MANGO CHATNEE: A little daily something to take you one step beyond.

Beyond The Wavering.

2012-02-08T15:45:00.000-04:00

If a tree in the middle of the forest falls and there's no one there to hear it, does its tumbling generate noise?

If a man speaks out on the burning issues to no one in particular, do his words create any impact?
Why perplex oneself over solving such enigmas, given that, regardless, trees will continue to fall and, regardless, people will continue to talk? So, if there has been a task assigned and period established wherein to accomplish it, just ignore the inevitable and do what must be done to get the job done, for time lost or wasted is impossible to regain.

Beyond The Hatred.

2012-02-07T08:29:00.002-04:00

Matters not the locale, it is always easy to discern the haters -they intensely despise sharing anything worthwhile with anyone, especially with the most-deserving, thus, once well-positioned, would pull down or hobble others without thinking twice as to how others would thereafter survive.

As always, whenever I admonish I am fully aware that one finger points to the Heavens and three point back at me. Nonetheless, so be it, for where there is life there is hope and all's well that ends well.

But, every journey has to have a starting point...so what's causing the keep-back, except that most grin is mere skin-teeth?

Where is the love, Trinbago? Where is the love? Is it that The Forces Of Evil must prevail over Good? Never happen! For man may plan and plan, but the best of planners is The Source Of Light And Power.

I gone...gotta open up the curtains some more!

Beyond Silk Fig and Mata Burro.

2012-01-06T08:42:00.002-04:00

This is an Anansi Story. Thus, though it contains lessons from which some may infer this and others infer that, being Anansic, it bears no relation to any real event or person. Okay?

Silk Fig? Or Mata Burro?
For donkey years now, a regular morning practice of mine has been to feed the birds which flock to the utilitarian birdbath I constructed for them under the Pomme Rose tree.

Invariably, I'd lay out fruits and food leftovers, reason being: different birds differently fare.

Religiously, the fig fragments figured prominently ("fig" is what non-Trinbagonians call "banana", okay?); and, why not, for figs forever are the most-profuse local fruit: the rest are seasonal.

Yesterday, as usual, I sliced the earmarked figs lengthways, then, together with some crumbled hops, laid them out for my avian buddies.

Yesterday, out of the blue, a violent fight took wing within winks of my charitable routine being done. No physical blows passed, yet the fight was a highly-agitated one, meaning, there were frantic fluttering, ferocious fulminating, fluffed feathers, yes, such as seen in a cockfight gayelle, but no clashing of beaks or talons.

Naturally, I was shocked, for, before then, there would have been relative calm at the feeding-trough, as every neighbourhood bird would be so cock-a-hoop at the abundant table spread, they would just dive in -according to their long-established pecking-order- have their fill and leave.

Curiosity quickly overcame consternation, so I said to myself I'd better out my binoculars more intently to scope the scene.

Didn't, because Jeremiah has my binoculars.

But, before I had time to say "Oh! The Israelites!", palm hit forehead as I realized why the feathered furore flared: figs that morning were Silk, not the customary Mata Burro!

It was so long since I distributed Silk for the motley crowd, I'd completely forgotten the correct protocol: once Silk Fig was involved, Rambo would decide who, of the special sweetmeat, could partake.

Rambo flew into The Great Perch about a year ago.

Since then, there have been a few pretenders to his throne, all Mockingbirds, for none seem able to fit the bill.

No wonder there was a mad scramble yesterday...when I distributed Silk.

That's why I've decided not to put out any more Silk Fig till a sterling system's scrambled together.

Sigh!

Fly away Peter! Fly away Paul!

Come back Peter! Paul, you stay put!

Because, sometimes Peter does have to pay for Paul.

Sigh!

Beyond To Review.

2011-12-27T06:45:00.003-04:00

Everybody lives in the world as it is. Yet, of it most can see, breathe or feel nothing but the grime, muck, slush and dirt; some, only the stars, the clouds, the lofty mountaintops; few, the balance delicate and strong as the spider's web. Everybody lives in the world as it is...then build their lives as they perceive it is.

Beyond Echonation.

2011-12-26T06:51:00.002-04:00

Today is Boxing Day, a great time to resolve never to be boxed-in by an echosystem: if you're heeding none but yourself, then you're living in an echosystem.

Beyond Christmas Eve Midnight.

2011-12-25T16:39:00.000-04:00

Perhaps one would appreciate Christmas better if one gets the Islamic perspective of the Nativity Story? So, I'll tell it, but in modern prose to make it easier understood than the archaic English translations allow:

And mention when Mary's mother, Hannah said, "O my Lord, I have vowed to You that what is in my womb will be dedicated to Your service, so accept this offering from me. Indeed, You are All-Hearing, All-Knowing."

Then when she gave birth to her child, Hannah said, "O my Lord, I have delivered a female! So I have named her Mary."

And God knew best what she delivered.

Hannah continued, "Lord! You know that in our world, the life of female is rougher than of the male, so, for Mary and for her children, I beg You to protect them from traps Satan sets.’”

So her Lord fully accepted Mary and gave her a good upbringing by putting her under the care of the priest, Zachariah, who was married to Elizabeth, Mary's cousin.
And mention when the angels said, "O Mary! Indeed God has chosen you, purified you and chosen you above the women of the worlds! O Mary! Be devoutly obedient and humble to your Lord!"

And mention when the angel said, "O Mary! Indeed God gives you the good news of a word from Him, whose name will be the Messiah Jesus, the son of Mary, held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter and of those who are near to God. He will speak to the people even while he's still an infant in the cradle and he will be of the righteous!"

She said, "My Lord, how can I have a son when no man has touched me?"

He said, "So it will be for God creates what He wants. When He decides something, He only says to it, ‘Be!’ and it is. And He will teach him the Book and wisdom and the Torah and the Gospel. And will make him a messenger to the Children of Israel to whom he say preach as follows:

‘I have come to you with the ability to do these things as proof I am indeed from your Lord:

I will heal the blind and the leper; and
bring the dead to life by the permission of God; and
inform you of what you eat and what you store in your houses."

"Surely, there is a sign for you in all of that, if you are believers?"

"And (I have come) confirming the Torah that was (revealed) before me and to allow you some of what was forbidden to you. So, having brought convincing proof to you from your Lord, fear God and obey me! Indeed, God is my Lord and your Lord! So, worship Him. That is the correct path.”

And mention the story of Mary: when she secluded herself from her family in prayer and fasting. There We sent Our angel (Gabriel) to her and he appeared unto her in the image of a man.

She was scared, so she prayed to US, “Indeed I seek refuge with the Most Merciful from you!" And warned him, "Don't harm me, if you fear God!”

The angel said, "Have no fear! I am the messenger of your Lord and my Lord sent to inform you that you will have a son."

She was shocked, so she replied, "How can I have a son, when no man has touched me...and none will, because I live a chaste life?"

Our angel said, "For your Lord, making such a thing happen is a very easy task: when He wishes to do anything He simply says, 'Be!' and, it is."

"And He will make your son a sign to people and a mercy from Himself. It is a matter already decided!’”

In that instant, she was conceived

Not long after, without telling them a thing, she left Zacariah and Elizabeth and went to a remote, very sparsely inhabited place where she lived in total seclusion and anonymity.

It was there where, one day while out walking, Mary went into labour. The pains drove her to lie down against the trunk of a nearby date palm tree. Afraid and all alone, under the date tree she gave birth to the baby Jesus. Disoriented and ashamed over her predicament, she sobbed, "Look at my troubles! I wish I had died long before this, for by now I'd have been long forgotten!

Then the newborn babe spoke, saying, "Don’t be sad! Your Lord has provided a spring right next to you whence you may freshen up and drink. And this tree will drop fresh ripe dates in your lap if you do as if you're shaking the trunk. So eat and drink and be comforted, Mama! And if you see any human, say to them, ‘I have vowed a fast to the Most Merciful so I will not speak to any human today.’"

When she had regained her strength and composure, she took the baby and brought him to her people. They exclaimed, "O Mary! Indeed you have brought great shame upon us! O sister of Aaron, your father was not an evil man? And your mother was not a fornicator? How can you explain this...this...this thing?"

Merely remained silent and just pointed to the baby. So they sneered, "You expect us to converse with a newborn child?"

Then the baby Jesus said, "Indeed, I am a slave of God! He has given me the Scripture and made me a prophet! And He has made me blessed wherever I am and has commanded me to me pray and give charity as long as I remain alive. And has made me kind to my mother and did not make me arrogant or miserable. And peace be upon me, the day I was born and the day I will die and the day I will be raised alive!"

Have a properly-focused Christmas 2011, everyone!

Beyond to Equity!

2011-12-20T06:33:00.002-04:00

In this, every pun is unavoidable!

Merely levelling the playing field simply does not cut it: the better-skilled players would still run rings around the rest. Therefore, to treat unequals equally is tantamount to treating them unequally.

Beyond The Pasionate Embrace.

2011-10-24T03:55:00.002-04:00

The bedrock of human society is the family unit: for every human being is born of a woman by a man's issue.

Therein lies the core of every social content and contention: for though the hand that rocks the cradle rules the world, not every woman is a mother, nor every man a father, nor can concrete be moulded when set.

It therefore behooves every taxpayer-funded social intervention to teach/elicit the qualities which turn women into mothers and men into fathers if ever life on Planet Earth is to become meaningful for all.

Beyong Fidgeting with The Gibbet.

2011-10-16T07:34:00.000-04:00

Syllogism demands that evolution applies to learning because it applies to genetics. Thus are tenets discovered, debunked, or, discarded, for, sometimes, progress proceeds post cataclysm (the dinosaurs?), most times through the inexorability of Time's passage.

Hitherto, I clung to the belief that "who is without sin, cast the first stone" essentially abolished, across-the-board, the law of capital punishment. Now, following a flash of inspiration, I understand it does not: it is not a parable, so it's pertinence is to the particular time and circumstance in which such caution was uttered. Clearly then, the admonition was uttered because the ones hotly leading the witchunt against the sinner were made out by the Blessed Prophet for what they were: a bunch of hypocrites, all of whom were guilty of the same sin and worse.

Furthermore, the very Blessed Prophet had several times insisted his mission did not involve abolishing or changing any laws, rather, renewing or revivifying them.

Our Constitution recognizes and gives deference to the supremacy of The Highest Power. Let the law of Capital Punishment therefore be revived to take its preordained course.

Beyond Birth.

2011-10-13T02:26:00.002-04:00

Birthrights are inherent, not inheritable: they come into existence at the instant of one's birth, not upon the death of one's benefactor. One's birthright is therefore a vibrant thing: it ceases to exist at the instant of one's death.

There is no denying that all or some benefits to be enjoyed because of one's birthrights may be lost before death befalls: they may be lost through carelessness, sale, trickery, or theft.

In every case, one is deprived of one's birthright if one does not know or appreciate its value.

Birthrights, therefore, must be jealously guarded and cultivated if they are to benefit those to whom they are given.

People who get jiggy with their inherent rights have no right to any such right, else swine would thrive off a trough of pearls.

Consequently, freedom of speech requires those so endowed soberly to think before speaking; and, freedom of the press requires those so endowed diligently to verify before going to press.

The same drift applies to every other birthright.

Beyond The Budget 2011.

2011-10-09T08:43:00.004-04:00

Every fiscal planner is expected to understand and kowtow to the principle called "the Multiplier Effect" [TME].

For purposes of this discussion, TME is best defined by the following Anansi Story:

Brer Anansi owed Brer Rabbit $10: for some ripe Horse plantains he had bought from him...Anansi took the plantains home and fried them for supper.

Brer Rabbit, in turn, owed Brer Gouti $10: for some plaintain suckers and fertiliser he had bought from him.

Brer Gouti, in turn, owed Brer Monkey $10: for is was Monkey's foreign-used van that went El Socorro to collect the fertiliser which Brer Gouti sold in his farm and garden supply shop.

Thing is, Brer Monkey also owed Bre Anansi some money...$24 to be exact: for sometime aback, Brer Anansi had given Brer Monkey $1 to play Dog in the Play Whe and Dog played; but Brer Monkey docked the money as he needed to put gas in his foreign-used van. He needed the gas to make another run for another client (Brer Lappe) who wanted to go visit his brother in Princes' Town. His brother was at home recuperating from Dengue Fever at the time.

One day, Brer Anansi was riding his old Humber bicycle down the trail to Lopinot Junction. As per usual, Anansi's belly was grumbling: he hadn't eaten in a while. He had eaten in a while because, as per usual, he was penurious. We shall not pause to explain why he was penurious: that's another story too long now to tell.

Just as Anansi bended the corner by Dunderhill, he espied a reddish looking piece of paper fluttering across the road. At once he recognized it: it was a gift sent from Above...a brand new one-dollar note that, most likely had flown out the hands of some over-eager PH maxi driver as he simultaneously attempted to collect his fare, or give change, while negotiating the corner and talking on his cellphone.

In a flash Anansi was off the Humber, already frantically calculating how he was going to spend the $1. So deep and frantic was he, he did not notice who was coming up the road...Brer Rabbit...and Brer Rabbit was hopping mad...after all, it was three weeks since Brer Anansi had taken the plantains and hadn't yet paid a cent.

Well, you may guess what happened next: poor Anansi, he had to hand over the $1. That reduced his bill to $9, for, being an aki, Brer Rabbit never charged interest when extending credit.

However, Fortune sometimes displays her impishness with a sense of humour. For, just as Rabbit and Anansi were about to part company, who should arrive on the scene but....Brer Monkey!

So, tinto Monkey's promptly outstretched prehensile tail at once the $1 went. But, only for an instant, as Anansi right away demanded it.

The crowd which had by this time assembled, stood in awe as around the triumvirate and with gathering speed the $1 went:

from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi
from Anansi to Rabbit to Monkey to Anansi

And then, abrubtly, no further: for at that point, with one physical dollar in circulation, Anansi had paid his $10 debt to Rabbit, who, in turn had paid his $10 to Monkey, who in turn had reduced his $24 debt to Anansi by $10. $1 did the work of $30, all because the hand or tail that clutched the $1 was willing to part with it, not plunk it down where it served no useful purpose.

By this time, my observant head was so dizzy I simply staggered off, leaving Brer Anansi furiously arguing with Brer Lappe about when he would give him the $14 he still owed for the $1 winning Play Whe ticket.

The latest I heard is that Anansi was planning to seek the help of Ian Alleyne and Sgt Alexander them to recover it.

Crik, crack!

Beyond Stupid Quests.

2011-09-24T09:11:00.002-04:00

Um!

Could anyone advise me why they still call it "Lawn Tennis", when it is not played on lawns anymore?

Hello! I am entitled to ask a stupid question at least once in my lifetime, am I not? lol

Beyond Deserving.

2011-09-20T05:33:00.002-04:00

Giving their just desserts is not the same as giving them just their desserts.

Beyond Your Last.

2011-09-14T06:31:00.002-04:00

People who give the most of what they have, get the best out of life.

Beyond The Stove Top.

2011-09-13T07:47:00.002-04:00

Those not in the kitchen are the best-placed to advise the cook what to cook, when to cook and if what's cooked is cooked.

Beyond Me, Me, Me!

2011-09-12T07:13:00.001-04:00

If, somehow, you could step out of your body and meet yourself, would you be impressed with the person you meet?

Beyond Forward, ho!

2011-09-11T09:06:00.002-04:00

If you want to be successful and happy, always beware of douens -the tracks others lay down for you to take but which take you backward ever, forward never.

Beyond The SoE!

2011-09-10T08:08:00.003-04:00

There are three categories of citizens -the civil, the combative, the clerical.

The combative are the only ones who harbinger horrendous hue and harm -they comprise the military, the malignant, the murderous.

Whoever wherever wishes to procreate peace, must close-quarter combative citizens, for, by nature, combatants can consummately camouflage.

Beyond The Games.

2011-09-09T21:44:00.002-04:00

What goes around never comes across but as up and down.

Beoyond the fuming.

2011-09-08T05:59:00.001-04:00

In a world of smoke and mirrors, many times one can't see the mirrors for the smoke.

Beyond Hawkeye.

2011-09-07T06:46:00.002-04:00

Life is a lot like supermarket shopping -the best deals aren't the ones arranged to grab your attention.

Beyond Dancing to the Tune.

2011-09-05T17:20:00.005-04:00

The inexorable rule of life is that it reciprocates even as it resonates.

Beyond The Dawn.

2011-09-03T16:51:00.002-04:00

Today is too brief to be wasted on yesterday.

Beyond The Insecticide.

2011-09-01T16:31:00.001-04:00

Which came first: the cockroach, or its egg?

Beyond Samitarism.

2011-08-29T16:27:00.000-04:00

Friends don't demand: they offer.

Beyond Hamlet.

2011-08-27T14:48:00.001-04:00

Some people get paid to act...some act as if they don't.

Beyond May 24th, 2010.

2011-08-25T14:35:00.002-04:00

New politics means nothing...except it jettisons the accustomed.

Beyong The Fuddy-Duddies.

2011-08-24T17:16:00.002-04:00

Intelligence agencies gather intelligence. Does that mean they weren't intelligent before?

Beyond Your Fancy.

2011-08-23T15:22:00.000-04:00

Some people mythbelieve© everything they hear or read -they deal with facts only according to their fancy.

Beyond The Threatening Tempest.

2011-08-19T05:49:00.000-04:00

Don't wait till the hurricane rages to look to buy flashlight!

Beyond Mr. Hot Shot.

2011-08-18T07:12:00.002-04:00

I am yet to encounter an expert who was one from birth.

Beyond The X.

2011-08-17T06:36:00.000-04:00

The proof of the pudding is had after its consumption.
The proof of the politician is had after his election.

Beyond "Just now nah"!

2011-08-16T07:33:00.002-04:00

Time, for humans, is finite, for God, infinite. Therefore, timing, for humans, means everything, for God, nothing.

Beyond The Freeness.

2011-08-15T07:14:00.002-04:00

Every living thing government does comes at a cost to someone dead, alive, or unborn.

Beyond Sunrise.

2011-08-14T05:33:00.000-04:00

Life under the sun can move only at a blistering pace.

Beyond Acton.

2011-08-13T02:51:00.002-04:00

Power corrupts only the corruptible. Absolute power absolutely corrupts only the absolutely corruptible.

Beyond Lip Drips.

2011-08-12T07:05:00.004-04:00

With every constitutionally-guaranteed freedom comes an attendant, but, most times, unwritten duty. That's why freedom of speech is abused by those who do not see anything other than what is in plain sight.

Beyond The Flowchart.

2011-08-11T07:56:00.002-04:00

Life is a river -the early years are spent in rushing forth, bubbly, full of energy, free of contaminants, bouncing effortlessly over the rocks...the middle years in well-defined, thus more measured, effort, with resources pooled here and there to sustain life for others...the closing stages, more-or-less going where the flow takes you, weighed down by stuff accumulated over your earlier journeys, sometimes allowing some to spill and fecundate the terrain through which you traverse, till you empty yourself of everything collected along the way.

Beyond The Norm.

2011-08-10T05:06:00.001-04:00

When things go off kelter, the norm is to blame only those not of the blamer's ilk. When things are on kelter, the norm is to credit only those of the praiser's ilk. Something surely is off kelter here, isn't it?

Beyond May 24th 2010.

2011-08-09T06:39:00.000-04:00

BIS REGIT QUI BENE REGIT

She who rules well twice rules!

Beyond Stalemate.

2011-08-08T07:27:00.002-04:00

Sometimes, to get the picture, all that's needed is to look at it from a different angle. Dare to be different -it's the key to progress.

Beyond McLeod.

2011-08-07T08:42:00.001-04:00

Behind every dark cloud there's a silver lining.
So, even the most turbulent era heralds something beneficial...if you know how to weather it.

Beyond Political Tabanca.

2011-08-06T11:19:00.002-04:00

Never befriend a politician, nor politicize a friend. For politics is all about expediency -it feeds off of "you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours- while friendship is not.

Beyond Muddled Transmissions.

2011-08-05T09:45:00.001-04:00

It seems these days the vast array and improvement of communication technology and capacity have served no purpose other than to drown out what others have to say, for our conversations are become so grating that, in the end, participants mostly part ways rather than forge ahead in consensus.

Perhaps so it is because few appreciate the core business of communication -listening- is not a science, but an art, therefore, it cannot be taught, rather, has to be learnt -by introspective contemplation and determined and sustained observation. Which, in turn, requires communicants to avoid insipidity and self-righteousness if the proper atmosphere (one conducive to objectivity or open-mindedness), is to be produced -insipidity dulls the sensibilities and animosity and acrimony spring from self-righteousness.

Preoccupation with insipidity is profuse -the entertainment and news industries spew it for an eager audience. Preoccupation with self-worth is everywhere evident -for example, in the din and mayhem generated by disgruntled trade unions, or by disgruntled political supporters, or by the criminal-minded, or by the actions of officials who change their drumbeat upon entering office.

What is the common cause? One word -prejudice- for prejudice is the antithesis of tolerance, the central National Watchword. Prejudiced persons have one hallmark -they feel they are superior to their equals and superiors. However, most persons treated as inferior show their resentment towards the sources of such treatment by making Peter pay for Paul. Some slink away, silently to sulk as, instead of feeling more valued, they feel worth less.

We shall go no worthwhile where, lest we stand in the shoes of others. There is only one practical way of walking that talk -by empathizingly tuning in to what the other side is saying, even if what they’re saying is ad nauseam.

Beyond Birth.

2011-08-04T07:08:00.001-04:00

When they said matter can neither be created nor destroyed, they weren't referring the grey matter inside our heads, okay?

Beyond For-certain.

2011-08-03T07:00:00.002-04:00

Everyone claims to know all the answers...yet so much still is so wrong. :-(

Beyond Emancipation.

2011-08-02T06:26:00.001-04:00

Emancipation is over. Now, what?

Beyond, to Emancipation!

2011-08-01T02:07:00.006-04:00

That people are still hobbled by hunger or homelessness in a land as bountifully-blessed as Trinbago means ALL are still trapped in slavery -whether as slaves, enslaveRs, or freedom-fighters.

Emancipation Day therefore means nothing -and shall continue to mean nothing- until the enslaveRs are liberated of their demeaning ways and realize we are nothing without each other.

Beyond Emancipation Day.

2011-07-31T07:11:00.001-04:00

As we head towards another Emancipation Day "celebration", let us keep in mind that, but for the grace of the Almighty, we are nothing -take away our hydrocarbon deposits to decipher this message.

Beyond Entrapment.

2011-07-30T07:56:00.001-04:00

The harvests are overflowing, yet the bellies are full of gas. How come?

Beyond Hellfire.

2011-07-29T08:01:00.002-04:00

Ignore what you've been long told! The truth is, the road to Hell is built entirely of bad intentions towards those on the road to Heaven.

Beyond Aparty (deliberate spelling).

2011-07-28T22:07:00.001-04:00

Nobody cares...else everyone would.

Beyond To Cluefullness.

2011-07-27T05:56:00.001-04:00

Consultation is necessary for harmonious progress, even in the case of the clueless or obdurately recalcitrant -for they need to be taught.

Beyond Settlements.

2011-07-26T06:13:00.001-04:00

Some people are set in their ways for so long they won't settle for a new way of doing things even when from the outset the old way has them upset.

Beyond Fretting.

2011-07-25T07:46:00.001-04:00

Good chefs have all the menu's ingredients at beforehand and in good condition. If you want your pot of luck to turn out just-right, heed dem chefs!

Beyond Timewasting.

2011-07-24T08:30:00.001-04:00

All that really matters is the future. That's why the present is so dang important.

Beyond Saintly Pretence.

2011-07-23T05:42:00.002-04:00

Integrity must not only exist -it must be seen to exist.

Beyond Mullings.

2011-07-22T07:32:00.000-04:00

Confucius say, "Reasoning often take pattern after way ravenous men eat -Every man eagerly swallow, but Fu Manchu!"

Beyond Apartheid.

2011-07-21T09:36:00.001-04:00

Interdependence evidences connectivity. Independence evidences apathy

Beyond Transmission.

2011-07-20T06:08:00.003-04:00

Then there are those who rave over "reality tv", yet miss the real-life message to be learnt from the telecommunication system itself:

You may have the best information-gathering, -analysing and -transmitting abilities, but what you transmit means nothing to someone not tuned in to your channel.

Beyond We Need The Money!!!!!!

2011-07-19T09:51:00.000-04:00

Ever noticed how social alchemists -the individuals who turn our ethos to what's good- never strive after material things for themselves, rather, for others?

So, are we missing something here?

Beyond Frantic.

2011-07-18T06:06:00.000-04:00

Pace yourself!
Where are you going with all that speed?
If The Master's intention was for us to do everything NOW, we'd all have lived but for a blinding instant.
But then, don't we?
Pace yourself!

Beyond All Honesty.

2011-07-17T06:07:00.002-04:00

Those who live by honest means, honestly, they never die.

Beyond The Hiatus.

2011-07-16T09:41:00.000-04:00

After a long hiatus, I'm back! And, God willing, shall be saying much with few words.
So, stay tuned!
Meantime, consider this:

Immortality can only be achieved by those who once were mortal.

Bless!

Beyond Transformational.

2011-02-07T08:56:00.001-04:00

CUIUS EST SOLUM, EIUS EST USQUE AD COELUM ET AD INFEROS

Whoever controls the ground, shapes the landscape!

Beyond Own Interests.

2011-02-06T11:49:00.002-04:00

The way I understand it, when an elected representative speaks as an elected representative, he is the mouthpiece of those whom he represents. A mouth cannot utter other than what is formed from within the body. It bothers me, then, whenever elected representatives do not listen to, or shape what they have to say by, the views of those whom they represent.

Beyond Credence's Revival.

2011-02-04T09:20:00.002-04:00

Always give credit where credit is due and never where you're seeking your own interest.

Beyond To The Right.

2011-02-03T05:05:00.000-04:00

Two wrongs never make a right...even if by Deed Poll.

Beyond The Broken Cord.

2011-02-02T10:13:00.004-04:00

If you can't find the time or place to say something nice of me while I am alive, then at the gathering of my mourners is neither the time nor place for your doing anything of the sort!

Beyond My Hiatus.

2011-02-01T10:37:00.000-04:00

Variety is the spice of life. That's why every leader insists their way be the only one followed.

Beyond Being Steamed.

2011-01-25T01:08:00.003-04:00

It is always better to forgive. So, I'd better.

Beyond to Great N dings!

2011-01-24T07:01:00.002-04:00

Endlessly we have been told that all's well that ends well, ent?

So, by turning the end of the following word into an "n", your chances of succeeding shall at once, by leaps and bounds, soar:
PLAY.

Beyond Dying.

2011-01-23T09:47:00.002-04:00

The die is here cast -if thy hair colour offendeth thee, then hear this:Hereafter and until thou die, dye thou must!

Beyond Opening Shop.

2011-01-22T05:29:00.002-04:00

Anniversaries are excellent occasions for stocktaking. Use them thus then!

Beyond The Weightiness.

2011-01-21T03:19:00.000-04:00

To some people, a balanced diet is a plate of food in each hand.

Beyond To More Rowing.

2011-01-20T07:05:00.003-04:00

Please ignore the split infinite when it occurs, okay?

They call it tomorrow, because life is like a journey in a rowboat. Huh? Well, you see, everyday you have to pull your own paddle to accomplish what you must. So, if you don not cover the distance you planned on covering today, then, when today is over and tomorrow comes, you'd have to more row to cope with the current tide of events.

Beyond Delay.

2011-01-19T08:46:00.004-04:00

Life comprises time. Regardless how you measure it, the building blocks of time comprises the unrelenting cycle hours, minutes and seconds known as "days".

The days are spread out over a period called "the week".

The week comprises Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Every one of those weekly descriptions ends in the word "day", which confirms that the day is the basic building block of time.

And why not?

For, where the use of your time is concerned, isn't the day always what you have?

What then do you plan to do with the day today?

I hope it's not your plan to leave today to tomorrow?

For tomorrow never comes!

Beyond Being Headstrong.

2011-01-18T07:20:00.004-04:00

Doors open two ways:

You have the key
Someone else has the key.

Keys work two ways:

You know where the lock is
Someone else knows where the lock is

We're all in this together, ent?

Beyond to Atomic Strength.

2011-01-17T07:48:00.001-04:00

Hast thou forgotten that a speck of dust a spectacularly durable spectre is? For who, or what, can crush it?

And dost thou not understand that its toughness and durability springeth from its size? For when thou art visible, an easy target thou be; but, when not, not.

Wherefore, to outlast or outwit every storm, surely as the grain of dust thou must become.

Beyond Perfect Knowhow.

2011-01-16T05:00:00.001-04:00

In this life, it seems the worst position in which to find yourself is the one where you and you alone know the answer.

Beyond Lost Bearings.

2011-01-15T05:32:00.002-04:00

Persons who never get it as to what they really need seldom or never get it.

Beyond Blocked Progress.

2011-01-14T06:06:00.000-04:00

Good Heavens! If life plunks a brick wall in your path, don't get despondent! It's because Somebody figures it's time you learn to fly, climb, tunnel, or move to the left or the right.

Beyond Our Humanity.

2011-01-13T07:48:00.002-04:00

Despite all the put-on -that we are humans, thus gifted with and driven by superior intellect, further thus, that we are the rulers of the Earth- we are no different from pure animals.

For who of us does not constantly strive to be top dog, or does not regularly go to war to find and protect our physical space or a mate, or is not habitually driven by fear or ignorance to a state of irrational anger?

Ah, yes! Humanity sure does manifest the animal in us!

Beyond The Prattle.

2011-01-12T07:06:00.003-04:00

In his forever Reggae classic "Equal Rights", Peter Tosh gave us the immortal summation:

"Everybody want to go to Heaven; but nobody want to die!"

In this day, when Information Technology rules, it must grieve the heart to observe how angry most human communication has become...how lop-sided too. Guess we can twist Tosh's tart truism towards this:

"Everybody want to speak their mind; but nobody want to listen!"

Isn't it sad too, how, these days, the way we communicate tends to suggest that we've forgotten how Superlatively-designed for listening we are -we have two ears but one mouth, so we are intended to listen twice as much as we speak.

Doesn't it grieve, too, that, most times, when people seem to be listening, all they're really doing is pretending -their silence merely hides that, foremost, their preoccupation is with formulating the proper response, rather than with what is being said by the person speaking to them.

Is that why, so often, so many altogether miss the point of a conversation? For, truth be told, with most conversations, no response needs to be given.

Why, then, have we lost the ability to listen? The answer has to be that we have become too self-centred, too full of our own sense of self-worth. The self-centred, you see, have little or no appreciation for the worth of others.

In short, we have become a society of individualists.

No society can survive or thrive if comprised of individualists. We are in this thing together -that what society means. Being a social animal, each of us needs the attention of others to develop and maintain a sense of well-being, for, by Superlative Order, that is how it is.

If only we would master the art of listening then, there would be much to learn...and much peace, since it is only by listening that we may come truly to appreciate one another...to share each other's joys...to diminish each other's pains or fears...to gather friends...to evolve for the betterment of our own selves and, by extension, of wider society...to learn truly who we are...to find and sustain love.

Hello!

Helloooo!

My, oh my! I thought you were still here...listening to me write this!

Sigh!

Beyond Dumstruck Adherence.

2011-01-11T23:17:00.002-04:00

Every worthwhile, present-day, standard was born of disobedience to previous-day, worthwhile, standards.

Dare, then! [Disobey And Realize Excellence!]

Beyond La Lucha Grande.

2011-01-10T06:38:00.002-04:00

The great enigma of this life lies in how to struggle with it, for the struggle of life is an unyielding one, thus, to cease struggling is to die, except the struggle was worthwhile.

Beyond to A Birghter Future.

2011-01-09T03:51:00.006-04:00

The greatest -therefore, most important- positions of leadership that exist, ever existed and will ever exist, are those of nurturing and mentoring the next generation.

One of the inescapable implications of such a fact is that "parenting" is the most critical job any human may undertake.

Given the social conditions which, in these "modern" times, exist, social planners, then, have no recourse, but to alter course regarding their focus.

Any else course would lead to the continued cursing of our present and future.

Beyond Your IC!

2011-01-08T06:32:00.000-04:00

There are no greater hindrances to us maximising our fullest potential than the "i" words:

ignorance,
imperiousness
irrationality,
impulsiveness; and,
impatience.

We are no different from computers -the older the version of programming we use whereby to make our decisions, the less able we are to process the new bits of information that evolve, for such new information would be to us as files encrypted beyond our ken. Thus, the more irrelevant the outputs of our actions and behaviour would be.

You see, we live in the real-time world, hence our actions and behaviour always impact on our present and future, never our past. Using up-to-date programming therefore is the only way to escape our obsolescence. And we become obsolescent when we can't or refuse to grasp the big picture...or when the big picture falls on us.

But, hold strain, don't panic -"too late" is non-existent, as long as we're up and running. For, just like the computer, we can update and reboot our operating systems. Sometimes that process simply means replacing our IC. -Integrated Circuit, pronounced "I see".

How apt, the term "IC", since the essence of what, today, I am musing is that I see things in proper perspective only when I have the ability to process life's encrypted files.

Follow my mused advice and, regardless how life has devastated us, whatever encryptions with which we could not cope would be easily tackled and solved.

Beyond Hell's Borders.

2011-01-07T09:33:00.000-04:00

Unless your wish is in hell to stay, then, if at any time you feel you're going through hell, your only recourse is to keep going.

[Adapted from the words Winston Churchill.]

Beyond to The Cureall.

2011-01-05T04:36:00.001-04:00

Pain can be stomached only if the pained has the stomach it to stomach, or, panacea it to palliate.

Beyond Fearless Steps.

2011-01-04T05:31:00.002-04:00

The heavier the burden you carry, just as the softer the terrain you tread, the more impressive the footprints you leave, providing always that you take the required steps.

Beyond The Brow-knitting.

2011-01-03T05:32:00.000-04:00

Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is the probable reason why so few engage in it.

Beyond Snug Harbour.

2011-01-02T10:31:00.005-04:00

Once we appreciate that, for every aspect of our lives, we are responsible, then we would many times, on reflection, come to realize that persons near and dear who, sooner or later, away from us drift, so disengage more because from them we have loosened the binding ties which to us had them firmly and snugly moored, rather than vice versa.

It is necessary, then, not only to use the right ropes, knots and bollards to anchor our relationships but, from time to time, to check every inch of the mooring paraphernalia if we wish to remain snugly anchored over the long haul.

Beyond L'Année Passée!

2011-01-01T09:58:00.004-04:00

At times such as now -zero hours, January first, twenty eleven- many send out emails, or text messages, to all and sundry, intending to deliver some perfunctory but inspiring greeting to mark the occasion. Thing is, many of that "all and sundry" mean nothing to the sender, therefore, the greeting either gets lost or is considered worthless.

Me? Only to those whom I consider a friend. [Mind you, you who receive this might be a blood, in-law or work relative of mine; friendship, however, stands apart in a place of singular distinction among human relations, for there are too many blood, in-law or work relationships which exist in acrimony rather than harmony.]

Thus, if you receive this email directly from me, know who and where, in my assessment, you are.

And, if you don't receive this directly from me -for I hope you find it worthy to be shared- know, too, that, because you didn't, does not mean your are not a friend of mine -for, truth is, I consider no one to be an enemy, not even those who actively or indirectly wish or cause me harm, since a non-friend, being a fellow human and life being an event which breeds eternal hope, is always a potential friend; truth also is, I have not the email addresses of all my friends.

So it is that I wish you, my friend, actual or potential, all the very best and greater of what for my own self and loved ones I desire that this new year would bring -and I mean that with every ounce [slash that!] every milligram of the sincerity I can muster, for if that wish of mine were to come true, then the entire world would, at last, become a Big Blue Marble of Friendship and Peace it was intended to be -a place where humans say what they mean, mean what they say, hence, even without saying it, would work and walk hand-in-hand rather than at variance.

Full respect...my friend!

Beyond Year's End.

2010-12-31T07:13:00.001-04:00

It's Old Year's Day -the last day of the year 2010. We're coming not so much to a close as to a new beginning -within hours, God willing, 2011 begins. So fret not over the year past, rather, eagerly look towards the one coming, for, like in everything else, you won't get it right without the proper perspective.

Beyond to The Only Solution.

2010-12-30T05:59:00.000-04:00

Love is the only purpose of life! That's why only love is gifted with the artistry to bend diverse thoughts willingly towards the lasting sharing of a common future with only one other. Thing is, life's vicissitudes and frailty can, at times, not only cut short life itself, but also cut short the promise only love can deliver. Only another touch by love, after losing out in love, therefore can restore the only purpose of life...only if we would let love the leeway love needs.

Beyond Fathoming.

2010-12-29T18:53:00.001-04:00

Life is so miserable without the one you love that it's almost as if the one you love is present at all times.

Beyond Set Mindset.

2010-12-28T05:18:00.003-04:00

Why ask me for advice if it's the opinion of a yes-man you really seek?

Beyond the Resentment.

2010-12-27T07:20:00.002-04:00

To fashion a result, rational persons always act based on information dispassionately assayed to be true. Matters greatly, then, to the rational, whence and wherefore cometh every bit of such information.

Inevitably, in the end, all but the irrational acclaim such a course and such a result, for thence, every time, only what is best for all is yielded.

With irrational persons, otherwise is the course, result and, inexorably, the general response.

Beyond Christmas 2010.

2010-12-26T11:46:00.001-04:00

TSTT contrived to deny me posting the following on Christmas Day 2010, yesterday:

Perhaps because it no longer is what originally it was, Christmas has, to mankind, become something surreal -an occasion where even the most staid swear that Mother Nature herself suspends her brutal aspect, in homage to the Holy One [Peace be unto him], whose birth we celebrate on this day- that so many, regardless of religious persuasion, partake or indulge in rejoicings related to this day.

Yes, indeed! Christmas celebration does invoke a spirit of camaraderie -for it is one of the two times when past hurt is forgiven, or, ignored and also an occasion when greetings and best wishes exchanged [always felicitously, some times raucuously too], what is created or acquired by dint of great effort or expense is freely shared , even with complete strangers.

Hence, today, December 25th 2010, a Saturday, I join in forthrightly extending best wishes to everyone, but with the entreaty that none go overboard in the festive consumption or exhibition -such perpetuates the fallacy that this day has, over time, become, while the man of the moment is, to many, The Way, The Truth and The Light.

May there forever be peace and blessings upon The Christ, whom, care to or not, one day we shall all meet and appreciate his worth...and realize, to our chagrin, how wrong so many of us have been in being Christians, followers of Christ.