Can We See the Truth?

Can We See the Truth When it is Presented to Us?

Jean Piaget, a researcher and psychologist did an experiment that showed how we mature emotionally and psychologically. He took a group of children and using two glasses that held the same amount of water, yet one was tall and one was short. He filled the short one with water and asked the children, "Which of these two glasses holds more water?" All of the children would answer the tall one does.
He would then take the short one and pour all of the water in to the tall one showing them that they held the same amount of water. Children younger than the age of seven would stick to their idea when asked again; "Which of these glasses holds more water?" They would say that it was the tall one, even though they had just been shown differently. The children over seven would say that both glasses held the same amount of water.


How many people in the 14th century believed the earth was flat?

Could it be that we as a species have grown past our proverbial seventh year as a civilization?

Who is in charge?

This picture is from Crayon Castles />
Who is in charge?

What I have read many times is very true we each do associate sometimes-peculiar meanings to words that the normal person, the dictionary and the media use to mean something very different. For instance, if you lived in Texas and you told me you were cooking in a "spider" I would know you meant you were using a frying pan. It reminds me of the story of "Alice in Wonderland." Where Alice turned to Humpty Dumpty and asked him "...how can you make words mean so many different things?" And Humpty Dumpty replied..."When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in a rather scornful tone, "it means just what I choose it to mean - neither more nor less." "The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things."
"The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master - that's all."
Through the Looking Glass.

Is it possible the divisions may be (have been) caused more by politics than by religious beliefs?

If there are no Solutions, then there are no Problems…

If there are no Solutions, then there are no Problems…
This was something I learned early in life. When we sense there is a problem or when we have factual evidence of a problem and can describe it and yet we believe there is no solution we are overlooking the obvious. For problems that seem to be irresolvable, what we have is a lack of knowledge “not an irresolvable problem.”
We cannot become aware of the existence of a “possible” problem without the backdrop of some sort of a solution. It is similar to how our eyes see light and shadows. If there were no light, we would not see any shadows. There might not be enough light to make out what is in the shadows yet that does not make the shadowy figure disappear. What is needed to have any inkling, intuition, hypothesis, or guess that a problem exists is some form of a possible solution to make the shadow of the problem visible to our mind.
The clinical psychologists N.H. Azrin, R.R. Hutchinson, and D.F. Drake demonstrated through multiple studies using rats in a maze that frustration generates rage. When the rat was trained to go through the maze and get their cheese and had successfully done so on their own. If a piece of Plexiglas was placed between them and the cheese, they became frustrated. If there were anything near them when they got frustrated, they would brutalize it, regardless of whether it was an inanimate object or if it was one of their family members.
This phenomenon has been shown to exist in humans, apes, chimpanzees, squirrels, fish and the list goes on extensively. What happens with humans is that we form a symbiosis with other humans. We use the maze of social etiquette, of shared belief systems to acquire our proverbial cheese, what ever that may be now.
Humans have a tendency of labeling things they learn about, especially if it gives them a sense of awe. They will then classify them in groups; upon doing that they prioritize the phenomenon. They then organize it, and this is seen and done on our social settings. Richard Dawkins came up with the name “memes,” Jung called it the “collective unconscious,” Eric Berne called it the “script”. It is also called our cosmogony, worldview, or colloquially “the way people see the world.”
Matthew Alper in his book “The God Part of the Brain” postulated that we have within our brain a biological urge to seek a supernatural explanation: That we “may be innately wired to perceive such universal concepts as a spiritual realm, a God, a Soul, and an Afterlife.” This could support both the claims of the Atheist as well as the claims of the Theist, Non-Theistic (e.g. Buddhism) and the Deist. If it is fact though, it does help in our understanding of the proverbial “maze.”There is a difference between faith and belief. Faith is what we feel and hold to psychologically when we have no evidence other than our own experiential feelings and thoughts to prove something. “Belief” on the other hand is when we do have evidence that we can demonstrate to others. We can look at our history books and we trust the authors to be telling the truth. We find statements from others about what occurred in the past. We can believe them or we can disbelieve them. Faith in this instance is not required. For example, whether Jesus Christ existed and actually was crucified and the major point whether there was a resurrection from the dead. This is a point of belief, not faith. Faith enters in when someone believes in something there is no demonstrable material evidence to support the belief.
People, like the rat in the maze get frustrated. When we act as a group, we normally will take out our frustration on another “group.” Outsiders are normally labeled for instance, the Jews labeled them Gentiles, the Muslims labeled them Infidels, the Christians called them Heathens, and Atheists label them Idiots. We then classify them by their atrocities, and prioritize their overall value in order to organize our efforts as a group to “change the enemy.” In this group process of the Karpman Triangle (victim, abuser, rescuer) the meaning of important words change. For instance Justice: Justice to someone who is in “victim state of mind” is used to show others what the abusers are taking away from them. As soon as the victim group is in charge they then become the abuser and punish their enemy for their wrongful deeds. Which brings us to “Peace,” this word changes its meaning for those who are in the “rescuer state of mind.” Peace is what is found if everyone will only believe as they believe. Once this occurs they can resume their rightful status at the head of the “pecking order” and all will be well for everyone. Freedom is the last word representing the malleable concepts involved here. Freedom is that which is normally used as a rallying cry for those in the “abuser state of mind” as they begin using actual physical acts of aggression against “the enemy.”
What do you think the rat would do if it had the ability of innovation and could look for new ways to get the cheese? If it had reflectivity and knew or sensed it was in “a maze” controlled by humans? If we can see the possibility of solutions then we can raise our standards instead of merely “trying to be better than” someone else’s standards. If we can see our belief system, we can alter it. If we cannot, it alters us.
Excerpted from “The Lyth of Lemmings” by Frank Mueller, (2007)

Are Earthquakes in the Midwest Shaking You Up?

Rick Herron, creator of Skywalker Jets, invented a rocket pack that weighs about 90 pounds and can propel a 200 pound pilot around the air for what is likely the most invigorating 5 minutes of their life. Too bad I weigh in at 220 lbs, huh. This is supposed to actually work without toasting your buns while flying. Rick intends to produce a model that has a range of about 4 miles and includes a GPS unit integrated into a HUD showing flight time and engine information among other things. He has to get it approved by the FAA। For those that are looking to escape the next earthquake or just change your name to Luke (smile) it will only cost you a mere $200,000 if it goes into production.

The SoloTrek XFV hopes that one day it will allow people to swoop and dive at distances comparable to a small airplane according to a CNN report from 2002.
It is 325 pounds and uses duct fans, an internal combustion engines, and a computer to provide lift. It can run for about two hours on a tank of gas or any heavy fuel even kerosene. Michael Moshier, chief executive officer of Millennium Jet, is the inventor. Moshier has flown the SoloTrek to a height of about two feet while protected by a safety tether. He plans on including an ejection seat with a parachute.
“According to Millennium Jet's computer models, SoloTrek will eventually be able to fly at altitudes of nearly 8,000 feet for about 120 nautical miles and reach speeds up to 80 mph। It will be primarily sold to the military, and later aimed at police, fire departments and search and rescue teams. Ultimately, it may one day reach the civilian market.” He had spent $3 million on the prototype.

TAM is saying on their site that they are “the only company in the world that produces a complete turn-key package of a flying rocket belt, custom-made to the pilot’s weight and body size. (up to 300 lbs. / 136 Kg).” They say they are using the most advanced technology and aerospace materials , including:
* A fully-tested, custom-made flying rocket belt,
* This belt has been proved to be the most stable design and easier to fly
* A special machine to make our own unlimited supply of rocket fuel
* Hands-on training in the process and the equipment
* Flight training of 10 flights in your own rocket belt
* Maintenance and setup training
* 24/7 expert support
* Housing and food are included during training
The total price for all this is only $125,000 usd।

California-based extreme sports and power racing firm Jet Pack International has announced that it is taking pre-orders for a commercial jetpack it intends to launch during 2008. Presently called the T-73, the machine is the brainchild of skydiving and extreme sportsman Troy Widgery who first made his fortune with sports drink company, Go Fast Sports, in the 1990s.
The T-73 uses aviation fuel and can stay aloft up to ten minutes. The top speed is 83mph, an estimated range of 27 miles, a maximum height of 250 feet and a fuel capacity of five gallons. But before rushing out to place your order, be advised that the T-73 is expected to retail for $200,000 and that flying lessons for all new pilots will be compulsory।

Unfortunately these are beyond the reach of the normal person. They are too expensive and too difficult to use in an emergency such as an earthquake. So what are we to do?
Here is what the American Red Cross Advises: Prepare a Home Earthquake Plan
Choose a safe place in every room--under a sturdy table or desk or against an inside wall where nothing can fall on you.
Practice DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON at least twice a year. Drop under a sturdy desk or table, hold on, and protect your eyes by pressing your face against your arm. If there's no table or desk nearby, sit on the floor against an interior wall away from windows, bookcases, or tall furniture that could fall on you. Teach children to DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
Choose an out-of-town family contact.
Consult a professional to find out additional ways you can protect your home, such as bolting the house to its foundation and other structural mitigation techniques.
Take a first aid class from your local Red Cross chapter. Keep your training current.
Get training in how to use a fire extinguisher from your local fire department.
Inform babysitters and caregivers of your plan.
Eliminate Hazards, Including--
Bolting bookcases, china cabinets, and other tall furniture to wall studs.
Installing strong latches on cupboards.
Strapping the water heater to wall studs.
Prepare a Disaster Supplies Kit For Home and Car, Including--
First aid kit and essential medications.
Canned food and can opener.
At least three gallons of water per person.
Protective clothing, rainwear, and bedding or sleeping bags.
Battery-powered radio, flashlight, and extra batteries.
Special items for infant, elderly, or disabled family members.
Written instructions for how to turn off gas, electricity, and water if authorities advise you to do so. (Remember, you'll need a professional to turn natural gas service back on.)
Keeping essentials, such as a flashlight and sturdy shoes, by your bedside.
Know What to Do When the Shaking Begins
DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON! Move only a few steps to a nearby safe place. Stay indoors until the shaking stops and you're sure it's safe to exit. Stay away from windows. In a high-rise building, expect the fire alarms and sprinklers to go off during a quake.
If you are in bed, hold on and stay there, protecting your head with a pillow.
If you are outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings, trees, and power lines. Drop to the ground.
If you are in a car, slow down and drive to a clear place (as described above). Stay in the car until the shaking stops.
Identify What to Do After the Shaking Stops
Check yourself for injuries. Protect yourself from further danger by putting on long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes, and work gloves.
Check others for injuries. Give first aid for serious injuries.
Look for and extinguish small fires. Eliminate fire hazards. Turn off the gas if you smell gas or think it's leaking. (Remember, only a professional should turn it back on.)
Listen to the radio for instructions.
Expect aftershocks. Each time you feel one, DROP, COVER, AND HOLD ON!
Inspect your home for damage. Get everyone out if your home is unsafe.
Use the telephone only to report life-threatening emergencies.
Your Local Red Cross Chapter Can Provide Additional Materials in English and Spanish:
"Are You Ready for a Fire?" (ARC 4456)
"Your Family Disaster Plan" (ARC 4466)
"Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit" (ARC 4463)
Materials for Children:
"Be Ready 1-2-3" involves puppets who give important safety information to children ages 3-8 about residential fire safety, winter storms, and earthquakes.
"Disaster Preparedness Coloring Book" (PDF File) (ARC 2200, English, or ARC 2200S, Spanish (PDF File)) for children ages 3-10.
"Adventures of the Disaster Dudes" (ARC 5024) video and Presenter's Guide for use by an adult with children in grades 4-6.
"After the Quake" Coloring Book (ARC 2201, English, or ARC 2201S, Spanish)
And remember . . . when an earthquake, tornado, flood, fire, or other emergency happens in your community, you can count on your local American Red Cross chapter to be there to help you and your family. Your Red Cross is not a government agency and depends on contributions of your time, money, and blood. For more information, please contact your local American Red Cross chapter or emergency management office.
If you would like permission to use the information about earthquakes on this page in a newsletter or other publication, or on your Website, please click here

If you have some advice or a web site that has advice please feel free to add it here.

Communication and Religious Differences

Communication and Religious Differences
Our traditional perspective of religion is often based on our cognitive beliefs, and to maintain quality communications it is important to keep in mind the differences that exist: Our world is far different from the experience of others from different cultures, heritages and religious experiences. Most of the people in the world fall into one of several categories:
• Believe in God or gods.
• Believe in a Supernatural Force, sentient or non-sentiment.
• Believe it is not possible to have “knowledge of God” or that we do or that a Supernatural Force in any respect based on accepted proof or is provable.
It is important to realize our traditional beliefs are in a world with vast choices and an emphasis on immediate response and gratification. This difference in perspectives creates a different reality for us of today, and the difference can add to our interactions or can become a barrier to quality communication. To understand someone else’s perspective if it is quantitatively different, we have to make the effort to actively listen and ask questions.

The two listening styles that can help us get at the other person's perspective are deconstructive listening and explicative listening. Deconstructive listening allows the acceptance and understanding of another's story without emphasizing any powerless or pathological aspects. Explicative listening pays close attention to the other's story while seeking themes, possible inconsistencies, and opportunities to be empathetic (not sympathetic).

When listening to another person's "story" you must encourage him/her to elaborate in order to help you access his/her experience through quality questioning. The goal of your questions should be to help the person distance him/herself from the problem of explanation, and thereby increase objectivity. This will allow evaluation of the situation from a more rational perspective. Invite the person to see his/her story from a different perspective and discover other possible narratives; this will create a dialogue between the two of you. Search for gaps or contradictions in the story, which might provide room for an alternative explanation to the situation or issue. This allows you to gain a perspective that will put their explanations into concepts you can understand.

Acting Ethically

Here is an important issue...acting ethically means treating people "equitably." Treating people equitably does not mean we treat all people equally. Treating people as equals does not mean we say the exact same thing or act in the exact same manner with everyone...many spouses would not find that amusing at all (smile).
To strictly adhere to showing the love God as given in monotheistic religions or to show the "satiyagraha" or "love force" of Ghandis' Hinduism, or to relentlessly focus on the belief in the "innate moral sense of Human nature" the non-theists have...is I think OK. Nevertheless, to hold to most other concepts with undivided attention becomes selfish, and mean on the part of most humans...I believe.

What do you think/feel about this?