My next electric car

http://aptera.com/

A wise saying.

Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul.

Henry David Thoreau

Luck is a relative thing.

We need more laws.

On a recent trip out of town I learned some new things, and thought that in some instances there should be more laws on the books, not less. We were staying at a place that had a pool, and, of course there were people of all ages using the pool and doing the whale-thing lying by the pool. Me included. There were some younger people trying to impress some other younger people with either their swimming suits, or their bodies, I wasn’t really sure. There were even some older (and I mean older than me, older) men that were trying to do the same. Unsuccessfully.

What I’m getting at, is, I think that a man should have to show a photo ID to buy a Speedo swimming suit. Or maybe, stand behind a cardboard cutout of someone that looks good in one and if you have anything showing that protrudes from the cutout they can't be sold to you. Chances are this would eliminate about 99% of random purchases. Or, maybe, actually try in on in the store and see what you really look like in front of a mirror before jiggling out on a pool deck. Or, maybe, mandate a two week waiting period before the transaction can be completed. Somewhat like gun sales. Maybe they should only be sold to those over 21 and no older than 22. I don’t think those things should just be issued indiscriminately to just anyone. They should only be issued to…...well, I don’t they should be issued to anyone. I only have two emotions when I see something like this, either I’m totally embarrassed for the guy or the opposite extreme, I can’t stop laughing. Women wear things like this, but I think that they’re called one-piece swimming suits. I don't think the above ideas should apply to women. When you see some over-weight guy stuffed into something that would only have fit him when he was like twelve years old, something has to be done.

Then, while we were waiting in the airport for our flight we heard a voice a little louder than usual come on over the intercom, “IF THE MAN THAT LEFT HIS HEARING AIDES ON THE TOP OF THE URINAL CAN HEAR ME, YOU CAN PICK THEM UP IN THE TERMINAL OFFICE.” My bet is that the hearing aide is still in the office. I can just imagine the kid that found it, “Look, mom, it’s my lucky day, AGAIN!!!”

America's favorite TV show, even before TV.

This will put your minds at ease. These are not the 'fires of hell.' But, I wonder how much philosophic debate has gone on simply staring at fires.

One of my favorite poems

This poem is one of the few things I have left from my youth. I had a poster of it hanging on my bedroom wall. Now that same poster is hanging on the back wall of my classroom.

Desiderata

-- written by Max Ehrmann in the 1920s --
Not "Found in Old St. Paul's Church"! -- see below

Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.

As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even to the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.

If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.

Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful. Strive to be happy.

It was a GREAT day...