Scott’s Ramblings

A must listen too.  A very comprehensive explanation of the war in Iraq and our oil problems.  I have mentioned before on this blog that I think our country’s dependence on oil and therefore our dependence on OPEC threatens our future and more importantly our childrens future.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7MVwL2PcCG8

“OPEC’s objective is to co-ordinate and unify petroleum policies among Member Countries, in order to secure fair and stable prices for petroleum producers; an efficient, economic and regular supply of petroleum to consuming nations; and a fair return on capital to those investing in the industry.”

“The President of the Russian Federation recalled the role of OPEC Member Countries and Russia, as major energy and oil producers and exporters. He underlined the importance of the cooperation between OPEC and Russia and highlighted the Russian readiness for a continuous and comprehensive dialogue with OPEC, for the purpose of achieving stable and predictable oil markets. This is particularly important, given the development of turmoil in international financial markets and its adverse influence on the world economy and oil markets.”

http://www.opec.org/aboutus/history/history.htm

Secure and stable prices for petroleum producers is a  euphemism for how do we most effectively transfer wealth from the devoloped nations to those selling oil.  This weekend I watched an add GM had for the Hummer.  I cannot imagine the US coming to rescue of the auto industry when they continue to produce cars that are counter productive to the health and security of the nation.

Drive a scooter protect the interest of the country, maybe the world, and feel young.

“However bitterly I complain about someone’s poor behavior toward me and about the trouble it causes me, I also find it strangely delicious.  It’s my proof that others are as blameworthy as I’ve claimed them to be- and that I’m as inncoent as I claim myself to be.  The behavior I complain about is the very behavior that justifies me.”

The Arbinger Institute, Leadership and Self Deception — getting out of the box

Arbinger Institute talks about being in the box, which starts with self justification.  I think people that try things like jumping on skate boards, or being thrown real hard in Aikido, or even hitting a golf ball really really well find themselves doing these thing because it gets us out of the box.

May there be just enough clouds in your life to create a glorious sunset

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If what I say resonates with you, it is merely because we are both branches on the same tree. W. B. Yeats

We live our lives believing our own stories.  I am mad at John because he did not treat me with respect, he needs to be nicer to me.  My client does not understand how much I have done for her.  We filter every aspect of our lives through our story.  The moment I change the statement, “my client does not appreciate how much I do for her” to what is it that really is upsetting her, what pain is she experiencing? From these question I can be of service, it does not matter if he lashes out if I am able to understand that what is happening is a manifistation of fear or need.  I have found that the only way that I am able to do this is not to write myself into the story, it is there pain or fear or for that matter happiness I need to be there quiet enough so that I can hear what is needed, not what is said.

As promised Buddy the scooter riding dog and his owner Ed and friend Amy.

Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among the things you only hoped for.

I have a friend Ed (of wins over Ed fame) who has a  bulldog named Buddy, Buddy loves to go for scooter rides, picture to follow if he forwards it to me.  The picture above is Bigo, my frenchy giving scootering a reluctant try.   

I believe one of the greatest threats to this country is our reliance on oil..  It does not matter where the oil comes from, because as our use of domestic oil increase it continues the dependence on oil and perpetuates our future reliance on foreign oil.  Scooters are my aiki solution for being a little more frugal at the pumps (70 miles a gallon).  It works for me because as oppose to feeling as though I have sacrificed by not driving as much, or driving a car that I do not enjoy, I ride a scooter and love every moment.    

 This picture was taken in the SF bay a couple of years ago.  I look at this dead whale and think how little  we have changed in handling our country’s thirst for oil since the time when whaling was considered state of the art form of procuring oil.  50 years from now I can imagine people saying they use to do what to power their cars.    I added a website by Ann Korin who’s opions on the strategic nature of oil are very insightful.

“The four most expensive words in the English language are “this time it’s different”"

Sir John Templeton

I watched the democratic convention last night.  Joe Biden talked about how his mother said it was alright to fail, but it was never alright to give up.  We work on that alot in Aikido, everytime we fall we get up.  We work on falling gracefully so that we can get up gracefully.  How this correlates with the quote is that we work on getting back up, but, and this is an important but we get up away from the person that knocked us down in the first place.