Yes, rest in peace Gregor.....

How about studying martial arts?  At least it makes one more aware of their surroundings....the first rule....don´t let anyone get close enough to touch you.  In crowded situations this is hard to carry out.

I was in a situation many years ago where three young teenaged black boys stole a bag with money in it.  The police did find them, but when asked to idendify them, I declined because the hate from the (white) police was so intense, I was afraid for the boys.  They looked so frightened.

 ....the only difference that might make is one would think he would be more aware of his surroundings.  Actually if you watch the video, someone did jump in to help in pretty short time.  Of course, it was not soon enough, but I have read of other cases much worse. .....sad to say....

The simple fact of the matter is anyone of us could drop dead any minute...you know....a brick could fall on your head....the ground could open up and swallow you....many things could happen....

 If you have read a book and then see the film, most often they are dissapointing.  Hmmmm...Splendid Suns....sounds like a must read.

I have to admit though, much of my reading depends of what I find of interest at garage sales.  Both my last two reads were garage sale finds.  I much prefer paying $1 than $15 or $20 for a good book, although I do break down and order hardbacks of ones I particularly want to read.

Terry Prachett was recently diagnosed with Alzheimers, did you know that?  He sounds like a very interesting man.  I really should read some of his works sometime.  I spent a whole winter one year reading Edgar Rice Burroughs...it was wonderful. 

"Alzheimer´s disease

In August 2007 Pratchett was misdiagnosed as having had a minor stroke in 2004 or 2005, which was believed to have damaged the right side of his brain. While his motor skills had been affected, the observed damage had not impaired his ability to write (or at least no one noticed the difference).On 11 December 2007 Pratchett posted online that he had been newly diagnosed with a very rare form of early-onset Alzheimer´s disease, which he said "lay behind this year´s phantom ´stroke´." He has a rare form of the disease called posterior cortical atrophy, in which areas at the back of the brain begin to shrink and shrivel. Pratchett appealed to people to "keep things cheerful", and proclaimed that "we are taking it fairly philosophically down here and possibly with a mild optimism."

 Yes, I didn´t read anything about it other than it was a good book and about Afghanistan....there was something about kites...what did I know?....so I was quite shocked as the events unfolded...not being in any way prepared for them..... There are a lot of Afghan refugees (in fact a lot of refugees in general) where I live, and I´ve made friends with some of them. 

Their stories are amazing.  The hopes and dreams, the nightmares they escaped. They there is the issue of their status and how it changes when they arrive here.  The once wealthy and respected become gas station attendants, clerks in bargain stores, or flea market dealers.  The Afghans seem to gravitate to the flea markets. I have been amazed at how quickly they learn the American wants in their flea market stalls.  Very rapidly they learn what is collectable and stock their stalls with just that.  They have quickly learned how to price things, and they are quite open to exchange of information.

I guess I´m sort of a flea market connoisseur, and I find the Afghan dealers intriguing. The way it was described in the book was pretty accurate. They usually have some sort of van, very well equipped with carpets and tea service inside. It really is reminiscent of the old caravans.

The Kite Runner

by

Khaled Hosseini

It´s been on my list of "must read" for a while.  It´s a very disturbing book, but also an interesting view into the relatively peaceful and idyllic prewar Afghanistan.

 Anytime you have the potential of great power, there are those who will seek to take as much of that power as they can.  They will keep people uneducated and ignorant so as to hinder their truth discovery. 

As far as the Roman Catholic church is concerned, I know they were selling things that were said to get you out of Pergatory by Saturday.....so said the nuns...and that was not hundreds of years ago, but more like a couple of  decades ago......(Catholic relatives)....

You know AlphaF, I really don´t think anyone here is qualified to determine just who is going straight to Hell.....I think here are some who would be amazed at just who finds themselves where.....

I have to agree, what a clever solution.  Have you heard we (in the USA)  can´t smile on official photos now? I wonder just exactly where and in what position one´s lips have to be now?  Will there be a hidden line in camera viewfinders where one´s lips must align to?

There is a lot to sift through.....a tremendous amount....and so much has been added and subtracted that it all gets very confusing.  At the heart all religions have the same kernel.   I think the important thing is to seek with an open mind and heart.  To believe out of fear is one thing, to believe out of conviction is another.  Belief can not be demanded or forced.

There are times when one is presented with irrefutable evidance of which they still deny because they do not want to embrace the truth, that is a different matter.  Have we not all seen the one who when asked, for example, aren´t those shoes too tight?", and they will say ...." no they are comfortable"......that is denying the truth. ....or again when being told," see I told you you would get sick if....." and although one is sick they deny it.

For some wearing a hair cover is being merciful to them, for others it a case of being charitable................