I read the Comics in the Sunday Oregonian – pretty much that’s all I read, I skip the news part. Anyway, some of my favorites are Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis (always a good one with a tongue-in-cheek perspective on things like Covid), Dilbert (I like the office humor even though I’m retired), Mother Goose & Grimm (usually only 3 panels, large print, and the humor goes straight to the funny bone), Pickles (the main characters are older like me), and Mark Trail (I love the nature stuff).
Where Do We Go from Here?
Is redundancy good or bad? I tend to avoid redundancy except when I’m repeating something that I think may help someone else. Often I include ideas, links, etc. from previous blogs. For example, I found this website with a very interesting Woody Guthrie article, which I included in my New Year 2020 blog. It shows Guthrie’s list of resolutions in 1943 (from his journal). You should look at the entire list of 33 resolutions and think about them. Some are just humorous, but others you might want to add to your own list.
For me, I would change number 8, “Write a song a day” to “Do a good deed every day”. I tried that resolution one year and discovered that it isn’t that easy, so maybe once a week is more do-able. Even something simple like moving your neighbor’s trash containers back into their yard after the pickup. Hopefully, this will be my good deed for January 1, 2021 if someone who reads my blog is encouraged by it.
Other Links that You May Like
You may know or have surmised if you read my blog that I have a daily routine of morning meditation where I read my Bible and make my initial journal entry for that day. The journal entry includes that day’s Daily Word affirmation – today’s is, “New Year: Living from divine nature, I begin again.” The Bible verse is from Isaiah 42:9, “See the former things have come to pass, and new things I now declare.”
Karl Anthony Sings “Angels” at Unity Village. Not sure why I included this piece of music except that I like the singer’s music, and the gesture behind the music (helping the kids) makes you want to shake his hand (well, at least an air-shake).
Besides the Unity publications, which I obviously really like, there are others, such as Guideposts publications, which have daily readings to help get your day started.
Are We Having Fun Yet: Just Photos, Music, and a Very Few Words!
I so wanted to do a serious blog this time – there’s so much to talk about. Not so serious this time, I wanted to lighten up.
You have probably seen Raising Arizona, another Coen brother’s cinematic work of art. Anyway, just a segue into this blog topic – “there is so little time, so much to do, little brother” – this would be John Goodman speaking to his little brother as they head over to the “hayseed bank” to relieve them of their cash. I highly recommend your watching Raising Arizona, I do at least once a year.
Regardless of how little time there is to speak about the “serious stuff”, whatever that might be, I’ll move on to more entertaining and hopefully enlightening stuff. I do so like to include pictures and music in my blogs, and words too, but we’ll see what pops up.
Today’s Pictures
I saw this “little library” in a neighborhood where I was running recently. Very cool that people set these up for anyone to borrow or add a book.
Do the best until you know better. Then when you know better, do better. (Maya Angelou)
Today’s Music
Vangelis: Music from Apocalypse of the Animals
Today’s Sidebar
As you know, if you have followed my blog for a while, I tend to repeat certain topics and disciplines. No, it’s not because I’m forgetful (well, occasionally I am), it’s because I learn new things about my favorite topics and want to pass that information along. You can always search for stuff in my blog.
I’ve talked about things like meditation and mindfulness and other ways to de-stress and mellow out. The September 2020 Reader’s Digest article, “How to Build a Better Brain” (starts on page 60), covers areas like:
Eating fruits and vegetables
Neuroplasticity – interesting concept, lots of publications out there
Exercise – what happens when your muscles take over your brain, in a good way
Ways to calm down – things like breathing, meditation, and yoga
A Few Links for More Info
Disclaimer: In trying to observe the rules of publication regarding plagiarism, etc. I try to point out content using links rather than direct quotes. Also, I apologize about any annoying pop-ups over which I have no control.
I recently listened to two of Arthur C. Clarke’s books, 2061: Odyssey Three and 3001: The Final Odyssey, which was published posthumously in 2012. Clarke died in 2008. What an amazing intellect Clarke had. I remember going to see 2001: A Space Odyssey in my hippie days. Wow! I saw the movie in a Cinerama theatre, huge screen with surround sound. What a sensory experience Clarke and Stanley Kubrick created using what was then new technology. The part of the movie where they were entering Jupiter’s atmosphere with all the colors streaming by and the amazing soundtrack was mind-boggling.
Did Clarke have all the answers? It’s interesting that he did have at least some of the answers. Many of the “fictional” concepts he wrote about, such as interstellar space travel, turned out later to be scientifically achievable.
Bottom Line
I really don’t have all the answers, at least not on the same scale as Arthur C. Clarke. If I did, I could have passed the Calculus course in college, many years ago when I was a Chemical Engineering major (ironically I loved Chemistry). As a result of having to take Calculus, I decided to change majors to a much less technical field, Journalism. It was a good choice for me. Notice I said “for me”. Reminds me of that scene in City Slickers, another good movie, where Mitch (Billy Crystal) and Curly (Jack Palance) were having a deep conversation. Check it out.
So, no matter what advice I give you, no matter how astute, genius-level, or just plain old practical advice, it’s up to you to decide what to do with the advice. Personally, I like it when people give me good advice.
Proverbs 18:2: A fool finds no pleasure in understanding, but delights in airing his own opinions.
A Few of My Own Answers
You may want to try some of these.
Don’t Worry, Be Happy – From a previous blog, a picture of one of my hats.
Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending. (Maria Robinson)
Respond, Don’t React (from a book by Dan Harris, 10% Happier)
Stay healthy – exercise, eat sensibly, especially now during Covid.
Read good books regularly, not just non-fiction for information, but fiction for entertainment. Some of my favorites (audio books) are C.J. Box, William Kent Krueger (currently listening to Mercy Falls), and Craig Johnson (Longmire series).
Meditate – It’s surprisingly easy to integrate it into your regular routine, and it has many benefits. I’m planning to do a new blog on practical applications of meditation, admittedly inspired by Dan Harris’s book and other good books on the subject.
Politics – I hesitate to even bring up the topic and won’t be giving you advice, no way, Jose, on political issues and events. You’re on your own.
Blogger’s Note: Blog under construction – new WordPress user interface and blog redesign (be patient)
Thank You, John Krasinski
Music
Building All is Love: “Where the Wild Things Are” (soundtrack)
Not to diminish what I said in my last blog when I was venting (never mind the Prozac, I’m OK now), this post is in a much lighter vein and hopefully will be uplifting for you.
Yes, obviously I’m a John Krasinski fan – I recently finished Season 2, Episode 8 of JackRyan, which I thought was nicely done. Other notable projects for him were The Office, 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi, and a new one, The Quiet Place, Part II, which I haven’t seen.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
What a World We Are In!
Basically, John’s work inspired me to do this blog about trying to stay sane in a crazy world. His show, which unfortunately is ending after eight episodes, is amazing, uplifting, endearing, enlightening, and many other superlatives. I’ll provide the link at the end of this post, so you can check it out.
News bulletin: Just heard that SGN will be continuing on a different network.
Pandemic Basics
Actually, I hate the “p” word and prefer “situation”. You already know the basics, one of which is to wash your hands – remember, at least 20 seconds. The 20-second “song” that I prefer is the ABC song. If you were ever a kid, you know how it goes. I say that as a segue into my next segment, which kept me awake early this morning, trying to match the alphabet letters to a good “prompt” that might help you or help someone else deal with the situation. Trust me, I have my down days and need encouragement. Hang on, here we go:
A – Ask a friend or relative if they need something.
B – Be available, if only to listen.
C – Check on your neighbor to see how they’re doing (don’t forget the mask).
D – Don’t crush your cans before putting them in the recycle bag. :}
E – Exercise
F – Find someone to talk to when you’re down, or if they’re down, talk to them.
G – Go on a walk, and take the dog if you have one or your cat.
H – Say “hello” every chance you get, even to strangers.
I – Inspire someone with a compliment about their talents.
J – Say a prayer to Jesus (often).
K – Kindness always works (“. . . random acts of kindness”).
L – Love more, hate less.
M – Make an effort to smile often.
N – If you’re wearing your mask, just nod as you pass someone.
O – Only faith and determination work best.
P – Pay it forward when you hear good news.
Q – Quit frowning.
R – Run
S – Say a prayer every day.
T – Try on a new pair of socks.
U – Use your generosity to help others.
V – Voice your opinions, but allow feedback.
W – Work as much as you can, but take breaks too.
X – Marks the spot.
Y – You can rely on your faith to get you through this. Check out Hebrews, Chapter 11.
Z – Zippidy do dah zippidy eh, my oh my what a wonderful day!
I think it’s time to wrap up this installment, with some pictures, and the link to the SGN Episode 8. Sorry about any ads that may pop up, not mine.
Thank you again, John Krasinski and your production team for SGN!
The Who: Tommy’s Holiday Camp (from Tommy, the rock opera)
If you follow my blog and have been patiently waiting for “Part IV – Spiritual”, here it is. I should know better than to attempt multi-part blogs, which seem to take forever to finish. The one I did on Crystal City, inspired by a gym friend who grew up there, took four months to complete. I hope you read Crystal City, it’s an interesting example of humanity gone amuck.
Be sure to read to the end of this post.
The Creative Process Can Be Painful
Starting with a blank page, it’s a challenging process – normally, I have my draft notes (in my green notebook), other sources of information at my fingertips, including blog notes in my daily journal. Sometimes I imagine myself as Michael Keaton in “The Paper” typing away on his keyboard or in a much older classic film about writing a novel or a news story using a manual typewriter, and the writer is frustrated because he’s been sitting for an hour and has only a part of a sentence on the page and a wastebasket full of crumpled paper. Anyway, let’s get back on track.
“Spiritual” Means What?
Looking at its history and literal meaning, according to Merriam-Webster, as an adjective “spiritual” means:
Of, relating to, consisting of, or affecting the spirit
Of or relating to sacred matters
Ecclesiastical rather than lay or temporal
Concerned with religious values
Related or joined in spirit
Historically, first used in the 14th century – source Middle English, from Anglo-French and Late Latin; Anglo-French espirital, spiritual, from Late Latin spiritue alis, from Latin, of breathing, of wind, from spiritus
I like the “breathing” connotation, as in “inspiration” or “respiration”, i.e. spiritual as in an active state.
As befits this series, how does spiritual fit into the scheme of things? I ask myself, “Am I spiritual”? I think we all are spiritual to some degree, but not necessarily in a religious sense.
OK, I’ve decided this piece won’t progress beyond the “draft” stage, something I realized many weeks ago, that “Spiritual” was going to be a real challenge. I’m going to conclude with a story or two, pictures of course and probably some music.
Inspiration
One of the stories I really liked is about a woman who overcame a serious physical ailment and moved on with her life in a very positive way. The article was in the March-April 2020 Daily Word, a Unity publication.
Odds & Ends: about Relaxing
I wanted to include a link to another article with some ideas about relaxing, especially important during the Covid-19 situation. This article was also in the March-April 2020 Daily Word, a Unity publication.
OK, this segment is a bit divergent from the main topic, but in my opinion it speaks of our need for spirituality in our lives, whether it be religious or another form.
“Great spirit, grant that I might not criticize my neighbor until I’ve walked a mile in his moccasins.” (traditional American Indian prayer)
The quote reminds me of my time in scouting when I was growing up (in my first childhood) in Texas. I belonged to a boy scout troop in my hometown. One part of our regular troop meeting, for some of us, was the Caddo Lodge. We had our own special meeting room, members of the lodge had to go through a rigorous all-night initiation, and on special occasions we would perform traditional Indian dance ceremonies. The quote above was similar to the ending prayer for our meetings. Kind of makes you think doesn’t it, at least it reminds me of my New Year’s resolution to “not be so judgemental”.
The Caddo Lodge was not a unique organization, given the existence of well-established groups like the Order of the Arrow, which is still in existence. I belonged to the OA too when I was in scouting. If you’re interested, check out the link for more background.
Canned Heat: Let’s Work Together (Let’s Sick Together)
Coldplay: God Put a Smile on Your Face (Album: A Rush of Blood to the Head)
Crosby, Still, Nash & Young: Helplessly Hoping
Eagles: Love Will Keep Us Alive (Album: Hell Freezes Over)
Chicago: Wake Up Sunshine (Album: Chicago II)
Bottom Line
For me, as a Bible-reading believer and as a person who finds his own inspiration and guidance in the word of God, I wanted to end with these verses and underscore what I’ve been saying in this blog.
Galatians 5:22-24 (NIV Bible): But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness,, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.
Looking in the Rear-view Mirror: Resolution Reboot
Now that we’re over two-and-a-half months into 2020, I wanted to check in, see how you’re doing, tell you how I’m doing – resolutions kept, resolutions broken, resolutions revised or tossed – and perhaps chart a course for what’s left of 2020.
“Keep your face always toward the sunshine and shadows will fall behind you.” (Walt Whitman)
A Note about the Music
The two pieces of music in this blog are by Vangelis. The 76-year-old Greek composer is one of the most important, influential figures in the history of electronic music as well as the world of film scores. His best-known works are the Chariots of Fire (1981) and Blade Runner (1982) soundtracks and the tracks used in the Cosmos (1980) television series. I find Vangelis music very thought-provoking and relaxing. I recommend ear buds or headphones to better appreciate the music.
Vangelis: L’apocalypse des animaux (soundtrack)
Sidebar: COVID-19
Just an aside to give you some of my thoughts on the virus. Less than two weeks ago I was still going to the gym three times a week, swimming, and running (actually, I still run three times a week). However, my well-meaning adult children, said, “Dad, you have to stay home.” No matter now, they closed all the gyms where I live. I’m not panicking, just waiting for a cure and waiting for COVID-19 to run its course. Without getting religious on you, I’ll just say that I’m confident that it will be resolved and our normal lives will be resumed.
Going Beyond New Year’s Resolutions
Although I love Woody Guthrie’s no frills doodle-filled list of New Year’s resolutions from 1943, to broaden your mindset, think of New Year’s resolutions as tools that we use for self-improvement. You might want to go back to an article I included in my January 7 blog, written by David G. Allan. His concept I thought was very interesting, his “meaning of life” exercise. Granted it goes beyond a simple list of resolutions that you write down and try to accomplish. If you read the entire article, note that he suggests that you turn your “purpose” into action.
Allan gives examples of some very famous people’s answer to the meaning question:
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” (Albert Einstein)
“Throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” (Whoopi Goldberg)
“Love.” (David G. Allan)
A couple of life meanings I thought of for myself were – “show more compassion to others” and “try to be less judgemental”.
Another good reference, if you’re serious about finding your “purpose”, is Rick Warren’s book, The Purpose Driven Life.
My Own Resolutions List
For each of my resolutions below, I’ll give some of the affirmations from Daily Word that seemed relevant to me.
Relax more. A good, personal mantra to remember when you’re stressed is – just breathe.
“Relax: I relax my mind, heart, and body.” (Daily Word, March 7, 2020)
Pray for others and pray at least once a day.
“My prayers bless others and uplift the world.” (Daily Word, April 25, 2020)
Good deeds – think of others; small deeds count too.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” (Mahatma Gandhi)
Don’t judge others – this one is high on my list of resolutions.
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Stay healthy – take care of myself.
“I choose to create and experience abundant life.” (Daily Word, February 23, 2019)
Forgive – all others and myself.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.’”
Write more – at least once a day.
Why not, it worked for Stephen King.
Be fair-minded and less opinionated.
“Everyone is entitled to his own opinions, but not to his own facts.” (Daniel Patrick Moynihan)
Spend more time with my family.
“The family is the first essential cell of human society.” (Pope John XXIII),
“Be a beacon of light in the forest of uncertainty.” (My own “purpose” mantra for the time being)
I’ll wrap up this blog with some media information that you might find useful. I’m constantly looking for independent, unbiased, and accurate news sources. As always, you may choose to disagree with anything I write, and your feedback is welcome.
The following are new media sources on my list and not fully vetted, i.e. I haven’t checked them out thoroughly, but I thought they were worth looking at.
“We just want the facts ma’am.” (Sergeant Joe Friday, Dragnet TV series. OK, you’re right, only a boomer would know that quote)
Epoch Times is a subscription publication, but you might want to check it out. To see other examples of their news coverage, go to their podcast:
There are quite a few Christian news outlets, I selected this one at random.
Another site (not a news source), “Protect Press Freedom”, the mainstream media apparently are supporting – Nora O’Donnell (CBS?) mentioned it on one of her broadcasts. Why was I watching mainstream news media, must have landed on it when I was channel surfing. I decided not to provide a link to the PPF site until I vetted it.
One More Vangelis to End With
You’ll recognize the music if you’re a Harrison Ford fan.
What are Type A and Type B personalities according to Wikipedia?
I think in my last post in this series, Mental, I got into some really heady stuff (sorry, “heady” wasn’t intended to be a pun) about memory, about the long-term effects of marijuana, etc. Obviously mental and emotional are very closely connected and interactive, but think of mental as the engine and emotional as the resulting output – keep the “engine” tuned up and the “output” will be efficient and reliable.
I would label myself as a Type A person – hard for me to relax, always working on something. The Wikipedia definition fits me very well, especially “impatient” and “more competitive”.
Two days ago my morning Daily Word reading (affirmation) was:
“I give my mind and body permission to rest and relax”.
The accompanying Bible verse for that day was:
Psalm 23:2-3: “He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.”
Wow, even if you don’t read the Bible you have to admit the Psalm verses are powerful and calming.
A Brief Flashback
Looking at my 2019 New Year’s post if you want to check it out. You might want to take the time to think about “what is the meaning of life” or “what is my purpose in life”. David Allan’s Reader’s Digest article provides ideas on how to figure it out.
Don’t Overthink It
Some of the solutions to keeping your emotions in working order are very simple and attainable – try relaxing, practice breath control, do yoga, exercise, hang out with your friends (or if you don’t have a lot of friends, make new friends).
Wrapping It Up
Just quotes . . .
For a creative writer possession of the ‘truth’ is less important than emotional sincerity. (George Orwell)
In the pool area of my gym, the quote below is in huge letters superimposed over the picture of a swimmer looking directly at you with a knowing look in her eyes and saying:
“Before you can accomplish something, you must expect it of yourself.”
Maybe that’s the ticket for making New Year’s resolutions and actually keeping them. As I noticed a couple of days ago, the gym where I work out was very busy. As they say, the traffic will subside when people lose the motivation that prompted their “resolution list” and they stop coming to the gym on a regular basis.
If you read this blog, you know that I’m a big believer in fitness – all kinds, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s challenging, but really worth it in the long run. My goal this time is to throw some ideas your way, just to plant some good thoughts about what to expect of yourself this year.
After you see Woody’s list, you might want to check out the Open Culture web site offerings.
A Humorous Sidebar: Humorous Words
Not to distract you from our main goal, pondering our 2020 resolutions, this humorous Reader’s Digest item was too good not to share. Ignore the ads and enjoy!
A More Serious Item
I watched a program on public TV about N. Scott Momaday, the other night and found his ideas very thought-provoking. Here’s a quote from the program “The Man Made of Words”:
“Most of us have developed an attitude of indifference towards the land. We Americans must come to the moral comprehension of the earth and air. We must live according to the principle of a land ethic. The alternative is that we shall not live at all.”
By the way, he won a Pulitzer Prize for his book, House Made of Dawn. I haven’t read it, but I plan to.
I can’t say that I’m an environmentalist, but I try to be aware of the small role I can play. The part of the country where I live just outlawed the use of plastic grocery bags. If you forget to bring your tote bags, you can buy paper bags for a nickel when you check out. At my house we recycle. Maybe it’s too little too late to undo the damage and save the earth, but you have to try. OK, so you can add that resolution to your list, “don’t forget your tote bag”.
One More “Preachy” Item
A parting shot before I wrap this up. I was watching a program about Tuscany the other night – why is it that public TV seems to be the only thing worth my time these days? Anyway, it was interesting, partly because it looks so beautiful, and I would like to go there.
By the way, the TV program is “Rick Steves Europe”, really well-produced show that provides travel information and history. In this segment they talked about the local history and culture and how it affects the citizens (or vice versa). They were in Siena, Italy, where they practice something called “passiegata”. This is a daily evening ritual where the locals walk around in the streets, visiting with friends, eating, and just relaxing. Notice I said walking, that’s right, no cars. One more comment in the Tuscany piece:
“A community ruled by a just government enjoys peace, prosperity, and is great place to raise your kids.”
FYI: Imprimis
I haven’t read all of these Imprimis publications, but I’ve read enough of them to raise my awareness level of important issues in our society and to make me want to learn more. This is the main link to the web site, you can pick and choose the specific publications of interest to you.
More Music and Pictures
The bridge pictures are NOT metaphorical, nah, of course not, too obvious. The clouds, well, you can draw your own conclusions. Bottom line is, I just like taking pictures, and sometimes they are symbolic. The music, yeah, kind of obvious, but I really like the movie.
Vitamin String Quartet: The Vitamin String Quartet Tribute to the Who – Tommy
What’s Up, Rufous Blog? (Blog of the Week: March 23, 2018)
What happened to the Rufous blog you may have asked – actually I did do a post on February 23, my birthday – but my so-called “blog of the week” has been more of a “blog of the month”. OK, multi-tasking doesn’t always work (some experts say that “single-tasking” is actually more efficient). Multi-tasking only works if you don’t forget to do the higher priority items on your list, which in my case is blogging.
Blogger’s note: The following quote is not totally in context with my topic, but it struck a chord with me so I wanted to include it.
Quote from Life in Oregon, February-March 2018:
“Think about how the conversation in America, in Oregon, would change if each of us assumed the best of the person who disagrees with us. Together, let’s think about and interact with people on the other side of the issues as if they are potential allies, not enemies.” (ORTL president Harmony Daws, January 14, 2018, Oregon Right to Life annual Roe v. Wade Memorial and March in Portland, Oregon)
Politics or TV?
Did I tell you about John le Carre’, who writes his books out in longhand, then gives the manuscripts to his wife who types and edits them. He’s 86 and just published a new novel. A would-be writer could get inspired by David Cornwell (his real name). I also write out my content longhand in my bright green composition book before transferring it to the blog. Always, I’ll have several blog ideas going, like something political (always a challenge to be “correct”) or like today I have a blog about TV. Maybe I’ll include some “politics” too in this blog (spoiler alert). :}
The X-Files – The Lost Art of Forehead Sweat
I was never a big fan in the past, but the new season 11 caught my attention, in particular episode 4, which I found very interesting on many levels. If you’ve watched it, you may have noticed that the stars (in my opinion), David Duchovny and Gillian Anderson, have aged fairly well. OK, enough small talk, here’s my rehash of episode 4. Kudos to the producer and writer, Chris Carter, Darin Morgan, staff writers Brad Follmer and Benjamin Van Allen, and (wait for it) David Duchovny. Episode 4 has some humorous moments, maybe satirical/tongue-in-cheek is a better description, compared to the paranormal or whatever you normally expect from X-files – like a more recent episode with the drones spying on and pursuing Fox and Scully.
OK, having mentioned the producer and writers I think I’m OK legally in quoting the dialog (yes, I paused the TV and wrote it down). If you’re a fan and missed it, you should watch episode 4.
As Long as the Truth Gets Out
Continuing . . . take this scene, about 44 minutes into the episode, Mulder and another character named “Mr. They” are in this wonderful sculpture garden with all these statues. Mulder is having a conversation with Mr. They.
Mulder: “As long as the truth gets out.”
Mr. They: “They don’t really care if the truth gets out because the public no longer knows what’s meant by the truth.”
Mulder: “What do you mean?”
Mr. They: “Well, I mean, no one can tell the difference anymore between what’s real and what’s fake.”
Oh, ouch, OK, is anyone picking up on the political angle here? I have no idea what Chris Carter and his staff of creative people were trying to accomplish with episode 4, but it’s kind of fun to speculate, eh.
Mulder: “There’s still an objective truth, an objective reality.”
(Transition to main story line)
Mr. They: “So what? I mean, you take this Mandela effect.”
Mr. They (quotes George Orwell): “He who controls the past controls the future.” (More quotes later)
Mr. They: “Well, believe what you want to believe, that’s what everybody does now anyway.” (Slight break in the dialog)
Mr. They: “All you really need is a laptop.”
Mulder: So that’s what this has been all about, the spread of online disinformation.”
Mr. They: “Maybe?”
Mr. They: “You know, our current president said something truly profound.” He said, “Nobody knows for sure.”
Mulder: “What was he referring to?”
Mr. They: “Does it matter?”
The previous scene lasts only about two minutes and ends with a great shot of Mulder standing in front of a statue with its arms outstretched, as if to say, what’s going on.
The scene shifts to a parking garage, with Mulder and Scully talking to another character, Reggie, who says, “We found the truth that’s out there.”
Rather than risk spoiling the rest of the episode, I highly recommend you watch episode 4 just to see the ending.
The Red Mustang
The next scene shows Mulder, Scully, and Reggie driving down the road in a red Mustang convertible and then the final scene . . .
Tip: Google “x-files season 11” to get more reviews and analysis.
Definition/primer on innuendo:
Veiled or equivocal reflection on character or reputation.
The use of such allusions resorting to innuendo.
Example:
His reputation has been damaged by innuendo.
One or Two (or Three) More Quotes
Voltaire: “To hold a pen is to be at war.”
Voltaire: “What is tolerance? It is the consequence of humanity. We are all formed of frailty and error; let us pardon reciprocally each other’s folly – that is the first law of nature.”
John 8:32: “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (NIV Bible)
Next Up: “The X-Files 2018 (Part II)”. Just a hint, expect some content based on my favorite Imprimis readings. No surprise there. Feel free to peruse the Imprimis issues.
Definition of “Imprimis”: In the first place —used to introduce a list of items or consideration.
Antonio Vivaldi: The Four Seasons, Summer (Presto)
I can’t say there was a specific reason why I chose Hillsboro, Oregon as a site for a photo essay, but I was there, and I did have my camera. Also, I was feeling great after a 60-minute deep tissue massage, which I got in Hillsboro. I just felt like taking pictures.
Rather than give you a lot of history in this blog, I’m including this Wikipedia link. Just a side-note, according to Wikipedia, Hillsboro pre-dates Portland. Anyway, check out the Wikipedia info, pretty interesting history. Now for some pictures and more music.
Huey Lewis and the News: Back in Time (from Back to the Future soundtrack)
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A Few Quotes to Get You Going
Carli Lloyd (American athlete), for anyone who has been through injuries:
“It’s always hard to deal with injuries mentally, but I like to think about it as a new beginning. I can’t change what happened, so the focus needs to go toward healing and coming back stronger than before.” Read more at BrainyQuotes.
Anonymous quote (on a mural in the swimming area at my gym, short, to the point, love this quote):
“Before you can accomplish something, you must expect it of yourself.”
Rachelle Mandik (Reader’s Digest, July/August 2017), puns are very cool:
“Sometimes I just want to go live in the woods and meditate, but other times I think that’d be Thoreauing my life away.”
Jonathan Winters, comedian (Reader’s Digest, July/August 2017):
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