the suggestion. “A fellow industrialist had said: ‘You are stupid people. The minister was asking for Rs 15crore. Why didn’t you pay the money? “
News item 2. (Archive)
Telecom minister on Friday denied any corruption in the awarding of new licenses to telecom companies in the country last year after a raid by federal police on his ministry. Federal criminal investigation agency raided the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Thursday on suspicion that mobile phone network licenses were awarded to companies below the market rate.
Telecom Minister A Raja denied any "irregularities" during the sale while speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Friday.
"Licenses were issued in accordance with the law. I had no external pressure to deviate from the law," he said.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered criminal cases against unnamed officials working in the department and company executives for conspiring to keep prices down, CBI spokesperson Harsh Bhal said.
Bhal said investigations had revealed the sale of the licenses in 2008 was conducted on a "first come, first served basis" at 2001 prices without competitive bidding or an auction.
The DoT also put a cap on the number of applicants, against the advice of the industry regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, he said.
YOU CAN DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS (from the above).
As this observer sees it :
On the one hand a Rs15 crore bribe “allegedly” requested 15 years ago by one minister is --- (now after all these years) claimed to have been refused to be paid for reasons of “discomfort”. Even going public with the story.
That's ONE yard stick for "giving" ................! ! !
On the other hand mobile phone network licenses were obtained “comfortably” and “free of any guilt”, from another minister way-way-way below the market rate. The collective loss to the Government of India is being estimated by some at Rs1,73,000 Crore. (as one observes no one is, not at least as yet, disputing the fact of the loss or the number)
If this is indeed so---quite understandably “all” telecom players must have benefited equally from this cartelized-manipulation, i.e. if at all there was one.
That's ANOTHER yardstick for "taking" ...............! ! !
Are you able to see this glaring “contradiction” ! Are you ??? Seriously ??? I can.
I AM UNABLE TO RECONCILE THIS DOUBLE STANDARD.
In concluding…
One would have expected an application of greater discretion from Mr.Ratan Tata, “the industrialist who is looked up to by even his peer industrialists”…………not to speak of the common man in India, who holds him in the highest of esteem.
We are ALL naked in the public bath !
Charlie Brown
I AM UNABLE TO RECONCILE THIS DOUBLE STANDARD.
News item 1. (Current)
The main reason why the Tata group failed to start a private airline about 15 years ago surfaced on Monday when Chairman Ratan Tata said a bribe demand had scuttled the venture.
Speaking at a function in Dehra Dun on Monday, Mr. Tata said he didn’t re-enter the airline business, which was to be in a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, as he was not comfortable with the idea of bribing Rs 15 crore to a minister.
“We approached three prime ministers also. But an individual thwarted our efforts to form the airline,” Mr. Tata said, recalling how he spurned the suggestion. “A fellow industrialist had said: ‘You are stupid people. The minister was asking for Rs 15crore. Why didn’t you pay the money? “
News item 2. (Archive)
Telecom minister on Friday denied any corruption in the awarding of new licenses to telecom companies in the country last year after a raid by federal police on his ministry. Federal criminal investigation agency raided the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) on Thursday on suspicion that mobile phone network licenses were awarded to companies below the market rate.
Telecom Minister A Raja denied any "irregularities" during the sale while speaking to reporters in New Delhi on Friday.
"Licenses were issued in accordance with the law. I had no external pressure to deviate from the law," he said.
Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered criminal cases against unnamed officials working in the department and company executives for conspiring to keep prices down, CBI spokesperson Harsh Bhal said.
Bhal said investigations had revealed the sale of the licenses in 2008 was conducted on a "first come, first served basis" at 2001 prices without competitive bidding or an auction.
The DoT also put a cap on the number of applicants, against the advice of the industry regulator, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, he said.
YOU CAN DRAW YOUR OWN CONCLUSIONS (from the above).
As this observer sees it :
On the one hand a Rs15 crore bribe “allegedly” requested 15 years ago by one minister is --- (now after all these years) claimed to have been refused to be paid for reasons of “discomfort”. Even going public with the story.
That's ONE yard stick for "giving" ................! ! !
On the other hand mobile phone network licenses were obtained “comfortably” and “free of any guilt”, from another minister way-way-way below the market rate. The collective loss to the Government of India is being estimated by some at Rs1,73,000 Crore. (as one observes no one is, not at least as yet, disputing the fact of the loss or the number)
If this is indeed so---quite understandably “all” telecom players must have benefited equally from this cartelized-manipulation, i.e. if at all there was one.
That's ANOTHER yardstick for "taking" ...............! ! !
Are you able to see this glaring “contradiction” ! Are you ??? Seriously ??? I can.
I AM UNABLE TO RECONCILE THIS DOUBLE STANDARD.
In concluding…
One would have expected an application of greater discretion from Mr.Ratan Tata, “the industrialist who is looked up to by even his peer industrialists”…………not to speak of the common man in India, who holds him in the highest of esteem.
We are ALL naked in the public bath !
Charlie Brown
WWW : W.orldwide W.ater W.ars
New Post (34) : WWW : W.orldwide W.ater W.ars
Nothing quite like good old fashioned humour to lighten up i.e. before introducing a serious subject.
I was intrigued by this…(shocking as it is ?)…set me thinking…
Quote (open)
Water Wars is a game or competition…here is how you play it: Opponents go to opposing battle stations with buckets of water balloons. Each battle station has a water balloon launcher. Place a balloon in the launcher, pull down on the handle, aim, and fire! Your balloon soars high through the air and comes crashing down on your opponent's battle station. There are strategically placed slots and holes in the structure that allows the water to come through. You might get sprinkled, sprayed, or saturated, but watch out, retaliation comes quickly....!
Quote (close)
That said…
There is another kind of “Worldwide Water Wars” that is around the corner.
Actually, it’s already well upon us where pitched battles for a days requirement of water are waged at every dawn in the glitz and glam shrouded urban cities in the 3rd world.
Rural dwellers in large parts of the world trudge (walk) miles up and down each day to “fetch a pail of water”. (mostly women and children bear the burden of this daily duty)
Raging disputes on water rights both, between states within countries …and between countries are a “reality” that’s already upon us.
Gilding the lily will just not do. Anymore. That's woefully myopic.
How much longer before the “Worldwide Water Wars” will be unleashed.
Water (…after AIR) is the 2nd most vital resource that needs “active” managing.
Sometimes ...a picture can say it better than a 1000 words.
So picture this...
Imagine the Niagara falls ...(but) ...without the water.
If that does not shock, nothing will.
The message: "Conserve and recycle---like never before in human history".
Charlie Brown
Nothing quite like good old fashioned humour to lighten up i.e. before introducing a serious subject.
I was intrigued by this…(shocking as it is ?)…set me thinking…
Quote (open)
Water Wars is a game or competition…here is how you play it: Opponents go to opposing battle stations with buckets of water balloons. Each battle station has a water balloon launcher. Place a balloon in the launcher, pull down on the handle, aim, and fire! Your balloon soars high through the air and comes crashing down on your opponent's battle station. There are strategically placed slots and holes in the structure that allows the water to come through. You might get sprinkled, sprayed, or saturated, but watch out, retaliation comes quickly....!
Quote (close)
That said…
There is another kind of “Worldwide Water Wars” that is around the corner.
Actually, it’s already well upon us where pitched battles for a days requirement of water are waged at every dawn in the glitz and glam shrouded urban cities in the 3rd world.
Rural dwellers in large parts of the world trudge (walk) miles up and down each day to “fetch a pail of water”. (mostly women and children bear the burden of this daily duty)
Raging disputes on water rights both, between states within countries …and between countries are a “reality” that’s already upon us.
Gilding the lily will just not do. Anymore. That's woefully myopic.
How much longer before the “Worldwide Water Wars” will be unleashed.
Water (…after AIR) is the 2nd most vital resource that needs “active” managing.
Sometimes ...a picture can say it better than a 1000 words.
So picture this...
Imagine the Niagara falls ...(but) ...without the water.
If that does not shock, nothing will.
The message: "Conserve and recycle---like never before in human history".
Charlie Brown
The impending / imminent “clash of the titans” !
New Post (33) : The impending / imminent “clash of the titans” !
The world is made up of --- meddlers, peddlers and fence-sitters.
Always has been.
We have been witness to a collapse of one major bi-polarity and are now witness to the unfolding re-creation of another one.
One brought about by the dissolution of the Soviet bloc and one in the process of being created by the rise of China.
If we are to learn anything at all from the recent history of the past century it’s prudent for all nations of the world to stand away from being sucked into one or the others “influence”.
Satellite nations eventually stymie their own personalities and true potential for development/growth. Ending us as !!! banana!!! states.
A multi-polar world is in everyone’s enlightened self interest.
The more multi-polar---THE BETTER !
The (recently in evidence) jockeying by the 2 “aspirants-for-supremacy” in seeking the affections of “buddy” nations in the South East Asian geography (in particular) is somewhat “disturbing”.
This time around matters are more complex. Given the (unique) creditor/debtor relation ship between the 2---USA & China.
It’s time to watch out and …keep out of the way of their “crossfire”.
Charlie Brown
The world is made up of --- meddlers, peddlers and fence-sitters.
Always has been.
We have been witness to a collapse of one major bi-polarity and are now witness to the unfolding re-creation of another one.
One brought about by the dissolution of the Soviet bloc and one in the process of being created by the rise of China.
If we are to learn anything at all from the recent history of the past century it’s prudent for all nations of the world to stand away from being sucked into one or the others “influence”.
Satellite nations eventually stymie their own personalities and true potential for development/growth. Ending us as !!! banana!!! states.
A multi-polar world is in everyone’s enlightened self interest.
The more multi-polar---THE BETTER !
The (recently in evidence) jockeying by the 2 “aspirants-for-supremacy” in seeking the affections of “buddy” nations in the South East Asian geography (in particular) is somewhat “disturbing”.
This time around matters are more complex. Given the (unique) creditor/debtor relation ship between the 2---USA & China.
It’s time to watch out and …keep out of the way of their “crossfire”.
Charlie Brown
Sunday, November 14, 2010
I care !
New Post (32) : I care !
Take the time out to send…
…”art and craft materials” …for fun and education at home. Such as Crayons, Ready Mixed Paints, Powder Paints, Art paper, Sugar Paper Card, Collage Materials, Display Materials, Glues and Adhesives, Face Paints, Modeling Materials, Glitter, Sequins, Pipe cleaners, Card making and Scrap booking products …and such more.
Are you asking---Who to ?
...(well…) To "the kids in Iraq & Afghanistan".
Include a “I care” message on the brightly wrapped package !
Standing with (them) is right. Being an idle bystander is wrong.
Launch OPERATION --- "LOVE-will-prevail".
Give these kids a chance...! ! ! They deserve better. Much better.
For the small price of postage money bring a smile to the face and joy to the heart of a child in a "WAR ZONE". (a zone that is not one of their creation)
IMPORTANTe': Persuade at least one more friend to do likewise.
Charlie Brown
Take the time out to send…
…”art and craft materials” …for fun and education at home. Such as Crayons, Ready Mixed Paints, Powder Paints, Art paper, Sugar Paper Card, Collage Materials, Display Materials, Glues and Adhesives, Face Paints, Modeling Materials, Glitter, Sequins, Pipe cleaners, Card making and Scrap booking products …and such more.
Are you asking---Who to ?
...(well…) To "the kids in Iraq & Afghanistan".
Include a “I care” message on the brightly wrapped package !
Standing with (them) is right. Being an idle bystander is wrong.
Launch OPERATION --- "LOVE-will-prevail".
Give these kids a chance...! ! ! They deserve better. Much better.
For the small price of postage money bring a smile to the face and joy to the heart of a child in a "WAR ZONE". (a zone that is not one of their creation)
IMPORTANTe': Persuade at least one more friend to do likewise.
Charlie Brown
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