Jim Vuksic's Blog, page 2
December 3, 2022
THE END IS NEAR! ---- Bu lls_t!
I remember when, as a child, walking downtown with my mother. We saw a man carrying a sign that read THE END IS NEAR!
While growing up, I lost count of how many times my parents, uncles, and aunts would inform me that "The world was going to Hell in a handbag!" and how much they missed The Good Old Days, which were so much better.
During the four years (1961 - 1965) I attended a Roman Catholic Seminary, the Apologia Professor often pointed out Biblical prophesies that were being fulfilled daily during the present which would culminate in the end of the world - quite possibly during our lifetime.
I am now 75-years-old. The world still has its problems. My life has had its share of good and bad times, great health and illness, fun times and sad times. I encourage my children and grandchildren to live life to the fullest and to, when the time comes, encourage their children and grandchildren to do the same.
The greatest thing about THE GOOD OLD DAYS is, back then, I wasn't always good and I wasn't old! My end is near; however, THE END is not.
While growing up, I lost count of how many times my parents, uncles, and aunts would inform me that "The world was going to Hell in a handbag!" and how much they missed The Good Old Days, which were so much better.
During the four years (1961 - 1965) I attended a Roman Catholic Seminary, the Apologia Professor often pointed out Biblical prophesies that were being fulfilled daily during the present which would culminate in the end of the world - quite possibly during our lifetime.
I am now 75-years-old. The world still has its problems. My life has had its share of good and bad times, great health and illness, fun times and sad times. I encourage my children and grandchildren to live life to the fullest and to, when the time comes, encourage their children and grandchildren to do the same.
The greatest thing about THE GOOD OLD DAYS is, back then, I wasn't always good and I wasn't old! My end is near; however, THE END is not.
November 2, 2022
Goodreads Members Who Don't Read
Am I the only Goodreads member who has noticed that there appears to be a number of members who posess little or no interest in books, reading, or writing?
A random review of some members' profiles and comments reveals many who participate solely in disussions pertaining to politics, current events, finance, cooking, traveling, and/or personality traits. They have posted no ratings or reviews or ever mention books, authors, reading preferences, or anything remotely related to the literary world.
There is absloutely nothing wrong with displaying an intereast in matters other than literature-related topics. It just seems odd that one would choose to join a literary website such as Goodreads if one apparently has no interest in discussing literary subjects.
A random review of some members' profiles and comments reveals many who participate solely in disussions pertaining to politics, current events, finance, cooking, traveling, and/or personality traits. They have posted no ratings or reviews or ever mention books, authors, reading preferences, or anything remotely related to the literary world.
There is absloutely nothing wrong with displaying an intereast in matters other than literature-related topics. It just seems odd that one would choose to join a literary website such as Goodreads if one apparently has no interest in discussing literary subjects.
October 15, 2022
A Mistake Versus A Conscious Decision
The adage "To error is human" should be taken literally and taught to children at an early age. One should never be ashamed to admit to having made a mistake; everyone, without exception, occasionally does.
If someone makes a mistake, eventually realizes it, and then does whatever is necessary to correct it and make amends, it should not be held against them. However, if someone makes the same mistake again, it is no longer a mistake, it is a conscious decision; therefore, the activity does not deserve forgiveness or an offer to help the perpatrator to overcome any negative impact that may result.
Upon making a conscious decision one deserves to reap the benefits of having made the right decision or accept the consequences of having made the wrong decision.
If someone makes a mistake, eventually realizes it, and then does whatever is necessary to correct it and make amends, it should not be held against them. However, if someone makes the same mistake again, it is no longer a mistake, it is a conscious decision; therefore, the activity does not deserve forgiveness or an offer to help the perpatrator to overcome any negative impact that may result.
Upon making a conscious decision one deserves to reap the benefits of having made the right decision or accept the consequences of having made the wrong decision.
September 5, 2022
You Can't Bring Back Yesterday
My earliest childhood memory is that of my father playing with me in our apartment while Mom sat outside on the stoop with friends.
When my established bedtime arrived, I begged Dad to turn the clock back and bring back yesterday so we could continue playing. He smiled, walked over to the clock radio and turned it back several hours. We continued playing.
At 75-years-of age, that remains one of my fondest memories. I eventually learned that one cannot bring back yesterday; which is why it is so important to take one's time and think carefully before making a critical decision.
There are very few 'Do Overs' in life. We cannot bring back yesterday; for better or worse, we only have today, so we must try our best to make it a good day - one worth remembering.
When my established bedtime arrived, I begged Dad to turn the clock back and bring back yesterday so we could continue playing. He smiled, walked over to the clock radio and turned it back several hours. We continued playing.
At 75-years-of age, that remains one of my fondest memories. I eventually learned that one cannot bring back yesterday; which is why it is so important to take one's time and think carefully before making a critical decision.
There are very few 'Do Overs' in life. We cannot bring back yesterday; for better or worse, we only have today, so we must try our best to make it a good day - one worth remembering.
July 27, 2022
In 75 Years, You Are Bound to Learn Something
Tomorrow is my birthday. I will be 75-years-old. During that three-quarters of a century I have experienced success, failure, happiness, sadness, love, hate, good times and bad and have learned much in the process.
Just a few of the lessons learned:
- To make a mistake does not mean that your are stupid. To make the same mistake twice does.
- Losing a loved one hurts a lot. It is never easy; however, as time passes, it does become easier.
- Children are individuals; no two are exactly alike. Being raised in the same manner does not guarantee that they will all turn out the same.
- After the last shot is fired, peace treaties are signed, and a war is officially declared over, there are no winners and no losers. There are only survivors.
- Life is like an amusement park ride. Everyone gets a turn. At the start, the ride seems to go very slowly; however, it soon goes very fast. Some parts are amusing and enjoyable, others are scary and challenging. Just when it feels like the ride will never end, it slows again and suddenly comes to a stop. It is time to leave and allow someone else to have their turn.
My ride is nearly over. It wasn't perfect. However, given the chance, I would do it all over again.
Just a few of the lessons learned:
- To make a mistake does not mean that your are stupid. To make the same mistake twice does.
- Losing a loved one hurts a lot. It is never easy; however, as time passes, it does become easier.
- Children are individuals; no two are exactly alike. Being raised in the same manner does not guarantee that they will all turn out the same.
- After the last shot is fired, peace treaties are signed, and a war is officially declared over, there are no winners and no losers. There are only survivors.
- Life is like an amusement park ride. Everyone gets a turn. At the start, the ride seems to go very slowly; however, it soon goes very fast. Some parts are amusing and enjoyable, others are scary and challenging. Just when it feels like the ride will never end, it slows again and suddenly comes to a stop. It is time to leave and allow someone else to have their turn.
My ride is nearly over. It wasn't perfect. However, given the chance, I would do it all over again.
May 10, 2022
The Grim Reaper Versus a Former Marine
At 74 years of age, I must concede that the body parts are slowly, but surely wearing out. I have been diagnosed as having arthritis, gout, high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.
I have consulted with my primary care physician, a surgeon, cardiologist, and oncologist. Though I respect their professional opinions and recognize their individual expertise, I have agreed to submit only to the least restrictive and time consuming recommendations and have respectfully declined the more intense, long-term treatments.
I regulary take the prescription medications recommended tor treating the gout, arthritis, and high blood pressure. I have had a stint inserted in the main artery leading to the heart and have had surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and 3 inches of my lower intestine. I declined to participate in the recommended radiation treatments and chemotherapy.
I have always lived my life to the fullest and enjoyed almost every moment. I am not suicidal. That said; I want to continue to live, but not interested in merely existing.
When the Grim Reaper does eventually show up, no doubt, he will ultimately win the final battle against this former Marine. However, he will know that he has been in one hell of a fight.
I have consulted with my primary care physician, a surgeon, cardiologist, and oncologist. Though I respect their professional opinions and recognize their individual expertise, I have agreed to submit only to the least restrictive and time consuming recommendations and have respectfully declined the more intense, long-term treatments.
I regulary take the prescription medications recommended tor treating the gout, arthritis, and high blood pressure. I have had a stint inserted in the main artery leading to the heart and have had surgery to remove the cancerous tumor and 3 inches of my lower intestine. I declined to participate in the recommended radiation treatments and chemotherapy.
I have always lived my life to the fullest and enjoyed almost every moment. I am not suicidal. That said; I want to continue to live, but not interested in merely existing.
When the Grim Reaper does eventually show up, no doubt, he will ultimately win the final battle against this former Marine. However, he will know that he has been in one hell of a fight.
March 18, 2022
Decision Making - The Brain versus The Heart
When confronting a life altering decision which cannot be avoided, one must decide whether to trust their brain or heart to help decide.
The choice may appear quite simple; however, human feelings very often override the brain's determination. The choice of which to trust is up to the individual. No one can make it for you.
Each organ utilizes very different methodology. The brain bases decision making upon logic and fact. The heart bases decision making upon emotion and trust.
One of the methods arrives at the right decision 90% of the time, the other arrives at the wrong decision 90% of the time. I leave it up to you to decide which is which.
The choice may appear quite simple; however, human feelings very often override the brain's determination. The choice of which to trust is up to the individual. No one can make it for you.
Each organ utilizes very different methodology. The brain bases decision making upon logic and fact. The heart bases decision making upon emotion and trust.
One of the methods arrives at the right decision 90% of the time, the other arrives at the wrong decision 90% of the time. I leave it up to you to decide which is which.
February 25, 2022
Immortality? No, Thank You
There are books, articles, theses, and theories touting the possibility of immortality or at least lengthy extensions of life spans in store for the human race someday. Personally, I am not interested.
I have enjoyed a good life which included a number of interesting experiences that many have not had. That said, I have no desire to live forever or even an unusually long time. I believe that medical science is keeping some people alive far longer than nature intended. Far too many are physically and mentally incapacitated and totally dependendent upon others. They are not living, they are merely existing.
I do not believe in a Deity or after-life. To me, dying is ceasing to exist.
I taught my children that life may be likened to an amusement park ride. We await our turn. At first the ride seems very slow and unimpressive. Gradually, it becomes more and more exciting and even frightening at times. Just when it seems like it will go on forever, it comes to an end. It is time to leave and allow others to have their turn.
I have enjoyed a good life which included a number of interesting experiences that many have not had. That said, I have no desire to live forever or even an unusually long time. I believe that medical science is keeping some people alive far longer than nature intended. Far too many are physically and mentally incapacitated and totally dependendent upon others. They are not living, they are merely existing.
I do not believe in a Deity or after-life. To me, dying is ceasing to exist.
I taught my children that life may be likened to an amusement park ride. We await our turn. At first the ride seems very slow and unimpressive. Gradually, it becomes more and more exciting and even frightening at times. Just when it seems like it will go on forever, it comes to an end. It is time to leave and allow others to have their turn.
January 9, 2022
Low Achievers are the Most Hostile Critics
Regarding effective learning opportunities one must include active participation in serious debates and discussions focused upon controversial topics.
Well informed and well intentioned men and women tend to possess an abundance of data, information, and well-thoughtout analyses, based upon in-depth research. Their active participation in debates and discussions, more often than not, provides an invaluable contribution to those seeking the truth.
Unfortunately, there are those who, for whatever reason, tend to spend more time attacking the personality, background, physical appearance, and or cultural and religious background of those with whom they disagree than merely presenting data and factual information to support their own position. These people almost always share the same personal history. They have failed far more often than succeeded in their personal endeavors, careers, or family lives, so they attempt to deflect from their own deficiencies by constantly focusing upon those (real, imagined, or deliberately falsified) deficiencies of others.
One can effectively disagree with and debate another's belief or philosophy without attacking them personally. Unfortunately, too many choose not to.
Well informed and well intentioned men and women tend to possess an abundance of data, information, and well-thoughtout analyses, based upon in-depth research. Their active participation in debates and discussions, more often than not, provides an invaluable contribution to those seeking the truth.
Unfortunately, there are those who, for whatever reason, tend to spend more time attacking the personality, background, physical appearance, and or cultural and religious background of those with whom they disagree than merely presenting data and factual information to support their own position. These people almost always share the same personal history. They have failed far more often than succeeded in their personal endeavors, careers, or family lives, so they attempt to deflect from their own deficiencies by constantly focusing upon those (real, imagined, or deliberately falsified) deficiencies of others.
One can effectively disagree with and debate another's belief or philosophy without attacking them personally. Unfortunately, too many choose not to.
October 27, 2021
Obviously Fake/Exaggerated Ratings/Reviews
My intent is not to humiliate or draw attention to any particular Goodreads member, so no names or specific description other than age will be referenced.
Has anyone other than myself noticed that some members post ratings for more books than anyone could possibly read during their lifetime while others claim that every book they have read and reviewed was worthy of nothing less than five stars?
The most obvious misguided or mistaken member posted 9,684 ratings. In their profile they state that they are 33-years-old. Assuming they began reading at age 6, the number of ratings indicates that they had to have read more than 358 books a year.
Another member posted 163 reviews, each with a 5-star rating indicating that each was not just good or very good, but great!
Perhaps I should give the aforementioned members the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, I am just a slow reader or too harsh when judging the quality of my reading material.
Has anyone other than myself noticed that some members post ratings for more books than anyone could possibly read during their lifetime while others claim that every book they have read and reviewed was worthy of nothing less than five stars?
The most obvious misguided or mistaken member posted 9,684 ratings. In their profile they state that they are 33-years-old. Assuming they began reading at age 6, the number of ratings indicates that they had to have read more than 358 books a year.
Another member posted 163 reviews, each with a 5-star rating indicating that each was not just good or very good, but great!
Perhaps I should give the aforementioned members the benefit of the doubt. Maybe, I am just a slow reader or too harsh when judging the quality of my reading material.
