“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

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

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

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?

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.

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She is the longest-serving female senator in United States history. She is also the oldest woman to serve in the Senate.

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

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.

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San Francisco peninsula surrounded by water

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.

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San Francisco in 1870

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.

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San Francisco’s diverse population

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.

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  Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco

• 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.

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  Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco

• 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.

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  Haight-Ashbury neighborhood in San Francisco

• 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.

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  Silicon Valley region in San Francisco

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.

Zakat is a charity God obligates Muslims to pay yearly on their money and property. Its payment is made to the poor, vulnerable, and deserving as their divinely established right. The Prophet Muhammad, on him be peace, established Zakat as the third of the five pillars that Islam is built on.

Who Receives Zakat?

Muslims pay Zakat to eight categories of eligible people set by God in the Quran (Surat Al-Tawbah, 9:60):

• The Poor (in dire need prevented from asking)
• The Indigent (whose destitution drives them to ask)
• Those Administering Zakat’s collection and distribution
• Those whose hearts are to be reconciled
• Those in bondage (slaves to be freed and captives)
• The Debt-Ridden
• In the Cause of God
• The Wayfarer (stranded, displaced, or cut off from resources while traveling)

Source: https://www.zakat.org/what-is-zakat