Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page 4

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=78 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="mogswebsite.com"><U><IMG SRC="176f300c0.png" border=0 width="48" height="12" ALT="Home" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="id3.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Comprehensive Index"><U><IMG SRC="17708f0c0.png" border=0 width="143" height="12" ALT="Comprehensive Index" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="id8.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Contact Mogs"><U><IMG SRC="17713d0c0.png" border=0 width="61" height="12" ALT="Contact" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="http://members.tripod.com/Mark4.Ram/MainGraphicsArea/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://members.tripod.com/Mark4.Ram/Main"><U><IMG SRC="17724d0c0.png" border=0 width="77" height="12" ALT="Art Gallery" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="http://members.tripod.com/Mark4.Ram/MOGSPart2/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://members.tripod.com/Mark4.Ram/MOGS"><U><IMG SRC="17735e0d0.png" border=0 width="94" height="13" ALT="Photo Gallery" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A><A HREF="http://members.tripod.com/Mark4.Ram/Interviews/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://members.tripod.com/Mark4.Ram/Inte"><U><IMG SRC="17744c0c0.png" border=0 width="76" height="12" ALT="Interviews" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id345.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Tabl"><U><IMG SRC="18aab0190.jpg" border=0 width="432" height="25" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#FF0033" FACE="Arial" ><B>PAGE 4</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#CCCCFF" FACE="Arial" ><B>     </B></FONT><B>H </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#C0C0C0" FACE="Arial" ><B>= </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#9999FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Humor     </B></FONT><B>S </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#C0C0C0" FACE="Arial" ><B>= </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#9999FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Serious     </B></FONT><B>F </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#C0C0C0" FACE="Arial" ><B>= </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#9999FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Fiction     </B></FONT><B>NF </B><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#C0C0C0" FACE="Arial" ><B>= </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#9999FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>NonFiction</B></FONT></div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=402 BGCOLOR="#000000" TEXT="#F7F7FF"> <div>  <A NAME="original_stories_by_mogs_page_4"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#996666" FACE="Arial" ><B> <A NAME="life_cycles"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B></FONT><B>LIFE CYCLES</B><B> </B><B>   </B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#339999" FACE="Arial" ><B>S</B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#political_packaging" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>NEXT</U></A>   PREVIOUS     <A HREF="id345.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Tabl"><U>TABLE OF CONTENTS</U></A></div> <bR> <div> The perpetuation of time continues without regard to circumstance or goals. A given point in time has little to do with what month it is and merely provides us with a point of reference for mental bookmarks that catalog life's lessons in our mental directory.</div> <bR> <div> Generations before us withstood trials far beyond our resource current life experiences - their lives were exercises on earth, each generation enduring unique struggles within the continuance of their time on earth.</div> <bR> <div> Decades ago family units were much closer relatively and figuratively speaking. Concern for their families overshadowed careers and by the same token their concerns fueled goals and achievements. Yet for many it was a rough for those that sought shelter, comfort, and resolve. Perhaps those same struggles mirror present day, only in different surroundings.</div> <bR> <div> The days of satisfaction and loyalty by persons in the workplace is being exchanged for what I consider players of the game. Their determination to do a job the right way is being replaced by their determination of self promotion with a disregard of business and social ethics. The stress associated with wanting to do the right thing instead of simply playing the game has compromised some people's chance for true achievement.</div> <bR> <div> We're increasingly evaluated less on our successes and judged more by how we played the game -  receiving rewards based on the buddy system of predefined justice where ethics are no longer a criterion of good measure.</div> <bR> <div> How we deal with such changes in the workplace is a reflection of our inner soul.</div> <bR> <div> Will we bend on a whim or will we look deeper into ourselves and be mightier than the adversity knocking at our door? </div> <bR> <div> Why do difficult things happen iduring this journey we call life?</div> <bR> <div> Do we dare involve ourselves in another person's trials if we're not directly effected ourselves?</div> <bR> <div> We are creatures of comfort and discomfort makes us pause. How we handle ourselves can mean the difference between grandeur and failure. The lives of those around us can empower us to be better than we're capable of comprehending on our own. We should quench our mental hunger by eating at the buffet of strength - often provided by the patience of a friend. We should be willing to preparing for them a feast of strength and encouragement when their buffet is running low. Or will we retreat within ourselves and find comfort because it's their buffet that's running low, and not our own that is struggling to find a second helping?</div> <bR> <div> The perception of space in time is directly relevant to where one is in their journey. We often experience good times at the speed of light, yet our bad times can slow life's passage to the unbearable tick of the clock. Could it be our duty to make certain that our friends winding mechanisms never bind or yearn for a gentle touch?</div> <bR> <div> Can we in some way be the timekeepers, each of us responsible for our fellow man's movement through time?</div> <bR> <div> Of course not. We're responsible for our own paths and responsible for the winding of our own clocks.</div> <div> However, for every action there must be a reaction.</div> <bR> <div> Maybe that is where we're to apply ourselves as human beings.</div> <div> Regardless the action we take ... without a reaction we would simply be standing at a crossroad.</div> <bR> <div> The theory of relativity states that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction.</div> <div> We beat to our own heart's pounding and we also provide actions that make another person's dream possible.</div> <bR> <div> Applying that theory to business terms - without a buyer there could be no seller.</div> <div> Applied to our everyday lives - without giving there is no receiving.</div> <bR> <div> <I>       </I>- <I>(c) 2008 Mogs</I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="political_packaging"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#9999FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Political Packaging</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#996699" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#996666" FACE="Arial" ><B>   </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#339966" FACE="Arial" ><B>S</B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#thoughts_about_thought" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>NEXT</U></A>     <A HREF="#life_cycles" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>PREVIOUS</U></A>     <A HREF="id345.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Tabl"><U>TABLE OF CONTENTS</U></A>     <A HREF="#original_stories_by_mogs_page_4" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>TOP OF PAGE</U></A></div> <bR> <div> The Contract for America was a set of noble ideas and values packaged in the form of a Republican agenda. I dislike the concept of political labels, media packaging, and word games. Political labeling is based on the concept of strength in numbers. Word games and labeling tactics are gaining in popularity each year and replacing the foundation of our modern political system. We pigeon-hole ideas while more and more catch phrases become the corner stones of the political smorgasboard we call government. </div> <bR> <div> Such games and labels will provide any given group an identifiable and orated logo that will be recgonized by the masses. It not only provides someone something to stand on, it also provides something to stand behind. The agenda then becomes a symbol of strength for all that share that political view and what it stands for.</div> <bR> <div> I believe in the concept of strengthening and supporting others, yet I do have a problem with word games within the political confines of selling ones platform to an opposing party's constituents. When the core value of a "packaged idea" becomes masked and forgotten by the general populace, many people are well versed on the catch phrase of the week, yet the meat of the catch phrase is lost in rhetoric.</div> <bR> <div> One example of why I feel this way is what happened to Dan Quayle. Everyone remembered the misspelled potato incident. Few people could intelligently express why Quayle was a bad choice for Vice President. He became an icon for ignorance because of a misspelled word and his remarks about a television series. One misspelled word and a televison series that often produced controversy.</div> <bR> <div> We like to think we're a smarter nation than that, but one has to wonder at times. Consider the votes that are bought in favors during each election - right down to the grass roots level.</div> <bR> <div> If our society and government is to truly move forward we need more meat placed on our mental table and far less of the rhetoric that these labels generate. The intent is questionable and ultimately, the core value of a political platform is overshadowed by the media and word games.</div> <bR> <div> People listen to talk radio ... people watch television ... people read the newspapers ... people search the Internet ...</div> <bR> <div> What is at the very heart of all those things?</div> <div>     The media is.</div> <bR> <div> Who runs those labels into the ground?</div> <div>     The media does.</div> <bR> <div> Who ultimately gets tired of all the rhetoric?</div> <div>     The people do.</div> <bR> <div> Who casts their votes on election day?</div> <div>     The people do.</div> <bR> <div> What determines the vote that many people cast?</div> <div>     All too often, media slant does.</div> <bR> <div> Who is simply glad that Election Day is over?</div> <div>     Unfortunately, the people are.</div> <div> <B>--------------------------------------------------------------------</B></div> <bR> <div> My "Cliff Notes" version;</div> <div>     - snappy phrases only provide a CIRCUS for the media.</div> <div>     - we need more focus on the MEAT and LESS on the package.</div> <bR> <div> - <I>(c) 2002 Mogs</I></div> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="thoughts_about_thought"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0099FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Thoughts About Thought</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#996699" FACE="Arial" ><B> </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#996666" FACE="Arial" ><B>   </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#339966" FACE="Arial" ><B>S</B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#where_do_we_go_from_here_" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>NEXT</U></A>     <A HREF="#political_packaging" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>PREVIOUS</U></A>     <A HREF="id345.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Tabl"><U>TABLE OF CONTENTS</U></A>     <A HREF="#original_stories_by_mogs_page_4" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>TOP OF PAGE</U></A></div> <bR> <div> A thought can be put into motion many ways. it can be displayed through a physical response, the written word, or by verbal communication. When a particular thought is something we're very passionate about we'll test that thought using preconceived assumptions based on a set of standards established by ourselves. These standards involve past experiences, personal judgment and hopefully ... sound reasoning.</div> <bR> <div> After reviewing a thought using predefined mental checklists and self evaluation, the desired effect of a thought put into motion will remain an uncertainty at best. Once a thought is executed it morphs into an abstract pattern of possible results when expressed to someone that adheres to a different plane of reasoning.</div> <bR> <div> In order to receive a predetermined and proportional response, spoken and written communication needs to be directed solely to individuals that shared our plane of reasoning. Intellect can play a role in how a thought is received whether it's expressed by an action, the written word, or through verbal communication.</div> <bR> <div> Constant mental stimulation is required to continue the wrinkling process of our brains. Results are realized through gained knowledge, improvement in reasoning and a feeling of general well being. If an expressed point of view is too abstract in nature for the audience it's intended for, such a viewpoint could easily float over an audience's head - similar to the way water flows over polished nonporous surfaces. In contrast, the perpetual wrinkling of our gray matter gives birth to an array of receptors - absorbing like tiny sponges and thirsting for further intellectual stimuli. The receiving and processing of positive stimuli can promote better reasoning and ultimately improve sound judgment.</div> <bR> <div> To further examine this theory on thought as applied to men and women collectively, we should make an allowance for aberrations since I'm processing gray matter that is residing in a man's head. Men and women can experience similar environments differently. Genetics play a role in those differences as do social norms, morals, and even lifestyles. Not only is the mental focus different between men and women, I tend to think we actually differ in our thought patterns.</div> <bR> <div> What may be a reasonable comment to one person, might seem very unreasonable to the next person. A comment that peaks the interest of one individual may actually bore another person. A comment or action that brings laughter to one person may in deed produce tears in the next person. Wow. It's quite possible that the same thought had been expressed in each of those instances yet the responses were very different.</div> <bR> <div> Could it be ... that is where the concept of think first and speak second gained such notoriety?</div> <bR> <div> So the next time you're having difficulty communicating with someone - first, consider their gray matter.</div> <div> Try providing something to that person in the form of another brain wrinkle!</div> <bR> <div> - <I>(c) 2002 Mogs</I></div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="where_do_we_go_from_here_"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#A6CAF0" FACE="Arial" ><B>Where Do We Go From Here?    </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#339966" FACE="Arial" ><B>S</B></FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="#moving_forward____backwards" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>NEXT</U></A>     <A HREF="#thoughts_about_thought" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>PREVIOUS</U></A>     <A HREF="id345.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Tabl"><U>TABLE OF CONTENTS</U></A>     <A HREF="#original_stories_by_mogs_page_4" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>TOP OF PAGE</U></A></div> <bR> <div> February 1, 2003 - I remember the first landing of a space shuttle.  I was working at the time and convinced the manager that we should view this landing because history was being made.  The orbiter wasn't simply approaching after a conventional takeoff from another airport, this craft was re-entering our atmosphere in a controlled glide path on return from outer space.</div> <bR> <div> Our eyes were glued to the television as the shuttle touched down in a near perfect 3 point landing. What a visual that was!</div> <bR> <div> A remarkable feat of engineering - without a single hint of a problem and the whole world shared in that event.  America had once again set a new standard.  A standard that caught the eye of the world.</div> <bR> <div> Where would we be today had that event never happened?</div> <div> Where should we go from there?</div> <bR> <div> Over the next several years our small fleet of space orbiters began making what became routine missions into space on a regular basis. News coverage became a bit more routine in the course of our everyday lives as well.</div> <bR> <div> January 1986 broke our hearts when the Challenger Space Shuttle experienced dire consequences approximately 73 seconds into flight when it went to ... throttle up.  An institution was brought to it's knees on that day.  The next couple of years were plagued with doubt, grief, anger, and confusion. The discovery of numerous problems involving proper protocol within the space program and many of the suppliers prompted investigations.</div> <bR> <div> In June of 1986, I sat literally yards away from the Challenger launch pad - what a somber experience that was. We'll never know how far that fateful day set us back as a country and world power.</div> <bR> <div> Where would we be today had that incident never happened?</div> <div> Where sould we go from there?</div> <bR> <div> After several years of re-examination and researching the events that  led up to the 1986 Challenger disaster, our space program regained respect and funding, and put a new priority of missions back on the launch pad with much success.</div> <bR> <div> There are no routine missions.</div> <div> There are no routine days concerning space travel.</div> <bR> <div> Interested eyes were fixed on the heavens throughout Texas on the morning of February 1, 2003.  The Space Shuttle Columbia was approaching in a high speed glide over the panhandle state and the clear skies provided optimum viewing conditions.</div> <bR> <div> The orbiter was in a scheduled re-entry glide path bound for Florida.</div> <div> Shortly after 9:00am - only minutes before the orbiter was due to land in Florida - Columbia broke apart 39 miles above Texas during re-entry.</div> <bR> <div> There are no routine space missions.</div> <div> 113 successful shuttle missions had been carried out by NASA.</div> <div> On that February morning space shuttle Columbia's 28th mission fell fate to disaster upon re-entry.</div> <bR> <div> Immediately after Columbia's liftoff on January 16th, a piece of foam insulation material had broken away from the main fuel rocket and apparently struck a section of the orbiter. Possibly hitting a section on one of the wings. A piece of foam.</div> <bR> <div> Where should we have gone from there?</div> <bR> <div> There's no immediate indication that piece of breakaway foam had an effect on this mission.  An investigation currently underway will hopefully offer some clues.  Perhaps it will offer insight.</div> <bR> <div> Where should we have gone from there?</div> <div> Should we have considered the incident a threat to the mission?</div> <bR> <div> Based on their vast knowledge of the space program and their experience with the design of the spacecraft it was determined very unlikely that the piece of foam posed a threat to the orbiter's safe return.  Based on various information and previous experience, the NASA team gave an all clear for the mission.</div> <bR> <div> We should also keep in mind the amount of debris that is constantly zooming through space.</div> <bR> <div> Our hearts go out to the crew of seven astronauts that gave their life to the American dream.  It was a dream shared by millions of Americans.  Our hearts go out to their families and to their friends. We have deep respect for the people that sat at the controls on earth feeling helpless - wishing there was something they could have done.</div> <bR> <div> In memory of...</div> <div> Commander Rick Husband, 45, from Amarillo, Texas.</div> <bR> <div> Pilot William McCool, 41, from Lubbock, Texas.</div> <bR> <div> Payload commander Michael Anderson, 43, from Spokane, Washington.</div> <bR> <div> Kalpana Chawla, 41, emigrated to United States from India in 1980s,</div> <div> became an astronaut in 1994</div> <bR> <div> David Brown, 46, a Navy captain, pilot and doctor.</div> <div> He became an astronaut in 1996.</div> <bR> <div> Laurel Clark, 41, a Navy diving medical officer aboard submarines,</div> <div> from Racine, Wisconsin.</div> <bR> <div> Ilan Ramon, 48, a colonel in Israel's air force and the first Israeli in space.</div> <bR> <div> Our hearts weigh heavy for our leaders.   There are no routine days as a world leader.   Where will we go from here?</div> <bR> <div> (C) 2003 MOGS</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <B> <A NAME="moving_forward____backwards"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="1" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="1" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" ></A></B><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#9999FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>Moving Forward ... Backwards</B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#0066FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>    </B></FONT><FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#339966" FACE="Arial" ><B>S</B></FONT></div> <div> NEXT     <A HREF="#where_do_we_go_from_here_" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>PREVIOUS</U></A>     <A HREF="id345.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Tabl"><U>TABLE OF CONTENTS</U></A>     <A HREF="#original_stories_by_mogs_page_4" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>TOP OF PAGE</U></A></div> <bR> <div> It's a disturbing thought that each day provides us with the probability of yet another Dark Ages.</div> <bR> <div> Just consider the numerous attacks on the Internet in recent years... Are each of them little more than hackers exposing the vulnerabilities of technology? Could some of those attacks be merely preemptive strikes, checking strategies, preparing for something bigger? Then add all the other plots against humanity that are floating around the world..... I suppose another Dark Ages could happen if certain chains of events are set into motion. Without going into detail, it could happen again.</div> <bR> <div> We had grown accustomed to reading about hotspots in Beirut and elsewhere, but who would have ever thought we'd be dealing with such hostile situations in our own country?</div> <bR> <div> I had a weird feeling after 9/11, concerning the prospects of world war III... Were we caught with our pants down? Did we think it couldn't, or wouldn't happen here?</div> <bR> <div> If we look at the current world politics, focusing on both the good and bad aspects, it stands to reason maybe we haven't evolved to a higher level, only a more complicated one.</div> <bR> <div> We can send people into space through the use of ever-growing technology, yet it isn't economically feasible to cure the common cold... The auto industry can build vehicles that'll do everything but tuck us into bed at night, yet we ignore old technology that would allow absurd miles per gallons, decreasing our dependency on natural resources.</div> <bR> <div> Collectively, we can do all of those things and more, yet we still don't understand the meaning of, exactly who was the brain behind, or how those huge stone formations, standing various places around the world, were constructed thousands of years ago.</div> <bR> <div> We've come a long ways....... maybe.</div> <bR> <div> I never cease to be amazed at the wonders and ponders of the world we live in... It sometimes hints at a rather miraculous beginning when you think about it. We're far too complicated in our wills, needs, and desires to have figured out a way to create the universe.</div> <bR> <div> (C) 2003 MOGS</div> <bR> <bR> <DIV ALIGN="LEFT"></DIV> <div> <A HREF="#original_stories_by_mogs_page_4" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>TOP OF PAGE</U></A>    <A HREF="id172.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>PAGE </U></A><A HREF="id172.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>1</U></A>    <A HREF="id45.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>PAGE 2</U></A>    <A HREF="id170.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Stories, Essays, Editorials, Humor: Page"><U>PAGE 3</U></A>    <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#9999FF" FACE="Arial" ><B>PAGE 4</B></FONT></div> <bR> <div> Website Design by Mark McKinley ~ Logos & Photos (C) 1999-2012 Mark's Online Graphics Site</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>