I went shopping yesterday, a normal exercise for me and anyone else who enjoys eating on a semi-regular basis. Today the bakery next to the local supermarket was baking Swedish coffee bread and the scent hit me with extraordinary force. Suddenly I was nearly incapacitated with sadness, to the point where I [...]

Posted on January 28th, 2003 by Zsallia
Filed under: The Past | Comments Off

A Mr. Green has written that the poor performance of France in the current unpleasantness stirring up the Middle East is largely a creation of American largess beginning with World War II. I have to admit that I never looked at it in this light; however, on reflection I find the idea is [...]

Posted on January 24th, 2003 by Zsallia
Filed under: Philosophy | 2 Comments »

What happens after the war is a very good question. One would hope that the US government has put a great deal of thought and preparation in to the post-war reconstruction of Iraq’s infrastructure and social support systems, but the current situation in Afghanistan does leave ample room for doubt. Afghanistan is [...]

Posted on January 19th, 2003 by Zsallia
Filed under: Politics | 2 Comments »

Life is referred to as a “vale of tears” for a reason. Even in these times I often find myself standing awestruck as I witness humanity’s ability and willingness to persevere as daily life metes out one disappointment after another. Certainly for some these are minor matters- a promotion denied, an opportunity [...]

Posted on January 16th, 2003 by Zsallia
Filed under: Immortality, Philosophy, The Past | 3 Comments »

What is the tipping point for war? When does a build up towards hostilities morph in to an “inevitable” conflict? I noted earlier that no war is unavoidable until it begins; however, one has to be careful how one defines war. Another writer recently wrote of the broader definition of war that [...]

Posted on January 15th, 2003 by Zsallia
Filed under: Politics, The Present | 3 Comments »