Are Ee Ess Pee Ee See Tee....

   RESPECT. Like the title of this post, for some people it seems like a foreign language...some lost ancient or newly discovered alien language. Some people have no clue what respect is and therefore don’t know how to give it or can barley understand when they receive it. It’s a shame really...but not nearly as tragic as those that know exactly what it is, and simply refuse to show it due to an obvious character flaw. This may be a minor issue to some, but I can guarantee, with certainty, that it’s a very big deal for others.

   A Pandora’s Box of definitions is opened up when searching for the meaning of the word “respect.” I was genuinely surprised to see whole websites dedicated to defining every meaning and form of the word...since it has so many. This just further validated the confusion the title of this post creates. As is my way...I have added the links to these and other reference materials concerning the meaning of respect below. 

   In our everyday usage and common meaning of respect, it seems we mostly mean a state of being courteous and well behaved when interacting with other people. Being courteous does come up within the meaning of respect, but most people, when asked how does someone get respect...give the overwhelming answer is that it is earned. If respect is to be earned, then how does that apply to the various forms and situations that we apply it to?

   Respect your elders: They have lived a long time and gone through much. Show them respect because they have earned it through living longer...and presumably going through more than you.

   Respect your parents: The went through a lot to have you...(a lot of fun in the beginning), and sacrificed to provide for you. They have earned respect by being the very reason you are here.

   Respect your boss: No, not really...but respect the position they hold within the environment you work in because they (presumably) earned that position of authority over you through hard work and meeting the criteria for holding that position. I did say “presumably”...

   Respect people: The general practice of being courteous to everyone unless you are otherwise given cause to act differently. Being a human being that practices this earns one the right to receive this in return...after all, respect is mutual. 

   Respect yourself: Arguably the most important of all...and quite frankly, you owe it to yourself. If you haven’t earned the respect of yourself, you probably haven’t earned the respect of others.

   These are probably the most common forms and applications of respect in our modern society and don’t seem too terribly difficult to grasp in my opinion. However, before I’m accused of leaving out another common form...let me just say that I could have written the entire post on this next one...

   Respect women: This one was already covered under “respect people”...except there is a lot more to this particular issue that has more to do with the interaction of the differences between males and females than just common courtesy. This is especially true when a female is inserted into a predominately male environment expecting equal treatment from men that practice inequality with every passing lecherous thought. The problem is so entrenched that the question has become “why men don’t respect women”....and this attempt to answer:http://www.wnd.com/2004/02/23177/ is very interesting.

   I think the best summary for this, since I could truly write another post entirely, is to treat women as you would wish your mother or sister to be treated, treat all people as you wish people to treat you...and treat yourself like the most important person there is. When all this is forgotten, things get...interesting, but not in a good way.

http://plato.stanford.edu/entries/respect/

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/respect

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Respect

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/respect

http://www.gregdonner.org/thoughts/thoughts5.html

http://www.wnd.com/2004/02/23177/

Political Straight Talk...?

   Before I get started, I would like to acknowledge the oxymoronic title of this post. Politics can be cutthroat and politicians rarely talk straight to anyone about anything. Everybody has an opinion when it comes to politics and it’s one of the three subjects avoided when trying to maintain peace...the other two being sports and religion. I have an opinion as well, but it isn’t nearly as important as my observations. A friend told me this would be a risky post...but I think the risk is greater not to write about what I see.

   I’ve observed that it doesn’t matter what your party affiliation is, a politician seems to want one thing most of all...to either get elected, or get re-elected. I was raised a Democrat but have found my way into the Independent status mostly because I think for myself and make critical observations, not just about politics, but life in general. Looking at all the tenets of both the Republican and Democratic parties...I can say with confidence that I don’t line up with every single one of them in either party. I like some ideas from both...so why commit wholly to one?

   It was said to me that this country is in dire need of statesmen instead of politicians. After hearing the criteria of each, I agreed. I found this comparison very interesting:

Politicians run to win — Statesmen run to serve

Politicians are ideologues — Statesmen are open-minded

Politicians, “it’s all about me” — Statesmen, “it’s all about them”

Politicians focus on the next election — Statesmen focus on the future

The final definition of “statesmen” on Wikipedia defines it as:

As it relates to American history, "statesman" represents an individual, who after being elected to office, holds firm to their oath to defend and uphold the US Constitution within their duty as an elected official.

   I think it’s important to know the difference between a politician and a statesmen, because if we don’t...how can we ever tell when there is a statesmen among the politicians? 

   Which brings me back to the subject of political straight talk. It doesn’t exist if you’re a politician. I recently watched the 2012 Republican debates and was deeply disturbed...just as I was during the 2008 Democratic debates. I just don’t understand why the “b.s.” card is never pulled when a yes or no question isn’t answered by the words “yes”...or “no.” I blame us...we the people, for not holding any of these politicians accountable for the words, or lack of words, that come out of their mouths. We allow the politicians to dazzle us with slogans, sound bites, and applause seeking monologues by constantly voting them into office without ever having answered the questions...or committed to a specific point of view when framed in an unpopular light.

   We further shoulder the blame for our own demise when we let ourselves get so polarized by ideology...over issues, that we simply “tow the party line.” The only line I’m towing is my own since I choose to be a free thinker and make decisions that are in my best interest. To clarify, my best interest isn’t what a politician tells me it is, it’s those situations that have directly effected my day-to-day living.

   I took this risk to write a post about a subject that divides more than it unites because the national situation is getting worse daily, and a nation divided is conquered first by it’s own hubris. If there is a starting point of agreement that can begin to bring unity...then let it be that we will reject the curve of political straight talk...and embrace the sense in our own minds as it becomes more common.

http://www.leadershipturn.com/leadership-in-a-nutshell-politician-vs-statesman/

http://dkidiscussion.blogspot.com/2012/08/congressional-reform-act-good-start.html

Movie Review: "Limitless"

   I am an ardent fan of the cinematic arts. Although I have certain genre preferences, I don’t let that stifle my curiosity and close myself to different flavors of entertainment. That said...I am a huge fan of science fiction, super hero and action movies! Please visit my other blog The Boxed Office for reviews, exclusively, on these types of movies.

The Cast: 

Bradley Cooper, Robert De Niro, Abbie Cornish and Andrew Howard.

   Bradley Cooper is very entertaining as a man with no options being given a new lease on life...at a very steep cost. He was believable and made a clear departure from the antics he portrayed in the A-Team. Robert De Niro is everything you’ve come to expect...and more. Abbie Cornish plays her supporting role well and Andrew Howard keeps popping up like a bad penny throughout the movie...with very good acting as a lone shark.

The Plot: 

   Eddie Morra (Cooper) is a failed writer that has reached the end of his rope when he is introduced to a wonder drug that changes his whole life around. The drug makes him an overnight success with his writing...and anything else he wants to do. After finding a large stash of the drug, Morra ascends to the top of the financial world drawing the attention of Carl Van Loon (De Niro). With the side effects getting worse and his supply running low, Morra must find a way to continue to break all limits...or die.

   Carl Van Loon (Robert De Niro) is a self made multi millionaire that notices Morra’s abilities as an opportunity to further his own agenda...at any cost. He seeks to control Morra when Morra can hardly control himself.

   With a mysterious man trying to kill him, a lone shark, Gennady (Andrew Howard ), constantly hunting him for a fix after being exposed to the drug and Van Loon trying to use him...Morra must figure out how to counteract the severe side effects while surviving the never-ending onslaught of trouble.

   

The Verdict: 

   Limitless is a thriller with a unique angle that is often shown from Morra’s perspective, adding to the chaotic suspense that sustains the film throughout.

   The movie was well cast and the cast was excellent. The directional pace was lethargic at times but was quickly forgotten when the thrills started their bombardment. The suspense of the constant danger and bouts with his old self in situational conflict with his new self, easily carries you to the edge of the seat.

   The film answers the question of choices for Morra, after the world has been laid out by this wonder-drug. With no limits on the thinking process, what would you do? The action and effects were good and the story was riveting...taking more turns than a revolving door...leaving an opening for three and a half cinnamon sticks, out of five, in my cup of tea.

Rap Music...A Passing Phase?

   I remember how it was in the beginning. I remember the first time I heard Rapper’s Delight on the radio and was amazed at the new sound and presentation. Rap music has been exploding and expanding ever since...despite the predictions of many that it was just a passing phase that would never be taken seriously by anyone outside the urban environment.

  To say those that thought rap music would be dead and gone today were wrong would be a gross understatement of the actual facts. This music form has evolved through many incarnations and is steadily evolving as more people experiment with it’s versatile nature. When I was growing up, there were many types of rappers being displayed in mainstream outlets. The diversity between Big Daddy Kane, Fresh Prince, Slick Rick, Public Enemy, NWA, Special Ed, De La Soul and A Tribe Called Quest says it all. Nothing like the virtually one subject dominated presentation of today.

   When speaking about rap in a historical sense, even looking forward as this post will shortly do, it would be a crime not to mention Run-DMC and all their innovations. Now that I have, let’s look back so that we can understand what we see when we look forward.

   Rap music is not new, at least not in the sense of it simply being poetry...just presented dramatically different from anything written by William Shakespeare or Dr. Seuss. Looking back, it’s evident that poetry has withstood the test of time. Poets exist now and will in the future...and we are continuously reading poets of the past. Style and presentation are the malleable factors and rap music is just another presentation of many different styles.

   Looking forward, rap is being used in very creative and unique ways. It is revitalizing a diverse pool of interest. We looked back at Shakespeare and Seuss without realizing that rap would have us looking forward at them as well.

   It doesn’t look to me as though rap music will be passing into the great beyond any-rhyme...uh, anytime soon. In fact, using complimentary videos to creative raps seems to be stirring the inquisitive juices of the younger minds that are exposed to them. Coming up with questions and investigating the available facts to answer those question is part of the scientific process. Although science and rap music might not seem like quite the same mix as chocolate and peanut butter...it’s this very diversity and versatility of rap that makes such a union not only possible, but extremely entertaining.

   How smart was Albert Einstein? Who is Stephen Hawking? Who is smarter of the two? Who is the better rapper? Well...I suppose that last one isn’t a serious question, but the first three are, and can be prompted by any inquisitive young mind enraptured with the video below. 

   Entertainment, message, story, teaching, dance, inspiration...and the list goes on about the various uses and effects of rap music. When I watch these videos and others like them, I see innovation and creativity...and although there are some that are better than others, I don’t see any imminent end to rap music or any indication that it is a “passing phase.” There is every indication that it is doing what it has always done...evolving.

WARNING: Other Epic Rap Battles of History have profanity and adult content.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epic_Rap_Battles_of_History#Epic_Rap_Battles_of_History

The Jobless Future...March On.

   Some time ago, I had a terrible thought. When I first witnessed the automated cashier in the supermarket, I wondered how many jobs it had cost to implement the device. In my local store, there were three such machines...one of which had clearly replaced a register were a person had been. I started thinking of the calculations the corporate executives had made in saving some overhead of the company by replacing humans with machines. As it turned out, the automated cashier’s were just passing through...since they hardly ever worked correctly and no matter how simplistic they were, some people just couldn’t operate it. I thought we had dodged the bullet of technology aimed at the human workforce...but I was wrong.

   Technology is a wonderful thing. It makes our lives easier and quicker...an overall convenience to have. However, there are some instances where technology can be costly...especially to the person being replaced by a machine, or out of work because technology has made their industry obsolete. I’m a keen observer...of just about everything, and what I have observed lately is a mixed bag. Stepping into the future is leaving some people behind.

   I wrote earlier about the great strides and stunning changes that have occurred in my lifetime thus far in “Then, Now and Far Beyond.” I made some very interesting observations...and now I must add to that, but it isn’t good news for some.

   Direct video streaming and electronic reading has had a direct impact in those respective markets. Getting instant video streaming of your favorite movies is putting the neighborhood video store out of business...and eliminating the jobs of everyone that works there. In the case of a franchise like Blockbusters, that picture is exacerbated. Even sending movies directly to your mailbox can’t compete with it coming right into your computer. Technology is marching forward...while some are marching into the job search market.

   Reading a book isn’t what it used to be...and doesn’t look to be so ever again. Bad news for me as I write my third...but I’ll just have to step up and learn the electronic market. Bad news also for the local book store...and surprisingly worse news for the bookstore franchise. My local Borders has just closed it’s doors for good...and technology isn’t blameless. With Kindle and other electronic reading devices exploding on the scene, was there ever a chance for the old fashioned book? March on technology...march on.

   Truly, I’m surprised the U.S Postal system hasn’t taken a bigger hit...since I haven’t received a real letter from a real person, seeking to convey information to me, in years. Email replaced “snail mail” and with instant messaging and texting, I’m shocked they even make pen and paper anymore...cause I don’t know anyone that uses them with the intent of sending a thought through the mail. How many jobs will be lost when this aspect of technology finishes marching...?

   The advances in technology that we are making are wonderful...if all they do is enhance your life. Those same advances are terrible, if they set back your livelihood. It’s a sad fact that technology is forcing many people into a jobless future. With no easy answers, all we can do...is march on.

Pay It Forward

   A while back there was a movie called “Pay It Forward.” I have never seen it...so this post isn’t about that movie. However, it is about a derivative of the main idea of the story...the idea that a good deed or opportunity given, should be paid forward to another instead of back to the source. If only my posts were that simple...

   I was in a recent conversation (isn’t that how most of these get started?) about our society today and the idea was put forth that to build a better society, the children coming up need to be educated in the way of understanding the opportunities given to them...and pay back, by way of paying forward, the benefits they receive from the hard work of their parents. As a parent...this was starting to sound good already.

   I listened intently at the idea that was being shared, looking at the conversation as an opportunity to learn, and therefore improve, my own understanding of the world. Without recounting every detail, I’d like to pass on the most profound parts...and hope that sharing this, in some way, pays forward the opportunity I had to expand my horizon.

   It has been my experience that very few people volunteer for anything, unless it’s a chance to get something...at he cost of nothing. We are a give and take society, with an emphasis on the “take.” Again, just my experience and I acknowledge that it’s not shared by everyone. It was, however, shared by the participant in my conversation.

  The offered solution for this was that children should be taught to volunteer. Specifically, to do so periodically in three ways:

1.) Volunteer for something that has a direct effect on your family or community. This will instill a very real and personal sense of self worth and drive home the reality that you are an important part of your surroundings. You matter...and the things you do impact those you care most about.

2.) Volunteer for something you always wanted to do, but never did. Too many times we let our dreams and gaol slip away without ever knowing if they were even something we really wanted. I always wanted to be a veterinarian...and volunteering at an animal shelter would have been an amazing experience as a young person thinking about entering that field. I would have found out much earlier that I’m not the animal guy I wanted to be.

3.) Volunteer for something that you really don’t like. It’s amazing, the self insight that can be achieved by willingly stepping outside your comfort zone. Just as it’s true that this process can reveal that we don’t like some things we thought we did...it can also show that we like some things we thought we didn’t.

   The idea of all of this is that if a child is taught and continues this process early in life, that the result will be a better citizen in adulthood. I admit it sounds very good and seems like an enlightening process...but it remains to be proven until it’s applied on a large scale over a time. However, I remain optimistic that this idea is better than most..and have witnessed how “paying it forward” can be contagiously positive. 

Thanks for the conversation L.D.

Movie Review: "W."

   I am an ardent fan of the cinematic arts. Although I have certain genre preferences, I don’t let that stifle my curiosity and close myself to different flavors of entertainment. That said...I am a huge fan of science fiction, super hero and action movies! Please visit my other blog The Boxed Office for reviews, exclusively, on these types of movies.

The Cast: 

Josh Brolin, Jeffrey Wright, Thandie Newton, Scott Glenn, James Cromwell and Richard Dreyfuss.

   Josh Brolin plays a superb George W. Bush without going over the top with a comedic impression. Jeffrey Wright does well as Colin Powell while Thandie Newton’s Condoleeza Rice just made me laugh every time she had screen time...and I’m sure it wasn’t her intention. Scott Glenn plays a very good Donald Rumsfeld and creates his own gravity with his intensity. The same can be said of Richard Dreyfuss as Dick Cheney, which is no surprise considering the excellent body of work he has done. James Cromwell plays George H.W. Bush and does an adequate rendition of the 41st President.

The Plot: 

   This biographical take on the 43rd President starts with his early days in college and follows through to his 2004 re-election campaign. Along the way there are glimpses into his military service, governorship of Texas and bid for the Presidency in 2000. The main story settles with his first four years in office and it’s from here that all other glimpses spin from.

   During his first term, the decisions and thought process are explored from an insider point of view and we are treated to, seemingly, be on the inside with the Presidential cabinet as they weigh decisions and plan the course of the country.

   Made during his first term in office, the film culminates with the 2004 re-election campaign and ends leaving us to ponder the rest of the process that carried on through the next four years of his Presidency.

   

The Verdict: 

   Although meant to be a biographical movie, there is very little in the way of accuracy verification that the viewer can do...so it is as much an entertainment presentation, probably more so, than an accurate historical account.

   Josh Brolin is excellent as the 43rd President and captures much of what we’ve been able to observe from real life events. The presentation of the subject is mildly entertaining and even with no measure for accuracy, is very thought provoking. Jeffrey Wright raises eyebrows, not so much from his performance...which was very good, but from the idea that Colin Powell was the only voice of reason making all else, by comparison, seem like insanity.

   Oliver Stone is well known for making films that provoke thought and tug on the conspiring strings of truth versus conjecture...this film is no different in that approach. The best part of the experience isn’t even in the film, it’s a segment on the dvd called “Dangerous Dynasty: The Bush Legacy”...and it’s fascinating enough to give this movie two and a half cinnamon sticks, out of five, in my cup of tea.

Boundaries of Love...Blameless Desires

  I have come to realize that if you live long enough, you will become dated. There is just no way to avoid it as you will inevitably feel nostalgic for a certain period in your life that others simply can’t relate to because of age. There are ideas, however, that are everlasting regardless of age. They last because they are rooted in the behavior of humanity...so as long as we remain human, they will remain with us. Howard Jones made a song in 1985 that exposed a core part of humanity...as evidenced by the continuing struggle with the subject.

 
                                You can look at the menu, but you just can't eat 

You can feel the cushion, but you can't have a seat 

You can dip your foot in the pool, but you can't have a swim 

You can feel the punishment, but you can't commit the sin 

And you want her, and she wants you. We want everyone 

And you want her and she wants you 

No one, no one, no one ever is to blame 

You can build a mansion, but you just can't live in it 

You're the fastest runner but you're not allowed to win 

Some break the rules, and live to count the cost 

The insecurity is the thing that won't get lost 

And you want her, and she wants you. We want everyone 

And you want her, and she wants you 

No one, no one, no one ever is to blame 

You can see the summit but you can't reach it 

Its the last piece of the puzzle but you just can't make it fit 

Doctor says you're cured but you still feel the pain 

Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain 

And you want her, and she wants you. We want everyone 

And you want her, and she wants you 

No one, no one, no one ever is to blame 

No one ever is to blame 

No one ever is to blame

   It has been said that the song is about unfulfilled attractions...”the frustration of experiencing attraction but being unable to act on it, for whatever reason.” Anyone that listens to the song will take from it their own idea of what it means...but there seems to be one dominating interpretation that is worthy of discussion: A love or desire that cannot be realized. The question is why...? And the answers are many...marriage, racism, disease,...even impotence.

   Whatever the reason is for why the desire or love remains unfulfilled, the fact remains that feelings of desire will happen...to everyone. The study of human relationships and sexual desires is ongoing with the only fact of it being that it happens to all of us, naturally...and thus there is nobody to blame.

   Could the song simply be about sex...? Is it really necessary to assign a deeper meaning of love...? Both can go together, but can also exist separately. The line “We want everyone” is what led me down this particular rabbit hole since, at least from the male perspective, sex is a paramount desire more frequented than love that could be applied to “everyone.”

  In truth, this song raises more questions than it answers and they aren’t new ones...they are very old. I wrote this post, as something that departs from whatever my “norm” is because recently this issue keeps being raised...so I will raise it. Love and relationships can be polarizing subjects like religion and politics...but no matter how much we avoid them, they have to be discussed at some point. So...let the discussion begin.


   Should we be victims of our desires...suppressing our internal callings...? Or masters of them...embracing that which we want most...? Simple questions with complicated answers that we all must ponder as we navigate the vast ocean of life.

   I’ve added an alternate live video version of the song...simply because I’m a huge fan of the piano. Enjoy.

http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/149820/#73014976132

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_One_Is_to_Blame

Madness From the Bench

   I never cease to be amazed by human behavior. I don’t mind amazement, but when it comes at the expense of common sense, it tends to sting a bit. This stinging sensation seems to happen quite a bit in our legal system, particularly when it comes from the bench the judge sits on.

   We look at judges to be the fair arbitrator of our disagreements in accordance to the letter of the law. How quickly we forget or abruptly we are reminded...that a judge is not some computer program or supernatural being, but very much human. They are exactly like those they pass judgement over, complete with all the flaws and problems that plague all of humanity. I don’t have an issue with that...I mean, really...what is the alternative? A computer without human compassion or capacity for emotion? I would rather not travel that road if at all possible.

   So, I can’t knock judges for being human, what else are they going to be? My issue is when  they abandon common sense for madness and smash the gavel on it. There should be some sort of process for dealing with judges that habitually do this...and by “process” I mean something quick, immediate and effective for correcting decisions clearly without enough common sense to make change. All jokes aside, people’s lives are being ruined by the ineptness of those we trust to fairly apply the law.

   I’ve personally never had to go before a judge that thought common sense was a crime...but I personally know people that have. Recently a close friend went before a judge for an ongoing situation with visitation rights. Quite simply, he wants to be a bigger part of his child’s life, and wants his child to be a part of his. A man with absolutely no criminal history, no history of abuse on anyone...he even has great credit, was lambasted by the judge for failure to fill his visitation obligation for two years.

  I don’t know what your thinking...but if you’re a regular reader of this blog, you know the twist is about to drop. He hasn’t had a visitation with his son for two years...because he had been deployed to Iraq to fight for his country...for two years. The judge, in all her wisdom, retorted that his reason was absolutely no excuse at all for missing his visits. Huh..? Excuse me..? No excuse...? He’s fighting for the right for this judge to be a complete simpleton and that doesn’t explain adequately why he never made his required visitation?

   Never mind the fact that he went before the court to amend the visitation schedule now that he is back, so that he could spend MORE time with his son...but shame on him for not telling the insurgents to stop shooting at him so he could go AWOL and see his son.

   Forgive my sarcasm, it’s a coping mechanism...but this is the sort of thinking that defies logic. That a judge would dismiss his active service as if he were simply sitting home on the couch in front of a television is reprehensible...and you can consider me thoroughly disgusted.

   As I said, I can’t knock judges for being human...but I’m all over them for being nonsensical, and dispensing madness from a bench that we go before to receive reasonable judgments under the law. Take a moment, please, to visit the links below...and help put a stop to the madness.

UPDATE:

The madness continues as a judge has ordered a child renamed because of her personal beliefs !! When will there be some oversight for a judge that breaches their duty?

See it here: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/08/11/mother-of-messiah-ordered-to-change-babys-name-after-christian-judge-rules-it-a-conflict-with-her-beliefs/

http://www.thelizlibrary.org/outrage/

http://www.linkspiders.com/free_lists/blogs/bad_judge/crazy_judge_james_sadigh.htm

http://divorcehelp.com/blog/when-judges-get-it-wrong-it-can-ruin-lives…/

http://www.judgesabovethelaw.com/

http://www.cscja-acjcs.ca/role_of_judge-en.asp?l=5

http://work2bdone.com/live/?p=2418

http://www.caught.net/prose/badjudge.htm

Jeb Corliss: Joy of Life

   I have recently become aware of a man by the name of Jeb Corliss. A friend posted a video of him in a facebook group...and I was astounded, and inspired. Jeb Corliss is a professional BASE jumper, skydiver, and wingsuit flyer. The video below, to me, is amazing. If a picture is worth a thousand words, then this video is worth a million words...literally. It has over four million hits and although I can’t speak for anyone else, I will share why I have viewed it numerous times.

   The short answer is that it’s a great video. It’s well filmed and the music compliments the visuals. The music is by a group called Awolnation performing a song entitled “Sail.” I had never heard of them before this...but I’m glad I know now. There is a scene shown from multiple camera angles to capture the effect and shear awe of what Corliss has done...and it does just that. Everyone I show this video to has the same response during this segment. Don’t worry, your response will be the response I’m talking about.

   It’s not until the very end of the flight that the bigger picture dawned on me that led to the inspiration to write this post. It’s very subtle but very revealing as well...and it’s the look on Corliss’s face after he takes his helmet off...a look of pure joy. In that instant, the joy of life is evident even though it was already conveyed when he flew threw the crack...and you were struck with awe.

   Jeb is doing what he loves to do. He is embracing the joy of life in his unique way, and sharing that with the rest of us...and it’s addictive. It’s also a perfect example to follow. I’m not talking about jumping off cliffs in a wingsuit, although many reading this will want to do just that. I’m talking about finding whatever it is that brings you the joy of life and embracing it with every moment you’re able to.

   Corliss is getting in touch with that child that wanted to fly, and taking him on a journey of pure bliss. The inner child for many has grown, but the journey of pure bliss is never an outdated travel plan...and everyone should take it as often as possible. I don’t think it’s about how you lived or why you died, but instead about what you took from embracing each moment and the gift that others received from that embrace.

   Thank you Mr. Corliss...your embrace of the joy of life has reminded me that the daily struggle is not the totality of the moments offered, and inspired me to remind others that the true potential within each moment can translate into a life of joy...where we can experience the joy of life.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wingsuit_flying

http://awolnationmusic.com/fallharvest/