W. T. Shehan IV's Blog

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Happy Constitution Day!

Did you know that today is Constitution Day? Well, it is! In honor of Constitution Day, I invite you all to spend a little time this week, bettering yourselves and through your own betterment, bettering your children and future generations, and ultimately, our nation. Please take a moment to read the Constitution on this day that we celebrate it.

http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html

If you want to get EXCITED about studying the Constitution, I highly recommend watching Michael Badnarik's Constitution class. You can watch an early version of it online. His passion is contagious, and he'll get you started on wanting to learn more about this country's founding. (it's 7 hours long, watch it in small snips- if you CAN! It's really good! You may want BIG snips!) (Not a political or religious endorsement, just good information)

http://www.archive.org/details/Michael_Badnarik

As Americans, we have a duty to know and understand the Constitution.

As parents, we have an opportunity to change the world in one generation, as the hand that rocks the cradle rocks the world. Let's raise a new generation of freedom-loving patriots, a generation like that which produced the founding fathers.

For learning resources please visit The Government Archives

HAPPY CONSTITUTION DAY!

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Today September 3rd 2007 is Labor Day. This holiday was first celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882. The holiday was the idea of Peter J. McGuire of the Central Labor Union in New York City, who organized a parade and picnic featuring speeches by union leaders. It was intended to celebrate labor unions and their call for the eight-hour workday, and to give some recognition to the achievements of the American worker.

President Grover Cleveland signed into law the observance of Labor Day on 28 June 1894. Many of the labor laws those early activists fought for were finally passed in the 1930s, including the eight-hour workday and the 40-hour workweek. In the early twenty-first century, Labor Day parades, rallies, festivals, and speeches were still organized by labor unions across the country and often supported by political leaders.

With the advent of the labor laws sociologists predicted that in the coming decades Americans would work steadily fewer and fewer hours. But in fact, the opposite has happened. Today, according to a study released by the National Science Foundation, more than 25 million Americans work more than 49 hours each week. And 11 million spend 60 hours or more at work each week. Americans also take fewer vacation days than employees in any other industrialized nation, making Americans the hardest-working (or most overworked) industrialized nation on the planet.

Even though Labor Day started as a labor union celebration of the American worker most Americans tended to regard the day merely as the finale of a long summer of fun in which hot dogs, barbecues, and picnics reign.

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Before I discuss my excellent news I would like to tell a story that a friend of mine related to me from his time as a manager at Toys R Us.

As I stocked the shelves with the latest 'must have' toy I was approached by an elderly couple. "Excuse me, young man. Can you help us?" Yes ma'am I would be happy to I responded, glad to have a break. How may I help you? "Well we are looking for a present for our granddaughter." Ok. And how old is she? "She is four, but she is advanced for her age."

My friend told me that it did not matter the age of the child, if it was the parents or grandparents that were in the store, invariably "their" child was "advanced for their age" Now if you know anything about statistics you know that not everyone can be "above" average, unless of course they are from Lake Wobegon.

Since I was told this story I test it out all the time and it is funny to hear parents say how above average their child is.... That said I would like to mention my own child who is above average :)

Our daughter Mia started reading at the young age of three and we took her to a doctor to see if something was wrong. They tested her and put her through a battery of tests and came back with a diagnosis that she was gifted and had an I.Q. of 155+ (Average is 100). We worked with her and when it came time for her to go to school we found a gifted school in district five here in Chicago. Mia went to Lenart until her fifth year. At that time Arnie Duncan of the Chicago Public School System made the decision to move the only gifted center in our district somewhere else and Mia would have to be on the bus for two hours a day.

We moved her to our local school that year. While there she won the science fair, speech competition, second place in young authors competition, played piano, violin and guitar and was on the chess team and the swim team. She was also a grade ahead in most subjects, but alas the school was not challenging her enough. As a family we sat down and talked about what to do.

We decided to homeschool Mia! It was a difficult decision for all of us. I am retired and had to coordinate her schooling. We spent the last two years working with her and in May we had her take the practice SAT and she scored over 1300 on it. Since my wife and I both teach at the collegiate level we started thinking about how could Mia get into college early?

We looked in the area and decided to try at the College of Dupage, a highly respected two year college in the nation, and Mia nailed the entrance exam and was admitted into the school in the honors program. She is only taking one class at a time so as not to overwhelm her, but we are so proud that she is using the talents and skills that she has and is a happy and well rounded teenager.

Thank you for allowing me this moment to brag about my above average daughter.

Keep Teaching,

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Yesterday I received the book Master of Verona by David Blixt, and from the opening line, "Ciolo's nerves jangled like spurs as he looked about." to the moment I was abrubtly awoken by the book hitting me in the face, (it kept me up way past my bed time), I was enthralled. The prologue grabs you and pulls you into the story, the pace ebbs and flows like the tide causing the reader to sucked into the novel.

I suggest that you read Afterword first and study the detailed map to better acclimate you to the era and mind set of the characters. I also suggest that if you are a little rusty on Romeo and Juliet, Dante's Inferno that you at least look at the Cliff Notes to refresh your memory. I say this because not only is this a labor of love by Mr Blixt, but it is a history lesson about the once great city of Verona.

Once again I highly recommend this book and suggest that you purchase it today. Visit Master of Verona right now.

Keep Reading,

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Recently I came across this new author and have had the pleasure of getting to know him. His first novel "The Master of Verona" is on its way to me and I will be reviewing it here shortly. But in discussing the book with him and reading his blog "The Master of Verona" I must say that I am both intrigued and excited. If you read the articles I write you know that I love literature, and any book that ties together history, the renaissance and literature is a must read for me. Stay tuned for more information.

Mr Blixt has graciously agreed to an interview and that will be coming as soon as I read the novel, but in the mean time take a moment to visit the book's website and then support the arts and order the book.

Keep Thinking,

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

A Cautionary Tale - The Dangers of Thinking

It started out innocently enough. I began to think at parties now and then -- just to loosen up. Inevitably, though, one thought led to another, and soon I was more than just a social thinker. I began to think alone -- "to relax," I told myself --but I knew it wasn't true. Thinking became more and more important to me, and finally, I was thinking all the time. That was when things began to sour at home.

One evening I turned off the TV and asked my wife about the meaning of life. She spent that night at her mother's. I began to think on the job. I knew that thinking and employment don't mix, but I couldn't help myself. I began to avoid friends at lunchtime so I could read Thoreau, Muir, Confucius and Kafka. I would return to the office dizzied and confused, asking,

"What is it exactly we are doing here?"

One day the boss called me in. He said, "Listen, I like you, and it hurts me to say this, but your thinking has become a real problem. If you don't stop thinking on the job, you'll have to find another job."

This gave me a lot to think about. I came home early after my conversation with t he boss. "Honey," I confess, "I've been thinking..." "I know you've been thinking," she said, "and I want a divorce!" "But Honey, surely it's not that serious." "It is serious," she said, lower lip a quiver. "You think as much as college professors and college professors don't make any money, so if you keep on thinking, we won't have any money!"

"That's a faulty syllogism," I said impatiently.

She exploded in tears of rage and frustration, but I was in no mood to deal with the emotional drama. "I'm going to the library," I snarled as I stomped out the door. I headed for the library, in the mood for some Nietzsche. I roared into the parking lot with NPR on the radio and ran up to the big glass doors. They didn't open. The library was closed.To this day, I believe that a Higher Power was looking out for me that night. Leaning on the unfeeling glass, whimpering for Zarathustra, a poster caught my eye,

"Friend, is heavy thinking ruining your life?" it asked.

You probably recognize that line. It comes from the standard Thinkers Anonymous poster.

This is why I am what I am today: a recovering thinker. I never miss a TA meeting. At each meeting we watch a non-educational video; last week it was "Porky's." Then we share experiences about how we avoided thinking since the last meeting. I still have my job, and things are a lot better at home. Life just seemed...easier, somehow, as soon as I stopped thinking. I think the road to recovery is nearly complete for me.

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

My three year old is worse than any drill seargant that I ever had!

While I admit that my time as an Infantry solider was difficult, dangerous and tasking raising a three year-old is much more stressful. It may be that I am now almost forty and do not have the stamina I once had that makes raising a child seem more difficult, but let me explain what I mean.

Drill Seargant

Child

Wakes you up at 0500

Randomly wakes you

Makes sure you eat

Makes sure that they eat

Makes sure you get paid

Asks you to buy things for them

Screams at you to get things done

Sceams at you and then tries crying if that doesn't work

Early morning runs

Early morning RUNS!

Drives a car while you walk

Drives you insane while you drive

You eventually graduate and get a higher pay rate

They eventually graduate, which costs you more money while the go to college

Helps you push yourself

Pushes you over the edge.

I hope that you all know this is tounge-in-cheek. I love my girls very much but...

If you have children I wish you good luck

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Yesterday driving on the 290 here in Chicago I saw one of the most horrible events I have ever seen. I have seen guys with their legs crushed by Armored Personnel Carriers, dead people and I have even seen pictures of my own body mangled after the accident that forced me to retire from the Army, but yesterday what I saw in my rear view mirror was a reminder of just how fleeting and fragile life can be.

Here in Chicago, it is trying to become spring; Birds singing, Rabbits running around the neighborhood, and flowers blooming. Lots of animals with their offspring...

Driving down the 290 at 60 mph I saw a mother duck and five to eight babies walking directly into the four lanes of traffic. I was three lanes over and was nowhere near them. The car that came next in that lane barely missed them. As I watched I saw the mother duck frantically trying to cover her babies up with her body...

But the semi that was behind the car did not see them and...

When I got home I grabbed my girls and my wife, took them out to dinner, spent the night playing, laughing and talking with my family. Life is too short and precious to forget the ones near and dear to you so take time and get out of the fast lane and make sure to help guide your ducks to safety.

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Six Sigma Certification is a funny concept. Everyone wants to be certified, but nobody really understands what it means in the industry and how it might enhance your resume outside your current company. Six Sigma Certification is a confirmation of an individual's capabilities with respect to specific competencies. Just like any other quality certification, Six Sigma Certification does not indicate that an individual is capable of unlimited process improvement, just that s/he has completed the necessary requirements from the company granting the certification.

For instance, millions of people have applied for, tested and been granted a driver's license in the United States. It certifies that a person has passed the minimum guidelines and requirements for driving. The individual must pass both a written and hands-on driving test in order to 'certify'. Not all individuals in the United States, however, have the same proficiency in driving - even though they may have passed the tests and been granted a driver's license. The same is true for Six Sigma Certification. Six Sigma Certification alone does not summarize the worth of a true quality professional.

Six Sigma certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills and dedication to achieving a high level of competency in Six Sigma process. The Six Sigma Certification standards require an individual to pass rigorous training and testing hurdles to gain a Six Sigma Certification.

What Is Involved In Six Sigma Certification?

As with attaining a driver's license in the United States, Six Sigma certification entails learning the appropriate subject matter, passing a written proficiency test, and displaying competency in a hands-on environment. The materials can be purchased from almost any Six Sigma training and consulting company, but almost always comes bundled with classroom training. Usually you or your company will purchase a training session, which has different bodies of knowledge and durations for each Six Sigma Certification level (green belt, black belt, master black belt, sponsor, etc.).

The written proficiency test may be given by the training company or the business hiring the training company.

Typically, companies new to Six Sigma will defer to the training company's proficiency test. Companies that have been performing in-house training for years (such as Motorola or GE) have created and administer their own written proficiency tests.

After a quality professional has completed training, s/he must complete one or two quality projects and display competency in applying the concepts learned in the classroom training. This is where Six Sigma Certification companies diverge, as this part of the certification is the most fuzzy and undefined.

Some organizations require a certification candidate to complete one project if a green belt or sponsor, and two projects if a black belt or master black belt; others require less or more. In addition, there is no standard for what passes and what fails to display an individual's competency.

So what is Six Sigma you may be wondering? Check back later this week for the answer.

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Since this section is about "Great Thinkers," I had to refrain from writing an article about Newt Gingrich. While I think that Gingrich has done some excellent thinking in his past, his comments last week were not some of his greatest thoughts. While it does not qualify for great thinking it makes great fodder for a blog!

In a speech to the National Federation of Republican Women, Gingrich made statements implying that anyone who speaks Spanish "liv(es) in a ghetto" and that only those who speak English will be prosperous in America. He continued saying that, "The government should quit mandating that various documents be printed in any one of 700 languages depending on who randomly shows up" to vote.

For someone who plans to announce in September whether or not he intends to run for the Oval office, he does not seem to care if he gets a single Latino vote.

What Gingrich ignores is that the global community is leaving America behind. According to a survey of 29,328 people across the 25-nation EU, over 50 percent are bilingual! Here In the United States, by contrast, 9 percent of Americans can speak English and a second language fluently. Where does this leave us in a competing global economy? In my opinion, it leaves the United States at a disadvantage and perpetuates the view of the "Ugly American" to the rest of the World.

There are other reasons to employ bilingual individuals. For example, if Gingrich had had someone on staff that was bilingual when he was Speaker of the House in 1998, he would not have sent out, at government expense, a proclamation in Spanish saluting Mexico’s Cinco de Mayo holiday with the following embarrassing (yet seemingly true) translation mistake. The title below his signature was "El Hablador de la Casa." This literally means: “The Loudmouth of the House”. Seems he is still living up to that title.

Keep Thinking and learn a second language,

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Take a moment and read the declaration. If you agree with it I suggest that you Sign the Brussels Declaration .

We, the people of Europe, hereby affirm our common values. They are based not on a single culture or tradition but are founded in all of the cultures that make up modern Europe.

• We affirm the worth, dignity and autonomy of every individual, and the right of everyone to the greatest possible freedom compatible with the rights of others. We support democracy and human rights and aim at the fullest possible development of every human being.
• We recognise our duty of care to all of humanity including future generations, and our dependence on and responsibility for the natural world.
• We affirm the equality of men and women. All persons regardless of race, origin, religion or belief, language, gender, sexual orientation or ability must have equal treatment before the law.
• We affirm the right of everyone to adopt and follow a religion or belief of their choosing. But the beliefs of any group may not be used to limit the rights of others.
• We hold that the state must remain neutral in matters of religion and belief, favouring none and discriminating against none.
• We hold that personal liberty must be combined with social responsibility. We seek to create a fair society based on reason and compassion, in which every citizen is enabled to play their full part.
• We uphold both tolerance and freedom of expression
• We affirm the right of everyone to open and comprehensive education.
• We reject intimidation, violence and incitement to violence in the furtherance of disputes, and hold that conflicts must be resolved through negotiation and by legal means.
• We uphold freedom of inquiry in every sphere of human life, and the application of science in the service of human welfare. We seek to use science creatively, not destructively.
• We uphold artistic freedom, value creativity and imagination, and recognise the transforming power of art. We affirm the importance of literature, music, and the visual and performing arts for personal development and fulfilment.

Made this 25th day of March 2007, being the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome and the foundation of the European Union.

The Declaration was formally launched in Brussels on 27th February, ahead of the 50th Anniversary celebrations of the signing of the Treaty of Rome on March 25th.

No formal signature is necessary; simply use the Sign the Brussels Declaration links on this web site and complete the simple form provided.

Copyright © 2007 Committee for A Vision for Europe

Permission to reprint falls within the right as discussed in Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 2.5 License.!--

--

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

For those of you who have looked at my earlier articles you may notice that I was argumentative, angry, demeaning, and prone to verbal fencing. Also if you have read my more recent writing you will see that I am more at peace and happy.

Why this change? Well I recently retired from full-time work and had time for introspection. I looked at why I was so angry and wanting to show everyone that I thought was wrong or misled the error of their ways. This caused me much stress and anxiety every time I opened my email or logged on.

When I was forced to take a break (due to injuries) I remembered why I joined the Army. I joined because I was willing to die for freedom and this great Country. I believe in your right to believe in whatever religion/god that you choose. I believe in your right to speak your mind. I believe in your right to disagree with me. I believe in your freedom to make up your own mind.

My early retirement was due to injuries I received while in the Army, fighting for the aforementioned beliefs. The constant pain I have is there to remind me of what I believe and why. I am at peace now because I know that regardless of how I feel personally about your beliefs. I know that I did my part to allow you to have the right to hold whatever beliefs that you choose. I would be a hypocrite to try and change your beliefs and even more so to look down at you. I am at peace because I know that if asked I would die to uphold your belief system and therefore trust that you would also respect my beliefs.

So you can expect to see more articles attempting to show various thinkers, writers, teachers and scientists. Hopefully you will read them, as they were written, and realize just how amazing it is to be human and be at peace too.

Keep Thinking,

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

While there is much ado made about other "History Months" it seems little mentioned about March being the Women's History Month. I find this odd given that women were the last to be able to vote, are almost fifty percent of our population (Census.Gov) , every person ever born should thank a women, and women make 83% of the financial purchases. (Tom Peters, Reimagine).

So in tribute to women every where I put forth this list of women that are not as well known and the section of the Library you can find their contributions in. (This list is not all Inclusive)

1. Ida B. Wells-Barnett, newspaper reporter, 1862-1931 C.E.000-099: General Works
2. Simone de Beauvoir, existentialist/feminist, 1908-1982 C.E.100-199: Psychology and Philosophy
3. Fatima Zahra, daughter of the prophet Muhammed, 606(?)-632(?) C.E.200-299: Religion
4. Etta Barstow, teacher (stoned to death by four students), birth year unknown, died 1870 C.E.300-399: Social Science
5. Ella Deloria, linguist of the Sioux language, 1889-1971 C.E.400-499: Language
6. En Hedu’anna, first female name recorded in technical history, astronomer, lived around 2354 B.C.E. (birth and death unknown)500-599: Natural Science
7. Hypatia of Alexandria, first recorded woman mathematician, murdered by a religious mob. 370(?)-415 C.E.600-699: Applied Science
8. Amy Beach, first successful American female composer, 1867-1944700-799: Arts and Recreation
9. George Eliot aka Mary Ann Evans, English author, 1819-1880800-899: Literature
10. Nellie T. Ross, first female governor in the United States, 1876-1977900-999: History and Geography

Keep Thinking and Visit Your Local Library

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Today, March 23rd in 1989, a mountain-sized asteroid passed within 500,000 miles of Earth. According to NASA, this was a very close call. It would have hit with the strength of 40,000 hydrogen bombs, created a crater the size of the District of Columbia, and destroyed everything within 100 miles in all directions.

So in all your worries about your daily life remember to; live each day as the fullest, be nice to each other, be honest, and love humanity, for things out of your control could make this day on Earth your last.

For more from NASA on Near Earth Objects Click the link.

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

It's the birthday of science fiction writer L. Ron Hubbard, born Lafayette Ronald Hubbard, in Tilden, Nebraska, (1911). He started out as a writer for pulp magazines, writing science fiction, fantasy, and Westerns. Then, in 1950, Hubbard published a book called Dianetics: The Modern Science of Mental Health, describing his theory that all psychological problems are caused by painful memories, and that people just needed to go through a therapeutic process called auditing, which would rid them of their negative associations. The process involved a person recounting painful memories while having a device called an "e-meter" applied to the skin. Hubbard claimed that this process could eliminate emotional problems, cure disease, and increase intelligence.

Despite the fact that many psychiatrists and medical professionals spoke out against the book as pseudo-science, it became a best-seller. Hubbard went on to found the Church of Scientology. His own son said this about his fathers Church Scientology, he said, was little more than a cult that existed to make money"

If you would like to read more fiction by L. Ron Hubbard my I suggest some of the below books.

1. Buckskin Brigades (1937)
2. Final Blackout (1940)
3. Fear (1951)
4. Typewriter in the Sky (1951)
5. Ole Doc Methuselah (1953)
6. Battlefield Earth (1982)
7. Mission Earth (1985-87), 10 vols.

Keep Thinking (For Yourself)

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Horray, Horray today is the Day! March 2nd is the birthday of the children's book author Dr. Seuss, born Theodor Geisel, in Springfield, Massachusetts (1904). Seuss made a living selling cartoons to magazines, and he also drew cartoons for advertisements. His propaganda work against Hitler is published in the book "Dr. Seuss Goes to War: The World War II Editorial Cartoons of Theodor Seuss Geisel " and is a must read for any Dr. Seuss fan.

The good Dr. published his first book for children, "And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street", in 1937. His next few children's books were moderately successful. Then, in 1955, an educational specialist asked him if he would write a book to help children learn how to read. Seuss was given a list of 300 words that most first-graders would know, and he used those words to write "The Cat in the Hat (1957).

For a complete list of Dr. Seuss books see below.

1. And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street New York: Beginner Books, Vanguard Press, Random House, 1937 1983 B-Extra 1

2. The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins New York: Beginner Books, Vanguard Press, Random House, 1938 1984 B-Extra 2

3. The King's Stilts New York: Random House, 1939

4. The Seven Lady Godivas New York: Random House, 1939

5. Horton Hatches the Egg New York: Random House, 1940

6. McElligot's Pool New York: Random House, 1947. Caldecott Honor Book

7. Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose New York: Random House, 1948

8. Bartholomew and the Oobleck New York: Random House, 1949. Caldecott Honor Book

9. If I Ran the Zoo New York: Random House, 1950. Caldecott Honor Book

10. Scrambled Eggs Super! New York: Random House, 1953

11. Horton Hears a Who! New York: Random House, 1954

12. On Beyond Zebra! New York: Random House, 1955

13. If I Ran the Circus New York: Random House, 1956

14. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! New York: Random House, 1957

15. The Cat in the Hat New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1957 1985 B-1

16. The Cat in the Hat Comes Back New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1958 1986 B-2

17. Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories New York: Random House, 1958

18. Happy Birthday to You! New York: Random House, 1959

19. One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1960 1988 B-13

20. Green Eggs and Ham New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1960 1988 B-16

21. The Sneetches and Other Stories New York: Random House, 1961

22. Dr. Seuss's Sleep Book New York: Random House, 1962

23. Dr. Seuss's ABC New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1963 1991 B-30

24. Hop on Pop New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1963 1991 B-29

25. Fox in Socks New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1965 1993 B-38

26. I Had Trouble in Getting to Solla Sollew New York: Random House, 1965

27. The Cat in the Hat Song Book New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1967 1994 B-Extra 3

28. The Foot Book New York: Bright & Early Books, Random House, 1968 1996 BE-1

29. I Can Lick 30 Tigers Today! and Other Stories New York: Random House, 1969

30. My Book about ME New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1970 - Roy McKie 1995 B-Extra 4

31. I Can Draw It Myself New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1970 1996 B-Extra 5

32. Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?: Dr. Seuss's Book of Wonderful Noises! New York: Bright & Early Books, Random House, 1970 1996 BE-7

33. The Lorax New York: Random House, 1971. National Council for the Social Studies Notable Children's Trade Book / Social Studies

34. Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now! New York: Bright & Early Books, Random House, 1972 1997 BE-13

35. Did I Ever Tell You How Lucky You Are? New York: Random House 1973

36. The Shape of Me and Other Stuff New York: Bright & Early Books, Random House, 1973 1997 BE-16

37. There's a Wocket in My Pocket! New York: Bright & Early Books, Random House, 1974 1997 BE-18

38. Great Day for Up! New York: Bright & Early Books, Random House, 1974 - (Pictures by Quentin Blake) 1998 BE-19

39. Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1975. (Story and Pictures by Dr. Seuss) 1996 B-62

40. The Cat's Quizzer New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1976 1993 B-75

41. I Can Read with My Eyes Shut! New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1978 1996 B-64

42. Oh Say Can You Say? New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1979 1996 B-65

43. Hunches in Bunches New York: Beginner Books, Random House, 1982 1996 B-Extra 6

44. The Butter Battle Book New York: Random House, 1984

45. You're Only Old Once! : A Book for Obsolete Children New York: Random House, 1986.

46. I Am NOT Going to Get Up Today! New York: Random House, 1987 - (illustrated by James Stevenson) 1996 B-74

47. Oh, the Places You'll Go! New York: Random House, 1990

48. Daisy - Head Mayzie New York: Beginner Books, Random Housen 1995 1997 B-Extra 7

49. Hooray for Diffendoofer Day! New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1998. By Dr. Seuss with some help from Jack Prelutsky & Lane Smith (posthumous)

50. My Many Colored Days New York : Alfred A. Knopf: Distributed by Random House, 1996. by Dr. Seuss, paintings by Steve Johnson with Lou Fancher (posthumous)

51. Gerald McBoing-Boing New York: Random House, 2000 (posthumous)

Source http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Seuss#List_of_books

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Eric Zorn of the Chicago Tribune has posed the question, "Do you (still) Sudoku?" Take a moment and visit the site and take the poll. But do not forget to visit my previous article on Sudoku first. Sudoku: A tool to improve logic.

Keep Thinking,

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

Over the past few weeks I have been slumming. I lurked around another site on the internet. you may have heard of it SomeSpace ;) . I met quite a few interesting people and some were quite nice but then some were...

I have a thirteen year old daughter and thought I might check out this OtherSpace and make sure that she could visit it. I was amazed at the near immediate barrage of people who wanted to be my 'supposed' friend, but then they generally had something to sell or were asking for a donation. Those who did not seemed only interested in espouting filth, looking for lllooovvveee and talking trash.

There was one person who ranted about a past relationship. The blogger kept whining about how horrible that person was and things that person did. It seems to me that if someone is still writing about a person, that person as Shakespeare would say is "protesting too much" and should just move on.

Other people created such pedantic diatribes about how smart and interesting they are and how stupid and boring everyone else is. Another individual wrote that intellectuals only sit around and talk about how great they are accomplishing nothing of value. Then the blogger went on to talk about how great a fighter and how accomplished she was.

The last blogger I want to mention copied positngs that minors had written and then pasted them on his webspace, making fun of the grammatical errors, their stupidity and goading them into commenting back to him. I shudder to think what the motivation was for this.

Well after spending some time reading blogs, looking at profiles and pictures of people (in poses you do not really want to see). I decided to talk to my daughter and tell her what I had found. She still wants to have a virtual presence but is looking for a more child-friendly venue. I must admit that after my foray into the DarksideSpace I am happy to be a citizen of Suite101 and the real world.

Remember! You are the company you keep so pick your friends carefully.

PhiloProf.

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

The word Bushido is written with three characters,

1. bu - Military

2. shi - Man

3. do - Way

Hence Bushido, the way of the warrior. This is also known as the Samurai code of chivalry. This term describes the principles of honor and loyalty followed by the bushi, members of the military class that ruled feudal Japan. Miyamoto Musashi was a member of this class.

The Bushido was a mixture of three sources. From Zen it borrowed the stoic endurance and scorn of suffering and death, Shinto supplied the worship of Country, and from Confucianism contributed the social ethic of the five relationships - primarily the lord/retainer relationship (the retainer owes uncompromising loyalty to his lord). The latter contribution held the Samurai to sacrificing his life for his lord at a moments notice, "like a cherry tree sheds its blossoms."

As a professional warrior, the samurai trained in the use of many weapons but the sword was the weapon of choice. In fact it was the badge of his class. It took years and years of to master this weapon. Bushido emphasized constant physical training to learn and improve techniques of swordsmanship and to gain the austere Zen-like discipline that developed the self-control, confidence, and character needed to face an opponent in battle to the death without flinching.

Bushido is also a philosohpy of patience. In combat the samurai stood face to face within striking distance of each other and patiently waited for the opponent to make the first strike. Generally the weaker man, no longer able to withstand the strain of waiting, would eventually strike the first blow. But the instant he started to move, the other man would move, not to defend, but to strike him down. This kind of confrontation, that rewarded impatience with an instant death, required awesome patience and powers of concentration.

Over time the samurai class system faded away but the code of ethics with it stress on patience, frugality and self-improvement became an integral part of the social ethos of Japan.

Keep Thinking,

PhiloProf

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

For Miyamoto Musashi, Heiho literally meant the path to enlightenment. It is not enlightenment itself! For some enlightenment, fulfillment or success in accomplishing your objectives may be the goal, Heiho is merely the way to get there.

So another way to look at it is that the way you do something, how you do it, rather than what you are actually doing it. If you are a fan of "Star Wars" you may remember Yoda saying something like "Do or Do Not, there is no inbetween."

Basically Heiho is about style and panache in the way that you approach something. It does not matter how well or poorly you do only that you attempted.

Posted by W. T. Shehan IV

A while back I talked about Chavez and his statements about President Bush. While I applaud his candor and open speech, which is still allowed in our country, I must say that I feel that he has crossed the line with his statement, "Go to hell, gringos!" He stated this deragatory, rascist slur after our government questioned his plan to seek special powers to legislate by decree. Another way of saying Dictator.

Bothersome as well is his sexist comment to Condeleeza Rice of "Hi Condoleezza, how are you? You've forgotten about me, my little girl?" This is another example of how his thinking is predjudiced, small-minded and, ethnocentric. He will do nothing except hurt his country in the long run.

When I first read about Chavez and the changes he wanted to implement, I thought that he might be a breath of fresh air in the "world" political arena. His comments and actions have only shown me that he wants to segregrate his country from the rest of the world, thereby hurting the citizens of Venezuela even more.

What a disappointment his comments were to me. I really thought that he would move his country into the Global Community.