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Trace
10 November 2011 @ 11:06 am
R.I.P Andy Rooney 1919-2011 - "I've learned"  

"I've learned"

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzies-Daily-Quotes/217655234928929


R.I.P Andy Rooney 1919-2011

(¯`<3´¯) .<3.•*¨`* <3•
´*.¸.•´<3


I’ve learned…. That the best classroom in the world is at the feet of an elderly person.

I've learned…. That when you're in love, it shows.

I've learned…. That just one person saying to me, “You've made my day!” makes my day.

I've learned…. That having a child fall asleep in your arms is one of the most peaceful feelings in the world.

I've learned…. That being kind is more important than being right.

I've learned…. That you should never say no to a gift from a child.

I've learned…. That I can always pray for someone when I don't have the strength to help him in some other way.

I've learned…. That no matter how serious your life requires you to be, everyone needs a friend to act goofy with.

I've learned…. That sometimes all a person needs is a hand to hold and a heart to understand.

I've learned…. That simple walks with my father around the block on summer nights when I was a child did wonders for me as an adult.

I've learned…. That life is like a roll of toilet paper. The closer it gets to the end, the faster it goes.

I've learned…. That we should be glad God doesn't give us everything we ask for.

I've learned…. That money doesn't buy class.

I've learned…. That it’s those small daily happenings that make life so spectacular.

I've learned…. That under everyone’s hard shell is someone who wants to be appreciated and loved.

I've learned…. That the Lord didn't do it all in one day. What makes me think I can?

I've learned…. That when you plan to get even with someone, you are only letting that person continue to hurt you.

I've learned…. That love, not time, heals all wounds.

I've learned…. That the easiest way for me to grow as a person is to surround myself with people smarter than I am.

I've learned…. That everyone you meet deserves to be greeted with a smile.

I've learned…. That there’s nothing sweeter than sleeping with your babies and feeling their breath on your cheeks.

I've learned…. That no one is perfect until you fall in love with them.

I've learned…. That life is tough, but I'm tougher.

I've learned…. That opportunities are never lost; someone will take the ones you miss.

I've learned…. That when you harbor bitterness, happiness will dock elsewhere.

I've learned…. That I wish I could have told my Dad that I love him one more time before he passed away.

I've learned…. That one should keep his words both soft and tender, because tomorrow he may have to eat them.

I've learned…. That a smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.

I've learned…. That I can't choose how I feel, but I can choose what I do about it.

I've learned…. That when your newly born grandchild holds your little finger in his little fist, that you're hooked for life.

I've learned…. That everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.

I've learned … That it is best to give advice in only two circumstances; when it is requested and when it is a life threatening situation.

I've learned…. That the less time I have to work with, the more things I get done.



 
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Trace
13 August 2010 @ 05:23 pm
On this Day! <3  


Click here: Care2 - Photos - On this Day! <3


www.care2.com/c2c/photos/view/189/325258090/Super/8_13_%20On%20this%20Day_.jpg.html


 
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Trace
29 March 2008 @ 11:18 pm
~  

How to Survive an Abduction or Hostage Situation


from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit

One minute you're getting in your car to go to work, and the next you're bound and gagged in the back of a speeding van. Depending on where you work, this might be a welcome change, but for most people, being kidnapped or held hostage is a terrifying experience. And it happens that fast. Sometimes so fast that you can't even attempt to escape your abductor(s). Fortunately, most kidnapping victims are released unharmed, most fairly quickly. Make no mistake, though: any abduction can turn deadly, and whether the victim survives depends largely on decisions he or she makes while in captivity.

Steps


  1. Attempt to thwart the abduction. If you can escape the initial abduction attempt, your ordeal ends right there. Read the related wikiHow for details.
  2. Survive the initial abduction. The first few minutes of a hostage-taking situation or an abduction are the most dangerous, and they become more dangerous if you resist. While in many cases, the potential for immediate escape outweighs the danger of resistance, there are times (if there are multiple armed attackers, for example) where escape is not realistic and therefore not worth the risk. Think rationally and be cooperative in this sort of situation.
  3. Regain your composure. Your adrenaline will be pumping, your heart will be pounding, and you will be terrified. Calm down. The sooner you can regain your composure the better off you will be immediately and in the long run.
  4. Be observant. Right from the start, you should try to observe and remember as much as possible in order to help you plan an escape, predict your abductor's next moves, or give information to the police to aid in a rescue or to help apprehend and convict the kidnapper. You may not be able to use your eyes--you may be blindfolded--but you can still gather information with your senses of hearing, touch, and smell.
    • Observe your captor(s).
      • How many are there?
      • Are they armed? If so, with what?
      • Are they in good physical condition?
      • What do they look and/or sound like? How old are they?
      • Do they seem well-prepared?
      • What are their emotional states?

    • Observe your surroundings.
      • Where are you being taken? Visualize the route the abductors take. Make note of turns, stops, and variations in speed. Try to gauge the amount of time between points.
      • Where are you being held? Take in as much detail as possible about your surroundings. Where are the exits? Are there cameras in place, a lock on the door, or other security precautions? Try to figure out where you are, and gather information that may be helpful if you decide to escape.

    • Observe yourself.
      • Are you injured or wounded?
      • How are you bound or otherwise incapacitated? How much freedom of movement do you have?


  5. Try to ascertain why you have been abducted. There are a variety of motivations for abduction, from sexual assualt to ransom demands to political leverage. How you interact with your captors, and whether you risk an escape, should depend at least partly on your captors' motivation. If they are holding you for ransom or to negotiate the release of prisoners, you are most likely worth far more to them alive than dead. If you've been captured by a serial killer or sexual predator, however, or if you've been abducted in retaliation for some political or military action, your abductor likely intends to kill you. Your decision of whether and when to attempt an escape should be made based on this information.
  6. Keep a survival attitude. Be positive. Remember, most kidnapping victims survive--the odds are with you. That said, you should prepare yourself for a long captivity. Some hostages have been held for years, but they kept a positive attitude, played their cards right, and were eventually freed. Take it one day at a time.
  7. Put your captor at ease. Be calm. Cooperate (within reason) with your captor. Don't make threats or become violent, and don't attempt to escape unless the time is right (see below).
  8. Keep your dignity. It is generally psychologically harder for a person to kill, rape, or otherwise harm a captive if the captive remains "human" in the captor's eyes. Do not grovel, beg, or become hysterical. Try even not to cry. Do not challenge your abductor, but show him that you are worthy of respect.
  9. Attempt to establish a rapport with your abductor. If you can build some sort of bond with your captor, he will generally be more hesitant to harm you.
    • Avoid insulting your abductor or talking about potentially sensitive subjects. You may think your abductor is a pathetic, disgusting individual. While captives in movies sometimes get away with saying such things, you should keep these thoughts to yourself. In addition, as in most conversations with people you don't know, politics is a good topic to stay away from, especially if you are being held by terrorists or hostage-takers that are politically motivated.
    • Be a good listener. Care about what your captor has to say. Don't patronize him, but be empathetic, and he'll feel more comfortable around you and more benevolent toward you. Being a good listener can also help you gather information that would be useful for an escape or to help police apprehend the abductor after you're freed.
    • Appeal to your captor's family feelings. If you have children and your captor also has children, you have a powerful bond already in place. Your captor can probably "put himself in your shoes," realizing the impact his abduction or death would have on his family.

  10. Try to communicate with other captives. If you are held with other captives, talk to them as much as is safely possible. If you look out for each other and have others to talk to, your captivity will be easier to handle. You may also be able to plan an effective escape together. Depending on the situation, your communication may have to be covert, and if you're held for a long time you may develop codes and signals.
  11. Keep track of time, and try to discern patterns. Keeping track of time can help you establish routines that will enable you to maintain your dignity and your sanity. It can also help you plan and execute an escape if you can detect patterns of when your abductor comes and goes and for how long he is gone. If there are no clocks available, you will need to make a conscious effort to keep track of time. If you can see sunlight, it will be fairly easy, but otherwise you can listen for changes in activity outside, make note of differences in your captor's awareness level, try to detect different food odors, or look for other clues.
  12. Daydream. Think about what you'll do when you get back home. Hold conversations in your head with friends and loved ones. Do these things consciously, and you won't be going crazy--you'll be keeping yourself sane.
  13. Stay mentally active. Captivity can be boring and mind-numbing. It's important challenge your mind so you can remain sane, but also so you can think rationally about escape. Do math problems, think of puzzles, try to recite poems you know; do whatever you can to keep yourself occupied and mentally sharp.
  14. Stay physically active. It can be difficult to remain in shape in captivity, especially if you're restrained, but it's important to do so. Being in good physical condition can aid in your escape and keep you in good spirits during your captivity. Exercise, even if it's just doing jumping jacks, pushups, or even pushing your hands together or stretching. Try dancing to a tune in your head.
  15. Ask for small favors. If you're settled in for a long captivity, gradually ask for small accommodations. Request a heavier blanket, for example, or a newspaper. Keep requests small, at least initially, and space them far apart. You can make your captivity more comfortable and make yourself more human to your captors.
  16. Blend in. If you are held with other captives, you don't want to stand out, especially not as a troublemaker.
  17. Watch out for warning signs. If your captors decide to kill you, you need to know as soon as possible so that you can plan an escape. If they suddenly stop feeding you, if they treat you more harshly (dehumanizing you), if they suddenly seem desperate or frightened, or if other hostages are being released but your captors don't appear to intend release you, look out.
  18. Try to escape only if the time is right. When is the right time to escape? Sometimes it's safest to just wait to be freed or rescued. However, if the perfect situation presents itself--if you have a solid plan and are almost certain that you can successfully escape--you should take advantage of the opportunity. You should also attempt to escape, even if your chances are not good, if you are reasonably certain that your captors are going to kill you.
  19. Stay out of the way if a rescue attempt is made. Hooray--the cavalry is here! Before you get too excited, keep in mind that aside from the first few minutes of an abduction, the rescue attempt is the most dangerous time in a hostage situation. Your captors may become desperate and attempt to use you as a shield, or they may simply decide to kill any hostages. Even if your captors are taken by surprise, you could be killed by the actions of police or soldiers, who may use explosives and heavy firepower to enter a building. When a rescue attempt occurs, try to hide from your captors, if possible. Stay low, and protect your head with your hands, or try to get behind some kind of protective barrier (under a desk or table, for example, or in a bathtub). Don't make sudden movements when armed rescuers burst in.
  20. Follow the rescuers' instructions carefully. Your rescuers will be on edge, and they will most likely shoot first and ask questions later. Obey all commands they give. If they tell everybody to lie down on the floor or put their hands on their heads, for example, do it. Remain calm and put rescuers at ease.


Tips


  • If you have pictures of your family with you, consider showing one or more of your captors if the topic comes up. It can help to evoke their family feelings.
  • If you're forced into a vehicle, open the door and get out if you can. If you can't get out of the vehicle, try to jam something into the ignition cylinder before the abductor inserts the key into the ignition, or pull the key out of the ignition and jam something in. A button off your clothes, a piece of metal, a stick, or the bubble gum in your mouth can all effectively prevent the abductor from inserting the key and starting the vehicle.
  • If you're placed in a trunk, try to escape. If you can't get out, rip out or kick through the panel leading to the brake lights, and kick the lights out. You can then stick your arm out and alert motorists that you are inside. If you can't push the lights out, at least disconnect the wires so police are more likely to pull the car over. In addition, yell for help and pound on the trunk lid whenever the vehicle stops or is traveling slowly.
  • Avoid struggling if you are restrained. It's a good idea to discreetly test your bonds, but don't struggle too much or you could injure yourself.
  • If you are drugged, don't resist. Usually drugs are administered to sedate you and make you more manageable. This may make your captivity easier to bear, and it may also help you to be calm and think rationally.
  • Remember to cooperate and empathize with your captors, but only within reason. In long periods of captivity, captives may develop what is known as Stockholm syndrome, in which they begin to identify with their captors, sometimes to the point of helping their captors commit crimes or escape justice.
  • If you're a foreign national in a hostile country, or if you're captured during wartime, consider the implications of an escape. For one thing, if people won't help you or, worse yet, if they're likely to assist your abductors, you're probably better off not attempting to escape. There is also the possibility, especially during an active conflict, that you're safer where you are than you would be if you escaped. Weigh your decision carefully, because getting away from your captors may just be the beginning of your ordeal.


Warnings


  • Keep in mind that if you are recaptured after an initial escape attempt, you will very likely not get another chance to escape. Make your escape count.
  • Your attacker will likely be very mad when you fight back, especially if you cause him injury. Only become violent if you think you have a good chance of escape, and then do not hold back when attempting to injure your attacker--be as vicious and forceful as possible. It is imperative that you escape once you stun or incapacitate the abductor, because if you are recaptured he will take his anger out on you.
  • Don't attempt to remove a blindfold, and don't try to take off a mask, either off yourself or off a captor. If the captor doesn't want you to see him, it could be a good sign: he may intend to release you and doesn't want you to be able to identify him. If, however, you then see him, he may decide to kill you because you can identify him.
  • Be careful talking to other captives, especially about escaping or about classified information you may have. A fellow captive may rat you out to court the favor of the kidnappers, or one of the "captives" may in fact be a spy for your captors.
  • Don't get your hopes up. A positive attitude is important, but if you get excited and then get let down, it will be hard to stay positive. If you captors begin to talk about your release, take it with a grain of salt. Don't set yourself up to be let down.
  • Be careful about what you tell abductors. If they're holding your for ransom or for political collateral, it's usually best if they think you're wealthy or important, even if you're not. If they abducted you to kill you in retaliation for some political action, however, you want to seem very unimportant and uninvolved, even if you're not. It's very important to determine your captors' motivations so you can determine what to tell them, and what not to.


Related wikiHows




Sources and Citations





Article provided by wikiHow, a collaborative writing project to build the world's largest, highest quality how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Survive an Abduction or Hostage Situation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

 
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Trace
10 November 2007 @ 08:52 pm
CPENTA-ARMIJ  





12. In awe stood the Gods at sight of the sublime spectacle; for the light of the airavagna was brilliant, and unlike all the lights of the lower heavens, and new to nearly all the people.

13. Nearer and nearer descended the ship of light, till soon the music of her hosts descended down to those beneath, who, awe-stricken and buoyant with delight, burst forth, entranced with the glory thereof, singing, by the force of Jehovih's light upon them, the same glorious anthem.

14. And now the marshals spread the way, for close at hand came the airavagna, over the bows of which Cpenta-armij shone like a central sun, and with her, her visiting hosts, Owks and Ha-o-ha and See-wah-Gon; so, but for Cpenta-armij holding out her taper hand, the hosts below had hardly known which of the four great lights Jehovih had sent. Presently the curtains swept across the high pyramid of the capital, and then the transparent blankets and crystal frame-work; and now shot down the anchors, three hundred thousand; lower and lower, slowly came the mighty ship, till her screen-work, from which the anchors hung, touched the very floors of the capital; and, all radiant with holiness, before God and his hosts stood the ethereans, the glory of the most high heavens.

15. The attendants then quickly spread the homa; the masters of arches opened the floor and sides of the airavagna, and there, seated or standing, was ready the central part of the etherean Council chamber, even as if the throne of God had been built for it. Then came forth the Chieftainess, Cpenta-armij, accompanied by Owks and Ha-o-ha and See-wa-Gon, and arriving before the throne stood, waiting for the salutation and the sign.

16. God, still sitting on the throne, said: Daughter of Jehovih, Chieftainess of Haotsaiti, in the name of the Father! And hereupon he gave the sign ARC OF SPE-TA! Cpenta-armij and her three companions saluted in the SIGN OF THE CIRCUIT! Which was the highest compliment any God of the earth had ever received.

17. Cpenta-armij said: By Jehovih's command am I before thee, O God. In Love and Wisdom and Power am I come. Behold, My Voice is His Voice, Creator of Worlds!

18. God said: My throne is founded in Jehovih's name. Come thou and honor it, and bring thy most high Gods and Goddesses with thee.

19. They went forward then, and all the Gods and Goddesses, and Lords and Lordesses stood up, saluting by shaking hands; and then Cpenta-armij went and sat in the midst of the throne. Meanwhile, the es'enaurs chanted a hymn of thanksgiving.

20. Cpenta-armij, being under the Voice of Jehovih said: For joy created I man and woman; for seasons of labor and seasons of recreation. Be ye mirthful before Me, and jubilant toward one another, in remembrance of My creations. And when I call you to labor, behold, My hand will move upon you for the furtherance of My kingdoms in their resurrections.

21. Hereupon the multitude broke off from their places and stateliness, and commingled together joyfully. And all that were on the throne came down and went into the multitude, saluting and rejoicing.


Book of Cpenta-Armij, Daughter of Jehovih: Chapter III

http://www.sacred-texts.com/oah/oah/oah228.htm

 


_________________________

 


1. CPENTA-ARMIJ said: I looked afar, and saw the earth and her heavens traveling on. I listened to the voice of mortals! A merchant counted over his gains; he said: This is heaven! A drunkard quaffed a cup of poison; he said: This is heaven! A wanton said: This is heaven! A general, red with blood, counted the badges on his breast; he said: This is heaven! A tyrant, rich in toiling slaves, said: This is heaven! Then a vast multitude, all smeared with the blood of war, pointed to a field of mortals slain, and said: This is heaven! A farmer stretched wide his arms, toward his great possessions, uncultivated; he said: This is heaven! A little child with a toy said: This is heaven!

2. Then spake Jehovih, saying: None of these canst thou convince to the contrary. They are not ready for deliverance.

3. I listened to the voice of spirits, the angels traveling with the earth. A wanderer, going about, with nothing to do, said: This is heaven! An obsessor of mortals and of other angels said: This is heaven! The fairies, the butterfly angels, the triflers, that forever look in crystal waters to behold their own forms, said: This is heaven! The rollicking, deceiving angels, went and inspired mortals to falsehood; these angels said: This is heaven! Vampire angels, that nestle in the atmosphere of mortals, largely living on their substance, said: This is heaven! Evil angels, obsessing mortals for murder's sake, to make mortals burn houses and torture helpless creatures, said: This is heaven!

4. Then spake Jehovih, saying: None of these canst thou convince to the contrary. They are not ready for deliverance.

5. Again I listened to the sounds coming from the far-off earth. And I heard the prayers of mortals. The king prayed for his kingdom and for himself. The general prayed for success in war. The merchant for great gains; the tyrant for great authority.

6. Jehovih said: Only the earth can answer such prayers.

7. I listened again for the prayers of mortals; they had great afflictions, dire diseases, and famines, and wars; the merchants were bankrupt, and there was great suffering, and they prayed for deliverance.

8. Jehovih said: Shouldst thou deliver them they would return to their old, evil habits. I say unto thee, the merchant shall be bankrupt; the king shall fail; the general be overthrown; the healthy shall be sick for a season. Save they know My power, they cannot learn; save they feel affliction, they will not help one another. Shall a man say: O Jehovih, come Thou and heal the sick? Shall he not first of all recognize My will and know My power?

9. To give money to the drunkard, what good is that? To give wealth and earthly prosperity to them that acknowledge not Me, is to set them against Me. To give healing to the fevered, is to teach them that I have no power in the unseen air. Answer not thou the prayers of these.

10. I listened once more to the prayers of mortals. And they were such as lived according to their highest light; they purified the flesh by pure food, and by bathing every day; and they went about doing good constantly, hoarding up neither clothes, nor silver, nor gold, nor anything earthly. And they purified their thoughts by putting away the evil tongue, and the evil eye, and evil ear; and many of them were bound by the kings, and the tyrants, and the laws of mortals; and some of them were sick. And they prayed, saying: Great is my affliction, O Jehovih. I know that in Thy sight I am justly punished.

11. But hear Thou my prayer, O Father! Make me strong, that I may carry heavy burdens for the weary; give me liberty, that I may go about helping the poor forever. Give me wisdom, that I may uncover Thy glories before men.

12. Jehovih said: Go thou, My Daughter, and deliver them. They are ready for deliverance! Answer thou the prayers of such.

13. Then I called my hosts together, five hundred millions, in the Nirvanian heavens in Haot-saiti, in etherea, the highest heaven. And we entered into the airavagna, as, swelling high on every side, the music of millions cheered us on. Upward, high up, shone the glimmering red star, whereon now our steersman pointed the fire-arrow, to shoot meteor-like across Jehovih's pathway, and thitherward turned our buoyant souls, saluting our starters with a happy good-by!

14. Arise! Arise! By my vested power in thee, O Jehovih, shall the elements fall before my will! Arise; onward! To the red star, speed on! Airavagna, upward, on!

15. Thus spake Cpenta-armij, her voice mellow and sweet, but so tuned to the spheres it could be heard the breadth of a world. And Jehovih, with whose power and will she had learned to be as one, by long experience and studying submission to His will, lent a willing ear and strong hand. Out shot the flames, the buoyant force manufactured by less skilled workmen learning the trade of Gods, where whirled the million screws of fire, propelling, till the mighty ship reeled, and turned, and rose from its foundation, with all its joyous hosts aboard, shouting loud, and singing praise to Him who ruleth over all. Then turning round and round, slowly, spiral like, the great secret form and force of vortices now first revealed to man, to show the plan of worlds, and how holden in their places and moved in universal harmony and endless creation, the great airavagna began her course in the roadway of Salkwatka, in etherea, shooting toward the red star, the young earth.


Book of Cpenta-Armij, Daughter of Jehovih: Chapter II

http://www.sacred-texts.com/oah/oah/oah227.htm
















 
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Trace
31 October 2007 @ 03:58 pm
An e-text of lighter but also valuable note  

 

Kahlil Gibran's ~ The Prophet


http://www.feelingsurfer.net/garp/en/litterature/gibran/prophet/index.html 



 
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Trace
31 October 2007 @ 03:36 pm
E-Books of Note  



Autobiography of a Yogi
http://www.crystalclarity.com/yogananda/


The Urantia Book
http://www.ubfellowship.org/newbook/index.html


The Oahspe
http://www.sacred-texts.com/oah/index.htm


Angelfire.com also has a fine rendition in e-text of the Oahspe. The angelfire.com index is somewhat varied and is very intersting.
http://www.angelfire.com/in2/oahspe3/oindex.html



 
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