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Just for fun: the random, useless announcements thread!

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  • VastmindVastmind Memphis, TN Veteran
    edited May 2019

    Thanks @federica ! It IS nice...and much needed. Applying for new jobs, was one of the first pro active steps I took in trying to move on with life and start fresh...letting go of the past. . ;):)

    federicalobsterShoshin
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    ....A Change is as Good as a Holiday ...When you work for the government ;);)

    VastmindKundo
  • BunksBunks Australia Veteran

    Congrats @Vastmind - always nice to celebrate good news! ???

    VastmindShoshin
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    I came across this photo in a local weekender magazine and it reminded me of my first trip to the island where I now reside, which was back in 1977 when I was on a working holiday from Oz...I remember the old ferry "The Kestrel" that was in use back then...It seemed to take forever getting there, and boy was the journey over rough..plus it made a number of stops around the island...

    Bunks
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    I really thought I was looking at a 19th century Mississippi Belle, then!

    Question: When insomnia strikes, why is it never when I have a day off?

    Kundo
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    @federica said:

    Question: When insomnia strikes, why is it never when I have a day off?

    Do you normally feel more relaxed on your days off ?

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    @Shoshin said:

    @federica said:

    Question: When insomnia strikes, why is it never when I have a day off?

    Do you normally feel more relaxed on your days off ?

    No.
    Technically speaking, I don't actually have 'days off'. When I work, I work 4-hour shifts, middle-day stuff - usually 2pm to 6pm, so any domestic chores I need to do, have to be done in that morning window. Days off usually involve shopping, laundry, housework and keeping tabs on my 87-year-old mum, and patiently being at her beck and call, because she's worth it. But hard work into the bargain....

    By 'days off', I really mean those days when I don't have to commit to being in my working environment, and doing everything food retail requires, (shelf-filling, product-watching, tidying) as well as dealing with customers...

  • LionduckLionduck Veteran

    woke up
    Cloudy day
    But the Sun is shining

    lobster
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    Ok, so for me, this is terrifically annoying and just goes to show the bias within online search mechanisms:

    .. I'm looking for information on YouTube on how to (for example) cultivate, grow, propagate a particular plant IN THE UK and I repeatedly, unfailingly, get "Hi, welcome to idiotonfilm farm, California!" or "G'day peeps, it's Derwayne DerDoofus here in Canberra..." And they keep banging on about what a perfect climate they have for growing whatever it is you're desperate to have in a cold, wet, rainy, dull freezing country.... Shitonastick...!!

    lobsterKundo
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    This may be of help for those who suffer from acute insomnia

    I guess the most natural way of calming the mind is through meditation, however one's motivation should be to look forward to the meditative experience, and not seeing it as a task used solely to help one get to sleep, if one has this in mind, it will more likely create more anxiety, even more worry for the mind to mull over...

    The idea is to make a habit/routine of meditation practice -meditate for the sake of meditation ( it's best to find and stick to a particular meditation technique and not to keep chopping and changing)
    Having a restful and not a restless night , will become the bi-product of the calming meditation experience....nothing special...

    However if one suffers from chronic insomnia, this no doubt will need professional help ... It would seem that your insomnia is more along the lines of chronic @federica ....

    federica
  • BunksBunks Australia Veteran

    Congrats to Harry and Meghan on the birth of a baby boy!

    Shoshinlobster
  • lobsterlobster Veteran
    edited May 2019

    @Lionduck said:
    woke up
    Cloudy day
    But the Sun is shining

    Beautiful
    Simple
    The Sun always shines
    A star.

    Extra note to self: Do not laugh at moderators

    @federica said:
    Shitonastick...!!

    Tee hee!
    Language o:)

    @Bunks said:
    Congrats to Harry and Meghan on the birth of a baby boy!

    I am probably related ?
    Just as I have common ancestry with Ye Olde Buddha Family ...?
    http://newbuddhist.com/discussion/26196/i-am-related-to-the-buddha#latest

    Bunks
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    @Bunks said:
    Congrats to Harry and Meghan on the birth of a baby boy!

    I refrain from comment, given that we are supposed to be going through the process of cultivating Kindness, Compassion and Wisdom... :angry:

    lobsterVastmind
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    Archie Harrison Mountbatten Windsor....Hmm nice one......The name will grow on him...

    I wish them all well.......as I wish all sentient beings well :)

    KundoBunkslobster
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    No Comment. Is comment enough.

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    Love Actually, Hugh Grant as British PM fallen in love with the highly unsuitable and completely improbable Martine McCutcheon.
    True Life does imitate art, it seems...

  • KundoKundo Sydney, Australia Veteran

    True Life does imitate art, it seems...

    Clean up in aisle 5... ?????

    federica
  • Lee82Lee82 Veteran

    Me and the Mrs went to the theatre last night to watch the King and I, some musical romantic set in the east, not really my thing but she enjoyed it.

    Has anyone seen it?

    The way the Buddha was portrayed was erm... interesting. He was seen as a Devine being, to be worshipped and who could grant miracles. For the lesser informed audience it would give a completely wrong impression!

    In other news my football team won the league today in impressive style so all is good in the world!

    ShoshinVastmindBunkslobster
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    "The King and I" was originally a film starring Deborah Kerr and Yul Brinner. It was set during a time when Thailand was still Siam and had been ruled by the same family of rulers since the 1700's... It's a fabulous film examining the results of the meeting of different cultures.
    The Buddha is still regarded that way in some cultures, and there's a lot of superstitious magical belief tied in with Buddhism which we view dismissively, but they still find important. So the view of the Buddha portrayed, is 100% accurate and correct. For that culture.

    Bunkslobster
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    One of my favourite songs from the King & I

    "Getting to know you"...

    The most essential method which includes all other methods is to behold the Mind...The Mind is the root from which all things grow...If one can understand the Mind...Everything else is included...
    ~BodhiDharma~

    Vastmind
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran
    edited May 2019

    News Snippet ...

    Durian...Hmm what's that funny smell

    The Emergency Services Agency said firefighters were called to the campus early Friday afternoon "following reports of a strong smell of gas".
    An update an hour later simply said they had "located the source of the smell" and >allowed people back in the building after conducting atmospheric testing.

    I remember on a trip back to the UK with two of my children we stopped over in Malaysia (where my ex brother & sister in-law were living at the time) anyhow I took them on a bus tour, and at one place there was a stall that sold durian fruit, I remember how they screwed up the faces when I asked if they wanted to try some, the smell really put them off...I had eaten durian before when travelling around Asian and found once one gets past the smell the taste is delicious...

    Back in the late eighties/early nineties there use to be an Asian food shop in Auckland where they sold packs of durian ice yogurt lollies on a stick...Yum :)

    Bunks
  • lobsterlobster Veteran

    GOT and the naga riders ...
    https://tricycle.org/trikedaily/buddhism-and-game-of-thrones/

    What fun, mayhem and Jon Snow knows Nothing ... ;)

  • JeroenJeroen Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter Netherlands Veteran

    Cleaning out old cupboards today... lots of old notebooks, old ideas... old computer books which I’m never planning to read again. So I’m letting go of things.

    BunksVastmind
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran
    edited May 2019

    Remember this from way back...

    Well it would seem that it's done its dash..

    We had strong wind rain and a cold blast over the weekend, the wind must have blown the nest away...Pretty soon the surviving foundresses of the colony will find a safe spot to hibernate over winter....and begin to establish new nests again in Spring time...

    The impermanent nature of all things... Such is life...

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    Wow...

  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    It was sad to see them go...after all the hard work they put in to making the nest...

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    Yes, but I guess that's from our perspective. Maybe they just think "Oh well, we'll start again next year". It's what they're programmed and conditioned to do, so maybe the opinion of hardship is on our take, not theirs... ?

  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    oh absolutely, unreservedly, unequivocally, totally, wholeheartedly YES.

    lobsterBunksVastmindperson
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    Every little bit helps

    federicalobsterBunksVastmind
  • lobsterlobster Veteran

    @federica said:
    Yes, but I guess that's from our perspective. Maybe they just think "Oh well, we'll start again next year". It's what they're programmed and conditioned to do, so maybe the opinion of hardship is on our take, not theirs... ?

    Fortunately I speak wasp. O.o

    Wasps are primarily like most simple organisms (humans, insects, worms, lobsters) drawn towards their best interests and repelled by what is harmful to them. They are sentient.

    A wasp or bee sting can kill those allergic to their venom. However if you are kind to wasps, sugar water or old jam pots with water will keep them hovering around. That is real sugar, none of that human stevia stuff ... they will, like spiders who protect us from flies, protect us if the need arises.

    Be kind. Do your best as @federica our beloved moderator and protector mentions.

    Here be dragons ... and wasps ... ;)

  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    When it comes to the paper wasps (they are the ones who build the single layer exposed nest without the protective covering-ie, the species in the photo -Paper wasp is the common name given to this species)...If people have a vege patch and have found paper wasp nests close by, I advise then not to have the nest destroyed as the wasps will be feeding on the insects that eat the vegetables that they are growing AKA biological control...
    My neighbours have a big vege patch, and no doubt my resident Tasmanian paper wasp colony would do their food shopping there and also at the vineyard at the back...

    All things bright and beautiful,
    all creatures great and small,
    all things wise and wonderful,
    Mother Nature's evolution made them all

    lobster
  • Rowan1980Rowan1980 Keeper of the Zoo Asheville, NC Veteran

    SOMEONE has staked his claim on the new zubaton.

    ShoshinBunkslobster
  • BunksBunks Australia Veteran

    Thanks @Rowan1980 - I love cats! Awesome creatures

    Rowan1980
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    There I was strolling along the beach minding my own business ( well I was collecting some shells, plus some starfish that were washed up caught my eye )

    ...when all of a sudden I heard a splash, at first I only saw a part of the wing sticking out of the water and thought it was a small shark, then it flapped...It was a manta ray feeding close to the shore...

    Expect the unexpected ...Life is full of surprises :)

    lobsterBunksFosdick
  • lobsterlobster Veteran

    Wonderful.
    Rays are flattened sharks.

    Yesterday on a long walk saw a koi carp swimming in the river. Quite common, they escape from a garden center, are released or escaped pets etc. The river was quite muddy so no pics. Saw some swifts, hawks, loads of fish (managed to restrain myself).

    BunksShoshin
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    WooHoo A friend popped in to say Kia Ora....

    If you make friends with your(many)selves, you will never be alone.... :)

    FosdickBunks
  • FosdickFosdick in its eye are mirrored far off mountains Alaska, USA Veteran

    You're making me homesick, dammit. Here, if I want to commune with insects, I have to settle for mosquitos. I had my first mosquito bite of the season a couple of days ago, but it's not the same. I'd like the little fellows better if they were a good deal bigger, and there were fewer of them. They're good bird food though - there's that in their favor.

    Shoshin
  • FosdickFosdick in its eye are mirrored far off mountains Alaska, USA Veteran

    But I am forgetting the dragonflies, we have those - though they will not emerge for a couple of months yet. Some time ago, I was watching one of them as it was hunting, and saw it seize a paper wasp in its jaws. It then gently alit on my shirt, and the wasp stung me right above the navel. A memorable event, I remember it fondly.

  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    Wow the cheeky bug ger ;);)

  • JeroenJeroen Luminous beings are we, not this crude matter Netherlands Veteran
    edited May 2019

    My first attempt with an Apple Pencil... thought I would follow in @lobster’s footsteps

    VastmindBunks
  • lobsterlobster Veteran

    It is fun @kerome.

    One of the things I found is confidence to draw as if I could.

    Rowan1980person
  • Rowan1980Rowan1980 Keeper of the Zoo Asheville, NC Veteran

    I was raised to believe that to openly showing any confidence in my knowledge in specific areas is to be malignantly prideful and egotistical. Given that I often experience imposter syndrome, I am finally making myself state that I actually know my sh*t. I know a lot when it comes to certain subject areas. (Hell, I have a Sociology degree, and I continue to study it independently and view most things through that lens-even Buddhism.) Being sheepish and humble to the point of self-degradation is so tiring, and I am doing my best to undo that while being comfortable with being open about areas I am not familiar with.

    So, yay, goodish news.

    BunkslobsterKundoFosdick
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    Very good news @Rowan1980. I think the adage about not hiding one's light under a bushel is a good one.
    I wouldn't know one end of a carbine engine from the other, but damn, I knit good! And I cook amazing!

    Mind you, if I believe I'm further up the chain than say, a goldfish - have you seen that sucker swim - ?!

    We all have different skills and gifts and if we're good at shit, we should own that, just as much as finding it easy to say "Ya know, I haven't a clue how to do that."

    lobsterVastmindRowan1980
  • lobsterlobster Veteran

    I know a lot when it comes to certain subject area

    Indeed.
    You do. Everyones knowledge and experience is unique and therefore The Path involves broad strokes but also subtle requirements.

    For example an advanced teaching, practiced prematurely or the wrong way may be detrimental. So rather than advanced we talk about appropriate or skilful. Personally I return again and again to simple, sitting, mantras and good company. Bad attitude I can find in any mirror ...

    Rowan1980person
  • Rowan1980Rowan1980 Keeper of the Zoo Asheville, NC Veteran

    @federica said:
    Very good news @Rowan1980. I think the adage about not hiding one's light under a bushel is a good one.
    I wouldn't know one end of a carbine engine from the other, but damn, I knit good! And I cook amazing!

    Mind you, if I believe I'm further up the chain than say, a goldfish - have you seen that sucker swim - ?!

    We all have different skills and gifts and if we're good at shit, we should own that, just as much as finding it easy to say "Ya know, I haven't a clue how to do that."

    Interestingly enough, if I don’t know something, I ask my wife. She’s a genius with subjects like engineering and mechanical work. (The latter means she can fix our car herself 98% of the time.)

    I joke that if Jeopardy were a team game show, we’d be unstoppable. :lol:

    Bunkslobster
  • lobsterlobster Veteran

    In my tireless efforts to save the world I have been eating more African chocolate from Oxfam. Ginger and orange - medicine and one of your five a day (fruit and veg).

    Oxfam have gifts you can provide benevolently on behalf of someone else who shares the merit.

    Here is some shit gift ... that I may not be giving. Too useful and selfless for my family ... O.o
    https://www.oxfamgifts.com/gifts/manure/

    ShoshinRowan1980Bunks
  • ShoshinShoshin No one in particular Nowhere Special Veteran

    My children have on occasions oxfam gifted my Xmas present.. A goat, here chickens there....Great idea,,,

    lobsterBunks
  • federicafederica Seeker of the clear blue sky... Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubt Moderator

    (It might be a naive question, but how do they feed, shelter and care for a goat if they can't even feed, shelter and care for themselves? It's just one more being to be responsible for, isn't it? )

    Vastmind
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