Welcome home! Please contact lincoln@icrontic.com if you have any difficulty logging in or using the site. New registrations must be manually approved which may take several days. Can't log in? Try clearing your browser's cookies.
Just for fun: the random, useless announcements thread!
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
Its bound to happen again @lobster... only a matter of time
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
Sometimes thieves steal cameras to prevent detection the next time they come round and actually break into your house. Increase security JIC...
Move camera to upper floor...
Buy a large, loud dog.
.
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
Some time ago (Quite a while ago, in fact!) we lived near some people we befriended, and one day went to visit. They had an English Bull terrier; my favourite dog. I was all over her, and she reciprocated, except that the owner advised me, that this would now make leaving the house, difficult... she was a very friendly, welcoming dog, but didn't like to let visitors leave. Her owners could come and go as they pleased, but strangers to the house were a different matter....Indeed, when it came time for us to go, they had to go through all kinds of hoops to distract her from the fact we were heading for the door....
They discovered this trait (she was an adopted 'rescue dog', so had ingrained behaviour they had no idea about) when one evening they went to the cinema, and on their return found a complete stranger sitting grumpily, slouched, arms crossed, in the armchair in their sitting room.
"Er...Who are you?!"
"I'm the fekkin' burglar!" replied the dejected figure.
It turned out that he had broken the small pane in the back door, and managed to put his arm through to turn the key in the lock, and let himself in. The dog, it appeared, had been very welcoming and seemed happy to see him. She had wagged her tail, licked his hand and yapped excitedly. he had given her a stroke and a cuddle, and enjoyed a short tussle with her, before setting to the serious business of trying to rob the owners blind. In fact, down by the chair, his bag contained a mobile 'phone, a jewellery box, some CD's DVD's, a portable CD player, some cash, a watch and a cine camera (yes, I told you it was a while ago). However, burgling done, he headed for the back door... Big mistake. The dog bit into his trouser leg, and began to pull, and he, thinking she was being playful, tried to push her off, whereupon she actually adopted a Jekyll/Hyde change of demeanour and became loudly vicious and threatening. One he retreated into the sitting room, she reverted to her friendly, bouncy self, but the moment he tried to move towards the back door, she would be menacing and threatening.
He had no choice but to sit down and await the inevitable call to the Police, and eventual arrest.
Distraction tactics were required in order to permit the arresting officers to leave with their 'suspect'....
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
Wouldn’t it be funny if your security attracted robbers on the premise that if you have security there must be something there to rob? Haha... hum... 🧐
Yes it is a bit of a shame the only thing worth pre-stealing was a security camera. I have put some herbs out (two oregano and a thyme) So they can make pizza whilst/instead of listening to the random protective mantra program I am writing ...
Perhaps the thief was feeling insecure...and needed a pick me up...so he picked up/stole the security camera...
A somewhat humourous truth......but a truth just the same....
It would seem that we are often in the habit of doing things out of a feeling of insecurity ....in the hope that our actions will make us feel more secure...but alas...it's possible that the more secure one feels, the more insecure we become...go figure...
"Dukkha" works in mysterious ways.....
2
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
It was a leap year, so we had a 29th of Februari yesterday...
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
@Kerome said:
It was a leap year, so we had a 29th of Februari yesterday...
It's traditionally the one day in 4 years that women have the opportunity to ask their partners to marry them... Did someone go down on bended knee for you, @Kerome ...?
0
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
Haha, no, unfortunately not... the image is worth a big smile though 😊
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
@Bunks said:
I’ve spent the morning at the Family Court finalising my divorce.
You want to see suffering? Spend a little time wandering around this place....
Yes, indeed, people are so engrossed in their fear of the unknown future, they are desperate, and unlike their usual selves... They are transformed from sentient, ordinary standard human beings, to beasts of greed, desire, avarice, resentment and aversion.
When I worked with a Relationships/Counselling organisation, I used to find it tragic (I still do, but am no longer connected to that field) how two people, who had once been so in love that they became one another's world, could turn a 180 so viciously, aggressively and hatefully, and share a total lack of respect for each other... So sad.
I am in no way implying or suggesting such is your case, @Bunks, I was speaking from personal experience, not as an observer of your situation.
Thanks @federica, my ex and I have been able to remain friends thankfully and sort everything out without involving lawyers. I think the fact that we were no longer in love when we separated helped.
But I overheard a number of conversations between lawyers and clients and it just sounded painful.
As you say, how do two people who had been so in love become so bitter towards each other?
0
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
I watched this the other day, thought it was pretty good...
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
"Here is the News: Corona Virus is steadily spreading, in a seemingly unstoppable way, so please ensure you wash your hands thoroughly, cough and sneeze into a handkerchief, and if fabric, wash on a very hot wash, and if made of paper, dispose of safely." Public: rushes out and stockpiles on sanitizer and loo rolls in a mad rush, stripping stores bare.
"And in more News: Plastic Pollution has reached catastrophic proportions, which at the moment appear out of control. Global warming is threatening our ecology, our environment and our entire planet. Flooding will increase, extreme weather conditions will worsen, and if the Gulf Stream is affected, all Hell will break loose." Public: 'Mmmm....? Nah'.
"Here is the News: Corona Virus is steadily spreading, in a seemingly unstoppable way, so please ensure you wash your hands thoroughly, cough and sneeze into a handkerchief, and if fabric, wash on a very hot wash, and if made of paper, dispose of safely." Public: rushes out and stockpiles on sanitizer and loo rolls in a mad rush, stripping stores bare.
It reminds me of what I saw on social media earlier...
This morning at the post office, while I was in line, two people with masks entered. TOTAL PANIC!!!
Then they said "This is a robbery "...and we all calmed down....
It's easy to imagine this actually happening...
Fears of the coronavirus has people stocking up on face masks too.....
.... hmm I wonder if some Muslim women who were abused for covering their face, are smiling beneath their veils, finding this twist of fate somewhat amusing...be it in a morbid kind of way ....a case of poetic justice perhaps ???
Fear (false evidence appearing real) works in mysterious ways.... it's funny that way...
2
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
I actually don't know why you would put up something like that after the link I posted. Really quite disappointed in that, @Shoshin. If it was an attempt at humour, I'm afraid I didn't think it was either funny, or in good taste.
It was not meat to be humourous ...Just normal contents found on most news broadcasts...As you can see people were complaining about the news contents way back in the 60s...
However we all have a choice of what we watch or hear when it comes to the news...for example Good news networks
2
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited March 2020
Mod. Note:
Yes, but you didn't add an explanation or clarification did you? I think that might have helped if you had.
I have mentioned before now, about not posting videos without any supporting comment...
End of Mod. Note.
The point the reporter was making is that we shouldn't have specialist 'good news networks' that accentuate one factor over another. Reporters should be offering an unbiased, balanced window on all manner of things, the key word being 'balanced'.
It's not a healthy concept to compel people to actually go looking for good news. It should be mainstream, normal reading or viewing.
Yes, but you didn't add an explanation or clarification did you? I think that might have helped if you had.
I have mentioned before now, about not posting videos without any supporting comment...
End of Mod. Note.
The point the reporter was making is that we shouldn't have specialist 'good news networks' that accentuate one factor over another. Reporters should be offering an unbiased, balanced window on all manner of things, the key word being 'balanced'.
It's not a healthy concept to compel people to actually go looking for good news. It should be mainstream, normal reading or viewing.
Unfortunately good news doesn’t sell newspapers. That’s reality.
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
Ah yes... But which paper has even tried? That's the point: We have all been indoctrinated with so much global negativity, that the better, more positive, uplifting news is now more of a novelty; consigned to videos shared on social media or Youtube, whereas what this reporter is saying that its absence has had a negative, depressing effect, driving a lot of people towards cynicism, prejudice and slanted bias...
If, among the negativity, there were positive stories, relaying good news as a central norm, perhaps people generally would have a better outlook, more drive, more energy and desire to combat the stuff that brings people down.
I am convinced such reporting is encouraged, and that Governments too, are definitely to blame. telling us what they want us to know, keeping back what they'd rather we didn't know about...
I do not watch tv any more, I do not read the paper, I do not read magazines, I avoid the negatively spun world we live in and live the reality which is my life and that I can verify with my own 6 senses.
I agree Federica, there should be balanced reporting, but there is not, all one can do is control what they allow to surround themselves with. I think I will check out the good news networks that Shoshin mentioned.
2
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
@federica said:
If, among the negativity, there were positive stories, relaying good news as a central norm, perhaps people generally would have a better outlook, more drive, more energy and desire to combat the stuff that brings people down
Its not just the question of good news versus bad news, it’s that important news is almost entirely drowned out. When was the last time the newspaper told you something that you could actually do something about? 99% of the news we read and see is useless, just entertainment. That’s why I don’t watch the news on tv anymore, and restrict myself to a quick glance at the front page of the Guardian for reading news.
Good bad....News is news...and for the most part it's designed to spark up discussions/conversations amongst the readers/watchers/hearers, of which (it would seem) it's really good at...
News we like, we talk about...News we don't like, we talk about...
When it comes to news providers...I guess it's a case of Buyer (into) beware or better the Devil you know
1
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
@Shoshin said:
Good bad....News is news...and for the most part it's designed to spark up discussions/conversations amongst the readers/watchers/hearers, of which (it would seem) it's really good at...
News we like, we talk about...News we don't like, we talk about...
No, it's not 'designed' for that at all. It's designed to sell papers and lead the public via biased opinion, to think or believe whatever whichever newspaper people buy into. It manipulates, controls, affects, directs and misleads.
"Well, I read it in the paper so it must be true" and "The camera never lies" are two dictums that have long since been kicked into the touchline, by those who have sufficient perception to be able to see when the wool is being pulled over their eyes.
Serious, specific, useful announcement: I have a job interview on Thursday that I'm particularly excited for. Please do your thing—chant, radiate, send that cosmic puñña! I would appreciate it no end, thank you 🙏
2
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
@adamcrossley said:
Serious, specific, useful announcement: I have a job interview on Thursday that I'm particularly excited for. Please do your thing—chant, radiate, send that cosmic puñña! I would appreciate it no end, thank you 🙏
Consider it done. My mala mantras tonight are dedicated to your Merit.
@Shoshin said:
Good bad....News is news...and for the most part it's designed to spark up discussions/conversations amongst the readers/watchers/hearers, of which (it would seem) it's really good at...
News we like, we talk about...News we don't like, we talk about...
No, it's not 'designed' for that at all. It's designed to sell papers and lead the public via biased opinion, to think or believe whatever whichever newspaper people buy into. It manipulates, controls, affects, directs and misleads.
News we like we talk about..News we don't like we talk about and this 'talking about' can be in regards to the particular person /newspaper/channel's bias itself and not just the bias comments/articles/news they/it spews out...
By its very nature "News" is designed to spark up the ol grey matter and conversation, be it thinking about or thinking out loud aka in conversation with others...
Do I go to the doctor and get tested for COVID-19?
I tried calling the hotline but when I stated I haven’t just been overseas nor have I been in touch with anyone who has it or may have it then they hung up on me 😁
Do I go to the doctor and get tested for COVID-19?
I tried calling the hotline but when I stated I haven’t just been overseas nor have I been in touch with anyone who has it or may have it then they hung up on me 😁
A good sign I guess
From what my mum says (she’s a doctor) if it’s sniffly and sneezy, it’s probably not the Big C (yes we’ve changed what that means now). If it’s a dry cold accompanied by headaches and difficulty breathing, get tested.
2
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
I had one of each, a dry cold accompanied by difficulty breathing, and later on one that was sniffly and sneezy. I haven’t been fully healthy in a month and a half.
0
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
@Kerome said:
I had one of each, a dry cold accompanied by difficulty breathing, and later on one that was sniffly and sneezy. I haven’t been fully healthy in a month and a half.
And here we have it, ladies and gentlemen; the origin.... Guys, can we all remember to just bump elbows on forum? No hugging or kissing, yeah?
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
I came across this promotion on Lions Roar for an online event “In the footsteps of Thich Nhat Hanh” which looked interesting, from 25 March - 29 March
Comments
Its bound to happen again @lobster... only a matter of time
Sometimes thieves steal cameras to prevent detection the next time they come round and actually break into your house. Increase security JIC...
Move camera to upper floor...
Buy a large, loud dog.
.
Some time ago (Quite a while ago, in fact!) we lived near some people we befriended, and one day went to visit. They had an English Bull terrier; my favourite dog. I was all over her, and she reciprocated, except that the owner advised me, that this would now make leaving the house, difficult... she was a very friendly, welcoming dog, but didn't like to let visitors leave. Her owners could come and go as they pleased, but strangers to the house were a different matter....Indeed, when it came time for us to go, they had to go through all kinds of hoops to distract her from the fact we were heading for the door....
They discovered this trait (she was an adopted 'rescue dog', so had ingrained behaviour they had no idea about) when one evening they went to the cinema, and on their return found a complete stranger sitting grumpily, slouched, arms crossed, in the armchair in their sitting room.
"Er...Who are you?!"
"I'm the fekkin' burglar!" replied the dejected figure.
It turned out that he had broken the small pane in the back door, and managed to put his arm through to turn the key in the lock, and let himself in. The dog, it appeared, had been very welcoming and seemed happy to see him. She had wagged her tail, licked his hand and yapped excitedly. he had given her a stroke and a cuddle, and enjoyed a short tussle with her, before setting to the serious business of trying to rob the owners blind. In fact, down by the chair, his bag contained a mobile 'phone, a jewellery box, some CD's DVD's, a portable CD player, some cash, a watch and a cine camera (yes, I told you it was a while ago). However, burgling done, he headed for the back door... Big mistake. The dog bit into his trouser leg, and began to pull, and he, thinking she was being playful, tried to push her off, whereupon she actually adopted a Jekyll/Hyde change of demeanour and became loudly vicious and threatening. One he retreated into the sitting room, she reverted to her friendly, bouncy self, but the moment he tried to move towards the back door, she would be menacing and threatening.
He had no choice but to sit down and await the inevitable call to the Police, and eventual arrest.
Distraction tactics were required in order to permit the arresting officers to leave with their 'suspect'....
Thanks for advice guys.
I used to leave the door open when we had a guard-snail ... It was a giant African snail. Ate her (dual purpose) ...
Maybe a couple of Foo dogs would be effective or a hanging basket of flowers ...
https://www.thegardenglove.com/hanging-baskets-5-secrets-the-pros-use/
... or maybe a bat box (worked for batman). Maybe hornets can be trained (I speak wasp) ... Mmm ... so many possibilities ...
Must be possible to use motion detection to play a protective mantra ...
https://projects.raspberrypi.org/en/projects
Wouldn’t it be funny if your security attracted robbers on the premise that if you have security there must be something there to rob? Haha... hum... 🧐
Yes it is a bit of a shame the only thing worth pre-stealing was a security camera. I have put some herbs out (two oregano and a thyme) So they can make pizza whilst/instead of listening to the random protective mantra program I am writing ...
The thief left it behind:
the moon
at my window.
—Ryokan
I received a footmassage this morning, it was a great way of rebalancing the energies
Perhaps the thief was feeling insecure...and needed a pick me up...so he picked up/stole the security camera...
A somewhat humourous truth......but a truth just the same....
It would seem that we are often in the habit of doing things out of a feeling of insecurity ....in the hope that our actions will make us feel more secure...but alas...it's possible that the more secure one feels, the more insecure we become...go figure...
"Dukkha" works in mysterious ways.....
It was a leap year, so we had a 29th of Februari yesterday...
It's traditionally the one day in 4 years that women have the opportunity to ask their partners to marry them... Did someone go down on bended knee for you, @Kerome ...?
Haha, no, unfortunately not... the image is worth a big smile though 😊
I’ve spent the morning at the Family Court finalising my divorce.
You want to see suffering? Spend a little time wandering around this place....
Pass
Yes, indeed, people are so engrossed in their fear of the unknown future, they are desperate, and unlike their usual selves... They are transformed from sentient, ordinary standard human beings, to beasts of greed, desire, avarice, resentment and aversion.
When I worked with a Relationships/Counselling organisation, I used to find it tragic (I still do, but am no longer connected to that field) how two people, who had once been so in love that they became one another's world, could turn a 180 so viciously, aggressively and hatefully, and share a total lack of respect for each other... So sad.
I am in no way implying or suggesting such is your case, @Bunks, I was speaking from personal experience, not as an observer of your situation.
Thanks @federica, my ex and I have been able to remain friends thankfully and sort everything out without involving lawyers. I think the fact that we were no longer in love when we separated helped.
But I overheard a number of conversations between lawyers and clients and it just sounded painful.
As you say, how do two people who had been so in love become so bitter towards each other?
I watched this the other day, thought it was pretty good...
Funny you should mention that @Kerome - my ex recommended it to me just last week
One word comes to mind "Dukkha"....
For those people who are inclined towards learning and science, and want to know what this AI business is all about, an online course...
https://www.elementsofai.com/
"Here is the News: Corona Virus is steadily spreading, in a seemingly unstoppable way, so please ensure you wash your hands thoroughly, cough and sneeze into a handkerchief, and if fabric, wash on a very hot wash, and if made of paper, dispose of safely."
Public: rushes out and stockpiles on sanitizer and loo rolls in a mad rush, stripping stores bare.
"And in more News: Plastic Pollution has reached catastrophic proportions, which at the moment appear out of control. Global warming is threatening our ecology, our environment and our entire planet. Flooding will increase, extreme weather conditions will worsen, and if the Gulf Stream is affected, all Hell will break loose."
Public: 'Mmmm....? Nah'.
It reminds me of what I saw on social media earlier...
It's easy to imagine this actually happening...
Fears of the coronavirus has people stocking up on face masks too.....
.... hmm I wonder if some Muslim women who were abused for covering their face, are smiling beneath their veils, finding this twist of fate somewhat amusing...be it in a morbid kind of way ....a case of poetic justice perhaps ???
Fear (false evidence appearing real) works in mysterious ways.... it's funny that way...
Well this is refreshing...
https://www.facebook.com/brightvibes/videos/1662849810522988/
I actually don't know why you would put up something like that after the link I posted. Really quite disappointed in that, @Shoshin. If it was an attempt at humour, I'm afraid I didn't think it was either funny, or in good taste.
It was not meat to be humourous ...Just normal contents found on most news broadcasts...As you can see people were complaining about the news contents way back in the 60s...
However we all have a choice of what we watch or hear when it comes to the news...for example Good news networks
Mod. Note:
Yes, but you didn't add an explanation or clarification did you? I think that might have helped if you had.
I have mentioned before now, about not posting videos without any supporting comment...
End of Mod. Note.
The point the reporter was making is that we shouldn't have specialist 'good news networks' that accentuate one factor over another. Reporters should be offering an unbiased, balanced window on all manner of things, the key word being 'balanced'.
It's not a healthy concept to compel people to actually go looking for good news. It should be mainstream, normal reading or viewing.
Unfortunately good news doesn’t sell newspapers. That’s reality.
Ah yes... But which paper has even tried? That's the point: We have all been indoctrinated with so much global negativity, that the better, more positive, uplifting news is now more of a novelty; consigned to videos shared on social media or Youtube, whereas what this reporter is saying that its absence has had a negative, depressing effect, driving a lot of people towards cynicism, prejudice and slanted bias...
If, among the negativity, there were positive stories, relaying good news as a central norm, perhaps people generally would have a better outlook, more drive, more energy and desire to combat the stuff that brings people down.
I am convinced such reporting is encouraged, and that Governments too, are definitely to blame. telling us what they want us to know, keeping back what they'd rather we didn't know about...
I do not watch tv any more, I do not read the paper, I do not read magazines, I avoid the negatively spun world we live in and live the reality which is my life and that I can verify with my own 6 senses.
I agree Federica, there should be balanced reporting, but there is not, all one can do is control what they allow to surround themselves with. I think I will check out the good news networks that Shoshin mentioned.
Its not just the question of good news versus bad news, it’s that important news is almost entirely drowned out. When was the last time the newspaper told you something that you could actually do something about? 99% of the news we read and see is useless, just entertainment. That’s why I don’t watch the news on tv anymore, and restrict myself to a quick glance at the front page of the Guardian for reading news.
Good bad....News is news...and for the most part it's designed to spark up discussions/conversations amongst the readers/watchers/hearers, of which (it would seem) it's really good at...
News we like, we talk about...News we don't like, we talk about...
When it comes to news providers...I guess it's a case of Buyer (into) beware or better the Devil you know
No, it's not 'designed' for that at all. It's designed to sell papers and lead the public via biased opinion, to think or believe whatever whichever newspaper people buy into. It manipulates, controls, affects, directs and misleads.
"Well, I read it in the paper so it must be true" and "The camera never lies" are two dictums that have long since been kicked into the touchline, by those who have sufficient perception to be able to see when the wool is being pulled over their eyes.
Serious, specific, useful announcement: I have a job interview on Thursday that I'm particularly excited for. Please do your thing—chant, radiate, send that cosmic puñña! I would appreciate it no end, thank you 🙏
Consider it done. My mala mantras tonight are dedicated to your Merit.
News we like we talk about..News we don't like we talk about and this 'talking about' can be in regards to the particular person /newspaper/channel's bias itself and not just the bias comments/articles/news they/it spews out...
By its very nature "News" is designed to spark up the ol grey matter and conversation, be it thinking about or thinking out loud aka in conversation with others...
.
It's the nature of the beast...
It's nice to recall that we can disagree with someone but still be their friend and respect their opinion.
I think that gets lost sometimes.
Aw shaddup, @Bunks....
What on earth makes you think it had anything to do with two of my favourite people on here having a disagreement? 😄😊❤️🙏🏻
A beautiful moment from the MCG on International Women’s Day ❤️❤️❤️
It’s a strange time to have a cold.
My Son has it now too.
Do I go to the doctor and get tested for COVID-19?
I tried calling the hotline but when I stated I haven’t just been overseas nor have I been in touch with anyone who has it or may have it then they hung up on me 😁
A good sign I guess
From what my mum says (she’s a doctor) if it’s sniffly and sneezy, it’s probably not the Big C (yes we’ve changed what that means now). If it’s a dry cold accompanied by headaches and difficulty breathing, get tested.
I had one of each, a dry cold accompanied by difficulty breathing, and later on one that was sniffly and sneezy. I haven’t been fully healthy in a month and a half.
And here we have it, ladies and gentlemen; the origin.... Guys, can we all remember to just bump elbows on forum? No hugging or kissing, yeah?
I am going to have a COVID-19 test in about an hour. Fingers crossed
Run for the hills! 🤪
Ideal time to go on an extended retreat ... whilst the rest of the world goes krono-crazy v19 🕊😶🙀
They basically told me to bugger off (hahaha)
But in a lot sweeter words......
Happy Losar (slightly belated, it was March 9).
I came across this promotion on Lions Roar for an online event “In the footsteps of Thich Nhat Hanh” which looked interesting, from 25 March - 29 March
https://promo.lionsroar.com/free-summit-thich-nhat-hanh/
For fans of his type of Buddhism to see what the teachers at Plum Village are like