GIFTS FOR GOLF OUTINGS

As mentioned in my post “Playing Golf with Koreans” it is not unusual for friends to bring and share gifts, drinks, and snacks at a golf outing. Every child knows that getting gifts is wonderful. Nearly every culture recognizes giving gifts as an important aspect of developing and maintaining positive relationships. Let’s save the analysis and discussion of commercialism and capitalism for a different post. Go read about the five “love languages” if you instinctually Read more…

Playing Golf with Koreans

OKAY! You’ve been invited to play golf with some Koreans! Playing Golf with Koreans can involve particular customs and procedures, and I am here to help! Playing golf in Korea is a somewhat different topic to be covered in another post. Koreans pride themselves on their individual uniqueness, self-determination, accomplishments, and you should complement your hosts when you get a chance on their distinctive and remarkable magnificence! Kkkk. But seriously, with one of the most Read more…

Papa’s The Old Man and the Sea: A Tale Worth Reading Thrice

Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea is a literary masterpiece that transcends time and cultural boundaries. The first time I read it, I was in high school, and I didn’t think it was a masterpiece. The plot and its protagonist, Santiago. At a surface level, the short 100-page novella tells the tale of an old Cuban fisherman who battles a giant marlin in the Gulf Stream. The old man is stubborn and his Read more…

SECRETS TO A PERFECT STEAK ON A GAS GRILL

When I was in high school I thought I was the KING of outdoor cookouts because I would mix Lipton’s Onion Soup Mix into ground beef, throw those thick patties on a gas grill, and WOW! Those juicy burgers were so flavorful they literally made my friends cry! I was so proud of my grilling, I actually put “BBQ” on my RESUME! True story. I was interviewing at a prestigious firm, and when asked about Read more…

The Four Loves

C.S. Lewis, in his book The Four Loves, explored the nature of love by categorizing it into four distinct types, drawing from both classical Greek terminology and Christian theology. His exploration was rooted in his understanding of human relationships and divine love. Storge (Affection) This is the most basic and widely diffused form of love. It is the affection found within families, often seen between parents and children or among close friends who share a Read more…

Willing the Good of the Other

Bishop Robert Barron’s explanation of love, deeply rooted in Christian theology, particularly draws from the works of St. Thomas Aquinas and the teachings of the Catholic Church. Barron articulates that love is fundamentally an act of the will rather than merely an emotional response. According to Barron, this love involves “willing the good of the other, as other” which means actively choosing to seek and promote the well-being of others, regardless of personal feelings or Read more…

BLUE ZONES – can we learn to live longer and healthier lives?

The Blue Zones refer to regions where people enjoy longer and healthier lives, often surpassing the global average lifespan. These regions include Sardinia (Italy), Okinawa (Japan), Loma Linda (California, USA), Ikaria (Greece), and Nicoya (Costa Rica). Current assumptions or conclusions as to why these people live longer are encapsulated in the “Power 9” principles: Natural Movement Engaging in regular, non-strenuous physical activities like walking, gardening, and household chores. This principle emphasizes the importance of incorporating Read more…

LOVE from 30,000 feet?

Christianity In Christianity, love is a fundamental concept described in the New Testament. The highest form of love, agape, is seen as unconditional and selfless, akin to the love God has for humanity. This divine love is reflected in Jesus’ teachings, such as the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” and to “love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). Christian love emphasizes patience, kindness, and selflessness, aspiring to mirror God’s love in human relationships​ (Wikipedia)​​ (Pepperdine Read more…

Can You Buy Happiness?

The standard line we’ve all heard by now is that money can’t buy happiness. But we all inherently understand that not having money can bring suffering. Using wealth to seek happiness involves accumulating money, then making intentional choices that enhance life satisfaction and well-being with that money. By thoughtfully allocating your resources to areas that enrich your life and the lives of others, you can use wealth as a tool for enhancing happiness rather than Read more…

FASTING and TYPE2 DIABETES

In the 90’s in addition to the terrible advice regarding “heart-healthy” processed foods, vegetable oils, low-fat and non-fat products loaded with artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives – there was a train of thought instructing us to eat 6-8 small meals throughout the day… to “keep up our metabolism” but more likely to get us to buy more processed meals and snacks. The dangers of eating all the time are now well documented (e.g., insulin resistance, Read more…