My main computer will not load the new wireless driver software. I’m writing this from another more primitive computer without my files or any of the other stuff I use. I’m sorry. I’m working on the problem.
James Pilant
Author: southwerk
I am a 53 year old teacher. I have double major in Speech and Criminal Justice resulting in a Bachelor's degree from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma and a law degree.
Do No Harm — my UU sermon from May 1, 2010 (via Ironicschmoozer’s Weblog)
In the last three generations of my family, there have been a good number of ministers. Of course, my family were Free Will Baptists and not Unitarians. (There is a lot more certainty in the sermons of the Baptists.)
I don’t attend church much anymore but I still like sermons. This gentleman has put one of his up as a post. It’s well written, choppy tight paragraphs, messages that seem to go in different directions but tie up like little bows into the big message by the end, and a couple of good personal stories to round it out.
I like what he has to say, I believe in ethics and morality. In the field of doing the right thing, the best move is often to do nothing at all, thus, do no harm. It’s a good topic.
James Pilant
Human Development vs Eco-footprint (via design 2 good)
I’m very fond of graphs and charts. So is this fellow. We need clarity to make good decisions and unfortunately words only go so far. Of course, we can do pictures but sometimes pictures don’t convey data accurately so we marry mathematics to words and pictures. Thus, we can, sort of, see facts and numbers in action.
And also, the Human Development Index is one of my favorite concepts, measuring human development not by per capita income but by a number of factors.
So, look at the graphs and read the comments. Best wishes!
James Pilant
via design 2 good
“Visionary works of art inspired by blind rage” (via NewSong40)
This is a really fascinating post from an obviously well read author. The insights there are very appealing and display a clever imagination.
But you might go there just to see the picture (thumbnail below). That was my first thought. I have another from this set of artists on my wall in the living room of my home.
James Pilant
Special thanks to NewSong40.
via NewSong40
Hidden Agenda to derail Anti-Corruption Drive? (via Deshpandevm’s Blog)
I found this an interesting commentary on the anti-corruption movement in India.
I find the level of suspicion to be right about the same level as mine. Which maybe healthy or not. Nevertheless, any successful movement must take account of its enemies and I like the article’s predictions as the moves likely to be made. I would have suggested many of the same ones. The one that I focused on immediately was putting loopholes in the legislation to make enforcement impossible. In America, the use of loopholes (known as jokers in American law) is endemic. I strongly agree they are a major danger.
Anyway, read the article. This movement may change the world. It deserves attention.
James Pilant
Rep. Rehberg, Whose Net Worth Is $31 Million, Says He’s ‘Cash Poor’ And ‘Struggling’ (via Crooks and Liars)
I keep seeing this. People with enormous sums of money somehow believe they are suffering. They are. Their egos may explode and kill them.
James Pilant
From Crooks and Liars –
At a town hall earlier this week in Montana, Rep. Denny Rehberg (R-MT) began comparing the plight of every day middle class Americans like those at his town hall with his own economic circumstance. He droned on about how he’s ‘struggling’ as a small businessman. A constituent asked him what his own net worth is and he said he’s “land rich and cash poor”:
REHBERG: I’m a small businessman. My wife is a small businessman. She hasn’t taken a salary in ten years as a result of business. We’re struggling like everyone else. With the ecnoomy.
Lost in the Stacks 4: Writers and Readers (via The Labyrinth Library)
Some days, I do not want to write. I want to do anything but write. My mind says, “Please James, let’s watch a movie, go shopping, have a nap, anything that isn’t typing into that machine.”
I still drag myself to that online beast and write once again. You cannot not post. Your readers will leave, not all of them, but some. And I prize every reader I have. They are like gold coins to a miser. I remember all too well getting 35 hits for the entire month I began posting.
My readers are supportive and kind. Their comments enrich my thought and change how and what I write about.
I am greedy for more readers but I don’t want as much encouragement as the picture and caption indicate!
James Pilant
Marketing as a Four-Letter Word_ Round 2 (via Heretical Thoughts of an Archivist)
Any time I see someone talk like this, I feel a certain pride in the tenacity of the human spirit to refuse to conform to the culture of greed, conformity and that abomination, “emotional intelligence.”
I think this post represents a high standard of morality compared to much of the marketing I see. I am pleased to re-post this work.
James Pilant
Japan nuke workers nearing max exposure (via flying cuttlefish picayune)
Flying cuttlefish picayune is staying on the Fukushima story with tenacity. I admire this. I’ve tried to follow it everyday but my recent cable loss knocked me off pattern. (As a writer it is fascinating to watch how your style and approach are varied by things you never would have thought of as having an effect.) Following this blog has recommitted me to following the story and I will begin going back to daily or once every two days posting.
I will be going to the international media because our corporate, news of the strange focused, press is fairly useless in dealing with any complex issue in any persistent or intelligent way. It is utterly astonishing how different the press is outside the United States. I have been looking at the Anna Hazare story news coverage in India (you should too) and the way they confront politicians with difficult questions and follow-up gives me pride in the field of journalism, a pride which has been steadily diminishing as I have watched the wretched posturing, incompetence and brazen profit seeking of American media.
My warm thanks to my fellow blogger, flying cuttlefish picayune!
James Pialnt
Urban permaculture (via Only Ed)
Permaculture is a relative recent concept (1960’s) but it has developed nicely in concert with our increasing curiosity into the advantages of living with nature as opposed to being in conflict with it.
This post offers some links to other sites with more information. If permaculture is something you have heard about or are curious about interesting concepts, this is an excellent starting point.
James Pilant
via Only Ed
Pilant's Business Ethics Blog 
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