Learning From the US: If You Do Not Have An Enemy, Invent One !

A quarter of Americans believe that Iran now poses the biggest threat to the United States, confirming that a sustained neocon propaganda campaign to demonize Iran and its leaders for their own strategic benefit is having a significant impact. According to a new poll by Gallup, Iran is top of the enemy list, with 25 percent, followed by Iraq at 22 percent, then China with 14 percent, and North Korea with 9 percent. (April 1, 2008)

Did You Heartily Laugh Today?

A good hearty laugh can help:

* reduce stress
* lower blood pressure
* elevate mood
* boost immune system
* improve brain functioning
* protect the heart
* connect you to others
* foster instant relaxation
* make you feel good.

Light and Darkness

... without darkness
Nothing comes to birth,
As without light
Nothing flowers.

(by May Sarton)
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The Monster in Us All.

More than 86 million people were killed in war in the 20th century. That’s about a hundred an hour. On what basis can we be optimistic that such calamities won’t be repeated in this century? (Jonathan Glover)

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Is Creativity Innocent?

Is creativity innocent? Or does it have a darker, violent and cruel side? And can we really get away by cleverly separating creativity, creation and application?

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Isn't the invention of an atomic bomb a creative endeavour? But consider...

A first for the general public, the picture of the “mushroom cloud" is a very accurate approximation of the enormous quantity of energy spread below. The first atomic bomb, released on August 6 in Hiroshima (Japan) killed about 80,000 people, but it didn’t seem enough because the Japanese didn’t surrender right away. Therefore, on August 9 another bomb was released above Nagasaki. The effects of the second bomb were even more devastating - 150,000 people were killed or injured. But the powerful wind, the extremely high temperature and radiation caused enormous long term damage.

Democracy

Is democracy the end or the means?

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Loneliness or Aloneness?

Lonely and lost? Or alone and searching?

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