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Random Thoughts/Good Reads

The Most Valuable Thing in the World

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Sozan, a Chinese Zen master, was asked by a student: "What is the most valuable thing in the world?"
The master replied: "The head of a dead cat."
"Why is the head of a dead cat the most valuable thing in the world?" inquired the student. Sozan replied: "Because no one can name its price."
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BuckeyeParalgl;1926675; said:
I just launched a blog over the weekend that contains speeches that I've written that are more of a philosophical/motivational/political take on current events and other things. It's not meant to be overtly political but examine things from a philosophical or personal growth and responsibility context. I've been a member of this site for years, and am just looking to share something that I've done with this community.

I'm not trying to flame, spam, or do whatever, but I thought that some of you might enjoy reading some of the things that I wrote. I appreciate this forum very much, and enjoy reading the posts on here, and I just wanted to post this to perhaps start discussion. I didn't want to start a new thread, I just thought it would be better to post it in this one. Enjoy your morning!

http://bonavacantiafreelance.wordpress.com

What is it that draws you so much to the speeches of the Kennedys? (I'm asking this from an ignorant POV; hence, not a loaded question.)
 
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Taosman;1931481; said:
The Most Valuable Thing in the World

[FONT=verdana,arial,helvetica]
Sozan, a Chinese Zen master, was asked by a student: "What is the most valuable thing in the world?"
The master replied: "The head of a dead cat."
"Why is the head of a dead cat the most valuable thing in the world?" inquired the student. Sozan replied: "Because no one can name its price."
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16 cents.
 
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As far as a 'good read' goes, am finishing up The Imperial Cruise, by James Bradley, about how Teddy Roosevelt was 'kinging it' and making deals with foreign countries without the consent (or knowledge) of the US legislature. It shows how the seeds of Japanese imperialism were sown, by Teddy's teaching them how the US's "Manifest Destiny" was being used in the region (Philipines) and Americas (South America). Through Teddy's work, the US slaughtered over 750,000 Muslims in the Philipines (no wonder we're not so well-liked there), and set up military bases in the Pacific. Teddy encouraged Japan to take over Korea, and basically turned his back on Korea when Japan did this (he professed to be Korea's friend).

Quite a book. This is part of history that is not in the school books, but is authentic enough for me. The only work by this author (at least that I've come across), and his claim to fame is that his dad was one of the guys that helped hoist the flag at Okinawa. OHio's own Taft was a key player, and Teddy helped him become President at a later time.

Oh yeah, all the pictures of Teddy are as a 'rough rider', but it states in the book that all those pictures were shot in New York, and all his uniforms were Brooks Brothers. He did own a ranch in Wyoming (or Montana, I forget), but it went broke in a year and a half.....he was a tennis player, but would never allow his picture to be taken playing tennis.


:gobucks3::gobucks4::banger:
 
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In-The-Garden-of-Beast-Erik-Larson.jpg


Disquieting treatise on the Nazi Reich. And on the family of USA ambassador Dodd during the early days of Hitler's reign.
 
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calibuck;2015037; said:
Through Teddy's work, the US slaughtered over 750,000 Muslims in the Philipines (no wonder we're not so well-liked there), and set up military bases in the Pacific.

The Philippines are overwhelmingly Catholic. Fighting the Moros was a net positive in their book. It was the fifty years of colonization afterwards that they didn't care for....and THAT slate was wiped clean when we liberated them during WW2. There are certainly sticking points but in general filipinos are very positive towards Americans.

BTW you probably know Bradley's most famous work "Flags of Our Fathers".
 
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Soldiers of Humanity

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Once a division of the Japanese army was engaged in a sham battle, and some of the officers found it necessary to make their headquarters in Gasan's temple.
Gasan told his cook: "Let the officers have only the same simple fare we eat."
This made the army men angry, as they were used to very deferential treatment. One came to Gasan and said: "Who do you think we are? We are soldiers, sacrificing our lives for our country. Why don't you treat us accordingly?" Gasan answered sternly: "Who do you think we are? We are soldiers of humanity, aiming to save all sentient beings."
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Taosman;2064111; said:
?The simplest questions are the most profound.
Where were you born?
Where is your home?
Where are you going?
What are you doing?
Think about these once in a while and watch your answers change.?
Richard Bach

Um, you are born in one place, and that can't change. Being "born again" does not count.
 
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buxfan4life;2064422; said:
Um, you are born in one place, and that can't change. Being "born again" does not count.
Oh, I dunno.

Mom was forever asking me if I was born in a barn.

Always waited till I was halfway in the room to ask that question.

So, it had me wondering; doesn't she remember the time and place of my birth, and, why can't she wait till I've closed the door to ask the question?
 
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"Everyone is a Buddha."
What does that mean?
One meaning is that there are teachers all around us. Everyone has a lesson to teach us.
The person who is a miserable s.o.b. is that way for a reason. Blaming someone else is easy. Once you get to the core of it, there is only one person responsible for your happiness.
You.
 
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