Hypocritic Oath...?

During some recent interactions with people, I have had the opportunity to witness some truly hypocritical behavior.  Just to be clear, I believe that a hypocrite is someone who says one thing and does the opposite.  These people try to use some form of rationalization to justify their actions.  I believe that these people also have double standards, they desire to have the best of both worlds. They go to church on Sundays and as soon as they walk out the door, they go back to living their “regular” lives.  To further be clear, I know that I am a grounded person, very consistent in my behavior, as evidenced by feedback from multiple family, work, and professional association sources – I know that my behavior and values are constant, and rely on my beliefs and principles to guide my actions and interactions. So I say, stay true to your faith, your beliefs, and your actions.  Always strive to take the high road, and never make disparaging comments to or against others. 

 

For reference, below is supporting information for statements made above.

 

Websters: hyp·o·crite \ˈhi-pə-ˌkrit\

Function: noun

Date: 13th century

1 : a person who puts on a false appearance of virtue or religion

2 : a person who acts in contradiction to his or her stated beliefs or feelings

 

Dictionary.com: hyp·o·crite  / [hip-uh-krit]

1: a person who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that he or she does not actually possess, esp. a person whose actions belie stated beliefs.

2: a person who feigns some desirable or publicly approved attitude, esp. one whose private life, opinions, or statements belie his or her public statements.

 

Review of terms at http://www.thefreedictionary.com/hypocrite identifies some thesaurus terms: dissembler, dissimulator, phoney, phony, pretender, beguiler, cheater, deceiver, trickster, slicker, cheat, … [and one of my favorites] whited sepulchre – a person who is inwardly evil but outwardly professes to be virtuous.

Tags: blogplugs, hypocrite, sepulchre, behavior

Away for a Day (or so)

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_1

Potpourri

What a nice day yesterday ended up being.  We talked with loved ones after Beth got home early from work, then had our Christmas.  Nice things to see (Godfather series, Sopranos Season Six Part II, Elvis, and Robin Williams movies), read, and eat in our future.

The TIME Man-of-the-Year is Vladimir Putin.  Interesting choice, especially with how China has become such a "player" recently.  Some interesting facts from the December 2007 issue regarding the superpowers: Russia, population 142.5 million, almost twice as large as the U.S. but has less than half the population; China, population 1.33 billion, is very close to the U.S. in size but has more than four times as many people; U.S., population 303 million.  An interesting issue, I have been a subscriber since 1984, I highly recommend it.

Bob Buford's Halftime shows how men can make their middle years a time of transformation toward a more satisfying -- and significant -- life.

Above is a book I read approximately a year ago, very interesting and spiritual (there is also a website www. halftime.com).  The basic premise is "Have you achieved success—only to find that something is missing? If so, you may be ready to begin the most exciting journey of your life—the journey from success to significance. It’s commonly called Halftime. Halftime is a season of life that offers the opportunity to look back on what you’ve accomplished, understand who you are, and then redirect your time and talent for an even more purposeful second half."

With the stop-work clock ticking, this is an area that I plan on fully investigating.  My goals: become involved in a local charitable organization(s) using my organizational and project management skills; get involved in teaching and/or local politics in some manner; to help our local economy/environment via an existing organization such as the Nature Conservancy or to start a new local foundation (land and our climate are things that are finite, and we need to take actions to preserve them both).  With less than 10 years to go, the time to plan for this next phase is upon me, this is not something you just fall into, it takes careful thought and planning.  

Tags: Time Magazine, Man-of-the-Year, Nature Conservancy, Halftime

Merry Christmas

Hope you had a wonderful Christmas Eve and are enjoying Christmas Day with your loved ones.  God Bless.

Blustery Day at Nutwood

A perfect day to stay inside and do nothing.  After a balmy 50 degree day yesterday (we had our errands completed by 1200), today is 24 degrees with gusting wind and snow. We always enjoy our morning paper, watching nature out the window, and sharing each others company.  Later, we will watch some football and cook up some grub.  After a week of pasta and chicken, I am looking forward to some steak tonight.

After yesterday's warm weather, the snow is pretty much gone.  They are predicting some rain/snow over the next couple of days.  I would not mind a white Christmas, but do not want to tackle the driveway again.  We are now prepared though, got more salt and a hand spreader so we will not get stuck again. 

My bride has to work Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, so will be a quiet few days here.  I have some work things to get done and will continue emptying out the old garage in preparation for making a workout room.

We really enjoy being with family this time of year.  We will be with Beth's on Christmas Eve, after she gets off work, and with mine for a few days later in the week.  Not exactly how we planned everything, but sometimes the clouds have a silver lining.  May you get to spend this holiday season with those you love, and be able to share the true spirit. 

In the Huckabee vein - MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Tags: Nutwood, Huckabee, Snow, Family, Silver Lining

Gaea Saved?

NUSA DUA, Indonesia (c/o The Energy Daily)-- In a dramatic ending to two weeks of often bitter negotiations, 189 countries gave final approval Saturday to a detailed agenda to guide further talks aimed at crafting a new climate change treaty by the end of 2009 to succeed the Kyoto Protocol when it expires in 2012.

The deal came after the United States, under enormous pressure, dropped its opposition to a last-minute proposal by the Indian delegation to ensure the talks include consideration of increased aid by industrialized countries to help developing countries adapt to the worst impacts of global warming.

The U.S. opposition prompted catcalls and angry denunciations from developing country delegates -- virtually unprecedented in such a high-level diplomatic forum -- culminating in an emotional appeal from Kevin Conrad, the senior delegate from Papua New Guinea.

"If you cannot lead, leave it to the rest of us," said Conrad, the country´s ambassador for climate change. "Get out of the way."

Moments later, the U.S. negotiating team relented, declaring it would support the Indian proposal and clearing the way for final approval of the "Bali roadmap."

Winner?  I say mother earth and all of humanity.

Tags: Climate Change, Bali Roadmap, Blogplugs,

T T T tttiming

I have written several times regarding Pandemic planning.  Well, today, I got a special package from AEP - our home pandemic planning kit.  It included respirator and surgical masks, a digital thermometer, hand sanitizer, and rubber gloves.  While I truly appreciate the concern my company has for our employees and our families, I do not think the timing of sending the pandemic planning package is good.  Less than a week until Christmas.  Oh well, it is the thought that counts :o)

Speaking of thoughts, Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Tags: Pandemic, Christmas