Fred's Cat

 

Most people remember Dino, Fred Flintstone's pet Dino.  That loveable dinosaur that tackles Fred every episode and drowns him in Jurassic affection, Dino is the kind of "Dog" we should all have. Loyal to the last, But does anyone remember the other pet of the Flintstone family?  That would be a Sabertooth cat that seems to own the place.  Remember the closing credits of every show.  the Cat throws Fred out the window to be locked out of the house, banging on the door yelling for Wilma waking the neighborhood.  That fuzzy fanged menace.  Does anyone remember his name?

That would be non other than, "Baby Puss" the sabretooth tiger.   Everyone should have one just like him.  What a name.  I guess the writers had a wasted moment that day.  Still wouldn't that be something, a pet sabretooth just for giggles.  The neighborhood wouldn't be the same again.  Problem is, the other pets in the area would probably disappear to the pains of Baby Puss.  

I wonder if Bam bam ever gave Barney reason for a painful pet?   And would Betty let it happen?  Modern problems for a stone age family.  Would Jackie Gleeson and Art Carney be proud or mortified?  Heaven forbid,  Three Bams can solve allot of problems.  Bam Bam Bam!  Barney and Betty are proud parents.  

Dino is chasing the Cat..  

Peace and Balance,

John

Kitchen Kung Fu And The Chicken Dance.

 I wake fairly early every morning at 3:40 AM.  I arise to start a daily regime that takes me all of two hours to accomplish every morning.  I do this deed in my Kitchen a place I have renamed my Kitchen Dojo or Kwoon  Japanese and Cantonese respectively for school.  My loyal student Tim has named what I do as Kitchen Kung Fu.  I like that term it is appropriate.  After being inducted into the Bruce Lee movie craze my Wife Romona has determined after observing my morning ritual that I am actually performing what she calls, Chicken Dancing.  That also works.  So, I arise early to perform my Kitchen Kung Fu while Chicken Dancing in my Kitchen Dojo, Kwoon.  I am the Master of the absurd.  It is a proud belt I wear.  Black and Red with white splotches that need not be discussed here.  You can leave that to your own imaginations.  

Sometimes I get questions, "John, What is it you practice so early in the morning?"  The answer is complicated however, I Am an American Master of Ninpo Chuan Fa, I am The Grandmaster of TuMo Quan Gong Fu, my own eclectic art.  And I have managed to become the Master of my own version of Wu Style Taiji Quan and Qi Gong.  I've been doing this stuff for a lifetime and actively practicing for more than 50 years.  What does that mean you ask?  It means that I don't take myself seriously anymore, I've learned to smile with people and spend a lot of time laughing at myself.  I've also learned that one of the world's most effective medicines is a good strong cup of coffee.  

I'm in my 60's now, my BP is about 110 over 60.  Blood sugar is about 80 and the cholesterol is in the good range for an old fat guy.  I say that partially in jest.  But those of you who know me, well... 80)  I don't miss many meals.  

My most effective technique is, shaking a hand and introducing myself and saying, "How Are You?"   And as I said to a friend this morning, "I carry Sunshine in my pockets."   

May you all learn to enjoy what you do as much.

Peace and Balance,

John

A Silly Little Poem

 

Sometimes I walk and Talk

Sometimes I Talk while I walk

And sometimes If I walk to fast I can't keep up

And They don't understand a Word coming out of my mouth. 

This is often a daily truism.  And regardless of how fast the walking and talking are paired

I also have a difficult time understanding.  

My eldest daughter at times when she was young would suffer spurts of verbiage so fast that the common ear could not hear.  A plight I have learned that is not rare amongst teenagers in this country.  Hence all parents we occasionally have pitched looks of confirmed confusion.  

Peace and Balance,

John

Clint Eastwood And The Spaghetti Western.

 

When I was a kid the king of the Spaghetti Western was undeniably, "Clint Eastwood"  Who was actually responsible for the creation and propagation of that so important genre of entertainment.  With the collaboration of directors such as Sergio Leone, and Franko Nero, the Spaghetti Western, called by that name because the filming for the most part was done on the dryer plains of Italy.  Hence the home of Italian cuisine became the home of the Spaghetti Western  and Clint Eastwood was at it's forefront.  

His immortal Character that has no name formed the tough guy psyche for many a modern teenage boy  from, "The Good Bad And The Ugly." to today.  That quintessential sneer and lightning fast draw built the moral of every growing young man of the sixties, seventies, and even now for those of us who hold on tightly to the nostalgia of the, "Mexican Standoff"  don't sneeze because someone always get an overdose of 45 caliber lead.  Riding off into the sunset and disappearing into the mist of the horizon is always the preferd method of exiting the scene practiced by his main Character, "He who has no name," often called, "Blondie"  Is the character an Angel, is he a demon, or just the product of Clint's and Sergio's minds?   That question should never truly be answered, for if it were the dreams and impressions of so many of us the true western hero would be dashed to bits on the rocks of the Nevada, Italian desert.  I hold on to the faith of the story.  Clint Eastwood carved out much of my adolescent idea of what it means to be a man.  That is to shoot straight, look the bad guy in the eye and always ride your own horse.  

In our minds all battle have been won.

Peace and Balance,

John

The People and 500 years for 500 Nations.

 Many, many Moons ago a new people came to the shores of Turtle Island.  In the North The People could understand the speak of the new people as the languages were almost the same. The People of the North of Turtle Island thought the new people might be insane because they spoke backwards.  Their language was spoken in reverse and was hard to follow.  It took much time for the Elders to understand the new people's speak, but they eventually did and trade began.  

In the South The People feared the new people because the new people began telling The People that they were the Old Gods and should be respected as Such.  The People began resisting and there was war.  

On the middle shore The People at first did not understand what they were seeing.  Floating cities appeared on the horizon of the Big Water, and in these cities was a population of new people that did not know the ways of life on Turtle Island and had to be taught in order to survive.  These new people did have members of The People with them and were reunited with family long gone.  Then the Troubled Times began. 

On the opposite shores of Turtle Island a new people arrived that  was much like The People that lived on those shores.  These new people were seeking refuge and wished to be hidden.  Then arrived the hunters of men who were seeking a holy man from far away claiming he had murdered an Eastern Prince. 

On every shore of Turtle Island a new people arrived and on every shore chaos soon followed.  The People found it necessary to protect family and friends the long wars began. 

Every group of new people that came to Turtle Island and began trading, communicating, and learning from The People had a trait they all shared.  In time they all began claiming the land as their own.  They all said that, a "God" was giving it to them.  They all began taking what was The People's and not theirs.  Even The People Themselves became a claimed thing.  The People began to disappear. 

The beginning of this occupation began 500 years ago, and to this day the pains of The People are still felt world wide.  

The New Order on Turtle Island just celebrated it's Holiday of Thanksgiving, and should respect The People for the gift of the knowledge of survival without which there would be no celebration.   For 500 years the 500 nations have endured, now The People and the new people are ONE People.  The Sacred Wheel is of all races of man and Turtle Island is our beginning.  

For all races of man and woman that live on Turtle Island Celebrate the ending of Native American Month with respect, pride, and the Joy of being Human for there is light in the distance.  

Peace and Balance,

John

Paladin and Kwai Chang True knights of the Orient.

 There are very few lovers of Old Western Television that won't remember, "Have Gun Will Travel."  The story about a man who calls himself, "Paladin" after the foremost knights in Charlemagne's court.  Paladin is a gentleman knight.  A true warrior of the old school.  Although during the series that ran from 1957 to 1963 Paladin's true name is never really spoken, only eluded to.  Although it is accepted that his name may have indeed been Will Paladin.  It may be hidden within the card he hands to possible clients during the show.  Embosomed over a White Paladin Chess piece is, "Have Gun Will Travel"  Wire Paladin San Francisco the card became the graphic for the TV series during it's entire run.  

Played by Richard Boone who stated before his death in 1981 that Paladin was the best and finest part he had ever had the pleasure of playing.   Paladin was a Union officer during the Civil War being a graduate of The United States Military Academy at West Point, he was an expert shot and quick draw he became a gun for hire that charges an extremely high fee at 1000 dollars for those who can afford him, and gives his services away for free for the poor who need his help.  Paladin is a true Knight who follows the code. 

An expert in Chinese martial arts, Paladin is seen in a few episodes taking instruction from a Chinese Master.  He is an expert swordsman, a Boxer, and never looses a fight.  Paladin is to the Old West what Author and Lancelot were to Camelot.  A very educated man and a Master Chess player Paladin was also his own Merlin.  Following the path of righteousness and Chivalry Paladin is the kind of Good Guy that made the kids of the era feel good about the Westerns they were watching on TV, Myself included.  Two of my favorite shows of the time were, "Kung Fu" with David Carradine, and "Paladin" with Richard Boone.  I've always wondered what would have happened if Kwai Chang Caine hadn't met Paladin?  It would have been a glorious show.  What Kwai Chang did with his feet and body, Paladin did with his Colt 45 and mind.  What a show it would have been.

Now I will Google old Paladin episodes and dream the good dream.

Peace and Balance,

John

No More Filter

 Satire like sarcasm has a way of putting the obvious in the faces of those who try to ignore certain realisms and spend allot of their times with heads either under pillows or neck deep in sand.  Playing ostrich has always been a choice for avoidance of the neurotic and those who believe that they know when no one else does.  This is when neurosis switches to the art of bull shit.  I fully admit that I have hidden my head and tried filling the populated space with a certain amount of BS, however I believe I have grown out of such plagiarisms.   I have finely become an acceptor of my own fate and it's causes.  Thank God.

My profession as well as my chosen free time practices have given me an educated eye and ear and know when an individual is engaging in trying to persuade myself or other's that his/her personal points of view and or knowledge are the only true source of said knowledge. Because of my age, being an American of a respectable age and experience I have officially lost my social filter.  Because I have no more filter I have absolutely no compunction about calling Bull Shit on the self importance of the BSer.  To the chagrin of friends and students, the adults ones, who have found out first hand my lack of decorum, "I apologize."  Kind of..    

For these reasons I have decided it is a wise thing for me to stay way from any candidate or individual representing a candidate that's trying to sell me a package of goods.  I either anger them, embrace them or ruin the day.  Shame on me.  I prefer to listen stoically arms folded, black glasses on.  I would make a darn good security presence.  Not because I'm 6'1" tall and weigh 260 pounds, but rather the fact that I know how to do the Majickal stare that all security dudes should know.   It's part of my training.  The art of the snake is to get in their heads first.  That's also the stare that my friends that are professional wrestlers and part of AJ's crew learn to intimidate each other and the, "Bad Guys."  Of course, we're all bad guys in certain respects.  That's the Show.  

If I write it, it becomes satire, if I speak it, then it is sarcasm.  And it's all satirical until my size 12 is in view.  So, just like the Ring dancers of old, Never ever take yourself to seriously and realize as soon as you've walked into that ring, you've already won the match.

Peace and Balance,

John

Memories with Red

For those of us who live in Northern New England and are old enough to have an idea what a "Work Ethic" really is and remember the proper uses for a good roll of Duct Tape was "The Red Green Show." where Steven Smith plays a character, "Red Green"  while entertaining us with his Almost eerie rendition of the Northern New England middle aged man.  The Master of Duct Tape stating a phrase that has been misused for years in regards to the Black Bear, " Quando Omni Flunkus Moritati, "When all else fails, Play Dead."  Which brings us to the proper many uses for Duct tape.  There was one use on the show that actually works.  The repair of a flat tire.  Genius, pure.  

Ole Red and is nephew Harold complete with a plethora of strange friends so closely resemble the Men of Northern New Hampshire that the universe eventually has some almost intelligence guided force behind the quasi Latin phrase.  Should we play dead when confronted with a black bear?  NO, but make sure you have Duct Tape in your back Pack.  

For those of us that are married and know that look we tend to generate from our wives and the wrath that can follow I share the Man's Prayer, "I'm a Man, but I can change, if I have to, I guess."  Amen.  

So now I go the Google and search out episodes of "The Red Green Show."  to nostalgically remember what it means to be the American Male."  After 14 years on PBS (1991 - 2006)  there are lots of shows to relive...

Peace and Balance,

John

Holy Pizza

 Pizza is the fallback dinner of many supper tables all over the world.  A sometimes thick, sometimes thin round bread covered in sauce, cheese and the other things that make a complete hearty meal, Pizza has become one of America's favorite indulgences.  If you want to see your children smile when they ask you what's for supper just say, "Pizza." and you will see sparkling glee fly from their eyes followed by the praises to mom and or dad mixed with Oooo's and Ahhh's and, "Can I have peperoni on mine?"  This short conversation will make you the hero of the household no holds barred.  

I remember when that short fat Chef, "Boyardee created a pizza in a box that you could whip up in short time, top with sauce and cheese, both usually provided to make all mom's and dad's hits in the kitchen.  To this day, since I was one of those children that sang the praises to the little fat Chef, as well as my wife Romona, when we get an urge as was the case today I bring the box O'Pizza home and whip it up in no time.  We both have a soft spot for that short fat Chef.  Boyardee has become a hero.  

I know a blog or two back I promised to cut back on certain amounts of sodium and nitrates, however I sing praise to Chef Boyardee, and promise I didn't over indulge.  Mona was happy, and we each have some for later snack when it cools, another favorite way to enjoy pizza, cold and tasty.  

As in the past so it is in the present and hopefully future children will know the worth and glory of a good Pizza.  In the fufure Pizza will become a relic and possibly worshipped for it's roundness and close resemblance of an oversized host in Churches all over.  I wonder if Jesus ,would have like a good slice of pie?  He would make it simple, Buddha on the other hand would have one with everything.  

There's a party happening in heaven, Jesus,  the Buddha, Moses, and Mohammad all celebrating the end of Ramadan together with the perfect heavenly Pizza.  Amen.  

I bow to Chef Boyardee and the creator's and ancestors of Pizza.  There has to be a sacred dance, HO.

Peace and Balance,

John

Ice Cream And The Zen Experience

 

This afternoon while traveling back from shopping for that food stuff I often purchase from my former employer Walmart, I heard a fantastic interview on NPR, our local National Public Radio station.  From atop the hill in the White Mountains the interviewer was speaking with Dan Robertson a scientist that has recently published a couple papers on food that are good to help cut the possible effects of type 2 diabetes.  Fortunately I am a little out of the norm even though I'm a larger than average American Male of a respectable age, that is over 60, I don't have any signs nor precursors to pre-diabetes or the other.   I attribute this fact to the daily routines that I've established for myself.  That is, every day in an early, some would say insane time, I arise clean up and begin practicing my daily regime of Qigong, Taiji Quan, and TuMo Gong Fu.  Three practices that I have attained a high level of mastery due to a life long love of the martial arts and the esoteric practices of my culture.  I get a fairly good work out 6 days a week.  I always take one off for the natural physical healing processes.  So, my health is over all pretty darn OK. Even though  I might look "larger than life."  I'm also fairly deadly.  That's also a side effect of continued practice.  

What Dr. Robertson was saying is that he's discovered that Ice cream is actually good for you.  It' attributes to the lowering of the blood sugar levels.  He quoted from another paper that was published on similar subjects about the daily consumption of yogurt.  Dr. Robertson actually stated that ice cream may be 10 X's better at lower blood sugar levels than yogurt.  It has to do with the specific fats in dairy products that amalgamate around the sugar molecule keeping our bodies from absorbing them.  Kudos.  

Being a fan of the occasional Ben and Jerry's bing, I am a happy camper.  Makes me sort of want to climb to the roof top and scream to the heavens, "Hail, Hail Rock and Roll, Ice Cream Is Good For You!"  So far I have managed to refrain from to much of an emotional outburst.  Another side effect of my chosen daily practice.  My blood pressure is normal right around 110 over 60...  So for a Fellow of a respectable age, I'd say that's pretty darn good.  

So because of the NPR programing my day has reason to be a success.  We should all Be Happy.

"Hail Hail Rock And Roll Ice Cream Is Good For You."

Peace and Balance,

John

So It Is Written, So It Is Spoken.

 We were one short for our Sacred Coffee Friday musings which means the eldest of us and possibly the most level headed and saner of The Three left the Two Heyokas, "Clowns" to deliberate and ponder the meaning of the universe.  What The Two Heyoka's discovered is that the B movie, "The Attack Of The Killer Tomato's." has within it a secret that could solve the problems in the Middle East between Israel and Palestine.  In the movie the Jewish population combined with the Palestinian population creating the HeRab confederation who within their primary doctrine is written that one of the most important universal precepts is the search for the Tall Blonde with a Perfect Tush.   So it is written so it is spoken.  The marriage between the Arab and Jewish communities world wide would seek out the above asset while protecting the world from Killer Tomato's.  Ed Wood would be proud.  

This is what happens when the rational mind of The Three isn't present to think through the words of the two brother Heyokas.  Although abstaining from the troublesome Nitrates of past weeks will keep The Three Healthier.  

The second conversation of the evening had to do with Never taking yourself to seriously.  As Never happens with The Three.  Sacred Clowns all.  May the universe flourish with the Joy of creation. "So it is written, So it is spoken."

Peace and Balance,

John

What's in Charge?

 What happens when we create an AI that learns, becomes self aware, reproduces itself into newer versions then decides it doesn't like us anymore?  To tell you the truth I'm not convinced that hasn't happened already.  

Think about it for a moment and convince me that you haven't experienced the awkward moment when a computer program, or something non human hasn't made a decision for you that subverted what you would consider you're own power of choice or volition.

An example might be the newest version of the iPhone.  You use your phone for awhile and without consciously making the decision you hold it up for inspection and it turns on because the software has recognized your face.  Did you initialize that or did it just happen one day.  Or when it suddenly recognizes your voice and knows when you are using similar software from another source.  I know this may sound very paranoid, however they are both example of what the newest iPhone is capable of doing right now.   Which leads to the question who is using whom, or what.  Are you in charge of your phone or is your phone in charge of you?  

An out going president hands over the nuclear football to the incoming candidate.  In today's world if there is an unprovoked attack from one country on another as far as nuclear weapons are concerned the AI will make a God decision and counter attack to promote the mutual destruction scenario.  This is all set on computers and out of our control.  It can not be shut off, the powers that be assured it would function independently.  Doesn't that give you a warm fuzzy feeling all over?  

So, imagine the whole system being reprogramed by our pet AI that suddenly decides it doesn't like humanity much anymore.  Can we say extinction kids?  

What ever happened to the time when shooting a good game of pool was the most complicated thing we knew how to do?  Let's all repeat, "SkyNet."  

"I'll Be Back."

Peace and Balance,

John

You Are What You Eat

 Eating bad things will make you feel like a bad thing.  An over indulgence in your favorite food if it's not good for you in the long run will probably have some repercussions.   These will come in different guises such as flu like symptoms, headaches, general body aches and pains, and yes you may even suffer from an old fashioned hangover from doing something silly like eating a whole package of Ball Park franks all by yourself.  There is something about an over dose of nitrates and sodium that will send your body into the payback mode.  The next day you will understand the error of your ways.  

The proper diet of a healthy human being is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals historically from the area or region a group of people come from.  Traditionally the people of the Northeast had a diet rich in grains, tubers, leafy green things, fish, wild game, and fresh water.  Over generations of change and the development of farming techniques evolved to encompass the diet that would evolve to sustain the people and their progeny.   This enhances physical development and generates evolution in human beings.  All starting from what we eat and how we eat it.  

Thus is the old adage, "You are what you eat."  If that true, then I'm may be lost in the existence of  an Oscar Myer Weiner.  Thus is the life of the Hot Dog.  If you want to change yourself physically the first place to start is the food you stuff into your face.  That change can change the universe.

A well balanced diet, with a moderate amount of exercise combined with the ability to laugh at ones self and not take life to seriously  potentially has the power to redraw your existence.  Now it's up to you to take that step towards good, happy food.  Let's see what happens.

Peace and Balance,

John

Noble Truth and the Path to Enlightenment.

The first noble truth is that suffering exists.  The second noble truth is that suffering is caused by craving and attachment.  The third noble truth is that suffering can be ended. And the fourth noble truth is the Eightfold Path which is a set of principles and practices to follow that will bring an end to suffering. 

The Eightfold Path is: the road to Nirvana which is realized when all suffering suddenly releases it's grasp on the aspirant and send them into Bliss.  The first are, "Right Views"  which is not the views of another pressing upon the seeker, but rather the views of the individual on themselves. Second is, "Right Intention" a way of Being here now, and understanding it. Third, "Right Speech"  Speak Truth. Fourth is, "Right Action."  Doing the things that should be done at the right time. Fifth is, "Right Livelihood."  This one causes arguments, but letting go of judgement is pinnacle,  That is living a life fully and in service to the self and the all. Sixth is, "Right Effort." Doing the things that must get done without harming anything or anyone. Seventh, "Mindfulness"  Being aware of who you are, where you are, and why you are there. Eighth goes hand in hand with Mindfulness it is, "Concentration."  Focus is the ability to "See" what the viewer is looking at completely.  

The Eightfold path has many practices and methods to gain access to each of these abilities.  Some achieve them through their own volition, other's with the help of a teacher or guru, yet a very few have it thrust upon them and open their eyes to the light and a world of no suffering.  

You the reader are the universe grab ahold of this thought and let go.  Then you will understand the first hunger of the Buddha.  

Peace and Balance,

John

A Borrowed True Story.

 The cuisine of Southern India is rich and flavorful, and has sustained a culture of many for a multitude of happy generations.  The Food is Good.

Gautama Siddhartha chose the path of a Siddha and wondered in silence purposefully not thinking of food or other primal distractions that might cross his path.  As it is with holy men of that practice he consisted on the generosity and good nature of people that would have pity on him and bring him bowls of rice and vegetables during his travels.  He would sleep under the stars and the comfort of the jungle trees that are plentiful in that part of the world.  

One November evening Gautama came across a  grand Bodhi tree standing in front of a long wall.  He sat in front of the tree facing the wall and began meditating.  He first pondered the Wall, then he thought about the Tree, then he eventually examined his existence and the nature of his suffering.  While he sat and meditated under that tree in front of that wall he eventually began collecting a few followers as it happens in India people will gather around a meditating man hoping to absorb some of his Goodness.

Gautama sat in front of that wall under that tree meditating for nine years.  Because he only subsisted on the good nature of the those that gathered around him he became a bag of bones.  He did not think about food or any other primal urges people fall into.  Instead he was true to his silence and The Way.  He was a stubborn man and refused to let go.  He clung to his purpose with all of his spirit and continued his meditations.  He found answers to his suffering.  More followers gathered.  

Gautama sat and meditated for nine years and was surrounded by the Bliss of the universe and Enlightenment lay upon him.  He turned to face the open field and his followers knew that he had attained enlightenment and had become the awoke one by the glow that surrounded his countenance, the radiance that shone from his eyes.  His followers began anticipating great words of wisdom coming from The Buddha.

Upon opening his eyes the Buddha laid his gaze upon those that sat at his feet.  He knew in an instant what was expected of him, he knew what they wanted, what was in their deepest of hearts.  He smiled inwardly and began chuckling.

The Buddha smiled a big gleeful grin and the first words he had spoken in nine years on the moment of his enlightenment were, "I'm Hungry, does anybody feel like eating?"   To the disappointment of his followers, true enlightenment is very practical.

Peace and Balance,

John

Doting Over Students.

 

There is a certain joy that comes with finding out your practice and or research is actually heading in the correct direction.  What I practice and teach is a method for folks to connect with themselves and their personal environments.  It takes an amalgamation of practice, concentration, imagination, and willingness.  

The scientist in me keeps me researching for new methods and techniques of study.  Recently I have discovered that some of the senior colleagues of my chosen practice agree with my methods and use of my practice as a tool to reach folks on an interpersonal, psychological, and physiological level.  One of these senior collogues is a highly regarded neuropsychologist.  His agreement with our methods have placed my students and I on a new level in regards to the world of QiGong and Taiji Quan.  I am proud of the people I share with every week.  Good job gang, I feel like a doting Grand Dad.  

Lets keep up the good work and create the universe as we go...

Peace and Balance,

John