Just Stop the Killing

 

A Black man in the Bayview, his plea so clear,
"Just stop the killing, let's end this fear."
His words echo through my heart and soul,
A call to action, a tale untold.

In the city of dreams, where nightmares roam,
Black lives are lost, far from home.
Guns and violence, a daily plight,
Stealing joy, extinguishing light.

But the Black man's plea ignites a flame,
A spark of hope, a renewed refrain.
"Just stop the killing," he cries aloud,
A message of love, piercing the cloud.

Let's heed his call, let's unite as one,
To end the violence, beneath the sun.
Let's build a community, strong and true,
Where peace and harmony forever accrue.

For every Black life lost, a wound so deep,
A scar on our hearts, we can't keep.
Let's stand together, hand in hand,
And build a future, where all can stand.

So let's stop the killing, and start anew,
Create a world, where all dreams are true.
Let's honor the Black man's plea,
And make his vision, reality.

--------------------
Can anyone guess who this guy is?

Bard lays a boner – 5 jobs or 5 million?

Which option you choose, 5 jobs or 5 million, depends on your individual priorities and values.

If you choose to have 5 jobs, you will likely have a lot of money and financial security. You will also be able to afford to live a comfortable lifestyle and travel the world. However, you will also have very little time for yourself and your loved ones. You will also be constantly stressed and overworked.

If you choose to have 5 million, you will be able to quit your job and retire early. You will also have a lot of free time to do the things you love. However, you will need to be careful with your money so that it lasts. You will also need to find ways to stay busy and fulfilled without a job.

Ultimately, the decision of whether to have 5 jobs or 5 million is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. It is important to weigh the pros and cons of each option carefully and choose the one that is best for you.

Here are some additional things to consider when making your decision:

  • Your age and health: If you are young and healthy, you have more time to work and build your wealth. If you are older or have health problems, you may want to retire earlier and enjoy your life while you can.
  • Your family and lifestyle: If you have a family, you will need to consider their needs when making your decision. For example, if you have young children, you may want to avoid working long hours.
  • Your financial goals: What are your financial goals for the future? Do you want to retire early? Do you want to buy a house? Do you want to start your own business? Once you know your financial goals, you can start to make a plan to achieve them.

If you are still unsure which option is right for you, it may be helpful to talk to a financial advisor. They can help you assess your financial situation and make a plan that is right for you.

From Bard, 10/14/2023

God help us if this is “Artificial Intellegence”. 

More from Bard …

To Be or not to Be?  There is no easy answer to this question. It is a question that has been pondered by philosophers and theologians for centuries.  Some people believe that life is a gift and that we should cherish every moment. They believe that we should overcome our hardships and make the most of our lives.  Others believe that life is too painful and that it is better to die. They believe that death is a release from the suffering of life.  Ultimately, the decision of whether to live or to die is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer.

The Cacophony Society

The Cacophony Society is an American organization described on their website as “a randomly gathered network of free spirits united in the pursuit of experiences beyond the pale of mainstream society.” It was started in 1986 by surviving members of the defunct Suicide Club of San Francisco.

Cacophony Society events often involve costumes and pranks in public places and sometimes going into places that are generally off limits to the public. Cacophonists have been known to regale Christmas shoppers with improvised Christmas carols while dressed as Santa Claus.

The Cacophony Society has been involved in a number of notable events, including the Burning Man festival and the SantaCon pub crawl. The group has also been involved in a number of pranks and stunts, such as dressing up as clowns and driving around San Francisco in a van full of balloons.

The Cacophony Society has a strong anti-authoritarian ethos and is known for its willingness to challenge the status quo. The group has been criticized for its pranks and stunts, but it also has a strong following among people who appreciate its creativity and sense of fun.

The Cacophony Society is a unique and eclectic group that has made a significant impact on the San Francisco counterculture scene. The group’s events and pranks are often controversial, but they also provide a platform for people to express their creativity and individuality.

Here are some of the goals of the Cacophony Society:

  • To create and promote experiences that are outside the mainstream.
  • To challenge the status quo and to encourage people to think for themselves.
  • To foster a sense of community and belonging among free spirits.
  • To have fun and to make people laugh.

The Cacophony Society is a group that is always looking for new ways to challenge the status quo and to have fun. They are a force for creativity and individuality in San Francisco and beyond.

Zakat from Bard

Zakat is one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a mandatory charity that Muslims must pay on their accumulated wealth each year. The amount of zakat that must be paid is calculated based on the type of wealth and the individual’s circumstances.

Zakat is a way for Muslims to purify their wealth and to help those in need. It is also a way for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and to build a more just and equitable society.

The Quran teaches that zakat is a form of worship and that it is a way to please Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) also emphasized the importance of zakat, saying that it is “the second pillar of Islam after the testimony of faith.”

There are eight categories of people who are eligible to receive zakat:

  • The poor
  • The needy
  • Those employed to collect zakat
  • Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
  • Captives
  • Debtors
  • Those on the road
  • Those whose hearts are to be softened

Zakat can be paid directly to these eight categories of people, or it can be paid to a zakat-collecting organization.

Zakat is a powerful tool for social welfare and economic development. It helps to reduce poverty and inequality, and it helps to create a more just and equitable society.

Here are some of the benefits of zakat:

  • Reduces poverty and inequality. Zakat helps to provide for the basic needs of the poor and needy, and it helps to reduce inequality in society.
  • Boosts economic development. Zakat can be used to invest in businesses and community projects, which can create jobs and promote economic growth.
  • Strengthens social cohesion. Zakat helps to build a sense of community and solidarity among Muslims. It also helps to create a more just and equitable society.
  • Promotes religious values. Zakat is a way for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and to build a closer relationship with Allah.

Zakat is an important part of Islamic society and it plays a vital role in promoting social welfare and economic development.

To be or not to be, that is the question

“To be or not to be, that is the question” is a famous line from Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. It is spoken by Hamlet as he contemplates suicide.

Hamlet is weighing the pain and suffering of life against the uncertainty of what comes after death. He is unsure whether it is better to live with all the challenges of life, or to die and end all of his pain.

The question of “to be or not to be” is a universal one. Everyone has moments when they question the meaning of life and whether it is worth living.

There is no easy answer to this question. It is a personal one that each individual must answer for themselves.

Here are some factors to consider when thinking about the question of “to be or not to be”:

  • The pain and suffering of life. Life can be difficult and painful. There is illness, loss, and heartbreak. There are also everyday challenges such as work, relationships, and finances.
  • The uncertainty of what comes after death. No one knows for sure what happens after we die. Some people believe in heaven and hell, while others believe in reincarnation or nothingness.
  • Your values and goals. What is important to you in life? What do you want to achieve? If you have something that you are passionate about, then it may be worth living for.
  • Your relationships with others. Do you have people who love and support you? Do you have relationships that give your life meaning?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to live or die is a personal one. There is no right or wrong answer. However, it is important to weigh all of the factors involved before making a decision.

If you are struggling with the question of “to be or not to be,” please reach out for help. There are people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time.

From Brad – 10/2/2023

 

Living a Long Life – what is the Point?

The point of living a long life is a question that has been pondered by philosophers and scientists for centuries. There is no one answer that will satisfy everyone, but here are a few possible reasons:

  • To experience more of life. A long life gives us the opportunity to experience more of the world, both good and bad. We can meet new people, learn new things, and have new experiences. We can also witness the passage of time and see how the world changes around us.
  • To learn and grow. With more time, we have more opportunities to learn and grow as individuals. We can develop our talents and skills, and we can also learn from our mistakes. We can become wiser and more compassionate people.
  • To make a difference in the world. A long life gives us more time to make a positive impact on the world around us. We can use our skills and talents to help others, and we can also work to make the world a better place.
  • To pass on our knowledge and wisdom to future generations. We can share our experiences and lessons with others, and help them to learn and grow. We can also teach them about the importance of values such as love, compassion, and justice.

Ultimately, the point of living a long life is up to each individual to decide. Some people may value experience and growth, while others may value making a difference in the world. There is no right or wrong answer.

Here are some specific examples of things that people can do with a long life:

  • Travel the world and experience different cultures
  • Learn new languages and skills
  • Start a business or pursue a passion project
  • Raise a family and watch them grow up
  • Become a mentor or teacher and help others to learn and grow
  • Make a difference in the world through activism or philanthropy

Living a long life is a gift, and it is up to each of us to decide how we want to spend it.

From Bard

Thoughts on Health, Wealth and Friendship

Whether wealth, friendship, or health is more important is a matter of personal opinion. However, there is a lot of research that suggests that friendship and health are more important for happiness and well-being than wealth.

For example, a study published in the journal Psychological Science found that people who have strong social connections are happier and healthier than those who do not. The study also found that social connections can help people to live longer.

Another study, published in the journal Health Psychology, found that people who are physically healthy are happier and more satisfied with their lives than those who are not. The study also found that physical health can help people to cope with stress and to enjoy life more.

Of course, wealth can also be important. It can provide us with access to food, shelter, healthcare, and other resources that are essential for survival and well-being. However, studies have shown that once our basic needs are met, additional wealth does not have a significant impact on our happiness.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to have a balance of wealth, friendship, and health. When we have all three, we are more likely to be happy and fulfilled.

Here is a summary of the benefits of each:

Wealth:

  • Can provide access to basic needs and resources
  • Can give us more freedom and choices in life
  • Can help us to support our loved ones

Friendship:

  • Provides emotional support and companionship
  • Helps us to feel connected to others
  • Can boost our happiness and well-being
  • Can reduce our risk of loneliness and depression

Health:

  • Gives us the energy and strength to enjoy life
  • Helps us to cope with stress and adversity
  • Reduces our risk of chronic diseases
  • Can improve our quality of life

I would say that friendship and health are more important than wealth for happiness and well-being. However, it is important to have a balance of all three.

From Bard – 10/2/2023

Brad’s Thoughts about Curiosity

I think curiosity is one of the most important qualities a human being can have. It is the driving force behind learning, exploration, and innovation. Curious people are always asking questions, seeking out new experiences, and trying to understand the world around them.

Curiosity has many benefits. It can help us to:

  • Learn and grow
  • Solve problems
  • Be more creative
  • Be more open-minded
  • Be happier and more fulfilled

Curiosity is also essential for progress in society. It is through curiosity that we have made scientific discoveries, developed new technologies, and created works of art and literature.

In today’s world, it is more important than ever to be curious. We live in a rapidly changing world, and we need to be able to adapt and learn new things quickly. Curiosity helps us to do that.

Here are some specific examples of the benefits of curiosity:

  • Curious people are more likely to be successful in school and in their careers. They are more motivated to learn and to take on new challenges.
  • Curious people are more likely to be creative and innovative. They are always looking for new ways to do things and to solve problems.
  • Curious people are more open-minded and tolerant of others. They are more likely to be interested in learning about different cultures and perspectives.
  • Curious people are happier and more fulfilled. They find joy in learning and exploring the world around them.

Overall, I think curiosity is a wonderful quality. It is essential for learning, growth, and happiness. I encourage everyone to nurture their curiosity and to never stop asking questions.

What do you think?

New Post … Dianne Feinstein

Finally left the Planet @ 90 years old.

From Bard …

Dianne Feinstein (born Dianne Emiel Goldman; June 22, 1933 in San Francisco, CA) is an American politician who served as the senior United States senator from California from 1992 to 2023.

Feinstein was born in San Francisco and graduated from Stanford University and Harvard Law School.  She was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1969 and became mayor in 1978.

Feinstein was elected to the Senate in 1992 and  served on the Judiciary Committee and the Intelligence Committee.  She has been criticized for her close ties to the defense industry and her support for the Iraq War.

Diane Feinstein’s net worth is estimated to be between $19.4 million and $69.4 million. This includes her assets, such as real estate, investments, and personal belongings, as well as her income from her Senate salary and other sources.  Feinstein’s wealth comes from a variety of sources, including her salary as a senator, investments, and inheritance. She has also been criticized for her close ties to the defense industry, which has benefited her financially.  Feinstein’s net worth is significantly higher than the median net worth of Americans, which is about $121,760. This is likely due to her long career in politics and her investments.  It is important to note that Feinstein’s net worth is just an estimate. It is possible that her actual net worth is higher or lower than this estimate.

Quote from Diane,

  • On the Iraq War: “I opposed the Iraq War from the beginning. It was a mistake to invade Iraq, and it has cost us dearly in terms of lives and treasure.”

more from other sources  …

Thrice married … husbands Jack Berman, Bertram Feinstein and Richard C. Blum.  Her first marriage to Berman in 1956 lasted four years and he later died in 2002. She remarried to her second husband, Bertram Feinstein, in 1962 and he died in 1978. Two years later, in 1980, she married Blum and was with him until his passing in 2022.

Feinstein is survived by a daughter, Katherine Feinstein.

More from Bard about Death …

What happens when we die is a mystery. There is no scientific consensus on the matter, and there are many different beliefs and theories about what happens after we die.  Some people believe in an afterlife, where our souls go to a heavenly or hellish realm. Others believe in reincarnation, where our souls are reborn into new bodies. Still others believe that death is the end of our existence, and that there is nothing after we die.

Here are some of the different beliefs about what happens after we die:

  • Religious beliefs: Many religions offer different perspectives on what happens after we die. For example, Christianity teaches that people go to heaven or hell after they die, depending on their actions in life. Hinduism teaches that people are reincarnated into new lives after they die.
  • Philosophical beliefs: Philosophers have also pondered the question of what happens after we die for centuries. Some philosophers believe that death is the end of existence, while others believe that there is some form of afterlife.
  • Personal beliefs: Ultimately, what happens to us after we die is a matter of personal belief. Each individual must decide what they believe based on their own experiences and understanding of the world.

RIP Dianne

the take from zocalopublicsquare.org … Appreciating California’s Last Ambassador to the United States

Shaping San Francisco by Brad

San Francisco has been shaped by a variety of factors, including its natural environment, its history, and its people.

Natural environment

San Francisco is located on a peninsula surrounded by water on three sides. This natural barrier has helped to protect the city from invaders and has also contributed to its unique climate. San Francisco is known for its fog, which is caused by the cold currents that flow through the San Francisco Bay.

History

San Francisco was founded in 1776 by Spanish settlers. The city grew rapidly in the mid-19th century, following the discovery of gold in California. San Francisco became a major port city and a center for commerce and trade.

People

San Francisco has a diverse population, which has contributed to its unique culture and identity. The city has been home to immigrants from all over the world, including China, Mexico, and the Philippines.

These factors have all played a role in shaping San Francisco into the city it is today. San Francisco is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich history and culture.

Here are some specific examples of how the natural environment, history, and people of San Francisco have shaped the city:

  • Golden Gate Bridge: The Golden Gate Bridge is one of San Francisco’s most iconic landmarks. It was built in the early 1930s to connect San Francisco to Marin County. The bridge is a symbol of San Francisco’s resilience and its commitment to progress.

  • Fisherman’s Wharf: Fisherman’s Wharf is a popular tourist destination known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and street performers. The wharf was originally a working waterfront, but it has since been transformed into a tourist attraction.

  • Haight-Ashbury: Haight-Ashbury is a neighborhood known for its hippie culture and its vibrant music scene. The neighborhood was a hotbed of counterculture activity in the 1960s and 1970s.

  • Silicon Valley: Silicon Valley is a region located south of San Francisco. It is known for its tech industry and its high concentration of startups. Silicon Valley has played a major role in shaping San Francisco into a global center for innovation.

San Francisco is a city that is constantly evolving. Its unique character is shaped by its natural environment, its history, and its people. The city is a vibrant and cosmopolitan destination that offers something for everyone.