thinking

IV, OV, TB, BB, and More?

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A long time ago in dog years, I postulated and pontificated (PP) about an Inner Voice (IV), an Outer Voice (OV), and The Body (TB), as parts of my physical and psychological makeup. It was declared that IV was shy and slightly impetuous, OV was measured and careful, and TB went along for the ride, doing what it was told by one of The Voices (TV).

It is emblematic of the constant growth of human intelligence that I PP*, now, about one more important, needed, part of my existence. As the months passed since IV, OV, and TB entered the Lexicon of The Essay, much thought was done by all** about how my “system” actually works. My old remarks about thought, action, and reaction suggested IV and OV fought for supremacy when in situations they did not inherently agree, and the winner then communicated the “Deemed Proper” (DP) action to TB.

But that is not how “we” (WE) work.

Since WE have (nearly) completed recovery from The Calamities, certain facts revealed themselves and caused this revision: IV and OV do not settle their own arguments. It took months of navel-gazing to finally understand “something” else was making the Final Decision (FD) for each circumstance.

Let’s review using the doughnut (DN) example from the past essay. My IV says it wants to eat the last DN. My OV says I don’t need it and urges me to be considerate, someone else might want it. My TB says it doesn’t care either way and can “find a place for it” if WE eat it. See? Who makes the FD about the DP action of the DN?

Much like an algebraic equation, the answer to the DN question is obvious: the DP FD is made by a Big Brain (BB). BB*** acts like an umpire and does not create circumstances causing the need for an FD. BB receives input from IV, OV, TB, and the outside environment (OE) before determining the scope and ramifications DP actions mandated by the FD will have on the OE as well as TB. When all the appropriate arguments are submitted and analyzed, BB will reach a FD and communicate important messages (IM) to TB who will then distribute IMs to its subsidiaries to begin the DP action.

BB then receives IMs back from TB about progress and final results (FR), plus an after action review (AAR). AARs are always needed so BB can analyze and make future FDs about FRs when IV and OV need clarification or future guidance (FG). FG is extremely important to avoid future mistakes (FM). Imagine the DN example if IV convinced BB to let TB eat a whole dozen DNs at one time. FG would inform BB that IV’s instincts about eating that many DNs would be an FM and should be avoided by all future FDs to prevent DN eating**** from being a DP action in the future.

OMG I am so lost with this…BRB when my BB is cleared of all FS.*****

*Giggle if you have to. It’s ok.

**Yes. All.

***BB is technically a part of TB. Much like an arm or a leg, for example. While there is Gray Matter (GM) that houses the BB, it is all, structurally speaking, part of TB, though self-governing and independent of TB influence when it comes to DP FDs. BB is an office inside a larger, corporal structure. The office (TO) is on the top floor.

****Technically DN over-eating. WE still need some DNs.

*****Fecking Shite.

Questions for Concerned and Thoughtful Americans

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When you end your workout at your fitness center and go to the showers where there are three empty stalls, do you select the weird stall with the handrails, folding seat, water controls below waist level, and hand-held shower head?

Do you know the difference between an indictment and a conviction?

Do you now the “distance” between an indictment and a conviction?

Does the term “respect law and order” come up only when you’re talking about someone else’s actions?

Is the driver in front of you doing 10 miles per hour over the speed limit getting in your way and holding you back?

Do you believe in and repost things from your favorite websites to your on-line accounts and state “How True!”, or ask “How True?”

Is everything your political opponent says wrong and everything you say, correct?

Do you get mad when people use “facts” to make their point?

Do you think America is a place only for natural born Americans and there is no room for minority people or religions?

Is it okay to think anyone who doesn’t think like you has a screw loose?

Can you own a gun and still be Anti-NRA?

Is it possible President Trump is doing some thing(s) right?

Is it possible Joe Biden did ANYTHING right?

Do you feel better about yourself when someone agrees with you or disagrees with you?

Is a “tribal validation” of your opinions necessary or are you an independent thinker?

Is it really an insult to be called “sheep” by your political rival?

Should “leaders” of institutions be held to a higher moral standard than the bots and trolls who criticize or praise those leaders?

If you own an AR-15 what do you do with it?

Can we, the people, solve our own problems, or do we need a centralized form of government to make things work?

Do you know anyone who has no place to sleep tonight?

Do you have an idea where you will be sleeping at age 80?

Any relative already in Long Term Care?

Think you won’t need Long Term Care?

Think anyone has the answers to most, all or none of these questions? Life is “a tapestry of rich and royal hue”, said Carole King in 1970. But The Buffalo Springfield said it best in 1968: “We better stop, children, what’s that sound? Everybody look what’s going down.”

That was 57 years ago.

Resolutions? Ah, maybe…

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Time for New Years Resolutions. Look away. Do not read. At least, don’t remind me of this post next year.

  1. No more mention of Trump after January 1st. He’ll keep doing things but noone needs me to point it out. And if I need to talk about something Trumpy, I won’t use the T–word. Yes, I already have other names selected and ready to go.
  2. Watch what I eat/lose weight. First, who doesn’t? And second, no resolution list of mine for over 40 years has not included the word “weight”. It’s a ritual, now, and can’t be stopped. Knock on wood.
  3. No more shouting at other drivers. Might turn those moments into periods of quite contemplation and reflection. PS your laughter is not appreciated. Wait, what if I shouted encouragement?
  4. Less Pizza in the New Year. Which means I have to eat a lot these next few days. Yes!
  5. No more whining about getting old. Set the bar high on that one, but we’ll see.
  6. Will not replace left hip. This is medical humor since it already happened three weeks ago. Finally, a resolution I can keep!
  7. Will be better prepared for the winter of 2025. Local upstate NY winter snuck up on me after 20 years in the south. It won’t get me next year, dammit.
  8. I hereby vow to stop thinking 30 per cent of the US population is stupid, ignorant, or both. If you think about it, this is another guaranteed successful resolution. Unless you are…Hm. Am I part of that 30 percent? Nah…
  9. I resolve to no longer NOT believe in Santa. Grandkid’s questions getting harder and harder each year, so…damn internet.
  10. Will not disparage the Yankees. Or the Mets. Or the Giants. Or the Jets. Or Dr. Seuss. All hail the Bills!
  11. Lastly, I will give the medical establishment the benefit of the doubt. I promise to understand their “one size fits all” approach to medical issues works for a majority of the people and is not meant to punish those of us on either end of the Bell Curve. It will take time and research and conversation, but what else does an old, dying man have but time? Crap, scratch Number 5.

Resolutions can be fun, but at least should be introspective. If you don’t sit down and think about them, especially at this time of year…make a resolution to do it. Now.

As pointed out many times, life will go on whether you do or don’t and thinking about it helps much more than not thinking about it. Try it.