Monday, February 27, 2006

Evolution by Religion

After a rather complicated and difficult day today, I decided that it is time for a post, that may stir some controversary and stimulate thinking.

Today, I have been thinking about evolution. One of the principles upon which evolution relies, and the requirements for it to occur, are either geographical or physical isolation. Through out history, some religions have encouraged physical isolation by their emphasis on exclusivity. This is not such a terrible thing, as some groups, to foster development needed to isolate and remain by themselves to perpetuate themselves and for purposes of growth and survival.

As a Jew, my religion is old, rich and complex. Some people claim that its roots can be traced back to four women. Throughout history, we have insisted, to some extent on exclusivity, for a variety of reasons, one being self-preservation. But by being so exclusive, I wonder if we, as Jews, have started defining ourselves as a race rather than a religion?

Here is what I mean. There are certain genetic markers that distinguish us as a group from others. Moreover, there is a particular type of DNA test that can be conducted to determine if an individual is a member of the High priests, or Kohaniam Tribe. There are also certain physical illnesses that are predominately exclusive to Jews in general, such as Tay Saks. Yesterday, I read a study that claimed that their may be a particular genetic marker in Azhkenazi Jews for the mental illness, schizophrenia.

This is an area of particular interest to me for several reasons. One has to do with the fact that there are only about 14 million Jews world-wide left on the face of this earth. What, if anything does this do to the future population of our people, given the large rate of inter-marriage and assimulation? Secondly, Jews, unlike Mormans or Jehovah Witnesses, do not solicit converts. In fact, in the Book of Ruth, there are particular laws that relate to what needs to be done for an individual to convert to Judaism. I am not suggesting that we go door-to-door, but might it be necessary to have our own people go on mission work? For example, Chabad, a wonderful outreach program, extends their services and resources to Jews only. Would it not be beneficial, and perhaps even necessary, to have some of this outreach extend towards soliciting converts as well? If not, why not, and what, if any chance is there 500 years from now for our own people to survive?

Is it truly the case that some religions have become defined as a race because of evolution? Would the solicitation of converts make a religion less likely to turn into a race?

As you can see, I spend my free time spinning my intellectual wheels in many different directions.

On a side note, my beloved cousin, Amy, who lives in Miami and has pancreatic cancer is back in the hospital. I am sending you many prayers each and every day, twice a day, and you are inside of my heart.

For those of you who missed the post with the picture of my beloved Astro, it is down below.

Thank you for your minds.

Sunday, February 26, 2006

Anger, Resentment and Hate

EDITED:

These past few days, there has been quite a bit of bitterness and hate swirling around, like whirling dervishes on the blog of DatingMaster Jerusalem. There are many reasons why such emotions surface: some come from external forces, but most of these reactions are produced from the inside of an individual, in my humble opinion.

This man on his blog was quite amazed that her had more than 400 comments to one post. In fact, he was proud of such a number. When he began reading the comments, however, most of the people, many of whom I bet are quite young, were fighting with one another, and being quite offensive to him and to others. Are such words to be truly counted as comments? Are they appropriate?

One of the greatest books ever written is Franz Kafka's The Trial. This book can be interpreted in a variety of ways, either by looking at the injustices and/or inequities of the legal system, with the focus on the outside world, or from the psychological perspective of an individual who feels so persecuted and victimized by his own life that he sets himself up for self-destruction.

Why do people react with such strong emotions such as anger, hate and resentment? There is the burning issue from the Muslims in reaction to the Dutch caricatures, which have sprung to light recently, where those feel as if something sacred to them is being tarnished, and therefore they must speak up in a matter that causes destruction. Or even take the current situation in Iraq, where you have in groups killing one another, as a reaction to the political state of affairs in that country.

For me, most anger, hate and resentment can be analyzed by looking within oneself. Usually those who have this type of knee jerk reaction have low self-esteem, feel like victims, and have grown up in an environment where fighting and hateful words is used to interact with one another. Most individuals do not know any other way to respond other than by using the language of hate and anger. When reacting in such a way, however, the object of their steamy words is more often than not taken into consideration. This is just how some people sadly react.
It is not good to take it too personally, since many of these individuals do not know any other way.

But I have a suggestion: when wanting to be angry, hateful or demeaning to one another, just do nothing. Bite one's tongue, and until kind words can surface, let the steam percolate like coffee inside of a machine, and when it is finished, just turn it off. One of the truly great gifts to obtain in this live, is a quiet mind and a peaceful heart.

On a side note: YY, the blogger from Boro Park was so kind and used to discuss the Talmud which made me feel joyful. Lately, he seems to be too busy with other things. I love talking about the Talmud, so if anyone is interested in doing so, it would be much appreciated.

Thank you for your minds.

Are you A Cheater?: What Does This Really Mean?

Whenever we hear the word 'cheater,' one immediately jumps to the subject of infidelity. People who are not faithful to their spouses, mates, or significant others are branded by this often misleading label.

But are there other forms of cheating, which in some ways can be as destructive, or disturbing ? What about those of us who cheat ourselves out of happiness, intimacy, a rich life filled with joy, or daily satisfaction? Is this a form of cheating that on a personal level can surpass, if not be even more significant than the cheating that we often think of as causing the the most harm and damage to ourselves? If we look at life, and stay in a state of pain, without surfacing and making the most of every moment we have in the best of all possible ways, are we not cheating ourselves out of something as well? Do we also cheat ourselves when we are dishonest, in situations in which we continue to engage in the same types of destructive behaviors, and expect different results? Where do we draw the line, and set appropriate boundaries?

Are you a cheater? What can you do to make your life a more fulfilling one?

As a note, I have received so many emails and comments inquiring about myself. Thank you. I am fine. Going back to work, coupled with the grieving over my dog had taken its toll upon me, and I was cheating myself from joy, which is what inspired this post. I have decided, I will refuse to let Astro die. (at least for now.)

Thank you for your minds.

Saturday, February 25, 2006

A Special Note of Thanks

Since I know that this woman reads my blog, I want to send her a special thank you for the beautiful Purim basket she sent, which was received today. This lovely gift made me feel so special, like a true queen.

Let me tell you a little bit about this woman. We will call her Esther, in honor of Purim, and I met her since she has been reading my blog. She is truly a bright light, a unique soul, who has a heart of never-ending love and compassion. When my daughter was in the hospital, she wrote each and every day, often sending bright, cheerful e-cards, and making sure our family was doing well. Her kind words and good thoughts often made my day, and were the springs that got me through this difficult time. When I expressed an interest in the Talmud, a few weeks later, in time for Chanukah, she sent me a set of a particular Tractate that I found interesting.

Esther is a busy woman, and has a family of her own and works a job as well. Nevertheless, she shines radiantly, always speaking kind, caring words and sending beautiful e-cards and thoughts.
I neither have her address nor telephone number, just an email address. Today, in honor of you and your family, Esther, I sent a Purim basket to an Israeli soldier.

Thank you for your gift of friendship, which I truly cherish.

Monday, February 20, 2006

Chronicles of A Life Foretold

This blog has been a truly wonderful outlet to share the events that have shaped my life, ranging from politics, religion, controversial, sensuality, gratitude, joy, pain and suffering.

Lately, because of time constraints, and the overshadowing of many painful events that have taken place in my life during these past four months, my blog has taken on a more somber and painful tone than it used to have. Always being a positive person, this tendency to spiral downward inside of a dark hole has taken its toll upon me. That being said, it appears as if this type of forum may not be the best nor most healthy place for me to work out some of the personal issues that are shaping and plaguing life at the present, and causing me to suffer such pain personally.

That being said, I will not be posting nor commenting until some of these private issues can be resolved in their own way. Perhaps I have stopped being grateful, or lost contact with God, or become too negative, or have been unwilling to accept that life sometimes means learing to live with unresolved issues, which have resulted in the painful state of mind that has taken hold of me and allowed me to spiral-down in non-stop circles, being unable to stop.

Being a person who does not believe in 'nevers' nor 'absolutes,' I am not saying that this space is closing down, nor my words will not be shared here, ever again, but for the time being, as it exists in this moment, Women on the verge of thinking, will stop thinking and be silent until there is some resolution.

Thank you all so much for your thoughts, comments, words, and mostly, your minds.

Sunday, February 19, 2006

The Month of February

When we think about it, the month of February, although short in terms of the number of days, has many events, milestones, celebrations and remembrances in which it marks.

In February, we celebrate Valentine's Day. Jews observe T'Shu Bat. This month is also a time when the Grammy Awards are announced, along with the academy Awards, and it is the month in which every four years, we are privy to the Winter Olympics. Mardi Gras has also kicked into action in New Orleans, a city which is beginning to recover from the devastation of hurricane Katrina last year. On a private note, my friend Kris is expecting her first baby. February is also known as a celebration of Black History month, and we observe the birthdays of two great American Presidents, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln birthday is actually February 12th., but it a observed as a federal holiday today for some of us. (the courts are closed for one.) Many of you may not realize that President Lincoln suffered from a mental illness, severe depression, which was present on both sides of his family. For those of you who admire Lincoln, there is an excellent book, Lincoln melancholy: How Depression Challenged A President and Fueled His Greatness, Joshua Wolf Sheck, which demonstrates how this extraordinary man harnessed his depression to fuel his astonishing success. Happy Birthday to Abe Lincoln. (and he was a Republican too.)

As some of these great events are marked, for me, February will also be a month marred by the passing of my beloved Astro, which has left me heart broken. Nevertheless, this is a month to honor many great people and a time for celebration of those unique events that are associated with this month.

Do you have a particular favorite day or moment in February?

Thank you for your minds.

Friday, February 17, 2006

More About Astro

Letting go of Astro, making the decision to have him put to sleep and end his pain and suffering was not an easy one. In fact, since I knew it would one day have to be made by me, several years were spent examining what signs to look for and how to know when my beloved four legged canine child would let me know without words that he was ready to let go of me too. Once I saw this vacant look in his eyes, and his usual enthusiasms fade, it became apparent that the time to let him go was actually here in that present moment.

Although the decision to let him go was not made in haste, the idea of what life would be like without him was a complete unknown. Astro was my first dog, and he was truly treated like a third child. Most of my friends and people who know him say, he lived gloriously, like a King. There was even a joke (off colored perhaps) that Astro even ate better than many of the people I represented in court! His diet included, among many fine foods, goat cheese, steak, lox, donuts, chocolate, bear claws, and hand made potato kugal, and his favorite, challah bread. Until he could no longer walk, each and every day, he went outside with me, and he would push himself to stay along my side for 2-3 miles. Although most of my neighbors did not know my husband by name, everyone knew Astro, and often he was a means by which individuals, who were often shy or normally not too talkative, would stop us to say hello during our walks. Astro went to my children's soccer games and water polo matches. He accompanied us on a couple of vacations, and frolicked in the snow one winter in Mammoth.

When Astro was stricken with cancer in the year 2000, the vet did not think he would have long to life. There was a sarcoma inside of his mouth, and we chose to have a part of his mouth cut off, to be certain that the cancer was completely removed and less likely to spread. Even to the vet's amazement, Astro survived the cancer, and did not have another relapse, which he ultimately attributed to the never ending love that I relished upon Astro, my best of all possible friends.

Today, the housekeeper came and cried too when she walked inside of an empty house, one without Astro here. Astro's absence is clearly noticed in so many ways. His fur, which was long and light blonde no longer sticks to the carpet. When I am cooking, the space on the marble kitchen floor where he used to lay and wait is left unoccupied. When I come home from work, there is no one to greet me with a wagging tail and a face of true happiness. And of course, the tears still continue on a daily basis, as life without Astro, my friend, my baby and my constant companion is clearly not the same anymore.

Just a few words, a note, to let you know, my sweet boy, that I continue to think about you each and every moment of the day.

As you can see, losing Astro has been extremely difficult and painful, as if someone came in and took away my support, or a piece of my heart.

Thank you for your life, my dear Astro.

Thursday, February 16, 2006

For Astro

Just when I think that each day brings a little more distance from loosing you, there is someone or something that comes into my life to make me think more about you again. Time and space seem to bring you back towards, rather than away from me.

Today, when I finished with court, I drove to a bakery where I used to go in Claremont, one of your favorites. The owners had their own home baked dog biscuits that they would give to you each time they saw your smiling face. Meanwhile, you and your ever present sugar tooth, used to salivate as I was eating a bear claw, so it was inevitable that I would break off a piece and give it to you. Not being able to stop at the first bite, you would want more, until you practically ate the entire pastry by yourself. When I went into this bakery today, it was apparent that you were no longer there to share the bear claw with me. The owner, who used to smile when he saw your goofy grin, did not see you waiting outside for your usual treat.

I miss you so much, and your absence has left an opening inside of my heart that feels like a black hole. Writing about you helps me release some of these feelings, and maybe one of these days it will help take the pain away too.

Your were are are still loved deeply, Astro.

Thank you for lighting a fire inside my heart.

Wednesday, February 15, 2006

Cheney's Shooting of A Man and His Lack of Response

When I first heard about the incident involving Dick Cheney's shooting of a wealthy man from Texas while they were quail shooting, I questioned the quick inference that such an event was concluded as accidental without investigation. As time went on, we learned that 24 hours passed before Mr. Cheney publicly disclosed such a shooting, and the man, who went hunting with Dick, was hospitalized as a result.

Many late night comedians, including myself, made light and fun of this event, some having a field day with it, as it seemed to be another surreal moment in the chain of misfortunes that have plagued the Bush administration. In fact, shamefully, I must say, that thinking and writing about Cheny and "Quail-Gate" actually took my mind off of loosing my beloved Astro, and gave me a few moments of laughter, and quelched by own tears thorough-out the day.

But the more we look at this event, it is politically and personally no laughing matter. A man was shot, hospitalized, and suffered a mild heart attack. Cheney in turn, failed to report this shooting for 24 hours. Moreover, Mr. Cheney did not pay the $7 feel necessary to hunt quail on the property (a licensing requirement) and instead of being charged a crime, he received a warning.

The fact that Cheney has failed to appear publicly, issue any kind of statement or apology makes one wonder about the aloofness of this man and the entire Bush admininstration, and the fact that this is just another area where thoughts of grandiosity and conclusions that they are above the law loom large. Look at Katrina, how Cheney did not even stay anything for over a week, Iraq, and now the justification of the spy program. Can you imagine if a common citizen, or even any Democrat, reacted like this? The public and political outlashing would be tremendous. I can tell you, failure to pay for a fishing license, and fish, in California is a misdemeanor, and can result to up to six months in jail.

Why do we, as Americans, keep tolerating this kind of behavior from our government, and allowing it to continue day, by day?

Thank you for your minds.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

Your Secret Valentine: Send Him/Her a Secret Wish....

Valentine's Day has always been one of my most cherished days. An unabashed romantic at heart, I love the symbols, the colors, and all the posh and drama that surrounds this special day, each year on February 14th.

This year, since I am not much in the celebration mood, I thought I would make a creative, interactive type of post, beginning at noon on February 13th for Valentine's Day.

Please use this space, to post and send a Valentine's Day Wish to someone who you love or care about, but for whatever reasons, whether it be loss, time, distance, misfortune, fate or destiny, circumstance or shyness, are unable to do so. You can use initials, post a description or mark your secret Valentine in any way that feels right to you, to communicate your good wishes to him/her.

For this occasion, I will allow anonymous posts as well, so anyone who wants to send these special wishes may feel free to do so, with a veil of secrecy surrounding yourself as well.

Right now, I will send out my own Valentine Day love wishes to Astro, who is not here to accept them today.

Please be kind and use good taste.

Thank you for your minds and loving hearts.

Happy Valentine's Day to everyone.

Monday, February 13, 2006

Memories for Monday

Today is Monday, the sky is beginning to turn from complete darkness to dusk, and there is much to write about. This is my 350th post. On this day, we observe the birthday of one of our great Presidents, Abraham Lincoln, an American whose life changed history and the course of our country. Lincoln's birthday is actually February 12th., but it a observed as a federal holiday today for some of us. (the courts are closed for one.) Many of you may not realize that President Lincoln suffered from a mental illness, severe depression, which was present on both sides of his family. For those of you who admire Lincoln, there is an excellent book, Lincoln's Melancholy: How Depression Challenged a President and Fueled His Greatness, by Joshua Wolf Shenk which demonstrates how this extraordinary man harnessed his depression to fuel his astonishing success. Happy Birthday to Abe Lincoln. (and he was a Republican too.)

Today also marks one week that my beloved golden retriever, Astro was put to sleep. It is said that the passage of time heals pain and fills the holes inside of open wounds. In this case, however, that has not been the case, as time, and space make me more aware of my Astro's absence. Whenever I wake up in the morning, it is automatic to look downstairs where he used to lie, where he waited for me to get up to feed him. His food and water bowl are gone, and the large bin of dog food, which I would mix with a can of tuna (he was truly spoiled) are no longer there either. Whenever I eat a meal, I expect him to be next to me, waiting, with baited breathe for a piece of whatever was being eaten. Now, when I reach out my hand (which is automatic still), vacant air stands still in his place. The tears have not stopped either, and although it was nice to go to a concert yesterday, and visit with my long-time friend, and hear a beautiful violin concerto, the joy that was existed when I would listen to music had evaporated, at least for the time being.

I am truly grateful for the many calls, emails, visits and comments on this blog that I have received from those of you who share this experience of loosing a beloved pet and understating the pain that transpires along with his/her passing. So many people, more often than not, are truly wonderful beings, and rise to the occasion when the need presents itself in so many kind and beautiful ways.

Thank you for your thoughts and minds.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

Life On Sunday

Today is Sunday, the sky outside is still completely dark, as waking up at 5:30 am has become an occupational hazard, even on weekends, and the day is new.

The week from February 6th is behind me, at least in the sense of time and numbers, but some powerful emotions still loom large on this canvas of life. Astro's absence has left a deep hole inside of my heart, and it will probably take many days for the sadness to evaporate like droplets of water being soaked up on a moist green leaf. I have been so grateful and inspired by the many responses that have been received about Astro, from my neighbors, who brought flowers and plants, to my friends who have called and cried with me on the telephone, to posts on my blog, and loving, kind comments on a fragrance site in cyberland. Astro was like a 'celebrity' in our neighborhood, and when I took him out for walks each and every day, when he was well, so many people related through him, and took his presence as an opportunity to talk and get to know us. Friday afternoon, I went to pick up Astro's ashes, and feel as if he is back home now. One certainty, is how kind and responsive people can be in times of need, and step up to the plate to share their thoughts, hugs and tears. Thank you all so very, very much for your words and thoughts.

Today is a new day, and I have decided to treat myself and go hear a concert at Disney Hall. There is a violin concerto that is being premiered here, and it has been way too long since I have gone to hear music. In fact, one of my women friends who plays in the orchestra is meeting me for coffee ahead of time so we can catch up on our lives.

Otherwise, life goes on. I have really enjoyed returning to court and working as a trial attorney, and this past week, it has been a complete paradox that the substance of child abuse has become a respite from dealing with the pain in my own daily life. Since my income has gone up, so has my wardrobe (and jewerly collection) which has been an added bonus.

Politically, not much to become worked up about except for the reaction that many Muslims have been having to offensive cartoons. I invite the world at large to see some of the anti-Semitic cartoons that we Jews have had to live with for more than fifty years, painting us in disparaging lights, and these continue still in the Arab world today.

My good thoughts and blessings go out to Ariel Sharon and his family as he clings to life, and I wish them all much peace.

Have a peaceful Sunday.

Thank you for your minds.

Wednesday, February 08, 2006

A Letter to Astro

For my dear Astro:

Maybe if I use my words to express what I am feeling about your passing, some of my tears will evaporate, and you will know how I am feeling, and the many ways you are missed. Your absence has left a giant hole inside my heart and inside of our home.

When I wake up in the morning, at 5:am, the first thing I do is go to make sure you are alright. Since you were such a cleaver canine, you learned from an early age, to open up the sliding glass doors downstairs by jumping up, and kicking the door ajar with your paws or nose. For these past two days, the doors have remained completely closed in your absence. Each breakfast, after I finish with my bowl of cereal, I put it down on the floor for you to drink the milk. Today, the bowl remained full, but my heart felt empty.

Before I went back to court, you used to lay on the marble in the entryway, especially on hot days. When I went out for a walk, I could always tell you were there as your body allow the door to open completely. Today, when I left, the door was opened all the way.

When I would come home from work, you would be there waiting, with unabashed playfulness, wagging your tail, and spinning around, often placing a kiss on my cheak. Today, when I come home, it is to an empty house, to silence.

It feels so very sad that you are gone. You were a part of our family for almost 13 years, and living without you will clearly take some emotional adjustment.

You will always be here, inside my heart, and I will remember you always. It took much strength and courage to let you go, but in doing so, I believe that it allowed you to leave this earth with dignity, and strength that were beginning to fade away.

Thank you, Astro, for lighting up my heart and my life.

Monday, February 06, 2006

For My Beloved Astro: April 8, 1993 - February 6, 2006

My dearest Astro, it was so hard to let you go. I could not bear to endure watching you suffer and experience pain anymore, so letting go of you was for our best interests.

I will miss you so, so much. When you were a puppy, we used to go for long walks together, up until about a year ago, when you stopped walking. I will miss your golden hair all over my clothing, your burying your face inside of my elbows, your putting your paw over my arm, and holding your head up majestically, like some brave warrior. I will miss every Friday night, your waiting for Shabbos, sitting there while we lit the candles, said the kiddish, and after we broke challah together, you waited for your piece.

You were the receptacle for my tears and the caviity for all of my joy. You shared so many of life's good moments and burdens with me, and were always there unselfishly, wagging your tail and rolling over with complete abandon. A piece of my heart left with you today.

May you rest in peace, my beloved Astro. You were the light, the joy and the comfort of my life.

Thank you for your life, my dear sweet boy.

Sunday, February 05, 2006

Mick Jagger: The World's Hottest Male Senior Citizen

When I was in high school, I remember when The Rolling Stones made a huge splash on the music scene. Known for their outrageous behavior and innovative music, every teenager bolted to buy their records (L.P.s at this time) when they came out for sale. Not being much of a Beatle fan, I adored the Stones, as they were called in my generation. (you see, at one time, and I suppose at present, I can and do appreciate non-classical music.)

Jagger, although not particularly handsome, had a certain kind of charm, a sex appeal that ozzed from his pores as he seduced many a woman (and man) out of their wits. He would wear these very colorful clothes, and gyrate his hips without any inhibition. One time, in their hayday, I almost got tickets to see the Stones, but was outfoxed by a friend (ions ago.)

I just had the priviledge to watch Mr. Jagger and his group on the Super Bowl half time show today. Still slender, with unbridled energy, Mick can move those hips, shake that booty and stimulate those before him. He can truly put on a show. What I respect most about Mick is that he appears to have had no plastic surgery whatsoever. His face still glows, but now, he has many wrinkles that surface around his eyes, face, neck and arms. To me, he is still the sexy Mick Jagger of the late 1970s and 80s. In fact, I would go out on a limb and say to me, Mick Jagger, a la natural (unlike Michael Douglas and other men who have gone under the knife) is truly the world's sexist senior citizen!

What do you think? Who in your eyes is the sexist senior citizen (55 years plus)?

Thank you for your minds.

Saturday, February 04, 2006

Learning to Let Go of Astro. . . .

EDITED:

As many who have followed my blog know, I have a golden retriever whom I adore. He is in many ways like a third child to me. Astro, formally known as Dusty, has been with our family since he was 6 weeks old. The largest and most alert of the litter, my son felt he was a good match for us all. This was to be my son's dog, and he paid for him with his own money. After about a week, I took him over, or her would not have been able to be trained, go for walks, eat or do anything else that is necessary for survival. We developed a strong, powerful bond.

Astro and I have had a wonderful bond. We have been through so much for the last 12 years. He has seen me through so many milestones, and downfalls in my life, and carried me through, always attentive, loyal and loving. The most perfect, and best of all possible dogs.

When Astro was 7 years old, he developed a sarcoma in his mouth, and I was told that he would probably not make it. We had half of his mouth removed, and he has been 5 years now cancer free. What a great gift this dog has been to me.

Last night, Astro could not walk. He was outside hiding in some foliage, obviously in pain. It must have taken every ounce of strength, but he pulled himself up and sat in front of our back door, letting me know he was alright. Today, he cannot walk, has remained in the same place since 4am, and has been unable to urinate or do anything, other than eat. He has a look of pain in his eyes, and barks with a mere horse whisper.

I have edited this post to add that Astro was walking (limping and went to pee this morning), but continues to be in pain as the day progresses. I do not know when he will go, or I will have him put to sleep, but I do not want him to suffer, and see that he is not in the best of health today.

I will take it one day at a time, and I am preparing myself emotionally to let my beloved Astro go. It is too painful to watch him suffer, and the past two days have brought a floods of tears, and despondency. I am preparing myself to have him put to sleep in the week to come, unless he goes by himself earlier, or makes some kind of miraculous recovery, which does not seem possible. His pain is visable even though he can walk some now.

To my beloved Astro: you have been more than a woman's best friend; you have been my companion, and have carried a piece of my heart inside of yourself. Letting go of you will not be an easy act, but I know that the time has come for you not to suffer anymore. I will stay with you, enjoying each and every moment of our time together, until the end.

Thank you my dearest most beloved dog for lighting up my life.

Friday, February 03, 2006

Is it The Case that The Truth Always Comes Out?

In my circles, often I hear very religious Jews refer to the torah as 'the truth.' It is also the case that Christians and Muslims make the same conclusions about the New testament and the Koran. But what is the truth? From a legal definition, a document is concluded to be authentic if it represents what it purports to be.

Lately, there have been many stories in the news and in blogsville about what is true and what is not. Take James Frey's A Million Little Pieces which we now come to know was embellished somewhat to garnish attention. Our President said he went into Iraq because there were weapons of mass destruction. Oil companies have made record billions of dollars this year, particularly Exon, some questioning their motives and calling such outrageous profits price gouging. Even in blogsville, we see that some people say one thing about their characters, and ultimately, after some investigation, or disclosure, they are not who they say they are. Men impersonating women and vice-versa, or other defects and imperfections surface.

Here is the question of the day: Is it the case that the truth always comes out? What is the truth?

This has been an extremely busy week for me at work. I promise to read blogs and will attempt to post more over the weekend.

Thank you for your minds.