The five colors blind the eye. The five tones deafen the ear. The five flavors dull the palate. Racing, hunting, and galloping about only disturb the mind. Wasting energy to obtain rare objects only impedes one's growth.
- Buddhist idea of desire causing suffering.
- When one gets all that he wants, all it does is dull the mind and spirit
- The universe belongs to everyone and that should be enough
- Complete possession achieves nothing but a wasting away
Application: This was one of my first realizations in adult life. While at college, I acquired nearly everything on my wish list and it left my feeling good temporarily but then unfulfilled. I asked myself, "Now what?" My purchasing goals in life had been achieved. At that point, I was probably at a low point spiritually. But it started me on the path away from obtaining things (albums that used to be rare). I would consider that to be turning point in my life. That's when I started observing what I bought and what compelled me to buy them. At first it started into a simple consumer market survey on myself but then ended up in this spiritual exploration of self. It's a shame that one has to buy nearly everything one wants before coming to this realization. I wonder how others come to the conclusion without achieving their capitalistic goals.
So the Sage is led by his inner truth and not his outer eye. He holds to what is deep and not what lies on the surface.
- The truth lies within whereas the mirage of truth can be seen
- The inside will reveal the outside
- Find life's direction from within and follow intuition
Application: Throughout most of my life, I usually valued substance over image. This is easy to do where I grew up and went to college. But when I moved to other cultures, I found myself thrusted into situations where image was more important than substance...at first. It's more like image first, then substance. But more people were impressed by image than substance when it really came down to it. When I was overseas, I found that I could bond the best with those who appreciated the substance.
I also find this part of verse 12 to be a great media filter. This runs parallel to my political beliefs of my distrust of the mass media. My main source of this belief is from Noam Chomsky and the Madison-published journal, The Progressive. If I find myself really interested in a news item, I will research it myself to find if the news was accurate. I believe the mass-media news is good at raising topics but not delivering them. If you want to know more, always look deeper into the issue and always look deeper within yourself about your true feelings on the matter.
Friday, June 30, 2006
Thursday, June 29, 2006
A True Nihilist World
its corrosive effects
associated with Friedrich Nietzsche
gave way to an attitude of indifference
around us
we can learn
of the "collective unconscious"
being perceptive and aware of our surroundings
they are psychological and spiritual symbols
animal totems are archetypes
Carl Jung termed "archetypes"
the spirit nature of
a worship of the animals
along our personal path
there are hidden qualities
that work with the subconscious mind
around us
totems and all of nature
our electromagnetic energy field
associated with Friedrich Nietzsche
gave way to an attitude of indifference
around us
we can learn
of the "collective unconscious"
being perceptive and aware of our surroundings
they are psychological and spiritual symbols
animal totems are archetypes
Carl Jung termed "archetypes"
the spirit nature of
a worship of the animals
along our personal path
there are hidden qualities
that work with the subconscious mind
around us
totems and all of nature
our electromagnetic energy field
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Verse Eleven
Wu is nothingness, emptyness, non-existence. Thirty spokes of a wheel all join at a common hub yet only the hole at the center allows the wheel to spin. Clay is molded to form a cup yet only the space within allows the cup to hold water. Walls are joined to make a room yet only by cutting out a door and a window can one enter and live there.
- The functions of objects are found in what is not there.
- The form serves the emptiness.
- Filling in the spaces would cause the form to cease functioning.
- We must keep our minds free in order for them to function.
- A clear mind is a functional mind.
Application: When a problem arises, my mind is quick to find a solution. This is healthy until I encounter an obstacle which causes anxiety. Anxiety is what prevents my clarity of thought and I cannot function well mentally. One of the biggest lessons I've learned in the past few months was to view anxiety itself as an obstacle. Worrying about anxiety is even worse because it is double-layered and the mind becomes sluggishly operational. I am still in training when it comes to approaching obstacles without worry, without tensing up.
Thus, when a thing has existence alone it is mere dead-weight. Only when it has wu, does it have life.
- If we keep ourselves full of food and drink alone, we are not living
- If we keep ourselves full of constant emotions alone, we are not living
- We must let go of our desires to feel alive
- We must let go of our thoughts to feel alive
Application: Fun is often associated with a carefree environment. This is close to the truth that we really find enjoyment in our lives when our personal desires and thoughts are forgotten as we live in the moment. Try riding a roller coaster while thinking about your job and wishing you had a better home or car. It will most likely take the fun right out of it. Roller coasters can be frightening but if we take away the fear and all other selfish feelings it is quite enjoyable. I often like to view life as a roller coaster ride, and that I should view the ups and down as exhilirating and not painful. In the end, I believe I'll feel that life was an accomplishment.
- The functions of objects are found in what is not there.
- The form serves the emptiness.
- Filling in the spaces would cause the form to cease functioning.
- We must keep our minds free in order for them to function.
- A clear mind is a functional mind.
Application: When a problem arises, my mind is quick to find a solution. This is healthy until I encounter an obstacle which causes anxiety. Anxiety is what prevents my clarity of thought and I cannot function well mentally. One of the biggest lessons I've learned in the past few months was to view anxiety itself as an obstacle. Worrying about anxiety is even worse because it is double-layered and the mind becomes sluggishly operational. I am still in training when it comes to approaching obstacles without worry, without tensing up.
Thus, when a thing has existence alone it is mere dead-weight. Only when it has wu, does it have life.
- If we keep ourselves full of food and drink alone, we are not living
- If we keep ourselves full of constant emotions alone, we are not living
- We must let go of our desires to feel alive
- We must let go of our thoughts to feel alive
Application: Fun is often associated with a carefree environment. This is close to the truth that we really find enjoyment in our lives when our personal desires and thoughts are forgotten as we live in the moment. Try riding a roller coaster while thinking about your job and wishing you had a better home or car. It will most likely take the fun right out of it. Roller coasters can be frightening but if we take away the fear and all other selfish feelings it is quite enjoyable. I often like to view life as a roller coaster ride, and that I should view the ups and down as exhilirating and not painful. In the end, I believe I'll feel that life was an accomplishment.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Verse Ten
Hold fast to the Power of the One. It will unify the body and merge it with the spirit. It will cleanse the vision and reveal the world as flawless. It will focus the life-force (chi) and make one supple as a newborn.
- This is perceiving Unity, the origin
- When all is seen as one, there is no flaw
- Only when we look at individuals, we see flaws
- Flaws are the products of selfish action
- The energy of the newborn is from the origin
- Youth is not scarred by choice. We wear the marks of our selfish actions.
Application: Being raised Christian, this viewpoint was quite comforting to me. No matter how hard we try we cannot be perfect like God as long as we are individuals with selfish thoughts, words, and deeds. Seeking perfection is, in a way, a selfish goal. But the irony is that no individual can ever be perfect. Once we lose our individuality, our identity, then we can become perfect as a part of Unity, a part of God. In essence, we are not seperate from God. I found this to be a great revelation. Nobody can use this "essence of God" for individual gain because the essence is gone the second one returns to his individual world. I reached this same insight through deep contemplation in October 2004 and had it confirmed here in verse 10.
As you love the people and rule the state can you be free of self-interest? As the gates of Heaven open and close can you remain steadfast as a mother bird who sits in her nest? As your wisdom reaches the four corners of the world can you keep the innocence of a beginner?
- Are the worries of the people those of the kings?
- Are the worries of the children those of their parents?
- As worldly knowledge increases, use it for internal development instead of boasting
- Experienced innocence, appearing wise through appearing childlike
Application: This illustrates the conflict of responsibility and worry. How can one embrace Taoism if an authority figure? It's hard for me to imagine parents or other authority figures without fear or desire. A mother is not alone in protecting her children. I believe this section is about how responsibility and authority seem like permissible qualities to become individualistic. But one shows wisdom through the humility of ruling and protecting without fear or desire. That is a challenge, and the people who actually pull this off are usually revered as spiritual leaders. But all of us have this capability.
Know this Primal Power that guides without forcing, that serves without seeking, that brings forth and sustains life yet does not own or possess it.
- This is perceiving Unity, the origin
- When all is seen as one, there is no flaw
- Only when we look at individuals, we see flaws
- Flaws are the products of selfish action
- The energy of the newborn is from the origin
- Youth is not scarred by choice. We wear the marks of our selfish actions.
Application: Being raised Christian, this viewpoint was quite comforting to me. No matter how hard we try we cannot be perfect like God as long as we are individuals with selfish thoughts, words, and deeds. Seeking perfection is, in a way, a selfish goal. But the irony is that no individual can ever be perfect. Once we lose our individuality, our identity, then we can become perfect as a part of Unity, a part of God. In essence, we are not seperate from God. I found this to be a great revelation. Nobody can use this "essence of God" for individual gain because the essence is gone the second one returns to his individual world. I reached this same insight through deep contemplation in October 2004 and had it confirmed here in verse 10.
As you love the people and rule the state can you be free of self-interest? As the gates of Heaven open and close can you remain steadfast as a mother bird who sits in her nest? As your wisdom reaches the four corners of the world can you keep the innocence of a beginner?
- Are the worries of the people those of the kings?
- Are the worries of the children those of their parents?
- As worldly knowledge increases, use it for internal development instead of boasting
- Experienced innocence, appearing wise through appearing childlike
Application: This illustrates the conflict of responsibility and worry. How can one embrace Taoism if an authority figure? It's hard for me to imagine parents or other authority figures without fear or desire. A mother is not alone in protecting her children. I believe this section is about how responsibility and authority seem like permissible qualities to become individualistic. But one shows wisdom through the humility of ruling and protecting without fear or desire. That is a challenge, and the people who actually pull this off are usually revered as spiritual leaders. But all of us have this capability.
Know this Primal Power that guides without forcing, that serves without seeking, that brings forth and sustains life yet does not own or possess it.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Let's Buy Some Poultry
Phynn: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the poultry store!
?: There’s only me, sir.
Phynn: Excuse me, but I’m a bit shortsighted.
?: So this is a poultry store?
Phynn: Yes, it is the poultry store—the only one this side of the Ohio River. And how can I help you today?
?: I’ve never been to a poultry store before.
Phynn: Well, welcome then.
?: You already welcomed me, but thanks anyway.
Phynn: Today’s special is a couple of live chickens.
?: What do I do with them?
Phynn: That’s the joy of being a customer at my poultry store. You have an unlimited choice of what to do with the merchandise once it is purchased. This is not a gun shop or a car wash where you are limited in choice. We call it the Customer’s Freedom of Choice.
?: What do most people do with a couple of live chickens?
Phynn: I don’t know yet, but I’m putting together a questionnaire for all poultry shoppers to help abecedarians like you.
?: Excuse me, what’s like me?
Phynn: Abecedarians, you know, tenderfoots or tyros.
?: Don’t you mean tenderfeet?
Phynn: Let’s not argue about semantics, I’m only a humble poultry man. (pause) We’ve gone far in conversation without any movement towards a purchase. It would help if we introduced each other—
?: If you really think so. My name is ?.
Phynn: Come again? How do you pronounce that?
?: It’s like the zoo in spring.
Phynn: That’s pretty noisy.
?: You bet your bottom dollar. Now what’s your name?
Phynn: Please call me Phynn. That’s my name and that’s what all my friends call me too.
?: Fin as in fish fin?
Phynn: No, Phynn with a “ph” as in phosphorescence. Then it’s “ynn” like Lynn.
?: Is it short for something like Phineas?
Phynn: I’m afraid not. Phynn is my name in its entirety.
?: Don’t you have a family name?
Phynn: No, my family didn’t think I deserved it.
?: I’m sorry to hear that.
Phynn: Are you really sorry to hear that or are you just being polite? How would you like to live without a family name?
?: Actually I do.
Phynn: Oh really? You’re the one with an even stranger name. Now, how about some poultry?
?: You said a couple of live chickens were on sale today.
Phynn: That is correct, sir. You really have a great memory.
?: It was only a few minutes ago.
Phynn: Come on, don’t be so modest.
?: Shut up, don’t be so polite.
Phynn: I’m just being courteous like all good shopkeepers should.
?: What else do you have besides live chickens?
Phynn: We have some frozen ducks imported from Cincinnati.
?: Cincinnati?
Phynn: Oh, heavens to Betsy. I meant Singapore.
?: I didn’t know Singapore was famous for ducks.
Phynn: Either did I, but they offer the finest selection of frozen ducks.
?: How are they frozen?
Phynn: What do you mean?
?: I mean are they put in a deep-freeze or are they covered in ice or are they cryogenically frozen?
Phynn: I haven’t really gone into that much research.
?: If you knew, perhaps you could enhance the quality of the ducks.
Phynn: Perchance.
?: What else do you got?
Phynn: I’ve got turkeys with their heads chopped off.
?: Living?
Phynn: Of course not! Don’t be inane.
?: How many people buy turkeys in the off-season?
Phynn: When is the on-season?
?: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Didn’t you know that?
Phynn: That would explain the rise in prices. I guess I should stock more turkeys when the time comes. When is Thanksgiblets?
?: Thanksgiving is the last Thursday in November.
Phynn: That’s an odd place to put a holiday. Why a Thursday?
?: Probably for phonetic reasons: Thanksgiving Thursday.
Phynn: Brilliant! But why November?
?: Don’t you know the history of Thanksgiving?
Phynn: I didn’t know it was necessary for a poultry man.
?: If you handle turkeys, you should definitely know.
Phynn: You may think me a hopeless poultry man, but I’m not. I know how much the average game hen should weigh. I know what a partridge looks like when stripped of its plumage. I know the difference between a pheasant and a grouse.
?: I don’t doubt you, kind Phynn. Do you have any quail?
Phynn: Quail? Yes, er…we have many kinds of quail. What kind of quail would you like?
?: I didn’t know there were different kinds of quail.
Phynn: Yes, there’s the bobwhite quail of North America.
?: The bobwhite?
Phynn: Have you ever savored the bobwhite quail?
?: I don’t think I have. I’ll have one.
Phynn: Are you sure you just want one? We have a sale on a covey of quail.
?: How many quails are in a covey?
Phynn: Oh, anywhere from five to fifteen.
?: And the price is the same no matter the size of the covey?
Phynn: You have my word, honest to goodness.
?: I’ll have your largest covey of quail then.
Phynn: Very well. (goes to the back room) (another customer enters)
Debit: Good afternoon.
?: You really think so? I don’t like the fog.
Debit: It’s not foggy today.
?: Well, it was just a while ago. What’s the weather now, good sir?
Debit: Warmish.
?: Thanks, but how does the sky look? Is it filled with serene clarity?
Debit: Are you a poet?
?: No, just a curious man with an interest in the visibility of the day’s atmosphere.
Debit: It’s quite pleasant.
?: Quite? I don’t know if I can trust you.
Debit: Why not?
?: You’re a man of little words. I’ve made it a policy of mine not to trust men of little words. You know, little words please gullible minds.
Debit: I’m insulted.
?: And you should be, my devious fellow. (Phynn comes back out with a crate)
Phynn: Our largest covey contains sixteen quails. I seem to have underestimated the number of quail. Please do not think less of me.
?: Your reputation is safe with me, fit Phynn.
(Phynn turns attention to Debit)
Phynn: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the poultry store.
Debit: There’s only me and this stranger, sir.
?: I beg your pardon! I, a stranger? Have we not exchanged kind words?
Debit: Words, yes. Kind, I think not.
Phynn: I’m sorry. Have you been insulted in my shop?
Debit: I’m afraid so.
Phynn: I sincerely apologize for my patron’s harshness.
?: I was not harsh, wholesome Phynn. This man who stands here beside me has plans of deviation.
Debit: Untrue.
Phynn: Please settle this matter outside of my store. How can I help you, good fiend—friend?
Debit: What is today’s special?
?: A couple of—
Phynn: Please ?, let me. A couple of live chickens are on sale today for the low, low price of $5.99.
Debit: That is a bargain. I’ll take them.
Phynn: Good. Please allow me to finish the transaction with ?.
Debit: ?? That’s his name? Ha-ha!
?: Do not mock me. Phynn, please hasten the transaction. My comfort is at a critical level with this ignoble creature.
Phynn: Your covey of quails comes to the cost of $14.59.
Debit: What did you—
?: Shh! Are you telling me that I’m paying about ninety-three cents for each quail?
Phynn: A wizard of a mathematician you are. Yes, good patron. Is that too much?
?: The contrary. Can you ensure me that the quality of these sixteen quails is high?
Phynn: Again you have my word.
?: You truly are a man of good value.
Phynn: Your eyes have now opened. You have seen the true poultry man that I am.
?: Yes, indeed I have.
Debit: Stop it with this sugar coated politeness. Is this a tennis match of compliments?
?: Incredible! You have said quite a mouthful, sir. I take back what I said about you earlier. Please forgive my hasty convictions.
Debit: You forgive quickly.
?: It is due to my keen perception.
Debit: Your perception erred at first.
?: Wrong. You had only displayed short utterances.
Debit: I see your point.
?: And what a good point it is!
Phynn: Sorry to interrupt, but we are in the middle of a major transaction.
Debit: Fifteen dollars is a major transaction?
Phynn: When my largest covey of quails is being sold, I consider it a major transaction.
Debit: So be it.
?: “So be it.” What a pointless phrase…Mister…I’m sorry. I don’t think we’ve introduced each other, but you already know my name as you have mocked it when I had the supposition of you.
Debit: My name is Debit.
Phynn: It seems we all have curious names here this afternoon.
?: Yes, indeed. (He pulls out his wallet and fishes out a $20 bill) Can you break a twenty?
Phynn: Without let or hindrance by the flick of a switch.
Debit: Listen to those idioms.
?: I know!
Phynn: Here is your exact change, ?. Please look it over in case I have miscounted.
?: It’s OK. I trust your mathematical ability.
Phynn: Counting is not a matter of mathematics. Counting is just counting.
Debit: I think he’s right.
?: That’s because he is right. Nonetheless your esteemed reputation is secure with me.
Debit: And with me.
Phynn: Ah! But you haven’t dealt with me directly. You have only watched a transaction from the place where you are standing now.
Debit: True, true.
?: I believe that is all I needed for today, I will now depart and see where my feet lead me next. I’m sure these quails will be splendid.
Phynn: Thank you again, considerate consumer. I look forward to your next patronage.
?: And nice meeting you too, Debt.
Debit: That’s Debit as in a recorded debt or expense.
?: Yes. Farewell, gentlemen. (? Leaves)
Phynn: There goes a fine lad. Now were you interested in today’s special.
Debit: Actually I wasn’t. What peaks my interest was your selection of game hens.
Phynn: It’s quite a selection, isn’t it? I think it is the widest in town. Which game hens particularly interest you at this time?
Debit: I’m not really sure now that you mention it.
Phynn: We have Cornish game hens, Flemish game hens, and Danish game hens.
Debit: Danish game hens? Are they pastries?
Phynn: Ah! A sublime wit!
Debit: What’s the difference between Cornish and Flemish game hens? I’ve never been educated about that.
Phynn: Really? Every day’s a new learning experience, isn’t it? Let me teach you, good Debit.
Debit: I would be ever so grateful.
Phynn: Cornish game hens come from Cornwall of southwestern England.
Debit: Cornwall? Do you mean to tell me these game hens are imported?
Phynn: I think these game hens were prepared in the fashion of Cornwall. I doubt they were imported from England. Anyway, Flemish game hens hail from Flanders in Belgium.
Debit: Flanders, Belgium! That sounds classy. I’ll take a few of your Flemish game hens.
Phynn: Unfortunately they are the highest priced game hens.
Debit: Ach quatch!
Phynn: Watch your language.
Debit: I did and it was German.
Phynn: We only accept English at this establishment.
Debit: We? There is only one of you.
Phynn: Quite right. Your observation is most accurate. Would you like a reward?
Debit: Don’t be facetious.
Phynn: I don’t like that word. Now how about those game hens?
Debit: Yeah. How much are those Flemish hens?
Phynn: They go for about $5 per gram.
Debit: Per gram? Why are you weighing hens with grams?
Phynn: It’s required by Flemish law.
Debit: But this is America. You don’t have to follow Flemish law.
Phynn: This is America where I can follow any law I choose.
Debit: As long as it is in accordance with the Constitution.
Phynn: My, my. You are quite educated in civics. I’m forever grateful for receiving such intelligent customers such as yourself.
Debit: How many grams does your average Flemish game hen weigh?
Phynn: I don’t know. I’ll have to call in for that.
Debit: Call in? Call in to whom?
Phynn: Whom? I shall call in to poultry headquarters down in Washington.
Debit: Do you mean to tell me there are poultry headquarters in Washington, DC?
Phynn: I didn’t say that. They’re in Washington, Georgia.
Debit: Oh, well then, make the call.
Phynn: I was about to. (Dials) Hello. This is Phynn from The Poultry Store. No, it’s the one on the other side of Ohio River. Yes, that’s me. I was calling to get some information concerning game hens. Flemish ones. Yes, they are quite expensive. (He looks at Debit with “I told you so.”) A highly intelligent customer of mine would like to know the average weight of Flemish hens in grams please. Oh, he’s well educated in the field of civics. Yes, he’s an excellent American citizen. Debit’s his name. Quite peculiar, isn’t it?
Debit: Hey now! Don’t go chatting on about me. That’s not very professional business.
Phynn: Shh! I’m on the phone. Please be patient and urbane. (Back to the phone) I’m sorry that was Debit. He doesn’t want me talking about him, that’s all. He’s a bit average-looking if you ask me.
Debit: What’s going on?
Phynn: Are you single?
Debit: That is none of your business. Just tell me about the game hens or I walk out of here.
Phynn: Well, it’s just that the lady from headquarters is interested in you.
Debit: Really? But she doesn’t even know me.
Phynn: She knows you are highly intelligent and average-looking.
Debit: Is average-looking good enough for her?
Phynn: Well, she is a bit on the heavy side.
Debit: How much is a bit?
Phynn: I don’t know. Say about 170 to 180 pounds, not that heavy.
Debit: Is she a tall woman?
Phynn: She’s a few inches shorter than you, Mr. Debit.
Debit: Tell her I’m not interested in her, but I am interested in the average weight of a Flemish game hen.
Phynn: I don’t think she’ll take kindly to that, sir.
Debit: Go on.
Phynn: (back on the phone) Yes, hello? Hello? (hangs up) She must have heard us talking.
Debit: Call her back.
Phynn: I can’t do that. (a caped customer walks in) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the poultry store.
Rotness: You need not welcome me to your poulty store, and may I point out that—
Debit: There’s only you and me in the store. He knows.
Rotness: One thing I do not tolerate is an interruption, especially when it is I who is being interrupted.
Phynn: I apologize for past and future hindrances to your reputation, my patron.
Rotness: Don’t call me your patron when I haven’t purchased anything yet. And I don’t plan to do so either.
Phynn: May I inquire the nature of your visit then?
Rotness: You reserve the right to mind your own business.
Debit (whispers to Phynn): He’s a bit hoity-toity, isn’t he?
Rotness: Fellow visitor, please make no snap judgments about me for I haven’t done so for you. Thank God in heaven for that for I would have damned you so.
Debit: You do not have the ability to damn anyone.
Rotness: Would you like to try me?
Phynn: Humble Debit, please back down from the man’s threats. I wish neither of you harm.
Debit: Could we continue with return call to headquarters before I purchase your Flemish game hens?
Rotness: Did I hear you say Flemish game hens? Are you intending to eat them?
Debit: You reserve the right to mind your own business.
Rotness: That’s plagerism. I have a copyright on my words wherever I go.
Phynn: It is possible that I could make an educated guess about the average weight of a Flemish game hen.
Debit: Please do it, sir.
Phynn: It will take an estimate of 24 hours to successfully guess the weight. Could you come back tomorrow?
Debit: The thought of Flemish game hen on my palate has been palpitating in my head since I heard about their succulence.
Phynn: I understand completely. How about you pay $20 dollars now for them, and you can pay the difference tomorrow? And if the total cost is under $20, I will refund you the difference.
Debit (pulling out a $20 bill): Consider it a deal.
Rotness: Man and woman must not dine on poultry!
Debit: Practice your tragedies elsewhere, Shakespeare.
Phynn: Shh! He’s a potential customer. (Hands over the game hens)
Rotness: I refuse to be tagged as a customer, consumer, patron, or what have you.
Debit: I will now bow out of this performance. Thank you for the wonderful game hens.
Phynn: Thank you too, wise Debit. I look forward to your presence tomorrow.
Debit: Adieu.
Rotness: Was that fool speaking French?
Phynn: Only to bid farewell. (pause) How do you acquire goods and services, sir, without exchanging them for monetary units?
Rotness: I would like to hear your theory on how I acquire goods and services.
Phynn: Please do not hate me for what I am about to say.
Rotness: I cannot make such a promise, I’m sorry. Go on and tell me.
Phynn: I presume you are a shoplifter.
Rotness: Ha! I am no petty thief!
Phynn: Can you excuse my false assumption?
Rotness: Ah…no! Do you not know who I am?
Phynn: A whimsical man of half-nature, one of diabolical background I suppose.
Rotness: Would my name be Satan to you?
Phynn: I refuse to answer that question.
Rotness: You already have, and you are wrong for I am not Satan or Wormwood or Lucifer, the Morning Star.
Phynn: Then you are some cunning apparition of deceit.
Rotness: I am no ghost! My name is Rotness.
Phynn: Oh, I should have guessed.
Rotness: You did guess and the guess was quite off.
Phynn: And how shall I entertain your presence, Mr. Rotness?
Rotness: Do not address me as Mister. Do I look like a mister to you?
Phynn: I didn’t know misters had a look about them.
Rotness: Oh, they do indeed, and my look is the furthest from theirs.
Phynn: You don’t say.
Rotness: I just did, but I will say nothing more of the fact.
Phynn: May I inquire again how I shall entertain your presence?
Rotness: I require no entertainment from you at all. I would just like to take one last look at this store before…(sighs)
Phynn: Before what?
(Rotness looks into the air passionately and reaches out his hand to thin air.)
Phynn: Your presence has instilled fear into my heart ever since you and your cape entered.
Rotness: I have a tendency to do things of that nature, but I have no apologies to give. I admire the air I exude.
Phynn: Don’t you mean “exhale?”
Rotness: Quiet! Let my last glimpses of this store be in peace.
(Phynn looks awfully concerned. Rotness now outstretches both of his hands.)
THE END
?: There’s only me, sir.
Phynn: Excuse me, but I’m a bit shortsighted.
?: So this is a poultry store?
Phynn: Yes, it is the poultry store—the only one this side of the Ohio River. And how can I help you today?
?: I’ve never been to a poultry store before.
Phynn: Well, welcome then.
?: You already welcomed me, but thanks anyway.
Phynn: Today’s special is a couple of live chickens.
?: What do I do with them?
Phynn: That’s the joy of being a customer at my poultry store. You have an unlimited choice of what to do with the merchandise once it is purchased. This is not a gun shop or a car wash where you are limited in choice. We call it the Customer’s Freedom of Choice.
?: What do most people do with a couple of live chickens?
Phynn: I don’t know yet, but I’m putting together a questionnaire for all poultry shoppers to help abecedarians like you.
?: Excuse me, what’s like me?
Phynn: Abecedarians, you know, tenderfoots or tyros.
?: Don’t you mean tenderfeet?
Phynn: Let’s not argue about semantics, I’m only a humble poultry man. (pause) We’ve gone far in conversation without any movement towards a purchase. It would help if we introduced each other—
?: If you really think so. My name is ?.
Phynn: Come again? How do you pronounce that?
?: It’s like the zoo in spring.
Phynn: That’s pretty noisy.
?: You bet your bottom dollar. Now what’s your name?
Phynn: Please call me Phynn. That’s my name and that’s what all my friends call me too.
?: Fin as in fish fin?
Phynn: No, Phynn with a “ph” as in phosphorescence. Then it’s “ynn” like Lynn.
?: Is it short for something like Phineas?
Phynn: I’m afraid not. Phynn is my name in its entirety.
?: Don’t you have a family name?
Phynn: No, my family didn’t think I deserved it.
?: I’m sorry to hear that.
Phynn: Are you really sorry to hear that or are you just being polite? How would you like to live without a family name?
?: Actually I do.
Phynn: Oh really? You’re the one with an even stranger name. Now, how about some poultry?
?: You said a couple of live chickens were on sale today.
Phynn: That is correct, sir. You really have a great memory.
?: It was only a few minutes ago.
Phynn: Come on, don’t be so modest.
?: Shut up, don’t be so polite.
Phynn: I’m just being courteous like all good shopkeepers should.
?: What else do you have besides live chickens?
Phynn: We have some frozen ducks imported from Cincinnati.
?: Cincinnati?
Phynn: Oh, heavens to Betsy. I meant Singapore.
?: I didn’t know Singapore was famous for ducks.
Phynn: Either did I, but they offer the finest selection of frozen ducks.
?: How are they frozen?
Phynn: What do you mean?
?: I mean are they put in a deep-freeze or are they covered in ice or are they cryogenically frozen?
Phynn: I haven’t really gone into that much research.
?: If you knew, perhaps you could enhance the quality of the ducks.
Phynn: Perchance.
?: What else do you got?
Phynn: I’ve got turkeys with their heads chopped off.
?: Living?
Phynn: Of course not! Don’t be inane.
?: How many people buy turkeys in the off-season?
Phynn: When is the on-season?
?: Thanksgiving and Christmas. Didn’t you know that?
Phynn: That would explain the rise in prices. I guess I should stock more turkeys when the time comes. When is Thanksgiblets?
?: Thanksgiving is the last Thursday in November.
Phynn: That’s an odd place to put a holiday. Why a Thursday?
?: Probably for phonetic reasons: Thanksgiving Thursday.
Phynn: Brilliant! But why November?
?: Don’t you know the history of Thanksgiving?
Phynn: I didn’t know it was necessary for a poultry man.
?: If you handle turkeys, you should definitely know.
Phynn: You may think me a hopeless poultry man, but I’m not. I know how much the average game hen should weigh. I know what a partridge looks like when stripped of its plumage. I know the difference between a pheasant and a grouse.
?: I don’t doubt you, kind Phynn. Do you have any quail?
Phynn: Quail? Yes, er…we have many kinds of quail. What kind of quail would you like?
?: I didn’t know there were different kinds of quail.
Phynn: Yes, there’s the bobwhite quail of North America.
?: The bobwhite?
Phynn: Have you ever savored the bobwhite quail?
?: I don’t think I have. I’ll have one.
Phynn: Are you sure you just want one? We have a sale on a covey of quail.
?: How many quails are in a covey?
Phynn: Oh, anywhere from five to fifteen.
?: And the price is the same no matter the size of the covey?
Phynn: You have my word, honest to goodness.
?: I’ll have your largest covey of quail then.
Phynn: Very well. (goes to the back room) (another customer enters)
Debit: Good afternoon.
?: You really think so? I don’t like the fog.
Debit: It’s not foggy today.
?: Well, it was just a while ago. What’s the weather now, good sir?
Debit: Warmish.
?: Thanks, but how does the sky look? Is it filled with serene clarity?
Debit: Are you a poet?
?: No, just a curious man with an interest in the visibility of the day’s atmosphere.
Debit: It’s quite pleasant.
?: Quite? I don’t know if I can trust you.
Debit: Why not?
?: You’re a man of little words. I’ve made it a policy of mine not to trust men of little words. You know, little words please gullible minds.
Debit: I’m insulted.
?: And you should be, my devious fellow. (Phynn comes back out with a crate)
Phynn: Our largest covey contains sixteen quails. I seem to have underestimated the number of quail. Please do not think less of me.
?: Your reputation is safe with me, fit Phynn.
(Phynn turns attention to Debit)
Phynn: Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the poultry store.
Debit: There’s only me and this stranger, sir.
?: I beg your pardon! I, a stranger? Have we not exchanged kind words?
Debit: Words, yes. Kind, I think not.
Phynn: I’m sorry. Have you been insulted in my shop?
Debit: I’m afraid so.
Phynn: I sincerely apologize for my patron’s harshness.
?: I was not harsh, wholesome Phynn. This man who stands here beside me has plans of deviation.
Debit: Untrue.
Phynn: Please settle this matter outside of my store. How can I help you, good fiend—friend?
Debit: What is today’s special?
?: A couple of—
Phynn: Please ?, let me. A couple of live chickens are on sale today for the low, low price of $5.99.
Debit: That is a bargain. I’ll take them.
Phynn: Good. Please allow me to finish the transaction with ?.
Debit: ?? That’s his name? Ha-ha!
?: Do not mock me. Phynn, please hasten the transaction. My comfort is at a critical level with this ignoble creature.
Phynn: Your covey of quails comes to the cost of $14.59.
Debit: What did you—
?: Shh! Are you telling me that I’m paying about ninety-three cents for each quail?
Phynn: A wizard of a mathematician you are. Yes, good patron. Is that too much?
?: The contrary. Can you ensure me that the quality of these sixteen quails is high?
Phynn: Again you have my word.
?: You truly are a man of good value.
Phynn: Your eyes have now opened. You have seen the true poultry man that I am.
?: Yes, indeed I have.
Debit: Stop it with this sugar coated politeness. Is this a tennis match of compliments?
?: Incredible! You have said quite a mouthful, sir. I take back what I said about you earlier. Please forgive my hasty convictions.
Debit: You forgive quickly.
?: It is due to my keen perception.
Debit: Your perception erred at first.
?: Wrong. You had only displayed short utterances.
Debit: I see your point.
?: And what a good point it is!
Phynn: Sorry to interrupt, but we are in the middle of a major transaction.
Debit: Fifteen dollars is a major transaction?
Phynn: When my largest covey of quails is being sold, I consider it a major transaction.
Debit: So be it.
?: “So be it.” What a pointless phrase…Mister…I’m sorry. I don’t think we’ve introduced each other, but you already know my name as you have mocked it when I had the supposition of you.
Debit: My name is Debit.
Phynn: It seems we all have curious names here this afternoon.
?: Yes, indeed. (He pulls out his wallet and fishes out a $20 bill) Can you break a twenty?
Phynn: Without let or hindrance by the flick of a switch.
Debit: Listen to those idioms.
?: I know!
Phynn: Here is your exact change, ?. Please look it over in case I have miscounted.
?: It’s OK. I trust your mathematical ability.
Phynn: Counting is not a matter of mathematics. Counting is just counting.
Debit: I think he’s right.
?: That’s because he is right. Nonetheless your esteemed reputation is secure with me.
Debit: And with me.
Phynn: Ah! But you haven’t dealt with me directly. You have only watched a transaction from the place where you are standing now.
Debit: True, true.
?: I believe that is all I needed for today, I will now depart and see where my feet lead me next. I’m sure these quails will be splendid.
Phynn: Thank you again, considerate consumer. I look forward to your next patronage.
?: And nice meeting you too, Debt.
Debit: That’s Debit as in a recorded debt or expense.
?: Yes. Farewell, gentlemen. (? Leaves)
Phynn: There goes a fine lad. Now were you interested in today’s special.
Debit: Actually I wasn’t. What peaks my interest was your selection of game hens.
Phynn: It’s quite a selection, isn’t it? I think it is the widest in town. Which game hens particularly interest you at this time?
Debit: I’m not really sure now that you mention it.
Phynn: We have Cornish game hens, Flemish game hens, and Danish game hens.
Debit: Danish game hens? Are they pastries?
Phynn: Ah! A sublime wit!
Debit: What’s the difference between Cornish and Flemish game hens? I’ve never been educated about that.
Phynn: Really? Every day’s a new learning experience, isn’t it? Let me teach you, good Debit.
Debit: I would be ever so grateful.
Phynn: Cornish game hens come from Cornwall of southwestern England.
Debit: Cornwall? Do you mean to tell me these game hens are imported?
Phynn: I think these game hens were prepared in the fashion of Cornwall. I doubt they were imported from England. Anyway, Flemish game hens hail from Flanders in Belgium.
Debit: Flanders, Belgium! That sounds classy. I’ll take a few of your Flemish game hens.
Phynn: Unfortunately they are the highest priced game hens.
Debit: Ach quatch!
Phynn: Watch your language.
Debit: I did and it was German.
Phynn: We only accept English at this establishment.
Debit: We? There is only one of you.
Phynn: Quite right. Your observation is most accurate. Would you like a reward?
Debit: Don’t be facetious.
Phynn: I don’t like that word. Now how about those game hens?
Debit: Yeah. How much are those Flemish hens?
Phynn: They go for about $5 per gram.
Debit: Per gram? Why are you weighing hens with grams?
Phynn: It’s required by Flemish law.
Debit: But this is America. You don’t have to follow Flemish law.
Phynn: This is America where I can follow any law I choose.
Debit: As long as it is in accordance with the Constitution.
Phynn: My, my. You are quite educated in civics. I’m forever grateful for receiving such intelligent customers such as yourself.
Debit: How many grams does your average Flemish game hen weigh?
Phynn: I don’t know. I’ll have to call in for that.
Debit: Call in? Call in to whom?
Phynn: Whom? I shall call in to poultry headquarters down in Washington.
Debit: Do you mean to tell me there are poultry headquarters in Washington, DC?
Phynn: I didn’t say that. They’re in Washington, Georgia.
Debit: Oh, well then, make the call.
Phynn: I was about to. (Dials) Hello. This is Phynn from The Poultry Store. No, it’s the one on the other side of Ohio River. Yes, that’s me. I was calling to get some information concerning game hens. Flemish ones. Yes, they are quite expensive. (He looks at Debit with “I told you so.”) A highly intelligent customer of mine would like to know the average weight of Flemish hens in grams please. Oh, he’s well educated in the field of civics. Yes, he’s an excellent American citizen. Debit’s his name. Quite peculiar, isn’t it?
Debit: Hey now! Don’t go chatting on about me. That’s not very professional business.
Phynn: Shh! I’m on the phone. Please be patient and urbane. (Back to the phone) I’m sorry that was Debit. He doesn’t want me talking about him, that’s all. He’s a bit average-looking if you ask me.
Debit: What’s going on?
Phynn: Are you single?
Debit: That is none of your business. Just tell me about the game hens or I walk out of here.
Phynn: Well, it’s just that the lady from headquarters is interested in you.
Debit: Really? But she doesn’t even know me.
Phynn: She knows you are highly intelligent and average-looking.
Debit: Is average-looking good enough for her?
Phynn: Well, she is a bit on the heavy side.
Debit: How much is a bit?
Phynn: I don’t know. Say about 170 to 180 pounds, not that heavy.
Debit: Is she a tall woman?
Phynn: She’s a few inches shorter than you, Mr. Debit.
Debit: Tell her I’m not interested in her, but I am interested in the average weight of a Flemish game hen.
Phynn: I don’t think she’ll take kindly to that, sir.
Debit: Go on.
Phynn: (back on the phone) Yes, hello? Hello? (hangs up) She must have heard us talking.
Debit: Call her back.
Phynn: I can’t do that. (a caped customer walks in) Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the poultry store.
Rotness: You need not welcome me to your poulty store, and may I point out that—
Debit: There’s only you and me in the store. He knows.
Rotness: One thing I do not tolerate is an interruption, especially when it is I who is being interrupted.
Phynn: I apologize for past and future hindrances to your reputation, my patron.
Rotness: Don’t call me your patron when I haven’t purchased anything yet. And I don’t plan to do so either.
Phynn: May I inquire the nature of your visit then?
Rotness: You reserve the right to mind your own business.
Debit (whispers to Phynn): He’s a bit hoity-toity, isn’t he?
Rotness: Fellow visitor, please make no snap judgments about me for I haven’t done so for you. Thank God in heaven for that for I would have damned you so.
Debit: You do not have the ability to damn anyone.
Rotness: Would you like to try me?
Phynn: Humble Debit, please back down from the man’s threats. I wish neither of you harm.
Debit: Could we continue with return call to headquarters before I purchase your Flemish game hens?
Rotness: Did I hear you say Flemish game hens? Are you intending to eat them?
Debit: You reserve the right to mind your own business.
Rotness: That’s plagerism. I have a copyright on my words wherever I go.
Phynn: It is possible that I could make an educated guess about the average weight of a Flemish game hen.
Debit: Please do it, sir.
Phynn: It will take an estimate of 24 hours to successfully guess the weight. Could you come back tomorrow?
Debit: The thought of Flemish game hen on my palate has been palpitating in my head since I heard about their succulence.
Phynn: I understand completely. How about you pay $20 dollars now for them, and you can pay the difference tomorrow? And if the total cost is under $20, I will refund you the difference.
Debit (pulling out a $20 bill): Consider it a deal.
Rotness: Man and woman must not dine on poultry!
Debit: Practice your tragedies elsewhere, Shakespeare.
Phynn: Shh! He’s a potential customer. (Hands over the game hens)
Rotness: I refuse to be tagged as a customer, consumer, patron, or what have you.
Debit: I will now bow out of this performance. Thank you for the wonderful game hens.
Phynn: Thank you too, wise Debit. I look forward to your presence tomorrow.
Debit: Adieu.
Rotness: Was that fool speaking French?
Phynn: Only to bid farewell. (pause) How do you acquire goods and services, sir, without exchanging them for monetary units?
Rotness: I would like to hear your theory on how I acquire goods and services.
Phynn: Please do not hate me for what I am about to say.
Rotness: I cannot make such a promise, I’m sorry. Go on and tell me.
Phynn: I presume you are a shoplifter.
Rotness: Ha! I am no petty thief!
Phynn: Can you excuse my false assumption?
Rotness: Ah…no! Do you not know who I am?
Phynn: A whimsical man of half-nature, one of diabolical background I suppose.
Rotness: Would my name be Satan to you?
Phynn: I refuse to answer that question.
Rotness: You already have, and you are wrong for I am not Satan or Wormwood or Lucifer, the Morning Star.
Phynn: Then you are some cunning apparition of deceit.
Rotness: I am no ghost! My name is Rotness.
Phynn: Oh, I should have guessed.
Rotness: You did guess and the guess was quite off.
Phynn: And how shall I entertain your presence, Mr. Rotness?
Rotness: Do not address me as Mister. Do I look like a mister to you?
Phynn: I didn’t know misters had a look about them.
Rotness: Oh, they do indeed, and my look is the furthest from theirs.
Phynn: You don’t say.
Rotness: I just did, but I will say nothing more of the fact.
Phynn: May I inquire again how I shall entertain your presence?
Rotness: I require no entertainment from you at all. I would just like to take one last look at this store before…(sighs)
Phynn: Before what?
(Rotness looks into the air passionately and reaches out his hand to thin air.)
Phynn: Your presence has instilled fear into my heart ever since you and your cape entered.
Rotness: I have a tendency to do things of that nature, but I have no apologies to give. I admire the air I exude.
Phynn: Don’t you mean “exhale?”
Rotness: Quiet! Let my last glimpses of this store be in peace.
(Phynn looks awfully concerned. Rotness now outstretches both of his hands.)
THE END
Friday, June 23, 2006
Verse Nine
Grabbing and stuffing--there is no end to it.
- Consuming is a fact of life.
- One cannot stop the consuming of individuals.
- There is no permanent satisfaction.
Application: As a human being, I have to eat and drink. I believe this line criticizes the abuse of these primal needs. Taoism appeals to me because it does not list forbidden food such as pork, beef, or meat in general. Instead it stresses moderation. No matter how tempting food is, as it is in the United States, don't pig out. This verse can also be applied to shopping as it has become an epidemic in modern civilization. People are grabbing and stuffing all the time and they get so caught up in it that they forget why they are buying all that junk. Practicing moderation helps people remain aware of what and why they are grabbing and stuffing. Compared to the average American, I believe I do quite well here. But I will still gorge on my favorite foods and I endlessly grab music.
Sharpen a blade too much and its edge will soon be lost. Fill a house with gold and jade and no one can protect it. Puff yourself with honor and pride and no one can save you from a fall.
- Too much action causes its reverse effect.
- The excess of the yang energy is harmful.
- What goes up must come down.
Application: These lines describe the problems of excess. I see this as a direct criticism toward super-capitalism. The first sentence can be applied to military practices. The second sentence can be applied to the hoarding of luxurious things. The third sentence can be applied to vanity. As an American, I feel that this is a warning for my society. And because I just watched Superman, I can foresee our society ignoring its signs of weakness because it is lost in the glow of its own vanity. The rest of the world, even ourselves, like to see the mighty fall. We just don't want to see ourselves fall. Hopefully we can be rescued by acquiring humility and moderation. How? This blog is my own personal attempt, and I hope others try similar methods. Christianity preaches both humility and moderation, so one does not have to abandon his or her faith.
Complete the task at hand. Be selfless in your actions--This is the way of Heaven. This is the way to Heaven.
- Selflessness is in the yin energy.
- Doing things for all comes back to you.
- Being selfless is reducing one's individuality.
Application: I like verse 9 of the Tao Te Ching because it provides a simple observation followed by closer observation and ends with a solution to the observed problems. Vanity is self-absorption, loving oneself at the expense of others. This quickly erodes relationships. I can see this taken to the national level. This is the ultimate expression of the yang energy--the male, individualistic, aggressive side--and will create an imbalance in oneself or in the world. Nature has a tendency to return things to balance, and we can help nature by using more yin energy--the female, holistic, passive side. If I realize that I am a part of this universe, then anything helpful I do for others is obviously helpful for me. Selflessly helping is the remedy, but most individuals have a knee-jerk reaction because of fear (of someone taking advantage) and desire (to get something in return). At this point, I can see how fear and desire are the driving forces behind the yang energy. I myself have these problems, and it is very difficult to overcome. I think meditation helps in the breakthrough because constantly living in a materialistic yang-driven world does not help.
- Consuming is a fact of life.
- One cannot stop the consuming of individuals.
- There is no permanent satisfaction.
Application: As a human being, I have to eat and drink. I believe this line criticizes the abuse of these primal needs. Taoism appeals to me because it does not list forbidden food such as pork, beef, or meat in general. Instead it stresses moderation. No matter how tempting food is, as it is in the United States, don't pig out. This verse can also be applied to shopping as it has become an epidemic in modern civilization. People are grabbing and stuffing all the time and they get so caught up in it that they forget why they are buying all that junk. Practicing moderation helps people remain aware of what and why they are grabbing and stuffing. Compared to the average American, I believe I do quite well here. But I will still gorge on my favorite foods and I endlessly grab music.
Sharpen a blade too much and its edge will soon be lost. Fill a house with gold and jade and no one can protect it. Puff yourself with honor and pride and no one can save you from a fall.
- Too much action causes its reverse effect.
- The excess of the yang energy is harmful.
- What goes up must come down.
Application: These lines describe the problems of excess. I see this as a direct criticism toward super-capitalism. The first sentence can be applied to military practices. The second sentence can be applied to the hoarding of luxurious things. The third sentence can be applied to vanity. As an American, I feel that this is a warning for my society. And because I just watched Superman, I can foresee our society ignoring its signs of weakness because it is lost in the glow of its own vanity. The rest of the world, even ourselves, like to see the mighty fall. We just don't want to see ourselves fall. Hopefully we can be rescued by acquiring humility and moderation. How? This blog is my own personal attempt, and I hope others try similar methods. Christianity preaches both humility and moderation, so one does not have to abandon his or her faith.
Complete the task at hand. Be selfless in your actions--This is the way of Heaven. This is the way to Heaven.
- Selflessness is in the yin energy.
- Doing things for all comes back to you.
- Being selfless is reducing one's individuality.
Application: I like verse 9 of the Tao Te Ching because it provides a simple observation followed by closer observation and ends with a solution to the observed problems. Vanity is self-absorption, loving oneself at the expense of others. This quickly erodes relationships. I can see this taken to the national level. This is the ultimate expression of the yang energy--the male, individualistic, aggressive side--and will create an imbalance in oneself or in the world. Nature has a tendency to return things to balance, and we can help nature by using more yin energy--the female, holistic, passive side. If I realize that I am a part of this universe, then anything helpful I do for others is obviously helpful for me. Selflessly helping is the remedy, but most individuals have a knee-jerk reaction because of fear (of someone taking advantage) and desire (to get something in return). At this point, I can see how fear and desire are the driving forces behind the yang energy. I myself have these problems, and it is very difficult to overcome. I think meditation helps in the breakthrough because constantly living in a materialistic yang-driven world does not help.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Verse Eight
The best way to live is to be like water. For water benefits all things and goes against none of them. It provides for all people and even cleanses those places a man is loath to go. In this way it is good just like Tao.
- Water is the passive connector of an individual
- Water has an observable cycle
- Water is an essential element of life--one cannot live without it.
- Water can be seen as a unified whole and as individual drops, shaped by its container
- The body is a container for water, but we often value the container more
Application: Before reading the Tao Te Ching, I already placed a high personal value on water. After reading, I value it even more. It provides a great analogy to life. Perhaps water is life, since nothing on Earth can live without it. As for the metaphor, I try my best to live like water but the passivity is difficult.
Live in accordance with the nature of things: Build your house on solid ground. Keep your mind still. When giving, be kind. When speaking, be truthful. When ruling, be just. When working, be one-pointed. When acting, remember--timing is everything.
- Confucius restated
Application: This seems to be an easy checklist. #1) I would never consider building a home on unstable ground. Does this include living in an earthquake zone? #2) How long should I keep my mind still? Should I keep it still as long as nothing is asked of me? If so, I have failed. I've been busy keeping it occupied. #3) I'm usually kind when I give unless I know I'm giving it to a thankless person, so I guess I need more discipline there. I should not be giving for reward. #4) Except when joking around, I am as honest as possible. But one who brags about his honesty cannot be trusted. #5) I couldn't think of another way to rule than justly. #6) Even though it is a valuable skill these days, multi-tasking kills brain cells. #7) I don't know about acting but I can deliver a good joke if I wanted to.
One who lives in accordance with nature does not go against the way of things. He moves in harmony with the present moment always knowing the truth of just what to do.
- Persistence is futile, destiny overrides individual plans
- Accepting the present resolves all worry
- Quietude delivers action
- One can feel the passing of energy towards, away, and through oneself
- Worry, anxiety, and force only prevent or elongate what is coming
Application: Earlier in my life, I have seen this occur so often. When I leave the path of the future to God, everything worked out. Only when I feel that I have to control my future path do things turn out wrong. My job is to focus only on the present. The past is over and the future does not exist as far as I'm concerned. The feeling of anxiety is the feeling of interfering with the way of things. God/unity/nature does not like to be interfered with by an individual, so the path changes direction. That feeling of worry is a warning sign that I should not do anything except be calm and live in the present moment.
- Water is the passive connector of an individual
- Water has an observable cycle
- Water is an essential element of life--one cannot live without it.
- Water can be seen as a unified whole and as individual drops, shaped by its container
- The body is a container for water, but we often value the container more
Application: Before reading the Tao Te Ching, I already placed a high personal value on water. After reading, I value it even more. It provides a great analogy to life. Perhaps water is life, since nothing on Earth can live without it. As for the metaphor, I try my best to live like water but the passivity is difficult.
Live in accordance with the nature of things: Build your house on solid ground. Keep your mind still. When giving, be kind. When speaking, be truthful. When ruling, be just. When working, be one-pointed. When acting, remember--timing is everything.
- Confucius restated
Application: This seems to be an easy checklist. #1) I would never consider building a home on unstable ground. Does this include living in an earthquake zone? #2) How long should I keep my mind still? Should I keep it still as long as nothing is asked of me? If so, I have failed. I've been busy keeping it occupied. #3) I'm usually kind when I give unless I know I'm giving it to a thankless person, so I guess I need more discipline there. I should not be giving for reward. #4) Except when joking around, I am as honest as possible. But one who brags about his honesty cannot be trusted. #5) I couldn't think of another way to rule than justly. #6) Even though it is a valuable skill these days, multi-tasking kills brain cells. #7) I don't know about acting but I can deliver a good joke if I wanted to.
One who lives in accordance with nature does not go against the way of things. He moves in harmony with the present moment always knowing the truth of just what to do.
- Persistence is futile, destiny overrides individual plans
- Accepting the present resolves all worry
- Quietude delivers action
- One can feel the passing of energy towards, away, and through oneself
- Worry, anxiety, and force only prevent or elongate what is coming
Application: Earlier in my life, I have seen this occur so often. When I leave the path of the future to God, everything worked out. Only when I feel that I have to control my future path do things turn out wrong. My job is to focus only on the present. The past is over and the future does not exist as far as I'm concerned. The feeling of anxiety is the feeling of interfering with the way of things. God/unity/nature does not like to be interfered with by an individual, so the path changes direction. That feeling of worry is a warning sign that I should not do anything except be calm and live in the present moment.
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
The Poem That Wanted Three Parts
Part One
The glorious husher bus
Escorts marbles of blossom huts
On roads and promenades to
Blistering shadows overcast by masks
Leather bound figurines prance
To the effortless window
Making gyroscopic visions turn opaque
And another sunlight falls
Missing its target and illuminating
A darkness that should have never been bright
So the glass is reversed and the ball unrolls
A door hinges itself from the frame
Walking up the steps that once before lead down
To the new heaven that drowned in the flood
Part Two
A dipped toe sends a circular vibration
To the outer limits of the oceans
Sending glaciers to crash into the salty liquid
Guilt rushes to the toe as blood rushes to the brain
And the shoeless matron is sent to the ward
Her sins are forgiven but she threw away the keys
To the paper prison she has folded on her lap
Part Three
A smattering of daffodils
Can’t be force-fed to a fence
That meant to keep all the dancers out
A flower never plucked can’t be compared to anyone
So the man in the horn-rimmed glasses
Smears paint all over the place
But he missed a spot in the contemporary kitchen
Where the silver microwave shines
The spot between the magnets of Stanley Turrentine
And a jazz drummer whose name I forgot
Is left with his records in the garbage to rot
Unless that speckled girl grows up very fast
She’ll never know about his music from the past
Instead she will hum to the beat of a dance
That tells her she’ll make money if she takes off her pants
But lucky for her the record was saved
And now her hairy legs will never be shaved
She will start a movement of great equality
At the moment she is served some chamomile tea
The glorious husher bus
Escorts marbles of blossom huts
On roads and promenades to
Blistering shadows overcast by masks
Leather bound figurines prance
To the effortless window
Making gyroscopic visions turn opaque
And another sunlight falls
Missing its target and illuminating
A darkness that should have never been bright
So the glass is reversed and the ball unrolls
A door hinges itself from the frame
Walking up the steps that once before lead down
To the new heaven that drowned in the flood
Part Two
A dipped toe sends a circular vibration
To the outer limits of the oceans
Sending glaciers to crash into the salty liquid
Guilt rushes to the toe as blood rushes to the brain
And the shoeless matron is sent to the ward
Her sins are forgiven but she threw away the keys
To the paper prison she has folded on her lap
Part Three
A smattering of daffodils
Can’t be force-fed to a fence
That meant to keep all the dancers out
A flower never plucked can’t be compared to anyone
So the man in the horn-rimmed glasses
Smears paint all over the place
But he missed a spot in the contemporary kitchen
Where the silver microwave shines
The spot between the magnets of Stanley Turrentine
And a jazz drummer whose name I forgot
Is left with his records in the garbage to rot
Unless that speckled girl grows up very fast
She’ll never know about his music from the past
Instead she will hum to the beat of a dance
That tells her she’ll make money if she takes off her pants
But lucky for her the record was saved
And now her hairy legs will never be shaved
She will start a movement of great equality
At the moment she is served some chamomile tea
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Verse Seven
Heaven is ancient. Earth is long-lasting. Why is this so?--Because they have no claims to life. By having no claims to life they cannot be claimed by death.
- Time has little or no effect on the lifeless
- When without life, time stands still or slows down
- Time moves fast as one pursues individuality
- Time is something to possess as an individual--a desire and a cause of suffering.
Application: I have been able to transcend time a few times in life. In those instances, time has both sped up and slowed down. I cannot explain why it speeds up one time and slows down another. Ten years ago when I meditated a lot with music, I remember the speed of the songs going faster and faster. That perception freaked me and snapped me out of my meditation. I wonder what would have happened if I didn't freak out. And no, it's not because the batteries were running low. I checked that option to make sure I wasn't going crazy. It is because of personal events like these that I believe we can manipulate time, or at least our perception of time. Unfortunately, society likes us to be constantly aware of the passage of time which makes it more difficult for us to retire from or reduce our yang (individualistic) energy.
The Sage puts his own views behind so ends up ahead. He stays a witness to life so he endures. What could he grab for that he does not already have? What could he do for himself that the universe has not already done?
- Let the experience of all satisfy your own experience
- Let your fleeting desires dissovle as your perceive the possessions of all
- Everything has been done, is taking place, and will be done
- Everything is possible because it has been done
- The imagination is the window to what is not here now
- What is imagined has either been done or will be done or both
Application: The part of Verse 7 is exactly in line with my beliefs since I started philosophizing decades ago. I believe we have two views of the universe. Our waking/individual view is of the present, as a mind and body seperate from the rest of the world. Our still/unity view spans all dimensions of time, as a part of the whole. For example, when your dream, you sometimes see the world through your own eyes and sometimes you see the world through the eyes of other's or from an outside observer. We are not always perceiving the world as ourselves in dreams. Dreams do not represent the actual individual world, but I believe the do represent a reality outside our individual world. Again, language does not do justice to describe this. If you understand, then you probably have a similar philosophy as mine. If you do not understand, I either am I terrible writer or your philosophy is different. If it is different and you want to understand, I recommend meditation with metaphysical contemplation. Think about getting to the bottom of one of your deeply rooted fears or desires permanently. That's how I got to this philosophy. The more you learn about yourself, the more you learn about the universe. Science is doing the same thing in reverse.
- Time has little or no effect on the lifeless
- When without life, time stands still or slows down
- Time moves fast as one pursues individuality
- Time is something to possess as an individual--a desire and a cause of suffering.
Application: I have been able to transcend time a few times in life. In those instances, time has both sped up and slowed down. I cannot explain why it speeds up one time and slows down another. Ten years ago when I meditated a lot with music, I remember the speed of the songs going faster and faster. That perception freaked me and snapped me out of my meditation. I wonder what would have happened if I didn't freak out. And no, it's not because the batteries were running low. I checked that option to make sure I wasn't going crazy. It is because of personal events like these that I believe we can manipulate time, or at least our perception of time. Unfortunately, society likes us to be constantly aware of the passage of time which makes it more difficult for us to retire from or reduce our yang (individualistic) energy.
The Sage puts his own views behind so ends up ahead. He stays a witness to life so he endures. What could he grab for that he does not already have? What could he do for himself that the universe has not already done?
- Let the experience of all satisfy your own experience
- Let your fleeting desires dissovle as your perceive the possessions of all
- Everything has been done, is taking place, and will be done
- Everything is possible because it has been done
- The imagination is the window to what is not here now
- What is imagined has either been done or will be done or both
Application: The part of Verse 7 is exactly in line with my beliefs since I started philosophizing decades ago. I believe we have two views of the universe. Our waking/individual view is of the present, as a mind and body seperate from the rest of the world. Our still/unity view spans all dimensions of time, as a part of the whole. For example, when your dream, you sometimes see the world through your own eyes and sometimes you see the world through the eyes of other's or from an outside observer. We are not always perceiving the world as ourselves in dreams. Dreams do not represent the actual individual world, but I believe the do represent a reality outside our individual world. Again, language does not do justice to describe this. If you understand, then you probably have a similar philosophy as mine. If you do not understand, I either am I terrible writer or your philosophy is different. If it is different and you want to understand, I recommend meditation with metaphysical contemplation. Think about getting to the bottom of one of your deeply rooted fears or desires permanently. That's how I got to this philosophy. The more you learn about yourself, the more you learn about the universe. Science is doing the same thing in reverse.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Verse Six
Endlessly creating. Endlessly pulsating. The Spirit of the Valley never dies. She is called the Hidden Creator.
- The origin, the starting point, the first, existence itself, awareness
- All as one, the Unity, the Tao
Application: This is quite similar to my concept of God, which doesn't seem to different than most other creation deities. Because of this I can claim that I believe in God. We can argue over the characteristics of God later.
Although She becomes the whole universe, Her immaculate purity is never lost. Although She assumes countless forms, Her true identity remains intact. Whatever we see or don't see, whatever exists or doesn't exist is nothing but the creation of this Supreme Power.
- All is one restated, femininity reaffirmed
- Everything real and unreal spanning past, present, and future
Application: This is similar to my belief that if God exists, then nothing is impossible. Everything real or imagined has existed, does exist, or will exist. The "rules" of time and space do not apply to God, the universe. Only our perceptions apply to these "rules."
Tao is limitless, unborn, and eternal--it can only be reached through the Mysterious Female. She is the very face of the Absolute. The gate to the source of all things eternal.
- Acknowledging the power of the yin, the female as the bringer of life
- Yin energy is transitional energy from one being of existence to another
- One is born weak and dies weak
- Weakness is a sign of metamorphosis
Application: This is one of my favorite conclusions that weakness or passivity is an indication that one is about to change. Birth and death are obvious examples, but admitting one's faults is a brave admission of weakness that brings about change. Being strong all the time is not good for one's life. This can also be applied to communities and nations as well as individuals. It is a good reason why so many people are put off by machismo and stubborness. I don't have much machismo, but I can be quite stubborn at times. Verse 6 of the Tao Te Ching helps me rethink my reasons for that trait.
Listen to Her voice, hear it echo through creation. Without fail, She reveals her presence. Without fail, She brings us to our own perfection.
- Passivity is illuminating, strength is empowering
- Peace is accomplished when the power of war is depleated
Application: The best way to listen to Her voice is through meditation. To those unfamiliar with Eastern philosophy, meditation may seem weak, passive, and vulnerable. But one must let go of all that tension created by fear and desire to actually grow strong through meditation. That's how opposites are found together. To become strong, one must become weak. Meditation is not prayer for strength, it is letting go of one's fear of being weak and one's desire to or defeat overcome "the enemy." Now I'm getting too abstract and the holes in this logic can really rip it apart, but that's why Taoism does not believe language is a good device to "explain" the Tao.
- The origin, the starting point, the first, existence itself, awareness
- All as one, the Unity, the Tao
Application: This is quite similar to my concept of God, which doesn't seem to different than most other creation deities. Because of this I can claim that I believe in God. We can argue over the characteristics of God later.
Although She becomes the whole universe, Her immaculate purity is never lost. Although She assumes countless forms, Her true identity remains intact. Whatever we see or don't see, whatever exists or doesn't exist is nothing but the creation of this Supreme Power.
- All is one restated, femininity reaffirmed
- Everything real and unreal spanning past, present, and future
Application: This is similar to my belief that if God exists, then nothing is impossible. Everything real or imagined has existed, does exist, or will exist. The "rules" of time and space do not apply to God, the universe. Only our perceptions apply to these "rules."
Tao is limitless, unborn, and eternal--it can only be reached through the Mysterious Female. She is the very face of the Absolute. The gate to the source of all things eternal.
- Acknowledging the power of the yin, the female as the bringer of life
- Yin energy is transitional energy from one being of existence to another
- One is born weak and dies weak
- Weakness is a sign of metamorphosis
Application: This is one of my favorite conclusions that weakness or passivity is an indication that one is about to change. Birth and death are obvious examples, but admitting one's faults is a brave admission of weakness that brings about change. Being strong all the time is not good for one's life. This can also be applied to communities and nations as well as individuals. It is a good reason why so many people are put off by machismo and stubborness. I don't have much machismo, but I can be quite stubborn at times. Verse 6 of the Tao Te Ching helps me rethink my reasons for that trait.
Listen to Her voice, hear it echo through creation. Without fail, She reveals her presence. Without fail, She brings us to our own perfection.
- Passivity is illuminating, strength is empowering
- Peace is accomplished when the power of war is depleated
Application: The best way to listen to Her voice is through meditation. To those unfamiliar with Eastern philosophy, meditation may seem weak, passive, and vulnerable. But one must let go of all that tension created by fear and desire to actually grow strong through meditation. That's how opposites are found together. To become strong, one must become weak. Meditation is not prayer for strength, it is letting go of one's fear of being weak and one's desire to or defeat overcome "the enemy." Now I'm getting too abstract and the holes in this logic can really rip it apart, but that's why Taoism does not believe language is a good device to "explain" the Tao.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Blue Balloon/Dry Spittoon
The man’s cartoon
Came on a cart
And dished out
On a pan of film
Spun out on a reel
Shown on a silver screen
The laughter fainted
The crowd calmed
Throats cleared
Eyes teared
Mangy beard
Thought it weird
Came on a cart
And dished out
On a pan of film
Spun out on a reel
Shown on a silver screen
The laughter fainted
The crowd calmed
Throats cleared
Eyes teared
Mangy beard
Thought it weird
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Verse Five
Heaven and Earth have no preference.
- They exist without desire or choice.
Application: As an individual, I am not heaven or earth because I have preferences. To understand their points of view, I would have to purge my desires.
A man may choose one over another but to Heaven and Earth all are the same. The high, the low, the great, the small--all are given light, all get a place to rest.
- In a world of individuals, there is choice, but there is no choice when all is one.
- All are created equal and they return equal
- Choice is the gift of individuality--free will
Application: I should celebrate my individuality by making good choices for myself. My choices define myself apart from others. But I must not forget that my choices do not matter to unity or God. When I join unity or God, all my choices disappear.
The Sage is like Heaven and Earth. To him none are especially dear nor is there anyone he disfavors. He gives and gives without condition offering his treasure to everyone.
- There is no love but the love for all
- Agape and no individual love, which requires a choice and preference
- When one loves all, one can give all
- Since he is a part of everyone, his treasure is "shared" rather than "given."
- When one has no possessions, one has no material treasure to give.
Application: This is difficult for me or any married or engaged person because a choice and preference has been made in love. I cannot always love all without loving her a little bit more. In times of meditation, this is possible. But in my waking everyday life, my love becomes selective and scaled. This makes me an individual and defines who I am. If I really wanted to obtain the status of a Sage, I would have to shed all preferences which means treating all friends and family the same as total strangers--in a good way. I'm not prepared for this, and I don't think I want to be at this moment.
The universe is like a bellows--It stays empty yet is never exhausted. It gives out yet always brings forth more.
- Another analogy of the importance of empty space, the invisible connection
- The connecting space gives out and brings forth new relationships
- Emptiness shifts and fluently changes
Application: Before I discovered Taoism, I have been aware of the nature of change and the shifting of relationships. These two matters should not cause anxiety because that is the way of things. For most things, change does not worry me. As an optimist, I believe something good will come out of the worst changes (like 9/11). As a pessimist, I believe something bad will come out of the best changes (new job). Nature tends to balance things out, so I never expect any good or bad thing to last forever.
Man is not like this. When he blows out air like a bellows, he becomes exhausted. Man was not made to blow out air. He was made to sit quietly and find the truth within.
- Space flows within and without us.
- The more passive we are, the more nature can influence us and reveal its path.
- We are not meant to act, but allow actions to act upon us.
Application: I see this as the struggle between our individuality and unity. It's a power struggle. If I foresee something about to happen, and I try my best to control the outcome--that is my individuality struggling against unity or nature. And it's a losing struggle. It's better for me not to act aggressively. This doesn't mean do nothing. It means try but without anxiety. Anxiety will only effect the outcome negatively. The feeling of anxiety is the feeling of the individual in a losing struggle against nature. Once I recognize this, it is easier to calm down.
- They exist without desire or choice.
Application: As an individual, I am not heaven or earth because I have preferences. To understand their points of view, I would have to purge my desires.
A man may choose one over another but to Heaven and Earth all are the same. The high, the low, the great, the small--all are given light, all get a place to rest.
- In a world of individuals, there is choice, but there is no choice when all is one.
- All are created equal and they return equal
- Choice is the gift of individuality--free will
Application: I should celebrate my individuality by making good choices for myself. My choices define myself apart from others. But I must not forget that my choices do not matter to unity or God. When I join unity or God, all my choices disappear.
The Sage is like Heaven and Earth. To him none are especially dear nor is there anyone he disfavors. He gives and gives without condition offering his treasure to everyone.
- There is no love but the love for all
- Agape and no individual love, which requires a choice and preference
- When one loves all, one can give all
- Since he is a part of everyone, his treasure is "shared" rather than "given."
- When one has no possessions, one has no material treasure to give.
Application: This is difficult for me or any married or engaged person because a choice and preference has been made in love. I cannot always love all without loving her a little bit more. In times of meditation, this is possible. But in my waking everyday life, my love becomes selective and scaled. This makes me an individual and defines who I am. If I really wanted to obtain the status of a Sage, I would have to shed all preferences which means treating all friends and family the same as total strangers--in a good way. I'm not prepared for this, and I don't think I want to be at this moment.
The universe is like a bellows--It stays empty yet is never exhausted. It gives out yet always brings forth more.
- Another analogy of the importance of empty space, the invisible connection
- The connecting space gives out and brings forth new relationships
- Emptiness shifts and fluently changes
Application: Before I discovered Taoism, I have been aware of the nature of change and the shifting of relationships. These two matters should not cause anxiety because that is the way of things. For most things, change does not worry me. As an optimist, I believe something good will come out of the worst changes (like 9/11). As a pessimist, I believe something bad will come out of the best changes (new job). Nature tends to balance things out, so I never expect any good or bad thing to last forever.
Man is not like this. When he blows out air like a bellows, he becomes exhausted. Man was not made to blow out air. He was made to sit quietly and find the truth within.
- Space flows within and without us.
- The more passive we are, the more nature can influence us and reveal its path.
- We are not meant to act, but allow actions to act upon us.
Application: I see this as the struggle between our individuality and unity. It's a power struggle. If I foresee something about to happen, and I try my best to control the outcome--that is my individuality struggling against unity or nature. And it's a losing struggle. It's better for me not to act aggressively. This doesn't mean do nothing. It means try but without anxiety. Anxiety will only effect the outcome negatively. The feeling of anxiety is the feeling of the individual in a losing struggle against nature. Once I recognize this, it is easier to calm down.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Verse Four
Tao is empty yet it fills every vessel with endless supply.
Tao is hidden yet it shines in every corner of the universe
Energy in the void
Space holds everything together
The importance of water to the ocean dwellers
The importance of air to the land dwellers
Water and air are both visible and invisible
When you fear it, you see it
When you don’t, you don’t see it, and it helps you to live
Application: When I’ve been full of anxiety, what usually helps me does not. What is usually beneficial around me fails because I am full of the negative energy of fear and anxiety. I become too conscious of what I am anxious about and it overtakes me that all I can exude is negativity, which will inevitably disappear when I stop worrying. Those closest to me have been the measuring devices for this effect, unfortunately.
With it, the sharp edges become smooth, the twisted knots loosen, the sun is softened by a cloud, the dust settles into place.
· Time is also like water and air
· It’s only perceived when in fear, fully conscious of one’s individuality
· The erosion is beneficial
· Time serves unity and not the individual
Application: Time is only a problem when meeting your selfish needs from survival to working at a job. I should think of time like water. The more we struggle against time, the faster we drown. It’s only when we are calm that we can float and go with the current. The four dimensions (space & time) help us along our path, and I am aware of struggling against it when I start struggling against them.
So deep, so pure, so still—It has been this way forever
You may ask, “Whose child is it?”—but I cannot say
The child was here before the Great Ancestor
· Time is timeless
· Everything in the individual world can be measured
· Everything in unity cannot be measured
· We are always here, but I will pass away
· The Great Ancestor is the big bang, Adam and Eve, the birth of the individual
Application: When contemplating the known or perceivable universe, I must keep in mind that it is a universe of individuals. I am an individual in a universe where everything appears separate and is labeled so. But beyond our perceptions is the universe of unity, that is constant and timeless. The rules of the individual universe do not apply to the unified universe. All I know is that Unity is the source of all individuals and the perception of individuals. The closest we can grasp Unity is when we view all as one. For me, this happens during meditation. And the great feeling dissipates once I regain my individuality.
Monday, June 12, 2006
Transcribing Over
I haven’t been posting too much on this blog because I’ve been transcribing the Tao Te Ching since March. I have finally completed it today, so I will be able to post on this blog more regularly. I thought I would be able to both transcribe and personalize the transcription on this blog at the same time, but that ended up becoming too time-consuming—up to three hours a day!
Now I can replace the transcription time with blogging time. I will also try to interweave some dada-type writings to cut through the seriousness, as my life philosophy is to balance life as spiritually serious and humorously meaningless.
Also, the goal of this blog has been compromised because I have recently read a book called Counter Culture Through the Ages which addressed similar themes. The author successfully connected Taoism to dadaism along with other countercultures such as the popular movement in the late Sixties and the Transcendentalists of the mid 19th Century. Even though I've been inspired by his book, I will try to keep this blog focused on the two counter cultures, both of which have been reactions to great wars of their time.
Taoism pointed out the flaws of Confucian philosophy that brought on countless wars in Asia. Dadaism pointed out the flaws of modern European civiliazation that brought on the first World War. What are the flaws of today's society that brought on today's wars? There are many, but I believe the main ones to be global capitalism and fundamentalist monotheism.
God is money.
Now I can replace the transcription time with blogging time. I will also try to interweave some dada-type writings to cut through the seriousness, as my life philosophy is to balance life as spiritually serious and humorously meaningless.
Also, the goal of this blog has been compromised because I have recently read a book called Counter Culture Through the Ages which addressed similar themes. The author successfully connected Taoism to dadaism along with other countercultures such as the popular movement in the late Sixties and the Transcendentalists of the mid 19th Century. Even though I've been inspired by his book, I will try to keep this blog focused on the two counter cultures, both of which have been reactions to great wars of their time.
Taoism pointed out the flaws of Confucian philosophy that brought on countless wars in Asia. Dadaism pointed out the flaws of modern European civiliazation that brought on the first World War. What are the flaws of today's society that brought on today's wars? There are many, but I believe the main ones to be global capitalism and fundamentalist monotheism.
God is money.
Friday, June 02, 2006
The Softer Side of Sunny-Side-Up Eggs
Are the Taoist verses too serious for you? Then have at this bit o'fun:
These are the taboo drinks of Generation ZZ Top (2005-2020)
ZZ Top paid $1.5 million dollars to the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints to have the next generation named after them. The following generations have been named:
2020-2035: The NutraSweet Generation
2076-2081: Generation YKK (zipper company)
2090-2100: Monty Python’s Flying Generation
2145-2160: Generation Imperial Margarine
2160-2175: People Generation
2195-2210: McGeneration (all humans born in this time period are entitled to free fries for every order of 2 burgers, but by that time 1 burger will cost about $41.89, so McDonald’s won’t really be losing any money)
2285-2299: Paramount Pictures & Star Trek: Generation
2323-2332: Generation AT & T
2490-2505: Roger F. Alfredson’s Generation (who is this man?)
2986-3001: MacGeneration (not to get confused with McGeneration of the turn of the 23rd Century, Mac beat out Microsoft for this spot whereas Bill Gates turned and said he had better things to do with his free time)
All remain generation slots are currently available, but we’re really seeking names that do not endorse 20th and early 21st Century products because hopeful during those future years of cerebral enlightenment, these companies will be long forgotten. Thank you, Roger F. Alfredson, although you could have picked some catchy name. A reward will be given to the most creative generation name. So far we’re at a tie with McGeneration & MacGeneration. Way to go, Scotland!
Orange Drink with 1% Fruit Juice
Lemon-Lime Pop
Lemon-Lime Pop
These are the taboo drinks of Generation ZZ Top (2005-2020)
ZZ Top paid $1.5 million dollars to the Mormon Church of Latter Day Saints to have the next generation named after them. The following generations have been named:
2020-2035: The NutraSweet Generation
2076-2081: Generation YKK (zipper company)
2090-2100: Monty Python’s Flying Generation
2145-2160: Generation Imperial Margarine
2160-2175: People Generation
2195-2210: McGeneration (all humans born in this time period are entitled to free fries for every order of 2 burgers, but by that time 1 burger will cost about $41.89, so McDonald’s won’t really be losing any money)
2285-2299: Paramount Pictures & Star Trek: Generation
2323-2332: Generation AT & T
2490-2505: Roger F. Alfredson’s Generation (who is this man?)
2986-3001: MacGeneration (not to get confused with McGeneration of the turn of the 23rd Century, Mac beat out Microsoft for this spot whereas Bill Gates turned and said he had better things to do with his free time)
All remain generation slots are currently available, but we’re really seeking names that do not endorse 20th and early 21st Century products because hopeful during those future years of cerebral enlightenment, these companies will be long forgotten. Thank you, Roger F. Alfredson, although you could have picked some catchy name. A reward will be given to the most creative generation name. So far we’re at a tie with McGeneration & MacGeneration. Way to go, Scotland!
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