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.â€� (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?
Check out my interview with Shayna Smith over at BET Radio talking about what the process was like in creating “Thank You and You’re Welcome” with Kanye, my opinion on what success brings and how I get inspired when I get feedback from you guys!!!
Large scale painter, Ron English took his presidential image of Barack Obama and intermixed it with Abe Lincoln. The oversized, newly colorized outdoor versions were installed as part of Gallery XIV’s ‘a politic exhibit held in Boston.
Now my question is…what does this artistic expression evoke in you???
The possible next step in personal computer technology is an experimental product called the P-ISM, described by NEC designers as a “Pen-style Personal Networking Gadget Package.”
The P-ISM includes five functions: a pen-style cellular phone with a handwriting data input, virtual keyboard, a very small projector, camera scanner, and personal ID key with cashless pass function.
P-ISMs are connected with one another through short-range wireless technology. The whole set is also connected to the Internet through the cellular phone function.
This is one of the best billboards that I’ve seen in a while. It’s the simplicity of the concept that really appeals to me…especially in this time of breakthrough technologies.
And of course I wish I would’ve come up with it!!!
As scientists gain a greater understanding of biological processes, they’re also gaining a greater understanding of how to manipulate them, including the very essence of what makes us human — our DNA.
Biotechnology advances are already helping scientists find groundbreaking ways to create personalized medicine, detect illnesses and eradicate disease.
And this, according to futurist Ray Kurzweil, is only the beginning. In the future, humans will be able to reverse the aging process, replace dying organs with younger ones grown from an individual’s own DNA and even genetically engineer unborn children, he said.
But some, like the UK-based group Human Genetics Alert, worry the ability to reprogram our biochemistry could lead mankind into unknown territory with dangerous ramifications for the future, including genetic discrimination and even a redefinition of what it means to be human.
To what extent should we be able to alter our genetic makeup? Should there be a limit? And how should it be determined exactly what that limit is?
This is the brainchild of Richard Wharton and Mandy Mayes. The Shit Box is a cardboard toilet for outdoor use.
According to the press release, “The box pops up from its convenient 14″ flat pack to a rigid reusable box, you pop in a degradable poo bag, do your business, seal and then dispose.” (more…)
Father-of-three branded a “pervert” – for photographing his own children in public park By David Wilkes
When Gary Crutchley started taking pictures of his children playing on an inflatable slide he thought they would be happy reminders of a family day out.
But the innocent snaps of seven-year-old Cory, and Miles, five, led to him being called a ‘pervert’.
The woman running the slide at Wolverhampton Show asked him what he was doing and other families waiting in the queue demanded that he stop.
One even accused him of photographing youngsters to put the pictures on the internet. (more…)
Police blast a demonstrator with a water cannon during a rally in downtown Santiago Chile. Groups of students clashed with police to protest a proposed education reform.
An English translation of the Quran began appearing two weeks ago on the doorsteps of hundred of homes in the Braes Timbers neighborhood of Houston, Texas. The books came in plastic bags with a note attached from the ‘Book of Signs Foundation’ asking recipients to accept the Quran as a gift from the Muslim community.
But some residents, like Greg and Sue Ann Pieri, said they feared the group is imposing its beliefs on non-Muslims and found the gesture offensive.
The Book of Signs Foundation claims to have distributed 30,000 Qurans in Houston, targeting neighborhoods believed to be most receptive of the Quran or in need of a better understanding of Islam.
Uhmm…is it just me or does this not sound very Christ like?
First let me say, what a movie!!! Entertaining…YES! Did it make much sense to me…not so much!
These are the times when I really think my thought process leans more towards being a liability than an asset. As I sat in the crowded movie theater, I began to be just as intrigued in the crowd’s reaction as the actual movie itself. I couldn’t understand for the life of me why I was the only one that seemed to be bothered by some of the premises being shown. (more…)
American artist Carole A. Feuerman’s life-like sculpture entitled Survival of Serena.
Note…the little girl in the picture is real and I can’t blame her for wanting to touch it. I never understood artist who will spend a great amount of time in creating something to look as realistic as possible and then not wanting people to touch it.   Personally, I can get just as much or even more sensation from feeling something…how about you?
An artist rendering of a building designed by architect David Fisher, whose 80 floors rotate independently constantly changing the shape of the building.
Now I believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder and people have the right to look anyway that wish, but I think this one went a little to far in preying on those who obviously have a negative image of themselves.
It really pains my heart when I see someone being exploited when they are weak and the continuous effort made in keeping them that way.
Being at times what could be considered an over-protective father, I would like to share this thought…true love only comes by being yourself, not when you alter yourself.
I don’t want to spoil it for those who haven’t seen yet so I will be holding back my two cents until Monday, July 14, 2008. For those who have seen it, please hold your comments as well until Monday…nobody likes a party pooper!
I’m sure this is for a great cause and I have nothing against giving to charities…but I wonder how many meals could’ve been purchased with just half of the budget from this campaign? (more…)
Please use the fact that this bull elephant named Noppakhao painted a picture of another elephant to combat any thoughts of doubts you have in your infinite possibilities!!!
This article is a classic example of how our bodies are our most invaluable possession.
(07-04) 04:15 PDT BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)
A court has ordered a Romanian surgeon to pay $795,000 in compensation to a patient whose penis he accidentally severed during an operation.
In July 2004, Dr. Naum Ciomu made a surgical error while operating on the man’s testicles, severing the penis instead of making an incision to the testicle.
The Bucharest Magistrates Court ruled Friday that Ciomu had been “superficial” in his approach to the operation, ordered the fine and handed Ciomu a one-year suspended prison sentence. The ruling can be appealed.
A piece of muscle from the man’s arm has now been attached to where his penis was, but its function is aesthetic.
“You don’t have to be an expert to realize that the 33-year-old victim does not have a good state of mind,” said Mihai Olariu, the victim’s lawyer.
I can’t even begin to (nor do I want to) imagine what it would require to make such an adjustment in life…YO, IT’S FUNCTION IS ONLY AESTHETIC!!!
Life at any time can become difficult or easy. It’s only our mode of thinking that makes something either good or bad. Positive thinking is simply reacting positively to any situation.Â
Although we can’t always control our circumstances, we can control our own thoughts to them. Things often seem to turn out best for those people who can make the best out of any situation.
So…how would you think your way out of the situation displayed in the picture?
There is a toilet-themed restaurant in Hangzhou, China that serves desserts inside miniature toilet bowls. This is definitely something outside of my understanding…and I’m quite comfortable with that!!!
I just happen to be deleting some old files when I came across this oldie but goodie…
You may ask yourself what makes people exceptional?
Exceptional people have an understanding of how the world works and the universal laws that govern mankind. They know that they will not be denied greatness if they continue moving forward towards their goal regardless of obstacles!
A shepherd bathes his goat in the sea during a ritual of purification at the festival of Saint John in Puerto de la Cruz on the Canary island of Tenerife.
Now I don’t claim to have the ability to communicate with animals like Dr. Doolittle, but that goat seems to have the universal “help me…because this MF is crazy!” look on its face…or is just me?
Protesters and riot police take a rest during a rally in Seoul demanding the full-scale renegotiation of the US beef import deal and the resignation of South Korean President Lee Myung-bak.
I think it’s kind of weird for them to lay down so close to the front line of the protest. I’m not sure if it’s a sign of strength or weakness on either part…what do you think?
