It is not some cosmic joke by which humanity merely "happened".
It is not some beautiful coincidence that the very stuff of stars (i.e. star dust) is the very stuff that makes up our kind.
In our desperation to ignore the very truth in front of our eyes we claim to know the very minutest of details of a "just because" moment.
Why do we so desperately try to organize reality into organic and inorganic? Most of us do not even know why we use those words. We get confused. Does organic mean life? But no -- it just means a lot of carbon. Yet a lot of Carbon tends to indicate what we call life - but is merely having life, enough to justify being ALIVE?
Reality is causal and it is created - not inorganic and organic, but rather created and uncreated. We need physical space and matter and energy to exist. We need dust, metals, gasses, the Higs Boson, solar flares, stars, gravity, water, heat, etc to exist.
We can not help but observe that which is created and that which is caused by created things -- we are incapable of observing the uncreated. It simply does not "exist" and therefore the uncreated can not be touched, tested, timed, experienced - fathomed at all in our finite minds.
Shatter your mind and suppositions for a moment and think about what you do not know. How easily can your mind deduce things that exist, that are created. But can any of us comprehend one thing, any thing that is not created that does not exist? Even a unicorn exists metaphysically.
Alas, but we can all comprehend one such essence - a concept, an existence that is not created yet exists all the same.
All of humanity can comprehend God - an uncreated god none the less. We know His existence, yet we can not prove it, touch it, test it, time it. Why is it that all of us in our hearts can know God?
The mere essence of knowing one thing that is not created but potentially (heck we know the truth) Creator - should drive us to our knees.
Instead we, like two year olds filled with self centered delusions, carry on as if we are the center of reality, that we are uncreated but exist none the less - by happenstance.
So the cosmic joke is us, in thinking that we merely happened. That the infinitely seeming perponderance of universal coincidences and concurrences neccessary for existence all occured without deliberate cause, without being deliberately created.
Hmph... and why do we celebrate Christmas again?
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Showing posts with label random. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
New Year, Same Questions
- Do you believe in God?
- If yes, was God created and subject to the Universe or is God the creator of the Universe? If no, how are you sure that God does not exist?
- Is there a purpose to existance? If so, what is it?
- Is there a purpose for human life?
- What happens when we die?
- What is the soul? Does it exist?
- What is the mind? Is it different than the soul?
- What is the secret to love?
- What is the secret to peace?
- What do you do all day? Why?
- What are you accomplishing? Is it worth it?
- What does it mean to be alone?
- What is Good, what is Evil, do either or both of them exist?
- What does it mean to be something (sad, happy, hungry, red, blue, rich, fat, alive, dead)?
- Do you think?
- How do you know?
- Do you have a purpose?
- Are you Good?
- What determines if something/ someone is Good or Not Good.
- Are you powerful? How do you know?
- What is more powerful than you? Why?
- Do you pray? Why?
Saturday, November 19, 2011
literally Fun, literary
...hope you can keep your pace and peace, perpetual peace is a perfect place to ponder and pontificate, perhaps, proliferate some prose pertaining to pomegranets, purple pastures, and pink people...then, perchance, you may propegate a propensity for providing persistent peace to placate those persons who populate your life... the very principle of it would be your prime purpose.
Alliteration is the very best way to start your day (unless an iambic rhyme comes out to play)
*snort*
Jobs for snobs,
work for dorks,
herds of nerds.
Alliteration is the very best way to start your day (unless an iambic rhyme comes out to play)
*snort*
Jobs for snobs,
work for dorks,
herds of nerds.
Friday, November 11, 2011
Through the Lense of Yesterday
36... don't remember 36 too well, but I was a father for the first time
35... that rocked, celebrated - truly celebrated -- my parents were able to be there for the first time since age 27.
34... don't remember too much - just my amazing wife... our new business..our new home
33... my wife took us all to the Chart House, Jane made me the best birthday card ever, and Katya put my face on my cake (tres leches)...AND I recieved the entire collection of Babylon 5 videos...
32... did a lot... dancing at Big Texas, dinner with a ton of friends - Jerry Jones told me the key to life (Hanging with others, good peeps = good life) Katya (not my wife yet) sneeks me away to get dessert at Perrys... she spent the entire day with me actually. such a good friend.
31... HUGE dinner... i think all of Clear Creek community young adults were there - including Jerry (lol). Best memory: Jerry jones: Let's go surfing... Sid: I can't surf Jerry: Bro' I'll teach you Tommy: Uh... HOW ABOUT ITS NOVEMBER AND FREAKIN COLD!!! Old dudes tryin to be kids *facepalm. Jerry: you're just jealous.
30... Small dinner at Churascos... Chocolate Tres Leches.... Sonia argues with me over who should pay the check (idiot, I should have let them pay... just think about the interest I would have made on the savings...lol) Phone call from mom: You need to get married.
29... don't remember
28... huh....
27... uh... nope
26... you know family is important... a god daughter in my arms, home made macaroni and cheese, pork chops... and the resounding love and promise of family...a restless heart was calmed by Good O'l fashioned food and a sister deeply loved
...24...Old friends. Spent the entire day walking through the Emerald Necklace... climbing trees, Yours Truly... Sold two of my rental properties for a tiny profit...
...22...hard year... lots of transitions...cathyrn clark... oof... you sure know how to put things in perspective -- one of the most spiritual birthdays ever...
..21... Peppermint Schnapps...yuck Deepa, what were you thinking? A tattoo? Really Matt Cotner? A birthday baked potato bought at the Overoak Pub by Shabnam..call from Karrie Langer --> why do friends have to talk so seriously and be so frank... but so loyal
20... Phone call from a pay phone in the pouring rain... one of the best gifts ever....deeply touched, eternally remembered.
19... The last time I talked to my sister on my birthday
18-17: Veronica, Chris, Peter, Alex... good times... can't remember the specifics... but I have pictures... yes Veronica, you at one time had frizzy hair, and Alex, well you had hair. Karrie -->what do you mean the world doesn't revolve around me?
16: Melanie --> you mean I am not Actually God? Tough blow...The Elam family --> Son go buy a birthday pizza.LOL...
15... hmm don't remember
14...nope...
13...uhuh...
12... Bon Jovi... enough said....
35... that rocked, celebrated - truly celebrated -- my parents were able to be there for the first time since age 27.
34... don't remember too much - just my amazing wife... our new business..our new home
33... my wife took us all to the Chart House, Jane made me the best birthday card ever, and Katya put my face on my cake (tres leches)...AND I recieved the entire collection of Babylon 5 videos...
32... did a lot... dancing at Big Texas, dinner with a ton of friends - Jerry Jones told me the key to life (Hanging with others, good peeps = good life) Katya (not my wife yet) sneeks me away to get dessert at Perrys... she spent the entire day with me actually. such a good friend.
31... HUGE dinner... i think all of Clear Creek community young adults were there - including Jerry (lol). Best memory: Jerry jones: Let's go surfing... Sid: I can't surf Jerry: Bro' I'll teach you Tommy: Uh... HOW ABOUT ITS NOVEMBER AND FREAKIN COLD!!! Old dudes tryin to be kids *facepalm. Jerry: you're just jealous.
30... Small dinner at Churascos... Chocolate Tres Leches.... Sonia argues with me over who should pay the check (idiot, I should have let them pay... just think about the interest I would have made on the savings...lol) Phone call from mom: You need to get married.
29... don't remember
28... huh....
27... uh... nope
26... you know family is important... a god daughter in my arms, home made macaroni and cheese, pork chops... and the resounding love and promise of family...a restless heart was calmed by Good O'l fashioned food and a sister deeply loved
...24...Old friends. Spent the entire day walking through the Emerald Necklace... climbing trees, Yours Truly... Sold two of my rental properties for a tiny profit...
...22...hard year... lots of transitions...cathyrn clark... oof... you sure know how to put things in perspective -- one of the most spiritual birthdays ever...
..21... Peppermint Schnapps...yuck Deepa, what were you thinking? A tattoo? Really Matt Cotner? A birthday baked potato bought at the Overoak Pub by Shabnam..call from Karrie Langer --> why do friends have to talk so seriously and be so frank... but so loyal
20... Phone call from a pay phone in the pouring rain... one of the best gifts ever....deeply touched, eternally remembered.
19... The last time I talked to my sister on my birthday
18-17: Veronica, Chris, Peter, Alex... good times... can't remember the specifics... but I have pictures... yes Veronica, you at one time had frizzy hair, and Alex, well you had hair. Karrie -->what do you mean the world doesn't revolve around me?
16: Melanie --> you mean I am not Actually God? Tough blow...The Elam family --> Son go buy a birthday pizza.LOL...
15... hmm don't remember
14...nope...
13...uhuh...
12... Bon Jovi... enough said....
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Simplicity
Life is intended for lush experiences....just read Genesis if you don't believe me:
Own several businesses...experience making a living on your own.
Spend 2 weeks or more on your honeymoon
Visit India....explore Hamburg, get lost in Leon .
Fall asleep on a hammock
Drink home made wine...
Revel in the mountains...
Eat tomatoes from a home garden..
Pura vida....to quote a friend.
Own several businesses...experience making a living on your own.
Spend 2 weeks or more on your honeymoon
Visit India....explore Hamburg, get lost in Leon .
Fall asleep on a hammock
Drink home made wine...
Revel in the mountains...
Eat tomatoes from a home garden..
Pura vida....to quote a friend.
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Old Days New Times - from my Facebook
You can find the original on my facebook page under notes:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/me/?s=30#!/notes/sidhartha-sen/old-days-new-times/421870671529
I don't really miss my high-school years. But I do miss the town - and the people. I miss Mentor. I don't think its possible to truly explain the special circumstances in which we all grew up. A mall, a beach, a few movie theaters, coffee shops, and a spattering of neighborhoods created the community of our youth.
Perpetual grey skies with some clear sunny days.
The people were the difference. Hope and apathy, punk and preppy all mixed together to form our world of love, life, and letting go. Letting go happened senior year I think. Who would have thought Face Book would bring a semblance of that history back into the present.
It's like the Brady Bunch reunion shows... all grown up, with jobs, and kids, and homes, and bills. You know we never really talk about our bills on here. Hmm. I can't believe Heidi Baggot would become an expat in China....or that Steve Kansa would... uh... what exactly do you do Steve?
The fact that Matt Cortelli and John Vaugn have grown up into admirable father figures gives me (slim) hope for my own future.
Jonathan LePere and I are extremely close in political views now... ack... what does that mean? Did he become more liberal, or I conservative? Perhaps both.
I think I miss the people most... and some of them were not even good friends of mine back then, but are so treasured by me now... while others who I was extremely close to have grown up and become insane or despondent or both.
I am the God father of my ex-girlfriend's sister's baby. It is a weird thing to write but a lovely truth from the journey of my life. And I named my daughter in part for my high school best friend's sister, Nicole. Who by the way was recently married (congrats!)
I remember being in Boy Scouts with Adam Shea and Mark Winner. I never figured out if heather herman and adam dated... they did didn't they? Oof, I was so out of the loop.
I remember when my friend Carlos died (remember that?) and Jen Seese -- who I butted heads with constantly -- hugged me and was nice to me (never forgot that, never said thanks either...should have).
I moved to Mentor, the summer before 6th grade. My two best friends were pete holland, and Carrie Ritchie. I lost touch with both and found them again here... Peter became really cool (seriously check out his facebook page) and Carrie turned out amazing.
Speaking of Karrie's ... langer married TOM???!!! ok... that was interesting news... who saw that coming? I think its awesome, they are a great pair.
For some reason, I never could get over the fact that some people had parents and relatives that were teachers... my mind just couldnt comprehend.
And then again there were my adopted brothers... the one's that were the kids of my parent's friends...Mark, Mike, and Rob... Mike Post lives in England now...weird, what's weirder is he procreated and propagated his gene's -- fortunately his children are georgous. Mark Host is still secretely in love with Yoda...sorry Beth, its true. I can't say anything about Rob, he knows where I live and could kick my ass.
So many of us are on here... who needs Classmates.com? We've grown up, somewhat (Nicole Elam is probably still a legal midget). But I still have memories of Mentor: snow days, orchestra, failed attempts at volley ball in matt's back yard, and eating chili at Chris ditchman's house.
What's up with days like today? Days like today we can realize how cool our little band of wannabee, hopeful, full of ideas, teenagers truly were and are.
Matt Kacir is going to be a father... truly? Really... I mean who? how? ok I KNOW how, but who? lol... congrats Matt. I miss your brother.
I think I'll take my family back to Mentor some day soon. Hopefully see some familiar faces. We have a very good thing, coming from that place. Despite our circumstances, we have all done allright. Found some happiness. Found some love. Found some peace. Must be something in the water.
Share this with others if you want... up next, embarrasing pictures and scans of old notes and year book greetings....muahhahahahah
ok, just kidding, that would take too much time. I have a child to care for and a wife to love.
Enjoy life.
Comments:
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https://www.facebook.com/notes/me/?s=30#!/notes/sidhartha-sen/old-days-new-times/421870671529
I don't really miss my high-school years. But I do miss the town - and the people. I miss Mentor. I don't think its possible to truly explain the special circumstances in which we all grew up. A mall, a beach, a few movie theaters, coffee shops, and a spattering of neighborhoods created the community of our youth.
Perpetual grey skies with some clear sunny days.
The people were the difference. Hope and apathy, punk and preppy all mixed together to form our world of love, life, and letting go. Letting go happened senior year I think. Who would have thought Face Book would bring a semblance of that history back into the present.
It's like the Brady Bunch reunion shows... all grown up, with jobs, and kids, and homes, and bills. You know we never really talk about our bills on here. Hmm. I can't believe Heidi Baggot would become an expat in China....or that Steve Kansa would... uh... what exactly do you do Steve?
The fact that Matt Cortelli and John Vaugn have grown up into admirable father figures gives me (slim) hope for my own future.
Jonathan LePere and I are extremely close in political views now... ack... what does that mean? Did he become more liberal, or I conservative? Perhaps both.
I think I miss the people most... and some of them were not even good friends of mine back then, but are so treasured by me now... while others who I was extremely close to have grown up and become insane or despondent or both.
I am the God father of my ex-girlfriend's sister's baby. It is a weird thing to write but a lovely truth from the journey of my life. And I named my daughter in part for my high school best friend's sister, Nicole. Who by the way was recently married (congrats!)
I remember being in Boy Scouts with Adam Shea and Mark Winner. I never figured out if heather herman and adam dated... they did didn't they? Oof, I was so out of the loop.
I remember when my friend Carlos died (remember that?) and Jen Seese -- who I butted heads with constantly -- hugged me and was nice to me (never forgot that, never said thanks either...should have).
I moved to Mentor, the summer before 6th grade. My two best friends were pete holland, and Carrie Ritchie. I lost touch with both and found them again here... Peter became really cool (seriously check out his facebook page) and Carrie turned out amazing.
Speaking of Karrie's ... langer married TOM???!!! ok... that was interesting news... who saw that coming? I think its awesome, they are a great pair.
For some reason, I never could get over the fact that some people had parents and relatives that were teachers... my mind just couldnt comprehend.
And then again there were my adopted brothers... the one's that were the kids of my parent's friends...Mark, Mike, and Rob... Mike Post lives in England now...weird, what's weirder is he procreated and propagated his gene's -- fortunately his children are georgous. Mark Host is still secretely in love with Yoda...sorry Beth, its true. I can't say anything about Rob, he knows where I live and could kick my ass.
So many of us are on here... who needs Classmates.com? We've grown up, somewhat (Nicole Elam is probably still a legal midget). But I still have memories of Mentor: snow days, orchestra, failed attempts at volley ball in matt's back yard, and eating chili at Chris ditchman's house.
What's up with days like today? Days like today we can realize how cool our little band of wannabee, hopeful, full of ideas, teenagers truly were and are.
Matt Kacir is going to be a father... truly? Really... I mean who? how? ok I KNOW how, but who? lol... congrats Matt. I miss your brother.
I think I'll take my family back to Mentor some day soon. Hopefully see some familiar faces. We have a very good thing, coming from that place. Despite our circumstances, we have all done allright. Found some happiness. Found some love. Found some peace. Must be something in the water.
Share this with others if you want... up next, embarrasing pictures and scans of old notes and year book greetings....muahhahahahah
ok, just kidding, that would take too much time. I have a child to care for and a wife to love.
Enjoy life.
Comments:
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- John Vaughn It is always so much fun trying to explain to my wife and sometimes the kids what type of city Mentor truly was! When I hear stories about how they (my wife and her friends) used to "cruise" or all the small towns that were dirt roads, now cities like Mentor! It really was a wonderful thing! I guess in the end we are all products of a time that hopefully one day will resurface and lend itself to our children and theirs! Thanks Sid for the mini trip back home!
- Steve Kansa Sid, if I were you I wouldn't miss my high school years either.
Funny you mention my career as that is about to change as I have decided that the never ending pursuit of money ends up being just that. I've decided that my life-long passion is something that I simply must do even though the path isn't crystal clear. And that's ok, cause what would be the point of doing it if it was crystal clear? Even though I would have loved nothing more than to be the hell out of there at the time Mentor proved to be the perfect incubator for what is now obviously my life's work. - Nicole Elam Smith I loved growing up in Mentor. I never wanted to leave, then I lived up all over Cali and ended up on a farm. I love the unpredictability of life. People we thought were just hopeless are enviable and the golden children of our youth are well... a bit tarnished. It's comforting to reconnect with all of you, in some way you all have contributed to my life, and I love my life. So thanks! P.S. As for my extreme shortness of stature...all I have to say is that proportion is key and I have it!!!
- Heidi Baggott Sid, I blame your boy/girl party in 6th grade with Bon Jovi's "Slippery When Wet" playing in the background as the starting point that has landed me in China. Just kidding. Growing up where we did and when we did was great. There are many places I have lived (So. Cal and Scottsdale, AZ) where I would constantly think "If I had kids, I would never want to bring them up in a place like this." But with how much I think it was great growing up there, I always wanted to see other parts of the country and the world. THANK YOU for that unexpected call almost 1.5 years ago when I was trying to make a decision on what to do and where before I decided on China. It really means a lot that you called to listen and offer your advice and support. You have turned out to be one of the most amazing and inspiring people I know. I love that we have reconnected via FB 2 years ago.
- Sidhartha Sen Was it two years ago? Time is moving too fast. Kansa what you wrote is so true but still leaves exactly what you do a mystery...I think u must be a gigolo...what else could be your life's work? Lori, do I have to mention my constant homeroom companion? It's kinda obvious that you had a HUGE impact on my life...afterall I would never had such an appreciation of joy and laughterif it was for watching you. always laughing and smiling, pony tail swinging...quick to smile again no matter what boy broke your heart... the fact that you make blonde jokes more fun helps too....
- Lori Sebulski Um, yes, you should have mentioned it Some things just don't ever change, Sid. The boys breaking my heart or you. I am glad that you haven't changed, that I can still make fun of you for being a Boy Scout, but can we please do something about the smiling through my tears? Because the whole broken heart thing is getting old. Thanks.
It seems that everyone else couldn't wait to get out of Mentor but I always stuck close to home. And then bought a house here last year. I love the flashbacks when I go past Mentor High, walk into Spudnuts, go to Better in Mentor Days or to a MHS football game. It brings me right back to the friends I had so many years ago, still have now, and how much fun we always had together. - Sidhartha Sen I didn't know how to fit lipstick messages on my bedroom window into a story that my daughter will read some day....lol. melanie I tagged a lot of peeps but fb cut them off.
- Melanie Miller Bumpus You know I am surprised you didn't pat yourself on the back for your matchmaking abilities. If I've never said it - Thanks!
- Sidhartha Sen I am that good. I only went on one date with Katya before we decided to get engaged.. a few months later married.... true story... must share some day.
- Heather McGrattan Webster Hey guys... So parts of this made me laugh.. and others made me tear up. Mentor hasn't changed much. I now longer live there, but still live close. The traffic is nuts and the kids are just as crazy. When you plan your trip back home... let us know.
- Steve Kansa Sid, naturally you guys decided to get engaged on the first date - she was the only one that would go out with you! I distinctly remember Jeff Damon going down to the morning announcements in high school to give birthday wishes to Mike Hunt. That still cracks me up every time I think about it.
- Sidhartha Sen But I can run faster than you. And I doubt you'll come to Texas anytime before Christmas, and Mike would have to cross the Atlantic to get here. Plus England has made him soft...I could out run him too....ha!
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Waiting on Sophia
Sitting up late tonight
Everything is going so right, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the laughter of a little girl playing
I hugged my wife and listened to her breathe
In another world
there lives another little girl, her life became a hurricane swirl
I feel her kicking and I am praying
It's just her mother that she hopes to see
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
Talking with Jesus tonight
thank you for my comfortable life, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the dancing of my little girl kicking
I kissed my wife and got down on my knees
Lord I feel
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
I close my eyes to dream
I see families as they weep, their children are buried too deep
I felt my daughter dancing
I hugged my wife and drifted off to sleep
Everything is going so right, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the laughter of a little girl playing
I hugged my wife and listened to her breathe
In another world
there lives another little girl, her life became a hurricane swirl
I feel her kicking and I am praying
It's just her mother that she hopes to see
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
Talking with Jesus tonight
thank you for my comfortable life, but I'm feeling just a little bit outside
I listened to the dancing of my little girl kicking
I kissed my wife and got down on my knees
Lord I feel
Heartache mixed with joy
the Kingdom plays with broken toys
And all of us angels, we just fly along
Laughter mixed with tears
All the Saints have disappeared
We turn off our tv's and go back to singing our songs.
I close my eyes to dream
I see families as they weep, their children are buried too deep
I felt my daughter dancing
I hugged my wife and drifted off to sleep
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Advice For the Reader
God has given me a wonderful life....lots of interesting experiences.
I want to write them here, but I am afraid what I would write, intended for praise, would be seen as boasting... so, I will just be content in being thankful for my blessings....
My advice:
learn to talk with God
maximize the body, mind, and soul that he has given you
don't eat too much, don't focus on food at all...
relax
point your every thought to god, as if in conversation, and you will make better decisions and be less stressed
love people - even the ugly ones, the fat ones, the mean ones, the selfish ones....
BIG LESSONS:
1. We have no free will
2. People act and react based on their level of happiness and or pain
3. Happiness is inversly correlated to Selfishness
4. Love is a choice - it requires sacrifice
5. Don't try to use your own mind to solve problems, seek God and the counsel of lots of other people older than you.
HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS:
do not be original, copy those who are better than you, improve upon those who have good ideas, always surround yourself with people that are older than you, smarter than you, and more liked than you (trust me, it rubs off).
One of my best friends is about 15 years older than me, he has been married (happily) for a LOOOONG time, has 5 kids, a great house, has spent his entire career in my industry, loves God, has a better understanding of polymers and engineering than I do, and has a good understanding of who he is...
I have watched him sooooo closely....how he thinks, prays, talks with his wife, does his business, manages his kids....fix his car, handle emergencies....and I have learned his dreams and goals...
By being around him, he has "rubbed off on me"... he is one of many people like that in my life.
OH AND LEARN TO PRAY. PRAY ALL THE TIME FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE....it works.
I want to write them here, but I am afraid what I would write, intended for praise, would be seen as boasting... so, I will just be content in being thankful for my blessings....
My advice:
learn to talk with God
maximize the body, mind, and soul that he has given you
don't eat too much, don't focus on food at all...
relax
point your every thought to god, as if in conversation, and you will make better decisions and be less stressed
love people - even the ugly ones, the fat ones, the mean ones, the selfish ones....
BIG LESSONS:
1. We have no free will
2. People act and react based on their level of happiness and or pain
3. Happiness is inversly correlated to Selfishness
4. Love is a choice - it requires sacrifice
5. Don't try to use your own mind to solve problems, seek God and the counsel of lots of other people older than you.
HOW TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS:
do not be original, copy those who are better than you, improve upon those who have good ideas, always surround yourself with people that are older than you, smarter than you, and more liked than you (trust me, it rubs off).
One of my best friends is about 15 years older than me, he has been married (happily) for a LOOOONG time, has 5 kids, a great house, has spent his entire career in my industry, loves God, has a better understanding of polymers and engineering than I do, and has a good understanding of who he is...
I have watched him sooooo closely....how he thinks, prays, talks with his wife, does his business, manages his kids....fix his car, handle emergencies....and I have learned his dreams and goals...
By being around him, he has "rubbed off on me"... he is one of many people like that in my life.
OH AND LEARN TO PRAY. PRAY ALL THE TIME FOR EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE....it works.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Solving Healthcare
Causes of High Healthcare Costs:
1. Malpractice Lawsuits--- insurance costs go way up, forcing Hospitals to force Doctors to charge more.
2. HMO's --- they set a fee that is one part true cost of care, one part risk premium, one part profit (they are a business afterall) -- being unregulated, no one can see in this box.
3. Medical School -- its expensive in both time and money... some doctors work 15 years before they pay off their 100K+ school loans.
4. High Demand Low Supply --- the # of people needing medical help (including the uninsured) is greater than the available providers of healthcare (basic economics: low supply, high demand = high price)
Solution:
1. Create a system to make medical education "free" to the student. If you are smart enough to get into Medical School (and maintain excellent grades) the government should provide the option to pay for your medical school. The option is either a 0% interest loan + grants or service in the "government medical service". Hold the same for all medical fields: nursing, lab technology, physical therapy, etc.
2. Establish the Government Medical Service -- build a network of hospitals and community medical centers nationwide and staff them with private and "public" doctors. The building of the hospitals and med centers will create significant amounts of shorterm (construction) and long term jobs. Long term jobs will be distributed between all levels of skilled labor (doctors, nurces, technicians, administrators, business, security, janitorial..etc.)
3. Public Doctors/ Nurses etc. get paid along the GS track in-line with what First Year residents get paid. After 3-4 years of service they get a bump in pay or can elect to go "private". Private Staff get a reduction in income tax, or pay no tax.
4. Taxpayers, citizens, resident aliens, and legal visitors can use th Government Medical Service - for free the only catch is that you waive your right to sue. You can't sue the government. Negligence and malpractice however would still carry their criminal charges and the removal of medical licenses.
5. People still have the option for private insurance and private doctors -- but due to the public system, private cost must inevitably fall.
6. Provide a $ for $ tax credit without cap on all out of pocket medical costs: co-pays, premiums, drugs, deductibles, etc.
7. Rather than basing risk on 'employee pools' require HMO's and PPO's to qualify all insured based on a "national pool" where the risk is spread through the entire population rather than a smaller pool like employees.
8. Use the new network to support advanced studies and research into therapies and medicine.
Out comes:
1. Basic medical services: colds, broken bones, child birth, stitches, cancer and AIDS treatment etc can be handled by the "system"
2. Advanced surgical procedures will also be offered by the system but due to the potential for a "waiting" period, people with access to private care will inevitably do so.
3. Specialized services will also be offered both in the private and government sectors.
4. All people have access to healthcare, health care costs fall, new jobs are created, more people will seek higher education for the guarantee of a job.
1. Malpractice Lawsuits--- insurance costs go way up, forcing Hospitals to force Doctors to charge more.
2. HMO's --- they set a fee that is one part true cost of care, one part risk premium, one part profit (they are a business afterall) -- being unregulated, no one can see in this box.
3. Medical School -- its expensive in both time and money... some doctors work 15 years before they pay off their 100K+ school loans.
4. High Demand Low Supply --- the # of people needing medical help (including the uninsured) is greater than the available providers of healthcare (basic economics: low supply, high demand = high price)
Solution:
1. Create a system to make medical education "free" to the student. If you are smart enough to get into Medical School (and maintain excellent grades) the government should provide the option to pay for your medical school. The option is either a 0% interest loan + grants or service in the "government medical service". Hold the same for all medical fields: nursing, lab technology, physical therapy, etc.
2. Establish the Government Medical Service -- build a network of hospitals and community medical centers nationwide and staff them with private and "public" doctors. The building of the hospitals and med centers will create significant amounts of shorterm (construction) and long term jobs. Long term jobs will be distributed between all levels of skilled labor (doctors, nurces, technicians, administrators, business, security, janitorial..etc.)
3. Public Doctors/ Nurses etc. get paid along the GS track in-line with what First Year residents get paid. After 3-4 years of service they get a bump in pay or can elect to go "private". Private Staff get a reduction in income tax, or pay no tax.
4. Taxpayers, citizens, resident aliens, and legal visitors can use th Government Medical Service - for free the only catch is that you waive your right to sue. You can't sue the government. Negligence and malpractice however would still carry their criminal charges and the removal of medical licenses.
5. People still have the option for private insurance and private doctors -- but due to the public system, private cost must inevitably fall.
6. Provide a $ for $ tax credit without cap on all out of pocket medical costs: co-pays, premiums, drugs, deductibles, etc.
7. Rather than basing risk on 'employee pools' require HMO's and PPO's to qualify all insured based on a "national pool" where the risk is spread through the entire population rather than a smaller pool like employees.
8. Use the new network to support advanced studies and research into therapies and medicine.
Out comes:
1. Basic medical services: colds, broken bones, child birth, stitches, cancer and AIDS treatment etc can be handled by the "system"
2. Advanced surgical procedures will also be offered by the system but due to the potential for a "waiting" period, people with access to private care will inevitably do so.
3. Specialized services will also be offered both in the private and government sectors.
4. All people have access to healthcare, health care costs fall, new jobs are created, more people will seek higher education for the guarantee of a job.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Condensed Surfing
So, I started looking at the random posts on my facebook page... and clicked on one... a friend of mine and her mom were heading for Europe... then another click and I notice that a friend is having twins... another click and I learn that the heart surgery went fine...click..and I see the wedding photos from last weekend...click...the trick or treating wasn't as fun this year...click...trick or treating rocked... click... someone's recently divorced mom is starting to date again... click... the dog is ok, but the vet wants him to get some more vaccines... click...she can't believe McCain lost (idiot)... click... he is thinking about moving to Canada now that Obama won (idiot)...click... God is in control regardless of who is president... click...there is no God and no burning bush... click....click...click...
3 hours of my life gone...but i have witnessed/experienced about 2 years of life... weird.
3 hours of my life gone...but i have witnessed/experienced about 2 years of life... weird.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
New Year
No one is perfect. We all have fear, we all have pride. We all make mistakes. I have lied, cheated, and hurt many people. Many people have lied, cheated, and hurt me.
Life happens. We choose to feel hurt and angry. And we choose to feel joy and hope.
We all want to be better people, honorable, kind, just, good. In essence, most people want to be righteous. But in the light of our inadequacies, our failures, and over all let downs, we loose hope. Some people cry. Some get angry. Others run.
You are people who I have come to call my friend. Not because of your perfections, nor because of your imperfections, but rather because you hope for a good future - for yourselves and your children.
You try to understand things like faith. Faith in things greater than your self. Faith in the virtues and essences that drive your soul. Faith in your family, community, your people.
You believe in the connection that comes from your folk. Your community creates a sense of harmony, security, and joy. You have witnessed failure, heartbreak, dishonor, betrayal, and still you have poured yourselves into your community. Forgiving the faults of others, bridging peace, and learning to keep the flames of your small community alive.
Most of all you try to have a definition of Family, that transcends the ties of blood - into something more real: trust, loyalty, and love. You understand that real family is built by relationship. You implicitly realize that an unknowable love, exists in the tether of friendship, romance, and long endured time.
Family forgives. Family adapts. Family endures.
Life happens. It is how we deal with the choices before us, that determines the memories of our hearts, the songs of our lives, and the stories of our souls.
If any God exists, yours or mine, then let Him be honored by our ability to stay true to our beliefs... even when we are injured the most - especially when we are afraid, angry, and confused.
God, wants truth and relationship. You know this. The relationship with God is easy to mimic when we have no need of His wisdom and grace. But when times send us into places that are dark, angry, or sorrowful, it is our trust in His truth that truly defines our song.
I hope you are facing the New Year with hearts ready for new adventures, burdens, and Joy. I wish you peace and hope you honor your responsibilities to your community, to your children, to your God, and most of all to each other.
Always your friend, and always ready to listen,
Sidhartha
27 Dec 2007
Life happens. We choose to feel hurt and angry. And we choose to feel joy and hope.
We all want to be better people, honorable, kind, just, good. In essence, most people want to be righteous. But in the light of our inadequacies, our failures, and over all let downs, we loose hope. Some people cry. Some get angry. Others run.
You are people who I have come to call my friend. Not because of your perfections, nor because of your imperfections, but rather because you hope for a good future - for yourselves and your children.
You try to understand things like faith. Faith in things greater than your self. Faith in the virtues and essences that drive your soul. Faith in your family, community, your people.
You believe in the connection that comes from your folk. Your community creates a sense of harmony, security, and joy. You have witnessed failure, heartbreak, dishonor, betrayal, and still you have poured yourselves into your community. Forgiving the faults of others, bridging peace, and learning to keep the flames of your small community alive.
Most of all you try to have a definition of Family, that transcends the ties of blood - into something more real: trust, loyalty, and love. You understand that real family is built by relationship. You implicitly realize that an unknowable love, exists in the tether of friendship, romance, and long endured time.
Family forgives. Family adapts. Family endures.
Life happens. It is how we deal with the choices before us, that determines the memories of our hearts, the songs of our lives, and the stories of our souls.
If any God exists, yours or mine, then let Him be honored by our ability to stay true to our beliefs... even when we are injured the most - especially when we are afraid, angry, and confused.
God, wants truth and relationship. You know this. The relationship with God is easy to mimic when we have no need of His wisdom and grace. But when times send us into places that are dark, angry, or sorrowful, it is our trust in His truth that truly defines our song.
I hope you are facing the New Year with hearts ready for new adventures, burdens, and Joy. I wish you peace and hope you honor your responsibilities to your community, to your children, to your God, and most of all to each other.
Always your friend, and always ready to listen,
Sidhartha
27 Dec 2007
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