And that's the way we did it in 2014! Thanks to all my friends and family...couldn't have done it without you!

And that's the way we did it in 2014! Thanks to all my friends and family...couldn't have done it without you! - Create YOUR own My Times to review your posts in 2014. It’s not only easy, but it’s also Free!! Just one Click!!

I had to re-post this because it's a beautiful historic memory at this time of year and the wise always learn from the past. These are the kinds of things that allow us to retain our faith in humankind...so they should not be forgotten. ;) Happy Holidays, everyone...! [And thanks very much for the heads-up, Mark Stolz!]

I had to re-post this because it's a beautiful historic memory at this time of year and the wise always learn from the past. These are the kinds of things that allow us to retain our faith in humankind...so they should not be forgotten. ;) Happy Holidays, everyone...! [And thanks very much for the heads-up, Mark Stolz!] - World War I had just begun and the battles were blazing in the winter of 1914. But on Christmas Eve, something strange and unexpected happened. The soldiers in the trenches decided to call a truce.

Pure Awesomeness... Imagine what can happen in the future if we link communications with automated manufacturing aboard unmanned future craft!

Pure Awesomeness... Imagine what can happen in the future if we link communications with automated manufacturing aboard unmanned future craft! - Barry Wilmore, International Space Station (ISS) Commander, recently needed a wrench that they didn't have on-board the ISS... so NASA emailed him one.

Totally awesome yuletide humor! Thanks, David K. Clarke, I really needed that, right now! (y)

Totally awesome yuletide humor! Thanks, David K. Clarke, I really needed that, right now! (y) - It's December tomorrow! I can't think of a better way to celebrate the countdown to Christmas than unintentional comedy from Patrick Stewart.

I had no doubt...

I had no doubt... - Ever wondered what career could be just right for you? Take this quiz and find out which one it is!

I really do enjoy when people - who have put forth the effort and thought required to be qualified to speak about things as well as have the courage to say them - share their wisdom. Here is a very fine example...

I really do enjoy when people - who have put forth the effort and thought required to be qualified to speak about things as well as have the courage to say them - share their wisdom. Here is a very fine example... - Bank rate cuts and an anticorruption campaign are unlikely to stave off China’s growing economic woes.

What can you say about George Carlin that hasn't already been said? Genius, visionary, very hard-working man...perhaps, the hardest working comic/writer in the business - and, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest contemporary philosophers of our time. I've always felt a very deep connection with Carlin for more reasons than I have time to enumerate, right now. I often post things about him because I want to see the legacy of this incredible man live on for as long as I'm still breathing, at the very least, and long after I'm gone - if there is any justice in this world. Here's George in an interview - the very best he ever attended...and my own personal favorite - conducted by Jon Stewart when he was much younger and before he was a household name. There are so many interesting and truthful things in this video, especially the discussions about the type of school he attended (and the way he turned out as a result - something to think about), his predictions about Stewart and, as usual, his perspectives about so many other things. You will always be missed... Rest in peace, George! #GeorgeCarlin #JonStewart

What can you say about George Carlin that hasn't already been said? Genius, visionary, very hard-working man...perhaps, the hardest working comic/writer in the business - and, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest contemporary philosophers of our time. I've always felt a very deep connection with Carlin for more reasons than I have time to enumerate, right now. I often post things about him because I want to see the legacy of this incredible man live on for as long as I'm still breathing, at the very least, and long after I'm gone - if there is any justice in this world. Here's George in an interview - the very best he ever attended...and my own personal favorite - conducted by Jon Stewart when he was much younger and before he was a household name. There are so many interesting and truthful things in this video, especially the discussions about the type of school he attended (and the way he turned out as a result - something to think about), his predictions about Stewart and, as usual, his perspectives about so many other things. You will always be missed... Rest in peace, George! #GeorgeCarlin #JonStewart - Great video of a young Jon Stewart interviewing George Carlin. Both comedy legends! IMHO

What can you say about George Carlin that hasn't already been said? Genius, visionary, very hard-working man...perhaps, the hardest working comic/writer in the business - and, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest contemporary philosophers of our time. I've always felt a very deep connection with George Carlin for more reasons than I have time to enumerate, right now. I often post things about him because I want to see the legacy of this incredible man live on for as long as I'm still breathing, at the very least, and long after I'm gone - if there is any justice in this world. Here's George in an interview - the very best he ever attended...and my own personal favorite - conducted by Jon Stewart when he was much younger and before he was a household name. There are so many interesting and truthful things in this video, especially the discussions about the type of school he attended (and the way he turned out as a result - something to think about), his predictions about Stewart and, as usual, his perspectives about so many other things. You will always be missed... Rest in peace, George! #GeorgeCarlin #JonStewart

What can you say about George Carlin that hasn't already been said? Genius, visionary, very hard-working man...perhaps, the hardest working comic/writer in the business - and, in my humble opinion, one of the greatest contemporary philosophers of our time. I've always felt a very deep connection with George Carlin for more reasons than I have time to enumerate, right now. I often post things about him because I want to see the legacy of this incredible man live on for as long as I'm still breathing, at the very least, and long after I'm gone - if there is any justice in this world. Here's George in an interview - the very best he ever attended...and my own personal favorite - conducted by Jon Stewart when he was much younger and before he was a household name. There are so many interesting and truthful things in this video, especially the discussions about the type of school he attended (and the way he turned out as a result - something to think about), his predictions about Stewart and, as usual, his perspectives about so many other things. You will always be missed... Rest in peace, George! #GeorgeCarlin #JonStewart -

This article offers a very good analysis of the real status of economics in China - something many Chinese people are woefully unaware of, unfortunately (mostly because they are more concerned with profiting in the short term than being able to sustain profit in the long term). That, however, will probably change real soon. Right now, it's a small majority in China who understand this. They're either victims, suspects looking for a quick exit...or very fortunate Chinese citizens who have acquired the gift of knowledge through traveling and studying overseas and, aside from the fact that the economic condition of their country will - no doubt - affect them negatively, are mostly well-aware and hopefully unaffected, so far. These are the people I call friends and I certainly wish both...that they will do as much as possible to correct the situation when they return and that they have great success and happiness in the future. They are truly China's future. This is Australia's take on the matter and, as near as I have seen in the decade I've been here, it is pretty much spot-on. It might be worth the read, if you want the real story...

This article offers a very good analysis of the real status of economics in China - something many Chinese people are woefully unaware of, unfortunately (mostly because they are more concerned with profiting in the short term than being able to sustain profit in the long term). That, however, will probably change real soon. Right now, it's a small majority in China who understand this. They're either victims, suspects looking for a quick exit...or very fortunate Chinese citizens who have acquired the gift of knowledge through traveling and studying overseas and, aside from the fact that the economic condition of their country will - no doubt - affect them negatively, are mostly well-aware and hopefully unaffected, so far. These are the people I call friends and I certainly wish both...that they will do as much as possible to correct the situation when they return and that they have great success and happiness in the future. They are truly China's future. This is Australia's take on the matter and, as near as I have seen in the decade I've been here, it is pretty much spot-on. It might be worth the read, if you want the real story... - China, like Australia, is about to discover that reform is actually very hard.

What's that in my living room under the Christmas tree? Oh! It's just the elephant in the room... Chris Rock: A brilliant man from the same vein as the Legendary George Carlin (Rest In Peace!). Using humor to spread messages that are of critical importance to society at large. Both men carry a pair much bigger than the average man could ever manage. For their efforts and their approach, they have my utmost respect... Thanks, Chris! "Former SNL cast member and "Top Five" writer, director and star Chris Rock returns to Studio 8H to discuss the NYC Marathon, the Freedom Tower and the commercialization of holidays."

What's that in my living room under the Christmas tree? Oh! It's just the elephant in the room... Chris Rock: A brilliant man from the same vein as the Legendary George Carlin (Rest In Peace!). Using humor to spread messages that are of critical importance to society at large. Both men carry a pair much bigger than the average man could ever manage. For their efforts and their approach, they have my utmost respect... Thanks, Chris! "Former SNL cast member and "Top Five" writer, director and star Chris Rock returns to Studio 8H to discuss the NYC Marathon, the Freedom Tower and the commercialization of holidays." - Most comedians wouldn't touch sensitive topics like the tragedies of 9/11 and the Boston Marathon bombing or explosive issues such as gun control with a 10-foot pole. But Chris Rock isn't most come...

I just stumbled across this yesterday... I thought some of you might like a heads-up. Not only is it an incredible collection, but it's also very well-organized!

I just stumbled across this yesterday... I thought some of you might like a heads-up. Not only is it an incredible collection, but it's also very well-organized! -

Recommended reading... ;) (y)

Recommended reading... ;) (y) - All my life I've heard things that boil down to "you always think you're so right." I used to take this as criticism or even blame. Now I take it as a compliment. As a matter of fact, I actually am...

Aaand *just* when you thought you knew it all... See if you can wrap your 'frontal lobes' around this:

Aaand *just* when you thought you knew it all... See if you can wrap your 'frontal lobes' around this: - Physical realism is the view that the physical world we see is real and exists by itself, alone. Most people think this is self-evident, but physical reali

This is some gr00vy stuff! I ran across this and thought... "I've got several friends who'd love a heads-up on this article!" (Starr Jernigan - Youre the first who came to mind, hehe...) So, here you go:

This is some gr00vy stuff! I ran across this and thought... "I've got several friends who'd love a heads-up on this article!" (Starr Jernigan - Youre the first who came to mind, hehe...) So, here you go: - The Beatles’ sojourn in India can seem like a bit of a stunt, as much a rock n’ roll cliché as Led Zeppelin’s trashed hotel rooms or Fleetwood Mac’s coke binges. Easily parodied in, for example, Walk Hard:

Sagan was a visionary... (y)

Sagan was a visionary... (y) - I've seen many science fiction movies and countless documentaries about the future of humanity. Nothing I've ever seen was as inspiring and beautiful as this extraordinary short film by Erik Wernquist, narrated by Carl Sagan. It is not hyperbole. Turn off the lights, pump the volume, and get ready for goosebumps.

Funny (and tragically true) stuff, but I still think a few more losers were missing on those steps. They're called 'Lobbyists'. (y)

Funny (and tragically true) stuff, but I still think a few more losers were missing on those steps. They're called 'Lobbyists'. (y) - Meet Executive Order.

Food for thought... ;) (y)

Food for thought... ;) (y) - If you've taken a good art history course on the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, you've inevitably encountered Vincent van Gogh's 1889 masterpiece 'Starry Night,' which now hangs in the MoMA in New York City.

You REALLY oughtta' go check this page out! ;o) Pure Awesomeness... (y)

You REALLY oughtta' go check this page out! ;o) Pure Awesomeness... (y) - Just pretty pictures

From the day it was released until this very day, I've been (and will always be) in awe of the incredible effort that went into these projects. To my knowledge, only 2 complete DVDs (both of which I own) were ever released. Here are as many HD clips as I could find grouped in a collection for you to enjoy. I think you'll be as amazed as I was! ;) (y)

From the day it was released until this very day, I've been (and will always be) in awe of the incredible effort that went into these projects. To my knowledge, only 2 complete DVDs (both of which I own) were ever released. Here are as many HD clips as I could find grouped in a collection for you to enjoy. I think you'll be as amazed as I was! ;) (y) -

It's been very distressing stumbling across these situations since living over here - and I've actually stepped up once or twice to assist (when nobody else would) if I could be of use. It took a while for me to figure out what made people act this way and...sure, at first, I thought it was just terrible people who were more concerned with themselves than others but that wasn't it at all. The only reason many in the West don't do the same thing (vilification by society aside) is because of laws protecting them from illicit repercussions. In the States, we have a Good Samaritan law but, in China, there is little to protect the people from having their entire lives and futures taken away from them after simply trying to help someone in danger - who turned out to be an unethical opportunist. It makes quite a bit more sense when you think of it from that perspective. I've been mentioning how the issue could be resolved for several years now, hoping it will spread to the right ears. Things are getting better - as they do in developing countries, eventually - but there's still a bit further to go and...in the wise words of Plato: "Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." ;) (y)

It's been very distressing stumbling across these situations since living over here - and I've actually stepped up once or twice to assist (when nobody else would) if I could be of use. It took a while for me to figure out what made people act this way and...sure, at first, I thought it was just terrible people who were more concerned with themselves than others but that wasn't it at all. The only reason many in the West don't do the same thing (vilification by society aside) is because of laws protecting them from illicit repercussions. In the States, we have a Good Samaritan law but, in China, there is little to protect the people from having their entire lives and futures taken away from them after simply trying to help someone in danger - who turned out to be an unethical opportunist. It makes quite a bit more sense when you think of it from that perspective. I've been mentioning how the issue could be resolved for several years now, hoping it will spread to the right ears. Things are getting better - as they do in developing countries, eventually - but there's still a bit further to go and...in the wise words of Plato: "Never discourage anyone...who continually makes progress, no matter how slow." ;) (y) - Tweet Email Tweet EmailA woman got her neck trapped between roadside rails in Beijing Monday morning. For about half an hour, all passersby looked on curiously without helping her. She was pronouned brain dead at local hospital this morning. Security

We've already seen what happens when we allow politicians to make our choices for us. Let's continue working to keep as many choices as we can for ourselves to make... (y)

We've already seen what happens when we allow politicians to make our choices for us. Let's continue working to keep as many choices as we can for ourselves to make... (y) - For 10 years, Firefox has stayed non-profit, non-corporate, non-compromised. Choosing Firefox isn’t just choosing a browser. It’s a vote for personal freedom.

This is fun... :)

This is fun... :) - The stunningly animated Mean Teddies reveals what stuffed toys get up to while children sleep. When nightmares threaten to run rampant, these plush creatures come to life to fight on behalf of their children.

Pure awesomeness... ;) (y)

Pure awesomeness... ;) (y) - Although cultures around the world may regard the crow as a scavenger, bad omen, or simply a nuisance, this bad reputation might overshadow what could be reg...

WARNING: Some things cannot be un-watched... But, just in case you're feeling nostalgic about the 60s - the chemicals, not the era - Go ahead and watch. You were warned! :P (Seriously... www.WTF.com?) I'd thank you for sharing, David K. Clarke - but I'm not yet sure I'm thankful, hehe...

WARNING: Some things cannot be un-watched... But, just in case you're feeling nostalgic about the 60s - the chemicals, not the era - Go ahead and watch. You were warned! :P (Seriously... www.WTF.com?) I'd thank you for sharing, David K. Clarke - but I'm not yet sure I'm thankful, hehe... - 王蓉最新神曲《小雞小雞》MV首播！這首歌曲在創作上，歌曲的演唱上，都有極為大膽的驚人之舉，旋律部分的歌詞從頭到尾不超過五個字，小雞，母雞，公雞，咕咕day。歌聲顛覆性的采用了模仿動物的各種叫聲進行，聽的時候真的感覺到了歡樂的農場，看到一群動物在歡歌熱舞。這種極具實驗性的奇特唱法告訴你：神曲永遠超乎你想象！前所未有...

If the last post was too much for ya, here's something that is enjoyable by all, whether you're into Astrophysics, Art, 3D Design, Science or...whateva'. Enjoy it any way you like! *** For the record, I neither frequent nor shy away from 'UFO' websites. *** [The safe bet is to always keep an open mind!] ;) (y)

If the last post was too much for ya, here's something that is enjoyable by all, whether you're into Astrophysics, Art, 3D Design, Science or...whateva'. Enjoy it any way you like! *** For the record, I neither frequent nor shy away from 'UFO' websites. *** [The safe bet is to always keep an open mind!] ;) (y) - Have you ever wondered what a nebula may look like in 3D? Wonder no more! Due to the vast distan...

Wow, what a read... I usually avoid the 'comments sections' (for obvious reasons), but the content of this page - both the article and subsequent comments - has widened my perspective, lengthened my research list and stunned my mind so profoundly that I'd better go check for a nosebleed! :P If you care about your future, spend much time wondering what's really going on in this world, regularly inform and update your personal opinion on such things or are just morbidly curious about whether it's God, the NWO/WTO/IMF/BRICS, ogliiarchs, aliens, Devil worshippers who are leading the debacle...you might want to check this out. It's all in there, trust me... In fact, clear your schedule for a couple weeks! :P

Wow, what a read... I usually avoid the 'comments sections' (for obvious reasons), but the content of this page - both the article and subsequent comments - has widened my perspective, lengthened my research list and stunned my mind so profoundly that I'd better go check for a nosebleed! :P If you care about your future, spend much time wondering what's really going on in this world, regularly inform and update your personal opinion on such things or are just morbidly curious about whether it's God, the NWO/WTO/IMF/BRICS, ogliiarchs, aliens, Devil worshippers who are leading the debacle...you might want to check this out. It's all in there, trust me... In fact, clear your schedule for a couple weeks! :P - Submitted by Brandon Smith via Alt-Market.com, Over a year ago I published an essay entitled 'The Linchpin Lie: How Global Collapse Will Be Sold To The Masses'. This essay addressed efforts by the ever malicious Rand Corporation to create a false narrative surrounding the possibility of global colla…

I'm really inspired when an ingenious plan comes together... ;) (y)

I'm really inspired when an ingenious plan comes together... ;) (y) - Simple, beautiful & ad-free.

Well, that was certainly stirring, but I prefer to be shaken! (RoFLMaO!) :P

Well, that was certainly stirring, but I prefer to be shaken! (RoFLMaO!) :P - Ever wondered which great film character was meant to be your role of a lifetime?

Profound... (y) [ Thanks for sharing, Tamina Adkison! \u003C3 ]

Profound... (y) [ Thanks for sharing, Tamina Adkison! \u003C3 ] - Why I Refuse to Let Technology Control Me.

Heh heh heh....if only they knew! :P (y) [99.6% though!??! - Even I'm having trouble accepting that one!]

Heh heh heh....if only they knew! :P (y) [99.6% though!??! - Even I'm having trouble accepting that one!] - Is your mind healthy? Have you been taking good care of it? Answer these 10 simple questions to find out!

-

I grew up listening to these guys and they originated from where I grew up. In fact, I worked for them for a week at Houston studios once when they were getting ready for their tour of Africa. Yes, they've been everywhere and they're probably the coolest 'rednecks' on the planet - not to mention - some of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. 'Legs' is one of my all-time favorite music videos from the 'Eliminator' release, for several reasons...(which are probably obvious), but there is so much cool in this video. The story is complex for a music video and there's a lot to think about. It's also full of good times and, well, there are only a few other words to say... Fuzzy White Guitars! Have fun, my friends! I do every time I watch it...even after all these years! :P (y)

I grew up listening to these guys and they originated from where I grew up. In fact, I worked for them for a week at Houston studios once when they were getting ready for their tour of Africa. Yes, they've been everywhere and they're probably the coolest 'rednecks' on the planet - not to mention - some of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. 'Legs' is one of my all-time favorite music videos from the 'Eliminator' release, for several reasons...(which are probably obvious), but there is so much cool in this video. The story is complex for a music video and there's a lot to think about. It's also full of good times and, well, there are only a few other words to say... Fuzzy White Guitars! Have fun, my friends! I do every time I watch it...even after all these years! :P (y) - Watch the official music video for ZZ Top - Legs Get ZZ Top music: iTunes: http://ift.tt/OjaiK2 Amazon: http://amzn.to/11574tw ...

Profound... (y)

Profound... (y) - Every day, there are populist uprisings, both large and small, all across this country.

It's very cool to see #Rush doing their 40th anniversary thing... ( GEEZ! Am I really that old? O_o) Few things make me happier than seeing such an awesome, intelligent and highly impressive (for only 3 members) group do so well for so long, in spite of their lack of support from the industry (probably because they're not now...nor ever were...a cookie-cutter, corporate-hatched 'product'). They're the real deal and brave enough to explore the horizons. They've influenced countless millions, no doubt. They faded in and out of large-scale popularity over the years - mostly as a result of always trying to stay relevant...and managed to last as long as they have...in an age when most new bands we hear today won't even be a memory a year from now. I've seen this band seven times live and, on my eighth show, I was part of the crew (Test For Echo). A memorable experience. They're probably one of my favorite bands to see live... Keep on rockin' guys...! In the 90s, when they were mostly going through a keyboard phase and some people lost interest, there were still several awesome tunes. Even when the music wasn't as good, the lyrics always were. They nearly always had a good message and a timely one, too. Here's an example of good music and lyrics - even during one of their rough spells - at least, it's one I always liked...I hope you like it too. http://ift.tt/1oVRigh

It's very cool to see #Rush doing their 40th anniversary thing... ( GEEZ! Am I really that old? O_o) Few things make me happier than seeing such an awesome, intelligent and highly impressive (for only 3 members) group do so well for so long, in spite of their lack of support from the industry (probably because they're not now...nor ever were...a cookie-cutter, corporate-hatched 'product'). They're the real deal and brave enough to explore the horizons. They've influenced countless millions, no doubt. They faded in and out of large-scale popularity over the years - mostly as a result of always trying to stay relevant...and managed to last as long as they have...in an age when most new bands we hear today won't even be a memory a year from now. I've seen this band seven times live and, on my eighth show, I was part of the crew (Test For Echo). A memorable experience. They're probably one of my favorite bands to see live... Keep on rockin' guys...! In the 90s, when they were mostly going through a keyboard phase and some people lost interest, there were still several awesome tunes. Even when the music wasn't as good, the lyrics always were. They nearly always had a good message and a timely one, too. Here's an example of good music and lyrics - even during one of their rough spells - at least, it's one I always liked...I hope you like it too. http://ift.tt/1oVRigh - Marathon music video with A Show of Hands scenes 1988. Marathon is from "Power Windows" 1985

Tragic Reality...

Tragic Reality... - Click To Enlarge

Rock On! (y)

Rock On! (y) - The highly-anticipated Rush 40th anniversary box set has finally been confirmed – it’s a six-disc Blu-ray collection and it will be launched on November 17.

Oh...and while I'm at it, I may as well get some o' dis' shizzle:

Oh...and while I'm at it, I may as well get some o' dis' shizzle: - A true baker’s delight. It’s Saturday morning and you roll out of bed, the sun is up, and you’re bright eyed and ready to take your baking cred up a notch. Whip up a batch or three of cookies with the Baking With My Homies cookie shapers from GAMAGO. From the west to the east coast, impress your hom…

Do you ever get angry on a rainy day? Personally, I try to make the best of it...better to dance in the rain, after all! But, for those of you who can't seem to shake the urge to 'give God the finger' in stormy weather, I think I've found just the umbrella for you...(LoL!)

Do you ever get angry on a rainy day? Personally, I try to make the best of it...better to dance in the rain, after all! But, for those of you who can't seem to shake the urge to 'give God the finger' in stormy weather, I think I've found just the umbrella for you...(LoL!) - F The Rain Umbrella. No rain welcome! Automatic open/close. 100% polyester. Length when closed: 29 cm (11.4″) Dome diameter: 100 cm (39.4″) Dome sections: 8 pcs. Please allow 3-7 days for delivery.

- Postach.io is the blogging platform that's powered by your Evernote documents. Creating a Post Postach.io creates blog posts and pages from your notes. To create a post,...

- Postach.io is the blogging platform that's powered by your Evernote documents. Creating a Post Postach.io creates blog posts and pages from your notes. To create a post,...

- Water is scarce in India, which is a good reason not to do the Ice Bucket Challenge. A journalist came up with another option — give a bucket of rice to a hungry person. Her version is going viral.

In a mood... ;) (y)

In a mood... ;) (y) - Lyric video for Peace Frog by The Doors

This is a must-read! ;o)

This is a must-read! ;o) - How do you decide what to believe? How do you distinguish between fact and opinion? When you hear a claim, how do you assess the reliability of the sources? What do you consider to be a reliable rather than an unreliable information source? How do you gather and assess evidence for or against some p…

RT Mosse Rodbay: Do you suddenly get random insights? A positive mood and short breaks can help your thinking. http://buff.ly/1sj1rWp http://buff.ly/1sj1rWq

RT Mosse Rodbay: Do you suddenly get random insights? A positive mood and short breaks can help your thinking. http://buff.ly/1sj1rWp http://buff.ly/1sj1rWq - You’re in the shower. The water sounds like a gentle, rainy static, and feels like a Plinko massage. You’ve just started to lather up and suddenly, you’re hit with a flash of brilliance. Maybe...

This is very humorous and interesting, though, it may be offensive to some. Try to remember it's just fun... ;)

This is very humorous and interesting, though, it may be offensive to some. Try to remember it's just fun... ;) -

It doesn't get any more brilliant than this... ;) (y) (Very well-done!)

It doesn't get any more brilliant than this... ;) (y) (Very well-done!) - The Holderness family is back! Watch their latest music video here.

I guess I found another like-minded philosopher. It's very interesting (and also very fortunate) how I've arrived at 'my way' without having had the kind of experiences that this very interesting human had. I find this view fascinating! -Conference Questions Ethics, Poses Alternatives- Last year, the North American Levinas Society's first conference attracted scholars from every continent ... except for Antarctica. "We're working on it," joked Michael Paradiso-Michau, a graduate student in the English and Philosophy program and one of the Society's founders. Their conference this year, "Levinas and Community," is scheduled for June 10-12 at the Purdue Memorial Union. An even larger turnout is expected, including mathematicians, philosophers, historians, professors and even members of the Levinas family. Emmanuel Levinas was a 20th century Jewish thinker who wrote one of his major books while imprisoned for eight months in a concentration camp before finally escaping with the help of another philosopher during World War II. "The Society is devoted to trying to keeping Levinas on the academic map and to promote interest for his philosophies," Michau said. Michau also said it was rare for this sort of group to grow so quickly but that there had been a heightened interest in the philosopher recently. Levinas was a continental philosopher and differed greatly from typical Western philosophy by declaring the most important aspect of life was ethics; primarily the responsibility of face-to-face relationships and a respect for the other person, even above yourself. "Basically, he encouraged cooperation rather than competition, which is drastically against most American ideals and politics," said Sol Neely, also an English and Philosophy graduate student and one of the Society's founders. "Levinas brought religious language; hope, faith, belief, morality; as a correction to secular politics, which relies on an indifference to the problems of others," he said. "(His philosophy) implies a necessary self-sacrifice for others." Neely said according to Levinas: "If I don't care for the suffering poor, then who will?" Levinas proposed an alternative to ideas such as "all against all" and survival of the fittest. "He said that if (those ideas) were natural, then ethics was unnatural. And if that is true, then all sorts of daily beliefs begin to break down," Neely said. "So he concluded that ethics was, in fact, natural and those other ideas unnatural and wrong." From there, the theories call for a sort of ethical revolution by individuals rather than the mass movements of political parties. "It's important to talk to people," said Neely, "rather than yelling at them over everyone else." Individual sessions of the conference are free and open to the campus and community, though registration is encouraged. More information and a detailed schedule may be found at http://ift.tt/1mCx8XM.

I guess I found another like-minded philosopher. It's very interesting (and also very fortunate) how I've arrived at 'my way' without having had the kind of experiences that this very interesting human had. I find this view fascinating! -Conference Questions Ethics, Poses Alternatives- Last year, the North American Levinas Society's first conference attracted scholars from every continent ... except for Antarctica. "We're working on it," joked Michael Paradiso-Michau, a graduate student in the English and Philosophy program and one of the Society's founders. Their conference this year, "Levinas and Community," is scheduled for June 10-12 at the Purdue Memorial Union. An even larger turnout is expected, including mathematicians, philosophers, historians, professors and even members of the Levinas family. Emmanuel Levinas was a 20th century Jewish thinker who wrote one of his major books while imprisoned for eight months in a concentration camp before finally escaping with the help of another philosopher during World War II. "The Society is devoted to trying to keeping Levinas on the academic map and to promote interest for his philosophies," Michau said. Michau also said it was rare for this sort of group to grow so quickly but that there had been a heightened interest in the philosopher recently. Levinas was a continental philosopher and differed greatly from typical Western philosophy by declaring the most important aspect of life was ethics; primarily the responsibility of face-to-face relationships and a respect for the other person, even above yourself. "Basically, he encouraged cooperation rather than competition, which is drastically against most American ideals and politics," said Sol Neely, also an English and Philosophy graduate student and one of the Society's founders. "Levinas brought religious language; hope, faith, belief, morality; as a correction to secular politics, which relies on an indifference to the problems of others," he said. "(His philosophy) implies a necessary self-sacrifice for others." Neely said according to Levinas: "If I don't care for the suffering poor, then who will?" Levinas proposed an alternative to ideas such as "all against all" and survival of the fittest. "He said that if (those ideas) were natural, then ethics was unnatural. And if that is true, then all sorts of daily beliefs begin to break down," Neely said. "So he concluded that ethics was, in fact, natural and those other ideas unnatural and wrong." From there, the theories call for a sort of ethical revolution by individuals rather than the mass movements of political parties. "It's important to talk to people," said Neely, "rather than yelling at them over everyone else." Individual sessions of the conference are free and open to the campus and community, though registration is encouraged. More information and a detailed schedule may be found at http://ift.tt/1mCx8XM. -

More awesomeness! (y)

More awesomeness! (y) - This is extraordinary!

Another spot-on article from The Economist... (y)

Another spot-on article from The Economist... (y) - The Economist offers authoritative insight and opinion on international news, politics, business, finance, science, technology and the connections between them.

Oh, the hilarity! RoFLMaO! :P (Read the comments!!! Hehehe...)

Oh, the hilarity! RoFLMaO! :P (Read the comments!!! Hehehe...) - Radioactive sample of uranium ore. The ore sample material is Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM). Counts Per Minute (CPM) activity rate listed on the label is determined using a GCA-07W Digital Geiger Counter with an NRC certification. Activity level includes all radiation types: al...