A new monk arrived at the monastery. He was assigned to help the other monks in copying the old texts by hand. He noticed, however, that they [...]]]> I’ve often stated how important it is to understand the origins of traditions and other habitual things. Understanding the origin can really help in alleviating unnecessary suffering:

A new monk arrived at the monastery. He was assigned to help the other monks in copying the old texts by hand. He noticed, however, that they were copying copies, not the original books. The new monk went to the head monk to ask him about this. He pointed out that if there were an error in the first copy, that error would be continued in all of the other copies.

The head monk said, ‘We have been copying from the copies for centuries, but you make a good point, my son.’ The head monk went down into the cellar with one of the copies to check it against the original.

Hours later, nobody had seen him, so one of the monks went downstairs to look for him. He heard a sobbing coming from the back of the cellar and found the old monk leaning over one of the original books, crying.

He asked what was wrong.

‘The word is ‘celebrate,’ not ‘celibate’!’ sobbed the head monk.

The Monster Rocks

And [...]]]> I met Kris Rudarmel and her husband, Frank, last year at one of Mark Maxon’s three-day seminars. Since then I’ve had the pleasure of meeting with them on several occasions. Frank and Kris run the Anchor Restoration service that I feature in our “Where We…” section under Carpet Cleaning Restoration. They’re great people!

And then last night, I had the opportunity again to visit with them and found out that Kris also makes handmade soaps! Cool! Her website is SoapCreationsbyKris.com.

Her soaps help:

• cleanse the body
• lift the spirit
• nurture the soul.

And she has “A Little inspiration tucked inside every bar”.

Check it out!

If you need earplugs for whatever reason: snoring, swimming, or whatever noisy environment you may be in, these are the best earplugs you’ll find. They are made [...]]]> I found these earplugs online at earplugsonline.com, bought some and I agree with the manufacturer that they are “the highest blocking moldable ear plug in the world”.

If you need earplugs for whatever reason: snoring, swimming, or whatever noisy environment you may be in, these are the best earplugs you’ll find. They are made with beeswax, lanolin and cotton and are very easy to use. When used as directed, they block 34 decibals. For comparison, the “over the ear” ear protectors that I own block 30 decibals, and they are much bulkier.

Page 25 of the Summer 2010 Edition of discgolfer magazine

Yes, they spelled his name wrong, but I wouldn’t want to be a magazine editor! That’s a lot of work and people yell at you [...]]]> Yes, I’m a proud Papa! Cory is in the Summer 2010 edition of discgolfer magazine on page 25:

Page 25 of the Summer 2010 Edition of discgolfer magazine

Yes, they spelled his name wrong, but I wouldn’t want to be a magazine editor! That’s a lot of work and people yell at you when you spell their name wrong!

“Sailing and life in general is dangerous. Teenagers drive cars. Does that mean teenagers shouldn’t drive a car?” Laurence Sunderland told the AP. “I think [...]]]> Abby Sunderland’s father, Laurence Sunderland had a great response to the criticism that it was far too dangerous to allow a 16-year-old to sail around the world by herself:

“Sailing and life in general is dangerous. Teenagers drive cars. Does that mean teenagers shouldn’t drive a car?” Laurence Sunderland told the AP. “I think people who hold that opinion have lost their zeal for life. They’re living in a cotton-wool tunnel to make everything safe.”

Read the AP article

Anderson Window Well Covers. The covers were custom built to fit perfectly. And they did a great job at a great price! Thanks! Now Eli won’t be able to fall down in the window wells!