Questions of Questions

Month, Day: 168, Questions, Questions (Perfection)

Aqdas (#161): Blessed is the man that hath acknowledged his belief in God and in His signs, and recognized that “He shall not be asked of His doings”. Such a recognition hath been made by God the ornament of every belief and its very foundation. Upon it must depend the acceptance of every goodly deed. Fasten your eyes upon it, that haply the whisperings of the rebellious may not cause you to slip.---

We have gone into Questions a lot, every month and for a month of each year. We have an update coming to the discussion of the brights.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).
Modified: 01/25/2012

Questions and Will

Month, Day: 168, Questions, Will (Majesty)

Aqdas (#35): At the time when the Promise was fulfilled and the Promised One made manifest, differences have appeared amongst the kindreds of the earth and each people hath followed its own fancy and idle imaginings.

Contending all the way up to kingship. But, kingship is not a sign of maturity.

Remarks:

12/22/2011 --

Modified: 12/22/2011

Our best month

Month, Day: 168, Questions, Beauty (Justice)

As said three years ago, we can ask Questions. We do find Answer (Vahid 12), the last two were the years of 1988-1989 AD (or 145 BE) and 2007-2008 AD (164 BE).

We're still in the Motivational time for the year.

---

Of course, it is also the time of the early winter festivities, including Christmas. And, there are only four months left in the yearly scheme.

Remarks:

12/13/2011 --

Modified: 12/13/2011

Kingship

Month, Day: 168, Speech, Will (Glory)

Aqdas (#82): Arise, and serve Him Who is the Desire of all nations, Who hath created you through a word from Him, and ordained you to be, for all time, the emblems of His sovereignty.

Necessity of kingship? As a role, or as personalized by someone?

Aqdas (#83): By the righteousness of God! It is not Our wish to lay hands on your kingdoms. Our mission is to seize and possess the hearts of men.

The reality of the role. The domain of it, to boot. Yet, there is the larger space of the 'hearts' which belong to God.

To what do the social media contribute to the unfolding of this?

Remarks:

11/19/2012 -- In a sense, the Master was the kingly presence of his time.

12/22/2011 -- We will need to get back to the brights (Christopher, et al).  

Modified: 11/19/2012

Throne of gold

Month, Day: 168, Speech, Perfection (Justice)

Aqdas (#36): Read ye the Tablets that ye may know what hath been purposed in the Books of God, the All-Glorious, the Ever-Bounteous. He who attaineth to My love hath title to a throne of gold, to sit thereon in honour over all the world; he who is deprived thereof, though he sit upon the dust, that dust would seek refuge with God, the Lord of all Religions. (emphasis mine)

---

We are in the Motivational times which influence our Operational selves. Audacity is suggested.

Of course, the mention of 'gold' denotes no material striving after (we would pass by a valley full of) the stuff.

Remarks:

11/19/2012 -- In a sense, the Master was the kingly presence of his time.
Modified: 11/19/2012

Power, Periodic Source

Month, Day: 168, Power, Loftiness (Grace)

Aqdas (#121): When the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn your faces toward Him Whom God hath purposed, Who hath branched from this Ancient Root.

---

One of the Key items.

Remarks:

11/22/2011 --

Modified: 11/22/2011

Post the Two

Month, Day: 168, Power, Power (Justice)

The Motivational time started with Power. Also, we were twixt the Twin Festivals, earlier.

Now, we're post these. But, the time made one think of many things, some of which would be return, interpretations, the spaces, and more.

Remarks:

03/25/2016 -- A change in the calendar will have these two adjusting. As well, we have a principal vector upon which to contemplate.


Modified: 03/23/2016

Twixt the Two

Month, Day: 168, Power, Glory (Glory)

The Motivational time starts with Power. Also, we're still twixt the Twin Festivals.

A few pointers: Photo showing where the Bab was to be interned, the room The Tablet of Ahmad was written, Mary Magdalene, The Human Soul (a missing piece, to be brought forth by audacity).

Remarks:

03/25/2016 -- A change in the calendar will have these two adjusting. As well, we have a principal vector upon which to contemplate.


Modified: 03/23/2016

Measures, yearly and otherwise

Month, Day: 168, Knowledge, Knowledge (Majesty)

We're at the last of the Operational times. Then, the Motivational time starts with Power.

And, Names of Power is the second of the "two other Festivals" that we see each year. We started a period on Light of Knowledge that is considered as one day (see Aqdas #138) yet is 22 days in length.

---

We're now, also, into the fall times. By now, how much of the yearly measure has been used? For the most part, who even thinks of their storage? Oh, we can ask for more?

Perhaps not, is it that there is something that limits use so as to allow that all of the year has a part of the measure? In other words, metered release.

Remarks:

03/25/2016 -- A change in the calendar will have some days adjusting. As well, we have a principal vector upon which to contemplate.


Modified: 03/23/2016

Apple of the eye

Month, Day: 168, Knowledge, Names (Perfection)

The Bab wrote that a Christian who believed in the coming Manifestation would be an apple of His eye. So, that's a nice thought.

---

The apple is a beloved fruit having many meanings, not the least is that from Eden. In the northern climes, the apple blooms in the spring and matures in late summer or early fall. So, in most places, we're awash with apples, delicious every one. Some can be stored for sustenance over the winter and into the next harvest. Others require an early process.

In the spring, the apple, and related plants, provide a dazzling display. For about two weeks. Then there is the long maturing cycle, assuming that frost or some other bad thing hasn't interfered with the fruits getting a start. Then, after that long wait of anticipation, there are the fruits to enjoy.

---

As an aside, the unfolding of things in the northern climes of the western hemisphere somewhat paralleled the dawning of the time of Revelation. Many look to the political arena as the main focus, in error. The details of the many lives are more important.

Take Johnny Appleseed who seems to be myth. Actually, he was a real itinerant preacher (John Chapman) who was born in Massachusetts around the time of the Revolution. He roamed, talked about God, and planted apple seedlings throughout a few states that were considered the western expansion at the time.

He would have been a cohort of those who were anticipating the new Revelation, early 1800s. John died in 1845, so his soul was here, embodied, for that 1844 event. We can say a lot more about this.

---

Talking of apples and seasons brings up the seasons of the cycle of a Revelation. There is the spring of the Presence. Then, we have the changes that go on for 1000 years or so, we're told. If it were a uniform thing, we would expect 250 years per season (and, we can use the four that we all know of -- albeit, some loci seem to be in one perpetual state). However, 'uniform' may not be the case. When will we see the Summer of this Era? Have we already?

What apples will we see?

Aside: a nod to Steve Jobs who picked the Apple as a theme. The story goes that he had just visited an orchard.

Remarks:

10/10/2019 -- We have the 200th of the Birth of the Bab this year (10/20/2019). As well, we do remember our ancestors, in the west.

10/17/2012 -- There is a lot to reflect on, about the trip, especially the western loop.

10/11/2012 --A visit to the grave site of Thornton Chase on October 19, 1912.

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

10/24/2011 -- Disclosure: born on the Bab's birthday. After I had declared, I had this dream, in short, (categorized under dreams of the Principals): the Bab, or His companion, picked me up by the knap (nape) of my neck and ported me (tumbling) over to the Holy Land where I witnessed the Light of the Revelation.

Not much later (very new to the Faith), I met one of the Hands in the hallway at a meeting in a large hotel (as in, he was coming toward me, or I was going toward him -- we were both moving, okay?). He circled the few people with him into a little group, watched me pass by, and then relaxed the group (ah, politeness?). Why? It wasn't a prayer meeting, that I could see.

There may be other reasons, however I don't dwell on the ones that might be related to egomania (hey, how many Stars/CEOs are wandering the planet, now, engrossed in their selves? On Jobs? He knew to live as if each day were to be his last.).

Me, I exhibited the 'Johnny Appleseed' way, as a youth, without really knowing his story.

One lesson? Who, of the currently embodied, is perfect? Hence, my iconoclastic role (climbing high in the Administration ought not be thought of as 'career' in scope -- nor is it necessary -- in other words, 'few are chosen' has many other connotations.).

Modified: 10/10/2019

The spirit of the people

Month, Day: 168, Will, Speech (Perfection)

Following up on the Technical Spirit, the following statement (and many others of the same type) is very much apropos to the OWS and other protests in which the spirit rises to the occasion.

Aqdas: Erelong will God raise up within thee men endued with mighty valour, who will magnify My Name with such constancy that neither will they be deterred by the evil suggestions of the divines, nor will they be kept back by the insinuations of the sowers of doubt.

Suppression from the top seems to have been the norm throughout history. Of course, internally, that is how we learn, train ourselves, and follow the proper way. Somehow, it works, too, in the world of humanity. However, those who try to be 'sovereign' over more than themselves always manifest that which John noted.

Remarks:

10/10/2011 --

Modified: 10/10/2011

Operational, The choice

Month, Day: 168, Will, Mercy (Beauty)

There are several things that pertain to this theme, but we'll only mention a couple, for starters. Earlier, we covered 'the choice' as it is supported by modern advances in automated reasoning. Some feel that these types of advances are signs of progress; methinks that they actually show an increasing servitude to the artificial that squelches the heart. Yet, it is very interesting how the artificial can serve as a tool, if we use it properly: to wit, update of Anselm.

The other thing has to do with the Twin Duties which are there for us to 'will' to do or not.

---

Earlier, we looked at the 'Tisn't side. Why?

The 'Tis has to do with the book of which there have been several: see The Tablet of the Seven Questions.

So, we can expect interminable search, almost. Except, the Covenant (Israel, Biblical, Baha'i) is (has been) there as the framework to provide the means to the end. That is, given 'Tis, then one would expect that we are given guidance, in a manner that is 'operationally' effective.

How else the duties?

Remarks:

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

11/30/2011 -- It's quite straight-forward. Right now, we would go to the period that was just prior to the start of the eighteenth century, if you reflect across the time of Revelation. Now, one question would be: what to make of it?

Modified: 08/08/2013

Operational, Manifestation

Month, Day: 168, Might, Knowledge (Perfection)

The Manifestations, periodically, bring forward the Qualities and form the Foci for the time.

Gems #46-47:

I shall restate here My theme, that perchance this may assist thee in recognizing thy Creator. Know thou that God—exalted and glorified be He—doth in no wise manifest His inmost Essence and Reality. From time immemorial He hath been veiled in the eternity of His Essence and concealed in the infinitude of His own Being. And when He purposed to manifest His beauty in the kingdom of names and to reveal His glory in the realm of attributes, He brought forth His Prophets from the invisible plane to the visible, that His name “the Manifest” might be distinguished from “the Hidden” and His name “the Last” might be discerned from “the First”, and that there may be fulfilled the words: “He is the First and the Last; the Seen and the Hidden; and He knoweth all things!” Thus hath He revealed these most excellent names and most exalted words in the Manifestations of His Self and the Mirrors of His Being.

It is therefore established that all names and attributes return unto these sublime and sanctified Luminaries. Indeed, all names are to be found in their names, and all attributes can be seen in their attributes. Viewed in this light, if thou wert to call them by all the names of God, this would be true, as all these names are one and the same as their own Being. Comprehend then the intent of these words, and guard it within the tabernacle of thy heart, that thou mayest recognize the implications of thine inquiry, fulfil them according to that which God hath ordained for thee, and thus be numbered with those who have attained unto His purpose.

---

As an audacious hint, we ought to see the influence of the Manifestation by looking across the threshold of the change. That is, there would be a focal (reflection) point that was 168 years ago. Then, we would see now (2011) as being related to 1675, or thereabouts. Why and how? There are plenty of avenues with which to do this analysis; the question is, why has not anyone done such? If they have, I would definitely like to hear of it.

Remarks:

09/19/2011 --

Modified: 09/19/2011

Operational, again

Month, Day: 168, Names, Names (Beauty)

We are done with the first two groups, finally arriving at the Operational. There is much of significance to look here. But, we have four months to do so, and we see the cycle with every month. Too, we're nearing half of our yearly measure.

SAQ #3: He must also impart spiritual education, so that intelligence and comprehension may penetrate the metaphysical world, and may receive benefit from the sanctifying breeze of the Holy Spirit, and may enter into relationship with the Supreme Concourse. He must so educate the human reality that it may become the center of the divine appearance, to such a degree that the attributes and the names of God shall be resplendent in the mirror of the reality of man, and the holy verse “We will make man in Our image and likeness” shall be realized.

---

Thought: Creation implies structure which implies names and, as well, the operational properties.

Remarks:

08/28/2011 --

Modified: 08/28/2011

The triple

Month, Day: 168, Perfection, Will (Majesty)

On Monday, of this week, we had the rare triple: Perfection, Perfection, Perfection.

This is 'rare' in that we have only 3 of the days of the week (Saturday, Sunday, Monday) which are also in the Attribute list.

---

The double days are more regular.

---

It is interesting that two of the possible triple days are on our traditional weekend. Then, the third is like we had this year with the day that starts the work week.

---

One thing that we might want to look at is to see how many memes map to the Writings. The meme. Almost metaphysical, yet not.

---

IQAN (pr 210): Ponder the blessed verse, so that the meaning of the words: “There is neither a thing green nor sere but it is noted in the unerring Book,” may be imprinted upon the tablet of thy heart.

Remarks:

08/11/2011 --

Modified: 08/11/2011

Ramadan

Month, Day: 168, Perfection, Splendour (Perfection)

This year, Ramadan starts with Perfection, the last of the Teleological. Interesting.

---

The month through the years of the blog.

• August, 2008 -- three quotes from Some Answered Questions set the tone.
• March, 2009 -- we see the Attributes repeat each month, paired. Then, we can have the day, to boot (as, today is Perfection). Light starts the Teleological which Perfection closes.
  
• July, 2009 -- see any flaws?
• January, 2010 -- about the Manifestation, and science. We cannot understand Perfection, given our limits. Yet, there are things that we can study and apply (next up, Operational).
  
• July, 2010 -- pursuant to the prior bullet, 'return' will be a key topic. Nothing to be afraid of in looking at this further.
  

Remarks:

08/11/2011 -- This year, in Perfection, we had a triple day.

Modified: 08/11/2011

Teleological, again

Month, Day: 168, Words, Grandeur (Glory)

In terms of the Groups, we are in the Teleological with one more month to go, Perfection. Then, we go to the Operational. These cycle each month, too.

Another type of cycle deals with Return, a topic that needs more attention.

One challenge is to understand Words which we are in now and to bring audacity to the use of the Teleological.

---

Related concepts to discuss: Existence or not, BASIS and sufficiency, Quasi-necessity.

Remarks:

07/25/2011 -- The choice: 'Tis or 'Tisn't.

Modified: 07/25/2011

K G C S G

Month, Day: 168, Mercy, Power (Justice)

Those are the first letters from a theme offered by a church that I walk by regularly. It is one of those with the Anglican persuasion which has an interesting past. I don't know the particulars of this slogan, but the sequence of words does offer several powerful concepts.

One might consider how this relates to the development theme being discussed last fall, motivated by the sequence mentioned one place in the Writings.

• Know -- one might say, take the 'Tis choice.
• Grow -- know that there are means provided.
• Connect -- see Valley of Unity.
  
• Serve -- source of true wealth and exaltation.
  
• Glorify -- follows, by necessity.
  

We still need to give some attention to the 'Tisn't side.

Remarks:

07/06/2011 --

Modified: 07/06/2011

The choice: 'Tis or 'Tisn't

Month, Day: 168, Mercy, Splendour (Independence)
Month, Day: 168, Mercy, Glory (Glory)

Having just finished Light, the first of the Teleological, we can get back to the construction process. In particular, to look at issues related to the choice is of importance.

Reminder: this may relate to the Twin duties, ultimately, but we're not there yet.

So, to label the two sides, lets use 'Tis and 'Tisn't. That is, 'Tis is on the side of accepting, in terms of spirituality and more (as in, the supers). 'Tisn't is mostly operational, though some carry the world view much further.

'Tis types know that there must be means to the end. How to find these is one search.

--- Search is covered in the first of the Seven Valleys.

Too, these things are cyclic, hence 'return' is of concern.

---

We will look, several times, at the 'Tisn't side due to its growing presence. Too, that side has science on its side, or so it thinks. However, we'll give them that, for now, relaxing any need for considering 'from whence?' (as, it applies to both sides) until we have looked more at the basis.

The issue revolves around sufficiency, that we'll look at more from the 'Tis side.

---

So much more to cover, so little time. A parting comment: whether one choses 'Tis, or not, has no real bearing on the Being behind the choice. That is, neither does the collection of 'Tis augment Being, nor does the aggregation of 'Tisn't diminish Being. The benefits are to the chooser, primarily; now, it may well be that there are secondary, tertiary, and so forth benefits; to boot, science could quantify, in time, results from the choice on either side. Though, given the spiritual nature of the decision, much quantification may be beyond our doing on the 'Tis side. On the other hand, are there operational pitfalls of 'Tisn't?

Remarks:

10/02/2011 -- More on means.

07/25/2011 -- Added 'Tis or 'Tisn't to the title to stress the choice.

Modified: 10/02/2011

Interpretations

Month, Day: 168, Light, Mercy (Independence)

No, we're not talking interpretations of the Writings, as that is verboten. We are talking another type of interpretation for which the Writings may give us more insight than we expect.

That is, the interpretations of quantum mechanics which are central to many discussions about the philosophy of science, and of life. See the 'Comparison' table, provided below as an image.


Several of these are Operational-ly oriented, which can be considered smart related to the choice (second bullet). In a sense, this stance takes a "don't care" view. However, some apply fairly sophisticated techniques, such as stochastic mechanics, that do beg a question of 'whence this?' (the old quasi-empirical issue mentioned here ad nauseam).

---

The 'standard' interpretation seems to have a top-down flavor. Given that metaphysics needs to be introduced, almost by necessity, there are variations here that might be interesting.

Prior to introducing that, there are several notions related to the Manifestation that deserve some attention.

Remarks:

08/08/2012 -- Mathematics has its 'interpretative' moments, to boot.

Modified: 08/08/2012

First Mind

Month, Day: 168, Light, Grandeur (Justice)

As we construct, motivation comes to mind. There are several, including the "ever-advancing civilization." We do the work; things just don't come about (though, there are plenty who enjoy the efforts of others - too many, without paying properly for their use - that, folks, is the most basic of factors causing the economic problems).

SAQ #53: Therefore, all creatures emanate from God—that is to say, it is by God that all things are realized, and by Him that all beings have attained to existence. The first thing which emanated from God is that universal reality, which the ancient philosophers termed the “First Mind,” and which the people of Bahá call the “First Will.” This emanation, in that which concerns its action in the world of God, is not limited by time or place; it is without beginning or end—beginning and end in relation to God are one. The preexistence of God is the preexistence of essence, and also preexistence of time, and the phenomenality of contingency is essential and not temporal, as we have already explained one day at table. (emphasis mine)

Earlier, we danced around an issue (Foreknowledge) as we let the audacity dampen. Well, we need to be more bold, since the angels are there to help.

The next two steps will be to address item #2 (Brights) and item #3, juxtaposing them using "First Mind" as the BASIS, or, if you would, principle vector. Call that effort, Anselm redux.

Remarks:

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

06/10/2011 -- Interpretations, again and again.

Modified: 08/08/2013

Construction II

Month, Day: 168, Grandeur, Sovereignty (Majesty)

This carries on the theme, with a little step, due to reflecting on the transition from here to there due to a recent passing of an in-law. 'here' is what we think we know now, with science taking more credit for itself than is warranted when one considers underdetermination. 'there' is the mystery, which today is becoming more of a myth in peoples' minds. So, Peter can motivate several ways.

For this step, let's just follow a little progression.

• -- Some, using formal approaches, seem to think that we only need one (as in, 1) ontological premise. That, of course, leads to the binary situation. Believe or not.
• -- Why the 'not' believe? A good question since it brings up, What? Yes, almost as underdetermined as is materialism. So, choosing to not believe may appear to be easier. Is it really the easier choice? Of course, consider that would mean some understanding of the work required to hold a rational position against all of the types of onslaught that are possible. Hence, the brights are right to re-enforce each others' efforts to be the essence of reason. So, the choice-action pair becomes, believe-and-search or not-believe-and-cope. Ah, next bullet expands the former. On the latter, we can look to all sorts of discussion in the SAQ. How to know? Limits? ... Finally, sources for progressive notions and for not backsliding (anarchy from all of the john galts conflicting - egotistically) need to be developed and maintained. In short, a whole lot of work to be done.
• -- Now, the belief side takes work, to boot. First, there is to know. Then, there is to follow what is known. And, all the while, there needs to be independence. Talk about a juggling act. Now, where does one find out what to know? The answer to that question would involve accepting that something might be behind the belief. That is, in the prior bullet, those choosing not to believe imply by their action that they do not think that there is any reason to believe. Some who choose to believe may not know but are only taking that option, by chance or whatever motivation. Hence, resolving that issue is prime. Now, though, if it is true that one ought to believe, would it seem fair that the 'what' ought to be settled (if it were not, we would be back into the situation of the second bullet)? How could there not be means to this end of knowing? Are those means easy to obtain? Well, comparative effort might suggest that it is a whole lot easier than the work cut out for the non-believer. Why? They only have nature, need to explain the why, must firm up their ignoring the whence, and then have to build (without even knowing the future -- yes, brights, you all have some limit to your time here). So, the means are there as a reward for the search. But, once the means are found, there is then a continuation of the need for effort; it's not some falling into the void of nirvana. But, again, there is an offer of assistance. From what we know, there is no limit to this help (albeit some by humans acting as angels). In fact, such reinforcements that are found really do work. Why else the attraction? Yet, humans have feet that stray off of the path of the middle way. So, believers cannot really lord it over the non-believers. In other words, who can cast the first stone (paraphrasing Christ)? That, by the way, is one grunge about the in-your-face materialism that has become the vogue. No amount of proof can remove the choice; on the other hand, experiential and existential rewards do build up, perhaps not to an unshakable level (after all, even Christ was tempted) but sufficiently to sustain the know/follow-ness.

Now, earlier, a motivation was offered. Would it not be nice if those who pass over could come back and tell us what things are like? Well, they can. In fact, dreams are one method. We mentioned that before but will push that off to another time.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

06/25/2011 -- We'll name these two, as follows: second bullet ('Tisn't), third bullet ('Tis)

06/10/2011 -- Life after life.

06/08/2011 -- A little on motivation.

06/03/2011 -- We'll do this, again, a few times, looking at the nuances. The chief role of autodidact remains, for either choice.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Angels, super man

Month, Day: 168, Grandeur, Might (Majesty)

Continuing on the theme of the Brights, we need to list a few things that are important to the world view needed for a constructive build. Actually, there are many things, but we can start with a few. Some of these will be almost antithetical to the opinion of some, yet they need to be allowed (without causing the need for belief on the person who is reading and trying to process the notions - such as, Moments and more).

One of these will be the issues related to angels. The section at wiki is not complete, but it does provide a starting point to which we can add.

---

Why 'super man' in the title? Well, one of the Brights thinks that those who accept the supernatural (many ways to define this, but the BASIS for this author would be the Writings - ah, that brings up the problems related to how we process these) ought to call themselves super.

So, I am a super man. Okay? Now, as to delusional leanings, don't count on it. Why? I may not have the wherewithal, at this point, to demonstrate the 'super' in an undeniable sense, yet the Brights do not have any proof that is sufficient to show that it is not. Too, the ontological issue is not resolved by any cardinality of set. That is, all the Brights throughout Creation, and all of time, cannot pull together the necessary proof, either, to remove the underpinnings (even if there were such) of the 'super' position.

It's a stalemate to any reasonable stance, easily handled by updating Blaise's take on the matter.

---

Now, back to angels, such as this, KAF (16):

• We created man: and we know what his soul whispereth to him, and we are closer to him than his neck-vein.
• When the two angels charged with taking account shall take it, one sitting on the right hand, the other on the left:
• Not a word doth he utter, but there is a watcher with him ready to note it down:

This notion is not unfamiliar to most, as it has almost the same universality as does the golden rule. There are several of these statements on angels that we'll collect together after they are itemized.

---

A definite recurring theme, that we'll get back to.

Remarks:

02/08/2014 -- Angels, again.

03/11/2012 -- CH as angel?

Modified: 02/08/2012

Brights, again

Month, Day: 168, Grandeur, Names (Justice)

How apropos! However, not calling names. Just recognizing that there is now a place to which to point. Brights, et al.

Hence, we'll keep a Brights group to collect places where the movement is mentioned.

Remarks:

06/08/2011 -- Brights ought to be interested in motivation and construction.

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

Modified: 06/08/2011

Peter and motivation

Month, Day: 168, Grandeur, Grandeur (Independence)

As we work constructively to build a basis, we'll look at Motivation from time to time, also.

We'll point a lot to the SAQ, as it is a seminal work. For instance, look at this in relation to Religion and Science.

SAQ #34 (Peter's Confession of Faith): While the religion of God is the promoter of truth, the founder of science and knowledge, it is full of goodwill for learned men; it is the civilizer of mankind, the discoverer of the secrets of nature, and the enlightener of the horizons of the world. Consequently, how can it be said to oppose knowledge?

---

Peter will be a central point for several constructive arguments.

Remarks:

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

Modified: 05/26/2011

Construction I

Month, Day: 168, Beauty, Honour (Independence)

We said that it would be constructive and slow. Looks like a good place to start might be Anselm of Canterbury and his ontological argument.

Paul Oppenheimer and Edward Zalta recently updated their 1991 thesis (A Computationally-Discovered Simplification of the Ontological Argument - pdf), using insights obtained through applying computational metaphysics.

There are several reviews available at the philpapers site.

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To believe or not, that's the issue. But even dis-belief is a type of belief. Hence, we get back to a choice that was described well by Pascal.

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Our artifacts are going to help us settle many things, yet we ought not dumb ourselves down (inverse of audacity) in order to prove them to be smarter than us.

Remarks:

08/08/2013 -- Perfection/Perfection.

03/29/2012 -- Interesting video on self-transcendence.

06/08/2011 -- Motivation.

06/02/2011 -- Construction II.

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

05/17/2011 -- Stephen gets press.

05/16/2011 -- Makes it easy to see the either-or aspect. Believe or not, essentially. Though, if one takes the belief side, 'how to know what to believe?' is the question. Which, by the way, was not left to be an open issue. If one takes the non-belief side, 'how to live?' is the question. That is, is it imperative to push the non-belief agenda (as we see happening)? Ah, Questions either way. Now, of course, taking the belief side could culminate (as it does with the brights) with believing in reason and science (yet, 'from whence that?' is a question). One thing that is apparent from using the computational framework is this: language, system, semantics, and more (very much more, there have to be supporting resources - which are not easy to obtain, nor are they trivially developed, and definitely they do not run without power and maintenance). Now, to boot, there will be factors related to the capability of the one doing the believing or the disbelieving. 'Can a fully-capable person believe?' is a question. Or, we see 'is believing the attribute of the ignorant?' as another type of question (of course, the whole notion of delusion, or hallucinatory states, rests upon such implications -- thanks for bringing that to the fore, Richard D. [yet, you have not really cast out (can you?) the phenomena behind the experience]). This could go on, but here is a final point: is not it true that throughout the history of these issues, that those who are better able exploit, manipulate, and otherwise, just plain out-and-out, misuse those of lessor capability (and is not this the motivation behind a lot of the misbehavior on the part of believers which leads to people claiming that religion causes more problems than it solves?)? Smart religionists (universally offered - in any context in which it may apply) - you ought to understand that you are to not be the cause of this type of mischief.

Modified: 08/08/2013

Wise words

Month, Day: 168, Beauty, Knowledge (Perfection)

In the Tablets revealed after the Aqdas, there are the Words of Wisdom.

One is as follows: The essence of true safety is to observe silence, to look at the end of things and to renounce the world.

At some point, we'll get back to the constructive arguments and provide an update of Pascal's thought about the matter which has been ridiculed by the brights.

Remarks:

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

05/14/2011 -- A slow start.

Modified: 05/26/2011

Constructive efforts

Month, Day: 168, Beauty, Splendour (Majesty)

Being inspired by the brights (one in particular) can be good, if it motivates constructive (ala the proof type) methods that can be tested. Yet, is that not how science already works (or is supposed to work)?

Yes, but as the particular one (to be identified, in time) likes to point out, any who are under the delusion of God are hallucinating. Of course, that response is a broad brush-off of what is a real set of experiences. This is to be discussed further.

As well, the particular one is a figment of my imagination, just as what he perceives are to him similar figments. Notice, this is not the same as saying that he does not exist outside of my perception of him.

Rather, the whole framework needs some (not, necessarily as major as one might think) adjustment in order to allow into scrutiny a whole slew of phenomena that are now waved off (somewhat defensively by the brights, definitely accompanied by much more protestation than is reasonably (ah! one topic, from whence this?) necessary).

So, this little ground post indicates a small start. However, the theme will have priority henceforth and until otherwise noted.

Remarks:

07/25/2011 -- The choice: 'Tis or 'Tisn't.

06/02/2011 -- Construction II.

05/17/2011 -- Stephen gets press.

05/14/2011 -- A slow start.

05/09/2011 -- We need a re-look at Pascal's thoughts.

05/02/2011 -- One of the brights.

Modified: 07/25/2011

Easter during Ridvan

Month, Day: 168, Glory, Sovereignty (Perfection)

The overlap with this Christian event happens from time to time and raises interesting questions. For now, let's leave it be with a couple of quotes, in the context of the brights.

Bible (Luke 23:42, 43): And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.

Iqan (pg 214): He should forgive the sinful, and never despise his low estate, for none knoweth what his own end shall be. How often hath a sinner, at the hour of death, attained to the essence of faith, and, quaffing the immortal draught, hath taken his flight unto the celestial Concourse.

Remarks:

05/17/2011 -- Stephen gets press.

05/09/2011 -- We need a constructive re-look.

Modified: 05/17/2011

All Names

Month, Day: 168, Glory, Will (Grace)

We're in the time of the new energy, the yearly measure. Do we have to budget this?

Approaching is Riḍván, the twelve-day festival that ought to have a slew of information for science and knowledge. How can we set the stage for this type of study, beyond audacity? All Names Manifest was one effect from this period in the spring of 1863.

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Of course, learning what we need to know from the Manifestation is Key (twin duties).

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The Cow: Assuredly in the creation of the Heavens and of the Earth; and in the alternation of night and day; and in the ships which pass through the sea with what is useful to man; and in the rain which God sendeth down from Heaven, giving life by it to the earth after its death, and by scattering over it all kinds of cattle; and in the change of the winds, and in the clouds that are made to do service between the Heaven and the Earth;--are signs for those who understand.

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Nothing delusional, at all.

Remarks:

08/31/2012 -- Names, Knowledge, Independence.

Modified: 08/31/2012

Stinting

Month, Day: 168, Glory, Words (Independence)
Month, Day: 168, Glory, Might (Perfection)

We will be using the Rodwell Index this year, as we look for scientific contexts within the Writings. If these can be found in the Koran, they'll be in later Revelation, too.

Isn't that one of the notions behind the Hidden Words?

In terms of the zero-sum, Sura 83 says a lot. And, we know that selfish actions on the part of all leads to chaotic messes.

The IEEE Spectrum has an article that talks game theory in an accessible manner. The example starts with the failure of Steve Jobs' demo of the new IPhone, last year, which was attributable to the many mobile hot-spots that were collected in the room.

Essentially, selfish action is expected, rationally. Well, we know the limits of reason (SAQ #83).

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In the history of mathematics, as it unfolded in the 20th century, we can see the growing emphasis on foundations and on effects. To wit, game theory preceded, and, perhaps, led to general systems theory. Is not measure theory, and one realization, central to technology's expansive cover (of ourselves and our lives)?

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A focus that we can take, in part? Realization of God's System (core concept) operationally.

Remarks:

04/15/2011 --

Modified: 04/18/2011

The Groups

Month, Day: 168, Splendour, Honour (Justice)

Since we're in the first month of the first Group, it seemed time to collect things about the Groups (four of four months each, with one of three months - which would be four if the Intercalary period was added).

• Transcendent, Teleological, Operational, Motivational, Ascendant

Within each month, there is a recurrence with a square day.

Aside: these groups are one of many types but are operationally effective, in a sense; however, the cleaving not done by the sword.

Remarks:

03/11/2020 -- Still doing Groups (patterns).

Modified: 03/11/2020

Foreknowledge

Month, Day: 168, Splendour, Will (Majesty)

That, in the title, is one attribute that is human and shared with the Manifestation. Too, the Manifestation has a much greater facility, beyond what we can comprehend. Yet, we can contemplate these facilities in an effort to improve ourselves and our work, such as science. How is that?

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Well, this blog started in 2008, in sort of a recoil. From what? Limitations being put up upon that which was on wiki related to science and faith (see Mission and Methods). Since then, there have been a few posts here that related to the subject page (faith and science, science and religion). But mostly, I've only browsed the page (and the arguments) from time to time.

How did I get back to the page today? Well, on the 5th read of the Koran (Rodwell this time, again), I've been going to the WWW (which has really matured the past five years) to look more thoroughly at topics (beyond the mere listening to experts - autodidactic'ally, okay?). The topic in question was 'djinn' and such. And, while looking at definitions, I ran across a page that mentioned the notions from an esteemed nuclear engineer (see below), who is of the Islamic faith.

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You can look it up, but here is the gist: we can probably develop power sources using concentrated attention by humans (for those who quibble, interpretation is core to the human experience [why else the emphasis on its control, for certain types?]).

Or, as an aside, we are immersed in an objective universe (SAQ #79), yet for each of us, the experience is subjective (ah, science CANNOT overcome this, folks -- teehee). Some think the guy is nuts; I think that he exhibits several things that we (those who are followers of the Glory) ought to be studying (as in, there is a glimmer of truth here that we ought to understand). Ah, how many barbs of quackery will be thrown on this (but then, George B took his licks, too)?

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So, back to the subject. The page, mentioned above, has evolved. It now has more than the three topics that were there five years ago (look it up). In fact, a couple may have been challenged (I haven't paid close attention).

But, the list has a bias toward the physical sciences being the prime view for any ontological study. Ah. Is that so? We have allowed materialistic views to, essentially, lead us down the perdition-laden paths to mineralization. Think of it!

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As mentioned last time, we need to bring in themes from human-based science, to boot. What might these be? Well, it'll be a long list.

For one, the notion of foreknowledge (Valley of Wonderment, for example) goes beyond just that in the sacred texts. Consider, please: some types of this could be characterized as a human reaction (albeit, imaginatively) to pondering some bit of this sacred text (example of Scripture influencing science via inspired behavior).

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As an aside, the oversight allowed via abstraction, and its support by mathematics, gives a view that can be thought of as foresight (how does that differ from foreknowledge?). Many examples exist, but some of the work of James Clerk Maxwell is used quite often, in this sense.

I think that many, like Lakatos, have not been given enough due (the whole quasi-empirical notion can be bolstered by using the Writings).

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Actually, the enumeration of human facilities would be endless (as is the Ocean of Words). Yet, there could be themes (categories, if you would) that are of substantial enough basis to be almost invariant.

Granted Wikipedia is NOR. But, what work has been done that could be used as source? Anyone even looking?

Let me put it this way. The assaults (potential or otherwise) of the brights ought not be a deterrent.

A new type of operational basis needs to be defined and exercised.

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And, the whole notion of the texts being inerrant, or not, in this context can be characterized as misguided, somewhat. The 7V and the 4V, clearly, denote the limitations on words, but not Words.

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

06/02/2011 -- Construction II.

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

05/17/2011 -- Stephen gets press.

05/09/2011 -- We need a constructive re-look.

04/04/2011 -- The autodidact's role is still to be defined.

Modified: 01/25/2012

New Year 168

Month, Day: 168, Splendour, Splendour (Perfection)

What better topic to continue to pursue than en-Light-enment? The focus will be toward something that is demonstrable, though it is unclear how far that we can proceed now beyond thought experiments (nod to Lakatos) given the times (paraphrasing the Guardian: we have seen only a glimmer).

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Too, what can we show from the reality of the 'yearly measure' related to this day?

• Year 165, Year 166, Year 167

The Rodwell Index.

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Now, on this page: Baha'i Faith and Science. Will start, when ready, discussion about topics not listed which would principally deal with human characteristics (ah yes, suggesting that Physics is not the basis for all science). The emerging 'cloud' (and future analogs) will allow methods to arise which will result in testable propositions.

Remarks:

03/21/2013 -- Add in Year 169 and Year 170.

03/21/2011 -- Ascendant to Transcendent.

Modified: 03/21/2013

A recurring theme

Month, Day: 167, Loftiness, Honour (Majesty)

Which is? Return.

Aside: Thoughts on the day of commemorating St. Patrick. From this, we can look more closely at the following. Yes, audacity (without arrogance) is important.

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The theme manifests itself several ways that ought to be of interest to science (that is, any reasonable mindset that is not thwarted by scientism).

The mental powers have motivations (yes, one of the Groups) that are spiritual. How does this work? Well, it is for us to work out and understand. The only limitation? We cannot ever reduce to the core, nor can we completely comprehend this; there are other characterizations that we'll get to, eventually.

Koran (The Believers): When death overtaketh one of the wicked, he saith, "Lord, send me back again, That I may do the good which I have left undone." "By no means." These are the very words which he shall speak: But behind them shall be a barrier, until the day when they shall be raised again.

Is not "send me back again" asking for a return? Of course. In this context, we ought to remember the argument proposed by Blaise, a few centuries later. Which argument, by the way, is still scoffed at by some of the brights.

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Now, there was an allusion to recurrence which can be observed, many places, in natural phenomena. Who said that 'return' had simple usages?

So, the subject of the Writings and Science will get more attention. That is, what types of support can found in what is provided by Revelation for our pursuits of knowledge? One might immediately go to rules and axioms. Yes, can these be listed, as a start? What other types might we consider?

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Another theme will be the system person, on the one hand, and the autodidact on the other. Now, there may be other ways to characterize this, as one person may have many different roles in this regard.

Remarks:

05/09/2011 -- We need a constructive re-look.

03/21/2011 -- On Blaise. Will we not see his wager shown to have strong applicability?

Modified: 05/09/2011

Names, Loftiness

Month, Day: 167, Loftiness, Names (Majesty)

The Rodwell Index.

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Before, we pointed to the Cave as being of essence to the theme. Now, consider the Night Journey: We have made the night and the day for two signs: the sign of the night do we obscure, but the sign of the day cause we to shine forth, that ye may seek plenty from your Lord, and that ye may know the number of the years and the reckoning of time; and we have made everything distinct by distinctiveness.

Even now, with Certitude, we have underdetermination (to wit, Contentment and 4th).

...

Remarks:

03/10/2011 --

Modified: 03/10/2011

Enlightenment, again

Month, Day: 167, Loftiness, Mercy (Perfection)

This year, there was an Enlightenment theme (which will continue).

One topic? The Cave (Sufficiency, by necessity)

Remarks:

01/25/2012 -- Yes, still at it. Ready to be more audacious. What we're looking for has to do with mind; at some point, it will be allowed by science that we can observe effects (actually, predict, to boot - one step forward will be a more insightful mathematics).

03/10/2011 -- Names are to be understood.

Modified: 01/25/2012

Basic matters, ii

Month, Day: 167, Dominion, Dominion (Majesty)

Anyone know how many Basic matters there are for us to consider? Quite a few, actually.

So, we'll persist, slowly, with the effort, hopefully toward enlightenment. Yet, would that be of the few or of the many?

Some themes that need attention pertain to things related to the development of human qualities (so many), to the evolution of the artifacts that are our creation (embedded in Creation), to the necessary inclusions that have been so adamantly denied successfully to date, and much more.

Remarks:

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

04/04/2011 -- We'll be looking at things like foreknowledge.

03/17/2011 -- Just as St. Patrick carried the message, so too ought we act to bring forth a proper viewpoint.

03/11/2011 -- Teleological (Mercy), Operational (Names)

Modified: 05/26/2011

Middle way

Month, Day: 167, Sovereignty, Honour (Majesty)

The Most Holy Book (#43): Lament not in your hours of trial, neither rejoice therein; seek ye the Middle Way which is the remembrance of Me in your afflictions and reflection over that which may befall you in future. Thus informeth you He Who is the Omniscient, He Who is aware.

Much to consider, about this. Is hubris, especially that related to victory of the many sorts, of the middle? Does this not suggest how deep is that which motivates those who might be in trouble to think of God? And, part of the now is to be reflecting on the future?

So we need to remind ourselves, among other things, that any accomplishment results from using talents, and resources, that were given to one. Too, efforts at epistemological understanding, accompanied by due concern for mitigation of undesirable effects, are on the platter.

Remarks:

03/17/2011 -- Just as St. Patrick carried the message, so too ought we act to bring forth a proper viewpoint.

Modified: 03/17/2011

Basic matters, i

Month, Day: 167, Sovereignty, Words (Grace)

This continues the discussion, started in the last post, about what the Writings might mean for science and whether science has shown anything in the Writings to be false. To wit: evolution and ether. The motivation? Apologetic stances, from certain positions, that are unnecessary.

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There has to be some attention put upon the context. For instance, the Master (hereinafter, M2) is the son of the Manifestation (hereinafter, M1); the M1 appearance is a cyclic phenomenon of a period of about 1000 years. Hence, M2, by definition and realization, would have cognitive, to use the modern parlance, and other abilities of which we can only imagine.

Too, the whole cyclic theme accompanies increasing abilities (obviously observable - what is controversial? from whence this?). Let's just leave it there, for now.

Now, 'ether' has many connotations, one of which was used by the physicists in their tests. Yet, is not Light an attribute? But, did it play in the scheme? Well, we'll leave that, for now, too.

Consider advances such as those that allow us to know how to 'lift' content (however described, even though geometrically (via algebra) is the state of the art) from one space into another of a higher-order, again we'll use dimensional, for now. As, whatever mathematics lifts out is a metaphor for something, in many cases ('abstract nonsense' may be more than mere diatribe cast'd by the ignorant).

We do have this notion that something needs to be computational (either by offering insight or by being operationally effective), perhaps that relates to the emphasis on action in the Writings of M1. After all, does not the Koran say that God is the most speedy reckoner of all those who reckon (paraphrase, of course)? What M1 brought was the condition, of the current times, that allows us the potential for the artificial reckoner of unknown boundedness (see the 4th Valley: The first is His statement: “O My Servant! Obey Me and I shall make thee like unto Myself. I say ‘Be,’ and it is, and thou shalt say ‘Be,’ and it shall be.” ).

Hint here, folks! Some already point to 'dark energy' and other factors (equation'als) that fudge the system into convergence. And, there are many of these, as that is the key to the technique. The cleverness relates directly to that which allows the lift.

At which point will God (as neither the lifter nor that which is lifted) be accepted so that the insights can grow in the directions that will be required?

As an aside, Lamark was drummed out of town. Know what? Many of the techniques that relate to naturally-framed computational approaches use methods that are not unlike the basic notion of Lamark. Oh course, who cares as it's only within the abstracted, and for the most part unseen, virtual spaces associated with computational states, and the decisions thereof.

Why mention this? There is no means possible for M2 to be thus drummed. Now, does that mean that we can compute anything in the Writings? Well, M1, and M2, did not use mathematics. Ever think of why (hint! quasi-empiricism)?

So, we can continue to attend to M2's comments related to evolution, recapitulation, et al, in a spirit 'lifting' manner.

...

Remarks:

05/26/2011 -- A 'super' position can have merit.

04/04/2011 -- We'll be looking at things like foreknowledge.

03/17/2011 -- Just as St. Patrick carried the message, so too ought we act to bring forth a proper viewpoint.

03/11/2011 -- Teleological (Mercy), Operational (Names)

02/24/2011 -- Continuation of the theme.

01/25/2011 -- Note, please, that the continuances of the discussion will use concepts, such as the above, to illustrate how being (as in, to be) is squished via projections (somewhat, an inverse of the lift), trampled by lifts, and just all around abused. That is problematic and counter to a more full science.

Modified: 05/26/2011

The Master

Month, Day: 167, Honour, Loftiness (Grace)
Month, Day: 167, Sovereignty, Splendour (Justice)

There has been some discussion about what the Writings might mean for science and whether science has shown anything in the writings to be false. To wit: evolution and ether.

The issue, as stated in a paper: The problem of disharmony between scripture and science is rooted in an unwarranted misattribution of scriptural inerrancy.

There is much to discuss here, but the Aqdas sequence from #174 (about Abdu'l-Bahá's role infallibility) through #188 are apropos. Take, for instance, #182: Immerse yourselves in the ocean of My words, that ye may unravel its secrets, and discover all the pearls of wisdom that lie hid in its depths.

Does it not make a suggestion to us? As said before, science is never about infallibility. Too, what bit of textual material, constructed by humans (oh yes, that includes mathematics), subsumes creation?

Granted, some worldviews seem to think that they are complete. That is, the manner of expression seems to convey authoritative (pontificate) assurance. Yet do we not know that we cannot have completeness and consistency concurrently? There are many ways to describe this.

So, for now, putting evolution aside, we saw this remark by the Master in the SAQ (#48): If we wish to deny everything that is not sensible, then we must deny the realities which unquestionably exist. For example, ethereal matter is not sensible, though it has an undoubted existence. The power of attraction is not sensible, though it certainly exists. From what do we affirm these existences? From their signs. Thus this light is the vibration of that ethereal matter, and from this vibration we infer the existence of ether.
As mentioned in an earlier post, the Master knew what he was talking about. Light is more than a physical phenomenon. It is one of the Attributes which are celebrated through the year.

The Master was the son of the Manifestation, thereby inheriting insights for which we have no understanding. Too, the Master knew that his audience was going to persist through time.

...

Remarks:

08/01/2012 --Ether, in a manner that is unavoidably true. Our task? Show how to handle the matter from a scientific (the wise interpretation, okay?) framework. And, audacity is not necessary.

03/17/2011 -- Just as St. Patrick carried the message, so too ought we act to bring forth a proper viewpoint.

01/25/2011 -- Continued in the next post.

Modified: 08/01/2012