An enduring legacy

A life of extreme hardship, might justify a cynic concluding such an outcome will be unbearably miserable. But such a conclusion ignores the ability of the human spirit to transcend suffering and experience joy.

I am reminded of a poignant moment in my daughter’s life which occurred in an exchange with one of the participants in her group involved in plays and productions for intellectually challenged adults. The person concerned, in her mid-thirties, who was to be the star in the next production, was sitting pensively, deep in thought, when my daughter entered the rehearsal room.

The young women had suffered from many complications and disorders from an early age arising from cancer treatments that had ravaged her body but nevertheless was looking forward to the show. Their relationship had blossomed over time and the young actor’s enjoyment in participation was readily apparent.

‘What are thinking about’ my daughter asked?

‘Well’ I was looking back on my life and thinking what I would change if I had the opportunity to live my life all again’ she said.

‘What conclusion did you come to,’ my daughter asked?

‘Well’, she said, ‘you walked into the room and I realized there is not a single thing I would want to change.’

The young girl died before she was able to realize her dream of starring in in the next production, but her lasting legacy is bound to turn the head of even the most grumpy person to marvel at the depths and richness of the human spirit

Mystery

The bitter sweet and sour,

we face life's earthly mystery,
like fine wine, maturing,

stoically, to endure our fate, 

seeking to end all enmity,

In saving grace, our hope

In future time in space,      

that in creations delight, 

our perfect harmony

is free to love,

in all eternity  

Sharing in Creation-a gift of conscious life

Most philosophers agree one cannot define a meaning for life; instead one adopts values, beliefs, faith or ideals embodied in our attitude to life- for if we dig below the surface it is there!!!

Faced with the horrors of war in the late 19^th and 20^th century the existential philosophical movement attempted to abandon any pretense for meaning and proffered that all philosophical considerations be confined to humanity –so that  references to the abstract were deemed irrelevant. While there were differences in thinking within the movement there was some whose premise was to accept the absurdity of life which in turn was believed would lead us to seize the moment encapsulated in  real outcomes to the extent we are able to live life to the fullest. But even those who concluded our existence is an absurdity could not deny the wondrous evolutionary process that brings us to our current state of self-awareness so that we are able to ponder such metaphysical questions as to who we are and why we are here.

What we can say is that in the beginning was the big bang, what scientists portray as creation from a singularity, from nothing as confirmed by science. From the big bang emerged the primeval soup of creation in a series of chemical reactions emanating from a fiery cosmos to planet earth so that today within our bodies are those first atoms of existence. The sequence of events and chemical reactions that evolved into the building blocks of life known as DNA over billions of years now enable us to marvel at all creation and pose the question that in all probability some purpose or sharing of power forms part of our existential state.

So that in the full gambit of humanity expressed in terms of beauty, love, fear, joy, sorrow, suffering in our advanced evolved self-awareness, we can, in probability, conclude we share in some way in ongoing creation. That is within the restriction of our earthly state and to the extent we have free will.

But this question of freewill has long since occupied the minds of philosophers with views varying from the idea of predetermination to complete freedom. The way that I would like to depict this would be to imagine that when we next go on holidays it was always going to be the case, but that the choice of where we stopped, and what we did and the myriad of other small details allow us the freedom to make whatever choices we so desire.

So that this scenario concludes there is causality of freedom within the confines of predetermined ultimate fateful outcome.

Religion has attempted to explain good and evil by virtue of the idea of original sin-a choice taken in the Garden of Eden to eat of the forbidden fruit. But this theory lacks probability and credibility. I would rather pose the question that if we are part of a creation then it is more the misuse of our freedom and our lust for power that cause conflict or results in evil acts. Indeed, it seems that all of us have a certain power and we can move beyond the concept of good and evil to the use of power as part of creation for good or to bring about destruction.

The creation given gift of freewill, by necessity, carries with it responsibility (barring mental illness) to exercise judgment as to what is right or wrong having regard to the circumstances or consequences of our acts.

How we interact with the world also depends upon the extent of self-awareness but our overarching philosophy (whether formally acknowledged or not) will influence how we exercise the power to which we become entrusted. In simple terms one might express goodness as kindness aimed at leaving the world a better place so that ancestral pride is carried forward to future generations...

But what has plagued religions is the ascendancy of beliefs over anything else – regardless of outcomes, to enslave successive generations to conflict and justify heinous crimes against humanity. The problem arises where conflicting interpretations deemed to be divine results in warring parties both becoming convinced they are right.

But if our beliefs underwrite goodness, to preserve life and offer kindness then we share in the same universal aim to advance our civilization for the benefit of humanity.

Interestingly enough in Christianity, Christ, as the central figure, has few historic references and whose ministry possible only covered 2 or 3 years, remains philosophically elegant today in the application of the golden rule and in the parables. Nowhere is there a call to violence or to take a dogmatic view as to how we should believe. All that was said was there was to be an era of the messianic kingdom of love, compassion and peace which is yet to be realized.

But what is of greater interest is the question of accountability and whether in the end some form of responsibility exists in an ongoing creation – in the remnant of consciousness that continues, which I would like to think is the case.  

Wrong

This is the title to a book I have just read by David H Freedman, who is a research journalist and who outlines why he thinks experts keep failing us.

The book is a good read, mostly comprising of an uncommon common sense approach as to when not to trust the experts and how to disseminate useful information.

Here are some extracts:

Characteristics of less trustworthy expert advice
1. It's simplistic, universally appealing and definitive
2. The research findings are supported by either smaller studies or only correlated from animal studies
3. It's groundbreaking
4. It's pushed by people or organisations that stand to benefit from its acceptance

Characteristics of expert advice we should ignore
1. It's mildly resonant
2. It's provocative - look for evidence before adopting a simply provocative viewpoint
3. It's got a lot of positive attention
4. Other experts embrace it
5. It appears in a prestigious journal
6. The experts backing it boast impressive credentials

Characteristics of more trustworthy advice
1. It doesn't trip the previous alarms
2. It's a negative finding
3. It's heavy on qualifying statements
4. Its candid about refutable evidence
5. It provides some context for the research
6. It provides perspective

Conclusion

None of this is particularly earth shattering but it is refreshingly frank and well measured in providing principals that help us sort out the wheat from the chaffs - from the mountain of information that bombards us on a daily basis.

Often it is best to test out a particular theory or revelation and see how it pans out over time. Unfortunately, experts for the rather obvious right and wrong moral issues, a lot of the experts who offer advice these days are plainly wrong, including new so called ground breaking discoveries in all fields of endeavour.

As usual that is not the problem of the science on the data but rather human nature which cannot be relied upon to uphold integrity.

Circular seasons.

Trees, whose leaves of changing hues paint

A momentary portrait of a new season

Whose leafy arms hold birds in joyous song

Remind us of life’s eternal spring

Not otherwise discerned.

The trunks of fallen trees; circular rings

A reminder of yesteryear-of seasons come and gone

Of encouragements, the warmth of a fire glow

Of mysteries, of meanings no longer obscure

As grace unfolds, it is a gift of life.

But for all that is said and done

In grief, in joy, in all things under the sun

It is the act of kindness

That all seasons doth surpass.

Honesty is the best Policy - A Short Story

Doc Manders (as he was nicknamed) was a kindly senior internal auditor at the Lands Department in Sydney where I was employed in 1964 but his piercing blue eyes left little doubt as to how he felt about my intended departure to take up a position in private enterprise. “It’s only the few that make it outside the security of the public service – and you haven’t got it.” 

After innumerable “knock backs” I had developed a winning technique to land my next job by giving the impression I was a very fast adapter to any new challenging work environments. Doc Manders’ view was that I must have been ‘’ loose with the truth”.

My first employer was a fledgling retail business which eventually was to blossom into a major force.   The Managing Director welcomed me at the Arncliffe headquarters. ”Well young man seeing you’ve passed those tough accountancy exams you must be smart,” admitting to me he had found it all too hard and had quit.  “So we will be counting on you!”

What they didn’t realize was my failure to mention my work experience confined to the archaic public sector single entry system would mean I would struggle to come to grips with the complexity of private enterprise. Worse still the first assignment was at the large Neutral Bay store – more than two hours round trip using the company’s manual car. My driving experience was only on wide country roads in an automatic vehicle.      

Onlookers grimaced, on that first day, as I lurched forward in a series of kangaroo hops as the ever faithful Holden groaned in agony. Travelling across the Sydney Harbor Bridge sweaty palms made it difficult to stay in the correct lane. Sudden corrections were negotiated in response to the angry howl of horns around me.  On arrival I resembled the smelly Dick Tracey comic strip character ‘B O PLENTY’. Furthermore a black mark was registered against me when the company car repair bill came in - it eclipsed all previous records for brake, clutch and gearbox repairs. Rumor had it; the quiet young accountant was a hoon.           

Inevitably I did struggle to complete all the work scheduled and after only six month I was told I would have to be let go. My second position with a spare parts wholesaler wasn’t much different – except it lasted longer and I had enough sense to leave before I was asked.

 By that time any semblance of confidence had dissipated and at the same time I now needed to establish myself given my recent marriage plans. Applying for what appeared to be an ideal position in a midsized manufacturing company I was greeted by a much older but affable Chief Accountant intent on hiring his ‘’ right hand man” to ensure he was then able to move up the corporate ladder.

But during the course of the interview the futility of again attempting to take on more than I was capable of was becoming increasingly evident – flashes of guilt prompted me to ask myself why I was  wasting this man's time; particularly as he looked a little weary, if not laconic, during the course of the interview. It suddenly occurred to me Doc Manders was right after all; a less challenging position, even possibly back in the public sector was the go.  At the end of the interview he had asked if I had any further questions. So I stammered nervously, losing all pretence of outward coolness, “I think the job is totally beyond me.” 

The Chief accountant looked at me intently. What came next was totally unexpected – for rather than admonish me for wasting his time he proceeded to share with me his distaste for all of the preceding young “smart Alecks” he had interviewed that day. “How could I ever train any of them to take over from me,” he said.

Fortuitously I was the last cab off the rank and as I nodded in agreement I felt pleased that at least he wasn’t going to vent his displeasure on me for wasting his time. But then, to my surprise, a thin smile crept over his lips as if he was savoring a moment of anticipation- like a quiz master waiting a few seconds to keep everyone in suspense until the winner is declared, “Young man, you’re a breath of fresh air – someone I think I can mould into the fine young accountant you aspire to be …..”When can you start!?”     

Perhaps he was my guardian angel giving me a leg up when I needed it most; from that day on everything more or less started to make more sense according to HOYLE.

The story is of different era, unlikely to be repeated, but it taught me that honesty is the best policy. 

Arnold Oliver Byrnes

My uncle Arnold Oliver Byrnes born in Australia on 30 August 1913 passed away on 12 January 2013

Aged 99 he died just 5 days after his wife Dorothy to whom he was married an amazingly happy 79 years.

Her ashes were joined to his grave and resting place back to the flourishing seaside town of Ballina, in NSW. He had left instructions to be buried in Ballina which had happy memories to complement the Byrnes ancestral roots. My paternal grandparents were immigrants from Croydon in England who settled in Ballina which became a favorite holiday destination for my parents and me.   

At the service a wonderful evocative poem was included by granddaughter Jenna Kenney which is reproduced hare:  

My love

I sit and think about our history and life

 But you’ve gone away now my beloved wife

I replay our scenes inside my head

The laughter and love, as my tears are shed

How lucky we were for our family and friends

For all of our years together, my beautiful best friend

You smile, your laughter, all the stories you told

The dances we shared, your resilience untold

Our treasured girls, how proud we were and though

the years have passed, that gift has not blurred

The pain in my heart, my best t friend, my wife

My yesterday and today, you were my life

I will see you again, my Dorothy Byrnes

But until then and now, my heat breaks as it yearns.

  

Little did we know how quickly that would be, but we

are together now my love, just as it should be …….

Written by Jenna Kenney      

   

   

Dinosaurs in Australia

Until quite recently, finds of dinosaurs in Australia have been few and far between. The first find of an Australian dinosaur was a partial skeleton found on Cape York. Later named Agrosaurus, this small plant-eater from the Triassic period was found during an exploration of the area by HMS Fly. A large claw of a meat-eating dinosaur was found near Inverloch, Victoria around the turn of the Century and bones of a long-necked sauropod dinosaur, Rhoetosaurus, were found near Roma in Queensland in the 1930s. Other dinosaurs include a plant-eater similar to Iguanodon that was later named Muttaburrasaurus and a small armoured dinosaur named Minmi. It was not until the 1980s and 1990s that significant numbers of dinosaurs began to be excavated from Australia.  You can read more by clicking here…http://www.abc.net.au/dinosaurs/meet_the_dinos/ozdino1.htm…...

In Australia the term "megafauna" is applied to these large animals which generally have at least a 30% greater body mass compared to what might be considered their closest living relatives. More recent discoveries have found evidence these large animal species suddenly became extinct around 48,000 to 60,000 years ago. The reasons for this extinction are hotly debated but there exists a compelling hypothesis it coincided with the first arrival of humans whose use of fire and hunting caused their rapid demise.

The human factor is gaining new traction since the use of optically stimulated luminescence and uranium-thorium dating of the teeth or the remains indicates very similar climatic conditions then to what exists today. Climatic changes are very unlikely to have been the causes for their rapid extinction.

Australia today still has one of the largest rates of species extinction in the world but as a nation we are becoming much more aware and active in preserving our habitation with other species for future generations. 
It is indeed a good lesson to show just how easy it is for us - the human species to wipe out another in the space of just a few thousand years.  
  

Singing for enjoyment

  Breathing - Lie on the floor- or  stand up.  By lying down this prevents shoulder movement.  

 Place your hand on your chest – focus on breathing into your hand.

 Place your hand on your tummy with your little finger on your belly button – again focus on breathing into your hand. Breath in over 4 counts hold for 4 and out as long as you can

 Warm up your voice and sing a scale whilst you are in a comfortable position by humming- stay  in a range in which you feel comfortable.  

 Remember to keep the cheeks, tongue and jaw relaxed.

 Rest the tongue at the back of the teeth and keep it flat but relaxed.   

 If your are producing your tone correctly you will feel vibrations  in the roof of your mouth, your nose, nasal cavitiives, lips and cheeks.

Keep the lips, tongue and jaw relaxed.   

 Remember you need more air for low notes and less air  for high ones.   

 Resonate  vocal chords & pallet up.  Smile- Face  &  jaw relaxed with throat open- about to make a yawn/ “or”.     

 Sing  = La hullya. hullya , hullya , hullya 

 Do it slowly – feel your throat is open

 Relax  muscles for more  air as you go lower.        

 Singing all on the one note start  with  oo ah: 

 My mother makes me munch my mini m & m’s on a Monday morning –ooo - ah

 My mother makes me munch my mini m & m’s on a Monday morning –ooo - ah

 My mother makes me munch my mini m & m’s on a Monday morning –

  Conclusion-

 Develop  supportive breathing habits from the outset – practice and gain more enjoyment with better health from now on – whether singing or speaking !!

If you feeling jaded or the voice is tired – sing a few La  hullya ’s   – you will be surprised how it will lift your voice and your spirits.

 Practice flexibility – try another one – Nina dear I need you near, nina dear  I need you near . !!

 Nina dear I need you near, nina dear  I need you near . !!- enjoy !! 

 Singing, using a good technique  will  not only add to enjoyment but enhance  our overall wellbeing

A Catholic / Christian view of rampant consumerism.

Firstly it is helpful to posit a definition of rampant consumerism which means an unchecked or an unrestrained attitude to consumption resulting in an excessive attachment to possessions or alternatively what might be charertised as conspicuous consumption.         

Modernity’s  shift to "consumerism” is a phenomena of improved industrialization, manufacturing, transportation and communication as globally produced goods and services offer cheaper prices with more choices to those who have the means and desire. The Christian viewpoint shows a wide disparity in opinion with the extremes of religious fundamentalism link salvation to increased material wealth whilst our Catholic emphasis is on social justice and having regard to those most vulnerable within any community.

Whilst ‘consumerism” is a modern phenomenon the underlying human condition to gravitate to materialism seems unchanged - given the opportunity a desire arises to accumulate material wealth. As the bible says “There is nothing new under the sun” – we still wear the same clothes only trying out new fashions or garments made from different materials. Turning back to the pages of the Old Testament one reads the story of Solomon who was both wise and ruled as king during a period of unrivalled prosperity. Solomon was successful on a number of fronts- as a great trader and one who secured from King Hiram of Phoenicia the raw materials for the mgnificent temple. But towards the end of his reign he succumbed to the great trappings of immense wealth and worshipped idols.   

The point to all of this is that all of us, even those with the Wisdom of Solomon, may not be immune to an excessive desire for material goods. It also serves as a sobering reminder that what we may regard as basic human material needs can be the equivalent of rampant consumerism to a struggling African family or even those homeless within our shores. This is not so much a question of trying to make people feel guilty – rather that people come first and money second and one determines what one can reasonably share after first providing adequately for ourselves and family.  

This applies to nations just as it does to individuals and the amount we are willing to pledges in aid. Going against the trend it is remarkable that a tiny country such as Ireland recently upped its aid to other countries both as a percentage of GDP and in the quantum during a period of economic hardship.    

Although you cannot effectively legislate morality or orchestrate more even social outcomes you can have regulations to ensure free markets operate in a regulatory environment which specify basic human rights. We can   make provision for safety nets and ensure ethical principles or codes are operational for both corporations and citizens alike.                       

The irony is once  nations become industrialized, more equal societies almost always do much better in terms of health, well-being and social cohesion and that it is the large income inequalities which have the capacity to destroy the social fabric and the quality of life for everyone. Much of this inequality is driven by rampant consumerism which creates a need to have more and be rewarded with more as end unto itself which can lead to treating people like goods.

The trouble with having too many possessions is that eventually they may own you