Robert N. Franz's Blog, page 9
February 8, 2015
Embarrassed Into Action
If you want to embarrass a community all you have to do is write a book and then add an accompanying blog. People will go out of their way to say that they have read some -- when they really have not.
Others will gracefully try to sidestep you. However the good news, from this author, is that others who do read can be genuine and go out of their way to congratulate. They say without a doubt that what is written is valuable. To the latter category I say, "Thank you". To all others it only matters to me that someday you will appreciate my work. I have faith that someday all of us will understand the meaning from these words.
The senior U.S. Senator from Delaware -- a democrat to be sure -- has a powerful influence on me which I am trying to 'shake off'. According to Senator Thomas Carper(D-DE) in order to get my writings read I am going to have to dismantle my little machine. In short, Senator Carper's office has told me that they will not read what I have writtenBob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
unless I promise to make all of it for free. They state that as put -- "I cannot make any money on this venture for it to work," -- or at the least "be read".
Of course it must be known that Senator Carper is ignorant that my wife and my income is solely by Social Security -- give or take $300 a month. Yes, we are grateful, but our income is small and our debts are high. The Senator does not take into account that I have debts from writing and need to recover my outlay. It costs money to write a book.
After catching-up I would be happy to donate to non-profits which help the less fortunate. But there are other problems which go with my work:
I would be happy to learn if anyone is reading what I have written. It is unfortunate that some long-time friends just 'tune me out' and then blatantly say,"Oh I've read some -- I just need more time to finish it all." Others say, "Gee, Bob, we really have to get together for lunch to talk about it," and then they never call. I have caught good friends side-stepping me. They have no idea of the emotions and strength that move me. Perhaps I have not known what our friendships have been based on anyways. But if one doesn't read -- you'll never know the need. All that is asked for is a little listening to begin some decent understanding between us as humans. Some honest statements in this case are better than "little white lies." I try to be polite -- yet I am able to tell who has been reading and who has not.
Senator Carper, I have no problem donating some of the proceeds to a registered charity, but I want you to know that I need some money to 'run for office'. I have dreams of my own. Part of these dreams mean that I have to earn remuneration on my own for my family's needs, while the other part of this program means that I'll have to get some "Honest Joe's" to help me. As far as I can see this should be a team effort. Please know that I have supported you in your elections -- consistently. What I don't understand is how exactly I should "connect the dots" so that I may hold office eventually.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons(D-DE)has accepted a complimentary copy of my eBook through his office. The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington -- His Holiness Francis Malooly -- has also accepted a complimentry copy of my work. Please remember that I would be happy to send you my video -- "Bringing Peace to Violently Troubled Minds" -- my eBook -- "Bob Does Everything Backwards Writing Out of an Illness" along with a link to Robert N. Franz's Blog. All of this complimentary work is yours for asking me.
This material includes a framework and examples which would help stop violence. Discussions need to begin with these expressive essays all of which could be mediums and agents for change. We must prepare our society to explore new ventures. We must move into the 21st century unencumbered by politics yet scientifically able to have man explore the universe. Productivity must increase -- hopefully with slow growth -- so not to go too far or fast -- while preventing too much loss to our ambitious populations.
I hope to take my part and help solve problems in Delaware. I offer my work to aid in solutions about community issues. Unfortunately, I feel 'harassed' by making such a paltry income. Hopefully, work will change this affliction and my family can find more freedom.
I am a 'conservative democrat' who does not feel represented in congress. If I cannot find representation, then I hope to start my own burgeoning leadership where many of us may truly be heard.
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness Godspeed, and if you do not believe may I just say that your gods should be with you in your travels.
Sincerely yours,
Robert N. Franz
Others will gracefully try to sidestep you. However the good news, from this author, is that others who do read can be genuine and go out of their way to congratulate. They say without a doubt that what is written is valuable. To the latter category I say, "Thank you". To all others it only matters to me that someday you will appreciate my work. I have faith that someday all of us will understand the meaning from these words.
The senior U.S. Senator from Delaware -- a democrat to be sure -- has a powerful influence on me which I am trying to 'shake off'. According to Senator Thomas Carper(D-DE) in order to get my writings read I am going to have to dismantle my little machine. In short, Senator Carper's office has told me that they will not read what I have writtenBob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
unless I promise to make all of it for free. They state that as put -- "I cannot make any money on this venture for it to work," -- or at the least "be read".Of course it must be known that Senator Carper is ignorant that my wife and my income is solely by Social Security -- give or take $300 a month. Yes, we are grateful, but our income is small and our debts are high. The Senator does not take into account that I have debts from writing and need to recover my outlay. It costs money to write a book.
After catching-up I would be happy to donate to non-profits which help the less fortunate. But there are other problems which go with my work:
I would be happy to learn if anyone is reading what I have written. It is unfortunate that some long-time friends just 'tune me out' and then blatantly say,"Oh I've read some -- I just need more time to finish it all." Others say, "Gee, Bob, we really have to get together for lunch to talk about it," and then they never call. I have caught good friends side-stepping me. They have no idea of the emotions and strength that move me. Perhaps I have not known what our friendships have been based on anyways. But if one doesn't read -- you'll never know the need. All that is asked for is a little listening to begin some decent understanding between us as humans. Some honest statements in this case are better than "little white lies." I try to be polite -- yet I am able to tell who has been reading and who has not.
Senator Carper, I have no problem donating some of the proceeds to a registered charity, but I want you to know that I need some money to 'run for office'. I have dreams of my own. Part of these dreams mean that I have to earn remuneration on my own for my family's needs, while the other part of this program means that I'll have to get some "Honest Joe's" to help me. As far as I can see this should be a team effort. Please know that I have supported you in your elections -- consistently. What I don't understand is how exactly I should "connect the dots" so that I may hold office eventually.
U.S. Senator Chris Coons(D-DE)has accepted a complimentary copy of my eBook through his office. The Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Wilmington -- His Holiness Francis Malooly -- has also accepted a complimentry copy of my work. Please remember that I would be happy to send you my video -- "Bringing Peace to Violently Troubled Minds" -- my eBook -- "Bob Does Everything Backwards Writing Out of an Illness" along with a link to Robert N. Franz's Blog. All of this complimentary work is yours for asking me.
This material includes a framework and examples which would help stop violence. Discussions need to begin with these expressive essays all of which could be mediums and agents for change. We must prepare our society to explore new ventures. We must move into the 21st century unencumbered by politics yet scientifically able to have man explore the universe. Productivity must increase -- hopefully with slow growth -- so not to go too far or fast -- while preventing too much loss to our ambitious populations.
I hope to take my part and help solve problems in Delaware. I offer my work to aid in solutions about community issues. Unfortunately, I feel 'harassed' by making such a paltry income. Hopefully, work will change this affliction and my family can find more freedom.
I am a 'conservative democrat' who does not feel represented in congress. If I cannot find representation, then I hope to start my own burgeoning leadership where many of us may truly be heard.
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness Godspeed, and if you do not believe may I just say that your gods should be with you in your travels.Sincerely yours,
Robert N. Franz
February 7, 2015
Seeking a Thriving World
It seems that the words survival, extinction, violence and torture all play roles for members of the human race. Most definitely violence and torture describe ways in which people exert their will when there is no other hope for survival. Survival is only wished for because if you die -- then you die. To some it does not matter if the rest of your compatriots live or die -- for if you die then you will know extinction only for yourself -- nothing else matters to this -- the self-centered person.
For religious bodies or races the survival of others is of definite importance.People die for their compatriots or compadres. That is the essence of what Jesus Christ did. All martyrs in all religions have been known to die for others. Suffering proves that life in these realms is well worth it because people do die for their friends and family members. This is altruism at its greatest.
It is also seen that the foes in these cases are not always seen as evil -- but rather many times they just seem misguided or misunderstood. Forgiveness then is possible. Witness Saint Francis as he traveled to the Crusades. His capture led to him being freed only to return to his home in Italy. Somewhere someone showed mercy and forgiveness. I say this to show that evil is not always evil, especially when it is understood that it can be forgiven.
Economically speaking all products and businesses have a lifespan. This means that Wonder Bread and Rice Chex both have a birth going to a final ending. Dr. Pepper may have a more colorful life (since at one time it was an elixir) -- but all in all, the lifespan of products also defines the lifespan of many a business.
So too -- I believe that religions have lifespans and 'births' so to speak.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
The purpose of religion for this consideration is to give man a sense of emotional security based on a belief in a 'higher power'. When we feel part of a religion we therefore feel more complete. It can even be said that the birth of atheism has come just in the last couple of centuries. Others in religious thought began much earlier.
Hinduism, Taoism and Buddhism go back to the ancients. The Jewish faith can be traced back to 4,000 years BC while Christianity began in the last 2,000 years. Islam began in religiosity about 700 to 800 years ago.
I maintain that there are similarities in the growth of religions. Each one had a 'birth' to work through. For example, Christianity had to compete with Greek and Roman gods as well as the Judeo traditions. As Christianity grew it went through an aggressive adolescent stage whereby the religionists faced the Inquisition and the Crusades. This is one way the religion spread.
Now I feel that Islam is going through much the same thing. As a religion its members are trying to "spread the word" among the people of the world and they do this at a great cost. Right now the attitude of the Islamic leaders does not have the maturity that other more ancient religions have. This is not to say that they will never have the maturity. Given time the religion will mature and most likely will be a great force in the history of global society. It needs to find its place. Please do not denigrate a religion that at this particular time is sensitive to "growing pains" Truly they must know as well -- respect for all is needed.
Religions can give uncommon strength to individuals, yet religions compete -- just like people. It is shameful when they compete with guns, knives, bombs and swords -- instead of by words and writings. Remember, the conception of 'Logic' began adjacent to varied religions when people of different faiths had to communicate with different values. 'Logic' therefore became a value for agreements. With today's religious -- we need a new 'Logic' more than ever. Who will start the dialogue?
In a similar way we need to celebrate our uniqueness while at the same time respect a "melting pot". How do we look at brown, black, yellow, red and white people? We know that similarities attract in this sea of individuals, yet we have to -- at the same time -- accept 'multiracial' babies. With this in mind it is best for everyone that caring and love always be shown.
There is a time and place for every culture and race to have moments in the sun. In totality the sacredness of the nature of each person must be enchased. We simply cannot have annihilists obliterate the worlds of others.
To make the world a better place we need to accentuate the positives in our cultures and races instead of killing off whatever makes us uncomfortable. There is no need to cause death -- many and varied people can thrive in this world.
"Why won't you try this?"
Always sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
For religious bodies or races the survival of others is of definite importance.People die for their compatriots or compadres. That is the essence of what Jesus Christ did. All martyrs in all religions have been known to die for others. Suffering proves that life in these realms is well worth it because people do die for their friends and family members. This is altruism at its greatest.
It is also seen that the foes in these cases are not always seen as evil -- but rather many times they just seem misguided or misunderstood. Forgiveness then is possible. Witness Saint Francis as he traveled to the Crusades. His capture led to him being freed only to return to his home in Italy. Somewhere someone showed mercy and forgiveness. I say this to show that evil is not always evil, especially when it is understood that it can be forgiven.
Economically speaking all products and businesses have a lifespan. This means that Wonder Bread and Rice Chex both have a birth going to a final ending. Dr. Pepper may have a more colorful life (since at one time it was an elixir) -- but all in all, the lifespan of products also defines the lifespan of many a business.
So too -- I believe that religions have lifespans and 'births' so to speak.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
The purpose of religion for this consideration is to give man a sense of emotional security based on a belief in a 'higher power'. When we feel part of a religion we therefore feel more complete. It can even be said that the birth of atheism has come just in the last couple of centuries. Others in religious thought began much earlier.Hinduism, Taoism and Buddhism go back to the ancients. The Jewish faith can be traced back to 4,000 years BC while Christianity began in the last 2,000 years. Islam began in religiosity about 700 to 800 years ago.
I maintain that there are similarities in the growth of religions. Each one had a 'birth' to work through. For example, Christianity had to compete with Greek and Roman gods as well as the Judeo traditions. As Christianity grew it went through an aggressive adolescent stage whereby the religionists faced the Inquisition and the Crusades. This is one way the religion spread.
Now I feel that Islam is going through much the same thing. As a religion its members are trying to "spread the word" among the people of the world and they do this at a great cost. Right now the attitude of the Islamic leaders does not have the maturity that other more ancient religions have. This is not to say that they will never have the maturity. Given time the religion will mature and most likely will be a great force in the history of global society. It needs to find its place. Please do not denigrate a religion that at this particular time is sensitive to "growing pains" Truly they must know as well -- respect for all is needed.
Religions can give uncommon strength to individuals, yet religions compete -- just like people. It is shameful when they compete with guns, knives, bombs and swords -- instead of by words and writings. Remember, the conception of 'Logic' began adjacent to varied religions when people of different faiths had to communicate with different values. 'Logic' therefore became a value for agreements. With today's religious -- we need a new 'Logic' more than ever. Who will start the dialogue?
In a similar way we need to celebrate our uniqueness while at the same time respect a "melting pot". How do we look at brown, black, yellow, red and white people? We know that similarities attract in this sea of individuals, yet we have to -- at the same time -- accept 'multiracial' babies. With this in mind it is best for everyone that caring and love always be shown.
There is a time and place for every culture and race to have moments in the sun. In totality the sacredness of the nature of each person must be enchased. We simply cannot have annihilists obliterate the worlds of others.
To make the world a better place we need to accentuate the positives in our cultures and races instead of killing off whatever makes us uncomfortable. There is no need to cause death -- many and varied people can thrive in this world.
"Why won't you try this?"
Always sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
February 6, 2015
A Choice for Mankind
Admittedly, answers can be difficult to come by. For me it is necessary to look at the negative so that I may move towards the positive and find solutions. Specifically for the sake of all humans we all have to find workable answers together. In the end, it is the "survival of the human species" which we seek. We will need to find a true niche for us in the universe. In the essay after this one I will offer a more positive viewpoint -- for now, however, we have to consider the more difficult 'tracks'.
I have witnessed on film a large snake swallow and consume a full grown crocodile -- but this is not the worst of it. The most feared and ruthless killer in Africa is a vegetarian -- the hippopotamus. I ask you -- why do animals kill? Do we all know that to lose just one fight means that one will be eaten? What should we expect from man?
Certain small cats, such as the bobcat, the lynx and the domesticated kitty, kill more than they can eat -- indiscriminately. The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
Notice that the 'big cats' and the wolves both use an almost 'humane' way of killing, by quickly cutting off the neck (windpipe) to suffocate their prey. Most all animals do not overkill -- none that I know actually torture. It is my humble opinion that hippos kill for their territory out of fear they are being infringed upon. Many good watering holes are being dried up these days.
What is man's excuse? Why do members of our species kill in excess as well as use torture while harming others? Why are there annihilists who just want to destroy?
The answer could be in our make-up. Humans focus with senses, limbs and fingers quite directly facing the front -- for analysis and concentration. Potential for both good and evil is great. But why are we evil enough to advertise and cause great pain before death? What goes on in our brains?
Take four examples:(1) ISIS who have factions that burn and behead people. (2) Witness the Vice-president of South Viet Nam years ago who passed judgement on a man and on the street shot him in the head (LIFE magazine -- 1969).(3) See the U.S.A.'s executive branch be implicated in torture by 'water-boarding' political prisoners. (4) Finally see the ultimate of modern horror with the Nazi's who made lampshades out of human skin (Dachau).
All of these tortures together beg the question -- what is left? Does violence with the aftermath of torture guarantee that people will be on your side? Why do there have to be "sides" at all? What happens to the witnesses of torture? Do people assume that torture will guarantee extinction of another people? Or set of behaviors? Did early tribal primates eat their enemies after the killing was done? It goes to show that mankind has not evolved out of this survival mode because even with technological growth grave atrocities still occur. Just look at Nazi Germany (or any modern day genocide for that matter).
Once when I was in a psychotic state of mind I believed that aliens were coming to earth to eat the 'inner' brains of humans. I had thought that the aliens would enjoy the "high" provided by biting into our exotic brain chemicals. Though this did not pan out to be a true thought -- our brains do have something to do with torture.
Torture is a way of getting attention and instilling fear. Some people in fear become malleable -- others fight the foe. In short torture is a rallying cry for a people. For the group who is doing the torturing -- they seem to be testing their God (or gods) to see if they should survive or become extinct. They also seem to have the mistaken belief that from their 'righteousness' they can do anything without consequence. In their eyes no rules apply to them.
For the group that is being tortured; they are being told that their presence in the world threatens weaker people. These victims fear extinction and are boxed into a corner. It is this group -- the ones that the torture is being directed towards who determine just how the fight will be won. Does an entire race have to suffer or is this a war of ideas? To show that mankind can evolve at all from the monstrosity of torture then certainly strong quick decisions have to be made. In the end, to make sure mankind is positively evolving, all ideas must be discussed in peace. Guns, swords and plows notwithstanding, we need to talk. True questions of tolerance need to be discussed.
Anger erupts when dealing with others who have a psychological need to hurt other living beings. Good and evil may play roles but definitely the negative may also be attributed to some sort of disease. Although swift action many times must be taken, it should be known that admittedly or not, the core of all of this hate is centered around fear. Why should the mere presence of a group cause so much ill feeling that others want them obliterated? If we are going to hate that much then really why should any man ever really gain, "The keys to any kingdom" at all? Will we never admit that we are weak with fear instead of strong with hate? Therefore it becomes necessary to decently supervise the ill until the innocent are spared or until the healing comes. We really only know how to relate to others in this world once a positive trial can be witnessed. No amount of ostracizing others will solve the problem.
When an animal loses a fight many times it is eaten. Remember that love will mean nothing until we get the notion out of our brains that just by losing one fight we will be obliterated, become extinct or consumed. Too much adrenaline goes into our arguments and games. Never do we consistently act with the wisdom that there will always be another chance. Too often do we see ourselves on a life and death battlefield instead of using the thoughts of an athlete with the knowledge that the next season is just around the corner.[Parenthetically, the ebb and flow of a democracy also means that a new government can peacefully be just around the corner.] Finally -- the last finality -- creates the legacies we want ourselves to live by. Yes, a man should not be known for how he dies; but more for how he has lived. Together we can live and create a joint legacy -- a true good history -- with all of us having a part worthy of a strong and essential review.
In the next posting I will attempt to show our healthy differences as we celebrate our lives as unique beings. Please travel with care -- live with passion -- and do not become indifferent to the lives around you.
Sincerely written, and
Respectfully submitted,
Robert N. Franz
see: amzn.to/1R1Oayq
or check linkage: amazon.com/author/rf3rd
I have witnessed on film a large snake swallow and consume a full grown crocodile -- but this is not the worst of it. The most feared and ruthless killer in Africa is a vegetarian -- the hippopotamus. I ask you -- why do animals kill? Do we all know that to lose just one fight means that one will be eaten? What should we expect from man?
Certain small cats, such as the bobcat, the lynx and the domesticated kitty, kill more than they can eat -- indiscriminately. The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
Notice that the 'big cats' and the wolves both use an almost 'humane' way of killing, by quickly cutting off the neck (windpipe) to suffocate their prey. Most all animals do not overkill -- none that I know actually torture. It is my humble opinion that hippos kill for their territory out of fear they are being infringed upon. Many good watering holes are being dried up these days.What is man's excuse? Why do members of our species kill in excess as well as use torture while harming others? Why are there annihilists who just want to destroy?
The answer could be in our make-up. Humans focus with senses, limbs and fingers quite directly facing the front -- for analysis and concentration. Potential for both good and evil is great. But why are we evil enough to advertise and cause great pain before death? What goes on in our brains?
Take four examples:(1) ISIS who have factions that burn and behead people. (2) Witness the Vice-president of South Viet Nam years ago who passed judgement on a man and on the street shot him in the head (LIFE magazine -- 1969).(3) See the U.S.A.'s executive branch be implicated in torture by 'water-boarding' political prisoners. (4) Finally see the ultimate of modern horror with the Nazi's who made lampshades out of human skin (Dachau).
All of these tortures together beg the question -- what is left? Does violence with the aftermath of torture guarantee that people will be on your side? Why do there have to be "sides" at all? What happens to the witnesses of torture? Do people assume that torture will guarantee extinction of another people? Or set of behaviors? Did early tribal primates eat their enemies after the killing was done? It goes to show that mankind has not evolved out of this survival mode because even with technological growth grave atrocities still occur. Just look at Nazi Germany (or any modern day genocide for that matter).
Once when I was in a psychotic state of mind I believed that aliens were coming to earth to eat the 'inner' brains of humans. I had thought that the aliens would enjoy the "high" provided by biting into our exotic brain chemicals. Though this did not pan out to be a true thought -- our brains do have something to do with torture.
Torture is a way of getting attention and instilling fear. Some people in fear become malleable -- others fight the foe. In short torture is a rallying cry for a people. For the group who is doing the torturing -- they seem to be testing their God (or gods) to see if they should survive or become extinct. They also seem to have the mistaken belief that from their 'righteousness' they can do anything without consequence. In their eyes no rules apply to them.
For the group that is being tortured; they are being told that their presence in the world threatens weaker people. These victims fear extinction and are boxed into a corner. It is this group -- the ones that the torture is being directed towards who determine just how the fight will be won. Does an entire race have to suffer or is this a war of ideas? To show that mankind can evolve at all from the monstrosity of torture then certainly strong quick decisions have to be made. In the end, to make sure mankind is positively evolving, all ideas must be discussed in peace. Guns, swords and plows notwithstanding, we need to talk. True questions of tolerance need to be discussed.
Anger erupts when dealing with others who have a psychological need to hurt other living beings. Good and evil may play roles but definitely the negative may also be attributed to some sort of disease. Although swift action many times must be taken, it should be known that admittedly or not, the core of all of this hate is centered around fear. Why should the mere presence of a group cause so much ill feeling that others want them obliterated? If we are going to hate that much then really why should any man ever really gain, "The keys to any kingdom" at all? Will we never admit that we are weak with fear instead of strong with hate? Therefore it becomes necessary to decently supervise the ill until the innocent are spared or until the healing comes. We really only know how to relate to others in this world once a positive trial can be witnessed. No amount of ostracizing others will solve the problem.
When an animal loses a fight many times it is eaten. Remember that love will mean nothing until we get the notion out of our brains that just by losing one fight we will be obliterated, become extinct or consumed. Too much adrenaline goes into our arguments and games. Never do we consistently act with the wisdom that there will always be another chance. Too often do we see ourselves on a life and death battlefield instead of using the thoughts of an athlete with the knowledge that the next season is just around the corner.[Parenthetically, the ebb and flow of a democracy also means that a new government can peacefully be just around the corner.] Finally -- the last finality -- creates the legacies we want ourselves to live by. Yes, a man should not be known for how he dies; but more for how he has lived. Together we can live and create a joint legacy -- a true good history -- with all of us having a part worthy of a strong and essential review.
In the next posting I will attempt to show our healthy differences as we celebrate our lives as unique beings. Please travel with care -- live with passion -- and do not become indifferent to the lives around you.
Sincerely written, and
Respectfully submitted,
Robert N. Franz
see: amzn.to/1R1Oayq
or check linkage: amazon.com/author/rf3rd
January 30, 2015
Part Two: What Happened to Robert N. Franz III
The summer after I was raped in college, I worked on a plant site in Texas at construction. My 'friends' drank with me at night and one of them kept giving me amphetamines which I abused. I used them so much that I became uncontrollably paranoid in 'amphetamine psychosis.' This crossed me deeper into mental illness.
As a result my family kept me home from a semester at Occidental College (also known as 'Oxy') and this became the beginning of my 'Psychiatric Pill Odyssey.' Soon psychiatrists had me hooked on major tranquilizers and benzotropines. My second psychiatrist -- of Glendale, California -- even gave me 'black beauties' just to see what I would do with them. I became hospitalized again -- this time while at school at Oxy. Still -- in due time I was able to receive my baccalaureate degree in nothing else but -- chemistry.
Something has got to be said here. Psychiatrist's medicines can be very powerful. Some of the reactions to the medicines themselves can directly be "mind-blowing" while others cause a withdrawal so utterly strong that insanity ensues. In my case, the 'shrinks' did not tell me this -- I could only learn by taking or by stopping on my own. Because there were some drugs that I would get off abruptly -- withdrawal would quickly come and I would have to be hospitalized due to my own insanity. All of this is very touchy -- as I get off the pills even now it has to be done very slowly. For this I have definitely gained some fear and respect. Who is to say that by taking this medicine so faithfully for so long that my brain neurons have not actually changed? I need 'good' doctors not opportunists.
For years -- around different parts of the U.S.A. psychiatrists have 'played' with me. One administered hallucinatory and 'date-rape' drugs to me. Others would take away all my major tranquilizers making me so psychotic that I would have to be hospitalized. At the state hospital I was prescribed 400% more than the normal dose of my medicine thereby making side effects unbearable. Life was absolute misery.
Finally in a slow way some doctors came into my life who helped me. The first -- Kenneth Weller M.D. -- led me to the belief that I was addicted to alcohol and drugs. Even then some of that was so obvious and some of that was so very cloudy. But I at least understood that I had the key to the answer, if not in fact I finally did realize that I 'was' the problem in it's entirety. It was only I who had to control what was going into my mouth and system in general.
Knowing what to do and how to do it were two different things. No one had ever told me that just the abrupt stopping of certain medicines would cause a withdrawal which would lead to the ultimate psychosis -- as it does in many cases. It is a fact that thoughts, emotions, and actions vary widely when getting on and off of drugs -- all drugs. Why didn't people guide others in this earlier decades? Surely it should have been known or considered -- or [at least by those doctors who really use science] -- as 'theorized.' This is just another way in which violence can be stopped in our society. The vulnerable have to stop letting themselves be used -- the 'intelligentsia' have to stop looking down on others and using them.
Since 1981 I have been on a quest to stop the use of drugs by me, however, because of the unclear messages I received from medical professionals I have been unable to completely achieve this 'sobriety.' So in a fearsome sort of way I knew that I had to stop the usage of prescribed chemicals.
Marijuana and street drugs were stopped by me first. Alcohol was stopped in 1983. Abuse of some other drugs and over-the-counter drugs occurred in the early nineties. All other prescriptions are now being reduced. Whereas I believe in many medicines and vaccines -- so many others are pushed way beyond our immune systems. They are pushed beyond our limits.
I do not feel that drugs and alcohol should be banished or fully controlled in our society for people should have a choice in their usage. Certain remedies and simple vaccines ARE needed. I do feel that warnings should be stronger especially about health dangers and the realm of behavior. Having people moved to the point of violence is too far to go. More education in schools would be very helpful. In these cases though, the freedom of old the hippies of the '60's and '70's only would cause more deaths. Sensible and mature development in education would be the most beneficial course to take in the future.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Please know that I do not want my experience to be wasted. Also, because I have spent so much time on this 'addictive tendency' in me that I do not want it to be the main thrust of my life. Specifically I want the reader to know that I have survived -- and that others may have the fortitude to work towards meaningful sane and sober decisions in their lives as well. Realize that no matter what the challenges in front of us answers can be found.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
As a result my family kept me home from a semester at Occidental College (also known as 'Oxy') and this became the beginning of my 'Psychiatric Pill Odyssey.' Soon psychiatrists had me hooked on major tranquilizers and benzotropines. My second psychiatrist -- of Glendale, California -- even gave me 'black beauties' just to see what I would do with them. I became hospitalized again -- this time while at school at Oxy. Still -- in due time I was able to receive my baccalaureate degree in nothing else but -- chemistry.
Something has got to be said here. Psychiatrist's medicines can be very powerful. Some of the reactions to the medicines themselves can directly be "mind-blowing" while others cause a withdrawal so utterly strong that insanity ensues. In my case, the 'shrinks' did not tell me this -- I could only learn by taking or by stopping on my own. Because there were some drugs that I would get off abruptly -- withdrawal would quickly come and I would have to be hospitalized due to my own insanity. All of this is very touchy -- as I get off the pills even now it has to be done very slowly. For this I have definitely gained some fear and respect. Who is to say that by taking this medicine so faithfully for so long that my brain neurons have not actually changed? I need 'good' doctors not opportunists.
For years -- around different parts of the U.S.A. psychiatrists have 'played' with me. One administered hallucinatory and 'date-rape' drugs to me. Others would take away all my major tranquilizers making me so psychotic that I would have to be hospitalized. At the state hospital I was prescribed 400% more than the normal dose of my medicine thereby making side effects unbearable. Life was absolute misery.
Finally in a slow way some doctors came into my life who helped me. The first -- Kenneth Weller M.D. -- led me to the belief that I was addicted to alcohol and drugs. Even then some of that was so obvious and some of that was so very cloudy. But I at least understood that I had the key to the answer, if not in fact I finally did realize that I 'was' the problem in it's entirety. It was only I who had to control what was going into my mouth and system in general.
Knowing what to do and how to do it were two different things. No one had ever told me that just the abrupt stopping of certain medicines would cause a withdrawal which would lead to the ultimate psychosis -- as it does in many cases. It is a fact that thoughts, emotions, and actions vary widely when getting on and off of drugs -- all drugs. Why didn't people guide others in this earlier decades? Surely it should have been known or considered -- or [at least by those doctors who really use science] -- as 'theorized.' This is just another way in which violence can be stopped in our society. The vulnerable have to stop letting themselves be used -- the 'intelligentsia' have to stop looking down on others and using them.
Since 1981 I have been on a quest to stop the use of drugs by me, however, because of the unclear messages I received from medical professionals I have been unable to completely achieve this 'sobriety.' So in a fearsome sort of way I knew that I had to stop the usage of prescribed chemicals.
Marijuana and street drugs were stopped by me first. Alcohol was stopped in 1983. Abuse of some other drugs and over-the-counter drugs occurred in the early nineties. All other prescriptions are now being reduced. Whereas I believe in many medicines and vaccines -- so many others are pushed way beyond our immune systems. They are pushed beyond our limits.
I do not feel that drugs and alcohol should be banished or fully controlled in our society for people should have a choice in their usage. Certain remedies and simple vaccines ARE needed. I do feel that warnings should be stronger especially about health dangers and the realm of behavior. Having people moved to the point of violence is too far to go. More education in schools would be very helpful. In these cases though, the freedom of old the hippies of the '60's and '70's only would cause more deaths. Sensible and mature development in education would be the most beneficial course to take in the future.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Please know that I do not want my experience to be wasted. Also, because I have spent so much time on this 'addictive tendency' in me that I do not want it to be the main thrust of my life. Specifically I want the reader to know that I have survived -- and that others may have the fortitude to work towards meaningful sane and sober decisions in their lives as well. Realize that no matter what the challenges in front of us answers can be found.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
Part One: What happened to Robert N. Franz III
I was 'touched'. From a playful but studious college-bound class president who led the raising of more money for his class than any class had ever done at that time in my public high school, to a poor, sad, miserable psychiatric-treated patient, my independence would not come until later in life. I have the early competence and confidence to do well -- comeback is certain. Let me show you what happened:
Since I had learned to "do as I was told" while young I would continue to do the very good things which would irritate the rebel norm in others. I became an Eagle Scout when scouting wasn't popular. I went towards the popularity in high school through school plays and politics when sports and jocks were in demand. In early college years I was hated and 'kidded' because every Friday I volunteered at a local hospital. People thought my way of "becoming a doctor" was by one of being a 'goodie two shoes'.
The hate and jealousy surfaced in my third year of college when a classmate encouraged me to get drunk and tied me to my bed on my stomach naked to have a half dozen people rape me. I was so shaken that this changed my future. I drank more and could trust no one -- life was dark.
For years I went in and out of denial about this event. For years I drank way too much making life very difficult. For years I was unemployable or under-employable and could not face the slightest challenge. I was so entirely ineffectual in life that I would only drift from person to person and job to job. Paid psychiatrists were my only 'friends.' Emotionally I had drifted off from attachments to anyone -- isolation came on strong.
Now I have proven that I can handle long term relationships. Now I know I can work on projects of my own. Now I know a 'knife' when it is thrown my way.
At one of my last jobs some supervisors gave me a four-year-old boy with epilepsy to be in my general swim class. By administratively not looking at this problem accurately it eventually become a safety issue at the pool. Both the boy and the instructors were put into untenable circumstances. Any way you look at it a 'knife' was thrown.
As far as I can see these 'knives' suck. I know that sometimes I can see them coming but other times a warning is needed by a compatriot. You don't know how I want to prevent these visions of horror from coming again. You don't know how I hate to see the vulnerable become maligned and used by the more powerful.
It's one thing to see two people equally argue. It's another to see a violent action (or even an attitude) come when one person (or group) is stronger than another.
I vow to help the 'weak' in this world before I die. I want to see those who use others completely exposed and punished. I will not stop until all can feel comfortable on equal footing. Justice must be served.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Or check out the paperback --The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
Thank you for reading this;
Truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
Since I had learned to "do as I was told" while young I would continue to do the very good things which would irritate the rebel norm in others. I became an Eagle Scout when scouting wasn't popular. I went towards the popularity in high school through school plays and politics when sports and jocks were in demand. In early college years I was hated and 'kidded' because every Friday I volunteered at a local hospital. People thought my way of "becoming a doctor" was by one of being a 'goodie two shoes'.
The hate and jealousy surfaced in my third year of college when a classmate encouraged me to get drunk and tied me to my bed on my stomach naked to have a half dozen people rape me. I was so shaken that this changed my future. I drank more and could trust no one -- life was dark.
For years I went in and out of denial about this event. For years I drank way too much making life very difficult. For years I was unemployable or under-employable and could not face the slightest challenge. I was so entirely ineffectual in life that I would only drift from person to person and job to job. Paid psychiatrists were my only 'friends.' Emotionally I had drifted off from attachments to anyone -- isolation came on strong.
Now I have proven that I can handle long term relationships. Now I know I can work on projects of my own. Now I know a 'knife' when it is thrown my way.
At one of my last jobs some supervisors gave me a four-year-old boy with epilepsy to be in my general swim class. By administratively not looking at this problem accurately it eventually become a safety issue at the pool. Both the boy and the instructors were put into untenable circumstances. Any way you look at it a 'knife' was thrown.
As far as I can see these 'knives' suck. I know that sometimes I can see them coming but other times a warning is needed by a compatriot. You don't know how I want to prevent these visions of horror from coming again. You don't know how I hate to see the vulnerable become maligned and used by the more powerful.
It's one thing to see two people equally argue. It's another to see a violent action (or even an attitude) come when one person (or group) is stronger than another.
I vow to help the 'weak' in this world before I die. I want to see those who use others completely exposed and punished. I will not stop until all can feel comfortable on equal footing. Justice must be served.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Or check out the paperback --The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards
Thank you for reading this;
Truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
January 28, 2015
Hopes and the Practicality of N.A.M.I. - DE
For the most part when one categorizes or "pigeon-holes" people there can be confusion, hard feelings or out and out anger. Yet in the early 1980's that's exactly what NAMI-DE chose to do. They felt that it was necessary to force the acceptance into society a group of people who were quickly becoming banished.
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Delaware (as I was told was the name for the organization in 1980) found a need for mentally ill individuals to be accepted in the community. Much of the public at that time feared and/or 'looked down' upon those who had some type of mental disease. Yet many patients in the overcrowded state hospital were functional, could hold jobs, and with a little support could do well in society.
That is where NAMI-DE took a role. By using grants through the federal Housing and Urban Development Agency the leaders of NAMI-DE created a program of housing where patients could live in homes instead of the hospital and thereby live more satisfying lives. To do this the Alliance leadership had to convince members of the general public that the new neighbors would be safe neighbors and that housing prices would not plummet. With help from wrap-around small business -- landscaping, re-sale furniture, and construction as examples -- and by support from property management people were able to live in these homes safely and satisfactorily as their behaviors were shown to be as normal as anyone.
To convince the public to accept these people the Alliance had to think like the public. The 'guy on the street' had his opinions of just where everyone should be categorized. Some were mentally ill, some were family members, others were professionals while others were simply interested parties. Finally came the public which always seemed to be the last to know anything, yet included the most esteemed decision-makers -- [as however one looked at it. There was always 'peppered' into the public] a couple of local politicians including only the sensible ones who kept their lips tight.
In truth, many people did not notice the crossovers in these groups. The highs and lows of Teddy Roosevelt were not discussed. The depressive side of Abraham Lincoln did not come up in awareness. Even the buoyancy and self-medication with cognac of Winston Churchill was not noticed. Virtually everyone has some claim to mental illness at sometime in their life. Certain individuals in Delaware communities just wanted information and did not have to be lectured. Others, though they had questions, were shown that there was no reason for fear. Instead misconceptions and stereotypes were shown to be untrue and the public, sometimes helped by understanding politicians, and other times convinced by the NAMI-DE board, realized that the new residents only wanted a glimpse of a better life that American society could offer. Real estate prices were not coming down [unless they tanked for other reasons (such as recession)] -- in fact in most all cases the new residents turned out to be fine neighbors. Instead of having large bills thrown at the residents and their families by the state hospital the new result was that each person's earning capacity rose as they found a place in the community.
It is true that sometimes I get frustrated by NAMI-DE because every time I contact them they return me to the 'walking mental patient' category and refer me to the mental health consumer group. I get tired of receiving leaflets asking me to call "Suicide Prevention" each time I visit the NAMI-DE office. But I just have to know that their nature is just that -- they are still categorizing me. Yet how can I blame them? Thirty years ago it did not look like I was going to get well at all. Thirty years ago was the last time I interfaced with NAMI-DE in any value until recently. Sure, my father had worked leading NAMI-DE and with the housing arm of the organization, he HAD to see people taking different responsibilities as some of us adopted roles of subservience. So as I approach the board years later how could I expect to be treated any differently? As will be shown in the next post of this blog I am a different person completely. It is a story as different -- and in some ways similar -- as to "Flowers for Algernon".(which influenced the film "Charly".) At this time I am convinced that my overall mental functioning has never been better in an emotional, spiritual way. My manner is now one of true sanity -- at least for this writing. Though not 'high'-- I know I am improving.
As our society changes so too do our organizations. NAMI-DE does not have the same name as it used to have. Now it is called, "The National Alliance on Mental Illness -- in Delaware". In keeping pace with our times it is involved in counseling for all groups, the role of families, hospital monitoring, monetary concerns when treating disease, housing, advocacy, a knowledge base for professionals, public outreach and promotion as well as providing client and family-based support counsel and meetings. One of the more important thrusts taken by NAMI is the research and publications offered by a central U.S. office.
My parents landed on NAMI-DE when they were in despair about my condition in the early 1980's. Their friends Ms. Jill Shute and her husband had started the organization. Over any other organization they chose it to console their needs. I can remember my father distinctly telling me,"We never thought you were an alcoholic because we knew you were mentally ill." Why did I have to be more complicated than the average "Joe"? Was he really trying to tell me that he thought I was another Winston Churchill? What should I expect now? -- Perhaps a call from 'The Board'? How about bombs from my ancestral Germany? Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
I have to remember that just by being 'crazy' does not mean that I am 'insane'.
Thank you --
Very truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill in Delaware (as I was told was the name for the organization in 1980) found a need for mentally ill individuals to be accepted in the community. Much of the public at that time feared and/or 'looked down' upon those who had some type of mental disease. Yet many patients in the overcrowded state hospital were functional, could hold jobs, and with a little support could do well in society.
That is where NAMI-DE took a role. By using grants through the federal Housing and Urban Development Agency the leaders of NAMI-DE created a program of housing where patients could live in homes instead of the hospital and thereby live more satisfying lives. To do this the Alliance leadership had to convince members of the general public that the new neighbors would be safe neighbors and that housing prices would not plummet. With help from wrap-around small business -- landscaping, re-sale furniture, and construction as examples -- and by support from property management people were able to live in these homes safely and satisfactorily as their behaviors were shown to be as normal as anyone.
To convince the public to accept these people the Alliance had to think like the public. The 'guy on the street' had his opinions of just where everyone should be categorized. Some were mentally ill, some were family members, others were professionals while others were simply interested parties. Finally came the public which always seemed to be the last to know anything, yet included the most esteemed decision-makers -- [as however one looked at it. There was always 'peppered' into the public] a couple of local politicians including only the sensible ones who kept their lips tight.
In truth, many people did not notice the crossovers in these groups. The highs and lows of Teddy Roosevelt were not discussed. The depressive side of Abraham Lincoln did not come up in awareness. Even the buoyancy and self-medication with cognac of Winston Churchill was not noticed. Virtually everyone has some claim to mental illness at sometime in their life. Certain individuals in Delaware communities just wanted information and did not have to be lectured. Others, though they had questions, were shown that there was no reason for fear. Instead misconceptions and stereotypes were shown to be untrue and the public, sometimes helped by understanding politicians, and other times convinced by the NAMI-DE board, realized that the new residents only wanted a glimpse of a better life that American society could offer. Real estate prices were not coming down [unless they tanked for other reasons (such as recession)] -- in fact in most all cases the new residents turned out to be fine neighbors. Instead of having large bills thrown at the residents and their families by the state hospital the new result was that each person's earning capacity rose as they found a place in the community.
It is true that sometimes I get frustrated by NAMI-DE because every time I contact them they return me to the 'walking mental patient' category and refer me to the mental health consumer group. I get tired of receiving leaflets asking me to call "Suicide Prevention" each time I visit the NAMI-DE office. But I just have to know that their nature is just that -- they are still categorizing me. Yet how can I blame them? Thirty years ago it did not look like I was going to get well at all. Thirty years ago was the last time I interfaced with NAMI-DE in any value until recently. Sure, my father had worked leading NAMI-DE and with the housing arm of the organization, he HAD to see people taking different responsibilities as some of us adopted roles of subservience. So as I approach the board years later how could I expect to be treated any differently? As will be shown in the next post of this blog I am a different person completely. It is a story as different -- and in some ways similar -- as to "Flowers for Algernon".(which influenced the film "Charly".) At this time I am convinced that my overall mental functioning has never been better in an emotional, spiritual way. My manner is now one of true sanity -- at least for this writing. Though not 'high'-- I know I am improving.
As our society changes so too do our organizations. NAMI-DE does not have the same name as it used to have. Now it is called, "The National Alliance on Mental Illness -- in Delaware". In keeping pace with our times it is involved in counseling for all groups, the role of families, hospital monitoring, monetary concerns when treating disease, housing, advocacy, a knowledge base for professionals, public outreach and promotion as well as providing client and family-based support counsel and meetings. One of the more important thrusts taken by NAMI is the research and publications offered by a central U.S. office.
My parents landed on NAMI-DE when they were in despair about my condition in the early 1980's. Their friends Ms. Jill Shute and her husband had started the organization. Over any other organization they chose it to console their needs. I can remember my father distinctly telling me,"We never thought you were an alcoholic because we knew you were mentally ill." Why did I have to be more complicated than the average "Joe"? Was he really trying to tell me that he thought I was another Winston Churchill? What should I expect now? -- Perhaps a call from 'The Board'? How about bombs from my ancestral Germany? Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
I have to remember that just by being 'crazy' does not mean that I am 'insane'.
Thank you --
Very truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
January 27, 2015
Robert N. Franz's Quest to Handle Money Effectively
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
I am moving in this piece from the specific to the general. Specifically we are taking risk but generally with our investments we have remained conservative.
First I want to tell you what was just done by me. Over a year ago I purchased stock and took risk in Sinovac (SVA) a vaccine company in China that had been trying to find a vaccine for rabies. Over the course of 2014 this was one of the only stocks that lost money for me -- as well there was no headway in finding a cure. Luckily, I did not spend more than 2% of our portfolio on this -- the maximum risk I ever took. Other investments made us do better.
This morning I traded that money for stock in GlaxoSmithKline a pharmaceutical and vaccine company based in London.(1/27/2015) GlaxoSmithKline has many products including over-the-counter remedies, breathing concoctions and apparatus, vaccines and psychiatric drugs. In 2012 they were sued for over advertising Paxil and Wellbutrin. Their 1 billion dollar loss showed that they cannot fool with psychiatric patients. I feel that they have learned a lesson. Now, the true good functioning for mental patients should be appreciated.
Now I feel more comfortable in investing in such a company.
Let me explain. Leslie Jeanne Breton Franz is my wife of 26 years. Ernest Breton PhD was Leslie's father who passed on in 2010 and left his family -- 3 daughters, a first wife and a second wife -- money to share. Leslie inherited a pension by working for him for years. "Ernie" -- as he always wanted to be called by all his family members -- had been a researcher for the DuPont Company before venturing out on his own in business. His oldest daughter Leslie not only dearly loved him, but worked for him as well. At his death, Leslie, stayed by his bedside in Louisville, Kentucky for two weeks along with his beloved Ruth -- his second wife. They both were present to witness his last breath. They both cared for him deeply.
Now, Leslie does not want to take chances with the money she inherited. She does not have complete confidence in herself with how to invest so she trusts me to do it. We have kept our stocks and bonds. I have received guidance by my father who had been an excellent businessman in his own right. Now that the market is doing a little better we have moved somewhat towards stocks. The only chance I took was a small amount on Sinovac -- the Chinese Vaccine company. Since it did not work in one year I moved to a more diversified pharmaceutical company. All else remains generally the same except for the fact that I purchased certain stocks that would give us dividends on each quarter of the year. To tell you the truth we don't even expect these checks and they seem like payments from heaven. Secondarily, some mutual funds put the dividends right back into the fund and as a result each fund grows.
In fact, we have made a profit and can prove it. We have money to purchase and keep 40,000 dollars in equity life insurance for us. We have purchased a good functioning car for 16K and have the money to keep it up. Finally, I have a pension that I have not used from the YMCA for over $14,000. All of this has come to us by only spending a little over 5K from Leslie's inheritance. That means that even though we have had to spend only $5,000 all the aforementioned have come to us. "May God be praised."
So you see that even in tough times there can be a glimmer of hope if you seek and look for it. Budgeting does help greatly, but it is necessary to be guided in the future.The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Living on a Budget
Please, Lord, let the value come. Please see that good sense can come from careful risk in simple ways.
Wishing for answers just doesn't come easily. For what I have to do takes some willingness to take a risk. Soon I hope to publish and sell my book - "The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards". Sincerely I want this to be a successful venture -- I desire others to want to read about the experiences of two mentally ill lovers in this literary-nonfiction story. The public needs to know about the truth behind mental illness. I continue to put my time and money into the promotion of this work. The exposure is definitely a worthwhile vocation to show to the world.
Thank you for allowing me to have the common sense to not only check with others who are more knowledgeable, but also to let me know that "enough is enough" when moving down the wrong road of uncertain investment. My goal now is to be like those -- those like Oprah, or David Letterman -- who invest in themselves. For those reasons I continue to work on the perfection of "The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards". I believe in myself. I believe in what "We" do.
At least -- at the very least I am not afraid of trying new ways. The horizon has choices on it -- it is okay to safely experiment. The right shall prevail. Please watch for my success -- for I know that something positive will happen.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
I am moving in this piece from the specific to the general. Specifically we are taking risk but generally with our investments we have remained conservative.First I want to tell you what was just done by me. Over a year ago I purchased stock and took risk in Sinovac (SVA) a vaccine company in China that had been trying to find a vaccine for rabies. Over the course of 2014 this was one of the only stocks that lost money for me -- as well there was no headway in finding a cure. Luckily, I did not spend more than 2% of our portfolio on this -- the maximum risk I ever took. Other investments made us do better.
This morning I traded that money for stock in GlaxoSmithKline a pharmaceutical and vaccine company based in London.(1/27/2015) GlaxoSmithKline has many products including over-the-counter remedies, breathing concoctions and apparatus, vaccines and psychiatric drugs. In 2012 they were sued for over advertising Paxil and Wellbutrin. Their 1 billion dollar loss showed that they cannot fool with psychiatric patients. I feel that they have learned a lesson. Now, the true good functioning for mental patients should be appreciated.
Now I feel more comfortable in investing in such a company.
Let me explain. Leslie Jeanne Breton Franz is my wife of 26 years. Ernest Breton PhD was Leslie's father who passed on in 2010 and left his family -- 3 daughters, a first wife and a second wife -- money to share. Leslie inherited a pension by working for him for years. "Ernie" -- as he always wanted to be called by all his family members -- had been a researcher for the DuPont Company before venturing out on his own in business. His oldest daughter Leslie not only dearly loved him, but worked for him as well. At his death, Leslie, stayed by his bedside in Louisville, Kentucky for two weeks along with his beloved Ruth -- his second wife. They both were present to witness his last breath. They both cared for him deeply.
Now, Leslie does not want to take chances with the money she inherited. She does not have complete confidence in herself with how to invest so she trusts me to do it. We have kept our stocks and bonds. I have received guidance by my father who had been an excellent businessman in his own right. Now that the market is doing a little better we have moved somewhat towards stocks. The only chance I took was a small amount on Sinovac -- the Chinese Vaccine company. Since it did not work in one year I moved to a more diversified pharmaceutical company. All else remains generally the same except for the fact that I purchased certain stocks that would give us dividends on each quarter of the year. To tell you the truth we don't even expect these checks and they seem like payments from heaven. Secondarily, some mutual funds put the dividends right back into the fund and as a result each fund grows.
In fact, we have made a profit and can prove it. We have money to purchase and keep 40,000 dollars in equity life insurance for us. We have purchased a good functioning car for 16K and have the money to keep it up. Finally, I have a pension that I have not used from the YMCA for over $14,000. All of this has come to us by only spending a little over 5K from Leslie's inheritance. That means that even though we have had to spend only $5,000 all the aforementioned have come to us. "May God be praised."
So you see that even in tough times there can be a glimmer of hope if you seek and look for it. Budgeting does help greatly, but it is necessary to be guided in the future.The Pocket Idiot's Guide to Living on a Budget
Please, Lord, let the value come. Please see that good sense can come from careful risk in simple ways.Wishing for answers just doesn't come easily. For what I have to do takes some willingness to take a risk. Soon I hope to publish and sell my book - "The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards". Sincerely I want this to be a successful venture -- I desire others to want to read about the experiences of two mentally ill lovers in this literary-nonfiction story. The public needs to know about the truth behind mental illness. I continue to put my time and money into the promotion of this work. The exposure is definitely a worthwhile vocation to show to the world.
Thank you for allowing me to have the common sense to not only check with others who are more knowledgeable, but also to let me know that "enough is enough" when moving down the wrong road of uncertain investment. My goal now is to be like those -- those like Oprah, or David Letterman -- who invest in themselves. For those reasons I continue to work on the perfection of "The Stigma of the Mentally Ill: Bob Does Everything Backwards". I believe in myself. I believe in what "We" do.
At least -- at the very least I am not afraid of trying new ways. The horizon has choices on it -- it is okay to safely experiment. The right shall prevail. Please watch for my success -- for I know that something positive will happen.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
Robert N. Franz's Quest to Handle Money Efficiently
Throughout the years I have attempted to handle my money efficiently -- or rather carefully so I would make the most out of each venture. I have never enjoyed spending what I have earned or other peoples money as well. I've always tried to be fair and equitable.
I learned early in sixth grade how to play poker but after my first loss of $5.75 to Sidney Gottlieb I never enjoyed the game.I do not like to gamble for entertainment purposes. When I went to Europe (1970) on a budget for six weeks in high school I returned not spending all that was budgeted. People expected me to spend money on the European trip, but I had vowed to myself that I would not. Finally, I have felt extremely guilty towards my sister because of all the psychiatric attention I had received throughout the years. The cost in time and money was definitely too much.
Just to describe I was a sensitive, and active young man who got violently raped when I was just 21 years old. Because I did not know all the ramifications and was partially in denial I sought medical help. As a result the psychiatrists gave me major tranquilizers which I got "hooked" on and could not get off without going insane. Not until recent years was it discovered that I could reduce the medicine only very slowly and finally be rid of it. An easier and much less costly solution would to have been through counseling and the courts to expunge myself of the sickening acts that were perpetuated onto me as I was tied to that bed in early 1974.
Instead, I ran and ran and fled and fled -- until running out of steam. One time I incurred much debt on gas and credit cards. Eventually I learned -- eventually I paid it all back. Another time I entered a state hospital with close to $1,250.00 on me, but it was never returned to me upon my discharge. There had been reasons not to trust people and with that being said it was obvious that my young adulthood had been wasted. There were too many costs, big bumps and bruises, and way too many losses. These lessons I have learned -- only take a step when you are sure of your footing. Only give when you are sure of the reception. Care, but don't expect results. "Realize it is between God and you, because it was never about 'them' anyways."[Mother Teresa]
Sometimes there is more cost than just money. Sometimes trust has to be built. In 1988 Leslie and I married. We promised everything to each other but we also promised that we would have a prenuptial contract. As a result we did not mingle our money until 2005. Costs and trust made us "get it together".
Let it be known that we love the caring which my parents -- especially R. Nelson Franz, my Dad -- gave to us. He let us live in a condominium unit, in what no other terms could be described as free housing. I don't know what I can do with such love as what came from my Mother and Dad. I can only be the best I can be at any given time: from here to eternity. I know that Dad was sad, for the only son he had (and I had tried to be good) was 'hooked' into mental illness ostensibly from the pills of the psychiatrists. Something was wrong that none of us could extricate ourselves from. Out of sorrow and some sublimated anger Dad would help.
So there Leslie and I were -- ready in 2005 to take on our finances.
The first thing we had to do was find out where our debt was located. The credit cards had to be paid off every month if we were to keep them. Please know that for the last ten years we have paid off every monthly balance each month on every card. We have scraped to make this happen. Also we found old medical bills from 1999 which we paid off within the year of 2005. Reputation became important and there was pride in our hearts. Just by doing these simple things made us feel better about ourselves. Finally, we went down to one checking account and one car between us. All extra expenses were cut.
We also learned that a stay-at-home salmon steak dinner was more preferred than a meal of prawns at an upscale restaurant. We began pleasing each other more and felt more strength in our love.
Absolute trust in another -- particularly a professional such as a medical doctor -- brings more to fret about because everybody stays fallible. Creating a bond with another such as in matrimony lets one join in a living, breathing relationship. There may be mistakes but perfection is not expected. The cooperation between Leslie and I makes for plans to be made, expenses to be met, jaunts to be taken and mistakes to be forgiven. One does not do this in professional relationships. No doctor can pretend to be my friend -- either they are or they are not. A mate, however, is something special -- someone to work with, someone to sweat with, and someone to love.
As a result I want you to know that every month in every year since 2005 I have documented a spreadsheet of every dollar we have spent. If you think I have gone too far then let me tell you that because of these tallies, we have been able to take one or more trips every year, have purchased a new year-old car, kept up with new clothes, been out almost every evening and have eaten so much as to need to spend money on Weight Watchers. We have also, perhaps unfortunately, have had to keep up with medical and dental bills. Yet we do keep them up responsibly as well as cheerfully find a place for charity.
The daily discipline does us well. No matter how many hours our day is long there is always time to fit in "the next right thing". When you know where your money goes, you appreciate it even more.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
I learned early in sixth grade how to play poker but after my first loss of $5.75 to Sidney Gottlieb I never enjoyed the game.I do not like to gamble for entertainment purposes. When I went to Europe (1970) on a budget for six weeks in high school I returned not spending all that was budgeted. People expected me to spend money on the European trip, but I had vowed to myself that I would not. Finally, I have felt extremely guilty towards my sister because of all the psychiatric attention I had received throughout the years. The cost in time and money was definitely too much.
Just to describe I was a sensitive, and active young man who got violently raped when I was just 21 years old. Because I did not know all the ramifications and was partially in denial I sought medical help. As a result the psychiatrists gave me major tranquilizers which I got "hooked" on and could not get off without going insane. Not until recent years was it discovered that I could reduce the medicine only very slowly and finally be rid of it. An easier and much less costly solution would to have been through counseling and the courts to expunge myself of the sickening acts that were perpetuated onto me as I was tied to that bed in early 1974.
Instead, I ran and ran and fled and fled -- until running out of steam. One time I incurred much debt on gas and credit cards. Eventually I learned -- eventually I paid it all back. Another time I entered a state hospital with close to $1,250.00 on me, but it was never returned to me upon my discharge. There had been reasons not to trust people and with that being said it was obvious that my young adulthood had been wasted. There were too many costs, big bumps and bruises, and way too many losses. These lessons I have learned -- only take a step when you are sure of your footing. Only give when you are sure of the reception. Care, but don't expect results. "Realize it is between God and you, because it was never about 'them' anyways."[Mother Teresa]
Sometimes there is more cost than just money. Sometimes trust has to be built. In 1988 Leslie and I married. We promised everything to each other but we also promised that we would have a prenuptial contract. As a result we did not mingle our money until 2005. Costs and trust made us "get it together".
Let it be known that we love the caring which my parents -- especially R. Nelson Franz, my Dad -- gave to us. He let us live in a condominium unit, in what no other terms could be described as free housing. I don't know what I can do with such love as what came from my Mother and Dad. I can only be the best I can be at any given time: from here to eternity. I know that Dad was sad, for the only son he had (and I had tried to be good) was 'hooked' into mental illness ostensibly from the pills of the psychiatrists. Something was wrong that none of us could extricate ourselves from. Out of sorrow and some sublimated anger Dad would help.
So there Leslie and I were -- ready in 2005 to take on our finances.
The first thing we had to do was find out where our debt was located. The credit cards had to be paid off every month if we were to keep them. Please know that for the last ten years we have paid off every monthly balance each month on every card. We have scraped to make this happen. Also we found old medical bills from 1999 which we paid off within the year of 2005. Reputation became important and there was pride in our hearts. Just by doing these simple things made us feel better about ourselves. Finally, we went down to one checking account and one car between us. All extra expenses were cut.
We also learned that a stay-at-home salmon steak dinner was more preferred than a meal of prawns at an upscale restaurant. We began pleasing each other more and felt more strength in our love.
Absolute trust in another -- particularly a professional such as a medical doctor -- brings more to fret about because everybody stays fallible. Creating a bond with another such as in matrimony lets one join in a living, breathing relationship. There may be mistakes but perfection is not expected. The cooperation between Leslie and I makes for plans to be made, expenses to be met, jaunts to be taken and mistakes to be forgiven. One does not do this in professional relationships. No doctor can pretend to be my friend -- either they are or they are not. A mate, however, is something special -- someone to work with, someone to sweat with, and someone to love.
As a result I want you to know that every month in every year since 2005 I have documented a spreadsheet of every dollar we have spent. If you think I have gone too far then let me tell you that because of these tallies, we have been able to take one or more trips every year, have purchased a new year-old car, kept up with new clothes, been out almost every evening and have eaten so much as to need to spend money on Weight Watchers. We have also, perhaps unfortunately, have had to keep up with medical and dental bills. Yet we do keep them up responsibly as well as cheerfully find a place for charity.
The daily discipline does us well. No matter how many hours our day is long there is always time to fit in "the next right thing". When you know where your money goes, you appreciate it even more.
Sincerely,
Robert N. Franz
Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
January 24, 2015
Robert Franz for Congress? You Should Know His Personal History
If I would plan to run for Congress at some time then you should know something about me:
As one who has studied science, I know that the 'T' in (P)(V)= n(R)(T) stands for temperature and not time. However since I cannot measure 'Temperature' in economics then 'Time' is used to multiply times 'Rate.' Something has got to remain constant. Different models can be used in different sciences and economics is different than chemistry. Each set of variables needs to be accurate to their discipline and as a 'conservative democrat' I should also be accurate. That is why I tell you this now.
A friend, Francis B., who hails from the democrat side of his family here in Wilmington, came over today because he said that he had some "concerns". The truth is that he brought me a surprise gift of a chair that I could use while using the computer instead of the old patio chair I had previously been using. Being very grateful, I accepted this 'Seat' and felt honored that he would let me have it.
Fran has been a good friend throughout the years -- perhaps not constant -- but nevertheless consistent while in our travels together. He has always stressed what one could learn from reading the labels of ingredients on food items while I have showed him the value of reading receipts from the items one purchases. Our concerns have helped each other not only by what we consume but by what we buy from the market as well. Fran and I share a spirit which manifests itself in how we care for our health along with exercise and by expressing what we feel about religion and or spirit in general. It was he that got me to do more cardiovascular work in the rebirth of my walking and swimming. Others helped along the way but with Fran I could talk about healthcare and spirit as well.
Fran was more active in activities in the Unitarian Church to which he belonged and I prayed and read to the congregation of my wife's Leslie and my Catholic Church where we are parishioners.
All of us try to be tolerant of other people's views -- at least to the point of not arguing about doctrine or what another would say that a church "demands" from a member.
In 1999 and 2000, I quit smoking and began to teach swimming lessons to 3 to 12 year old children. Stern and firm it was necessary to keep smiling. The water posed a problem with danger yet it provided a context for great fun too. Games and freedom were a wonderful way for children to learn. Come 9/11 in 2001 I was tempted to smoke again but I did not. I had already quit drinking some years before and knew that both would return hand in hand if I were to start again so I just kept doing the right thing.[Parenthetically it should be noted that I am quite comfortable with the loss of these habits and never want to return to them again. I've even stopped biting my nails] Swimming -- something I thought I'd never again do since being a boy -- as an adult changed my life.
Now to my other problem -- I did not stop eating. I felt that I was overweight and not obese. Who knows? -- but when I stopped the bad habits the eating took off. So at the urging of family I went to a program where I weighed myself in front of others every week. Exercise and the fact that I had stopped eating "every food group at every meal" helped me lose weight to a desired number by 2008. Now at 2015, at this writing, I know that a plan has to be made to keep me at a certain weight. Although I have not gained it all back, the past years have kept me busy in other ways and I have not been able to swim or walk. While working on other issues the past years I have not kept weight as a priority and spend more time writing and working on other things that are more demanding.
The reminders come in my mind,"Bob, look at your weight. Bob, change your priorities!" and I do keep up 1/2 hour a day stretching exercises -- but these cannot be considered cardiovascular. At this point in time it will be necessary to get into a routine. As of yet I have not balanced, church meetings, church itself, shopping, preparation of food, maintenance of home and auto, correspondence, financial activity, exercise, computer study, proper sleep and health upkeep plus all the other things modern man has to face to deal with life. Don't get me wrong, I AM doing these things I just look for more efficiency. Right now Leslie and I just do not have outside help.
These years from 2000 to 2011 were very healthy years for me. Physically I felt great. Mentally I was sharp and spiritually and emotionally I was growing. I work to recapture the feeling, however now there are advantages of being able to express myself clearer -- its just that I wish now that I felt better through exercise -- something which I have to incorporate later.
Specifically in 2007 I got involved with the campaign of our Delaware State Representative -- Bryon Short. I would campaign to neighbors telling them that "Bryon was a hard working young man and a 'neighborhood' Representative -- one who would get things done for people in the neighborhood." People still like him and now in 2015 he continues to work in his position very hard as he is effective. His family is supportive to him and Bryon is very ensconced in the Democratic Party.
Whether or not partisan politics is too frothy at the mouth for all of us I truly wonder. I am sick of seeing rancor and divisiveness and hope to see all parties work together more often. On ALL levels I have seen dislike only for the way a person looked and not out of substance. But resigned to my fate I know that this shows an energy probably more so than a hatred, and a competitive spirit that basically is more healthy than not. Bryon is my man -- look what is next.
Just like in the case of a national candidate having a Presidential Action Committee so too did Bryon Short have a committee. Sometimes the members would have spirited talks and counsel with wisdom. Other times Bryon lead the committee with what he saw was going on in the state capital of Dover. Actually I learned that not all other representatives had committees of this sort. So it was good that there could be this feedback even amidst the jockeying around of the esteems of the members. I was impressed though that there was such a show of egalitarian counsel shown -- and even that I was welcomed. Bryon had always welcomed me.
Many times at these meetings the Chair of the Democratic Party of Delaware -- John Daniello -- would attend. Just as when I did an ethnography in anthropology at my Alma mater Occidental College, I would watch the various personalities function with each other. In turn each had their say and Mr. Daniello would either comment or comment at the end of the meeting. It was effective. Not every ethnography had to be bad.
Remember that I had been doing a lot of swimming and walking and that I was eating well. I looked good as a candidate should have looked, but at that time I was not running for anything. Strong and in shape I was 5'10&1/2" and near 175 pounds. Swimming a couple of miles was no problem. Feeling good I went to Gina Chan M.D. who gave me a barrage of metabolic tests -- probably 30 to 50 of them. When she received the results she called me to her office, sat me down, and looked me squarely in the eye.
"You know Mr. Franz -- I have never remembered seeing every parameter within each range as I have here". She continued,"This is really remarkable -- It shows that you are in excellent shape. If I were you I'd keep this report and show it to any one who cared. It's something to be proud of and something to remember. And remember, if you can do this once at the right time in the future you may do it again."
Pleased I left her office feeling wonderful.
So what to do and who to tell? Certainly I showed family and friends. Leslie smiled and told me she knew I could do it. Fran was so busy with some administrative work at the time that he did not have time to exercise. "I'm jealous -- that's all I can say right now," he said to me. Do I dare send this to who I wanted to? Yes.
Feeling so very good, I sent a copy to John Daniello with a note that said,"It's too bad that all the money has to buy all the means to win an election. The best decisions will be made by those who are in the best shape. Why can't something nice happen to MY small family? On all fronts I am equal to anyone here."
Proud though as I am, it should be said that I know that different talents go to different people. Also known is that I was showing my bravado just like -- but not in the same way -- as other young candidates.
In coming posts I will tell how we handle our finances. For now though all I can say is that I keep trying to better myself, keep an open mind, and cautiously let others know that I want to work well for the rest of my life.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Very truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
As one who has studied science, I know that the 'T' in (P)(V)= n(R)(T) stands for temperature and not time. However since I cannot measure 'Temperature' in economics then 'Time' is used to multiply times 'Rate.' Something has got to remain constant. Different models can be used in different sciences and economics is different than chemistry. Each set of variables needs to be accurate to their discipline and as a 'conservative democrat' I should also be accurate. That is why I tell you this now.
A friend, Francis B., who hails from the democrat side of his family here in Wilmington, came over today because he said that he had some "concerns". The truth is that he brought me a surprise gift of a chair that I could use while using the computer instead of the old patio chair I had previously been using. Being very grateful, I accepted this 'Seat' and felt honored that he would let me have it.
Fran has been a good friend throughout the years -- perhaps not constant -- but nevertheless consistent while in our travels together. He has always stressed what one could learn from reading the labels of ingredients on food items while I have showed him the value of reading receipts from the items one purchases. Our concerns have helped each other not only by what we consume but by what we buy from the market as well. Fran and I share a spirit which manifests itself in how we care for our health along with exercise and by expressing what we feel about religion and or spirit in general. It was he that got me to do more cardiovascular work in the rebirth of my walking and swimming. Others helped along the way but with Fran I could talk about healthcare and spirit as well.
Fran was more active in activities in the Unitarian Church to which he belonged and I prayed and read to the congregation of my wife's Leslie and my Catholic Church where we are parishioners.
All of us try to be tolerant of other people's views -- at least to the point of not arguing about doctrine or what another would say that a church "demands" from a member.In 1999 and 2000, I quit smoking and began to teach swimming lessons to 3 to 12 year old children. Stern and firm it was necessary to keep smiling. The water posed a problem with danger yet it provided a context for great fun too. Games and freedom were a wonderful way for children to learn. Come 9/11 in 2001 I was tempted to smoke again but I did not. I had already quit drinking some years before and knew that both would return hand in hand if I were to start again so I just kept doing the right thing.[Parenthetically it should be noted that I am quite comfortable with the loss of these habits and never want to return to them again. I've even stopped biting my nails] Swimming -- something I thought I'd never again do since being a boy -- as an adult changed my life.
Now to my other problem -- I did not stop eating. I felt that I was overweight and not obese. Who knows? -- but when I stopped the bad habits the eating took off. So at the urging of family I went to a program where I weighed myself in front of others every week. Exercise and the fact that I had stopped eating "every food group at every meal" helped me lose weight to a desired number by 2008. Now at 2015, at this writing, I know that a plan has to be made to keep me at a certain weight. Although I have not gained it all back, the past years have kept me busy in other ways and I have not been able to swim or walk. While working on other issues the past years I have not kept weight as a priority and spend more time writing and working on other things that are more demanding.
The reminders come in my mind,"Bob, look at your weight. Bob, change your priorities!" and I do keep up 1/2 hour a day stretching exercises -- but these cannot be considered cardiovascular. At this point in time it will be necessary to get into a routine. As of yet I have not balanced, church meetings, church itself, shopping, preparation of food, maintenance of home and auto, correspondence, financial activity, exercise, computer study, proper sleep and health upkeep plus all the other things modern man has to face to deal with life. Don't get me wrong, I AM doing these things I just look for more efficiency. Right now Leslie and I just do not have outside help.
These years from 2000 to 2011 were very healthy years for me. Physically I felt great. Mentally I was sharp and spiritually and emotionally I was growing. I work to recapture the feeling, however now there are advantages of being able to express myself clearer -- its just that I wish now that I felt better through exercise -- something which I have to incorporate later.
Specifically in 2007 I got involved with the campaign of our Delaware State Representative -- Bryon Short. I would campaign to neighbors telling them that "Bryon was a hard working young man and a 'neighborhood' Representative -- one who would get things done for people in the neighborhood." People still like him and now in 2015 he continues to work in his position very hard as he is effective. His family is supportive to him and Bryon is very ensconced in the Democratic Party.
Whether or not partisan politics is too frothy at the mouth for all of us I truly wonder. I am sick of seeing rancor and divisiveness and hope to see all parties work together more often. On ALL levels I have seen dislike only for the way a person looked and not out of substance. But resigned to my fate I know that this shows an energy probably more so than a hatred, and a competitive spirit that basically is more healthy than not. Bryon is my man -- look what is next.
Just like in the case of a national candidate having a Presidential Action Committee so too did Bryon Short have a committee. Sometimes the members would have spirited talks and counsel with wisdom. Other times Bryon lead the committee with what he saw was going on in the state capital of Dover. Actually I learned that not all other representatives had committees of this sort. So it was good that there could be this feedback even amidst the jockeying around of the esteems of the members. I was impressed though that there was such a show of egalitarian counsel shown -- and even that I was welcomed. Bryon had always welcomed me.
Many times at these meetings the Chair of the Democratic Party of Delaware -- John Daniello -- would attend. Just as when I did an ethnography in anthropology at my Alma mater Occidental College, I would watch the various personalities function with each other. In turn each had their say and Mr. Daniello would either comment or comment at the end of the meeting. It was effective. Not every ethnography had to be bad.
Remember that I had been doing a lot of swimming and walking and that I was eating well. I looked good as a candidate should have looked, but at that time I was not running for anything. Strong and in shape I was 5'10&1/2" and near 175 pounds. Swimming a couple of miles was no problem. Feeling good I went to Gina Chan M.D. who gave me a barrage of metabolic tests -- probably 30 to 50 of them. When she received the results she called me to her office, sat me down, and looked me squarely in the eye.
"You know Mr. Franz -- I have never remembered seeing every parameter within each range as I have here". She continued,"This is really remarkable -- It shows that you are in excellent shape. If I were you I'd keep this report and show it to any one who cared. It's something to be proud of and something to remember. And remember, if you can do this once at the right time in the future you may do it again."
Pleased I left her office feeling wonderful.
So what to do and who to tell? Certainly I showed family and friends. Leslie smiled and told me she knew I could do it. Fran was so busy with some administrative work at the time that he did not have time to exercise. "I'm jealous -- that's all I can say right now," he said to me. Do I dare send this to who I wanted to? Yes.
Feeling so very good, I sent a copy to John Daniello with a note that said,"It's too bad that all the money has to buy all the means to win an election. The best decisions will be made by those who are in the best shape. Why can't something nice happen to MY small family? On all fronts I am equal to anyone here."
Proud though as I am, it should be said that I know that different talents go to different people. Also known is that I was showing my bravado just like -- but not in the same way -- as other young candidates.
In coming posts I will tell how we handle our finances. For now though all I can say is that I keep trying to better myself, keep an open mind, and cautiously let others know that I want to work well for the rest of my life.Bob Does Everything Backwards: Writing Out of an Illness
Very truly yours,
Robert N. Franz
January 21, 2015
Review: 'Does Santa Exist?' author Eric Kaplan: review by RNF3rd
Does Santa Exist?: A Philosophical Investigation
This is a review by Robert N. Franz.
Kaplan's "Does Santa Exist?" shows logic as making the decision between 'A' and 'not A'. In this case it means 'Santa' and 'not Santa'. One makes this decision and acts accordingly. For children there are 'pulls' one way or another. For adults one either becomes a 'liar' or a 'crazy'. To the author the logic seems another type of struggle between Aristotle and Plato once again.
I was disappointed that in this text Kaplan did not mention the reality of Saint Nicholas -- patron saint of children -- who at one time was a human in Europe giving gifts to children in late December's cold. Perhaps Kaplan does not include this memory as real. Perhaps he is ashamed of our now 21st century material view of the legacy. At any rate all the stories involved perceive the North Pole venture as 'flying high'. This book showed distinct areas of philosophy clearly stated. One can learn from the read.
Kaplan does make clear a distinct difference between the dichotomy of logic and the "two faces" of dualism in mysticism. The paradox of what is happening overhead is caused by something that makes us free. We can look to left-brain and right-brain differences and see both biology and physics involved. There is finding love as we also find a coherent theory of the universe. I enjoy hippies and old German nudists too.
I am glad that the Buddha answered "What" not in a question form. It was shown in this book that the 'Infinite Being' was just that -- infinite. Both the lab rats and wild rats die no questions asked.(PETA was never called) But don't we all pass on. It is in this spirit that we learn how to grow in a dignified manner -- whether or not (or even how) the story of Santa carries on to the next generation.
It was refreshing to see the author write about more than dichotomies, dualism and two faces. Time, processes and stages became important. The analogy of a tree was quite appropriate. His comedy is both calming and essential. How many years (both before and after my faith in the subject) did I wait at the top of the stairs in my P.J.'s with my heart in my throat? Could that be the same feeling in the bookstore when I paced around the book shelves after first spying the title of this book on the cover?
I felt that I learned something about myself while reading about Santa -- but Eric Kaplan's abundant knowledge made me feel that I had missed something. This was not his fault because as I read, it became apparent that our lives were very different. In my life I was able to be young and naive much longer than Mr. Kaplan. Family thought I believed much longer -- and therefore I was able to keep up the image. Who was 'crazy' or a 'liar' then? For these reasons I give "Does Santa Exist? -- a philosophical investigation 4.17 stars. Thank you for offering the work. It was enjoyable and great to read and now you know more about my Santa too.
This is a review by Robert N. Franz.
Kaplan's "Does Santa Exist?" shows logic as making the decision between 'A' and 'not A'. In this case it means 'Santa' and 'not Santa'. One makes this decision and acts accordingly. For children there are 'pulls' one way or another. For adults one either becomes a 'liar' or a 'crazy'. To the author the logic seems another type of struggle between Aristotle and Plato once again.
I was disappointed that in this text Kaplan did not mention the reality of Saint Nicholas -- patron saint of children -- who at one time was a human in Europe giving gifts to children in late December's cold. Perhaps Kaplan does not include this memory as real. Perhaps he is ashamed of our now 21st century material view of the legacy. At any rate all the stories involved perceive the North Pole venture as 'flying high'. This book showed distinct areas of philosophy clearly stated. One can learn from the read.
Kaplan does make clear a distinct difference between the dichotomy of logic and the "two faces" of dualism in mysticism. The paradox of what is happening overhead is caused by something that makes us free. We can look to left-brain and right-brain differences and see both biology and physics involved. There is finding love as we also find a coherent theory of the universe. I enjoy hippies and old German nudists too.
I am glad that the Buddha answered "What" not in a question form. It was shown in this book that the 'Infinite Being' was just that -- infinite. Both the lab rats and wild rats die no questions asked.(PETA was never called) But don't we all pass on. It is in this spirit that we learn how to grow in a dignified manner -- whether or not (or even how) the story of Santa carries on to the next generation.
It was refreshing to see the author write about more than dichotomies, dualism and two faces. Time, processes and stages became important. The analogy of a tree was quite appropriate. His comedy is both calming and essential. How many years (both before and after my faith in the subject) did I wait at the top of the stairs in my P.J.'s with my heart in my throat? Could that be the same feeling in the bookstore when I paced around the book shelves after first spying the title of this book on the cover?
I felt that I learned something about myself while reading about Santa -- but Eric Kaplan's abundant knowledge made me feel that I had missed something. This was not his fault because as I read, it became apparent that our lives were very different. In my life I was able to be young and naive much longer than Mr. Kaplan. Family thought I believed much longer -- and therefore I was able to keep up the image. Who was 'crazy' or a 'liar' then? For these reasons I give "Does Santa Exist? -- a philosophical investigation 4.17 stars. Thank you for offering the work. It was enjoyable and great to read and now you know more about my Santa too.
