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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 118 to 142 of 226. Go back in thread:
Posted by Free on November 16, 2010, at 17:48:53
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: casinos, posted by sigismund on November 16, 2010, at 2:04:50
> >I didn't have an accent, but I did have a winning smile, and I was full of hope.
>
> It doesn't matter to everyone.
>But it did matter to most everyone I've met at the casino.
And it matters more than it should when you feel you have very little else.> >But I was too young to understand this and many other things.
>
> Yes
>And it seems, the more you know the less you want to know.
> >What do they say about youth being wasted on the young? I'm starting to understand that this is a sad knowledge to have firsthand.
>
> Now you're talking.
> Well yes, it is sad and the best reason for any of us to use what we have left wisely.
> It is (you know) unutterably tragic and absolutely common.
>You are right. It is common. And knowing that the process of walking through this unavoidable fire is merely a common tragedy, is like a salt over a wound. I guess I want my wounds to have more meaning than that.
What do they say about going through this process gracefully? The rebel in me says to put up a fight and skid in sideways to the end of my journey...with what's left of my winning smile and whatever else intact.
Maybe I will feel differently if I happen on some wisdom while I skid towards the end. Or maybe not.
Posted by sigismund on November 16, 2010, at 20:33:36
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: casinos » sigismund, posted by Free on November 16, 2010, at 17:48:53
Hey, this medium is rife with the potential for misunderstanding. (Which may or may not have happened!)
What I meant about it not mattering to everyone is that not everyone has a strong feeling about the painfulness of the ruin of innocence.
But maybe I can't understand something? At any rate, I think it should matter a great deal.
> And knowing that the process of walking through this unavoidable fire is merely a common tragedy, is like a salt over a wound.
You *could* see this as the qualification for humanity and empathy. This is what we all share. It's part of our journey.
I don't mean to be trite (one of life's reliable pleasures if you can get away with it), but I think we don't need to be special because we already are.
And we can gain a lot from knowing our pain from inside. (Buddhism 101, what would I do without you?)When I was younger time stretched away in front of me forever. Now I am older I am so much more struck by the beauty of people and the ruin of hope.
Probably that's why youth is wasted on the young. But what would the young do if they knew their lives were going to end tomorrow? Maybe what everybody does? Speak to their loved ones and make amends?
Although it has to be said that when a good proportion of older people talk about this they must have love and sex in mind. As in, with a body like that and a mind like I have now, I wouldn't waste nearly as much time as I did.
There, I've said it: your mind gets better with age. I do believe that. I'd just prefer never to put it like that. There must be lots of evidence to the contrary.
Posted by Free on November 17, 2010, at 2:42:03
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: casinos » Free, posted by sigismund on November 16, 2010, at 20:33:36
> Hey, this medium is rife with the potential for misunderstanding. (Which may or may not have happened!)
>
> What I meant about it not mattering to everyone is that not everyone has a strong feeling about the painfulness of the ruin of innocence.
>
> But maybe I can't understand something? At any rate, I think it should matter a great deal.
>
No, you understand a lot...a lot of pearls. I was talking superficially and not being clear.I guess tormenting myself with what ifs about a twenty something year old therapist that I had to say goodbye to has me feeling, well, not so youthful. He was very kind and full of hope. And he made me feel like that twenty year old girl with the winning smile again. That's why it matters so much so soon.
But I'm processing all of this with my current therapist. She understands and accepts me like no other, and we're doing really good work together. Letting the pain surface, and understanding its origin and progression. And it is painful, but I've never felt more real. I've got a long, long way to go though, but I've just begun this new journey.
Sorry I wasn't being clear. :)
Posted by Free on November 17, 2010, at 10:16:16
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: casinos » Free, posted by sigismund on November 16, 2010, at 20:33:36
> Although it has to be said that when a good proportion of older people talk about this they must have love and sex in mind. As in, with a body like that and a mind like I have now, I wouldn't waste nearly as much time as I did.
>
> There, I've said it: your mind gets better with age. I do believe that. I'd just prefer never to put it like that. There must be lots of evidence to the contrary.
>:) You're funny. I guess at least I have a better mind to look forward to.
Posted by Dr. Bob on November 21, 2010, at 12:39:19
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: casinos, posted by Dr. Bob on November 12, 2010, at 1:01:49
Have you heard Willow Smith's hit song entitled "Whip My Hair"? If so, what do you think of it? (She is the daughter of Will Smith and ten years old!)
Posted by Deneb on November 21, 2010, at 18:33:58
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: Whip My Hair, posted by Dr. Bob on November 21, 2010, at 12:39:19
I had not heard of it until you asked about it. I just saw the music video on youtube. I think it's awesome! Anything that promotes long hair is good in my eyes LOL.
Posted by Angela2 on November 22, 2010, at 19:12:40
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: Whip My Hair, posted by Dr. Bob on November 21, 2010, at 12:39:19
I wouldn't download it on my ipod...no offense Willow
Posted by Free on November 22, 2010, at 20:10:18
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: Whip My Hair, posted by Dr. Bob on November 21, 2010, at 12:39:19
> Have you heard Willow Smith's hit song entitled "Whip My Hair"? If so, what do you think of it?
I think I got a whiplash after listening to that!
Young Willow's got nature and nurture on her side. But I would say it's the mega money that's backing up her talent.
Cute song, but I'll pass as well. :)
Posted by ed_uk2010 on November 23, 2010, at 15:55:03
In reply to Re: Poll of the day: Whip My Hair, posted by Angela2 on November 22, 2010, at 19:12:40
More fun...
Who is the most handsome man, and who is the most beautiful woman in the world? All opinions welcome. Please post links to pictures so that we can comment.
Posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 16:05:53
In reply to NEW poll of the day, posted by ed_uk2010 on November 23, 2010, at 15:55:03
There is a sign up the end of the beach here where someone has written on a rock 'Beauty is seeping out of every pore of the universe'.
Back when I was at school I fell in love with this woman's voice. I had a dream about her. I don't know if she was especially beautiful, but I was transfixed. I'm very fond of a female voice in front of music like this.....
Posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 16:41:06
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day » ed_uk2010, posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 16:05:53
She's the one in the middle of the sitting row.
Do you like the mask?
Perhaps it was a comment on how plastic everything is.
And that was in 1968.
Well, beauty seeps out of the universe but not out of commerce.
Posted by Free on November 23, 2010, at 20:20:27
In reply to NEW poll of the day, posted by ed_uk2010 on November 23, 2010, at 15:55:03
Good poll choice. It's fun and light! Did you forget to post your picks, ed_uk2010? :)
> Who is the most handsome man,
>For me, there's no specific male physical prototype. But I'll pick Chris.
He looks kind, sensitive, smart, and down to earth. Oh, and he can sing and play. And he's got an accent!
But, really, whoever I'm in love with at the time.http://www.inthenews.co.uk/photo/chris-martin-came-up-with-the-idea-of-recording-in-spain-$7003772$300.jpg
http://userserve-ak.last.fm/serve/_/24839639/Chris+Martin+109166608_4fad53b7b6_o1.jpg
>and who is the most beautiful woman in the world?
>Hands down, the most beautiful woman. Inside and out. Unreal beautiful.
http://www.collider.com/wp-content/uploads/slice_angelina_jolie_03.jpg
http://www.angelzfunnyz.com/Portals/0/Gallery/Album/Celebs/Angelina%20Jolie%20Black%20And%20White.jpg
Posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 22:08:12
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day » ed_uk2010, posted by Free on November 23, 2010, at 20:20:27
Here's a nice photo of a familiar face
I can't say why I find him so attractive.
Posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 22:09:02
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day, posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 22:08:12
This is what happens to Lou.
Posted by Free on November 24, 2010, at 1:09:38
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day, posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 22:08:12
> Here's a nice photo of a familiar face
>
> http://www.google.com.au/imgres?imgurl=http://static.poponthepop.com/images/gallery/brad-pitt-sexy.jpg&imgrefurl=http://poponthepop.com/gallery/brad-pitt-sexy/&usg=__gjrQtOaKeFtHlIapWiLbZiIHQ8Y=&h=362&w=500&;
>Sigi,
Can't see the attractive guy. The link doesn't work.
> I can't say why I find him so attractive.
>It probably has to do with some type of transference.
Posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 4:26:35
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day » sigismund, posted by Free on November 24, 2010, at 1:09:38
One if the nice things about getting older is that people (in general) look so much better.
The uglier you get, the better they look.
I saw a film that was made around 20 years ago with me in it. I looked fabulous. You get used to anything.
Posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 14:39:13
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day » Free, posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 4:26:35
When I was in Kyoto I was struck by how beautiful the young Japanese men were. They spent so much money on their haircuts. I'd never seen anything like these haircuts. Long hair, sort of, just lovely. And they had these crazy shoes. Black high boots with silver buckles that wrapped around the ankle.
It's one of the reasons to travel to Asia......the people are so friendly. In Vietnam I could go to a cafe with a beautiful view and read Cormac McCarthy for an hour or two while drinking my Vietnamese rum. Then I would walk home. If I felt like it I would walk past a shop and there would be some lovely looking Vietnamese man. He would ask where I came from. I could count on a 90 minute conversation about the American War, the French War, the communist victory, life under communism, the ethics involved in dealing with a defeated enemy, what the takeover was like, corruption, was it all worth it, the roots of genocide.
Imagine a Vietnamese person hanging around a shop in our countries (mine anyway) hoping for a conversation with a local in Vietnamese about our politics for 90 minutes!
The Vietnamese people are generally so beautiful.
Posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 15:20:25
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day, posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 14:39:13
Let's see if this link works
http://www.smh.com.au/ffximage/2008/01/07/leslie_080107100422860_wideweb__300x375.jpg
Leslie Cheung starred in Farewell My Concubine. He was gay and suffered from depression. When he was 46 he was on a building. He had an appointment. His friend rang him on his mobile and said 'Where are you?' He said 'Ill be down in a second', and jumped and killed himself, or so I read.
Lovely face.
Posted by Free on November 24, 2010, at 17:07:58
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day » Free, posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 4:26:35
> One if the nice things about getting older is that people (in general) look so much better.
>
> The uglier you get, the better they look.
>Lol. Yeah.
And, the older I get, the better I was. :)
> I saw a film that was made around 20 years ago with me in it. I looked fabulous.
>Okay, I'm intrigued...
? Thespian, writer, politician, professional intellectual, ex-criminal, jolly swagman...
? :)
Posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 18:51:43
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day, posted by Free on November 24, 2010, at 17:07:58
It was a film made out of the Christening and birtday parties of our extended family.
The earliest part is more than 20 years ago.
I didn't think I looked good then, but I do now.
Not just me, either. All of us. We were surprisingly beautiful.
Posted by Free on November 24, 2010, at 22:06:12
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day, posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 14:39:13
> When I was in Kyoto I was struck by how beautiful the young Japanese men were. They spent so much money on their haircuts. I'd never seen anything like these haircuts. Long hair, sort of, just lovely. And they had these crazy shoes. Black high boots with silver buckles that wrapped around the ankle.
>
I read somewhere, the Japanese (men and women), spend half of their income on clothing and grooming. Their culture is permeated by aesthetics. You can see it from the way they present their food in pretty little dishes to the way they design their serenely beautiful gardens. I respect their nature inspired aesthetic sensibility. It's simple yet sophisticated.It's been a while since I went there, but I remember thinking how impeccably groomed from head to toe everyone was. I was too young to notice the men, but I thought the people were very polite and respectful. But I mostly remember enjoying myself eating delicious sushi and noodle soups in various restaurants. Which reminds me, I should watch Tampopo, again. (I recommend this off-beat movie about the joys of food, if you haven't already seen it.)
>
> It's one of the reasons to travel to Asia......the people are so friendly. In Vietnam I could go to a cafe with a beautiful view and read Cormac McCarthy for an hour or two while drinking my Vietnamese rum. Then I would walk home. If I felt like it I would walk past a shop and there would be some lovely looking Vietnamese man. He would ask where I came from. I could count on a 90 minute conversation about the American War, the French War, the communist victory, life under communism, the ethics involved in dealing with a defeated enemy, what the takeover was like, corruption, was it all worth it, the roots of genocide.
>
> Imagine a Vietnamese person hanging around a shop in our countries (mine anyway) hoping for a conversation with a local in Vietnamese about our politics for 90 minutes!
>
> The Vietnamese people are generally so beautiful.
>Nothing compares with the experience of travel. I think travel anywhere abroad always leads to a new appreciation of my life and reminds me of how utterly different and varied life can be...how much beauty and magic that abounds out there. I find this particularly true of Asia and its peoples...
Posted by sigismund on November 25, 2010, at 14:44:24
In reply to NEW poll of the day, posted by ed_uk2010 on November 23, 2010, at 15:55:03
You haven't commented on my picture.
What do you find attractive?
For me it just about always involves vulnerability and openness.
Posted by Free on November 25, 2010, at 14:53:11
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day, posted by sigismund on November 24, 2010, at 15:20:25
>
> Leslie Cheung starred in Farewell My Concubine.
>It's very sad. Maybe he felt trapped by it all. But couldn't find another escape route. Couldn't bare it anymore.
I once saw a photo of my grandmother. She was a classic beauty with delicate feminine features. It was an old black and white photo of her directly looking at the camera. She looked sad and lost, yet noble.
I think she must have been in the same emotional place as Leslie Cheung...Trapped without another escape route. She left in a hurry, too. Left many little ones behind.
I think of her, here and there, and wish that I could have been there for her on her last day. I would have held her and told her that I loved her anyhow, and read her this poem...
"I think over again my small adventures.
My fears,
Those small ones that seemed so big,
For all the vital things I had to get and reach.And yet there is only one great thing,
The only thing,
To live to see the great day that dawns
And the light that fills the world."
Posted by sigismund on November 25, 2010, at 15:03:23
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day » sigismund, posted by Free on November 25, 2010, at 14:53:11
You may have read this from the thread on native Americans? It's really just the last the last 5 or so sentences, but you need the rest to give you the sense.
This, of yours, brought it to mind...........
And yet there is only one great thing,
The only thing,
To live to see the great day that dawns
And the light that fills the world."
>For both the Ika and Kogi the earth is alive. Every mountain sound is an element of a language of the spririt, every object a symbol of other possibilities. Thus a temple becomes a mountain, a cave a womb, a calabash of water the reflection of the sea. The sea is the memory of the Great Mother.
>The life spun into being at the beginning of time is a fragile balance, with the equilibrium of the entire universe being completely dependent on the moral, spiritual and ecological integrity of the Elder Brothers. The goal of life is knowledge. Everything else is secondary. Without knowledge there can be no understanding of good and evil, no appreciation of the sacred obligations that human beings have to the earth and the Great Mother. With knowlege comes wisdom and tolerance. [......]
>One is called to the priesthood through divination. As soon as a child is born a mama (an enlightened priest) consults the Great Mother by reading the patterns that stones and beads make when they are dropped in water in ceremonial vessels. Those who are chosen are taken from their families as infants and carried high into the mountains to be raised by a mama and his wife. There the child lives a nocturnal life, completely shut away from the sun, forbidden even to know the light of the full moon. For eighteeen years he is never allowed to meet a woman of reproductive age or to experience daylight. He spends his life in the ceremonial house, sleeping by day, waking after sunset to cross in the darkness to the mama's house where he is fed. He eats twice more through the night, once at midnight and again shortly before dawn. His food is prepared only by the mama's wife, and even she may see him only in the darkness. His diet is a simple one: boiled fish and snails, mushrooms, grasshoppers, manioc, squash and white beans. He must never eat salt or foods unknown to his ancestors. Not until puberty is he permitted to eat meat.
>The apprenticeship falls into two distinct phases, each lasting nine years and thus mimicking the nine months spent in a mother's womb. During the first years the apprentice is raised as a child of the mama, educated in the mysteries of the world. He learns songs and dances, mythological tales, the secrets of Creation, and the ritual language of the ancients known only to the priests. The second nine years are devoted to higher pursuits and even more esoteric knowledge - the art of divination, techniques of breathing and meditation that lift one into trance, prayers that give voice to the inner spirit. The apprentice learns nothing of the mundane tasks of the world, skills best left to others. But he does learn everything about the Great Mother, the secrets of the sky and the earth, the wonder of life itself in all its manifestations. Because the initiates know only the darkness, they acquire the gift of visions. They become clairvoyant, capable of seeing not only into the future and the past, but through all material illusions of the universe. In trance they can travel through the lands of the dead and into the hearts of the living. Finally the great moment of revelation arives. After having learned for eighteen years of the beauty of the Great Mother, of the delicate balance of life, of the importance of ecological and cosmic harmony, the initiate is ready to shoulder his divine burden. On a clear morning, with the sun rising over the flank of the mountains, he is lead into the light of dawn. Until that moment the world has existed only as a thought. Now for the first time he sees the world as it is, the transcendent beauty of the earth. In an instant everything he has learned is affirmed. Standing at his side, the mama sweeps an arm across the horizon as if to say, 'You see, it is as I told you'.
Posted by ed_uk2010 on November 25, 2010, at 16:35:43
In reply to Re: NEW poll of the day, posted by sigismund on November 23, 2010, at 16:41:06
Hi Sigi,
Great song, thanks. I've not heard it before.
So how about....
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