[FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
Re As a result I didn't see such highly acclaimed films like Silence of the Lambs: Me neither! And horror is my favourite genre. (And I really like Jodie Foster.) But as I've said before, I like atmospheric, art-house horror like Don't Look Now rather than being seriously scared or having my nose rubbed in degrading violence. The emergence of torture porn like Saw and its offshoots has also passed me by.
[FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
Re I see hedonism, debauchery and greed enough without paying to do so for two hours in a movie theater.: That's my attitude also - I'll be giving it a miss. Talking of movies, years ago I saw They Shoot Horses Don't They?, starring Jane Fonda, which took the marathon dances of the 1920s in the US as a symbol of ruthless capitalism. It's one of the most depressing films I've ever seen and I loathed it at the time. It was on the box tonight and the scary thing is that it now seems much more like a prophecy/parable of the ghastly situation we're in today in which the young have no job security; zero-hours contracts have become common (in UK law a zero-hours contract does not oblige the employer to provide work for the employee but the employee agrees to be available for work as and when required); there is a housing bubble putting house ownership out of reach of the young; add in massive state debt which must devolve onto the younger generation; top that with high youth unemployment and cut-throat competition for jobs; sprinkle in welfare cuts specifically targeted at the young (the under-25s) and it makes for a depressing reality.
[FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
---In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, mjackson74@... wrote: That's a pretty damn good strategy - had not thought of that. For me, TM was never going to be the answer for very much, let alone everything. For me it sounded like a great way to obtain all sorts of physical and psychological benefits as well as a chance to explore consciousness. Then, given the opportunity to do all of this with a few hundred people in a scholastic setting and in an atmosphere of non drug taking and teetotalling it felt like a great thing to do (attend MIU in 1975-1980). Especially after having transferred from another ivy league Eastern-based college and witnessing fraternities with their never-ending drinking binges and watching my dorm mates get carted off to the hospital in alcohol induced comas, I had had enough. But TM as the answer to world peace or as a way to ensure all humans who practice it get enlightened? Not on your life. Perhaps having had lesser expectations I have zero bitterness or even disappointment about any of it. I had a really fun and rewarding time at MIU, I emerged unscathed emotionally or physically and it just became another life experience to carry forward with and reflect on occasionally. On Fri, 1/10/14, steve.sundur@... mailto:steve.sundur@... steve.sundur@... mailto:steve.sundur@... wrote: Subject: Re: [FairfieldLife] RE: If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At War To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com mailto:FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 10, 2014, 4:45 AM And yet you have had experiences that you would put in the spiritual category, IIRC. And I think I have as well. If I had a technique now, it would be to pretty much ignore those experiences if they come about, and even push back against them somewhat, to see if they continue to assert themselves. And it has been interesting to see what sticks around, and what goes away. Not to be too cryptic about it. ---In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com mailto:FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, mjackson74@... wrote: You know, I do appreciate your views on this. I too used to be a starry eyed TM fanatic who absolutely believed that TM was the answer to everything (even though it obviously was not, as I saw and ignored especially when I was living in Fairfield and working on staff at MIU.) After that I rubbed elbows with a vast number of people all of whom engaged in various sorts of alternative spiritual endeavors - everything from Sedona folks who banged on a Native American drum every time the moon showed a sliver of itself in the night sky, to folks who believed the Galactics were gonna come down at jst the right time and save us all, to the wiccans most of whom have no idea where wicca actually comes from, to people who claim to have the inside track to God, to those who are determined warriors on the war path with all things tech and money based and on and on. If only I had known about UG Krishnamurti in those days a talk or two from him might have saved me a lot of time. These days I feel that about 90% of all this new agey spiritual doings is about as much use as tits on a bo' hawg. That is southern slang for a male hog, a boar. Not that there is not some use in what all spiritually minded folks do but most of it just seems designed, albeit unconsciously, just to make us feel better. And that is all it does, it makes us feel better emotionally, even though our lives suck. And what better way to feel better than to believe our very special and wonderful chosen path will lead to some sort of salvation for all humanity. Its good to feel good, but when I see that most of the practitioners of all this new agey stuff are STILL unhappy, still unhealthy, still un-wealthy and still having crappy relationships, I see that even with the practices, beliefs, icons and things and people to follow it doesn't seem to do the trick except that we fool ourselves into believing if we stay on the path, we will eventually get to where we want to be (really happy). As Edg would say Bah! On Fri, 1/10/14, steve.sundur@... steve.sundur@... wrote: Subject: Re: [FairfieldLife] RE: If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At War To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com mailto:FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 10, 2014, 3:24 AM Thanks for your comments. (I wish I could still do the interspersing) I've been reflecting on how my outlook has changed over time. From being an energetic foot soldier in Maharishi's Army confident I could change the world, to having now a much more sober vision of how
[FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
The new movie by Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is attracting criticism. Scorsese and DiCaprio are claiming it's a send-up of the greed and hedonism of the über-rich. The critics (probably rightly) point out that for the audience it's going to seem more like a glamorisation of a hedonistic, self-centred lifestyle they wish they could partake of.
Re: [FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
That's why the Tea Party votes against it's own best interests. They feel they are going to be rich and enjoy that lifestyle some day. Dream On! On 01/10/2014 03:44 PM, s3raph...@yahoo.com wrote: The new movie by Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is attracting criticism. Scorsese and DiCaprio are claiming it's a send-up of the greed and hedonism of the über-rich. The critics (probably rightly) point out that for the audience it's going to seem more like a glamorisation of a hedonistic, self-centred lifestyle they wish they could partake of.
[FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
---In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, s3raphita@... wrote: The new movie by Scorsese, The Wolf of Wall Street starring Leonardo DiCaprio, is attracting criticism. Scorsese and DiCaprio are claiming it's a send-up of the greed and hedonism of the über-rich. The critics (probably rightly) point out that for the audience it's going to seem more like a glamorisation of a hedonistic, self-centred lifestyle they wish they could partake of. Only having seen the trailers I am thinking this is one of those over-the-top spectacles that, for me, merely concretizes the opinion I have that too much is too much. Although I think Leonardo is brilliant a lot of the time, this particular theme is not that appetizing. I see hedonism, debauchery and greed enough without paying to do so for two hours in a movie theater.
Re: [FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
Remarks below. On 01/08/2014 06:51 PM, steve.sun...@yahoo.com wrote: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CLDgDxHNu1oCsource=productsearchutm_source=HA_Desktop_USutm_medium=SEMutm_campaign=PLApcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1 I listened to several interviews with this guy. Among the things he writes about is that income disparity is pretty much here to stay. But instead of 1% and the rest, it is more likely to be about 15% who have resources, with most everyone else just scraping by. Indeed lots of people I talk to are just scrapping by. A lot of people are too proud to admit it though. You have to pry sometimes to find what their case is. A lot of the unemployed are highly educated and have a lot of experience. People's futures have been stolen and they should not be depressed, they should be downright angry. He also points out, (either correctly or incorrectly) that the catalyst for social upheavals in the past was because people did not have enough to eat, and that is not likely to be the case now. The riots in Spain and Greece are do to people not being able to afford food. Do you do the grocery shopping in the family? Have you notice food prices going up faster than the rate of inflation? Or food packages getting smaller but still the same price? Or the ingredients in something now are cheaper or more fillers than when you bought the product several years ago? Also, technology, being so accessible, is able to provide enough comfort and satisfaction so that people will be okay with a lower standard of living. The last time the US economy was in balance was in the 1970s. After that it started going wacko. Much of the prosperity of the country was based on credit and people tricked into buying things they really didn't need. It's like there was a scheme to put everyone in debt. Yes, technology is one thing that has gotten cheaper. But people don't need to be activists 24/7 so some recreation is fine. A lot of folks wanted to downsize too as they got older but it has been difficult to sell their homes and renting something smaller often costs as much as the mortgage they are already paying. It's crazy. Another thing said is that stats will continue to drive most decisions. Just as in sports stats have become dominant in measuring every nuance, this will continue in one's personal life, determining credit worthiness, and into areas not yet so affected in this way. And a lot of stats aren't at all, many stats are propaganda. Be sure to consider the source.
Re: [FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
Thanks for your comments. (I wish I could still do the interspersing) I've been reflecting on how my outlook has changed over time. From being an energetic foot soldier in Maharishi's Army confident I could change the world, to having now a much more sober vision of how things really are. And I thank God for that more sober outlook. And although I'm afraid to say that the opposing forces, broadly defined as materialism, are going to prevail, there are still going to be many inroads made by those of a more spiritual bent. ---In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, noozguru@... wrote: Remarks below. On 01/08/2014 06:51 PM, steve.sundur@... mailto:steve.sundur@... wrote: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CLDgDxHNu1oCsource=productsearchutm_source=HA_Desktop_USutm_medium=SEMutm_campaign=PLApcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1 https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CLDgDxHNu1oCsource=productsearchutm_source=HA_Desktop_USutm_medium=SEMutm_campaign=PLApcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1 I listened to several interviews with this guy. Among the things he writes about is that income disparity is pretty much here to stay. But instead of 1% and the rest, it is more likely to be about 15% who have resources, with most everyone else just scraping by. Indeed lots of people I talk to are just scrapping by. A lot of people are too proud to admit it though. You have to pry sometimes to find what their case is. A lot of the unemployed are highly educated and have a lot of experience. People's futures have been stolen and they should not be depressed, they should be downright angry. He also points out, (either correctly or incorrectly) that the catalyst for social upheavals in the past was because people did not have enough to eat, and that is not likely to be the case now. The riots in Spain and Greece are do to people not being able to afford food. Do you do the grocery shopping in the family? Have you notice food prices going up faster than the rate of inflation? Or food packages getting smaller but still the same price? Or the ingredients in something now are cheaper or more fillers than when you bought the product several years ago? Also, technology, being so accessible, is able to provide enough comfort and satisfaction so that people will be okay with a lower standard of living. The last time the US economy was in balance was in the 1970s. After that it started going wacko. Much of the prosperity of the country was based on credit and people tricked into buying things they really didn't need. It's like there was a scheme to put everyone in debt. Yes, technology is one thing that has gotten cheaper. But people don't need to be activists 24/7 so some recreation is fine. A lot of folks wanted to downsize too as they got older but it has been difficult to sell their homes and renting something smaller often costs as much as the mortgage they are already paying. It's crazy. Another thing said is that stats will continue to drive most decisions. Just as in sports stats have become dominant in measuring every nuance, this will continue in one's personal life, determining credit worthiness, and into areas not yet so affected in this way. And a lot of stats aren't at all, many stats are propaganda. Be sure to consider the source.
[FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
Re the opposing forces, broadly defined as materialism: Yes, the obsession with money and the status it confers is the only value in today's society - or certainly the value that now dominates in both the UK and the USA. It's so bloody philistine and degrading and small-minded and has triumphed over all the noble ideals that once motivated people. Now given a straight choice between having the latest model Aston Martin or not having a car at all I would naturally choose to have the car. I'm not denying that having an Aston Martin is a good thing. I'm aware that classy luxury cars are beautiful possessions. But I can also see that other values are more life-affirming: belonging to a supportive community where people respect and value each other is just one example. And I'd happily forsake the car if I could live in such a supportive society. But the obsession with material possessions and personal status has eroded all competing values until we can now all see we are living in a spiritual wasteland where greed is the norm. But materialism can also refer to a reductive philosophy that explains life strictly in scientific and technological terms and has no time for the inner life or spiritual discipline. It's surely no coincidence that both types of materialism are flourishing in tandem. Current trends will result in such wide divisions between the haves and have-nots - compounded by the insufferable arrogance of the rich - that I fear serious unrest and violence is inevitable. I can't decide whether serious unrest and violence is precisely what we need to break out of the trap or whether, on the contrary, we need a spiritual revival from the roots. I suspect that both types of upheaval also arise in tandem.
[FairfieldLife] RE: quot;If Another Country Was Doing This To Our Kids, Wed Be At Warquot;
https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CLDgDxHNu1oCsource=productsearchutm_source=HA_Desktop_USutm_medium=SEMutm_campaign=PLApcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1 https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=CLDgDxHNu1oCsource=productsearchutm_source=HA_Desktop_USutm_medium=SEMutm_campaign=PLApcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1 I listened to several interviews with this guy. Among the things he writes about is that income disparity is pretty much here to stay. But instead of 1% and the rest, it is more likely to be about 15% who have resources, with most everyone else just scraping by. He also points out, (either correctly or incorrectly) that the catalyst for social upheavals in the past was because people did not have enough to eat, and that is not likely to be the case now. Also, technology, being so accessible, is able to provide enough comfort and satisfaction so that people will be okay with a lower standard of living. Another thing said is that stats will continue to drive most decisions. Just as in sports stats have become dominant in measuring every nuance, this will continue in one's personal life, determining credit worthiness, and into areas not yet so affected in this way. I recall being quite impressed with Alvin Toffler's Future Shock. This has that feel to it. (for me at least) I intend to order and read on my daughter's Kindle. --In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, turquoiseb@... wrote: Posted because I suspect many here might be interested in seeing this film: http://www.upworthy.com/my-favorite-line-from-this-movie-trailer-if-another-country-was-doing-this-to-us-wed-be-at-war http://www.upworthy.com/my-favorite-line-from-this-movie-trailer-if-another-country-was-doing-this-to-us-wed-be-at-war
