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Take heed that when effort is too strenuous it leads to strain and when too slack to laziness. So make a firm determination that you will adopt the middle way, not allowing yourself to struggle or to slacken, but recognizing that faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration, and wisdom are the fruits of a calm and equable way. Theragatha

Jaliyah Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Jaliyah is the middle girl of my bro-in-law and she is a Showstopper! She's got a huge personality and she'll be 6 in March. This is just one of the photosfrom Christmas I have added to flickr.

Hope everybody is have a great weekend celebrating whatever they celebrate. In Nashvegas we will be eating, opening presents at the in-laws' houses (mother/brother respectively) and going to a movie. Most importantly, Christmas shopping season is DONE! Have a great day. The management.

Is it a waste of money to send a greeting card without personalizing it? You know the cards that have all the poetic stuff written in them. Say you find one you like then you sign your name and mail it. Is that any less valuable - is it a waste of money - than finding the card you like, writing an additional note and then mailing it? Is so, why? Isn't the point of the pre-written cards that they say something you like, in a way you want to say it? I ask this b/c I had a discussion about Christmas cards and the idea that just sending a pre-written card w/o personalization is a waste of money, that you shouldn't even bother to send it if you aren't gonna add something to it. Am I wrong to think that when you find the card that states your idea you don't need to embellish?

Despite being away from the store, despite having most of the day with Tara, despite have an interview with a library branch manager, despite getting to go see CoN:LWW , it is a blue day.

This after we get a heating bill that went from $75 to $220! The Energy Information Administration forecasts that households in the Midwest could spend 71% more this winter for natural gas and 40% more for propane than last winter; those in the Northeast that use heating oil could spend 33% more; and Southern households could see a 17% rise in their electricity bills. Nationwide, we’ll see an overall increase of 24% in winter heat bills, the EIA forecasts. Improve & Repair - MSN Real Estate (subscription req'd)

Ronaldinho wins FIFA Player of the Year Shown here with Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon & Barcelona) and Frank Lampard (England & Chelsea).

Develop a meditation that is like water. Doing this, you will find that the thoughts and impressions that possess you will flow away. Just as people wash away their body liquids, their sweat and spittle, pus and blood, and yet the water is not troubled or disgusted--so this water meditation will bring you peace. Majjhima Nikaya

Lou Rawls' Last Days? Don't count me out, brother. There's been many people who have been diagnosed with this kind of thing, and they're still jumpin' and pumpin'. Lou Rawls

All the wealth you've acquired from beginningless time until now has failed to fulfill all your desires. Cultivate therefore this wish-granting gem of moderation, O fortunate ones. Milarepa, " Drinking the Mountain Stream "

I like to walk alone on country paths, rice plants and wild grasses on both sides, putting each foot down on the earth in mindfulness, knowing that I walk on the wondrous earth. In such moments, existence is a miraculous and mysterious reality. People usually consider walking on water or in thin air a miracle. But I think the real miracle is not to walk either on water or in thin air, but to walk on earth. Every day we are engaged in a miracle which we don't even recognize: a blue sky, white clouds, green leaves, the black, curious eyes of a child--our own two eyes. All is a miracle. Thich Nhat Hanh, " Miracle of Mindfulness "

He was always full of life. He drank it, and he actually gave life to people said Jamie Masada Richard Pryor dies from heart attack

US in hell?

I've done most of these and I've got at least 3 loyal readers! Life Beyond Code

So, I went back for my first post-op exam and my DDS says: Wow! Either I'm really good or you are a great healer. If you have to go to a dentist those are the kind of words you wanna hear! I was proud of myself - considering the circumstances. You know, best case scenario would have never included the surgery. Now, I have to maintain my diligence and mentally prepare for round two, which should be easier since I know what to expect, he won't be removing any wisdoms and he won't have the fronts to deal with. B/c of cost it will happen probably Feb. I picked up Reversing Gum Disease Naturally and decided to use some of its suggestions of certain herbal remedies I don't know how much it contributed. Also, I started to use Eco-Dent Mouth Rinse , it's expensive but it's natural and it tastes good.

Your own practice can show you the truth. Your own experience is all that counts. Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, " Mindfulness in Plain English "

When all the myriad streams that flow in different places, each with its own color and taste, enter the great ocean, they blend and become just one taste, with one name. In the same way, stupidity and wisdom both become one in the awakened mind. When one first starts along the path, there seems to be a distinction that this is stupidity and that is wisdom. But later, when one penetrates more deeply, one finds there is no difference between stupidity and wisdom. Visuddhi Magga

This is what it should be like for everybody, don't you think? The childlike pleasure he derives from the game is matched by that of his rapt audience, who are regularly treated to displays of his craft and inventiveness.

Ronaldinho has been shortlisted for FIFA's world player of the year for the second straight time. For the women, the candidates are last year's player of the year Birgit Prinz of Germany, Shannon Boxx of the United States and Marta of Brazil. FIFA

A life of artistic turmoil ends He always had those same eyes and that same grin. Always. He was the sweetest person behind all of those dark lyrics

Congrats to Roger D. Hodge! I will never forget his final paper in that Faulkner class we took. I understood then that, as a writer, he was light years ahead of me. Yea Sewanee 's Right! the Magazine: Harper's

I've checked this site out before but a few weeks ago I sat with it for awhile and I learned. I like what's going on over at ::aurgasm:: To quote: Take an active approach in finding music you love. Only you can find what you love. Immerse yourself in it. Buy the CD. Go to the show and meet your favorite artist afterwards. Tell them their music changed you. Support the artists whose work you adore. Be passionate about music. It'll love you back. Go check it out for yourself ::aurgasm::

The 25-year-old was favourite to claim the Ballon D'Or (European Player of the Year), having already won the 2004 Fifa World Player of the Year and the inaugural FIFpro award. More here and here .

Now, there are many, many people in the world, but relatively few with whom we interact, and even fewer who cause us problems. So, when you come across such a chance for practicing patience and tolerance, you should treat it with gratitude. It is rare. Just as having unexpectedly found a treasure in your own house, you should be happy and grateful to your enemy for providing that precious opportunity. His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Walk the Line ...go see it. Joaquin has a magical performance. There are moments where he gets the essence of Johnny so eloquently it will bring tears to your eye. The moment when Johnny sings "Folsom Prison Blues" for Sam Phillips is one of the moments. Well done story too, no glaring gaps that I know of and T-Bone Burnett hits the nail on the head with the music.

Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn’t learn a little, at least we didn’t get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn’t die; so, let us be thankful. The Buddha

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Alejandro Escovedo , whose career has been sidelined since 2003 by a battle with hepatitis C, is working on an album that is being produced by Velvet Underground co-founder John Cale . I'm not terribly familiar with John but a new Al record is always cause for celebration!

Manchester United are searching for a new shirt sponsor after Vodafone ended their current £36million deal two years early.

Eclectic singer-songwriter succumbs to lung cancer at forty-five. He is best known, however, for carving a personalized, often brooding take on country blues, marked by his mastery of the slide steel guitar and other stringed instruments.

Chris Whitley 1960-2005 Damnit! Damnit! I've loved Chris since "Big Sky Country" and this saddens me. He was so talented. He and his music were charismatic in a way few musicians can imagine. the Man: Chris Whitley the Music: Discography the Obit: Chris Whitley has died . Chris, I will miss you. Thanks for the shows and thanks for letting me tape.

Player blames hair-growth product for a positive doping test.

Just as material things are made of dust, so too are our perceptions and thoughts mere dust. Just as it takes only a moment to wipe the dust from the surface of a mirror, so it takes only a moment to become enlightened, the moment all defiled intentions are cleared from our consciousness, we will see ourselves in the mirror of perfect truth. Master Hsing Yun, " Describing the Indescribable "

Katharine K. Wilkinson from Atlanta, a graduate of the University of the South, plans to study environmental policy. More here . the Alma Mater : University of the South the Scholarship: Rhodes Trust the Prize: University of Oxford

If you wish to move in the One Way do not dislike even the world of senses and ideas. Indeed, to accept them fully is identical with true Enlightenment. The wise man strives to no goals but the foolish man fetters himself. There is one Dharma, not many; distinctions arise from the clinging needs of the ignorant. To seek Mind with the [discriminating] mind is the greatest of all mistakes. Seng-tsan, " Verses on the Faith Mind "

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia has made history by becoming the first elected woman president in Africa. Former football star George Weah, till now the best-known Liberian in the world, has disputed the results.

Ever since the advent of so-called Ping-Pong diplomacy in 1971, when U.S. table tennis players became the first Americans invited into China since the Communist takeover in 1949, sports has been perceived to build bridges between countries and cultures. Ugly incidents at three of the five World Cup soccer playoffs Wednesday night have seriously undermined that perception. This is so sad but I don't think we should be surprised; we learned a long time ago how much these events mean to the players and countries involved.

In the beginning mindfulness takes away worries and fears about past and future and keeps us anchored in the present. In the end it points to the right view of the self. Ayya Khema, " Be an Island "

I'm just fucking tired. I have been out of it for a couple of weeks now. First there was the whole going back to work, then there was the training, next was the store moving and the relearning, and most recently, there was dental surgery and my Aunt visting. My work has worn me out. But inertia is a funny thing. I know I can't stop yet. The surgery went as well as can be expected I guess. Recovery has gone pretty well too. Last night was the first night I didn't take pain pills or Advil before bed and it was alright. I still have some stitches but slowly they are coming out and slowly I am brushing the repaired gums like normal. Remember...FLOSS PROPERLY and go to the dentist. Work has been ok. It's been tense. I don't really know what's going on, I'm too new to know all the dynamics but there is the sense that some of the staff have lost the desire to participate in anything. I can't be more specific b/c I can't put my finger on exactly what's u

I have taught the way without making any distinction between inner and outer teaching. For in respect of the truth there must be no such thing as the "closed fist" of the teacher, who hides some essential knowledge from the pupil. Secrecy is the mark of false doctrine. Digha Nikaya

It is good to control your words and thoughts. The seeker who is in control feels free and joyful. Listen to that seeker who guards his tongue and speaks wisely. Such a one is humble and does not exalt himself. Dhammapada

"HUGELY PROMISING" ( NY TIMES ) GUITARIST/SONGWRITER REACHES SPIRITUAL HIGHER GROUND WITH BEST ALBUM TO DATE, SONGLINES , SET FOR FEB 7 RELEASE ON COLUMBIA Songlines Press Release: "What a special guitarist. [Derek Trucks] does not waste a note. And his strange pastiche of musical influences - John Coltrane-Eric Clapton-Ali Akhbar Khan-Wes Montgomery - isn't just an impressive list of styles; it remains unified and in effect from beginning to end." - THE NEW YORK TIMES On February 7, 2006, Columbia Records will release Songlines , the first new recording by The Derek Trucks Band in nearly four years, and the first studio album to feature the full-throated, impassioned vocals of newest DTB member, Mike Mattison. Songlines signals the DTB's arrival at a spiritual plateau after a decade long journey of musical discovery, and cements Trucks' reputation as one of the greatest guitarists of his generation. While Songlines embraces the group's big-eare

Guard against anger erupting in mind; in mind, be restrained. Having abandoned mental misconduct, live conducting yourself well in mind. Those restrained in body --the enlightened-- restrained in speech & in mind --enlightened-- are the ones whose restraint is secure. Dhammpada, 17, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, known as the "Iron Lady", has claimed victory as the first woman to be elected president in Liberia, and Africa as a whole .

Since I am in this category now... Research shows that marriage contributes to good health, and people who are healthier tend to live longer. Married men and women are less likely to have drinking problems, commit suicide, and develop mental problems. They also tend to eat more healthfully and exercise more frequently. What is it about marriage that leads to a longer, healthier life? Is marriage a means to achieving better health? Beliefnet: Health and Healing

Don't forget to bring the good experiences of meditation into your daily activities. Instead of acting and reacting impulsively and following your thoughts and feelings here and there, watch your mind carefully, be aware, and try to deal skillfully with problems as they arise. If you can do this each day, your meditation will have been successful. Kathleen McDonald, " How to Meditate "

Yesterday was a 2.5 hour surgical marathon...and I'm not done yet! Everything went well although the drive home was excruciating! The doctor expects a full and wonderful recovery and some time in the new year I will go back for round 2 (the left side of my mouth). The idea with this is to clean out all the gunk b/t my gums and my jaw/bone/tooth and then the gume will heal around the tooth like it should. Because the surgery is so intense (and expensive) this periodonist splits the procedure between two calendar years. Today my jaw is a little tender and a little swollen but nothing too bad. I still might take tomorrow off.

If somebody meditates with a wholesome attitude, with right attention and mindfulness, then whether he has expectations or not he will gain insight. It's like filling a bowl with oil seeds and pressing them or milking a cow by pulling the udder or filling a jar with cream and churning it. It's the right method. Majjhima Nikaya

Haven't written much recently. This retail schedule is wrecking havoc with my routine. Davis-Kidd has moved. The new digs are nice although a bit frustrating. Just as I was learning where things were in the store we all have to relearn. Some of the sections haven't been returned to their alpha order and some sections don't have their proper labels. There have been all sorts of tech glitches too but it's all getting ironed out. New England Revolution & LA Galaxy are in the MLS Championship Game. I'm behind schedule on my GRE studies. Today is D-Day (Dental Surgery Day #1). Wish me luck!

Focus, not on the rudenesses of others, not on what they've done or left undone, but on what you have & haven't done yourself. Dhammapada, 4, translation by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

( From soccernet.com ) African gong list: Samuel Eto'o Didier Drogba Michael Essien Emmanuel Adebayor Marouane Chamakh The Confederation of African Football (CAF) said the list would be whittled down to three candidates on November 19 after a vote of the coaches of the continent's 53 national teams.

Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard has backed referee Arturo Dauden Ibanez's decision to ask for a message to be broadcast over the public address system in Getafe asking the home fans to stop racist chanting. Rijkaard backs intervention

At a time when people are so conscious of maintaining their physical health by controlling their diets, exercising and so forth, it makes sense to try to cultivate the corresponding positive mental attitudes too. His Holiness the Dalai Lama, 1963

If a person does evil, he shouldn't do it again & again, shouldn't develop a penchant for it. To accumulate evil brings pain. If a person makes merit, he should do it again & again, should develop a penchant for it. To accumulate merit brings ease. Dhammapada, 9, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

If you wish to understand yourself, you must succeed in doing so in the midst of all kinds of confusions and upsets. Don't make the mistake of sitting dead in the cold ashes of a withered tree. Emyo

Gains: don't treat your own with scorn, don't go coveting those of others. A monk who covets those of others attains no concentration. Even if he gets next to nothing, he doesn't treat his gains with scorn. Living purely, untiring: he's the one that the devas praise. Dhammapada, 15, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Don't be afraid of doing good. It's another name for happiness, for all that is dear and delightful--this phrase "doing good." Whoever would live well, Long lasting, bringing bliss-- Let him be generous, be calm, And cultivate the doing of good. By practicing these three, These three bliss-bringing things, The wise one lives without regret His world infused with happiness. Itivuttaka Sutta

Desires achieved increase thirst like salt water. Milarepa, " Drinking the Mountain Stream "

It is necessary to cultivate some discipline of mind, for an undisciplined mind always finds excuses to act selfishly and thoughtlessly. When the mind is undisciplined, the body is also undisciplined, and so is speech and action. Anguttara Nikaya

Good luck to Davis-Kidd Booksellers in Nashville. Tomrrow is their grand re-opening! The store looks great and the customers will love it.

Detach from all mental objects, stop all thoughts: do not let either good or bad thoughts enter your thinking, do not keep either Buddhist teachings or worldly phenomena in mind. Huai-t'ang

Now that I have been a bookseller for one month I think it's appropriate for me to include myself in this tradition. The article below showed me that book retail is different from other types of retail. I thought Davis-Kidd was odd in the way it handles customer service but now I see that it is bookselling in general that is different that music retail or the other retail environs I've worked. NOW! If there are any people with library/archive contacts (especially in Nashville) I need a library job! Confessions of a Reformed Bookseller: What Working in a Bookstore Taught Me About Being a Librarian by Jennifer Arnold They say that everyone loves a parade, but it's probably more likely that everyone loves a great bookstore. After all, it is hard to resist, with its overstuffed armchairs, the smell of fresh-roasted coffee, and, of course, the rows and rows of books - just waiting to be read! It's pretty safe to say that librarians tend to enjoy bookstores due to all these

I alone will practice all that is wholesome. Those who are powerless and under the control of karma and delusion are unable to benefit themselves or attain their own purposes. Worldly people are completely unable to make their lives meaningful. Therefore, I shall practice what is wholesome for the benefit of all sentient beings. While others are engaged in inferior and menial tasks in which they encounter many difficulties, how can I sit here at peace and do nothing? I must and shall benefit them, but without ever succumbing to the poison of self-importance. Santideva, "Bodhicaryavatara"

Help a creative force remain so. the Man: Michael Brecker the Disease: Myelodysplastic Syndrome

Rosa Parks died today

Sunset at 7 Acres Campsite Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Tara and I took LJ & Yhazmyn on a camping trip with Mike and Chad. It ended up being more of a cookout b/c we ALL left before bed. Mike set up his tent but decided not to sleep out... This is a very nice campground near Percy Priest Lake. And is it just me or is there something wrong with campers who have ELECTRIC Jack-o-laterns and strung lights around their campsite?

Drinking the nourishment, the flavor, of seclusion & calm, one is freed from evil, devoid of distress, refreshed with the nourishment of rapture in the Dhamma. Dhammapada, 16, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

Laura was a high school classmate. We didn't have too many classes together...she was one of the smart, most likely to suceed, student gov't types. I was a non-descript, fair-to-middlin student. She's done really well with her traditionalist, rootsy country; and eventhough she's a Nashvillian, she's a musical outsider and that makes her thing a little cooler. Laura Cantrell's Humming by the Flowered Vine

Remember a couple of days ago I mentioned that a neighborhood kid said his apartment complex was fun if you liked people fighting and shooting. Well now we know what he's talking about. Two men arrested in E. Nashville shooting death

By charity, goodness, restraint, and self-control men and woman alike can store up a well-hidden treasure -- a treasure which cannot be given to others and which robbers cannot steal. A wise person should do good -- that is the treasure which will not leave one. "Khuddhaka Patha"

When do you decide that you have attained such a station in life that you can assume others are inferior? That's not worded well but that is the basic idea of what I'm asking. When do you know that you have the right and true way of doing things or being someone? I've already mentioned that I am working at a bookstore; a very cool, a very liberal bookstore . What I didn't mention - for those who don't live in Nashville - is that this bookstore is in a upper middle-class, upper class part of Nashville. Some of these folks have some serious M-O-N-E-Y. Some of the patrons come in with this attitude. They do things to the cashiers and the rest of the booksellers that you just don't do to people you respect. For example, it's not uncommon for them to grab a Tennessean or a NYT from the doorway and come to the counter, toss (literally) the buck fifty or whatever on the counter, yell out what its for and turn around to go back out the door. Now, I've worked e

Netflix for the socially conscious. Ironweed

Greed, I say, is a great flood; it is a whirlpool sucking one down, a constant yearning, seeking a hold, continually in movement; difficult to cross is the morass of sensual desire. A sage does not deviate from truth, a brahmana stands on firm ground; renouncing all, he is truly called 'calmed.' Sutta Nipata

United vs. Fire Game 1: Friday, 9 p.m. at Chicago Game 2: Sunday, Oct. 30, 4:30 p.m. at Washington Series Tied, 0-0 MetroStars vs. Revolution Game 1: Saturday, 7 p.m. at MetroStars Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m. at New England Series Tied, 0-0 FC Dallas vs. Rapids Game 1: Saturday, 9 p.m. at Colorado Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 29, 8:30 p.m. at New England Series Tied, 0-0 Earthquakes vs. Galaxy Game 1: Sunday, 3 p.m. at Los Angeles Game 2: Saturday, Oct. 29, 10 p.m. at San Jose Series Tied, 0-0

Adu Attempts to Clear the Air I can only imagine what this kid is thinking but somebody needs to tell him to slow down. 16 of 25 starts, I don't think that's bad for a 2nd year player. Granted, Freddie is not your avg 2nd year player but I think that's pretty good.

Do these look like the salaries of pro atheletes...some of these guys (Eddie Pope, Tony Sannah) have been in and around the MLS since it began! Landon Donovan Los Angeles 900,000 Eddie Johnson FC Dallas 875,000 Freddy Adu D.C. 300,000 Ramon Ramirez Chivas USA 425,000 Josh Wolff Kansas City 350,000 Clint Mathis Salt Lake City 270,000 Eddie Pope Salt Lake City 314,782 Tony Sanneh Chicago 285,000 Chris Armas Chicago 250,000 Jovan Kirovski Los Angeles 175,000

When tranquility is developed, what purpose does it serve? The mind is developed. And when the mind is developed, what purpose does it serve? Passion is abandoned. When insight is developed, what purpose does it serve? Discernment is developed. And when discernment is developed, what purpose does it serve? Ignorance is abandoned. Anguttara Nikaya

Floss Properly . Today, after 2 months of pretty intense dental cleaning , my dentist has referred me to a periodondist . (How sad) I was never taught how to floss and it was never pressed upon me as a necessity, now as a 38 year old, I have to get some intense treatment. PS: I apparently grind my teeth...

My outlook has decided to freak out on me today. Everything I update causes it to crash.

If we divide into two camps--even into violent and the nonviolent--and stand in one camp while attacking the other, the world will never have peace. We will always blame and condemn those we feel are responsible for wars and social injustice, without recognizing the degree of violence within ourselves. We must work on ourselves and also with those we condemn if we want to have a real impact. Ayya Khema, " Be An Island "

Old Firehall Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . Old School Firehall in my neighbor hood. There is a Wal-Mart "neighborhood" store next to it, I'm surprised they didn't tear this bldg down.

I've been a DAT Taper for a long time and I knew I'd made the big time when I could get a DAP-1...this puppy is definitely the nail in the coffin of that level of sophistication. Tascam HD-P2 High-Def Flash Recorder: DAT's All, Folks - createdigitalmusic.com

From striving comes wisdom; from not, wisdom's end. Knowing these two courses --to development decline-- conduct yourself so that wisdom will grow. Dhammapada, 20, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

"When such a situation is in a stadium, stop the game, identify the people. You kick them out of the stadium and they never come back. But this is not enough. It is only when you touch a club or a national federation by deducting points. " But Blatter said that couldn't apply at the World Cup because fans might use that punishment as a way of affecting results.

Seven Brazilians make FIFA Player of the Year shortlist Thirty men in contention Men: Adriano Brazil Michael Ballack Germany David Beckham England Gianluigi Buffon Italy Cafú Brazil Ronaldo Cristiano Portugal Deco Portugal Didier Drogba Côte d'Ivoire Michael Essien Ghana Samuel Eto'o Cameroon Steven Gerrard England Thierry Henry France Zlatan Ibrahimovic Sweden Kaká Brazil Frank Lampard England Paolo Maldini Italy Pavel Nedved Czech Republic Alessandro Nesta Italy Jay-Jay Okocha Nigeria Raúl Spain Juan Román Riquelme Argentina Arjen Robben Netherlands Roberto Carlos Brazil Robinho Brazil Ronaldinho

ALA Council passes resolution on connection between Iraq War, libraries. Everybody wants a piece of the pie. Not that this is a bad thing I just think it's a bit off course.

For one who is in the habit of constantly honoring and respecting the elders, four blessings increase—age, beauty, bliss, and strength. Dhammapada 109

"Lost Boys" of Sudan are in the 9 percent of nonwhite students among 1,383 undergraduates on the remote, scenic campus.

I live near an apartment complex ( Section 8 ) and I overheard to 13 year old boys talking, one (Michael) lives in the apartment complex, the other (Justin) lives in a 1930s brick home. Justin asked Michael if it was fun living in these apartments. Michael responded: If you like people fighting and shooting at each other, yeah.

If your mind becomes firm like a rock And no longer shakes In a world where everything is shaking, Your mind will be your greatest friend And suffering will not come your way. Theragatha

Paul "Wine" Jones who liked beer better (but it didn't sound as good) has died . I always liked Paul. This has been a bad Fall for Fat Possum ...a bad Fall for the Blues!

Career Advice Article # Aggressive # Ambitious # Competent # Creative # Detail-oriented # Determined # Efficient # Experienced # Flexible # Goal-oriented # Hard-working # Independent # Innovative # Knowledgeable # Logical # Motivated # Meticulous # People person # Professional # Reliable # Resourceful # Self-motivated # Successful # Team player # Well-organized

Sewanee Fog Originally uploaded by bmitd67 . A Gothic Cathedral smothered by fog in the middle of Tennessee... That would be All Saints' Chapel on the campus of the University of the South ...my alma mater . This is one of a few photos I took while on the Mountain this past weekend for the first "Alumni of Color Reunion".

Everything is as it is. It has no name other than the name we give it. It is we who call it something; we give it a value. We say this thing is good or it's bad, but in itself, the thing is only as it is. It's not absolute; it's just as it is. People are just as they are. Ajahn Sumedho, " The Mind and the Way "

Sewanee may be right but the football team has had problems for a long time. DePauw 34, Sewanee 0 the Winner: DePauw the Loser: Sewanee

If you keep thinking "That man has abused me," holding it as a much-cherished grievance, your anger will never be allayed. If you can put down that fury-inducing thought, your anger will lessen. Fury will never end fury, it will just ricochet on and on. Only putting it down will end such an abysmal state. Sunnata Vagga

Center for Science in the Public Interest

One who wouldn't-- not for his own sake nor that of another-- hanker for wealth, a son, a kingdom, his own fulfillment, by unrighteous means: he is righteous, rich in virtue, discernment. Dhammapada, 6, translated by Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

It's Fall Party Weekend and for the first time since 1990 I am going back to Sewanee for the events. I've always skipped b/c most of my friends from college live far away and don't come back. I am going b/c of the first Alumni of Color events. I am proud to be a Sewanee alumnus and I like to support what I think is important. Sewanee provides an education that is in many ways unique and I hope that more and more minorities will come to realize the benefits of a place like the University of the South Schedule of Events

Riiight...?!?! Crazy Boy Wonder I feel I have matured, on and off the field and hopefully that will continue because I am trying to cut out silly bookings for dissent Rooney told Four Four Two

Because it lacks consciousness, I must admit that a word cannot praise me. Undoubtedly, the cause of my delight is that another is delighted with me. But what does it matter to me whether another's delight is in me or someone else? His alone is the pleasure of that delight. Not even a trifling part of it is mine. Santideva, "Bodhicaryavatara"

EllsworthAmerican.com | No matter your musical taste this is an artist any fan of stories and songs and creative energy should check out.

Video Games...I discovered video games about 3 years ago. I fell in love with RTS ( Real Time Strategy ) games, Age of Empires being my first love; then, soccer games and finally shooters but only a select few... like Brothers in Arms , Far Cry (I haven't finished this b/c it creeps me out!) and Call of Duty . My favorite game other than these is Splinter Cell . The espionage and the fact that you try to make it through the game without killing or being seen, not to mention Sam Fisher's (main character) smart-ass attitude Now is the time for new games...Brothers in Arms v2.0 and FIFA 06 came out this week. We should see Call of Duty 2 by the end of the month, Winning Eleven 9 (great team management stuff) by the end of the year and a new Splinter Cell in the Spring. Oh, and a new Lord of the Rings strategy and a new Age of Empires (I don't really like what I've seen on this one). Time wasters. Each and every one of them, just plain ol time wasters.

Jatukkani asked: Like the sun which controls the world with its heat and light, you, Master, seem to control desire and pleasure. I have only a little understanding. How can I find and know the way to give up this world of birth and aging? The Buddha answered: Lose your greed for pleasure. See how letting go of the world brings deep tranquility. There is nothing you need hold on to and nothing you need push away. Live in the present but do not cling to it and then you can go from place to place in peace. There is a state of greed that enters and dominates the individual. But when that greed has gone, it is like poison leaving a body and death will have no more terror for you.

RIP Paul Pena Paul Pena has died. This is sad. If you've never heard "Gonna Move" you don't know what a good song is. Oh wait, you don't think you know who Paul is well you've heard a little song called "Jet Airliner", a big hit for the Steve Miller , right? Yeah, Paul wrote that. Have you ever heard of Tuvan throat singing? Well, you need to and you need to see this doc Paul did called Ghengis Blues . Paul went to hell: During the past 8 years, Paul's health has been on the decline and his quality of life was greatly diminished by the nearly constant state of pain that he was in. We can take comfort in knowing that he's no longer suffering. ...and now he's surely in Heaven.

Ten Signs of a Conscious Marriage "What are some of the differences when you become conscious? The following list highlights some of the essential differences in attitude and behavior: You realize that your love relationship has a hidden purpose—the healing of childhood wounds. You create a more accurate image of your partner. You take responsibility for communicating your needs and desires to your partner. You become more intentional in your interactions. You learn to value your partner’s needs and wishes as highly as you value your own. You embrace the dark side of your personality. You learn new techniques to satisfy your basic needs and desires. You search within yourself for the strengths and abilities you are lacking. You become more aware of your drive to be loving and whole and united with the universe. You accept the difficulty of creating a good marriage. See also Getting the Love You Want: A Guide For Couples by Harville Hendrix

By renouncing samsara , we renounce our habitual grasping, unhappy minds. And by renouncing samsara, we embrace our potential for enlightenment. Lama Zopa Rinpoche, " Transforming Problems Into Happiness "

"most complete cultural chronicle since Balzac" His plays were big, often sprawling and poetic, dealing primarily with the effects of slavery on succeeding generations of black Americans

I've spent about 20 years in various retail/customer service positions. I delivered pizza, I was an assistant at a vet clinic, I rented paddle boats and, of course, I worked in record and video stores and I have to say that Davis-Kidd has the smartest, oldest and most stable staff I have ever seen. There are about 50 employees. I think I've chatted with a dozen and of those at least half are working on or have a Master's level degree. The GM says the store has a 7% turnover rate, which is insanly low, and I don't think there is a teenager in the bunch. There are at least 3 people who have started a 2nd career with Davis-Kidd (after 20+ years in another field). So far, not a day has gone by that I was not surprised and impressed by one of my coworkers. Aside from all that you are part of a team and within that you have the responsibility and opportunity to affect change. I was appropriately assigned to the Humanities team (the others are Health/Well-being, Fiction, Kids,

Since the library doesn't want to call me back I took a job at Davis-Kidd Booksellers . And I have to tell you, I've spent alot of time in retail and these guys have the most unique and creative approach I have ever witnessed. At the end of my first week...it's a great place to be.