On being a Philosopher

As an amateur philosopher, I’m committed to pondering the largest possible perspective, the weightier, more stubborn problems of human nature. It is to think, to wonder, to question, to speculate, to reason, to formulate and even to fantasize – in the search for wisdom.

Ever since Socrates spent his days in the marketplace engaging the Athenian citizens in thoughtful conversations, the message of philosophy has been that everyday thinking is inadequate to solving the important problems of life. If we are serious about finding solutions, then we need to learn to think critically and precisely.

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...And while thinking, at times we are inspired to act. Very often, we can unknowingly inspire others to act with the quality or passion in our thoughts. For example, after reading Trina's post today, I was inspired to think about writing a personal mission statement of my own. You see, Quality thoughts are self perpetuating.

But of course, life is also to be enjoyed ... Speaking of enjoyment, at under 30K, this baby is worth a look. The BMW 325I.

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The knicks blew another double digit lead today in the fourth quarter ... AGAIN. They collapsed in a 104-96 loss to the Sixers. This marks the 14th time this season the Knicks have blown a double-digit lead - 12 under new coach Don Chaney. Hello!

"Many of the states that received billions of dollars in the national tobacco settlement have invested some of that money in the stock market, benefiting the same tobacco companies the settlement was meant to punish, according to a research group". Collusion perhaps? Read on.

Before and After

"Sharbat Gula captivated audiences with her haunting green eyes when she appeared on the cover of National Geographic magazine in 1985. Although time and hardship have erased her youth, her gaze still challenges in this picture taken 17 years later."

Photo Credit: Associated Press

Related Story: National Geographic tracks down Afghan girl in famous photo

Will Napster ever regain its former glory?

"... Sure, it still has a brand name, but that's about all: Its users have abandoned it for underground swapping services that have none of the restrictions on copyrighted music that Napster was forced to add in response to the recording industry's suits."

Business Week Online Reports

Microsoft Breaks High-tech Ground with Black Enterprise
The software giant has teamed up with B.E. in a landmark technology initiative and sponsorship agreement

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When racial inequalities are reversed, I think that's just as unfair.

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Someone has to be held responsible for this and fired.

The alternative for India
"After the recent slaughter of over 500 Muslims by Hindu mobs in western India, done in revenge for a murderous attack by Muslim vigilantes on a train carrying Hindu activists, we are obliged to ask whether one of the great political experiments of the last 100 years--the establishment in India of a secular state--has unraveled beyond repair."

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Seymour Hersh in this New Yorker article talks about what goes on in the inner circles for the planning and complications of a possible war with Iraq. The Debate Within
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The Media Line reports that "Yasser Arafat's state-run radio station gave unstinting praise Sunday morning (March 10) to two Palestinian terror attacks on Israelis Saturday night in which 13 Israeli civilians were murdered and more than 100 were wounded.

Arafat won the nobel peace prize in 1994 ... The term peace seems very loose in this context.

There is no such thing as a "six-month anniversary." The word anniversary comes from the Latin annus, which means "year." . 9/11 to 3/11 = 6 months later

In memory of the victims who lost their lives in the horrific events of 9/11/01.
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Politics at its best

Amid the Enron controversy, President Bush announced a 10-point plan that he said will "improve corporate responsibility and help protect America's shareholders."

Interesting plan, but:

The federal government already has the authority to implement Bush's proposals. No new laws are needed.

Even the toughest of the Bush ideas (#5 -- CEOs or other officers who clearly abuse their power should lose their right to serve in any corporate leadership positions) can be executed by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) today, right now, with no law changes.

Is this all smoke and mirrors?

Well, The reviews are in and many flaws in the plan are being pointed out.
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A Little history lesson for thought

President Clinton sent anti terrorism and airport security measures to the US House in 1996, 97, 98, 99, and 2000... All were killed by the House Republicans without even bringing them up for debate.
- One of the things that is discussed in these measures is ways to prevent terrorists from hijacking airliners and using them as weapons. It's all public record and can be seen at: The US General Accounting Office

- Clinton also cut all aid and trade to the Taliban for harboring bin laden…
U.S. Slaps Sanctions on Afghanistan's Taliban Movement: CNN - July 6, 1999

We are enrolled in a full-time informal school called life. Each day presents a new oppportunity to learn lessons, Some lessons we'll like, while others may seem irrelevant. But make no mistake about it, The lessons will be presented to you in various forms until you have learned them.