GlobaLove Think Tank: October 2014

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Break Time

Last night I dreamed I was abducted by aliens – little old grays, in fact.

Lately, I've been been thinking a lot about how I sort of want to meet some aliens, and maybe talk with them about a diplomatic, friendly, and productive way to introduce them to the world. I think we could work out a way to live together, harmoniously and with respect for everyone’s free will, here on earth. I think I'm the kind of person who should be involved in that movement, helping shape that type of partnership. My mind was sort of whirling when I fell asleep.

It started with an impression, rather than an image.

In the dark, perhaps somewhere in my house, I stand across from three aliens. They look strange but feel familiar. I've seen this type of person before: slightly shorter than me, wrinkled gray skin and big, imploring eyes. They're grays. The scientists. I'm a little scared, but feel only an invitation and a warm welcome. I am relatively prepared for this.

In the next instant, I’m on a spaceship wearing a silver and white uniform. I sit at a long, comfortable, silver table in a classroom with a bunch of other humans. I don’t know any of them, but we’re all pleased to be there together. I feel like maybe we’re friends. If not, I would like to become friends with them. Each exude confidence, compassion, and a sense of leadership.

It’s break time. I head to the restroom, just for a chance to wander around. Instead, I reach a machine at the end of a hallway. It seamlessly protrudes from the wall over a neat little table. I peer into it and then become distracted: there’s a popcorn machine to my right! I love popcorn!

That’s going to make me thirsty.

Oh! Here’s a strange fountain machine. Little screens demonstrate colors and hint at flavors I don’t recognize. Green . . . Gatorade thing? The liquids all look like they come from plastic squeeze-bags, which grosses me out.

I want to taste them all before I decide. A squirt abruptly plops into a small cup, which is suddenly in my hand – why does this not startle me? and find that I don’t like any of the flavors. Finally, the word water appears, written in a barely legible black script. Perfect!

But there, on my left, is a coffee machine. Man, this is just what I want! There are two choices. One of the buttons actually has my name on it! Could it be that they somehow replicated exactly how I make my favorite cup of coffee? I have to try it. Dark and fragrant, it pours into my cup at a perfectly drinkable temperature. Fresh brewed. Mmm…

I look around for cream and sugar, but all I can see is a transparent square tube with a faintly blue button underneath. There is nothing printed on the button. I push it, and out plops a little brown bug! Right into my coffee cup! Ick!

On my left is a box of sugar. I think I glimpse heavy cream in the corner of my eye.

I would like to remember this! I wonder what happens next! What were we talking about in that room? Everything is fuzzy, confusing, and sleepy.

Late into the morning, I wake, slightly groggy. I stretch, feeling sore and tired. I close my eyes, breathing deeply and trying to remember my dreams. Identifying symbols and interpreting them is habit I picked up years ago.

My cat meows, sticks her fluffy little paw into my water glass, and splashes water onto my face. It's time to get up. I head to the kitchen to ponder and plan how I will spend my day.

After drinking a glass of water, I open the cupboard and grab a bag of my favorite freshly ground organic coffee.

Only then do I remember my dream about aliens.

Saturday, October 25, 2014

die well

Then out spake brave Horatius,

The Captain of the gate:

"To every man upon this earth

Death cometh soon or late.

And how can man die better

Than facing fearful odds

For the ashes of his fathers

And the temples of his gods."

Monday, October 20, 2014

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

war on peace

the "war on drugs" got us more drugs

the "war on poverty" brings us more poverty

the "war on terror" brought us more terror

maybe we should have a "war on peace" !

...

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Robert Wadlow with his father

Robert Pershing Wadlow (February 22, 1918 – July 15, 1940) also known as the Alton Giant and the Giant of Illinois, is the tallest person in history for whom there is irrefutable evidence. The Alton and Illinois monikers reflect the fact that he was born and grew up in Alton, Illinois.

Wadlow reached 8 ft 11.1 in (2.72 m) in height and weighed 439 lb (199 kg) at his death at age 22. His great size and his continued growth in adulthood were due to hyperplasia of his pituitary gland, which results in an abnormally high level of human growth hormone. He showed no indication of an end to his growth even at the time of his death. (read more)