INTERESTING TIMES

Suicidality is directly linked to a feeling of powerlessness.  When there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it, it's easy to lose hope, get angry, place blame, become resentful or even violent.  Arson is violence, like rape.  The fires in Israel and Palestine, set by both individuals with both alliegances, reflect the same spirit seen in Brexit, and the election of Trump, and the fires that have been burning in the southeastern US.  I think there's some sour grapes in there too.  If I can't have my fair share, you can't have any either.  Arson is a quick and dirty way of gaining some power.   People of planet earth are angry and frustrated, and rattling the bars of their cages.  Unfortunately the actions taken are usually more emotional than rational, and the end result is a worsening of the situation that caused the loss of power in the first place.  Don't like being poor?  Electing a millionaire won't do you any good.  Don't like living in a depressed place?  Burning down the forests probably won't help.

But the thing is, is sure does feel good.  It is immensely satisfying to last out, to burn something, to smash something to smithereens.  When you are angry, such outbursts are therapeutic.  I personally just LOVE to take the glass recycling somewhere that I can smash it bottle by bottle.  I am praying (atheist prayers) that all the angry people of the world are ready to study and get clear about their true objectives.  I am praying that the angry people will organize and do something productive, now that catharsis has been achieved at least in some places.

...as a nonmember observer state...

http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/palestinians-certain-to-win-un-recognition-as-a-state-but-opposition-could-delay-independence/2012/11/29/25030e2a-39e6-11e2-9258-ac7c78d5c680_story.html?hpid=z1

BALNEOTHERAPY MUD AND CLIMATOTHERAPY AT THE DEAD SEA
lecture by Shaul Sukenik - Soroka University Medical Center and
Faculty of Health Sciences,
Ben Gurion University of the Negev
Beer-Sheva, Israel
( notes from recording of this presentation which was given in October 2008 )

I just took the time to watch Barack Hussein Obama's Cairo speech. People disparage his "polished words" but I am overjoyed to have a president who is both educated and moral. Obama speaks for me. I agree that it is time for all peoples, all nations, all races, all individuals to cease and desist from the disrespect and violence that have poisoned our interactions. It is time to see all sides.
( more )

I've been using medscape to keep abreast of medical news...for a while now. They're good. Anyway, here's the swine flu alert center. I ran across an article that mentioned Medscape as possibly a good stock investment, too.

--4/28/09
--state and public health agencies authorized to widen the use of precise diagnostic test
--they want to find out for sure where this flu is and how fast it is spreading!
( more notes on swine influenza A (H1N1) )

OK, now that we appear to have a clear nominee who because of Democratic numbers is almost assured of beating any Republican nominee, can we begin to talk about substance instead of chanting "change"?

( why Obama is going to have a hard time in the Middle East )

I don't know why she came to mind today, but I had to look her up and see which Democrat she had endorsed. She has been politically active for many years and a staunch Democrat. She also has been a devoted supporter of Israel. Barbara chose Hillary. "It's the woman thing," said Suzanne. I agree. The more vocal lesbians of the Portland Lesbian Choir also favor Hillary, though the choir does not hold any official position. Anyway, here's the Clinton campaign press release about the endorsement, on Barbara's rumor-stopping website.
( Extra. )