Freedomain Radio by Stefan Molyneux

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Stefan is the only person I know that is laying down, for all of us, a modern-day philosophical foundation, derived from the best works of thought of previous generations. And he also practices what he preaches!

The core of his ideology takes from Anarchism, and the practical value of Capitalism. On the one hand, no person must ever be forced against their will - other than in self-defense, and on the other hand, the best approach to financial success is through free & voluntary trade.

The 47 year-old Canadian host of Freedomain Radio.

Surprisingly, even now, almost ten years into the existence of the podcast, Stefan only has three team members: Mike, James, and Stoyan. This leads me to think that the endeavor, while beneficial to millions of viewers, and true in its' ideology, is an impossible mission.

There is much evidence to say that almost the entirety of his audience treat the show solely as entertainment. The show is run by donations, at an estimated request of $0.5 a podcast, and even BitCoin is accepted.

However, it appears that less than one-percent of the audience actually donate anything. At all. Even much less than one-percent, if I have the right impression.

Ironically, Stefan, similarly to Dr. Phil, also puts emphasis on achievement through work; something he had experienced extensively in his own life. This goes in stark contrast to the likelihood that most of his audience are either living on welfare, or like many young adults in dysfunctional economies, living through their parents' funding.

Why is the Freedomain Radio so important?

Stefan is a radio-show host, author, and public-media spokesperson. He addresses & practices topics such as BitCoin, Relationships, Morality, and Liberty.

Renowned for talk shows and call-in shows.

I have personally enjoyed a better understanding of these topics, by being a listener and participating community member. The amount of positive feedback from listeners is vast, so there is no doubt that this is a good endeavor.

So, how come Stefan does not grow his business?

The show is not a charity! However, its' current business-model is a sort of honesty box. Sadly, most people are not honest, even if they want to be, and so this strategy is too futuristic - if we assume future people to be more honest.

I look at history, contemporary societies, and modern advancement, and intuit that only successful business-models actually make a positive long lasting impact. Charismatic and socially-adored people, who have not managed to also go beyond normal finances, usually impact a generation, and then lose relevance; because people aren't satisfied with ideologies, only.

People want success. Moral success is part of it, but morality is meaningless without sustenance & prosperity. A true leader leads on all accounts; moral and economic.

I would guess that Stefan will eventually expand his business model to include the [paid] training of more philosophers, who can mimic his success, and continue the cycle of benefit to themselves, and to their audiences.

I hope he does that earlier, rather than later.

FREEDOM! by Adam Kokesh

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Adam, from the radio show Adam VS The Man, has just now released his new book!

This book is a non-fiction about the meaning of freedom. I feel that his writing combines the best arguments, from the most popular modern minds, in the freedom or anarchy genres. And it does so concisely and plainly!

Visit the book's page, over at AdamVSTheMan.com.

My only criticisms are towards the audiobook quality, which I chose to enjoy - and not bother reading lots of text. And also with my already great familiarity with the topic, meaning I got bored a lot.

For the former, Adam shared with me by email that he did rush the completion of the audiobook, so the resulting mistakes are not surprising. It is still a nice listen and very audible. He promised to edit it, too! Well done, Adam, keep it up for all of us.

And, for the latter, it is just my fault for taking so much interest in my own liberty and morality, already. I can't blame anybody for that. I do thank a lot of people for it.

Enjoy the book as an eBook PDF, AudioBook (Single File or by Chapters), Plain Text RTF or TXT, and even a Kindle version on Amazon, or the Android App!

The Partially [Un]Examined Life

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The Partially Examined Life podcast & blog, albeit entertaining, is a great example of why abstract philosophies are fucking useless.

By "abstract philosophies", I mean thinking about life out of context of my own personal life. Without the inclusion of my own experiences. In other words, talking without "getting dirty."

Visit their website & podcast.

I do give it to them that the discussions are humoristic & easy going, and so make for a nice entertaining background sound; so I have something to listen to, while working out, say.

Abstract philosophy, or "philosophizing", is the cause of all structured ignorance. The idea that any thought can be discussed in an impersonal manner, as if from the cloud-seat of some immortal deity, only causes misunderstandings and confusion. As proof, talk to any philosophy student; the pure embodiment of trying to study philosophy, without attaching its' meaning to our own lives.

So, while I do recommend listening to any of their episodes, and their well-narrated talks, I strongly warn against considering any of it as Philosophy.

Reviewing The Elder Scrolls Online Beta

I will keep this article rather concise, so let us exclude the introductions, and get to the point.

The Elder Scrolls Online, the beta, which has just begun a rather massive event, starting recent Friday, 31.1.2014, has been a new experience for me. It is an MMO of a new generation. It actually has some serious story, questing, and a realistic vibe, to it.

Man, I saw no radar in my beta! ><"

First of all, it feels well made. It does not feel cheap, or "AZN", or a scramble of well-tested ideas, scrounged into an "role-playing-like action game". It is a real MMORPG. There are a lot of actors reading out the quest texts, and shouting about in populated areas. The visuals are compelling, and not toy-ish. The UI and controls are minimal, logical, and entertaining. It feels really good.

Maybe just as important as the feel it has, it draws the interest of the player. I am only enjoying a few days of beta here, as I have been invited with a private key; one of the lucky ones, who got rolled in. But, in these few days, I have found myself growing more and more curious about the game world itself, and about where it would lead me. Unlike many other games, which quickly turn into a repetitive-quest grind-fest, ESO straddles itself tight onto its' story and characters. NPC's are not that stupid. MOB's feel more purposeful, than in many other games. It is kind of nice.

I will point out, critically, that the atmosphere of the game is quite dark and gloomy. For many of us, who enjoy a light-hearted - casual - funky sort of ~vibe~, I seriously doubt that it is there. Even the player-base feels different. All those individuals, who have been enjoying the Elder Scrolls single-player games of the past, now turn in their hordes, to play this new release; the next of the series, really.

You see, it's a different sort of humor.
For me? It ain't extreme enough.

I strongly suspect that, while being a rather good MMO - unusually so even, it will only draw unto itself a rather specific crowd. I hope it gets enough trolls.

Oh, and I do not plan on buying it, myself. Nothing personal, really.

The Failure Of The Buddha

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The Buddha, as described & depicted by the ancient Buddhist texts in the Suttas, specifically the older text from the Pitaka, is painted for us as a person who did not strictly associate himself with any group, nor considered any place as a specific place of practice. That is to say, that the Buddha did not weave together with his Dhamma, the concepts of a monastery, or a religious group, under one name.

Just like researchers today, and in the past, he was a man, who suggested a system of rules & practices that recognized a problem, and pointed to a solution. And just like other researchers, even since before his time, his system was described in terms that were relevant to his time and place. Beyond its' basic principles, it only created many responses to issues of its' time.

The Buddha is depicted as debating his opinions with others. The Buddha is depicted as putting forth concentration & thought, into understanding his reality. The Buddha is depicted as a person who accepted disciples, which means that he accepted disagreement, and different ways of using his ideas.

Understanding this history of Buddhism, and by doing some research about our own contemporary Buddhism, it comes to light that there really is no such thing as "Buddhism." What there is, is the Dhamma - the rules that the Buddha described, and the results he predicted, for following those rules. We also have several millennia, in which people have tried those rules, in an endless variety of ways.

And the result? Failure. There is no evidence, whatsoever, that the Buddha's Dhamma actually achieves the results it predicts. Saying that a person has not used the Dhamma for "enough time", or that those who fail, do not "really follow the Dhamma", is not acceptable reasoning. Scientists and researchers do not, these days, accept "laws of nature" that do not prove themselves constantly.

I practice meditation,
but do so regardless of Buddhism,
like most people.

Today, there are simply too many recorded instances of people, who do follow the Dhamma, but do not present the expected results. The ending to suffering - Dukkha. This is not only objectively so. Many who have practiced this faith wholly, and for a period of several years, often describe not feeling what is to be expected.

For the Buddha's ideas to be true, to be a law of nature - Dhamma, they must repeat in a reliable manner. This is simple scientific observation. Naturally, there can be argument about the validity of certain cases. But, like with anything else, when there is an overwhelming account of failure, then there can be nothing left, but suspicion and doubt.

Lao Tzu, of the ancient wisdom of the Tao Te Ching, was not affiliated with any group, either. He taught what he saw as the law of nature - Tao, in an a way that is applicable to people, as well. These are the most concise and specific ideas he could use, to predict results with. There is an interesting correlation between the two faiths, when their origins, history and modern expressions are examined and compared.

If the Buddha ever had a religion, it was simply the manifestation of his own ideas, and nothing more. If he ever had a monastery or sacred place, it would be nothing more, than just his home. If he ever had disciples, they would be nothing more, than just interested equal parties. Buddha, like many other charismatic teachers, had his own traditions and notions about life. Those worked out in limited ways, and never proved to be anything but generally good ideas, if even that.

The same could be said about any of us.

A Warhammer Production!

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Click here to download an excerpt from Thorn and Talon.

The Warhammer audiobooks were a refreshing surprise to my senses. I believed to have been well acquainted with well-made science-fiction and fantasy audiobooks, but discovered an exceptionally made production, in this case!

In my excitement, I bring this report to you, my audience, before browsing deeply into the collection; which, by the way, spans over 30 stories! Of course, most of them are rather short. Some of those I have enjoyed, so far, were about an hour long. And what an hour it was!

The production of the audiobooks includes clear narration by a professional, who does the characters very well, and music & sound-effects, according to the situation entailed. This mixture of grand production and refined stories, brings together some of the best fiction audiobooks available! The narrator appears to be British, or at least, he is well versed in their speech habits.

I will post an update, when I find myself at the end of this wonderful collection, so stay tuned.

Satoshi Kon's Tokyo Godfathers

An emotionally touching animated movie with a truly complex and brilliant storyline.

Tokyo Godfathers - "Three homeless people find an abandoned baby on Christmas eve!"

Satoshi Kon, the anime director behind Paranoia Agent, Perfect Blue, Paprika and other brilliant productions, has definitely hit the mark with this title, as well.

The Society For The Study Of Modern Visual Culture

Also known as Genshiken in popular manga and anime fan circles.

It's like Seinfeld, in that it's a series about nothing in particular.

I am enjoying the Nidaime season of the anime - which, confusingly enough, translates as "Second Semester," as far as my Japanese goes - and which is after the Genshiken 2 series! So, mind your chronication.

I often ask myself, why is it that I watch a series that is, to a far extent, ridiculous? I mean, the ideas presented are far from reflecting reality, nor are the events in it very sensible to a real person. So, why do I bother with a farce? Why do I enjoy being lied to?

Well, without going too far with the judgementalism thing, I feel that it would be fare to say that people watch these series, because they give us things that we are missing in our own life. A sense of adventure and comradry. Romance. The idea that people can express their own unique and often extremely unpopular opinions, without being viciously attacked by their peers.

It is easy to judge myself, for not demanding, from myself, all those things that I know I lack. But, it is neither fair not smart to do so. We can only affect our lives to a small extent, beyond which only compromise and patience remain tools of value.

So, while I continue enjoying impossibly idealistic and romantic notions, it is safe to say that I am lucky to have it as a second hand experience, rather than not have it at all, in my life. :-)

Hurray for Otaku!

The beginning is confusing and strange, but worry not, it is the real thing.
Enjoy episode 1:

Sleep As Much As You Can

Yes. I have said it. Those who say otherwise are biased, and thus are strictly wrong.

The myth of oversleeping is nonsense, that the popular media keeps encouraging due to those old notions, that people should wake up early - regardless of when they go to sleep.

Thanks to Cat Kalen for braving this topic!

In schools and work places, those nifty enslavement institutions, people are expected to wake up at the same hour, regardless of their own personal situation. This is stupid. It might have worked for previous generations, but with the advent of technology and the internet, we see a decrease in the uniformity of sleeping & waking hours in modern society.

Simply put, when you have had enough sleep, then you wake up. Naturally. We do not fall asleep by choice, and we should not wake up by choice. Surely, if there is anything alarming happening, then we would break our sleep. But, that is the exception, and must not be the rule. "Alarm" clocks are evil. They stress you first thing in the morning, and by disturbing your natural sleep patterns, they induce the effects of sleep deprivation.

Stuart drinks a cup of coffee and falls asleep.

I was horrored to see how many articles on Google say the opposite of what I, and others, are saying about this.

While there is indeed a plethora of researchers and doctors claiming the former, there are as many, if not so popularized, who say the latter. So, do your own study and self-evaluation. Do not let people convince you that you are in the wrong, just because you are different.

Sleep well. ;-)

Stop Copying WoW!

 It sickens me, the way developers copy WoW.

I like scripted effects.
I just don't like how they're being used.

The golden text in titles. The cartoonish looking characters that feel as if somebody just copy-pasted the same colors into their own models from WoW. To aim for the same style of items in-game with similar sets of gear. Making a game world without much sense of history or originality. Looking like WoW and giving off the same feel it has (or had, as WoW is already pretty aged, now.)

Seriously, people. Having another game as a reference, and even as a muse, is a great thing. But, simply copying what you like from another game is crap! And the results are crap, too!

I find this amusing... Image from IHateMMORPGs.com

Without a unique and well-thought of world and an original style of art, a game can not call itself a production. Without those, it would merely be a sort of practice in game making, or a bad mod, at most.

A Real Gunslinger

As I'm passing time, you know, quiet days, I noticed an interesting show.

Click on me for a link to stream the show online for free.

It reminds me of watching Bonanza as a young boy. I was never a fan of violence and shooting, but I've had my small share of both, and when words come to action - it's better to do the right thing, than it is to get wronged.

The quiet small town south western atmosphere. The cool guitar playing in the background. And someone who takes care of trouble. There's always some trouble, at least.

Now, I know that in reality things are different. Like I said, I'm not a fighting fan myself so much. But, it can't be ignored that more often than not we all need a hero in our lives. Someone who can stand tall when the rubble is rolling. I enjoy this series quite a bunch. I hope you do too.

The Myth of Commonality & Public Interest

Today, I would like to discuss with you a myth that is the cause of war on our public freedom. This is the idea that the public has a common interest, at all.

Barack Hussein Obama II

I will repeat. The public never had, and never will have, a common interest. There for, no person or group of people will ever be able to represent the public under any commonality.

Just as a group of wealthy executives, who spend their days in offices, are unable to represent poverty stricken communities; so are the poverty stricken community of any town or neighborhood, unable to represent those of wealth and status.

The analogy that best exemplifies this case, is the one where an engineer is replaced by ten popular citizens. Without the hard gained skills and knowledge necessary to bring about results, those ten cannot achieve what the individual engineer achieves every day.

George W. Bush

Social representatives are professionals. They are not, on the other hand, magicians. Those who claim to answer the needs of all are liars. Those who claim to improve on the issues at hand, without first proving that no personal interest will conflict with these issues, are frauds and cheats.

Modern-day politicians have no choice, but to be frauds. Finance remains their sole interest, and as long there is any interest in finance and power for a politician, then there is no hope for freedom.

Ralph Nader

Reversely, if the only interest of the social representatives is freedom, then there is no doubt that the result will be public freedom.

A politician that is both aware of, and learned in, the lives of all people, will without a doubt be obliged to keep freedom above all. It is only an unlearned and unaware politician that brings forth the demise and destruction we see raging at the beginning of the third millennium A.D.

Queen of England
Elizabeth II

On both accounts must a politician be tested and proven, and must they be created and shaped. How could we expect a politician to do our bidding, when they are unaware of the misery of people during their work? It is as if a blind architect was chosen to build our cities. How could we expect a politician to succeed in doing the right thing, when they are unlearned in the things most important to us? They are learned only in conquest and power. It is as if we were to expect an infantry soldier to take upon himself the role of a strategist. Indeed, it leads to bloodshed and misery.

Tomorrow, I will post on my first attempt at describing the requirements we must all bid necessary, for a social representative to fulfill, before gaining the creed of office. I am certain that all true leaders and social activist will take much interest in having such a practice activated, for the benefit of all.

Eye & Eyelid Care (Blepharitis or Pinkeye)

Healthy, clean, and happily seeing.

Today, I would like to discuss my experience with caring for the eyes, or more specifically the eyelids. I have very sensitive eyelids that tend to inflame every once in a while, for several years now. This experience has taught me a lot about eye care.

A. The first and most important thing to remember is that the eyes, as does the entire body, heal themselves constantly. All parts and particles are constantly refreshed. This process seems to take place mostly during sleep at night.

B. Sleep well and comfortably. There is interesting research from animals and apes to suggest that sleeping in different postures affects us in different ways. Sleeping on the stomach, for periods of time, seems to assist in digestion. Some claim that our metabolic system is strongly connected to the eyes, therefor healthy nutrition and digestion is paramount.

C. Externally, using natural soap - to your selection - is a great way to assist in keeping harmful substances and bacteria away. Washing the face with some soap, and washing it away with water after, would help keep the skin clean and healthy.

D. The eyes can be very sensitive both to dryness and moisture. I find that moisture, such as water residues after a face wash, can nourish bacteria and make the eyes more sensitive. Using a towel to make sure, carefully and gently, that the eyelids are dry, after washing, helps a lot.

E. Clean hands can help clean the eyes. While the eyes produce sticky wastes to protect themselves, and especially so during sleep, they can't always remove them properly. These are usually removed at the edges of the eyelids. It is possible to assist the eyelids in cleanup, by using clean hands - after washing, even with soap - to gently pull away the crust from the more sensitive area of the eye and away. I find a little gentle use of fingernail helps.

F. Inflamed or injured eyes should never be scratched or rubbed. Only healthy eyes can tolerate this mechanical maneuver  In order to locate and remove irritants from sensitive eyes, you should use a mirror under good lighting. Use clean hands and gently remove any hair or dirt located. Pinpoint the spot, and never attack the eye in its' entirety, for it will get even more sensitive if you do.

G. Lastly, the most important occasions for eye-care are before going to sleep and directly after waking up. Before you go to bed, make sure your eyes are clean and dry. Even a little cleanup can help a lot. After waking up, if you have special sensitivity or injury, wash up and dry up. Use a mirror to identify any crust or hairs that may not have been removed during the morning wash. Wastes from the eyes can be very sticky and insistent, and this is why eye infections are often chronic and persistent, in my experience.

Enjoy healthy and clear eyes! :-)

First Earth: Uncompromising Ecological Architecture (2009)

Click here to watch the
Documentary Film on Youtube!

Here is a little bit of an extra to add to your awareness. This documentary film shows footage from different countries around the globe, while discussing and reviewing the current state of mud houses.

MUD HOUSES! That's awesome.

No doubt, the film goes through the different techniques and shows examples, all the while interviewing those people and communities involved in the action. The examples are amazing. Yemen, England, Canada, Israel, Ghana, New Mexico, Thailand, and many more. Highly recommended.

Yours truly. Hippie activist 2013. :=D

Utopia

I have just finished reading the book Utopia (1516 by Thomas More), which I have gone through quickly in the past as well. It is essential for any modern day thinker to observe the changes that have occurred around us in history, and to see which of them do not change so much, while also acknowledging those changes that do not change at all.

In the story, More goes through crucial topics in every day social organization, such as finances and money (in which he debunks the need for coin and property); employment;  corruption and unlawful law and judgement; and even goes at some length into politics and royalty.

Even though many ideas and topics in the short book of one-hundred and eighty three (183) pages seem to be irrelevant for modern day logic and need, it is without a doubt a testimony and clear example of the goals we are still aspiring to reach even today. Do not dismiss this important artifact from our past.

The original cover for the book.

The GIMP 2.8.2 Experience

Does The Trick!

GNU Image Manipulation Program is how they call it. It is basically a Photoshop for Linux, but it works on Windows and other platforms as well. Also, it's completely free and awesome.

Never the less, I have been retouching my eBook covers and Facebook photos these days, and have discovered just how difficult it is to get the results one would like. Even, any result that would really feel satisfying. Hard work changing colors, fixing pixels, moving layers, fixing transparency, and generally getting a result that would not scare away blind people.

Feel free to comment on my eBook cover updates. ;-)

Mahō Senshi Riui

Young Merrill Attacking Louie The Hero

In English it is titled Rune Soldier. I haven't finished the anime, so I won't call this a proper review, but I'll do it anyway. I need a short break before the next episode loads. :=D

This short series of twenty-four (24) episodes, which ran in 2001, is a light adventure and comedy story about a Mage and Fighter called Louie. I was looking for something to watch - you know, for lunch - and so browsing through the Comedy category of animes I found this little title. I highly recommend it. Oh yeah, it also has plenty of ecchi jokes. I love this bit ->

Apparently, this title comes from the same mangaka of Record of Lodoss War and Sword World - Ryo Mizuno. I recall watching Lodoss and enjoying it as well.

Hunter × Hunter × 2011 × Anime

I have been expecting this move for a few years now. Ever since I finished watching every possible bit of material online that I could find. Hunter × Hunter 2011 is the title of the remake of the anime, which started afresh two years ago.

We are all very... excited.

This remake, which is still airing weekly, follows the Manga strictly. Now the series is interesting, logical, and it is continuously exciting! Unlike the old series that aired before. They are even using a new cast for the voices. As I write this post, the Greed Island saga is being aired - which I must say is splendidly made as well.

Do enjoy. Please comment with your opinion about the remake series. :-)

P.S. For those without access to the anime, you can enjoy it online: http://www.watchanimeon.com/hunter-x-hunter-2011-episode-1/

Reviewing THE SWORD OF SHANNARA

First, let me say that I adore the Shannara series by Terry Brooks. The reason I adore it, is that his writing is excellent, and his ideas are authentic and exciting. By authentic I mean that his ideas come from personal life experience, and this is palpable when reading the stories.

Support the author!

I will also add that I have some disagreements with the series, and I will explain inside the review. So let's begin a short review on the first book of the series.

In the first book, Brooks slowly reveals a future fantasy & science-fiction world, where great destruction lead to a renewed Earth. This idea of mixing the two genres into one epic world is brilliant. Sadly, Brooks is a professional teaser, and as such reveals the interesting depths of his world ever so slow.

The Druid Allanon is surely the most charismatic (see D&D Abilities) character in the book. Possessing knowledge and power beyond mere mortals, he takes charge of events and shapes the future of all life on the planet by his actions. Trained to fight against those who wish to destroy and control others - he guides the time-lapsing heroes of this chapter through their duty.

I feel that the Ohmsford brothers and the sword fighting Menion Leah, with other characters in mind, are somehow shallower than the Druid in profile. The storyline is exciting and luring, while the characters themselves are not so much of either. This, of course, only diminishes from the quality of the story a little, and allows the patient reader to enjoy more developed characters in Brooks' future books.

Overall, I rate it to be an interesting read, and an exciting one as well. I recommend it, especially for anyone who would take interest in reading the entire series. I certainly feel that the first book is reduced into a simpler story without the rest of the series included.

How To Be Happy With Poverty

It has always been a common issue with people around me. Poverty, or the lack of insight for a financial future. Today, I feel I must respond to an article I found on the matter at:
wikihow.com/Be-Happy-Despite-Poverty
There is a misunderstanding with the issue of finance. Many assume that the ability to finance is related to both luck and opportunity. The reality is reversed. Finance is only constructed by need and ambition. When you may one day find yourself without a place to sleep in - then you have the need. Sometimes, all it takes is a warning. Such as feeling that going out for a party is just too expensive, before the month ends. o-o

Ambition is special. The will to drive yourself to success, and the intuition to choose the relevant options for you. The motivation to do it alone, and do it against all opposition, just because it is the right thing to do. For you. For me. A balanced mix, constructed by effort and education (knowledge), gives fruit to finance and success.

Poverty is a lacking. A wise person knows to manage what-is, and to employ any available resources for improvement daily. For a wise person, financial success is only periodic, while poverty is nonexistent.

My two cents, Inc.