HippoParamus

Life Is About Love

2011-10-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

It's love for your family, your progeny, your friends - that is life. If I'm not right, then shoot me in the head.

But, now I'm under exigencies that are really hard. If the hard life is the one to follow then, I will follow it whole brokenheartedly.

I may be broken for the time being but still extant.

With love,

HippoParamus

P.S.: I am HippoParamus but also an innocent writer. : )

Sour Grapes

2011-09-28T19:13:00.000-07:00

Google:

I don't want the upgraded version of your blogface (BTW: that's a play on words, if you just didn't get it) because the original was perfect. You can notify your users as new features come in but not impose a whole new paradigm at once.

Thanks for being so smartly stupid.

Thanks so much.

Learn from mistakes and don't get too arrogant in the process.

Pum (aka HippoParamus)

Ain't This Beautiful!

2011-09-26T22:22:00.000-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=218359308181382

We Can't Wing It Anymore on Power Sources

2011-03-17T15:03:00.000-07:00

My dear friends,

Grueling effort and no breaks.

Has not Japan's recent nuclear meltdown (with, now, four nuclear reactors) proven that we are all vulnerable (and don't think that this does not affect everyone on the planet - because the pollution into the oceans will penetrate every living thing through known ocean current patterns)?

Remember Chernoble and Three Mile Island?

Nuclear energy is a ready source for power. But, it's up to you. Whether we will, collectively, find a solar power solution (which is free and silicon is also plentiful for photovoltaic cells).

But, if we want to live in a decently, harmonized world; let's all go solar.

There are too many dangers in transporting nuclear waste to secure depositories, primarily, because, during transport itself, there are dangers of spillage and, then again, deposits are generally still radioactive for at least more than 217+ years: Pu-239 decays to U-235, which has a very long half life (roughly 109 years).

Cheers,

HippoParamus

P.S.: 109 years means that nuclear waste is still radioactive even after that time has elapsed (109 + 54.5 + 27.25 + 13.625 + 6.8125 + 3.41 + 1.7 + .85 = 217.1475 years). But then, calculate in that India has at least 56 nuclear reactors (potential - Tsunamis abound?); America has at least 104 reactors; and the list goes on and on.

Do the math, dudes! Nuclear waste will never be un-radioactive for more than your grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-childrens' lives - and even beyond that. I just got tired of using the word, "grand," for each generation is only, on average, 25 years in length.

What a Loss for Humanity

2011-02-27T00:13:00.000-08:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

I forwent on this one painting that my heart still pines for to this day. It was 3K back in 1993 (and, I was only making 24K/year at the American Institute of Physics on 1630 Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC).

It was a 6' by 6' painting of an Old American Indian Man's Face with all his elegant, deep wrinkles and piercing azure blue eyes so wherever one went in the gallery, his eyes still gazed upon the onlooker.

Golly gee whiskers, I miss it! What a masterpiece! Truly!

Now, getting to serious matters and not worrying about the past: working today on the largest physical security contract in US (approximately 300 mil. to 400 mil.) to protect all the 12 Federal Circuit and District Courts in tandem with the judges.

I'm the luckiest dude on the whole face of the planet: best family, best friends, and best career!

Still want to overturn Richardson vs. US (1974), which basically disenfranchised every American Citizen of one's Constitutional Right to have an "accounting" of each Federal Government Agency.

I know how much money they (the Federal Government) spend and waste because I write those contracts and responses to RFPs. "A mil. here and a mil. there; a bill. here and a bill. there; a trill. here a trill. there." It's endless.

It's truly so sad. Alas!

But, it's up to each and everyone one of you whether to decide to fight for your Constitutional Rights or be vacated into a vacuum of waste and overexpenditures - because if the American economy fails than the world economy fails and everything will go into more disarray.

There are still approximately 10,000 Russian ICBMs trained on the US. And, BTW don't think that China doesn't have Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles. Be scared! Be very scared! I haven't mentioned regional conflicts now have I?

Again, if the American economy fails, then we will have World War III and nuclear destruction. And, again, if we don't do anything about it, we are surely collective dolts, indeed! But, I have faith, my friends!

I'm really just a puppy: "I love everyone!" Everyone is beautiful to me for they are each God's work of art. Please don't let "fear, uncertainty, and doubt" destroy our world community. I'm rooting for everybody!

Cheers,

Hippo

BTW: I will argue the overturning of Richardson vs. US in front of the Supreme Court myself with the help of a legal team because our mutual goal should be preservation of our own Courage, Character, and Consistency; our collective integrity and spirit.

Why do you think I write my blog?

Taxes Revisited

2011-02-10T15:56:00.000-08:00

And, they always want to grab what's not theirs. Colonel House (advisor to Pres. Wilson) convinced the President and the American citizens in 1913 to institute the first Federal Tax at 1%. Colonel House promised that Federal Taxes would never exceed 1%. Well, we know that was a vacuous promise.

But, he couldn't forsee FDR's four terms in office and what would follow thereafter.

Twenty-five years ago, one out of every five dollars that anyone earned went to the Federal Government; now it is more like one out of three dollars earned so that's roughly 33% plus add in 8.5% for Social Security (if you're self-employed, it's 15%); so, thus and therefore, we're now up to between 40-48+% of annual income. Now, add in state and local taxes at around 6% of annual income; so we're now at 46%-54% of annual income.

All in all, by the time we pay all federal taxes and state taxes (mind you, we really start out at about 97% of income because of state taxes on sales receipts for food, gas, clothing, whatever, etc.). We're now at 49%-57%.

Then add in all state and local taxes for electricity, gas, cell phones, water, etc. So, we're now at 50%-58% of annual income.

So, you thought you were rich? You're only rich if you are poor; that's an oxymoron, I know.

That's how Obama gets his votes by milking the middle class and the rich to feed the poor, who are generally inefficient, hateful of themselves, and always willing to take a handout. I'm not saying that everyone who is poor is self-loathing but the large majority are, alas!

That was his strategy to run slightly left of center, and then to raise taxes because he is essentially a Socialist and perhaps a Communist. He wants the system to implode. That's why the Federal Debt now exceeds 14 Trillion dollars - more than GDP; Cloward and Pivens Strategy to make America destitute and turn into a Communist State.

BTW: If one takes the "l" out of Cloward; it spells: "COWARD!"

Don't get me started on property taxes for that matter. And, BTW, Social Security is not a fund; they take all the receipts and apply them in that year to Federal expenditures - that's why SS will go defunct/default/bankrupt by 2040 (but probably way before then).

So, essentially, we pay 50%-60%+ income for nothing but roads, public schools, and public libraries. But, it's up to each of you how you're going to deal with the real circumstances of our existence!

With the deepest regards,

Hippo

P.S.: I'm going to Capitol Hill on Tuesday to meet Rand Paul and whoever else is there. I'm not scared of anyone or anything, my friends. I already know who the next President will be.

P.S.S.: I suggest an A-B Trust if you don't want your children to be double taxed, which, however, is unconstitutional, on estates.

Too Arcane, But Trying to Simplify

2011-02-09T05:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

I'm always trying to make everyone laugh for that is my nature. And, I can't go against my nature.

I'm much better now; I thought I was dying for a long time (but it was a severe case of Bronchitis and being generally run down all the time because I'm always working - whether on my projects or to provide for my family).

My character weaknesses are:

Impatience: I want everything perfect. Now! Now! Now!

I can't think of any other character flaws right now. I'm sure that I have a lot more.

But, the whole point of life is to develop a good heart. It doesn't matter how old we grow; one gets better and wiser as one ages.

The falsehood is that everyone wants to look young but they want to be wise in tandem.

The reality is that wrinkles and gray hairs are the cure to youth's indifferences and indulgences.

Be wise and set yourself free forever!

With love,

Hippo

Technically and Simply the Best Painting in the World

2011-01-29T03:01:00.000-08:00

Salvador Dali’s Last Supper rendition is technically the most perfect in the world. He painted six dimensions on two - technically impossible just like the bumble bee that shouldn’t be able to fly but it does, doesn’t it?

See for yourselves: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dali_-_The_Sacrament_of_the_Last_Supper_-_lowres.jpg

It now hangs in the National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian.

BTW: Gen. Pum Pum has figured out a way to rid Texas of its killer bee infestation. Stupid scientists released killer bees in TexASS from Brazil. Now, they are moving north into Arizona and also towards the Eastern Seaboard.

This one is a freebee (ha! Don’t you love the pun?). The infrastructure is already in place, all we need to do is tune cell tower frequencies to the frequencies of the apiary infestation. Make it so!

With affection,

GPP (alias HippoParamus)

P.S.: It was never about the money. It’s about creativity but you just didn’t know that you had it in you. But, I did!

I Didn't Realize This Before: But We're All Jewish and Indian

2011-01-22T16:18:00.000-08:00

The two spiritual centers in the world. This is quite important in Jurasleum and in Amritsir.

I didn't figure out that for a fucking a long time (non-sorry for my bad language).

Con-joinned at the hips.

Thank you,

P.S. - the real story goes like this: when I was 11 years I threw rocks at my servant over the house, but we didn't think that it would hit him.

He cried! He cried!

That still breaks my heart until I find him to make amends!

Thank you so much!

Alpha and Bravo

2011-01-13T01:19:00.000-08:00

"By will alone I put my mind in motion." - Sting in Dune

Now, let's make it better. "By will and faith in tandem, we will make the world better."

Let's move our collective minds to the real goal: global intelligence! But, it's up to you.

With all love,

- HippoParamus

Onto My Next Project: the Party Is Over!

2011-01-02T08:57:00.000-08:00

Dudes, Gentlemen, and Ladies:

I've got to turn my attention away from this blog for a while because I'll be working on a screenplay on my favorite prophet.

$101.00 for the first person to answer the question correctly.

Now, who could possibly be my favorite prophet?

Cheers,

- HippoParamus

We're All Going Solar - a Distillation of Global Warming

2010-12-31T07:09:00.000-08:00

My friends,

As we move into the Age of Aqaurius (the age of GRAND Communication) and out of the Age of Pisces (the age of WARFARE), you must shoulder my burdens as you cement your own lives with integrity.

Thank you,

HippoParamus

BTW - Mathew Vassar built me (how appropos that a mere brewer could build Bacchus - it's a wonder that I got out of the library or the laboratory).

A Groundswell

2010-12-12T03:18:00.000-08:00

There is a groundswell of something that is not right. I am, in general, worried for the future of my son and for the future of all young people.

Unfortunately, in my estimation, they will inherit a horrendous world (environmentally destroyed, spiritualy devoid, and financially degraded).

In the interim, my friend, we have a lot on our shoulders - to lessen their burden. As much that I can, I will move forward on that endeavor. In the very least, all I can do is provide for my son and build on his education.

- HippoParamus

Sandy Is Shady

2010-12-10T06:18:00.000-08:00

"Hey, you wood chucks! Quit chucking my wood!" - Geico Commercial

Every thought does matter; every moment matters!

Money, power, and status? (Ah Bach, it's there for the taking - it's there, easily begotten).

Unless I respect someone, I don't give a damn (or, rather, a crap) what they think about me. In one way, this form of "being" makes me entirely free. In another way, that thought makes me a slave . . . to wholly finding the people that I respect.

I'm on an expedition!

Hippo

For the Love of My Father

2010-12-06T08:44:00.000-08:00

“LIFE is about LOVE” – Ashton Kutcher

There is no power if one doesn’t love. Nothing matters – it is about love for one’s children, one’s family , one’s fellows, one’s kids.

Das ist est (and life is the test), meine heute freunda (and my friends).
That’s it. It’s the point that one realizes that one’s life is about love . . . .

So, will you make your life?

With love,

Pum

Tiger Balm Is the Bomb!!!

2010-11-26T18:49:00.000-08:00

Folks:

Golly gee wiskers!

Generally, I try to distill this nebulous, philo-political BS that I don't really understand myself (beyond the limited principle that people in power are generally self-promoting schmucks and create fogs of non-truths for everyone else).

Anyhoo, I had an AHA moment that was quite momentus today!

So, in the moments between making the next move in the game of "hearts," my congestion monumentally became obnoxiously annoying. Honestly, there is no flaring of the nostrils when both are blocked.

I tried everything. I tried eating Kimchi; I tried snorting dijon mustard. Alas, to no avail.

Without any success, I called my mother (the first, BTW, Indian woman, to do residency at Johns Hopkins). Glorified mechanics, I call them - those MDs - overtrained buttheads, willing to go through a bunch of successive hoops to make a nominally interesting nest egg.

So, I looked for the tea tree oil and found quite a cache of Tiger's Balm in a colorful and cylindercal bottle.

And, now, after putting some of that weird Asian balm on my palm, breathing it in, each nostril had a fill, and, indeed, I didn't have to take pill!

Because: I could breath once again.

Cheers,

Pum

Numbers Are Personal

2010-11-25T21:10:00.000-08:00

Oct. 5, 1967 - Five Years Before Johnson's Death. Shake off the loss or just "shaking the bush, boss. Just shaking the bush." - Paul Newman (Cool Hand Luke, 1967).

24 hours x 60 minutes x 60 seconds = 86,400 seconds per day.

24 x 60 x 60 x 365 = 31,536,000 seconds per year.

24 x 60 x 60 x 365 x 60 (years) = 1,892,160,000 seconds per a lifetime (of 60 years).

I really miss the Gipper. Loved the man, loved his politics.

Just want to forget warmongering idiots and rash, overspending Communists.

Crater Lake

2010-08-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

Saphire blue singing upon water....

HippoParamus

Charasmatic Leaders Will Win the Young

2010-08-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

All:

Copy and paste the following string: An Alarming video every Westerner should see - posted by Memri Videos (MEMRITVVideos) - tangle.com

Movements rise by charismatic leaders - obviously, this dude is one (in the video), and in my estimation should be assasinated - bilking the young for their penchant for idealism, while endowing himself with his own blessing from God (all people come from God but this guy will die by the slip of tongue into his own sword). But, by the same token, there is no sacrement in insane violations against any human being.

This is really scary. We need the moderate Middle Easterners (Muslims, Christians, or otherwise) to quell the problem - there are so many (but their sentiments reside in a free Palestine (by the same token, why don't the Saudis build Palestine's infrastructure - perhaps because they are inept, selfish, monied pheasants? - with money but no culture and no decent sentiment)).

My God! Egads! What has this world come to - that tyrants will rule or have sway?

My point being is: the young are easily swayed by ideologues spewing extremism. That's where the problem lies - sway the young, win the movement.

But, then again, is a movement worth winning if the spoils are truly losses. Can you count the losses and the losers?

HippoParamus

Nature Abhors All Monopolies

2010-08-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

"The private sector runs the Federal Government." - M. Burris

But, now, at an exigent historical crossroads, our status as a Super Power is slowly ebbing away by ridiculous expenditures. (China will implode through environmental degradation and Russia will implode through corruption and the same).

Nonetheless, do you think that it is okay for an EPA executive to spend $80,000 on a 4’ by 6’ marble slab imported from Italy for an office nook? This is only one gross example. There are so many other instances of Government wastage on these and grander proportions.

Simply put, the private sector and political interests now run the Federal Government. There are so many expectant companies, groups, and people expecting pay days previously received – that the Federal Government will implode.

IT WILL IMPLODE IF WE DON'T ACT.

There is no Social Security Fund, so to speak, because all the monies arriving into the "fund" proceed somewhere through sinuous tunnels. If there was a fund, it would be extant into one, managed account. But, the truth of the matter is that social security taxes swim into the sea of Federal extravagances - not put into a fund but in a pool of regular expenditure (like a Ponzi Scheme).

So, ultimately, there will be a global vacuum. And, who will be there to take over? Russia or China or some other nucleur power?

I’m not a politician; I’m not an economist. But, I do know one thing – when there are multiple pressures on one system – that system will eventually implode. Because:

Nature abhors all monopolies – Leonardo de Vinci

But, on a larger level, the problem is endemic – a lack of ethics envelopes our culture – whether a mortgage officer encourages a client who can’t afford to purchase a home when the market is hot (when the officer knows that the client will go bankrupt within 2-12 months); whether Bernanke says that “the big banks are too big to fail” (hence the bailout at taxpayer expense); or whether a corporate schmuck trades integrity for personal ground by kissing ass instead of performing, etc.

By all means – KISS ASS AND LOSE ONESELF - lose generations for that matter.

Alternatively, do the right thing? Perhaps find oneself by a wisp or a tether of integrity.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

On Carroms

2010-08-01T20:04:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

Carroms is a beautiful game - like cricket and hockey.

Like chess; they are physical and psychological configurations of fouls and goals married in a game.

Simply put: sleep with classical music!

With love,

Pum

Stand Up

2010-07-15T03:05:00.000-07:00

To travel with such spirit at 15 to a new country all alone; what spirit does it take! Imagine, all alone without friends and without family.

That is courage that I can’t imagine (because I can’t possibly do it myself).

It takes spirit and courage to do anything of that import – with all odds against oneself - to stand up for oneself with courage, character, and consistency and to stand alone.

With love and hope,

HippoParamus

P.S. - But, America is not a national grab bag. Just because the economy is down, doesn't mean that we should lose our humanity. Immigration reform and border protection are two separate issues. Yes, we must protect our borders (because of terrorism plus illegal immigration) but does that necessitate animosity towards the people that constitute only .03 percent of the population? I base my estimates on an approximate supposed 11 to 12 million that are here illegally (those are Obama's estimates) divided by an estimated 380 million population in America (my estimate).

Indeed, securing the borders is essential. And, I can't dare to speak that I know the economics driving people to come to America - or, is it that simple - that we have the best economy in the world, and it is entirely just a grab bag?

My conclusion: first secure the borders then, second, deal with immigration reform for the illegals who are here. Or, alternatively, treat these items as separate issues to work simultaneously.

All What Matters Is Emotional (And, in Tandem, Religious and Political)

2010-07-08T04:08:00.000-07:00

Meine Heute Fruende:

Are those just words? But, you have to make the choice for yourself - in thought with your own guidance guiding every step.

I can say ontologically or phenomenologically – but those are just missteps using the wrong words to express the essential existence of every person’s reality.

For, every person that exists has at least seven books in them – so imagine if you begin to speak to every person (what worlds of books of human experience can one open).

Cheers,

HippoParamus

P.S. - that's a mere suggestion for if you open a book or a person, there are worlds of thought and discovery. So, open your hearts; open your hearts. The service that you do to yourself by communicating is really a service to yourself - a generous quid pro qou in a fractally beautiful pattern. So, thus and therefore, pass it on.

“All I can do is the best I can do.”

2010-06-24T07:40:00.000-07:00

Indeed, I love quoting myself. I said that to my Patent Law Professor (a total arsehole – when he asked me a procedural question rather than an analytic or intellectual question based on the case law). He asked me a procedural question because he knew I wouldn’t know the answer, and based on jurisdiction, that answer is multifold.

But, I disarmed him with my integrity because he didn’t remember his own.

I was too young at that point in my life; I thought that people in positions of power were good. But, I was wrong; some are and some are not.

The whole point of the matter is – gravitate towards the good, solid, and honest people. You know them intuitively. Do it for your own edification, meine heute freunde!

With love,

HippoParamus

Param's House

2010-06-14T02:05:00.000-07:00

In one-two years, I will have my architects formulate the technical drawings and start building a “magnus opus.”

The garden will be on the roof. As you walk in there will be a water fountain/pool in the court yard. The central feature will be the library and my office; there will also be an observatory, an exercise room, and a game room (with a pool table, a ping pong table, and Ms. Pac Man console).

The kitchen will be in the back with a small “eating” nook. I don’t want a living room because the library and game room will serve as such, and the library will also serve as a fully functional theater room as well.

There will be no basement so the foundation upon the ground will be strong. And, the bedrooms (seven or eight – so I can have guests) will be in loft style overlooking the courtyard.

I want this home to be compact and perfect because every time I’ve lived in a big house off the Potomac, something bad happened (those were sad times).

I want to be happy from now on. I will draw my house (my son’s house) in the forthcoming months so you will have a better notion of what I’m talking about.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

Meet My Lead Artist: Moses Rayo

2010-06-13T08:27:00.000-07:00

Simply put: not only does he have the technical "gift" but also, he has perceptual perfection. Here are two paintings (the first one is the one behind him).

For love, music, and art make the world go round.

The ability to paint light on water is perhaps the most difficult to paint on two dimensions with a three dimensional perspective. Beauty and truth do not lie but you be the judge, and I already know that you will judge wisely.

With LOVE,

HippoParamus

A Parent Always Thinks about This

2010-06-12T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ultimately, I want an embedded, irremovable GPS tracking device on every single convicted child molester out there.

Let’s get the process rolling with a national referendum.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

On the Eternal Music

2010-06-10T05:56:00.000-07:00

I’ve been up for now for almost 24 hours, and I can’t get tired – I ate like a pig today; planned for the future; and exercised with martial arts despite my wounds (from the accident).

BTW, my round house sucks (but then I’m comparing it to Van Damme at his best, but, then again, I don’t have enough time to train but by myself – so that’s all I can do; the best I can and that’s not all I’m doing , so I forgive myself).

Practicing yogic martial arts and meditation simultaneously is indefinably the happiest and unqualifiedly the best sport of precision.

Someone stole my underlined and annotated copy of “Tibetan Yoga” by Sir Evans Wentz (no one wants me to go “nuclear”).

I can only explain the “precision sport” in person for the only true power that one has is power of over oneself; there is no other real form of power.

Yes, I’ve been extremely privileged during the earlier parts of my life but I have always worked hard since, and real privilege is working in a noble, honest way – whether one is cleaning toilets or running a company or a country for that matter.

You may begin to hear the “eternal music” soon. First, you will hear it around electrical generators, then around water, and then around people. There will be a slight hum that will begin to sound like a melody, and then there will be a symphony that will be in sync with your internal perception and your larger senses.

Begin listening for although it might be slight it is true (and you have no idea how important it is towards your spiritual development).

Yours,

HippoParamus

Param's New Cards

2010-06-10T05:07:00.000-07:00

Are they not beautiful!

HippoParamus

Mean Music Teachers Might as Well Work at Walmart

2010-06-07T18:56:00.000-07:00

A great teacher helps each student internalize discipline, learning, training, and organization based on his or her own rhythm and only “pushes” when needed in a gentle, sweet manner.

My music teacher was really mean so I gave up early. Now, I understand that he was “pushing” me based on his own life-frustrations when I was a child and he the supposed adult.

A teacher is suppose to be like an “Officer and a Gentleman” where one trains the student to be one’s superior.

In the end, his loss – he lost his life to his own frustrations, and I gained my life by recognizing my talents for myself.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

Invictus Indomitable: Veni, Vidi, Veci! Anno Domini

2010-06-04T02:20:00.000-07:00

I already told you that I won’t make it easy for you anymore.

Make some effort, spill a little bit of yourself into your own edification.
Again, it is your choice. One can stand at attention or make the choice to move forward.

I choose: “Forward, march” but, then again, I choose my own route because I can, and if there is a blockage of any form (a rock or a mountain), then I re-route "like the water and the wind."

It took me a long time to be free; I pushed myself to the hardest limits.

So, it is up to you: do you want the journey or just the spoils? Because, ultimately, one can’t have the spoils unless one has walked the path to make the journey.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

P.S. - Yes, I will conquer Mount Kiliminjaro and Mount Everest (damn it! - I hate cold weather).

The Heart Never Lies!

2010-06-03T06:18:00.000-07:00

Okay, Alyosha, I love you immensely.

Yes, Sir, I said it. And, it will echo infinitely throughout the world – a repeating blue and purple paisley, a fractal with sapphires and diamonds swirling into the heavens. You are my Silas Marner and my Hyacinth.

In aqua blue, he treads

Fearless and ceaseless, never-ending

With a gait grander than any other

INVICTUS DOMINUS: VENI, VIDI, VICI

For his heart is my hearth

I’ve never been domesticated but, yet, Io penso, Bacchus might have a chance to find a Golden Temple all her own.

With love and affection,

HippoParamus / Bacchus

P.S. – Do you think that I would leave you without a plug for your self-edification: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Temple_India

Great Friends Will Do Great Things for You (and You for Them) – but it Must Be Mutual

2010-06-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

I was in an accident on Friday, totally totaled my car – no matter, no one was permanently hurt.

I had to make a split-second decision: 1) If I hit the car in front me, we’re all dead; 2) If I veer left and hit the concrete embankment on the left side (the driver’s side), than I’m dead (and more importantly, my son has no mother); and 3) If I veer to the right, and hit the concrete embankment, there might be a chance.

So, I picked door number 3, and, fortunately, the “ultra-cute, tri-racial brat” still has a mother - nonetheless, a banged up mother with more scars and bruises than anyone on the Eastern Seaboard but, nevertheless, intact. Plus, probably the most immature adult who has seen more Sponge Bob episodes than any other “adult” in the People’s Republic of America.

I urge a FLAT TAX. FLAT TAX, FLAT TAX, FLAT TAX – should I say it again? Or, are you entirely bored of me. Good.

With love and affection,

HippoParamus / “Cripilina”

P.S. – Thank you Donald and Christopher for taking care of me the day after “the awakening”; for helping me out of my chair when I could barely move; for buying Ibuprofen and Alka Selzter and holding my company when I was in so much physical pain; for making me laugh even though it hurt so much against my rib cage and sternum; and, purely, for your beautiful company.

I will never forget! I will never forget, meine heute fruende!

Donald: “Belt it out; belt it out!!!”

Christopher: I will hire you at the true rate that you deserve (give me 6 months) because, right now, it’s just me, myself, and I.

Run, Rabbit, Run!!!

2010-05-31T07:06:00.000-07:00

The worst thing in life might be to witness someone who has lost their own capacity to enjoy life and their own potential, verve, and élan (sorry for the redundancy).

For the strength of the corporate litigator, the single parent, writer, artist, singer, comedian, runner, overall athlete, the scientist, etc. is purely emotional strength.

Yes, everyone has certain attributes and strengths that one can raise to the highest levels but it is by their “own command” and inner potency. “By will alone, I set my heart and my potential in motion.”

Become good at one talent, and then focus and transfer what you have learned to becoming great at something else. No limitations, meine heute freunde.

The reference to Run, Rabbit, Run!!! is a book written by John Updike, published in 1960, Rabbit, Run. The novel is about a man that runs away from his life and responsibilities; his own house in ruins, when his family cares so deeply for his welfare, and he turns his heart and being into a deep despair (what a loss of potential!).

So take the reins of your own power, and hold it strongly in your own life and hands, work to save your own life and soul and the others around you that care for you.

But, then again, it is your choice. You can choose to be a rabbit that runs or a lion that protects the pride.

With the grandest affection,

HippoParamus/Silas Marner (the rabbit who has become a lion)

P.S. - I have to call Google tomorrow and tell them that they must include an underline function for blog-sport!

I Had to Get it Out

2010-05-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

I’ll have to start working again next week for the next company. However, I choose where I want to go and when I go back to work (most of the time). That’s why, “while on la vacanza,” I had to work on my blog; I had to get all my thoughts, feelings, and emotions out –it’s the one indulgence I have besides throwing parties for my family and friends (hence, the nickname, Bacchus, from my friends at Vassar).

So, if in the coming weeks, my blog-sport becomes less frequent, I apologize. But, I will be working in spirit if not in actual writing. Because, the whole point of the matter is that each relationship must be mutual and equal. Otherwise, any relationship will devolve like a flushing toilet (clockwise in the Northern hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the Southern hemisphere).

So, I urge each and every one of you in the interim before “my next push forward” to be kind to yourselves, family, and friends for nothing is a coincidence and each person that one meets is a potential benefactor, friend, and well-wisher. And, each foe, is just a misperception in thought because one really doesn’t need to have any enemies if one chooses not to in one’s own conceptual framework.

So, take a chance on yourself!

With grand affection,

HippoParamus

For Art and Music Are Expressions of Love

2010-05-24T14:46:00.000-07:00

I must be the luckiest person alive for I live in a Norman Rockwellian world. [Aside – I used to think that Salvador Dali was the best painter ever but now I know that the best painter who ever lived was Norman Rockwell for he painted everyone in their best light; the light that emanates from a child’s heart - pure, innocent, and true].

To me, everyone is beautiful – the Great Creator’s works of art.

Technically, no one can match Salvador Dali – his “last supper” painting (now hanging in the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.) is the best painting ever produced in the history of the world – because he paints not only in three dimensions but six on two dimensions (the canvas). [Aside – they say four dimensions, but it’s really six].

See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sacrament_of_the_Last_Supper

But, also see Norman Rockwell: http://www.nrm.org/

You be the judge: technical perfection or perceptual perfection?

Cheers,

HippoParamus

An Earnest Question for Rex

2010-05-23T16:12:00.000-07:00

Rexemus:

How do we change global and human consciousness? I am asking you because I don’t know myself.

I already know that I am fully self-acclimated as you are.

Yet, I have faith in each human being right now that exists on this blue marble (except for the dickbags – those insincere little Bourgeois, lower-middle-class people who think that gold cufflinks will make their career).

My question is: how do we change this situation?

Please give me your analysis.

With the sky, the moon, the sun, and the sum of all this solar system,

HippoParamus

P.S. - let's include Orion in the mix.

Re-enliven the Oslo Accords

2010-05-23T05:48:00.000-07:00

Everyone is guilty in this horrendous matter but it is your choice whether you want to rectify this mess or stand at attention and repeat like parrots: “history just repeats itself.”

It doesn’t have to for we can build armies of animosity or make the choice to build our collective security by building our families, our homes, and our relationships. Again, it is your choice.

Seventeen years later, Oslo II could, in my estimation, be fair for all parties involved. Of course, our idiot Commander in Chief should have paid more attention to this grave matter. During his campaign, he made a statement that Israel should discontinue its general policy of developing new settlements in Palestine. Then, when in “power” (he really doesn’t have any verve or power because he is a total wimp that doesn’t live up to his word), he backed off his prior commitment. What a consummate politician; a constant liar swaying with the winds in a Zeitgeist whirlpool – he might as well give up right now (a one-termer who promised so much and is delivering so little).

That stupid health care bill is the pig of “big brother,” a dictation from a Communist dictator who forces people to do this or that based on his own misperceived notions that he knows what’s better for everyone than they know for themselves, thereby complicating an already swirling mess.

That being said, he’s still impressive in his own right (I guess he’s eloquent to some degree). But, then again, tele-prompters and Presidential speech writers come in handy, I suppose.

But, I demand to see his birth certificate.

Okay, I’m getting off point – back to the Oslo Accords.

Everyone says: “oh, it’s so complicated.” But, I say, it’s very simple: back and forth, back and forth. If you hurt me, I will hurt you (ad infinitum). Animosities built over the past 62/63 years. It’s so sad and pathetic that Jewish kids are signing missiles aimed at Palestine and Palestinian suicide bombers are exploding themselves and innocent civilians in Israel. Everyone is to blame for this mess – no one is innocent, my friends, but the children of both nations. And, they are the ones to suffer the most for they have lost mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, siblings, limbs, and lives, etc.

I’m not going to discuss whether Israel has a right to exist (that argument is moot). It exists now. By the way, everyone knows that Hitler was part Jewish and originally from Austria (an arsehole of the highest order – LOSER! LOSER! who killed his own people and performed an intellectually void misreading of Nietzsche).

So, let’s get everybody to the table for war is stupid and nonsensical – a testament to the fact that our human race is entirely uncivilized! But, the world doesn’t have to devolve because it revolves resolutely. Again, it is your choice.

With love and concern,

HippoParamus

On Silver - From Dr. A. B. Blinky

2010-05-23T03:31:00.000-07:00

Your gold piece rings true and I checkmate you by saying the rise in gold will be out-blasted by silver and while what you say is true, it’s just a mind-XXXing, intellectual expose versus the pragmatic case for silver.

I could go on for pages as to why, once the price manipulation in silver by two to four naked short sellers on the commodities trade exchange is stopped (DOJ and the commodities exchange currently investigating and will assess criminal penalties), the price of silver (now between $17 and $18/ounce) and currently over 1:60 the price of gold, will rise exponentially.

Silver is not just a jewelry piece but an industrial and medical metal. There is plenty of gold around and underground. There is no shortage in gold while there is a shortage in silver, and on and on. Gold is driven by fear and silver by happiness.

I agree with what you say about gold, but put your money on Hi Ho Silver.

Rexemus' Brief Bio (in his own words)

2010-05-23T01:57:00.001-07:00

I totally agree with you that we're in a huge financial mess and that what's lacking at the leadership levels is a radical solution along the lines of the break that FDR made from his own class to prevent a revolution in this country in the thirties and to restore the foundations of capitalism.

About the rise of gold, I've been reading about that for years. May or may not happen. [Aside from HippoParamus - thanks Rex, that was conclusive, indeed!]

I'm not sure if I told you, but from 2002 to 2004, I was, for the first and last time in my life, intensely political. I protested the impending war in Iraq, I started a blog that offered media analysis and political commentary (1,400 unique viewers a month from all over the world, a request to publish on other sites and personal contact with some of the authors whose books I reviewed), and I devoured research material on a variety of topics such as oil, terrorism, American history, espionage, media politics - you name it.

Ultimately, I began to get burned out on that but I also realized that politics is a superficial layer in the greater equation. What was needed on my part (the personal) was to face my own fears, drives, and habits and what was needed globally (the trans-personal) was a fundamental transformation of consciousness. These things will not occur through politics but will impact political outcomes.

I Never Play Any Games of Chance

2010-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

Gold will rise. Why?

Because by 2015, 25% of all tax receipts in the U.S. will go to pay interest on the Federal debt alone. The IMF says that the debt is now reaching 100% of GDP. How unfortunate! This is original research and my internal conclusions.

Of course, there is a possibility for a slight margin of error but I doubt it after you read further.

Because of our growing enormous debt, everyone is dumping the greenback. China and Greece, others will follow, further depressing the value of the dollar. Therefore, commodities are the only answer (for the time being).

Simultaneously, the only country that dumped gold was Austria (but they were trying to buoy the Euro, which is also failing miserably (for it’s own reasons) - I know why but don’t have enough space in this email to elaborate.

As you may recall, in 1972, Nixon took the greenback off the gold peg (this is relevant, and I will explain after the following paragraph).

First one idiot President (Bush W.) gets us involved in two unnecessary wars (Iraq and Afghanistan) at an expense of a $400 Billion +/- deficit per year. Then, the second idiot President (Barach O.) worsens a fiscal mess by his insane overspending (I’m almost fully certain that he will only be a one-termer) because he promised “hope and change,” but he should have told the truth “my hope is for America’s change.” Then, he got even greedier by paying off his hedge fund supporters in Connecticut and Wall Street bankers (who BTW just got bonuses of $45B within the past 4 months or so). Get mad! Get very mad!

Who must be the next President to rectify this situation? It must be Rand Paul, just newly elected Senator of Kentucky (yesterday). His father is Ron Paul, Representative of Texas (18th district), who is urging that the dollar be pegged back to gold, so the son will follow. This is the only way to save the dollar in my estimation.

If my calculations are right (and there are variables that I don’t know about yet), gold will rise inordinately within the next several years.

As an addendum to all this: the two major financial centers outside of the U.S. (London and Dubai) are also failing miserably. All construction in Dubai has stopped despite that emirate’s grand hopes for their grand mobile skyscrapers – an inevitable result of the global recession. For a glut, is just a stoppage and that’s it (das ist es, meine heute freunde). Plus, Hong Kong and Japan (financially) don’t matter b/c they have no real say so on what goes on in world matters. And, India and China are in environmental shambles.

Again, it is your choice whether you will learn to think for yourself or blindly follow any ideology.

With love,

HippoParamus

P.S. – I’ve got to do these stupid business and finance things to fuel my true intellectual endeavors because one day, I will read Heidegger in German in the Black Forest (in Germany) and get a Phd in Religion and Philosophy.

P.S.S. – It’s fun playing “I Claudius” all the time. One can learn a lot by just listening, observing, and reading.

Foxtrot Uniform Charlie Kilo!

2010-05-17T03:55:00.000-07:00

When someone has a stroke, where the oxygen was completely depleted from the brain, there will be a center of dead brain cells. These are unrecoverable.

Then, there is a “penumbra” around the dead cells (like a halo around a circular mass). If the patient is not placed into a hyperbaric oxygen ASAP (within 5-6 hours or earlier preferably) after the stroke, the penumbra of brain cells will too be deadened. What an extreme loss!

The oxygen chamber provides oxygen levels of greater than 11 times normal or up to 620 mmHg so the chamber literally “pushes” oxygen to the penumbra thereby re-enlivening these cells before they become unrecoverable.

It is up to you whether you will waste our collective knowledge or implement and execute.

- HippoParamus

Good News – Bacchus Is Back

2010-05-16T08:56:00.000-07:00

Remember: “People who laugh easily, cry easily.” (Auntie Harsharon circa 1994)

For all existence is emotional, existential, philosophical, political, and religious.

Everyone wants to forget that one cares; they don’t want to cry in public, they just want to laugh (because that’s easy).

It is up to you whether you will stand at attention and forget your own emotions all your lives or will you truly cry and get the emotion out.

Everyone loves you when you’re young, rich, and beautiful.

When one is wrestling with the world of responsibility, then they turn and look away (because they are just interested in themselves, and they’re only concern is ease).

But, I can’t stand lazy people.

For the riches of the spirit are the true riches of one’s own life. Rich people take care of their family, their friends, and their things (largely existentially and ontologically meaningless).

It’s so funny when I give away 2K necklaces to my friends because my mother get’s so pissed. That moment of her distress is the moment when I laugh my arse off. But, I don’t give anything away that I didn’t earn by myself, by my own laurels.

I don’t care about things; I care about people.

When a house is burning, what happens? First, the children are removed, then the others, then the pets, then the pictures (for those our most important possessions; our memories (Saint Augustine)).

Cheers,

- HippoParamus (Bacchus - the God of Wine)

P.S.: After my planning phase, I will move now forward with “all deliberate speed.” Brown v. Board of Education (1954) for precision is my best sport.

For I Know

2010-05-15T07:42:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

I’ve already planned out every near detail ad infinitum of my business and political plans for VENI, VEDI, VICI.

Caesar could not wear purple for purple is the color of royalty; the color of the EMPEROR.

But, I can.

The Senators in 44 B.C. stabbed Caesar in the back because they were so jealous; they couldn’t understand how he had so much inner strength (especially after he crossed the Rubicon; then eventually went through Germany; and then into England).

They all want a piece of you when they know that you have inner strength.

So, here is a piece of advice: DON’T LET ANYONE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF YOU.

It is your choice whether you decide to move forward with your life or stand at attention waiting . . . for the pen will always be mightier than sword (for the pen is moved by one’s heart and not one’s ego).

Cheers,

HippoParamus

P.S. - “Skene kai ta bios” – Herodotus – or as Bill Shakespeare reformulated in Old English: “All the world is a stage.”

P.S.S. – “I am opposed to all forms of deceit and cunning.”

I’m Not Going to Make It Easy for You Anymore

2010-05-15T05:30:00.000-07:00

Okay, I’m not going to make it easy for you anymore.

I write in essay format to deliver the most information as possible; to make it easy.

For Shelley, Keats, Wordsworth, Byron, Krishnatmurti, Herman Hesse, Dickens, Spence, Ayn Rand, Edgar Rice Bouroughs, Jane Austin, and many more are my true companions.

Now, you choose whether you will stand at attention ad infinitum or disgrace yourselves with your own inelegant ineloquence dictating your future and existence.

Again, it is your choice.

- HippoParamus

All Existence is Religious and Political

2010-05-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

Again, all existence is religious and political.

I’m not going to say: “Jesus wants you to buy these products.”

I don’t want to shove anything down your throats because there are good and bad people in every religious and political venue. Personal navigation amongst these various people and ideologies is doubly difficult. Who and what should one believe?

There are fundamental truths that are in concert with our collective intuition, such as honesty, integrity, and decency. These are the essential truths of existence and being.

Stay away from the bad people (you know who they are intuitively).

Only engage these idiots when you have reconfigured and reformulated yourself and are tough enough.

It is your choice whether you will stand at attention all your life or fully engage. So, in the interim, protect the good people; yourself; your children; and your family.

And, help me handle the bad people for I’ve become tough enough to fully engage them.

I believe in the infinite elegance and strength of all of humanity.

Yours,

HippoParamus

Choose Wisely

2010-05-14T06:31:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

It is all there; it’s all here on my blog.

I’m doing the best that I can.

I’ve planned every possible debate argument (that I can foresee) to support the next Presidential bid as a speech writer.

I already know who will win.

So, you decide how you will vote. It is up to you because I can’t choose for you; I can only choose for myself.

It is up to you.

Will we make this country grand or let an idiot President (Barach Obama) leverage the future of our children for political gain and guide our future?

By 2015, 25% of all tax receipts will go to just go to pay off the Federal debt interest.

Again, it is your choice.

Choose wisely,

HippoParamus

Empathy Is the Highest Form of Intelligence

2010-05-13T20:56:00.000-07:00

For John Rutledge told me 13 years ago: “empathy is the highest form of intelligence.”

But, I was too ignorant and dense to understand at that time.

Now, I have a better understanding of what Rutledge meant.

It is LOVE: love for one’s family, one’s friends, for one’s fellow citizenry, and for our global population.

Das ist est, meine heute freunde. That’s it.

I have nothing more to add beyond what Rutledge said.

- HippoParamus

There Will Be a Spiritual Revolution

2010-05-13T19:36:00.000-07:00

Ladies, Tomboys, and Gentlemen:

There will be a Spiritual Revolution spearheaded by the real artists and the real intellectuals.

You choose whether you want to be on the vanguard or in the rearguard.

It is your choice.

If you want to stay in your safety zone because it’s easy, please do so, by all means. It’s up to you.

If fear dominates your existence, then you lose.

For true spirit defines the Divine Spirit and will dictate the future Zeitgeist.

Again, it is up to you.

For the Sufi’s have a saying: “What you fear and hate will come to you.”

I turned it around: “Do not fear or hate anything.”

So, guess, who is the toughest dude in the world?

HippoParamus

How to Solve Hacking Problems

2010-05-13T16:31:00.000-07:00

As far as your hacking problem, the solution might be for you to ask your folks to use a robust encryption program. If they double encrypt with a 1,024-bit program, problem solved.

If they triple encrypt - there is virtually no hope that any supercomputer will be able to dissolve the message. I wrote "What Commericalizing the Internet for Physicists" (circa 1993) for Computers in Physics when I was Assistant Editor for this four-color periodical.

Yeah, I'm a total geek. I've always been a geek and always will be.

I read David Copperfield (Dickens) when I was 8 year's old and then again when I was 10 year's old in 1977. I did my major fictional reading before I was 12. Now, I only read non-fiction.

When I read Princess Cassamissima (by Henry James) in 1996; my heart broke so I had to cry by myself for an hour. So, I don't read fiction anymore.

I only read non-fiction now b/c, it's easier. Like Hymns to an Unknown God (by a Harvard theological professor).

The Garden

2010-05-13T04:48:00.000-07:00

There is a Chinese proverb: “If you want to be happy for a day, buy a bottle of wine. If you want to be happy for three days, get married. If you want to be happy for the rest of your life, build a garden.”

- presented to me by Richard Miniter (circa 1992)

I am building a garden of family and friends based on trust, kindness, sweetness, and honesty.

So, who do you think will be the happiest person in the world?

Why, me, of course.

I’m the luckiest dude in the world: best family, best friends, and best career. I already won the lottery!

If I had 50 cents a day to live on, 49 cents would go to my family and friends, and I would keep a penny for myself for I only need a “peppercorn of consideration” to exist and live.

With love,

HippoParamus

From James - He'll Make You All Crack Up

2010-05-12T15:14:00.001-07:00

Okay, I need to respond to these items one at a time.

• All this time, I thought you could have power over others. When I get home, I’m going to have to release those people locked up in my basement and apologize.

• Kyoto, isn’t that the treaty that everyone else signed and then no one actually implemented because it was too costly, unverifiable, and allowed the largest polluters (not per capita) to avoid any regulation? You don’t even want to get into the ‘per capita argument’; let’s just have 14 billion more people, and then we won’t have to deal with regulation because our ‘per capita’ pollution will be down to the level of ordinary cow flatulence.

• Bush is to blame for a lot of things, but I think we should put the Gulf oil spill on Cheney. His Halliburton connections probably mean that Halliburton is trying to increase the value of their Mc D’s franchise at the expense of Long John Silver’s. Boy, those guys must use some Super Computers for their planning; you’d think they’d have been able to predict how easily all the conspiracy theorists would catch on to them (especially now that the relationship between Kennedy’s death and Blackwater is pretty much out in the open). Lord knows: XXX saw it coming.

• Those Arabs are trickier than I thought. Cheney and Bush planned everything, but XXX is an Arab company, so they’re getting the advantage. Way to deflect suspicion. Who knew; I figured it was part of a Zionist conspiracy.

• We’ve been fighting over ideology? All this time I thought it was oil (that’s what XXX told me). Funny, now that I think of it, we haven’t gotten any of that free oil yet; I put my order in months ago.

You probably are just realizing it, but I’m an insane, left-wing Republican.

It's About How One Takes Care of One's Kids

2010-05-12T13:13:00.000-07:00

Y'all:

Do you think I care about "money, power, or status?" These notional items are worthless because the only real power that one has is power over oneself. Nes' pa?

If you count all the CO2 emissions from the disgusting SUVs and other cars/trucks, etc., I suppose you are right (as well as the other emissions from our hopeless global emissions project (while every country in the world tries to race for the Greenback or the EURO or for any other currency). This is an extremely pathetic situation.

Too bad that Bush didn't sign the Kyoto Treaty. But, then again, Bush Sr. (originally from Connecticut) and Bush Jr. (grew up in Texass - yes he was a pain in the ass), did have their own oil interests in heart (for those were not their real possessions).

For when that stupid Cheney (dickbag) succumbed to his own obsession with money and power; they carved up the territory in the Tigres and Euphrates Rivers (Iraq). And, Cheney used 911 to convince the idiot, Bush Jr,. to attack Iraq. Henceforth, the problem in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I can win contracts at will; it's easy. I've already mastered every part of proposal writing whatever section: management, past performance, technical, resumes, whatever, etc...

How much pain do we have to take? Back and forth; back and forth. How many people have to lose their lives or limbs for someone else's inane ideology? You ask yourself!

HippoParamus

P.S. - I am moving out of proposal writing into starting my own company to represent musicians, artists, and writers. I will do this gradually. Before I do this, I will create a core team to win contracts.

P.S.S, - I challenge Cheney to a duel in quail hunting, thumbwrestling, chess, and basketball. Let's see who get's shot in the face. For I would never shoot my personal 70-year-old friend, personal attorney in the face (Cheney did it on purpose b/c he has no moral standards). Money without personal moral standards = LOSER!!!

Don't Ever Piss Me Off

2010-05-07T19:12:00.000-07:00

Dudes:

No one wants to piss me off.

You better not b/c, when I get pissed off, you will lose all your resources.
I know how to play chess in four, three, and two dimensions (had to make it easy for you by downgrading).

I can play in the fifth dimension but you won’t understand.

I have tremendous resources. Because, one person can change the world.

It doesn’t matter for I already know who that person is but I won’t tell the world who because I protect everyone – that is my nature. I protect and care for everyone.

You can figure it out for yourselves, because it’s about the TEAM (not one person or the company one works for or for mere surroundings).

It is up to you?!?

HippoParamus / General Pum Pum

P.S. – that person is YOU – you just couldn’t see it but I did in each and every one of you. So, you make the choice whether you will make your life, or you will stand at attention forever.

P.S.S. – VENI, VIDI, VICI and I can’t remember the rest . . . for I am your Victor. And, I won’t stop b/c I’m not scared anymore.

On China

2010-05-07T06:48:00.000-07:00

There are now 1.2 billion people in China.

How will you take care of our global family?

I'm sorry about Mao Tse-Tung and the "Cultural Revolution."

It is up to you.

There is no territory worth conquering besides your own heart. Release Tibet. The Dalai Lama has to live in Dharamsala, India because of your incessant greed. For again, "the only territory to conquer is one's own heart."

When I read that 40 million men will have no woman b/c of the stupid "one family, one child" rule, my heart broke.

I'm sorry for your loss.

Confucious once said: "It is better to love than to be loved."

You make the choice whether you want to destroy yourselves environmentally to gain a yen or the greenback. It is your choice.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

P.S. - the opening of the Olympic ceremony in Beijing was immensely creative, beautiful, and awesome!

Business Is Stupid

2010-05-06T16:00:00.000-07:00

Dudes:

These guys are so stupid sitting around in corporate surroundings all the time – boning off on their own perceived egos. It’s so funny to watch. WTF are they doing? Shitting in their own pants, I suppose.

“Business is not intellectual; it’s stupid.” (Addrienne)

They think it’s intellectual, but have no idea how stupid they are. While I’m sitting there quietly, being my decent myself, I have to listen to their incessant cacophony ad infinitum.

Okay, now the real story begins; if you can understand it, for it will take a little effort.

George Soros traded the pound in one day and made a billion dollars. He beat the BRITS at their own game. Good for him – I think he is awesome!!!

He said twelve or thirteen years ago: “Business is amoral.”

He was right.

But, it is your choice. Can we make a moral choice or an immoral one?

It’s up to you.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

P.S. – One person can change the world. Will you be that person? You can do it, for I have faith in each and every one of you. : )

The Opening of the Third Eye

2010-05-06T05:47:00.000-07:00

It takes a lot of effort; for I was all by myself alone; it hurt so much. It burns and hurts but the strength that one gains is infinitely fun.

Unlike Krishnamurti, who had a whole bunch of people around him (lucky dude) (I love that man, dudes). On the other hand, I was all alone.

My crown chakhra is opening now – that takes time; but it opens in segments.

When it fully opens; I will take care of all of you, but my request is that you take care of me too.

I don’t have much time, but I have all the time in the world?

The question is: will you take care of me? If I take care of you, then you must take care of me. It must be mutual.

With love,

Bhoddissatva 7556

I'm a Puppy, Man, I Love Everyone

2010-05-04T22:54:00.000-07:00

The point is love; love for one's family, one's friends, and one's global citizenry.

For we are moving out of the Age of Pisces (the age of dissencion (sp?) and warfare) into the Age of Aquarius (the great age of communication).

There will be a Spiritual Revolution spearheaded by the real artists and the real intellectuals. And, guess who is on the vanguard? We are.

Pum - Bhoddisattva 7556

Keep the Communication Alive

2010-05-02T02:04:00.001-07:00

KarolR:

Yes, one must keep the communication alive. For what truly matters is "love, music, and art."

It is the love that one has for one's family, for one's friends, and one's fellow citizenry - for our global citizenry.

Because, we are all God's works of art.

Music and art are primarily just expressions of that love.

Cheers,

HippoParamus

Because I've Suffered for My Art

2010-04-28T01:33:00.000-07:00

Dudes:

I’m always trying to make everyone laugh, because I’ve cried in my soul all my life. I’ve known pain to the ends of this earth and the moon, and the SUN for that matter.

Do you think that I care about “money, power, or status?” Your answer: MUST BE NO!!!

We lost everything in 1947 (we were the richest family in Pakistan before Partition); when my Grandfather walked across the Pakistan-Indian border; he had to walk through the most treacherous situation.

And,

I apologize.

I think in historical, intellectual terms,

Pum

Lawyer, writer, artist, martial artist, commedian, singer, event planner . . . .

With the Utmost Affection

2010-04-25T16:25:00.000-07:00

Do you think that I care about "money, power, or status." As Jay put it:"it's boring."

I am unstoppable, unbreakable, and incorruptible ... because I worked my ass off all my life, and I will have no one in my pocket - like that "Barach Obama." B/c he had the hedge fund managers in Conncetticut, I love poetry (allitteration): Fuck those fucking fuckers.

You know me, and you know that I am honest and clean.

Let me formally introduce myself: Bhoddisattva 7556, a Princess without territory but a beautiful heart.

With the utmost affection,

Pum

Because . . . I Am. I Love, and Take Chances

2010-04-25T03:12:00.000-07:00

David, baby, and my Admiral:

You are sensitive, but so am I.

Remember: that I have -5.00 in my right eye and -6.00 in my left eye (so I have to wear sunglasses because my eyes are so light sensitive). I have a crack on my forehead because I was chasing “drinks” for my friends on September 1st, 2007.

But, I have learned responsibility . . . . Henceforth, I will never drink and drive.

I almost committed suicide last year in March; but Sandy saved my “arse.” That would have been a grand mistake.

I try to make everyone laugh because I’m always crying inside.

With the utmost appreciation for your existence and with love,

Pum / Bodhisattva 7556

Running for the Moon

2010-04-21T09:07:00.000-07:00

Yet, when we were together,

Your soul shook mine.

The mountain trees, encased in ice,

Crackled in the wind,

Sparkling against the cloudy sky,

So finely, we spied such rushes of sound,

As they approached at every angle.

Then, we raced to catch the sunset at Violet’s Locke.

The wisps of rose bruised the sky’s edge,

Against the purple backdrop,

And the river’s swells,

Frolicking with days last light . . .

Too bad you screwed up everything by asking me to cook, when I was always your breadwinner – writing all your demand letters.

But, then again, you did teach me a lot like “how to have holy experience while drinking hot water watching the moon.”

I wish we had kept that letter from Lurch – he’s stupider than both of us individually . . . but then again his family has been always chasing a buck for their own inadequacies.

Bye, Aulakh. Willst du spassmachen for the rest of your life? I hope so – turn your grey hair RED.

HippoParamus

From Dr. A.B. Blinky: Ode to a "Friend Lost Last Night"

2010-04-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

She was smart, full of vigor within a deteriorating physical temple. We differed on God and many other things insignificant, sharing a love together within the mysteries of life, friendship, and the Universe.

She was warm and kind, although suffering with poor eyesight and hearing but enjoying an enormous intellect and mind, although constricted by her inability to move freely and express her insights fully.

Here for 93 years and gone in one second; the dichotomy staggering. Yet, it was her time and not mine or the others who will always love her.

She loved fully on large things and small, like a ride in a Rolls Royce convertible on warm and not-so-warm days, bets paid out with franks at Costco, shots of Harvey Bristol Cream, and debates on timely topics. She had a point of view, backed by facts and backed off to no one.

To credit her son and family, she lived her later years in comfort with enormous expressions of love until she left, peacefully and without pain.
Bye-bye, Betty. You decided; I support your decision but don’t have to like your choice.

Like the others who love you, I am selfishly disappointed. My tears are for me, my loss, with joy in my heart for your successful escape. Thanks for “just” being . . . and for being my friend.

Dr. A.B. Blinky via HippoParamus

From Dr. A.B. Blinky

2010-04-19T14:18:00.000-07:00

No sorry; no indiscretions noted.

It was fun to talk with you with your defenses put aside for a minute or so, although not fair. I was careful, however, not to take advantage of you. Next time I’ll put my defenses aside and you can have the fun; and don’t abuse me.

We should all do it more often, more of the time; putting our defenses aside that is. It’s a risk of course and sometimes, though, it brings people closer together. Defenses keep us apart and safe. I like the former. It’s more real and honest. Safe is boring!

Besides, 90% of all real and truthful communications, when sober, is non-verbal. Hard to see on the phone, however. The other 10% is verbal, and most of the time, perhaps another 90%, it’s a lie. I find this exaggeration a very useful heuristic to use in all my communications, … More at another time.

To our next meet-up and to being truthful, sober or otherwise,

All I can do is the best I can do?

2010-04-15T00:08:00.000-07:00

I can't express my disappointment - I was shot down in April but the "Party" is in May! I'm looking forward to it.

Pum

A Riddle

2009-08-28T18:03:00.000-07:00

My father loved two American cities: Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. Both cities host little to no industrial decay and have beautiful architecture. In the late 50s or early 60s, the US Army drafted my father. Ironically enough, in Corpus Christi, Texas, Dad shared barracks close to Elvis Presley. The rest of the recruits, including my father, hated the “King,” a phenomenological, horny talent, whose white car became red by the end of the day.

Why?

Use the comment function to post any responses to the riddle posed. Good luck!

Guerrilla Warfare on the Potomac (circa 1992)

2009-08-28T18:01:00.000-07:00

Ever since you beautifully articulated a part of Guru Nanak’s teachings to me over the phone (last year, we spoke of guerrilla warfare on the banks of the Potomac River), I have been preoccupied with what you told me: in one sense, your stance seems horrendously Gandhi-like (pardon the linkage) in the negation of the self (i.e., if you do away with desire, you do away with misery). In another sense, those thoughts pose a possible pseudo-epiphany. Be patient, I will explain. But, please, whatever you do, do not throw a book in my face.

My confusion or apprehension to acceptance of your philosophical dialect stems possibly from Rand’s influence. As you are aware, Rand regarded an individual’s happiness as the paramount realization of justice and beauty. However, Rand pits Government against the individual; Government is the greatest roadblock to an individual’s happiness due to its capacity to tax its own citizenry, thereby depriving individuals of their right to enjoy the fruits of their own labor. The plausibility of this conclusion may be questionable and, henceforth, unduly questioned and, hopefully, put to rest.

In the Dialectic, Descarte concluded: “I think, therefore, I am.” However, this philosophic self-discourse may be a futile strategy to arrive at truth, justice, and logic, nes pa’? I already know that I exist, understand? I am more concerned with existing beautifully and living a good life (not just ‘the good life’). But, I do think that Descarte had an interesting methodology.

Without Descarte, there may never have been colonialism and the subsequent globalization of human interaction, because he aligned the pursuit of science and technology with the existence of Golf (I mean GOD, oops). Anyhow, if we concern ourselves with our senses as tools for measuring and experiencing the material world and treat them as gifts (from DOG spelled backwards) rather than taking our senses for granted, we can proceed from here, yes?

Because we interact with one another, create things, actualize tasks and projects, and, ultimately, use our senses spontaneously (like memory and sight – if you open your eyes, you see, etc.), then we must owe our “individuality” to something outside ourselves and simultaneously to what comes from within our own souls. But, because we are separate entities (you and I), we are individuals in the most basic sense of that word. Don’t you think, in some sense, then, our achievements (anything considered worthwhile by anyone) flow from our individuality because, ultimately, ambition or desire “pumps” our desire and ability to achieve?

Without desire, achievement has no value. So, how can one say: “if you rid desire, one becomes closer to obtaining happiness but happiness shouldn’t be a goal?” For clarity’s sake, I didn’t say that happiness is the only goal. Then, ultimately, the question becomes: “Is existence, by the virtue of being human, sacred in itself?” THE ANSWER IS A RESOUNDING: YES!!!

Yours,

HippoParamus

P.S. Don’t let them fool you; a FLAT TAX is inherently progressive: simple, fair, and just. The more money one makes, the more one pays. Fact: the American middle class – and not the corporations and fat cats that we continuously bail out - is footing 80-90% of all gross federal tax receipts. Get mad. Get very mad!

A Humorous Vignette from a Friend at Van Ness: Circumcision

2009-08-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

Were you circumcised without your consent? Has this left you scarred for life? If so, our legal team will ensure that you obtain the financial compensation that you deserve for any physical mutilation and trauma endured.

So pick up your phone and call us at 1-800-444-SKIN. That’s 1-800-444-S-K-I-N.

Jerckov, Wanker, and Associates. Let us handle your penal matters.

I Have Faith

2009-08-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

Y'all:

A system of love: philosophy

Would anyone trade his or her own eyesight for all the money in the world? I doubt that anybody would or will upon this supposition.

Thus, everyone who reads this essay has by thought and perspective in tandem become by an ontological proposition, a trillionaire.

A great philosopher once stated: "Time is more important than money because one can always make more money but never obtain one last second passed, in accordance with universal circumstance. Time is not money - money, however, by its essence is meaningless and life precious."

Geezie weezie - who wrote that? Could it be a philosopher whose first name starts with a "P" and last name begins with a "B?"

Yours,

HippoParamus

On Friendship

2008-12-20T19:25:00.000-08:00

Speaking makes following into folly. So to speak, my prince and my princess have fallen into folly (how lovely). But, so have I, before them. These statements have gotten incredibly boring – “allegra.”

So, “quindi and allora,” the jagged edge of falling must be swept with courage, character, and kindness: relationships take time, nurtured with memories – to lose a friendship is only a glance and a hardship; to make a friendship, takes a millenium.

Yours,

Pum

On Faith

2008-12-17T10:37:00.000-08:00

What is the Prefix if not the beginning of Innocence? The Bumfix is the Nonsense of the Occult. And, what is the Occult if not a bit of the Icconolost of it’s own Prefix?

-HippoParamus

P.S - I did coin the word, "Bumfix." - because if one doesn't move, one has ... as you know, and you are moved by will and faith, totally and faithfully - to move off of bumfix and into your own FIX - faith in your family, faith in your friends, and faith in oneself - are a gift.

Two Sentence Lecture on Ethics

2008-12-11T10:26:00.000-08:00

1. “Ich bin nein ein bischen eine LOSER.”

2. “Money, status, and power do not matter; what matters: is how one treats one’s children.”

I delivered this lecture, two sentences, at Howard Law School, in September 2008 in pajamas with my driver outside. What matters is the deliverance of the most information.

Real power is power over oneself - not them - they don’t matter. Introspection is a must.

Your cousin (53rd at the least),

Pum

Practice Yogic Martial Arts

2008-12-07T14:04:00.000-08:00

Never practice yogic martial arts and fast for four weeks, simultaneously – one will challenge every prior misstep all at once.

I was riding high in October and shot down in November (Frank Sinatra – different months though). But, I made pivotal life decisions and got into the best mess that I’ve ever gotten into – the sensitive, wimp that cries still every time she watches a newscast.

Bruce Lee practiced isometrics with yogic breathing techniques, intuitively. And, Brandon Lee, his son, was killed – because once they get pissed off, they’ll kill the entire lineage. These orchestrations of accident were not coincidental.

The Chinese were very upset with Bruce Lee, who trained the Western World in martial arts. I’m upset that the Chinese don’t recognize that martial arts came from India.

Cheers,

Pum

P.S. – Yogic breathing technique is embedded in "Prince Bam Bam and the Tibetan Warrior.” See November 2008 posts.

On the Eternal Music

2008-12-05T20:28:00.000-08:00

Simply, it begins with a resounding hum within electrical generators, then water, and then people.

Ears are very sensitive instruments. So, therefore, listen carefully: one can see the Music in five to six different streams flowing on a mental tabula rasa, knowing the song intuitively.

Listen to a drop of water falling into a small 1-inch circular puddle less than 1-millimeter deep; this is the music of humanity.

Back in Beta Blast Off Mode

2008-12-05T07:07:00.000-08:00

“During the first 18 years of life, one should learn the rules of society. And, for the rest of life, one should ‘unlearn’ society’s rules.” – Chinese Proverb

Children are ensconced in alpha mode; they swiftly absorb information, learn quickly, and rapidly adapt but are not necessarily nimble or coordinated. Most adults are entrenched in beta mode, where thoughts move rather slowly, however, cohesively and, perhaps, methodically.

In alpha mode, time dilates – that is – 5 minutes is an eternity. On the other hand, in beta mode, adults experience time in “discrete chunks” so that months elapse quickly and, as one ages, years pass faster and faster as thoughts and responses become increasingly circular, habitual, and often sterile.

During the past two months (la vacanza or the vacation), I did not drive because everything – the road, the trees, other cars, drivers in cars, planes in the sky, building architecture, pedestrians, even squirrels – relentlessly absorbed my attention. At times, I could not write legibly or even type because a torrent of thoughts overpowered any sense of coordination.

I still haven’t figured out how to switch between alpha and beta mode at will. However, experiencing alpha mode in tandem with the breath of experience is like existing as a perceptive child without apprehension, tempered by a modicum of wisdom. Now, unfortunately and rather luckily, the ogre of responsibility beckons . . . .

The Universe Is Just a Big Bubble

2008-11-29T15:51:00.000-08:00

I am still angry that I received a “C-" in Astrophysics 300. But, I got an “A” on my oral presentation: “Fast Velocity Clouds and the Magellanic Stream.” After 20 years, I still think that was an unfair grade … oh well.

However, as my friend, who is now an Assistant Attorney General of Maine, says: “Grades don’t matter. It matters what you learn.”

So, therefore:

The universe is just a big bubble with galaxy clusters moving in concert with the force of gravity keeping clusters in place with one another (in tandem with the grand breadth of space between each cluster like Christmas ornaments on a tree – hanging).

If one had the ability to travel from one spot in the universe and move in one direction perpetually, then this individual would end up in the same spot eventually. This means that space is really curved. But, that’s obvious, right?

On Lawrence and Pum

2008-11-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Ten years ago, Lawrence, “my little brother,” and I used to play chicken with the cars on Connecticut Avenue in Washington, DC during rush hour. Imagine zigzagging through moving traffic with three lanes in each direction. One mistake and one knows the outcome.

One evening, Lawrence chased a bicycle thief down Connecticut Avenue after we exited Four Provinces in Cleveland Park. He ran so fast and almost caught the bandit who furiously rode away on the stolen merchandise.

However, emotional strength – not physical strength – is what propels the athlete, the artist, the musician, or the scientist for that matter.

After an ice storm during the winter of 1998, at 8:30 PM, I ran sprints on my favorite field adjacent to Howard Law School. The night sky was black without stars, and I ran for 45 minutes after the ice had coagulated on the grass. I’m sure if anyone had seen me slip on a concrete walkway en route to the field, they would surely think me crazy especially when I laughed after falling on my back. But, the experience was cathartic. In fact, when I stop smoking, I’ll do it again.

Lawrence and I used to silently sit for hours at a time. Then, one of us turned to the other to share a thought or conclusion. There may have been an exchange of two-to-four sentences at times. Lawrence said often: “I’m writing a book in my head. Everyone has a valid perspective, and every perspective should be regarded.” As a result, I've become a collector of perspectives, which means that you have to talk to a lot of people openly and honestly.

For the Knights at HippoParamus’ Round Table

2008-11-28T13:21:00.000-08:00

I’ve been working all my life; I had a newspaper route when I was 14 (my mother, a doctor, was making 250K during the early 80’s at that time). But, my father taught me the value of honest, hard work.

A toast to my friends:

1. Rid clutter – superfluous material items clutter the mind and prevent effectiveness. Some people, like my Mom, just pile things upon things and papers upon papers without ever remembering what items are at the bottom or even the middle of the pile.

2. In sight, in mind. Therefore, lay out the most vital, prioritized items in line-of-sight (LOS) just as a butler lines up his master’s clothing and items in view. Again: in sight, in mind. When one sees items and lists of responsibility, one remembers - real power is power over one's weaknesses.

3. Make lists constantly and check off things upon completion.

4. Prioritize and perform the most vital, check-listed items first.

5. Constantly reorganize, reassess, and reassemble oneself.

[Aside: Intention is only 1/10th of the game; execution is everything else (9/10ths).]

Team HippoParamus: Pum’s Declaration

2008-11-25T00:13:00.000-08:00

“All that is necessary for the triumph of evil [or the un-fulfillment of undiluted vision] is that good men [and women] do nothing.” – Edmond Burke

This essay is the basis for my new company, Team HippoParamus. I basically rewrote the Declaration of Independence to be the ethos of my company – but it’s not about a single individual but rather the TEAM.

I underscore here that this light-hearted piece reflects a deep respect for one of our greatest of Presidents, Thomas Jefferson, who firmly believed that the free transfer of knowledge and real art is the greatest asset of every society. By my blithe borrowing and respectful attribution, I hope you recount what a wonderful man helped build our democratic foundation. Incidentally, he tried to abolish slavery in the original draft of the Declaration of Independence but was thwarted by his colleagues – some of the founding fathers.

Because everyone now holds the copyright to the “Declaration,” we have full right to mimic his words. We have always owned the privilege to preserve, protect, and parrot his ethos.

Declaration of Responsibility

Preamble

Why not use our God-given talents to produce bounty? To fulfill a child’s dream and create lifelong reminiscences of the most innocent memories can be our gainful ultimate legitimacy. We hold these truths to be self-evident that our country is the source of our souls and triumph.

A Declaration of Privileges

That to perfect these dreams, virtuous foundations and organizations are created by magnanimous individuals, orchestrating generous acts for the joy of the greater good. That whenever any Form of scarcity becomes destructive to these ends, it is the Right of the People to abolish this vacuum, institute a constructive body, laying its charity on such principles and molding its potential in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect Safety and Happiness for our breathtaking.

Generosity, indeed, will dictate that organizations firmly established on these standards shall never be corrupted by less than wholesome causes; and, accordingly, all experience has shown, that we are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But, when a long, model train of shortage, pursuing a different object verifies a reality that smashes dreams because of relative scarcity, it is our duty, to seal this abyss, and provide new Guards for our posterity’s present happiness and future security.

A Measure of Inadequacy

Such has been the patient suffering of many who are lacking; and such is now the necessity that persuades us to institute a policy of hope for bounty for all. The history of our country contains the truth of unfulfilled needs and insecurity for many deserving, hard-working people. The proof is our collective experience that speaks to a potentially candid world.

A Statement of Accountability

In every stage of experience, we have petitioned for redress in humble terms. Our repeated petitions have been unanswered by our own inability to perhaps notice and act. Non-action has spanked our dreams into bitter unfulfillment and is an unfit course for good men and women.

On My Favorite CEO

2008-11-23T17:46:00.000-08:00

He was the nicest of men; but, unfortunately, Walt Disney cryogenically froze himself.

Well? What should we do?

Scenarios:

1) Walt's soul has escaped from his body. He could be unfrozen from his cryogenic state. But, the problem is that the body without a soul becomes a Frankenstein (i.e., Mary Shelly).

2) We could unfreeze him, and his soul might then escape from this cryogenic state to a better place.

3) His soul is indeed frozen within his body; therefore, if we unfreeze him, we’ll bring his soul and body back to earth.

I don’t want to create a Frankenstein, but then again, I don’t want Walt's soul to be blocked from infinite development.

Yours,

Pum

P.S. - Don't you think that a $146 million Golden Parachute for a recent Disney CEO who miserably failed during his first year at the helm is ridiculous? What about fiduciary responsibility to stockholders? I guess that notion went out the window. The problem is that the "corporate veil" has become an iron mask of deceit for many executives. Sorrowful; simply and despicably sad. : (

On Some Artifacts

2008-11-22T03:29:00.000-08:00

Artifacts are just artifacts: emblems of the human spirit ignited by the GRAND SPIRIT.

Now, I believe in the human spirit more than anything else. When is an artifact more important than the human spirit? NEVER: Sirs and Madams.

We don’t have enough time to search for material items. At least, I don’t have time to do that. In no particular order:

1) The Spear of Longinus is in Vienna, Austria.

2) The Ark of the Covenant is in Axum, Ethiopia.

3) The Bhudda’s Tooth is in China.

Enough, for now.

Things are not important: people are.

Yours,

Pum

Legal Losers – How Corporate Law Really Works

2008-11-19T14:10:00.000-08:00

As a summer associate in 1997, the partners at a “large” law firm in D.C. helped derail my law career. When I became so disenchanted with their modus operandi, I chose to JET from the profession (which was my mistake, unfortunately – I admit it wholeheartedly now).

[Aside: I should have worked for the Justice Department – whose attorneys are thrown into court right away; know the rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence inside and out; and are not afraid to enter a courtroom to support their clients with the right cause (as Radar said to Hawkeye: “Ah, Bach!" Alas!).]

Simply and frankly stated: large law firms use their law associates and partners to assault the courts with bogus, frivolous motions to simultaneously draw the resources of their opponents’ monetary supplies while billing, billing, and milking their own clients’ coffers - thereby clogging the court systems.

They are afraid to go to court because they don’t know the Rules of Civil Procedure and Evidence, and because they try to bill hours before each darn case ever gets into Discovery.

I complained to two firm partners that a client docket in Pre-discovery Phase contained six (2-inch) binders. They looked at me like I was a stupid idiot, then peered at my legs (that’s why I don’t wear dresses or skirts anymore); and thereafter ordered salmon and salads at Jaleo’s Restaurant on 7th Street near the Navy Memorial in D.C..

At a firm shindig at a partner’s home in Potomac, Maryland, I turned to the firm’s hiring partner and off-handedly remarked: “This is a nice house.” The hiring partner knew I had thrown in the towel with that stupid law firm. He directly looked into my eyes and with the swiftness and arrogance of a dying dragon’s breath declared: “This is an average house of an average young partner at [the name of the stupid firm]."

I wasn’t impressed. Simply put: I grew up in a much more beautiful house on Château Drive and another one on Piney Meetinghouse Court just down the road from this average young partner’s home in Potomac.

No matter: “the size of the house does not matter – what matters is who lives there.”

On Choosing Friends Wisely

2008-11-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

Our real friends will make us feel comfortable and safe; will make us feel wholesomely good and give the right advice when we are doing things incorrectly. Your real friend is your teacher and your student.

We should not choose friends that appear beautiful, smart, or wealthy – then we are not looking for the truth, and we are trifling with ourselves.

Look into the eyes of your friend and see whether he or she appreciates you or not. When one is trying the best one can, and it is unappreciated then we are not with the right friend.

I have seen so many relationships that are one sided. We don’t have enough time anymore to trifle with ourselves. Build a garden of friends based on those you trust and those who trust you.

That’s what I’m doing . . . .

Why Everyone Should Go to Law School

2008-11-19T12:11:00.000-08:00

Law school education is like reading a whole bunch of short stories about what makes people and groups in the world become angry with one another. It is the history of conflict and justice in our society. There is also commentary enclosed in the form of legal opinion, which seems, at times, to fall short of the actual nature of justice.

Justice in the form of legal commentary seems to be a coin toss based on the variables of a particular situation – the temperament and inner motivations of the judge; the interests of the parties and their respective abilities to purchase hired guns; the strategic and oral delivery of attorneys; the nature and personalities of the courtroom setting or settlement proceedings; and the historical significance/leaning (i.e., precedent) of what has happened before in this fractious and fractal world.

In my opinion, in general, the longer the “opinion,” the shorter the meniscus of justice. Words can be very pretty tools but also dangerous bazookas. Then again, if one knows how to use words with one's heart, how can one ever lie?

The first year of law school is very scary. As the saying goes: “The first year, they scare you to death; the second year, they work to you death; the third year, they bore you to death.”

Why does a learning process have to be referred to as death? Maybe, the phrase should go: “The first year, they scare you to life; the second year, they work you to life; the third year, they bore you to life.”

If we are pitted against each other, why not take the challenge eagerly and know that if you are last in your class, you are right next to the “penultimate” person in your class?

There is also another saying: “The people who get A’s in law school, become the judges; the people who get B’s, become the law professors; and, the people who get C’s, make the most money.”

So, if you are last in your class, maybe you will make the most money? But, what does that outcome matter anyway? It’s the learning that counts; the experience; and the ability to learn to defend your friends, your family, and yourself in the “heat of adversity.”

Cheers,

Pum

On Beaded Necklaces of Experience

2008-11-18T12:18:00.000-08:00

When I was eight years old, what wonders and horrors I witnessed in Punjab, Northern India, which is actually the better off portion of that country seeped in a hell bejeweled with fabulous empirical necklaces.

At the Maharaja Rajendra Joginder Singh’s palace in Patalia, India, I witnessed the most fabulous gem I have ever seen in my life: a grain of rice erected on a pin magnified to illuminate approximately 311 words painted flawlessly on its tiny surface.

Many more items of beauty and wonder I will not share here within this mental jogging area, but my friends are welcome to open my experience to their intended pleasure.

Also, near the time of such wonder was close at hand utter horror. I was sitting in a bus approached by a beggar.

The particular features of this poor man included the use of only one available limb to push what remained of a one-limbed, weathered torso on a flat cart made of splintered wood and bent wheels: he was a LEPER.

I cried for him that day when I was eight years old. And, I’m still crying for him as I write this post.

On Global Development

2008-11-18T02:32:00.000-08:00

Our former friends are now our enemies because our former enemies are now positioned to be our potential friends. Players on the economic battleground are defining, re-defining, and stealing intellectual property, and wanton economic interests lay waste to natural resources.

Meanwhile in the interests of capitalism, in communism, in whatever derivation, unhealthy competition has created spiritual and material depletions in our homes, our neighborhoods, our cities, our states, our nation-states, our oceans, and, worst of all, in our minds and hearts. To be whole and satisfied, we must compete healthfully. When we stop cheating to get ahead at the expense of others, maybe we'll all win? (Game Theory)

The Hopi’s have a prophecy that is centered around the power of the land underneath the Four Corners region in the South West. This spot is the only place in the US where four states geographically meet. The prophecy recounts that there are four original races– Black, Red, Yellow, and White. Within each of those races, a particular culture safeguards a set of two sacred books. For the Black Race, the Kukuyu at the base of Mount Kenya; for the Red, the Hopi at Four Corners; for the Yellow, the Tibetans in the Himalayas; for the White, the Swiss in the Alps. Please note that each of these cultures borders a mountain or mountainous range.

The prophecy foretells that when the races of the earth finally get on the same page, the human race will receive two more holy books so that there will be a total of 10 books in the set. Perhaps, if we start treating each other with more respect instead of insisting that color does matter, we will receive two more holy books. This reunion may be the potential for our global resurrection.

Saint Gabriel (Virudhaka) has been with the Black in the South; Saint Michael (Dhritarashthra) has been with the Yellow in the East; Saint Oriel (Virupaksha) has been with the Red in the West; and Saint Raphael (Vaishravana) has been with the White in the North. Do we understand now that the seeds have been SEWN?

Please don’t think that I am going to get loopy on you and start talking about UFOs. I don’t know if there is any connection between Roswell, Four Corners, and the Pyramids at Giza or Cheops for that matter. But, if aliens do exist, I think that they would be “opposed to all forms of deceit and cunning.”

On My Childhood

2008-11-18T01:21:00.000-08:00

Simply put - I'm still in it . . . and what a wonderful childhood.

I eat like a bird; listen and stomp like an elephant; run like a tiger; and sting like an eel.

My father always said: "horses are even more loyal than dogs."

Then, by that transitive ultimatum, I am your race horse . . . and I am running for this world.

Yours,

Pum

On the Global Three-dimensional Chess Match

2008-11-17T14:33:00.000-08:00

When you weather the winds and wander with me and Avi, my son, throughout all seasons, everyone will know . . . .

I wish I could have had a simple life - like that of a lawyer, doctor, or an artist or "just picking fruits and vegetables."

Now, I'm playing the three-demensional Global Chess Match. And, I will checkmate every opponent.

Yours,

PumPum (your princess without territory but only grand thoughts and the ability to follow through).

On Separation of Religion and State – for the American People

2008-11-17T12:13:00.000-08:00

Let’s take a look around: the Federal Reserve prints on most every bill: “In God We Trust.” So, every day, there is an imprint of God in every monetary transaction in the U.S. (except for credit card purchases, check payments, and bank transfers).

The Washington Monument is the center of the symbol of a Cross, the Lincoln Monument sits on top; the Jefferson Monument sits on one side of the Washington Monument; the Capitol, on the bottom; and, oh yeah, that bozo Bushs’ rental unit – the White House – on the other side of Jefferson’s Monument.

Unfortunately, Bill Clinton was the only president since Eisenhower who did not consult Billy Graham as a spiritual adviser. His adviser was Jesse Jackson – not a bad man but a cheater, nonetheless. And, Jesse turned on the false waterworks when Obama won on November 4, 2008 even though Jackson disparaged him in a secretive smirk about Barack caught by television audio.

Yes, I do believe that the executive branch has gotten a little whacked and out of control but everything is rectifiable if we try hard enough. We need to preserve the constitutional ethos of separation of the three branches of the Federal Government and unify these branches with our collective integrity.

On Encryption

2008-11-17T11:49:00.000-08:00

Although every encryption code is theoretically breakable with enough computing power, in actuality, there is no encrypted message that is breakable.

All someone has to do is double, triple, encrypt etc. to encode a message that would then become practically unbreakable.

Now, we are all vulnerable.

If we don’t start communicating with each other right now; yes, I believe, that there will be mutually assured destruction. It is our choice. Well?

What do you think, Team HippoParamus?

Yours truly,

Pum

P.S.: Once again: “I am opposed to all forms of deceit and cunning.”

On Nuclear War and Disarmament

2008-11-17T10:49:00.000-08:00

“Skene kai ta bios.” – Herodotus or “All the world is a stage.” – Bill Shakespeare

France tested two nuclear bombs in the South Pacific in either 1995 or 1996. The island that the French chose for the tests was beautiful and surrounded with emerald and blue water and soft, white sand. At the time, CNN broadcasted an aerial view of the nuclear tests. If the French are so beautiful, why did they destroy something that was beautiful?

Also, why did the French choose to pick a distant island and not perform the testing on their own land? As a child would say: “That was mean.” However, despite this violent ejaculation of national pride by French warmongers, “the French people are still beautiful.”

Bechtel Corporation built two nuclear reactors in China during the 1990s. A byproduct from nuclear reactors is nuclear-grade bomb fuel. China supplied medium-range nuclear warheads to Pakistan. Pakistan and India were on the brink of a nuclear war because of historical animosity i.e., – they don’t like each other very much. Pakistan has interests in the Middle East and Israel.

The U.S. has obvious interests in the Middle East in concert with Israel. The U.S. Pressler Amendment operated to prevent the delivery of F-16s to Pakistan; Pakistan had paid the U.S. for those fighter planes; and the U.S. did not return that money to Pakistan, undoubtedly, to prevent Pakistan from purchasing fighters from a different source.

However, I don’t know if Pakistan eventually received the planes (maybe that nation-state received those F-16s considering its support of the U.S.' current rebel problem in Afghanistan.)

If Pakistan’s Air Force surpassed the capability of India’s, there is a possibility that Pakistan could “win” a war with India. Then, there is Iran and North Korea. Geez! And, also Putin. Golly!

Yes, we are on the “precipice of insecurity.” If we don’t calm the situation down, we might as well be shooting ourselves in the feet, hands, eyes, nose, and heart. Now, do we get the picture?

If we dismantle the nuclear warheads, institute an international policy against the usage of nuclear reactors to meet energy needs, and figure out a clean way to get rid of the bomb-grade uranium, then we can clothe ourselves in real security.

Without an international commitment to peace and the global introduction of cleaner sources of energy that are currently available, there will always be nation-states that can bring regional instability to a level of international insecurity. All parties are at fault in this situation - the United States, Russia, China, France, India, Pakistan, Iran, and North Korea.

What happens in Pakistan and India affects what happens in the United States. What Bechtel Corporation has built to increase its bottom line in China affects regional instability in the Middle East and the entire world’s security. With Putin's simultaneous support of Israel's satellite capabilities and Iran's nuclear capacity, the situation worsens.

I only hope that we did not act in such a way so that, ultimately, we become our own victims. Let us pray for international peace, PLEASE.

The Best Law School in the World

2008-11-17T10:23:00.000-08:00

Howard University Law School is so generous. Because Howard gifted me with a scholarship, I received a great law school education for only 6 thousand dollars!

Howard’s ethos is: “Make them twice as good.” – because Howard understands the forces at work that beat down against the success of Black Lawyers. Of course, this vicious racism will change with Obama’s victory and forthcoming presidency. Yeah!!!

Every student receives the best education there, and the professors are the coolest and the sweetest.

I’d rather be a salmon swimming upstream than a carp floating down. Pain is the remedy; comfort the disease. As the Scottish saying goes: “What’s fer ya’ won’t go by ya’.”

Cheers,

Pum

On Taxation

2008-11-17T09:43:00.001-08:00

What a sucky and somewhat necessary historical institution - the institutionalized pseudo-artist that continually degenerates behind good intent falling victim to the bureaucratic serial killer.

The original intent of any institution, whether it be religious, political, or social, over time decays to the rituals of false security; those seeking power manipulating their present-day institutions to gain security in the form of power. Unfortunately, the ritualized institution becomes self-sustaining with the original ethos ebbing away as the high tide deposits colorful shells of deceit upon a tainted shoreline.

A prime example is the modern bureaucracy. Over time, the underlying intent for creating the institution may fall victim to unwholesome interests. The bureaucracy tends to grow with time and different subdivisions may be added to support those that existed before - recruiting the unwary to support a gigantic enterprise resting on a foundation that is not its own.

In 1913, when Colonel House convinced President Wilson to institute the first federal tax, the U.S. Government promised the American people that federal taxes would never increase over 1% of each person’s yearly income. Twenty years ago, one out of every five dollars a person earned went to the Federal Government. Now, it is one of every three. Yes, as a child would say: “Liars, Liars!”

The U.S. Constitution states that every agency of the Federal Government “shall give an accounting of the monies that it spends.” In 1974, the Supreme Court declined allowing a taxpayer to receive an accounting (how much?) of the CIA’s expenditure [United States v. Richardson, 418 U.S. 166 (1974): http://supreme.justia.com/us/418/166/case.html].

Do we know how much they are spending and why do they have to keep it secret? As a child would ask: “Maybe, they are mean?”

A flat tax or some simple graduated two-level system may solve the problem. Simple rules rather than volumes of loopholes are easier to preserve. When accountants stop being bean counters, I believe, they will start becoming artists.

Whew! What does Team HippoParamus think?

On Hitler

2008-11-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Frenchman and visionary, Nostradamus, predicted that there will be a child born near the banks of the Danube.

“Hister,” as Nostradamus referred to the child, wanted to be an artist so badly and just because he was rejected from art school in Vienna – he decided to avoid the artistic ethos to create beauty from vacuum. When living in Austria, the bastard visited the museum in Vienna daily to stare for hours at the Spear of Longinus – responsible for the fatal blow that killed Jesus Christ on the Cross. Incidentally, only the nail embedded within the sword has been carbon-dated to the period during which Jesus of Nazareth existed. The other features of the sword, which passed through the hands of Marcus Aurelius, did not exist during the life of Jesus.

During his rampage throughout Europe, Hister promised Shuschnigg, the Chancellor of Austria at that time, that he would refrain from attack of Austria if the nation-state released the Austrian Nazis from prison and ignored Hister’s crazy run throughout Europe. Hister squeezed this promise out of Shuschnigg by chasing Shuschnigg throughout the Bergoff. Then Hister, of course, lied and attacked Austria anyway.

At the Ronald Reagan Building in Washington, DC, I witnessed the contents of Hister’s bunker, which the Russians sent on tour to the United States in 1998. I realized that Hister was indeed a nut; he placed a grotesque caricature of Goebels sitting on his desk.

However, Hister displayed an artistic sensibility as well. The other items in his bunker were carefully selected: his laced, Gestapo black boots, his uniformed jacket, and a bright, rather intricate tapestry, among other items.

Apparently, Hister was a big hit with the German ladies. During Hister’s speeches, women swooned and fainted. He may be the biggest anomaly of the 20th century. His niece committed suicide after he deliberately and purposely shunned her.

If only Hister had stared at a painting like Salvador Dali’s “Last Supper” or Bazille’s “Edmond Maitre” or Renoir’s “Nina con un aro” - he may have realized that he should paint people instead of enormous, pale city blocks without any citizens. What use is a city block without people to populate it? What use is an artist who uses charm and talent to hide insecurity and self-disgust and wreak mayhem and disorder?

Ironically enough, the Nazi’s borrowed the symbol of the swastika from the East Indians as well as two other ancient cultures, including the Celts and an African culture. All three groups developed the swastika – the symbol for male power – independently.

Another irony is that Hitler’s eventual loss in Europe catapulted the United States, our grand democratic experiment, to superpower status and led to the creation of the State of Israel and the sorrowful displacement of the Palestinians. [Aside: Hitler’s maternal grandmother was Jewish.] Ironies abound in the historical morass of the Age of Pisces, the age of dissension and warfare.

On Materialism and Generosity

2008-11-16T13:51:00.000-08:00

If you think you own "it" – it really owns you.

I obtain an endorphin rush when I give a stranger a gift whether it is in the form of information or object. Then, I get another emotive quantum (“rush”) when that friend appreciates the gift. The richest people in the world are the one’s who give the most. The artist, inventor, teacher, and the philanthropist are one and the same - we are on the VANGUARD and not in the rearguard.

Value is everywhere. The least valuable items are the ones that are displayed in the shop windows at the shopping mall. Those items are there to take away our spirit, and they are not there for our benefit but at times for someone else’s greed.

Go to the consignment store or the junkyard, and we will find real value there.

As Nandita taught me many years ago, the only thing that we can truly own is something that we have created ourselves whether it is an airplane model, a drawing, a poem, a conversation, a smile at a stranger, or a game of chess or tennis or hopscotch.

So, if we are hoarding goods in our homes because we perceive these items as being our possessions, then we are spending too much thought and time on acquisition and not enough on creating a work of art that we can truly own.

Speak to me: “I am opposed to all forms of deceit and cunning.”

-HippoParamus

Transitive Properties

2008-11-13T10:18:00.000-08:00

Darlings:

Time is more important than money because we can always make more money but we can not get time back.

Now, I pose this transitive property: Life is even more important than time and money combined.

Thus, by this transitive combination, can not we conclude, within the directness of Plato's CAVE: "Every LIFE is more important than all the money in the world?"

Yours,

General Pumpum (a.k.a Bacchus/HippoParamus)

Two Business Principles for Team HippoParamus

2008-11-13T09:08:00.000-08:00

1] "Maximum utilization of all resources with minimal wastage."

2] "Every problem is really an opportunity ripe for resolution."

Cheers,

- Pum

On Unified Field Theory

2008-11-12T19:02:00.000-08:00

Physicists have been working on “Unified Field Theory” – trying to discover the fifth force – which is the most important of the “five.”

When I was studying Physics at Vassar, I argued with my Professors b/c they made the study of the most artistic of sciences more difficult than necessary.

It’s quite simple:

The fifth force – every human knows intuitively. What is it?!?

The five forces:

1) Gravity: F = the gravitational (G) constant times mass1 and mass2 divided by the distance between the two objects (whether they are orbital formations or milestones in molecules). Sorry, again, the limitations of this website prevents me from depicting the actual equation.

2) The second force is the “Weak Force.” It is the force between the electrons and the nucleus of each atom. Remember: the human body produces 300 billion cells per day. So, imagine the body's capacity for healing.

3) The third force is the “Strong Force.” This force is the one that holds the protons and neutrons together within an atomic nucleus.

4) The fourth force is the “Nuclear Force.” It is the force that holds the protons with the other protons together in the “nuclear coin.”

The fifth force is …our hearts….but you know…it’s really something much more important and the most decent force of all of us.

Your benefactor, your teacher, and well-wisher,

Pumpum

On Health

2008-11-12T18:00:00.000-08:00

There are four (4) principles for maintaining one’s health:

1) Maintain alkalinity (drink AlkaLife: www.alkalife.com).
2) Maintain happiness, kindness, sweetness, and honesty.
3) Maintain hormonal balance by practicing physical balance (through martial arts and regular exercise).
4) Maintain your Mountain of Freedom by preserving your Innocence in the "heat of adversity."

Yours,

Pumpum