Edit Preferences
Logout
knerd's Comments (128)
View Comments:
Sort:
1 - 25 of 128
Breaking The Rules With The Gap
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 15:39:51 in Media
“Mr. Leonard, don't you think that the REALLY interesting thing is that "today's youth" has been breaking rules for, oh, thousands of years.”
Tena replied on Nov 23, 2009 at 17:03:06
“LOL
You know, it was only every generation.
;)”
You know, it was only every generation.
;)”
Lyndon Johnson, His National Security Advisor and His Secretary of Defense Say All
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 11:15:13 in World
“Saving face, honesty, problem-solving. The patterns are universal. Only the content changes.”
Annals of Unsolved Crime: The Oswald Mystery
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 08:35:51 in Politics
“Another coincidence?
Was the New Orleans crime boss Carlos Marcello flown back from Guatemala by David Ferrie, a suspect in Jim Garrison's investigation of the murder? Garrison's investigators learned that Ferrie had deposited $7,000 in his bank accounts before the assassination and had been set up by Marcello to run a profitable gas station.
There is a photograph somewhere of a young Lee Oswald and David Ferrie at a Civil Air Patrol outing.
"Those who know do not tell, those who tell do not know."”
Was the New Orleans crime boss Carlos Marcello flown back from Guatemala by David Ferrie, a suspect in Jim Garrison's investigation of the murder? Garrison's investigators learned that Ferrie had deposited $7,000 in his bank accounts before the assassination and had been set up by Marcello to run a profitable gas station.
There is a photograph somewhere of a young Lee Oswald and David Ferrie at a Civil Air Patrol outing.
"Those who know do not tell, those who tell do not know."”
Annals of Unsolved Crime: The Oswald Mystery
Commented Nov 23, 2009 at 08:23:24 in Politics
“Shortly before the Dallas trip, a foiled plot against Kennedy in Chicago revealed the involvement of another Ex-Marine who just happend to have a job in a large building on the motorcade route.”
Learning From the Fort Hood Tragedy: Comments from an Expert on Suicide and Violence
Commented Nov 19, 2009 at 17:41:12 in Living
“Thank you, Lisa. I have been a follower of your work for years.
The more education we have about abberant behavior like this, the less likely we will retreat into "helpless thinking" and paralyzing fear.
We are ALL communicating vital information all the time. A human being CANNOT "not communicate." Your work has clearly shown that the signs are there, that they can be recognized and put together in a useful pattern.
For the first time in human history, our entire species is finding itself standing around in the same room looking at itself. When more and more people realize this, we can perhaps learn and practice new behaviors that will support, sustain and nurture all of us. This is not a "New Age-y" dream. It is an evolutionary necessity that I suspect we humans are pre-programmed to use.
Your study and your writings are a necessary part of a new awareness we need to encourage and cultivate.
Thank you again!”
The more education we have about abberant behavior like this, the less likely we will retreat into "helpless thinking" and paralyzing fear.
We are ALL communicating vital information all the time. A human being CANNOT "not communicate." Your work has clearly shown that the signs are there, that they can be recognized and put together in a useful pattern.
For the first time in human history, our entire species is finding itself standing around in the same room looking at itself. When more and more people realize this, we can perhaps learn and practice new behaviors that will support, sustain and nurture all of us. This is not a "New Age-y" dream. It is an evolutionary necessity that I suspect we humans are pre-programmed to use.
Your study and your writings are a necessary part of a new awareness we need to encourage and cultivate.
Thank you again!”
The True Story of Area 51's UFOs
Commented Nov 08, 2009 at 12:42:52 in Technology
“What I personally look forward to is an explanation of the sightings of huge, triangular-shaped craft moving overhead at very slow speed....”
jhamm1 replied on Nov 08, 2009 at 17:33:25
“Since Delta winged aircraft are capable of extremely low speed characteristics, placing the center of weight near the front section of a flying wing could easily produce the characteristics as described, and there's certainly nothing beyond the realm of possibility to suggest that aircraft manufacturers have been able to reduce the noise emmission on certain engines, assuming these alleged sightings are even valid.
At the end of the day, I'd say its best to adhere to the late Carl Sagan's advice that "extraordinary stories demand extraodrinary evidence" beyond the pale of what the so-called "History" Channel likes to refer to as "credible eyewitnesses".
Just because an alleged aircraft boasts an unorthodox appearance in conjunction with unorthodox flight characteristics does not mean that it was developed by a team of Greys from the planet Zog.”
At the end of the day, I'd say its best to adhere to the late Carl Sagan's advice that "extraordinary stories demand extraodrinary evidence" beyond the pale of what the so-called "History" Channel likes to refer to as "credible eyewitnesses".
Just because an alleged aircraft boasts an unorthodox appearance in conjunction with unorthodox flight characteristics does not mean that it was developed by a team of Greys from the planet Zog.”
Caru replied on Nov 08, 2009 at 13:56:38
“The sightings were of boomerang shaped objects and just look at the picture above.”
Fox News Is the Story
Commented Oct 23, 2009 at 03:57:20 in Media
“If I understand what you are really saying, shipoftheline, then I have a difference of opinion with you. There is another possibility:
Fox "News" is NOT getting to Obama. What is getting to Obama, in my opinion, is that Fox's "news" broadcasts are a reflection of a serious dislocation found all over the world.
This includes not knowing the function of a free press, an inability to weigh the differences between truth and opinion or between propaganda and news, having no standard to differentiate between straight talk and disrespecting, immature name-calling or snide character assassination.
Perhaps what is "getting to Obama" is a serious concern for our national intelligence. Ignorance can have profoundly terrible consequences.”
Fox "News" is NOT getting to Obama. What is getting to Obama, in my opinion, is that Fox's "news" broadcasts are a reflection of a serious dislocation found all over the world.
This includes not knowing the function of a free press, an inability to weigh the differences between truth and opinion or between propaganda and news, having no standard to differentiate between straight talk and disrespecting, immature name-calling or snide character assassination.
Perhaps what is "getting to Obama" is a serious concern for our national intelligence. Ignorance can have profoundly terrible consequences.”
Fox News Is the Story
Commented Oct 23, 2009 at 03:44:12 in Media
“Eric, thank you so much for this. It is enlightening and elegantly expressed.
We need more "meta" thinking in our society like the kind you are bringing to the table. A wider view like yours not only tells truths about this controversy, but also adds to the mix a discussion ABOUT telling truths about the controversy.
This particular "controversy," I predict, will turn out to be a seminal moment in the history of America's media. My hope is that the moment will be pivotal.
We need to teach ourselves how to see, hear and feel the difference between facts and faith, data and interpretation, evidence and opinion. Listening skills as well as speaking skills have a few more steps of evolution to take. I think Rachel Maddow's program on MSNBC is much closer to that path than any other cable program I have ever seen.
Our educational system dropped the ball and so our national conversation skills have hit a new low. Information like critical thinking, mediation, and collaborative problem-solving need to be among our priorities. Using the right language to discuss a topic or ask a useful question seems more essential and urgent today than ever before.
If I was teaching Reporting 101, I would put "The Structure of Magic" by Grinder and Bandler on the syllabus for helping my students how to ask and frame questions. And maybe a strip of duct tape plus some thought and imagination for those who want to learn how to listen.”
We need more "meta" thinking in our society like the kind you are bringing to the table. A wider view like yours not only tells truths about this controversy, but also adds to the mix a discussion ABOUT telling truths about the controversy.
This particular "controversy," I predict, will turn out to be a seminal moment in the history of America's media. My hope is that the moment will be pivotal.
We need to teach ourselves how to see, hear and feel the difference between facts and faith, data and interpretation, evidence and opinion. Listening skills as well as speaking skills have a few more steps of evolution to take. I think Rachel Maddow's program on MSNBC is much closer to that path than any other cable program I have ever seen.
Our educational system dropped the ball and so our national conversation skills have hit a new low. Information like critical thinking, mediation, and collaborative problem-solving need to be among our priorities. Using the right language to discuss a topic or ask a useful question seems more essential and urgent today than ever before.
If I was teaching Reporting 101, I would put "The Structure of Magic" by Grinder and Bandler on the syllabus for helping my students how to ask and frame questions. And maybe a strip of duct tape plus some thought and imagination for those who want to learn how to listen.”
AP Asks If Obama Is "Obnoxiously Articulate"
Commented Oct 15, 2009 at 16:59:34 in Media
“This is a predictable spin-off from America's oldest dichotomy: the rich city slicker VERSUS the ignorant country bumpkin.
For the last decade, careful readers of the right-wing, religious fundamentalist and conservative media in the country have easily picked up on the anti-intellectualism, anti-science and the "don't you tell ME what to do" paranoia. Heck, the very denigration of the word "elite" is a good example.
Why is it suddenly that the elites of ANY field are mocked and excluded by many conservatives today?
Could it be that the modern world is getting a bit too much for these poor citizens so a retreat into envy, paralysis and naysaying is the only comfortable spot left?”
For the last decade, careful readers of the right-wing, religious fundamentalist and conservative media in the country have easily picked up on the anti-intellectualism, anti-science and the "don't you tell ME what to do" paranoia. Heck, the very denigration of the word "elite" is a good example.
Why is it suddenly that the elites of ANY field are mocked and excluded by many conservatives today?
Could it be that the modern world is getting a bit too much for these poor citizens so a retreat into envy, paralysis and naysaying is the only comfortable spot left?”
Burkelbile replied on Oct 15, 2009 at 17:12:35
“N @ Z I s ridiculed, mocked and eventually locked up "elites" - educators - philosophers
republicans are only trying to follow the template - it's their only shot at a return to power.”
republicans are only trying to follow the template - it's their only shot at a return to power.”
Mackenzie Phillips and the Stockholm Syndrome
Commented Sep 24, 2009 at 16:21:29 in Living
“The simple (and perhaps technically wrong) idea of the syndrome actually doesn't matter if the term is easily seen as a WAY to make an important point, not merely the point itself.”
Mackenzie Phillips and the Stockholm Syndrome
Commented Sep 24, 2009 at 16:19:43 in Living
“Alison,
I thought your article was informative and thought-provoking. "Loyalty" in the context of abuse DOES have an undercurrent of collusion.
I am reminded of the work of psychotherapist Alice Miller as well, who did extensive work showing how the methods of pedagogy in pre-war Germany made the "people-dictator" dynamic more understandable to me. And this "Father Knows Best" idea is often found in fundamentalist or dysfunctional homes.
Maybe we need to rethink our entire structure of what authority is, what it means and its consequences--good as well as bad. Perhaps we will get more insight on why good people do bad things or get caught up in bad situations.”
I thought your article was informative and thought-provoking. "Loyalty" in the context of abuse DOES have an undercurrent of collusion.
I am reminded of the work of psychotherapist Alice Miller as well, who did extensive work showing how the methods of pedagogy in pre-war Germany made the "people-dictator" dynamic more understandable to me. And this "Father Knows Best" idea is often found in fundamentalist or dysfunctional homes.
Maybe we need to rethink our entire structure of what authority is, what it means and its consequences--good as well as bad. Perhaps we will get more insight on why good people do bad things or get caught up in bad situations.”
mirandawilde replied on Sep 26, 2009 at 20:37:44
“knerd,
I've been thinking a lot about Alice Miller since this story broke. I've read "For Your Own Good" about 30 times now. We need her voice more than ever.”
I've been thinking a lot about Alice Miller since this story broke. I've read "For Your Own Good" about 30 times now. We need her voice more than ever.”
Theda replied on Sep 24, 2009 at 21:38:11
“Knerd, I love your ears!”
hp blogger Alison Rose Levy replied on Sep 24, 2009 at 16:37:06
“KNerd-- you ask the meta-question.
The psychologist, Bert Hellinger, with whom I trained in a method called Family Constellations asked just the same question.
He says that the most foundational human need and right is to belong-- even and especially in the presence of abuse and harm, people will remain loyal to the worst of the worst in order to belong.
For more on that work, sign up here and download the article on Clearing Ancestral Trauma:
www.collectiverealm.com”
The psychologist, Bert Hellinger, with whom I trained in a method called Family Constellations asked just the same question.
He says that the most foundational human need and right is to belong-- even and especially in the presence of abuse and harm, people will remain loyal to the worst of the worst in order to belong.
For more on that work, sign up here and download the article on Clearing Ancestral Trauma:
www.collectiverealm.com”
New TIME Cover on Glenn Beck Ignores Facts, and Worse
Commented Sep 20, 2009 at 12:10:02 in Media
“We need to teach critical thinking (and critical reading) not only in our schools but in our everyday culture. We should not be afraid to follow truth wherever it leads us.
Time has caved to the dog & pony show Big Time.”
Time has caved to the dog & pony show Big Time.”
patsijean replied on Sep 21, 2009 at 12:27:53
“Teaching critical thinking/reading in schools is a difficult task. In order to teach critical thinking the teacher must use topics that require factual research and be controversial enough to be confused by a mixture of facts, myths, rumors and fear. That is risky business for teachers in public schools; there will be backlash against the school system, and the teacher will quite possibly loose her job.
I taught in an excellent high school with alternatives, Eisenhower High School, in Saginaw, MI in the 1970's. We encouraged values discussions in our classes and encouraged students to question opinions by looking at alternate points of view with factual information as support. Our students were happy, and matured well, excited by the knowledge that values could be examined without threat.
The School Board was threatened by this trend and our quarter system and re-established the school with a traditional schedule and curriculum in 1978. Our 43 English courses were gone and the school was back to the deadly boring semester system. We hated it and I left in 1979. Of the courses I created, 'Science Fiction' was still offered (very popular, but better as a 10 week class), but gone were 'Reading for Pleasure' (just read,read,read), 'Novel Study (examine the authors values in your chosen novels), 'Suspense Novel', and 'Research'.
In 1986, in Texas, I interview for a position and I was asked how it was possible that I taught such courses. I was not considered for the new job.”
I taught in an excellent high school with alternatives, Eisenhower High School, in Saginaw, MI in the 1970's. We encouraged values discussions in our classes and encouraged students to question opinions by looking at alternate points of view with factual information as support. Our students were happy, and matured well, excited by the knowledge that values could be examined without threat.
The School Board was threatened by this trend and our quarter system and re-established the school with a traditional schedule and curriculum in 1978. Our 43 English courses were gone and the school was back to the deadly boring semester system. We hated it and I left in 1979. Of the courses I created, 'Science Fiction' was still offered (very popular, but better as a 10 week class), but gone were 'Reading for Pleasure' (just read,read,read), 'Novel Study (examine the authors values in your chosen novels), 'Suspense Novel', and 'Research'.
In 1986, in Texas, I interview for a position and I was asked how it was possible that I taught such courses. I was not considered for the new job.”
Drudge, Limbaugh, and the Sad Return of "Racial America"
Commented Sep 20, 2009 at 12:05:23 in Media
“Yes, racism.”
Terrorist or Peace-Maker? An Exclusive Interview with Gerry Adams, Former Head of the I.R.A.
Commented Sep 09, 2009 at 01:38:38 in World
“"And it's no accident that wars are fought by 18-year-olds...."”
The Myth of the Black Swan
Commented Aug 28, 2009 at 14:12:31 in Business
“Mr. Stewart, I am certainly no economist, but I agree that it is not much fun to be mocked. It is clearly better to have your own analyses confirmed. However, writing that "there is no such thing as a black swan" belies the fact that shortly after it was declared that a black swan does not exist, a black swan appeared.
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Impact-Highly-Improbable/dp/1400063515/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251482941&sr=1-1
The fact is that unfortunately, many of our assumptions turn out to be wrong.”
http://www.amazon.com/Black-Swan-Impact-Highly-Improbable/dp/1400063515/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251482941&sr=1-1
The fact is that unfortunately, many of our assumptions turn out to be wrong.”
Remembering Ted Kennedy, My Friend of 56 Years
Commented Aug 28, 2009 at 00:13:16 in Politics
“Thanks, Mr. Sorenson. And may God bless you too.”
Bible Study in Public Schools: Let's Pray on It
Commented Aug 22, 2009 at 19:16:14 in Politics
“Er, forgive me, Father. I have sinned. A resurrected corpse in most cultural mythologies stands in for the concept of TRANSFORMATION (Not "transportation." A study of the airlift quotient involved with having angel wings is yet to be done!).”
Bible Study in Public Schools: Let's Pray on It
Commented Aug 22, 2009 at 19:10:38 in Politics
“"Virgin Birth" is a theological notion, not meant as literally true. It was written into the text to be seen as a testament to the divinity of Christ if anything. It has nothing to do with the biology of Mary. Likewise, the reanimated corpse has always been a cultural myth for transportation and renewal.
Many people believe that the ancient biblical authors were dumb and wrote mythology instead of history--and we in modern times are so much smarter. Not quite. The ancients used mythic tropes and metaphorical shorthand that most of us dumb readers then took literally !!!!”
Many people believe that the ancient biblical authors were dumb and wrote mythology instead of history--and we in modern times are so much smarter. Not quite. The ancients used mythic tropes and metaphorical shorthand that most of us dumb readers then took literally !!!!”
knerd replied on Aug 22, 2009 at 19:16:14
“Er, forgive me, Father. I have sinned. A resurrected corpse in most cultural mythologies stands in for the concept of TRANSFORMATION (Not "transportation." A study of the airlift quotient involved with having angel wings is yet to be done!).”
Yoga For Rachel Maddow
Commented Aug 22, 2009 at 18:24:02 in Home
“Rachel taught me EXACTLY what I needed to know concerning what corporations are REALLY hiding behind so-called "populist websites."
That was news to me. So was Charles Grassley's past comments on health care reform, who has contributed to his campaign and his voting record. Ditto for Max Baucus.
And thanks to Rachel for bringing up the news regarding the C Street by introducing viewers to Jeff Sharlet's book "The Family." And that also goes for her spotlight on Blackwater by her interviews with the author of the first best selling non-fiction expose of the mercenary corporation.
All these topics and interviews were NEWS to me. I agree she can be more snarky than Jim Lehrer would ever dream of, but Rachel Maddow makes me pay attention, think and be entertained all at the same time.”
That was news to me. So was Charles Grassley's past comments on health care reform, who has contributed to his campaign and his voting record. Ditto for Max Baucus.
And thanks to Rachel for bringing up the news regarding the C Street by introducing viewers to Jeff Sharlet's book "The Family." And that also goes for her spotlight on Blackwater by her interviews with the author of the first best selling non-fiction expose of the mercenary corporation.
All these topics and interviews were NEWS to me. I agree she can be more snarky than Jim Lehrer would ever dream of, but Rachel Maddow makes me pay attention, think and be entertained all at the same time.”
CynAnne replied on Aug 22, 2009 at 22:28:53
“Bravo and well said, knerd (faved n' fanned, as well)..! ;) ...”
Yoga For Rachel Maddow
Commented Aug 22, 2009 at 12:44:22 in Home
“She DOES bring ME the news. AND, provides her own opinion, comment and analysis (in an insightful and entertaining way!).”
Town Halls: 7 Tips for Handling Conflict
Commented Aug 19, 2009 at 15:37:57 in Living
“Conflict resolution, mediation skills, language without blame--all of these can be learned. More importantly, they ARE being learned and taught everywhere. Right now.
How long will it take for humankind to make peacekeeping a habit? What is the weight of a single snowflake?
Ever watch silent snowflakes settle on the branch of a fir tree? After a time it only takes the weight of one single snowflake to land on the snow-covered branch. And the entire load of snow falls to the forest floor.”
How long will it take for humankind to make peacekeeping a habit? What is the weight of a single snowflake?
Ever watch silent snowflakes settle on the branch of a fir tree? After a time it only takes the weight of one single snowflake to land on the snow-covered branch. And the entire load of snow falls to the forest floor.”
hp blogger Dr. Cara Barker replied on Aug 19, 2009 at 20:11:44
“Thanks for your words and the imagery behind them. Lovely. Let's remember the snowflake story. Let's land. Let's do what we can. Let's make the new habit, each and every day, each and every one of us.
Appreciation your way,
Cara”
Appreciation your way,
Cara”
Interviewing Jimi Hendrix
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 14:46:40 in Entertainment
“Ms. Weller, your essay was an elegant slice of pop culture garnished with some prescient profundity. Some of us are somehow able to get beneath the dog and pony show that surrounds and often masquerades our common and fragile humanity. You are definitely one of those who can. Bless you for stopping for awhile in your own pilgrimage to give us a glimpse of what you intuitively discovered long ago.”
Why It May No Longer Help to Be a Liberal
Commented Aug 17, 2009 at 14:36:55 in Living
“Is the screen name "brokedad" an actual identity or merely a word written down during a specific moment?
It does not matter WHAT we call ourselves; it matters WHO we are. We cannot help but label others or ourselves, for It seems to help us get a "fix on the flow." But wisdom comes with actually realizing such labeling is provisional and fleeting.”
It does not matter WHAT we call ourselves; it matters WHO we are. We cannot help but label others or ourselves, for It seems to help us get a "fix on the flow." But wisdom comes with actually realizing such labeling is provisional and fleeting.”
BobLablah replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 15:13:43
“I guess the comment from the twitter dude hit a little too close to home, eh knerd?”
Inside The Mob Outside The Grand Junction Health Care Town Hall (VIDEO)
Commented Aug 16, 2009 at 23:09:54 in Home
“"Not all conservatives are stupid, but most stupid people are conservative."”
BeeOplentee replied on Aug 17, 2009 at 01:57:41
“You're right.
BTW, Hope you didn't pay $400 for your haircut.”
BTW, Hope you didn't pay $400 for your haircut.”
Limbaugh Yells "Nazi" (And The Press Yawns)
Commented Aug 11, 2009 at 12:57:10 in Media
“The trouble is a lot of people ARE giving him a lot of attention--and many of them do not listen to and/or trust the mainstream media outlets....”
rich misty replied on Aug 11, 2009 at 13:25:37
“http://www.newsweek.com/id/188279
David Frum ^ identifies the Republican base as a cult, pg. 4, bottom.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-06-14/attack-of-the-zombie-republicans
John Batchelor ^
Both Frum and Batchelor are life long Republicans, both have identified the Republican base as a cult. Bill Schneider, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute agrees:
http://www.librarygrape.com/2009/05/todays-gop-qualifies-as-cult.html”
David Frum ^ identifies the Republican base as a cult, pg. 4, bottom.
http://www.thedailybeast.com/blogs-and-stories/2009-06-14/attack-of-the-zombie-republicans
John Batchelor ^
Both Frum and Batchelor are life long Republicans, both have identified the Republican base as a cult. Bill Schneider, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute agrees:
http://www.librarygrape.com/2009/05/todays-gop-qualifies-as-cult.html”
1 - 25 of 128
