Governmentum - New Element Discovered

The Heaviest Element Yet Known to Science: (Gv)


Scientists have discovered the heaviest element yet known to science.
The new element, Governmentium (Gv), has one neutron, 25 assistant neutrons, 88 deputy neutrons, and 198 assistant deputy neutrons, giving it an atomic mass of 312.

These 312 particles are held together by forces called morons, which are surrounded by vast quantities of lepton-like particles called peons..

Since Governmentium has no electrons, it is inert; however, it can be detected, because it impedes every reaction with which it comes into contact. A tiny amount of Governmentium can cause a reaction that would normally take less than a second and from 4 days to 4 years to complete.

Governmentium has a normal half-life of 2- 6 years. It does not decay, but instead undergoes a reorganization in which a portion of the assistant neutrons and deputy neutrons exchange places.
In fact, Governmentium's mass will actually increase over time, since each reorganization will cause more morons to become neutrons, forming isodopes.

This characteristic of morons promotion leads some scientists to believe that Governmentium is formed whenever morons reach a critical concentration. This hypothetical quantity is referred to as critical morass.

When catalyzed with money, Governmentium becomes Administratium, an element that radiates just as much energy as Governmentium since it has half as many peons but twice as many morons.

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My thanks to Priti Quinn for this contribution.

New Year Prayer

May this coming year fill your body with good health, coffers with much wealth, your heart with great joy and your mind simply with peace.

Gurvinder

Escape from freedom.

Humans constantly seek predictability. The stress caused by lack of certainty can be unbearable.

Take the case of air traffic controllers. These folks who pore intently over computer screens directing air traffic. They suffer from extremely high levels of stress and often take ill because of stress. The stress is caused not so much by the work but from being responsible for many lives and huge resources. Aircraft moving at high speed, the high possibility of aircraft colliding depending only on technology, common sense and training of humans.

Too much predictability and humans get bored, too much variety and uncertainty can exhaust us. We need the right balance to stay excited and satiated.
However excitement is an addiction. Like all addictions we need increasing doses to get the same high. This explains why we pay good money for stuff like adventure rides to people to spook us. Paying money to be frightened.

Rulers, governments, bureaucrats, organisations and the movers and shakers understand this aspect well, and none more than the priests belonging to all faiths. All of them amplify uncertainty and present answers and a predictable future, as means to assuage the masses and keep them on the straight and narrow path , to God only knows where.

Using Religion, morality, patriotism, social norms uniforms etc, they manipulate and manage the masses.
Most humans have an inkling that they are being toyed with but do not see any other option but to follow the so called 'leaders'.

Due to dramatic and constantly increasing influence of, technology and mismanagement by leaders, life looks increasingly uncertain with each passing day. Couple this with rapidly declining moral values and life looks dangerous. People feel trapped and helpless. We want to break free.

Ask most people what they want most and they will say they want to be free. If you ask them what do they mean by being free, you will be surprised with the answers. Most people only want to escape their present situation, but they have no idea what to do with that freedom.

Voltaire the great French writer and philosopher remarked "It is not enough to be free, it is more important to know what to do with one's freedom."

Freedom has two aspects, 'freedom from' and 'freedom to'. We often seek to be free of people, situations and problems, but lacking true thinking and self understanding we attach ourselves to a new set of beliefs imposed on us by society, family, friends, priests the government and the media. Only to wake up alarmingly one day that we are in the same situation but in a new environment. We then seek freedom from the new set of beliefs and situation.

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free". ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe


We painstakingly extract ourselves from one situation to mire ourselves in a new set of problems because we do not think. Thinking is a rare thing. I am not talking of animalistic thinking needed for survival, but the search for meaning in our existence, and ourselves. However it is only possible to think effectively when the mind is stilled and free from disturbances.

In today's world we are operating at high excitement and stress levels. Even catching the bus or the flight, getting to work or the children to school is now become an exhausting grind. There is no time to be alone with oneself and to come to terms with the inner person within us.

Most of us are rational human beings, yet we continue to escape from freedom and into bondage. Why?

Man is a social creature. If his economic, social and political condition do not provide him a sense of individuality while simultaneously depriving him of ties that provide him security then freedom becomes unbearable and creates powerful doubts. This situation gives rise to a powerful urge to seek submission by man to the world in some manner which promises relief from uncertainty and thus deprives the individual of his freedom.

The world as we now know it is extremely uncertain. Enveloped by turbulence born of hatred and greed we grasp at straws so as not to be overwhelmed by confusion and uncertainty

Let us teach our children that excitement is not joy, it is good to be bored so that we are able to find time to contemplate and better understand ourselves and our world. That more is not always better. To respect oneself and other human beings and all creatures with whom we share this planet. Life is not for consuming ourselves like a candle burning at both ends.

To live and work as an individual in harmony with the world not under compulsion but as an individual making independent choices. To do all this so as to be truly free. If we do this successfully, then we would make the world a better place for ourselves and our children.

Love it, then Live it.

My friend Vasant has been writing poetry for a long time. When we read his poems, both my wife Mohini and I were moved to tears. Such beautiful thoughts and expression that touched our hearts.

When we asked him why he had not shown us this aspect of his character for so long, he sheepishly replied; "I was afraid that it was not good enough to show others." Now he has tested the waters and as his poetry and writings are being published, I remembered the story of Emperor Akbar and the great poet and vocalist of Akbar's court Miyan Tansen.
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The Mughal ruler Akbar (1542 -1605), despite his illiteracy, valued great minds and souls. He surrounded himself with artists, intellectuals and creative minds.
Of the numerous courtiers nine were valued above all else. Known as 'Navratnas' (the nine gems) they were;

1. Abul Fazl, the poet and chronicler
2. Faizi, the poet and religious scholar.
3. Raja Birbal, the brilliant and intelligent advisor, poet and court jester
4. Raja Todar Mal, Akbar’s finance minister
5. Raja Man Singh, the trusted general in Akbar's army
6. Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana, a poet and astrologer
7. Fakir Aziao-Din, the mystic, and advisor to Akbar
8. Mullah Do Piaza, the intelligent advisor
9. Miyan Tansen, the musician, vocalist and poet

The emperor so loved to hear Tansen sing.
One day Akbar asked Tansen, "You are a magnificent singer, who is your teacher? Who could be this great person to instill such passion and sweetness to your voice? How great must be your teacher to have a student like you?"
I want to meet your teacher, fetch him and bring him to me. I wish to meet your teacher" demanded Akbar.

Tansen said "My Guru ji (teacher) is Swami Haridas ji, he dwells deep in the forest and lives all by himself". "He will not leave the forest and he obeys no one except Almighty God. I am afraid to say, but not even you, your majesty"

Akbar grew angry "I will have him beheaded if he refuses to come before me"
Tansen replied "He is a man of God and he fears nothing not even death. None can force Swamiji to do anything, if your majesty wishes to see him then your Majesty will have to go to him"

Akbar was fascinated. He felt compelled to go and meet Swami Haridas, Tansen's teacher. Akbar ordered his royal retinue to make ready for the march to the forest.
Tansen hurriedly intervened. "Your majesty, if my Guru ji sees you coming with arrogance he will definitely not meet you." He continued "We must go alone and meet him early in the morning at the ambrosial time (about 4 am).

Akbar was curious beyond belief. He agreed to all of Tansens's suggestions.
Very early the following morning they left the palace for the forest. Leaving the guards at the forest edge they rode on alone.
A distance from a large clearing near the river, they dismounted and crept up slowly and waited a small distance from where they could spy and eavesdrop on a small hut.

In a short while they heard the most fantastic and melodious songs. The Swami ji had arisen and started his bathing and recitation of his prayers. He sang hymns with such divine devotion that Akbar was captivated.

After a few enthralling hours the hermit felt silent having begun his meditation. The couple reluctantly crept away and rode back home.

On his return the emperor summoned Tansen and said " You are marvellous, but tell me, when you are your Guru ji's student, why can your voice not evoke the same feeling within me?"

Tansen bowed his head and said " Your majesty, I sing for your pleasure. I seek rewards and gifts from you. My song and poems are corrupted by the need for your appreciation.” “My teacher seeks no gain. He is filled with emotion which he expresses in his singing for his own pleasure and the praise of God".
Tansen concluded “ His song is rich because it is true and a reflection of the overflowing love and joy he feels.”

The emperor understood and he felt humbled. He gifted Tansen handsomely for a valuable lesson.

The lesson;
The stream gurgles musically. The birds sing and chirp melodiously because they are happy. The wind wafts and whistles through the forest without hesitation. They all do this without care of who will listen and who will appreciate them. They sing because it is their nature and they are happy. They are the way God has made them.

We human beings can also be happy if we choose to be.
However we often sacrifice our happiness by constantly seeking approval from others for our actions and even our thoughts.
If our actions do not harm others and make us happy we should pursue them.
Sing because we are happy, play because we want to, write poetry and blogs because they allow us to reach into the depths of our intellect and soul.

Nothing can cure the soul but the senses, just as nothing can cure the senses but the soul…
As the new year dawns, I wish you all good health, happiness and success.
May you be able to pursue your heart's desire without fear or shame

Howard Hughes - The poor billionaire.

TWA (Trans World Airlines) and Hughes Aircraft Company were two of the numerous companies that legendary multi billionaire Howard Hughes owned and built up into great organisations. An intelligent, hardworking and a result oriented person, Hughes ran a complex business empire achieving both personal and professional fame in numerous fields. He made significant industrial and aircraft innovations and broke several aviation speed records.

Howard Hughes an American aviator, engineer, industrialist, film producer and director, philanthropist, died in April 1976 under mysterious circumstances leaving behind an estate worth US$ 2.5 Billion, making him one of the richest men in the world at that time.

Hughes lived and worked in a manner and for results that challenged and pleased him. Brilliant and creative he was anything but conventional. His so called ‘eccentricity’ is evident in the manner he responded when awarded with the United States Congressional gold medal for his outstanding contribution to the advancement of aircraft technology. Hughes never even bothered to travel to Washington to collect the medal. Finally it was mailed to him by President Truman six months later.

Creative and brilliant people by nature are different. If one is wealthy, powerful or both this abnormal behaviour is tolerated and often even admired. After all the distance between genius and insanity is often measured by success.

Like all brilliant people Hughes loved to spend time alone, contemplating solutions to challenges he set himself. He shunned interruptions by visitors, telephone calls etc. Months would go by without even a glimpse of him by the outside world. Hughes let his aides handle all matters on his behalf. After a while the media which is more interested in entertainment than the pursuit of truth, lost most of its interest in Howard Hughes classifying him as a recluse.

By his 50th birthday Hughes empire had expanded considerably yet Hughes the individual was completely out of the public eye. To the world at large it appeared this was the lifestyle that Hughes himself had chosen, but in fact his aides took over his life completely. It is believed that Hughes was drugged and forcibly isolated from the world and made a prisoner in his own home. Issuing instructions and managing resources in his name, his aides became the de-facto owners.

To keep Hughes unsettled, homes, the environment and staff were constantly changed. It was impossible for any outsider to get a fix on what really was happening in the life of Howard Hughes. His aides had become Howard Hughes for all practical purposes. Even when he did appear in public Hughes was no more than a fragment of his former self. He appeared uneasy, confused and listless.

When brought to the hospital upon his death, Hughes appeared to be seriously ill and totally malnourished (his tall 6'4" frame weighed only 41 kgs). He had long finger and toe nails and had serious hygiene issues.

Subsequent to his death a mysterious handwritten will appeared. This will granted US$ 470 million to his aides and the remaining US$ 2 Billion to other individuals and institutions. The will was subsequently found to have been fraudulently drawn up and was dismissed. It did however show the aides in poor light.

In the ultimate, Howard Hughes was a multi billionaire only in name. He was no longer free and had to live a wretched life, imprisoned and trapped by his own aides and betrayed by the very people he chose to protect him.

This kind of situation is more common than one expects. This misfortune also befalls many rich elderly people when they become physically or mentally weak and become dependent on their aides. The caretakers isolate them and then manipulate them until they have sucked out all they can from the hapless individual before allowing them to pass on.

Most people spend a lifetime breaking their backs to create wealth and make savings so that they can live their old age with dignity and comfort and provide for their dependents.  However only fortunate people live to enjoy the fruits of their earnings or inheritance. The unlucky ones share the fate of Howard Hughes.

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Sat Sri Akal Daddy ji.

Last week my 83 year old father had a brain seizure. His brilliant brain, sort of short circuited, and he was suddenly mentally incoherent. All this caused by a condition called hypoatremia, where sodium levels in the body plummet.

As I sit by his bedside in the Intensive care unit of the hospital I listen to my father. Dad has lost touch with reality. Random communications tumble out of his mouth.

I observe that Dad is not fully conscious, yet he was struggling very systematically to undo the knots and bindings that strap his wrists to the hospital bed ( to prevent him from pulling out the various tubes and needles plunged into his frail body). I admired his persistent and combative nature fighting challenges even in his semi conscious state.

My admiration soon evaporates, and I am suddenly filled with dread and gloom. I realise that I may never be able to sit and talk about God, life, philosophy or politics and a thousand other things. We might never be able to share jokes and laugh again. I sense a strange hollowness in my being.

The hospital room is stifling and I go for a walk, I meet a couple of friends and try to pretend that everything is ok, Maybe this is just a bad dream, one from which I will wake up and learn that my anguish was caused by a trick played on me by my mind.

In the life of a family where you stay and work together, there is a lot of scope to do stupid stuff, to say and do things which we look back with regret in later years.
I and my father had our share of disagreements. I was too keen on doing things right and he was keen on getting things done asap (as soon as possible). I can't help but feel that he has been a better dad than I have been a son.

Dad and I were estranged for several years. Maybe it was a blessing that we lost everything that was material and thus eventually found our love in each other again. He hasn't changed that much but I have learnt to be a better son. I no longer wish to change him, I merely want to be with him.

Traditionally Indians have described their fathers as 'Anna Datha' the provider and hence life giver. The same term is also used for God. The one who gives and protects us. This we so readily forget.

I can recall numerous instances where our father walked those extra miles to get us whatever we desired or needed to guide and protect us, sometimes excessively. We were sometimes unreasonable and selfish, yet he never refused us anything, ever.

I remember when I was about 8 years of age and studying as a boarder in Bishops School, Pune. I can vividly recall my Dad riding one chilly morning into the school on a Lambaretta scooter with a bundle of blankets, one for each of us brothers. He had sensed that the winter was exceptionally cold and he had travelled 200 kilometers to Pune to get us extra blankets so that we would be warm.

My life is full of many kind acts of my parents and I am sure there in everyone’s life. The tragedy is, we seem to have a selective memory of remembering clearly the few unpleasant things they may have said or done while remaining blank on all the wonderful things and the sacrifices they have made for us.

It is difficult to understand human behaviour. Maybe it is best to stop rationalising and start feeling. I now know that feelings of love and gratitude humble us, and make us better people.

I feel blessed that I can look after my aging parents and my widowed aunt. Not to be their feeder and caretaker but to be their companion. This is always easier when you have a compassionate and supportive spouse.

All those who are born must leave us someday. Between the borning and the departing is but a short spell. Let us not waste it on collecting things at the price of losing family and friends.

I have nowhere to go and nothing to do. I want to just bask in the love and blessings of my parents. A service only lucky children are privileged to get.

I pray that my dad gets well soon and we can have a little more time together, doing nothing more than enjoying the passage of time.

I remember my Uncle Manohar Singh ji with whom I stayed for many years and who looked after my Grandmother with great devotion and love, once remarked; "The elderly need so little , but they need that little, so much".

Paradox of our times ..

      Image by Ben Heine

We have bigger houses but fewer residents,

More conveniences, but less time.

We have more degrees, but less common sense.

More knowledge, but less judgement.

We have more experts but also more problems.

More medicines, but less wellness.

We spend too recklessly;

laugh too little,

drive too fast,

get angry too quickly,

stay up too late,

read too little

watch TV too much,

meditate and pray too seldom!

We have multiplied our possessions,

but reduced our values.

We argue too much,

love too little,

lie too often.

We have learnt to make a living, but not a life.

We've added years to life, not life to years.

We have taller buildings,

and shorter tempers.

Wider roads but narrower viewpoints.

We spend more but we have less,

We buy more, but enjoy it less.

We've been all the way to the moon and back, but we have difficulty in saying hello, smiling, or reaching out to shake a hand.

we have conquered outer space, but not inner space.

We have split the atom, but not our prejudices.

We write more, learn less, plan more but accomplish less.

We've learned to rush but not to wait.

We have higher incomes but lower morals.

We build more computers, to hold more data, to spread more information, make more copies, yet we have less communication.

We are long on quantity, and short on quality.

These are the times for fast foods and slow digestions;

Tall men and short characters.

More leisure and less fun;

More kinds of foods, but less nutrition.

Two incomes, but more divorces.

Fancier houses, but broken homes.

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That is why I propose; 

that as of today, you do not keep anything for special occasions because every day you live it's a special occasion.

Enjoy the passage of time, be one with creation

Read and discuss more,

Seek wisdom along with your search for knowledge, 

Admire the view.

Spend time with your family and friends.

Eat your favourite foods, and visit the places you love.

Life is a chain of enjoyments, not merely about surviving.

Use your crystal goblet, and don't save your favourite perfume, use them when you feel like it.

Remove from your vocabulary words like "one of these days" or "someday".

Write the letter you've thought about writing.

Tell your friends and family, how much you love them.

Don't delay anything that brings joy and happiness into your life.

Every day, every hour, every minute is special.

You never know if it will be your last.

Last but not the least

Never forget Him, that made this wonder called life possible.

My Thanks to Mr. Ephrem Augustus for this contribution