Today, the world is completely upside down, but not for the first time . Remember the Islamic invasion of Spain, the Russian invasion of Hungary or choose your geo-political event, each of which  is simply a repeat of history. We must note that our government requires a historian to advise each President and Congressional leader. If we had had that in 2003, we most likely would not be in the Mddle East pickle of today And, we would be clear on th Ukrane matter going forward. And furthermore, we need only go back to our involvement in Vietnam to know that we are perilously close to the slippery slope that could return us to the barbaric rule of I
Sis (.whoever that really is! But why do we not simply nuke the bastards? They've earned it and I urge our country to pay them their due!

Gravitas: an interesting word that is given many definitions but the one I like is " weight of importance through time" I like that because several unrelated people attributed it me and if that won't make you chuckle just a bit, you've not thought about it! I admit, I do like being thought of, even if not as I might. It just feels good to know your time has left an impression, I.e. I've at least I've been here, and I can prove it -:) to those who've not had the pleasure, listen to a country & western song and you can find me right there, in the final bar or two of most songs or for that matter, most performances. As my life filters through time, I hope that I've met my obligation to honestly respect your world! Aloha Nui loa to those close to me.
Kawika

Where have all the Progressives gone? We got old and, when the Wimp, Barak Obama traded his values for position and wealth, we lost all hope. The moral high ground was lost with promises to cure George W. bushes ills were dropped on the day of Obama's first inauguration. He failed to cure the cultural decay imposed by 30 years of Republican conversion to 1898. At 70, I expect to have a comfortable remaining life, but only because I worked my ass of since age 12! I see little wrong with the current generation(s) other than their blind faith in the notion that "government" is the problem. Just as Regan destroyed the Nation's best education system in the U.S., he also ruined the moral upper hand that was once America's by his actions in the Middle East, Central America . And of course, Regan's recent predecessor, Richard Nixon who was an out-n-out criminal and then what happened? The Supreme Court appointed the next President even though his opponent won the popular vote. So, a Republican Supreme Court and two totally immoral fRepublucan presidents put us here, on the long slide to  Oblivion.  It's too late to worry now. As a nation, we have accepted this decline from greatness so we have but ourselves to blame!
Aloha and good luck to all!

I'm still here! This has simply been an incredible summer! The Seattle weather has never been finer business has been good and while society seems to continually slip further , but, I can't concern myself with matters that I will never affect, so on I go. Next step, find someone to take me crabbing, seeking the ever elusive Puget Sound due genesis crab - oh boy!

Do you ever wonder whether you are really here at any given time? Today, my brain has been lost in a whirlpool of wonder, trying to sort out reality from the cloudy confusion of weather I am actually on my immediate way to another, hopefully more easily understood vortex. It is today, the most disconcerting trip through my mind. I am not a drug user and have been sober, non-drinking person so I am fully confused, a state that I  don't believe I have ever experienced. Indeed, this is so otherworldly, leaving me feeling empty /dumbfounded . Also, I have an overwhelmingly feeling of need for clarity. With that, I have to say Help, but also that I am so sorry about this confused departure point. And finally, please note that I wish the best for everyone.
Aloha.

Another beautiful day but my daughter's father-in-law's life is waning. We pride ourselves in having family even as so many have passed. Losing another is very tough and we wish Gary and his beautiful wife Judy all the best. They are great people who deserve simply the very best. It is hitting my wife very hard because of her fear of death; a matter that is not far off for either of us but I see it much differently than my wife. Having approached it twice and having fully prepared for it, I guess that I am simply lucky! Those days remaining are of course mine alone. I wish though that I had the ability to make my wife's remaining time less stressfull! I think that I have plenty of time to help my wife get through the autumn of her life so I simply don't want to think about it today but let me say: I wish Judy (son-in-laws) mother) mother all the best!
Aloha

War, Business, politics, it's all hardball, played with rules that are ignored at will and almost never punished. These are human activities that totally ignore my personal values of honesty, respect and the application of humanity in all situations. These are also the issues that are making America follow the World to the bottom! What a race; let's see who can be the worst. Isn't that fun! To those who will suffer the consequences of this ugliness, people like my children, their peers and others likely to still be here in twenty or so years when the full impact of today's failures, please become enlightened and try to save your world for yourselves.
Aloha