A woman performs self-immolation in Luxemburg.

Self-immolation, while tolerated by Buddhism and Hinduism, was practiced by monks, especially in India for Sati throughout the ages for various reasons, including political protest, devotion and renouncement.

Something to ponder…why is it always the follower who goes to such extreme to express a belief instead of the leader? (more…)

I recently found myself thinking about what I considered the most invaluable possession in my world…and to no surprise I concluded that it’s me!!!

Of course I had to ponder what is it about myself that I couldn’t (or should I say wouldn’t want to) live without.  For whatever reason, the five senses came to mind and I know for sure that I wouldn’t want to (or should I say couldn’t) live without sight or hearing.

So I ask you all the same, out of the five senses, which one couldn’t or wouldn’t you want to live without???

Shigeo Tokuda, a former travel agent, is enjoying his “second life” after retirement.  At 74-years-old, Tokuda is a porn star.

“I retired and didn’t have anything to do,” says Tokuda, a former 9 to 5 travel agent. “This is my second life. I don’t know how long I can keep living, but I want to enjoy the rest of it.”

Gaichi Kono, an adult video director who has worked with Tokuda, says the actor is a superstar in his generation. “He encourages older people to think, I can do this because that old man can do this.” (more…)

I’m really digging how Kumi Yamashita creates images from casting shadows.  This goes to show once again that ones creative expression is only limited by their creativity!!! (more…)

Fairfax County in Virginia has the distinction of being a “green county” so this is not surprising:

“Board of Supervisors member Gerald W. Hyland (D-Mount Vernon) yesterday proposed studying whether Fairfax should follow the lead of Utah and some other governments in adopting a workweek of four 10-hour days instead of the traditional slate of five eight-hour days.

Fairfax could save energy costs by powering down computers and heating and cooling systems one additional day a week, Hyland said. Employees could save fuel costs by commuting four days instead of five. And the county could reduce its contribution to global warming by lowering greenhouse gas emissions, he added.”

Speaking from the perspective of someone who hasn’t had a “traditional” job since 1995, I’m not sure if the pros out way the cons.  What will happen to small business owners that would in effect lose one day of income per week?