Road Raging

Are you a Road Rager?
Some disturbing aspects of driving that many of us overlook would be lethal or disabling accidents, pollution, and rampant burning of fossil fuels.  However, something that anyone who drives is likely to encounter regularly would be rude, selfish, and occasional psychotic behavior from other drivers. Unfortunately we may be as likely to dish out the rudeness while driving as we are to receive it. Obvious explanations for this rash behavior are often cited - such as the impersonal reality of commuting anonymously along side other strangers in their vehicles, and instinctive responses to perceived physical threats ( the *#$!!# idiot who just cut you off) etc. However, these explanations or excuses do not address the core problem with selfish, angry driving, and that is a basic lack of respect for your fellow humans on the road. Driving courteously, without getting angry, and respecting the rules of the road could be one of the greatest personal, and spiritual challenges that an individual could set for themselves. Instead of arriving at our driving destinations exhausted, frustrated, and angry we could finish our road trips refreshed in the knowledge that we did not react to other drivers' boorish behavior, and we may have actually put a smile on someone's face by letting them into our lane. It's likely that drivers could add years to their lives, and enjoy better health by staying calm and courteous in traffic. The road ragers are on a self destructive path that unfortunately may injure others as well. We can't control others, but we can be responsible for our own behavior, and since driving is often the most dangerous activity on our daily schedule why don't we start there? The idea of using a SORRY sign to appease a potential road rager doesn't appeal to me, but it may have some merit as well.

Here is an excellent discussion on dealing with stress and pressure in the vehicle.



Tags:
Road Rage, Driving

Tomorrow Lives

Tomorrow: Do something you've never done before.

Tomorrow: Make friends with someone.

Tomorrow: Come to terms with an enemy.

Tomorrow: Start a new life path.

Tomorrow: Kiss someone you love.

Tomorrow: Exercise your body.

Tomorrow: Don't worry about the past or the future.

Tomorrow: Invent something.

Tomorrow: Be yourself.

Tomorrow: Is whatever you want it to be.

Have a great day!


Tags:
Tomorrow, Inspiration, Spiritual, Philosophy, Awareness, Harmony, Peace

Santa Makeover

The present version of Santa hasn't been around all that long now, and he's really more of a department store invention than a true icon. Santa seems to be less popular now than in years gone by - appearing in fewer commercials and TV shows etc. Let's face it he's becoming a dud, and is in sore need of a makeover!

First off, a new opening line would be in order since "HO HO HO" might be taken the wrong way in some circles. In these days of health awareness the extra weight should go - no more cookies and milk after a chimney run, and he needs a good exercise program. Perhaps he should start with a spa package in Alaska, then get the elves to build an exercise room next to the Reindeer stables? A spa visit that includes a beard trim, pedicure, manicure and hair coloring would be in order for a younger, more hip look. His suit is looking pretty gaudy too, and there are some eager and ready New York fashion designers hoping to craft Santa a new, updated costume. Heck, they could even add an invisibility cloak, so awakened little tots don't spot him in the house. Throw in a new hat, belt, and boots, and he'll be ready to fly. After the makeover, there would be new corporate sponsorships on the horizon, so he'd need to get hooked up with a new P.R. firm, and be prepared to put a few logos on the new suit.

After all of this, he'll look pretty snazzy when he drops that lump of coal into Herman Cain's stocking.



Tags:
Santa, Christmas, Makeover, Humor

The Secret to Life (Encrypted)

"Ujh Oje Pa Rx Hwbx Rmqf"





"Ujh Oje Pa Not Rx Hwbx Rmqf"

If you solve this cryptogram please leave your answer as a comment below!

Tags:
Philosophy, Wisdom, Awareness, Key, Zen, Paradox, Cryptogram, Cryptology, Encryption, Cipher, Puzzle, Humor, Spirituality, Sense, Consciousness

The Spider Effect

Do you believe that trivial events can sometimes have far reaching consequences? If so, you may subscribe to the butterfly effect. While this could occur on a global scale, it probably happens many times in our own lives.

This hit home for me recently while having a bath. It would have been a non-event, but I stupidly chose to use my smart phone while bathing. This created the necessary conditions for a bad outcome, but it required a catalyst. The culprit in this case was a tiny spider hanging from a tiny thread directly over the tub. I waved it away a few times, but then it suddenly appeared inches from my face. In mock panic I swung at it with my left hand that held the phone. On the follow through, the phone got submerged. My mind blanked for a second before it hit me. I yanked the phone out of the water, but the damage was done. I did everything you're not supposed to do when trying to save a phone from water damage. You should keep it turned off and buried in rice for a day to try and dry it out, but really the damage is done (here's some advice for resuscitating a water damaged phone). If you're fortunate enough to get it working again, internal corrosion will likely take its toll in a few months and the phone will be toast anyway. My phone miraculously recovered for a short window of time that allowed me to backup its data, but soon thereafter it went dark.

So, where's the Butterfly (Spider) effect in all of this? Well, who would expect a harmless, tiny spider floating on a thread above a bath tub to wreak so much havoc in one's life? This episode has convinced me to get Psychiatric counselling for cell phone addiction.  The panic I experienced shows that my life has sunk to an unnatural dependence on having a smart phone.

Tags:
Butterfly Effect, Spider, Wet Cell Phone, Bathing, Phone Addicts

Sleep on It

The best bridge between despair and hope is a good night's sleep. --Anonymous

SLEEP - Those little slices of death, how I loathe them. --Edgar Allen Poe

Problems always look smaller after a warm meal and a good night's sleep. --Anonymous

It's a common experience that a problem difficult at night is resolved in the morning after the committee of sleep has worked on it. --John Steinbeck

It's probably unrealistic in our fast paced, competitive lives to expect or demand any fixed amount of sleep hours. I think we should strive for quality of sleep. Try to improve factors such as diet, exercise, bedroom environment etc. that improve sleep efficiency, and avoid things that result in poor sleep quality such as excessive caffiene or alcohol, stress, etc.

There are some good sleep tips here at
The Better Sleep Council

What is your secret for a good nights sleep?

Tags:
Sleep Health Sleep Council

Clothing For a Digital World

There's a quiet revolution happening in the world of Clothing Technology, and when these innovations become mainstream there'll be another cultural shift that's again rooted in digital invention. This in conjunction with new fabrics and manufacturing techniques will allow for highly personalized and functional clothing for various occupations, sports, and other day to day activities.

Fabrics are being developed that are more indestructible, impenetrable, temperature, uv, and radiation resistant, and digital capable. Smart Shirts have already been created that can monitor body temperate, heart and repiratory rates, or immediately identify the location of a bullet wound - soldiers, patients, and athletes would be the obvious beneficiaries of such technology. Invisibility or cloaking suits have already been invented with varying degrees of success as illustrated by the work of Berkeley Scientists.

A shirt with embedded voice activation, GPS, mapping and communications technologies could provide wearers with queried or directed information about their environment similar to present day smart phone apps.

Fashion ideas will likely reflect this digital shift in clothing function, and perhaps many of us will one day wear a Tron Legacy type outfit that reflects function and fashion, and looks good on a light cycle...

Tags:
Clothing Technology Smart Shirt Fabrics Culture Tron Legacy

Tazmanian Devil Syndrome

Do you know anyone with TDS (Tazmanian Devil Syndrome)?

This disorder is characterized by:

Voracious appetites for food, power, sex and money

Prone to manic outbursts and hyperactivity

Poor impulse control

Strange cravings for rabbit meat

Extreme body gyrations and gesticulations when aggravated

Frequent, loud, unintelligible vocalizations

Ability to destroy a hotel room in seconds

Many Rock Stars, talk show hosts, and politicians have suffered from this affliction. A transient form of this condition can often be seen in male teenagers. Contact your local TDS society or support group for more information, and please give generously by sending donations to the TDS National Foundation.

Tags:
Tazmanian Devil, Humor, Satire, Looney Tunes, Pop Psychology

Seasons Under The Sun is not affiliated with nor endorsed by Warner Bros. Inc. Looney Tunes, Merrie Melodies characters and all related slogans and indicia are trademarks of Warner Bros., Inc. The materials provided herein are intended solely for the personal use and enjoyment of the general public. The use of such material falls under Fair use provisions.

Tuscan Villa

Image: Heather Keenan
Good people, good wine, and good food. Beautiful language and landscapes. Why haven't I gone to Tuscany yet? Sometimes we sacrifice our dreams in the name of being pragmatic.
Tags:Italy Tuscany dreams travel

Binary Talk

11110001 01001111 10101000 01010101 11010000 11110000 11101000 11111010 10101011 11110001 01101110 11010101 00010101 10101000 01111010 10101110 10010100 10101010 10110011 10111110 11110101 01010010 10101010 00010101 01011111 01110111 10110100 01010101 01111001 01011101 01010111 10010010 10101010 11101010 10101010 10101110 10101011 10000101 01000111 10111101 11101101 11010100 00101010 10111011 10101010 10101010 11100101 00001010 10010010 11111001 01010101 01001000 01111101 01000001 01010110
Tags:
Binary, Bits

Holiday Hangover Remedies

Here is the Holiday Hangover therapy list back by popular demand for the 2009 season, and hopefully in time for New Year's Eve.

It doesn't take much alcohol to make me goofy. That admission can elicit snickers from those who have more macho tendencies. James Bond can drink martinis ad nauseam, and vanquish the villain nary slurring a word. After a few drinks, I'm more likely to make an embarrassing comment. This probably explains why I only have occasional social drinking bouts these days.

There's probably no such thing as a hangover "cure", but there are some methods to help you fight the toxic effects created by a bout of drinking.

Disclaimer:

There's sporadic scientific evidence for the remedies suggested here, but please consult any appropriate health experts before adhering to these methods. I will stake claim to a suggestion listed here. If you have a hangover, then do some mild exercise after hydrating yourself. For me this works as well as anything, but I haven't seen it mentioned elsewhere.

In the spirit of the season here is a list of hangover remedies for your holiday party survival:

1. Drink lots of water before and after sleep (unless you are on medically prescribed fluid restriction). Sports drinks (not energy drinks) may
   be a good alternative as well since they contain sugars, and
   needed electrolytes.
   
2. Take a shower or bath after a drinking bout.
   
3. Ingest sweet foods that contain fructose (helps the body metabolize alcohol).
   
   
4. Do some mild exercise, or take a brisk walk (stimulates the
   circulation etc).
   
5. Vitamin B complex tablet (within recommended daily dose).
   
6. Cysteine (within recommended dose) as it counteracts
   acetaldehyde - a by-product of alcohol metabolism.
7. Vitamin C for its antioxidant effects.
   
   
8. Be wary of headache pills as some (tylenol/acetaminophen) can
   increase the risk of liver damage in conjunction with alcohol,
   and some (ibuprofen, aspirin) can cause gastric irritation.
   
9. PRAY.

If you can enjoy the holidays without drinking - Congratulations! It's questionable whether anyone should drive with a hangover, but don't drink and drive!

Tags:
Hangover, Health, Christmas, Alcohol, Humor, New Year's Eve