RIP- James Avery

Posted by Bruce - in arts and entertainment, Blog - No Comments

James Avery

Rest in peace James Avery who played the “Honorable Phillip Banks” on the show “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”.  Mr. Banks character on this show added many tears and laughter to our family and helped showcase the wonderful talents of individuals such as Will Smith.   He also had movie credits in films such as  “Fletch,” “The Prince of Egypt” and “8 Million Ways to Die.”  Mr.  Banks died from complications after open heart surgery. May G-D grant his family peace during this difficult time knowing that he is in a better place and the joy he was able to bring to millions during his short time with us.

The Future- A world created for you.

Posted by Bruce - in Blog, Philosophy, technology - No Comments

back to the future

The future leads to you.  I believe that a company will have the foresight to have you fill out a very specific survey to insure that everything you watch and listen to is specifically geared to your interest. This survey will enable advertisers to market specific products just to you because of the interest you’ve shown. If you love skiing you will see advertisements for travel to ski resorts, ski equipment etc. It will get so specific that advertisers will be able to determine what types of equipment you utilize and insure that you know about the latest “innovation” to that equipment.  The world will be extremely segmented so that those who love or hate something will only have to watch those shows or listen to music that agrees with their perspective.  This will allow economies to grow but could segment and split our population like never before.

Don’t tell my Rabbi …. or Imam

Posted by Bruce - in Blog, Faith, Philosophy - No Comments

JEWISH CHRISTMAS

When one group ignores the celebration of another group it creates resentment and suspicion. I understand that there are strong differences between various people based on our cultural and religious views but I also belief that we can celebrate the “common parts” of a holiday without feeling that we have converted to another’s faith.  We also can understand each other better when we fully understand the beauty of their special occasions.  Here are a few ways we can all enjoy each others holidays.

(1) Christmas- My Christian brothers celebrate the birth of Jesus as the Messiah yet we who aren’t Christian see it a bit different. I believe though we  all can celebrate the birth of a child. A child who’s life has brought much hope and happiness to billions.

(2) Passover- We belief that G-D truly freed our people from bondage in Egypt. Yet those of various faith can join in the happiness that a people are set free to practice their faith the way they deem correct

(3) New Years Eve- Many traditional people of the Jewish faith may not observe this holiday because our “New Year” is celebrated during  Rosh Hashanah season. I believe though that  we can all  still celebrate another day of living whether it’s the official day or not.  It’s great that we got here and G-D willing are healthy and happy for another day.

(4) Ramadan- Is a month where individuals from the Muslim faith will fast from morning to evening to show their commitment to the faith.  We who aren’t affiliated with the faith may not understand the sacrifice but should respect it and not eat in front of those observing. We should also join in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr where our friends end their fast.

Invitee Vs Inviter

Posted by Bruce - in Blog, Philosophy - No Comments

welcome to party

Throughout my life I have been the “inviter” the person who invites others to join them on special occasions (ex Superbowl Party, New Years Eve Party etc) but before anyone sheds any tears for me there are some advantages (see below).  I understand from my mother that others should reciprocate but I can’t wait on an invitation to have a good time. When it’s time to party, it’s time to party and I love to party with friends and family.

1)  As an inviter you get to decide what is served and although you might make many dishes for your invited guests there are some dishes that are just for you.

2)  All left-overs stay in your house for the next party if it’s just around the corner or for the dog if they aren’t that great.

3) Inviters have to worry what time to come and what time to leave while invitees get to decide what time they should come, leaving is a bit harder.

4) The music and entertainment for the party is basically decided by you with strong influences by those that attend.

5) You get to keep any dishes that are brought by guests and/or jackets left behind (well at least for the next day).

6) Inviters get to show their new home items to friends and family or the mess they have in the house.

(7) Clean up is always fun… (sorry benefits of invitee)

(8) Finally you don’t have to travel to the party and so far there aren’t any laws against drunken walking in your house.

P.S. Who left the whole in my wall?