The Anarchists are All Enslaved

current state of mind: Kafka-esque (not really)


It doesn’t matter what I say
As long as I sing with inflection
That makes you feel that I’ll convey
Some inner truth of vast reflection
~ “Hook” by Blues Traveler

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only. ~ Charles Dickens

Funny how that paragraph maintains its relevancy, no matter the era or location. The fact is, technology may change how the world is perceived; but mankind remains as it always shall be. We do the same activities and think the same things and we do not learn collectively from our mistakes. Over half a century ago, the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan and decimated two cities, along with their inhabitants (innocent civilians). Even now, as American service personnel leave Iraq, we carefully watch North Korea and her regime change (from one mad-man to another) with hopes and prayers that the unstable nation remembers nothing good can come of another fricking war. I am not optimistic.

With the New Year almost upon us, I reflect (as we all do) on my life over the past 12 months. There have been ups –and-downs – even some sways from left-to-right. Still, I like the fact that almost a year ago, I purchased a Nook e-reader. It was one of the best decisions I made in 2011 and it took place in mid-January. I am in love with this little blend of old (books) and new (technology). I love the fact that I have 100s of books at my fingertips at any time. And I did not get the Nook Color which is a slightly less expensive iPad without the pre-requisite brainwashing. I didn’t want another distraction – I wanted a book that looked like paper when I read it (without a back light). And I got exactly what I wanted. Thanks to Nookie (what I named my Nook), I am finally finishing the 4th book in Dean Koontz’s Frankenstein series. I carry it everywhere, so I can read while in line or at a restaurant or while driving . . . kidding. I do not read in a car; it makes me car sick. Now I just need to start eliminating my physical book collection and enjoy the new literary world at my fingertips.

PERSONAL NOTE: Safe travels this week with those kids of yours. Give them my love!

CONFIDENTIAL NOTE: May Santa bring you a mattress for Christmas!