“Why? ….because it’s a tradition!” – Fiddler on the Roof

The area I’m going to touch on might get me burned at the stake in some circles.  The idea of following a “tradition” because it makes you feel good to do so is fine.  Keeping the tradition “with a vengeance” I have to question.

My first example is one I feel pretty comfortable with since I was raised Jewish, it is the act of keeping Kosher.  There is a long list of requirements for maintaining this tradition, but I’m going to begin with the bold headers that most people know.

1. Mixing meat and dairy:  This made a lot of sense once…when your bowls and plates were made of wood.  Wood is a very porous material and it absorbs some of the enzymes from food.  Putting a piece of meat down where you had milk yesterday could make you pretty sick.  So it was a very intelligent idea to keep sets of dishes separate for meat and dairy. 

Many Jewish families will still keep extra sets of dishes for meat and dairy.  Some extremists will go as far as to have separate shelves in their refrigerator, or if they have the money two different refrigerators (I wonder where the commandment for that is in the Torah).  I have met people who will get violently mad at you if you transgress this tradition (i.e. Use the wrong bowl for something).

Today’s cookware is ceramic, china, glass or similar (not porous).  We have anti-bacterial soap, and running hot water. 

2. Shellfish and Pork– Once upon a time there was a good chance you could get violently ill or die from eating these foods.  With modern methods of cooking and preparation, these are not a concern anymore. 

Following these rules simply “because it’s a tradition” is more an attempt for some folks to feel superior, that THEY follow the commandments of god and will be rewarded…unlike the rest of us “heathens.” 

If you think I’m wrong about this, or running off on some wild tangent, consider these factors.

1. If you were REALLY following all of gods commandments from the Torah, you’d be adding animal sacrifices (in some cases burning them) and smearing lambs blood on your doorposts for Passover.

2. When I had my first television it had rabbit ear antennae.  I used to have to adjust them for proper viewing.  It made sense and it worked.  Akin to “wooden bowls” of technology, I now have cable (ceramic).  Do I still plop a set of ‘ears” on my TV and adjust them?  Of course not; I don’t need them.  I don’t need two sets of dishes either.

You might argue that following these traditions makes you feel closer to god.  These folks also burn perfectly good food at Passover (food that is not Kosher for Passover).  Wouldn't God be happier if you gave the food to a hungry or homeless person?  Isn't that more spiritual?

There is no harm in keeping these practices, and I firmly believe that, as long as you don't hurt anyone else, What you do is your business, just don't look down on the rest of us for not doing it.

Aliens and UFOs

“The universe is big…I mean really big!  You may think it’s a long way down the street to the chemist, but that’s just peanuts to space!” – Douglas Addams

There is so much to day on this topic. 

To begin, most people recognize that with the universe being the size it is, the idea that we are “alone” is pretty absurd.  Most people also believe that intelligent alien life exists and that this planet has been visited by extra-terrestrials. 

In a Reuter’s news article from 2-3 years ago, a hacker in the UK was exposed.  This hacker’s sole reason for hacking was an attempt to gain information from US defense and space agencies surrounding the existence of extra-terrestrial life.  When asked whether or not he now believed that extra-terrestrial life existed, he responded with a firm, "ALIENS DO EXIST."

So this raises two practical questions:

1. What would it take to make the general public accept that extra terrestrial life exists and has visited this planet?

2. What impact would that have on the planet if it were revealed?  Panic?  Religious fervor? 

To the first question, who would need to make the announcement?  CNN?  ABC?  There have been many documentaries bringing to light evidence and testimony from reliable sources, but most seem to pull their punches in the end, not wanting to add their reputation to the credibility of their witnesses. 

To the next question, what impact would it have on the planet?  The economy?  Would it bring universal peace or panic?  Some believe we are being prepared by television and popular science fiction is laced with concepts and ideas that would prepare us to accept these beings.  While many Star Trek fans would argue that they have been ready for this information since the 60’s, I tend to agree with the line in “Men in Black:”

“A person can be smart.  People are stupid and panicky.” 

A crowd will usually act down to the level of the lowest intelligence of its participants.

The true religious zealots would still deny their existence, denouncing them as “work of the devil.” 

Most organized religions will need to redefine themselves if they want to remain in existence. 

“The world Universe was created in six days.”  

Angry Comedian Philosophers

Mel Brooks once described the roll of the “Stand-up Philosopher” (comedian) as “one who coalesces the vapor the human experience into a viable and logical comprehension.”  George Carlin defined the comedian as one who “thinks up goofy shit.”

Today’s popular comedians seem…well…angry.  When you have to start every sentence with: “You know who else I hate…”  And the list goes on for fifteen to twenty minutes alienating just about everyone.  Or the comedian needs to point out everything as if it were obvious, and “weren't you stupid for not realizing it.”

I’m really not saying that they are wrong for being angrier than in the past.  In my opinion, there seems to be a lot more to be angrier at.  In this powerful information age, we seem to know a lot more about a lot more things.  We have cameras everywhere and can transmit information faster than ever before and more channels to convey them.

I don’t want to get angry when I see a comedian anymore.  I get angry enough watching the news.  You know what I hate?  I hate people who go on with “…and you know who else I hate?”

I was guest host and spotlight Author on "Illusions of Intimacy" site.

http://marshaamoore.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-story-behind-story-of-hath-no-fury.html

I was a spotlight Author on "Penny For Them."

http://pennyforthem1.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/bewitching-tours-giveaway-review-hath.html

I was Spotlight Author today on Faerie Tale Books!!

http://faerietalebooks.org/2013/07/03/hath-no-fury-by-hal-rappaport-the-lesson-of-three-1/

I was just interviewed by fiction Author Pembroke Sinclair.

Q) What inspired you to write this story?
It would have to be, the Wiccan Rede (pronounced “reed”). It’s part of an understanding that any witch or magick practitioner should understand. Any energy you put out in the universe (magickal or otherwise) will come back to you times three. Similar to Karma, with its balance, the Wiccan and Pagan beliefs are just multiplied by three. It still comes out to be a balance, so it doesn’t strictly conflict with Karma, just that it shows its results with “broader strokes.”

Q) How long did it take you to write?
The story for Hath No Fury came to me more or less all at once. I spent a month getting the basics out of my head onto paper. I spent the next year actually writing it and another year editing it.

Q) What is your favorite thing about writing?
 
 For more of the story go to:
http://pembrokesinclair.blogspot.com/2013/07/hath-no-fury-by-hal-rappaport.html

Hath No Fury is also a REALLY good Unabridged Audio book!

It's produced by an excellent professional reader!!

It's on Audible/Amazon and iTunes

Check out the Sample!! (Click"Play Sample")

Book Link:

Click here for Amazon/Audible

I was the spotlight author today on "Love in a book!!"

There is a great interview.
Here is a sample:
Writing, editing, cover design, formatting, etc. Share your ups and downs and how you went about it. If you used a service, can you share?
The story for Hath No Fury came to me more or less all at once.  I spent a month getting the basics out of my head onto paper.  I spent the next year actually writing it and another year editing it.
I have two pieces of advice for someone who is trying to write and can never get started.
1. Get out of your home.  Write in a coffee shop, a park, anywhere that you won’t be distracted to do anything but write (and maybe drink coffee)
2. Write an outline!  It doesn’t have to be pretty, but know basically where you are going on paper before you start up your word processor.  SO many projects get lost by hoping for inspiration from a flashing cursor.
How likely are people you meet to end up in your next book?
If I know you well, very likely.  I find it’s easier if you base your characters on a person (or sometimes two people).  It really helps with dialogue.
What is your favorite part of writing?
Getting in “the zone.”  The semi-hypnotic state when the story just can’t seem to get out fast enough.  It’s clearly a high akin to what some pro-athletes say they feel when they push themselves beyond normal expectations.

For the rest go here: http://loveinabook.com/?p=1620

I was the Spotlight Author today on "Share my Destiny" a Paranormal Book review site!

http://sharemydestiny.blogspot.com/2013/06/hath-no-fury-tour-authors-note-giveaway.html