Edit Preferences
Logout
Balzac's Comments (812)
View Comments:
Sort:
1 - 25 of 812
10 Ways To Deal With Difficult People
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 03:17:44 in Living
“Of course you don't wall all your teachers to be like Mrs. X, but at least one like her might be nice.”
10 Ways To Deal With Difficult People
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 03:16:33 in Living
“Mrs. X taught you a profound lesson, but you still haven't got it yet. Of course she knows Turkey's don't have four legs. She must have been teaching you that she was the one in control, as the teacher.
If she says the Turkey has four legs, then for the duration of your class, in which you're subject to her authority and curriculum, a "turkey" has four legs. It's not about the turkey when you think of it that way.
Even if the teacher was ignorant of the fact that the turkey was not a four-legged bird, she was demonstrating something which I was much too slow in learning. I wish I'd had Mrs. X as a teacher in pre-school.”
If she says the Turkey has four legs, then for the duration of your class, in which you're subject to her authority and curriculum, a "turkey" has four legs. It's not about the turkey when you think of it that way.
Even if the teacher was ignorant of the fact that the turkey was not a four-legged bird, she was demonstrating something which I was much too slow in learning. I wish I'd had Mrs. X as a teacher in pre-school.”
feliznavidad replied on Dec 20, 2009 at 10:33:58
“Turkeys have four legs. George Bush was a good president. Work set you free.”
bbaker2580 replied on Dec 20, 2009 at 06:58:04
“i'm in the construction business and we have a sying similar to what you describe..
maybe the client has a valid reason for wanting the toilet mounted on the ceiling - eccentricity, artistry, vendetta - who knows, but their paying the bill, so just do it.
the problem occurs, when 6-months later, the client says something like "i'm not paying you for a toilet that doesn't work." who most likely to be fired over it... the installer.
this seems to be an important part of the author's story. disgruntled, dissatisfied people-in-charge making other people's lives miserable as a means of satisifying something lacking within themselves. these types likely rose to positions of power from the double-edged sword of their inflated egos - being strong enough to command but having gained their leadership through bluster rather than skill.
as far as the turkey goes, i'd be happy to paint it with any number of legs as long as i know why you want me to do it - if not, i'm not going to blindly follow the non-sensical commands of anyone without a fight (and a paper trail).”
maybe the client has a valid reason for wanting the toilet mounted on the ceiling - eccentricity, artistry, vendetta - who knows, but their paying the bill, so just do it.
the problem occurs, when 6-months later, the client says something like "i'm not paying you for a toilet that doesn't work." who most likely to be fired over it... the installer.
this seems to be an important part of the author's story. disgruntled, dissatisfied people-in-charge making other people's lives miserable as a means of satisifying something lacking within themselves. these types likely rose to positions of power from the double-edged sword of their inflated egos - being strong enough to command but having gained their leadership through bluster rather than skill.
as far as the turkey goes, i'd be happy to paint it with any number of legs as long as i know why you want me to do it - if not, i'm not going to blindly follow the non-sensical commands of anyone without a fight (and a paper trail).”
Balzac replied on Dec 20, 2009 at 03:17:44
“Of course you don't wall all your teachers to be like Mrs. X, but at least one like her might be nice.”
I Slept With Tiger Woods
Commented Dec 20, 2009 at 03:03:53 in Comedy
“Funny. At this point, you'd probably be helping his popularity with this revelation. You'd be adding some diversity and dimension to his character.
But Tiger's not that complicated. Blond chicks are his favorite. I'm happy for him but now I'm rooting for him to keep his family intact. He's married to a very nice blonde chick already.”
But Tiger's not that complicated. Blond chicks are his favorite. I'm happy for him but now I'm rooting for him to keep his family intact. He's married to a very nice blonde chick already.”
Auschwitz Sign Stolen: The Historical Implications are Disturbing
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 04:45:39 in World
“Yes, but who would have dared them? Last night was the eighth night of Chanukah.
People should not be seeking to erase history. There is an unfortunate tendency among those who are unsatisfied with them selves to try to revise history to their own liking.
Rather than revising history, be objective and accept history, then you are changed by acceptance of objective reality. Understanding reality as it really is also empowering.
This was an angst-driven attack on history by a Holocaust deniers oh Chanukah. They should be ashamed and they should leave it somewhere where it will be found, and then leave a tip for where it can be found ASAP.”
People should not be seeking to erase history. There is an unfortunate tendency among those who are unsatisfied with them selves to try to revise history to their own liking.
Rather than revising history, be objective and accept history, then you are changed by acceptance of objective reality. Understanding reality as it really is also empowering.
This was an angst-driven attack on history by a Holocaust deniers oh Chanukah. They should be ashamed and they should leave it somewhere where it will be found, and then leave a tip for where it can be found ASAP.”
Non Sibi replied on Dec 19, 2009 at 13:36:25
“In spite of your efforts to paint it into pastel pinks and blues, I believe this is deeper, uglier. This is the source of pride for those deluded individuals who would like to undue the support for what happened, even though they would like to keep the fact of what happened. That is to say, they would like the evidence to go away, but they are really happy there are 6 million dead Jews. Unfathomable number of eastern and western Europeans, millions of slaughtered Russians and hundreds of thousands of Americans.
This was no prank.”
This was no prank.”
Left/Right Populist Outrage Will Defeat Senate Health Care Bill
Commented Dec 19, 2009 at 01:31:26 in Politics
“We'll see Jane. Happy holidays.”
Tiger Woods Is So, So, So Much Bigger Than Golf
Commented Dec 18, 2009 at 22:41:06 in Sports
“I agree. This is some serious hyperbole. What happens when I start playing golf? That'll probably be amazing. I've got a lot of business to do, so I won't be playing any PGA golf. I better get a caddy who can cheat for me because I'm mad as hell almost all the time. I wouldn't want to have a heart attack on the golf course. I remember someone famous had an argument on the golf course and keeled over. I don't want that happening to me.”
Please, Cut Obama Some Slack
Commented Dec 18, 2009 at 03:32:47 in Politics
“The thing is, people can't maintain this level of angst or frustration. They'll get tired and the government will still be working after this wave of public doubt and frustration has passed.”
Arianna Discusses Health Reform, State Of The Nation: 'The Lobbyists Are Winning'
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 16:16:51 in Politics
“Arianna stayed in perfect position in spite of some persuasive arguments and a very nice sound-track. It's sort of struggle of attrition but at some point soon, the siege will falter for lack of resources. That's when the deal will be struck. Joe Lieberman doesn't have any more rabbits to pull out of his hat without venturing into the territory of clown-hood.
I doubt Joe would have any shame in doing so again, but then Barack Obama probably would be looking for a less "bipartisan" solution, so Lieberman's faction should be look at how to accommodate Dr. Dean's faction because Joe is the one who is "irrationally exuberant". I'm still cautiously optimistic, especially now that other affairs have been settled in a satisfactory way that buys a lot of time without anxiety. Anway, we'll see what happens, but it's looking like something good is going to happen soon.”
I doubt Joe would have any shame in doing so again, but then Barack Obama probably would be looking for a less "bipartisan" solution, so Lieberman's faction should be look at how to accommodate Dr. Dean's faction because Joe is the one who is "irrationally exuberant". I'm still cautiously optimistic, especially now that other affairs have been settled in a satisfactory way that buys a lot of time without anxiety. Anway, we'll see what happens, but it's looking like something good is going to happen soon.”
Winter Solstice: A Paean To The Pregnant Darkness
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 05:37:14 in Living
“Sweet.”
Defriended: The Politics Of Social Networking
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 02:58:38 in Living
“This article made me paranoid. I had to check if this one sweet-hot-cool chick was still a friend on facebook.”
Warning: Graphic Images
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 02:56:27 in Media
“I agree with Jamie Lee Curtis.”
Why I'm Not Mad at Lieberman
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 02:47:32 in Politics
“(Political careers and legacies are what's at stake. I don't mean to imply anything sinister with the chicken farmer analogy.)”
Why I'm Not Mad at Lieberman
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 02:44:58 in Politics
“Trey wrote: "The Obama administration needs to course-correct immediately. He needs to make a series of bold, muscular, ruthlessly political moves immediately (reconciliation anyone?) to put the fear of god into all those puny adversaries out there that have been pushing him around with impunity."
You think President Obama hasn't been ruthlessly political? You just haven't been paying attention, he's as ruthless as an old chicken farmer. The shadow of the axe looms in the minds of all the hens and roosters. He's killing them with kindness and civility. How many balls does it take to keep a calm demeanor when everyone is acting out?
"If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; . . . If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it."
-- (Joseph) Rudyard Kipling”
You think President Obama hasn't been ruthlessly political? You just haven't been paying attention, he's as ruthless as an old chicken farmer. The shadow of the axe looms in the minds of all the hens and roosters. He's killing them with kindness and civility. How many balls does it take to keep a calm demeanor when everyone is acting out?
"If you can keep your head when all about you Are losing theirs and blaming it on you; If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you, But make allowance for their doubting too; . . . If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster And treat those two impostors just the same... Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it."
-- (Joseph) Rudyard Kipling”
Docbcs replied on Dec 17, 2009 at 11:31:52
“Reconciliation is, indeed, the word. And, right on, Obama can be as ruthless as any other politico (just check out Chicago) when it suits him. I keep thinking what LBJ would have done, and then wishing Obama would do it!”
Balzac replied on Dec 17, 2009 at 02:47:32
“(Political careers and legacies are what's at stake. I don't mean to imply anything sinister with the chicken farmer analogy.)”
The Protesters Offer the Best Hope at Copenhagen
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 02:33:42 in Green
“I'm not sure it makes sense to use the word "protestors" to describe the vast majority of them. It was just crowds of nice people, for the most part. Seems like more entertainment and refreshments would be in order for such well-behaved crowds.”
Sexual Harassment in Pakistan
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 01:15:44 in World
“From the article: "The administration finally found an indirect way of fixing the situation: she was advised to complain that her colleague was embezzling funds, since he had also been asking her to approve incorrect expense receipts. This is how she addressed her woes and got rid of her tormentor "but unfortunately not because of the way he treated me," she says. "
That's pretty smart. There could be more sexual harassment if people would accuse each other of embezzling or something business-related. If I were Michael Douglas and I was working beneath Demi Moore, I would definitely enjoy it for a while, but after I while, I suppose I'd become ambitious again and I'd have to advance my career. If she tried to twist my junk, I'd have to accuse her of embezzling and then I'd be on the "Board of Directors".”
That's pretty smart. There could be more sexual harassment if people would accuse each other of embezzling or something business-related. If I were Michael Douglas and I was working beneath Demi Moore, I would definitely enjoy it for a while, but after I while, I suppose I'd become ambitious again and I'd have to advance my career. If she tried to twist my junk, I'd have to accuse her of embezzling and then I'd be on the "Board of Directors".”
Copenhagen Needs 'Me First' Gumption
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 01:11:19 in Green
“I agree with President Lee.”
An Open Letter to Tiger Woods
Commented Dec 17, 2009 at 00:55:39 in Entertainment
“Well, he is being supportive. He's suggesting Tiger Woods should have the heart to reach out to his wife in this difficult time and show her that he values their marriage. But he doesn't have to. Only they know what's up. The fact that she's not freaking out means he must be ok. I'm just looking forward to confirmation on that through any of Tiger's friends because people have enough anxiety without worrying if he's alright.”
5 Lies Women Tell Themselves
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 17:04:38 in Style
“I tease because there's nothing else to do. The risks of not teasing a woman are equally unacceptable.
In any given moment, the topic of dinner conversation can be her, you, someone else, or something tangible or abstract. You don't want to linger on any single topic too much unless the flow of conversation is comfortable.
Any teasing which creates more than a moment of discomfort is a show of contempt. But teasing can be easily misinterpreted and a man must quickly be willing to beg for tolerance and understanding if they make a lame joke. Best not to screw up in the first place.
Intimidation can be a real factor if the man is from another social or economic class. In this case, the social environment can lead to one or the other feeling timid. It could be disaster for the man to appear in the wrong social environment so it would be smart to be "intimidated" if the woman's own environment is like an ego fortress with too much of her own advantage. Better not go there, or else intimidation leads to humiliation and an ego has been harvested by a femme fatale. That's why the smart man is patient, not in a hurry. Nice and easy does it, every time.”
In any given moment, the topic of dinner conversation can be her, you, someone else, or something tangible or abstract. You don't want to linger on any single topic too much unless the flow of conversation is comfortable.
Any teasing which creates more than a moment of discomfort is a show of contempt. But teasing can be easily misinterpreted and a man must quickly be willing to beg for tolerance and understanding if they make a lame joke. Best not to screw up in the first place.
Intimidation can be a real factor if the man is from another social or economic class. In this case, the social environment can lead to one or the other feeling timid. It could be disaster for the man to appear in the wrong social environment so it would be smart to be "intimidated" if the woman's own environment is like an ego fortress with too much of her own advantage. Better not go there, or else intimidation leads to humiliation and an ego has been harvested by a femme fatale. That's why the smart man is patient, not in a hurry. Nice and easy does it, every time.”
jjordans47 replied on Dec 16, 2009 at 17:26:17
“i agree. i think teasing can be fine and fun as long as its not taken too far. i feel that men should tread lightly on those first few dates!”
Can Science Resurrect God? New Scenario Says 'Yes'
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 12:40:24 in Living
“"And which God are we resurrecting?" That's up to you as an individual isn't it?
Also, the idea that "God is an entity that man made up a long time ago to explain that which they didn't understand" - say what you really believe, why don't you?
"God" is a name and a word, one which I didn't use in my comment above. You obviously are struggling with your own conceptualization of that word. You can resurrect your own [Gg]od(s) as a solitary activity. That's why we live in a free country. You can also make a social activity of it, but if you do, you'll have to make a consensus with other people on your resurrected god.
If you want it to be based in science, you'll have to apply scientific rigor to the objective phenomena and the subjective as well, in addition to how they interface through you. That means everyone will need to take into account their personal relationship with the universe in every direction spatially and temporally.
Or you can just build a Pagan idol out of gingerbread and use candy for the hollow idol's eyes. Then everyone can eat it when your pagan rites are reaching their conclusion. Just don't let the neighbours know or they'll think you're a part of weird secret society like "Eyes Wide Shut".”
Also, the idea that "God is an entity that man made up a long time ago to explain that which they didn't understand" - say what you really believe, why don't you?
"God" is a name and a word, one which I didn't use in my comment above. You obviously are struggling with your own conceptualization of that word. You can resurrect your own [Gg]od(s) as a solitary activity. That's why we live in a free country. You can also make a social activity of it, but if you do, you'll have to make a consensus with other people on your resurrected god.
If you want it to be based in science, you'll have to apply scientific rigor to the objective phenomena and the subjective as well, in addition to how they interface through you. That means everyone will need to take into account their personal relationship with the universe in every direction spatially and temporally.
Or you can just build a Pagan idol out of gingerbread and use candy for the hollow idol's eyes. Then everyone can eat it when your pagan rites are reaching their conclusion. Just don't let the neighbours know or they'll think you're a part of weird secret society like "Eyes Wide Shut".”
James Ballard replied on Dec 17, 2009 at 07:07:19
“@ "Balzac"
6:00 AM CST
Quote :
"...You obviously are struggling with your own conceptualization of that word..."
...No I suspect "ManWithBrain" is "struggling" to keep you on topic, which others would do well to follow.
All well and good to be at peace with your own personal "spiritual" fullfillment, regardless whether you use scientific inquiry or purely subjective tools. Neither method settles the question of an agreed upon universal "god".
J.B.
12/17/09”
6:00 AM CST
Quote :
"...You obviously are struggling with your own conceptualization of that word..."
...No I suspect "ManWithBrain" is "struggling" to keep you on topic, which others would do well to follow.
All well and good to be at peace with your own personal "spiritual" fullfillment, regardless whether you use scientific inquiry or purely subjective tools. Neither method settles the question of an agreed upon universal "god".
J.B.
12/17/09”
The Iverson Gap: Why Valuing Players Is Even Harder Than You Think
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 06:04:32 in Sports
“I agree.”
Time for 'Housecleaning' in Copenhagen
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 05:56:58 in Green
“Yes sir, I agree wholeheartedly about appreciating the good things which have come from this excellent event in Copenhagen. There will be many more, and I have some entertaining and inspiring puzzles in mind for the enjoyment of protesters. Constructive activities are often the most social.”
Relationships: When Love Turns To Fear
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 05:53:06 in Living
“Love doesn't turn into fear, but anxiety can distract people from love temporarily.”
Can Science Resurrect God? New Scenario Says 'Yes'
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 05:43:56 in Living
“I agree.”
Can Science Resurrect God? New Scenario Says 'Yes'
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 05:42:52 in Living
“I generally agree with people about divine spirit, as well as with science. Scientists can individually resurrect their own awareness of spirit. It can also be a social activity to share inspiration and ideas. Scientific rigor is not usually the way of discovering faith, but it can be. Benevolent science can be practiced and inspired by faith. We'll see more of that for sure.”
ManWithBrain replied on Dec 16, 2009 at 08:38:48
“What a bunch of gibberish. "Scientists can individually resurrect their own awareness of spirit"? Yeah, no kidding. That has nothing to do with resurrecting "God", which is an entity that man made up a long time ago to explain that which they didn't understand.
And which God are we resurrecting? The god of fire, the god of the sea, the god of pet dander? Which one exactly?”
And which God are we resurrecting? The god of fire, the god of the sea, the god of pet dander? Which one exactly?”
Obama, Pundits, And Second Guessing Yourself
Commented Dec 16, 2009 at 05:33:20 in Living
“You're absolutely right about the need for spectators to go home after some spectacular events and come back another day for more. I think that's a productive occupation, lazy weekends and especially holidays are for.”
1 - 25 of 812
