Meditation on my mind

I talk about meditation, wonder about it, have no doubt that it's important, but still haven't done it. A good lesson to learn this year, stop talking and start doing. And so, since I have no personal experience, the following words are not mine -- but I think these words are important, whether used for meditation, or otherwise. The duck story is so meaningful and says so much about our state of mind -- helps us visualize how we set our own limits, create our own reality -- but reality is simply what we make it. Choices folks, it's all about choices!

“Although meditation has been described as a reflective mode of thought, a more accurate definition might be a mode of "no thought....

The power of meditation is perhaps best illustrated through the following Zen puzzle: Close your eyes, and in your mind picture a duck inside a narrow-necked bottle. Now, without breaking the bottle, get the duck out.

OK, time's up. Now did you give up and feel frustrated or depressed because you always give up, you loser? Or did you feel elated because you got the answer and think you're better than the rest of us? The answer is: The duck is out. Just like that. You put him inside the bottle in your mind, you can take him out the same way. http://www.latimes.com/features/health/la-hew-myturn30-2009mar30,0,1220023.story

Down Mexico Way

Since it is so cold in most of the areas we all live, I thought it might be time to share some photos of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. I never know in what order the pictures will be shown so I will just say a little bit about each one. There is one pic of a lighthouse taken as we were leaving the Los Angeles area. One pic is of rocks jutting out of the Pacific close to Cabo San Lucas. Another pic is of some art in the park in Puerta Vallarta. There are 2 more ics of PV - one of us by a stature and one beach scene. We took an excursion in Cabo on a boat to see whales. The boat was open and little more than a raft with a motor. It began raining and the Pacific looked treacherous. We saw whales at a distance but were happy to get back to shore. One pic is of the water on this trip - looks dark and stormy.

Is the system fair?

My older sister sent me a link to an article from the Seattle Times titled "What's the real reason?" It asks the question, why so many minority men end up in prison and the article also questions why felons shouldn't be allowed to vote. I think these are both good topics for pondering. Of course, they are of particular interest to me since I work in corrections.

The article reports that recently "...a three-judge panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals said Washington's law banning felons from voting violates the 1965 Voting Rights Act because it disenfranchises minority voters disproportionately."

There are more minorities in jail/prison even though I don't know what the statistics are. I do know that, from my experience, there are a lot more caucasians being arrested these days. A significant number are from middle class families, some even from wealthy families.

What are your thoughts on these topics? Do you think that felons should be allowed to vote?

Studies cite new process for stem cells (2007)

This information is from 2007, and I realize that makes it ancient. I also realize that that is 20 07 to some of you, and two thousand seven to others, but just so we all know it's over two years old. Ha!


"Scientists in Massachusetts and Japan say they have created embryonic stem cells using procedures that might overcome many of the ethical objections to the controversial research, since the process does not destroy embryos.

Most dramatically, three independent research teams reported......that they used a highly experimental approach to produce stem cells without destroying embryos, which critics equate to taking a life. Instead, they manipulated genes to coax ordinary skin cells of lab mice to regress to a state where they essentially behave like embryonic stem cells.

In effect, the researchers "turn back the clock from adult to embryonic stem cells," said Konrad Hochedlinger, a Massachusetts General Hospital researcher and leader of one of the teams. No eggs were used, no embryos destroyed -- a stunning advance, although perhaps difficult to replicate in humans." Stem cells research

... the article did get into religious and political objections, but I try never to discuss those two issues, but sometimes it's impossible not to. In this case that applies. The article also said: "Scientists predict research on human embryos will yield insights, and potentially cures, into spinal injuries, diabetes and an array of other diseases.", and I'm wondering if anyone here knows just how far they've gotten into that. (The article also mentioned that the research discussed was incomplete).

It's No. 1 Alabama vs. No. 2 Texas for BCS title

Tonight's the night, so let's get it on.....Roll Tide.......Hook 'Em Horns.....

For the players, the coaches, the cheerleaders, for Big Al and Bevo, for the fans ......and for Ivy, Jan and their families and friends.....good luck!

When Daffodils Once Appeared

On this date last year, the first glimmer of spring appeared in my yard. What a difference a year makes!

Now the same spot in view of my kitchen window remains frozen and bare. My little daffodil must have learned her lesson to stay under her warm blankie a while longer.

"When daffodils begin to peer,

With heigh! the doxy over the dale,

Why then comes in the sweet o' the year,

For the red blood reigns in the winter's pale."

~ Wm. Shakespeare, Winter's Tale

The Universe...always room for another surprise

A brief interlude from those winter blues....because stargazers know 'the truth is out there'.....

Could not resist these stunning photos that are included in a picture guide to the universe by Michael Benson, a photographer, that appear in his book "Far Out: A Space-Time Chronicle"

Andromeda
Crab Nebula

Carina Nebula

Witch Head Nebula

Horsehead Nebula

Cat's Paw Nebula & NGC6559

Link to the New York Times article and you will find more incredible photos.

A Guide to the Cosmos, in Words and Images