Ffolkes,

“The problem with troubleshooting is that real trouble shoots back.”

~~ Subtle Bee ~~

Cobh, Ireland ~ Seaport for County Cork

Hajime…. If I were so inclined, I could start today with a feeling of pride, for having completed a Pearl under stiff opposition. But, since the major portion of said opposition came from my own head, it might be a trifle hypocritical, or, at minimum, shamelessly obtuse. I will, however, note my sense of gratification for having it done, no matter how it came about. Such is the life of a curmudgeon in the early morning….

This isn’t to say life isn’t good; it isn’t. Hah! Fooled ya, didn’t I? No? Okay, well, I fooled me, so that counts. It’s beginning to look as if nothing I write is going to count, doesn’t it? Perhaps we’d be better off to forgo any further attempts at levity, or even sobriety, in favor of getting on with this. Yes, I believe that’s the way to go; it may be our only chance to do this at all; day’s like this can turn ugly in a heartbeat, should my mindful control of unreality begin to unravel…. the symptoms of which are rapidly mounting. We’re going on now, because, otherwise, this is going to go south in a hurry…. Hang on, ffolkes; no time for niceties….

Shall we Pearl?….

“What is required is sight and insight — then you might add one more: excite.”

~~ Robert Frost~~

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On the 7th of November, Leonard Cohen passed away, at the age of 82. I’ve listened to him all my life, and will miss his gravelly, emotional bass tones immensely. Here’s a video of a live performance, with links to much more of his work. Enjoy, ffolkes; we won’t hear anything new from him again….

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Leonard Cohen
1934 – 2016

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I’d hoped to have a new poem, but, apparently, it isn’t ready to leak out. Here’s another old one to carry the day….

Relative Cynicism, with Caramel Sauce

Absolute stillness follows violent movement,
it can happen during a downhill race,
as an immovable piece of asphalt pavement
meets the once handsome racer’s face.

Yuk, yuk, yuk said that asshole Moe,
after poking both of Larry’s eyes,
bashing face, head, & crotch of Curly Joe
and only ever got hit with pies.

Lonely moments never really come along
when Murphy’s got us in his sights.
Not for money, love, or siren’s song
will he abrogate his natural rights.

All we can do is sigh, or laugh in pain,
as Life portions out our ration of shit.
Silver linings melt in the slightest rain,
so we may as well learn to live with it.

~~ gigoid ~~

4/7/2013

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Smart Bee decided, sans notice, to take the day off. But, it’s okay; I was reading one of the older posts recommended by the WP bots at the bottom of a page, & found this nice little discussion to fill in…. It’s just a little foray into gigoidism, and quite fun…. Enjoy!….

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From 4/17/2013:

“A thing is not proved because no one has ever questioned it…Skepticism is the first step towards truth.” — Smart Bee

As I was cruising through Smart Bee this morning, looking for inspiration for section 3, I came across this little gem, unattributed. It sounds like it could have come from a number of different philosophers, all of whom are noted for their wisdom and perspicacity (another great word….). It is also a part of the human flaw that has contributed to many of the problems we face as a society, and as a species.

Actually, it might be more accurate to say that the lack of this in humans is part of the flaw; most people one talks to would not agree with this idea, as stated. In fact, it is directly opposed to the educational premises of many cultures, especially those heavily influenced by religions, such as those in Mexico, Central and South America, where Catholicism is a powerful factor in society, and in the governing of that society. India, and much of the Eastern Hemisphere, too, have societies that are heavily influenced by religion, though with more participant sects than is true in the Western Hemisphere; Hinduism, Buddhism, Shinto, to name a few, are always a contributing factor in the political events that have shaped history.

“The common dogma [of fundamentalists] is fear of modern knowledge, inability to cope with the fast change in a scientific-technological society, and the real breakdown in apparent moral order in recent years That is why hate is the major fuel, fear is the cement of the movement, and superstitious ignorance is the best defence against the dangerous new knowledge. When you bring up arguments that cast serious doubts on their cherished beliefs you are not simply making a rhetorical point, you are threatening their whole Universe and their immortality. That provokes anger and quite frequently violence.” — G Gaia

As a result of this influence, many people tend to reject skepticism, as it doesn’t fit in with what they have been taught, which is to never question anything told to them by persons in positions of authority. Churches tend to encourage this sort of attitude, as their outrageous claims of divinity, and supernatural events performed by their deities, do not stand up well to scrutiny by an objective eye. The leaders of the churches thus play right into the hands of the Beloved Ruling Class, as they counsel their flocks to obey worldly, temporal authority as readily as they are conditioned to obey the secular variety…..

“I just stepped on a factoid!” – Zippy the Pinhead

Thankfully, not all of humanity is defenseless against this sort of conditioning. There are many ffolkes out there who don’t buy into the sort of psychological blackmail being promulgated by the preachers, priests, imams, and shamans of all shapes and sizes around the world, and a large number of them seem to end up blogging, right here on WordPress…. So, I end up preaching to the choir pretty often. But, that’s okay, too, because I know that occasionally, one of those folks who do believe in what they are told, without any questions or doubts, will read this, and, if nothing else, will think about what I’ve said…. Who knows, maybe I’ll go viral, and the whole world will remember that WE ALL ARE GODS?”…… (Remember? Axiom # 3…. “Thou art God, you know…. Let’s do lunch….)

“Youth of today! Join me in a mass rally for traditional mental attitudes!” — Zippy the Pinhead

I suppose that’s a note from my subconscious, to let me know I’ve gone far enough off the rails for now, and should let these good people get on with their lives, rather than wandering around in mine…. Goodness knows where we’ll end up…. So, anyway, just remember to cultivate your sense of doubt, your “crap detector”, as it were, and never, ever take anything “on authority”, without tangible proof…. You’ll find Life to be less confusing that way; certainly, it makes it a lot easier to look yourself in the mirror in the morning…..

“This is patently absurd; but whoever wishes to become a philosopher must learn not to be frightened by absurdities.” — Bertrand Russell

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All in all, not a bad effort, given the implicit difficulties we encounter on a regular basis. Having successfully navigated those turbulent waters, I can safely, and with some relief, bid thee adieu for another day. Yes, that means this will all happen again tomorrow; go figure…. Oh, and, stay strange; it’s pretty cool out there….

Y’all take care out there,
and May the Metaphorse be with you;
Blessed Be, dearest Carole, Mark,Theresa, & Richy
and everyone else, too…

When I works, I works hard.
When I sits, I sits loose.
When I thinks, I falls asleep.

Which is Why….

Sometimes I sits and thinks,
and sometimes,
I just sits.

gigoid, the dubious

The *only* duly authorized Computer Curmudgeon.

PLEASE STOP READING THIS MESSAGE NOW.

“SCRAM!!!!!!!!!!”- Oscar the Grouch

À bientôt, mon cherí….