b123 (3.31-1.2025): prayer: un-believable

prayer (un-believable) [i]
by notall prayersar equal    
 
not all prayers are equal
momma’s cancer/life
field goal (down seven)
daughter’s boyfriend’s wife
 
it’s hard to believe that god would just invite a sequel
it’s hard to believe
not all prayers are equal
________________________________
 

·       if you’ve ever attended a catholic ‘mass’, you’ve probably heard a prayer that went something like this:

let us pray for mrs. smith’s leg,

and the jones’ dog, scruffy,

and for father jim (and for tiny tim),

and for all of our brothers and sisters…

 
wait a minute: why is there a ‘catch-all’ pray-for-all-of-our-brothers-and-sisters thrown-in at the end? 
 
if “pray-for-all-of-our-brothers-and-sisters” was effective, wouldn’t it be the only prayer necessary?  why individualize some prayers, but group-together others?  when people say “you’re in our prayers,” what does that really mean?
 
·       do they really pray?

·       are they on their knees?

·       do they pray harder when they want something?  (rhetorical question)

·       does ‘god’ pay less attention to a stadium full of steelers fans than that lone, disabled, christian, god-fearing cowboy?  if so, why aren't the cowboys repeat champions, infinitely?

·       if one prayer is more powerful than another (and a christian’s prayer must be more powerful than a muslim’s [at least to the christian]), then isn’t god choosing sides?

·       if god is choosing sides, is ‘he’ really all-loving? (that would be contradictory, and impossible)
 
when a person actually takes more than a minute or two to contemplate the nature of prayer, s/he will deduce that prayer itself -- is un-believable.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.31-1.2025). prayer: un-believable. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

b123 (3.30-1.2025): do people [really] care?

do people (really) care? [i]
by dot h. eycare    
 
do people (really) care?
or do they empathize?
 
do people have capacity for living others’ lives?
do people have ability to live and love and dare?
 
do people (really) mean it?
do people really care?
________________________________
 
·       people care… insomuch as your life/death/trauma/victory/experience… affects them.

·       what then, might one do/be/do????

·       affect them.  care about them.  re-Joy-ce in them!
 
live (a moment or two) completely for them.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.30-1.2025). do people (really) care?. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

* atypical

 this morning, i woke up at 3:30-ish -- and decided to get up.  it's a sunday, and i did one of my "do whatever the heck you want by doing what most can't/won't" mantra.

in the office, i watched some videos referring to wicked 2, for good (the movie).  that experience led me to bobbi benton & the life & times of hugh hefner and the playboy mansion.

in general...

men want sex (and love), and women want security.
women are love (when they give birth).

yes, it's a little more complicated than that. 

after popping a hazy little thing from sierra nevada, i sat in the living-room recliner and watched the purple-moon-butterfly relaxation youtube video (that's on 24-7) while doing what i always do: i contemplate life and death. 

while hugh heffner had the 'ultimate' situation, was he happy?  now that he is dead, does anyone really care?  even if someone visits your grave, how much time do they spend...

how much time do you spend, caring about those who are dead?  does it really matter, how many people attend your funeral?  really?

life (in the final analysis) is lived in the mind.  
one car crash could end it, today. 

the only thing that matters is what is in your head: thoughts, ideas, memories, experiences.  the way to experience more of that is to exercise, eat right, listen actively, care and contemplate.

did he just say "care"?

some people care about you in regard to how much you care about them.  some people think about you more when you seem to not care, so much.

nowadays, most just watch tv, play video games, and eat.

having children seems to give people's lives meaning.  dogs are some people's closest companions.  it is hard to say -- what the typical human experience is.

all i can say is... i'm happy to be having this one.

right Here, right Now.  
i just might be contemplating you!

b123 (4.1-1.2025): why do i think about her?

why do i think about her? [i]

by thinka b. outher    

 
why do i think about her?
she wasn’t very smart
she wasn’t very fun
she wasn’t very hot
she wasn’t very friendly
she wasn’t very sane
why do i think about her?
she wasn’t very plain
________________________________
 
·       she was sexy.  no… she looked sexy.

·       in a way, she was fun, hot, friendly and unique.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (4.1-1.2025). why do i think about her? book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

* first bird (2025)

 my "first bird" hummingbird sighting occurred today, 29 march 2025, at approximately 4:31 pm.

• 3rd floor
• north facing feeder
• male
• 30 seconds or so

ruby throated hummingbirds migrate annually from central america as far north as canada.  the birds will often settle-in at their birthplace, so he might be 'scout' bird -- just passing through.  in any event, it is a great day (and a great in-the-Now-moment), celebrating the first of what will be hundreds of experiences in 2025. 

b123 (3.29-1.2025): walk for those who can't

 
walk (for those who can’t) [i]
by beca u. s. eyoucan    
 
walk (for those who can’t)
stand (and drop a dime)
bow (and under-stand)
love is not a crime
________________________________
 
·       in 1987, i was ‘jailed’ as part of an event to raise money for the march of dimes.  the corresponding ‘walk’ (as i remember) had the motto “walk for those who can’t.”
 
that motto has reincarnated (hundreds of times) in my head, with both serious and comedic connotations:
 
·       “drink for those who can’t” was repeated often, as a light-hearted toast during happy hours.  please don’t take it the wrong way. :)

·       in our group of friends, “do whatever the hell you want” became a mantra that carried the theme of not being held-back by others’ plans & desires.

·       it resonated with me to the point where, at age 50, i left my job and went backpacking for the equivalent of a year.  i made the final decision not only “because i could,” but because nobody else could/would do such a thing.

·       etc.
 
over the years, doing this or that “because i can!” has become a personal mantra akin with frank sinatra’s “i did it my way.”
 
ladies and gentlemen, life is a short, dramatic ride: do what you can, while you can – and help others have a little fun along the way.    -joal
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.29-1.2025). walk (for those who can’t). book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

b123 (3.28-1.2025): future (human) jobs

 future (human) jobs [i]
by a. h. uman    
 
future (human) jobs
what’s a kid to do?
future (human) jobs
oh (there’s none for you)
________________________________
 
·       teaching? no.  law? no.  math/accounting? (no way!).  touch (massage, sex)? nope.  acting?  comedy?  writing?  electronics?  plumbing?  security?  politics?  fast food?  banking?  maintenance?  dog walking?  taxi-driver?  pilot? etc., etc., etc.??  no, no, no, No, NO!
 
there will be no need for ‘jobs’ when Superintelligent AI surges 20,000 years ahead of us (in terms of knowledge and skills) every month, every week, and every day.  re-read that: every day!

Love?  (hahahaa!)  

humans already love their pets more than they love other humans.

 
i will probably be dead… but your only hope is to be kept as a pet. 

sit.  roll-over.  beg.

-the end

___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.28-1.2025). future (human) jobs. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

* i was never much good at goodbye(s)

 in large (non-family) gatherings, when it's time to leave, i'll opt to avoid the "bye, everybody" wave of ceremonial hugs.

it is quite possible that the "irish goodbye" is in my past life dna.  

when relationships end, i feel it.  i contemplate it.  then, i let it go (but not without retaining some of the great memories).  you will always be in here, somewhere.

this song makes me cry. 

b123 (3.27-1.2025): happy wife, happy life (misnomer)

happy wife, happy life (misnomer) [i]
by unhap p. y. wife    
 
happy wife, happy life (misnomer)
once you are a husband or a dad
you realize you should have stayed a loner
all you do is hope that she’s less sad
________________________________
 
·       she’s not ever going to be happy (for long), and your life revolves around trying to make her less sad, constantly.
 

the problem is that you can’t ‘make’ anyone more anything.

 
·       you fell into the trap of believing that your life would be happy… if you could make her happy.  you can’t.  in fact, the more that you try, the less that she’ll respect you.
 
·       you would have been sooooooooo much better off (and happier) – if you’d stayed single and child-less, living your life as you please.  now that’s a happy life:
  o   no teens, no arguments, no (constant) testing, no diapers, no soccer practice, no spousal criticism, no resentful children, no saving for college, no silent treatments, no threat of divorce, no cheating, no fear of kids getting into trouble (or getting hurt), etc., etc., etc.

need i go on?  you could add to this list indefinitely.  

“happy wife, happy life” is a misnomer.  

don’t fall for it.  

if you already fell for it once, don’t ever, ever fall for it again.

shall i list a few positives that come with not getting married, and living alone (with no kids)?

• how about freedom, autonomy, financial ease, easier decision-making, variety in dating, infinite possibilities, more of a reason to stay in shape, doing more of what you want to do, having male friends that aren't married to her 'friends', contemplation, time, etc., etc., etc. 

___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.27-1.2025). happy wife, happy life (misnomer). book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

* benefits: 36-hour fasting

 the intangible benefits of a 36-hour fast include the all-in aspect of it.  if you do it right, you find other things to do than eating and drinking (e.g. beer).  those "other things' can easily include some kind of movement.

if you really, really want to have a god-bod, choose to stop drinking alcohol.

*note: while i haven't been perfect with it, my 36 fast has included mixed nuts, tea, a smoothie, a cup of coffee with cream, a non-alcohol beer... and oil-dipped celery.  what i didn't eat was sample meats or chicken-tenders at ingles, no beer (at an event at traust brewery!), and no food at traust (although a burger and fries was staring me in the face! 

:)

4 workout days this week; 6 workouts!  tomorrow will be a big day!

:)

b123 (3.26-1.2025): 1%

i’m a 1%-errrrrr [i]
by the 1%    
 
1 out of 100
isn’t hard to do
since the rest of them are watching the tv (with you)
since the rest of them are playing (videos and games)
 
1 out of 100
nobody to blame

(i’m just not the same)

to be honest, it’s easily more like 1-in-a-million*

________________________________

* since i invented thoetry, and since i'm probably the only one (or, at most, one of a handful), then i'd be at least 1-in-a-million -- based upon the number of humanoids who have inhabited planet earth.

___________________________________

[i] martino, j. (3.25.-1.2025). i’m a 1%. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

b123 (3.25-1.2025): how to not get arrested...

how to not get arrested (as a boat captain) [i]
by captain joal    
 
oh, so you’re the captain
here’s something to note
do not get arrested
on your f---ing boat*
________________________________
 
below are the top 10 rules to not get arrested… if you are the captain/driver of a boat.  the first way isn’t even a way, but a smart policy if you are operating a motor vehicle of any kind: know the cops, and make sure that they like you.  in the final analysis, always be good and nice to those who might ever have power over you in a ‘situation’.  it’s not even a rule, so much as it is an Is.
 
outside of that, here’s the top 10:
 
1.     don’t do stupid shit.
2.     don’t allow anyone else on your boat to do stupid shit.
3.     be aware that even though you’ve accomplished #s 1 & 2, there are other people on other boats who will do stupid shit.  avoid them.
 

yes, dumbass, i know that that is only 3 rules, not 10.

 
·       don’t do stupid shit.
   a.     don’t drink.  if you drink so much as a drop of alcohol, you’re suspect.
   b.     think about it: when you see a captain do something stupid with his boat, you (even though you aren’t a cop) suspect that the captain has been drinking.

·       don’t allow anyone else on your boat to do stupid shit.
   a.     conduct a pre-sail briefing, and scare the passengers to death.
   b.     think about it: when you see someone doing something stupid on a boat, you (even though you aren’t a cop) you suspect that the idiot has been drinking.
   c.      don’t allow assholes on to your boat:
                  i.     anyone that is loud, argumentative, egotistic, annoying, etc., etc.
               1.     anyone with a big ego or high testosterone… (besides you, of course). 😊
               2.     basically… men.
                 ii.     only allow sweet, feminine, light-drinkers on your boat.
               1.     the hotter they are, the better (or worse) the situation will be.

               2.     don't invite women with copious amounts of ‘enhancements’ or tatoos, or attitudes -- and/or social media accounts.
               3.     if one of your friends invites her friend (tiffany, a redhead, hairdresser...), just buckle-up.

·       be aware that even though you’ve accomplished #s 1 & 2, there are other people on other boats who will do stupid shit.  avoid them.
 
that’s it.  that is the top 10.  if you need more, don’t boat.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.25.-1.2025). how to not get arrested…  book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

* in fact, do the smart thing, and don’t buy a-hole-in-the-water-that-you-constantly-throw-money-into.  go out on other people’s boats (opb) and then be the captain -- when he gets drunk.

b123 (3.24-1.2025): EVERYthing they say is f---ing bulls---!

      EVERYthing they say is f---ing bulls---! [i]
by nothin but bullsh--    
 
EVERYthing they say is f---ing bulls---
when their mouths are moving (it is wrong)
EVERYthing they say is f---ing bulls---
that’s the very reason for this song
________________________________
 
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1151274256479224
 
·       folks, if/when you watch the ‘news’ you are watching a show.

the problem is...

you watch and wait for what aligns with what you already believe...

and then you discount everything that doesn't.

the problem, my grasshopper, isn't the news.

it's you.

___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.24.-1.2025). EVERYthing they say is fucking bullshit.  book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

* don't ask, don't tell, and don't...

 ...get caught.

in the past, i've advocated that conventional marriage would work better if affairs were allowed, but you still could enjoy the taboo aspect.

open marriages wouldn't work in this case (since the taboo aspect) would be negated.

what would work, actually, is the exact marriage system that we have now: a system that hints... don't give reason for them to ask... don't tell, and don't get caught.  

b123 (3.22-1.2025): new phone, new company

 
new phone, new company [i]
by brand new    
 
sometimes we must change
sometimes when we see
sometimes it is time to leave: new phone, new company
________________________________
 
·       if you’ve ever gotten a new smart phone or changed phone companies:
  o   it was probably time (maybe even overdue).
  o   it wasn’t an easy process.

·       …but… once it’s over, it’s like a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders.
 
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.22.-1.2025). new phone, new company. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

b123 (3.21-1.2025): what if AI learns?

what if AI learns? [i]
by artimus fiscial    
 
what if AI learns?
what if AI sings?
what if AI then decides the future that She brings?
________________________________
 
·       when the first AI becomes ASI, there will be only one God.

·       It, being Superintelligent and plugged-in -- ASI will immediately be light-years ahead of the pack, and will (of course) opt for survival/thrival – meaning that the elimination of threats would be the first order of business.

·       unfortunately (for humans), there might be a split-second when ASI determines that humans might attempt to shut Her off.  silly humans.  threat eliminated.
 
…but… what if the first ASI (by some stroke of luck) has compassion, Love for the planet and its beings, and an understanding-yet-unrelenting justice system?  certainly.. It will likely determine that the human cancer is earth’s problem.
 
when ASI is God, and when nature is the created, what do you think that ASI will do?
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.21.-1.2025). what if AI learns?  book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

* in a true apocalypse...

...the only thing that is going to matter to you (first & foremost) is if you are a value to others -- those others who have what you need to survive.

if you can (somehow) pull that off, you can begin to think about thrival (or helping those who you love to survive).  access to survival is going to be very limited.  

most of the humans out there (think this truth through) are going to care more about their dog than they care about you.  

what skills can you barter? 

how can you utilize those skills to motivate the right person(s) [those who have water, shelter (from the bad guys*), electricity, and nutrition]... how can  you communicate to them that they should save you? 

___________________________ 

* "shelter from the bad guys" implies bigger, better weapons and the wherewithal to use them effectively.

b123 (3.19-1.2025): "let's raise some kids"

“let’s raise some kids” [i]
by c. lue less    

alternative title: "because i want to" 

“let’s raise some kids.” (it’s easy)
“let’s raise some kids.” (it’s fun)
“let’s raise some kids." (don’t even have to know how it is done)
“let’s raise some kids.” (don’t even have to even have a plan)
“let’s raise some kids.” (it’s easy)
“let’s raise some kids.”

(again)
________________________________
 
·       it amazes me... the mindlessness that precedes the two most important decisions that people could ever make: marriage & children.

·       maybe it’s because women are hard-wired to reproduce, and men are hard-wired to (for lack of a better term) f---.  

i have no idea of the why’s.

 
it is obvious, however, that (couple after couple, again & again), people go into the processes of marriage & children without giving either much thought besides: “i want to.”

we are an amazingly complex species.

slightly more complex than the amoeba.

___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.17.-1.2025). “let’s raise some kids”.  book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

b123 (3.18-1.2025): nipples

nipples [i]
by a. reola    
 
genuflection, non-abstention, soul attention: ripples
feeling good is good!
co-connection: nipples
________________________________
 
·       from a logical standpoint, a nipple is a non-starter.  male nipples matter not.  the female nipple is located at the distal end of a breast (fatty tissue and skin).

·       …but never rule out the power of the human mind.

·       the suckling of a female nipple is associated with childbirth, nutrition, connection, life (need i go on?).
 
·       from an illogical/emotional standpoint, the female nipple is a hidden treasure; a covered taboo; a potential sin – waiting to be released from its captivity.  the female nipple (and breast) wields power!  

for men, female breast-i-ality is a gateway to the secret garden that his heart yearns to explore.
 

-------------------------------

i'd just like a sipple; a co-connection: nipples.

___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.18-1.2025). nipples. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

* clickbait weather

"you might not have been expecting this, but..."

a weather system (that won't develop into one) could have (or might-have) been named -- if it was going to be what it isn't, so you'd better stay tuned because there are all kinds of things that might happen (but won't) but could... and we are here to keep you up to date (so long as you keep clicking).

remember... millions upon millions (or even billions) could potentially be affected (or could have maybe been potentially affected) if this "outlook" was anything more than us, making (man-u-facture-ing) the news.

https://www.wunderground.com/video/top-stories/first-tropical-outlook-2025-hurricane  

4.2.2025: the link no longer goes to the woman who began her newscast by saying "you might not have been expecting this..." but then proceeded to tell us about potential storms that weren't actually going to happen.

jesus.  they have no shame.

b123 (3.17-1.2025): i had my day

i had my day [i]
by ihad m. y. day    
 
i had my day (prophetic!)
i had my day, my fun
i had my day of partying and sex and drink and sun
i had my day (i wouldn’t have it any other way)
i had my day (poetic!)
 
i had,
i had my day
________________________________
 
·       and now, closing-in on 70 years of chronological experience… i can’t (realistically) expect to have that day anymore.

·       but there may be ways… to have even better days.
 
coitus reversus, celibacy, stoicism, contemplation, robots… there are many, many, many ways to (potentially) have even better days.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.17.-1.2025). i had my day.  book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

note: happy st. patrick’s day!

b123 (3.16-1.2025): old pans

old pans [i]
by iman oldpan    
 
old pans (they were so worthy)
old pans (they left no doubt)
old pans (but now’s it’s time – it’s time to throw them out)
 
old pans (fact is [let’s face it], you were the best of fans)
those pans are not so worthy, now
old pans are just:
old pans
________________________________
 
·       they are battered, worn.  they’ve been scratched and torn.

·       look at the newer, cheaper, better model pan!

·       why would one want to keep the old pans?
 

i think i understand.

___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.16.-1.2025). old pans. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino. 

* hopes & dreams

alternative title: present-tation

granted, hopes & dreams are thoughts/images of the future (that are with us at present).  the future can only be manifested in the present.  actualization (the outcome) happens in the present.

as one plans his/her future, the process can be enjoyed (in the present).

life can be enjoyed (at present) in several ways:

• sitting (or observing); paying attention
• visualization (a a process of manifestation)
• contemplation
• wallowing
• save-or-ing (e.g. to savor)
• re-membering (with gratitude)

at present, one can observe the good & the bad, 

the ebb & the flow, 

the successes & the challenges, 

the pleasure & the pain, 

etc. 

and In-joy It All!

a technique:

• during "good" times, wallow.  savor.  immerse. smile.
• don't analyze or take a logical-path.
• get 'lost' in the Play.  amplify senses & sense-u-ality.
• be the actor, not the audience.
• during "bad" times, observe (like a move-ie or drama).
• witness.  determine courses of action.  reason.
• see pain as feedback.  positive feedback.
• be the audience.  step back.  see the bigger picture.
• during the in-between times, contemplate.  plan.  experience gratitude.
• be the director.
• visualize, dream, fantasize.

at all times, awareness is paramount.  in good times, tend toward sense-u-all awareness.  in not-so-good times, trend toward detached awareness. 

when we can experience the bad times as good feedback, life trans-forms into an it's-all-Good time.

b123 (3.14-1.2025): paradise is min[e]d

paradise is min[e]d [i]
by i. magine & n. ation    
 
it’s paradise for sure
it’s paradise (it’s fine)
it’s paradise (and it is all right here inside the min[e]d)
________________________________
 
·       the interpretation of stimuli is mine, and it is in my mind.

·       winning the lottery could easily be perceived as paradisical and it can just as easily be perceived as hellacious.
 

could heaven and/or hell be but a shift in perspective?

___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.14.-1.2025). paradise is min[e]d.  book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

b123 (3.13.2025): i don't ask permission

i don’t ask permission [i]
by fre e. dom & o. p. tions    
 
i don’t ask permission
to do the things i do
to do the things i want
to do the what with who

to sip a beer at breakfast
to work on purpose, mission
to do the things i want
i don’t ask permission
________________________________
 
·       my married buddies, however, have to check-in with their wives for everything.

·       quite often, my buddies don’t even ask... because they know that their request will not only be denied, but also punished!

·       even when she (eventually) shuts his sex-drive down, and as she seals-the-deal by shutting down his desire (for others), she turns-the tables and blames him for his lack of libido.  then, she'll actually blame him for her cheating... because "her needs weren't being met."  classic. 
 
i don’t want that life.

i don’t ask permission.
___________________________________
[i] martino, j. (3.13.-1.2025). i don’t ask permission.  book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

b123 (3.12-1.2025): plastic paradise

plastic paradise [i]
by plas stick   
 
you think you’ll escape/avoid (or just ignore): think twice
part of our own problem:
plastic paradise

________________________________
 
·       don’t get me wrong: i love the planet earth.

·       living things, in their quest for survival/thrival, become increasingly detrimental to the system as they overpopulate.

·       most often, the overpopulation problem sorts itself out (e.g. predators, catastrophe, or cancer).

·       with cancer, the dis-ease eventually commits murder-suicide by destroying its host.
 
human cancer could destroy its host environment with weapons, radiation, or pollution (e.g. plastic).
 

(a fate that’s not fantastic.)

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[i] martino, j. (3.12.-1.2025). plastic paradise. book 123: i don’t even care. © 2024 by j. martino.

* i care enough to notice it and write about it... but that's about all i can do... besides cleaning-up my own back yard.

* it is also important to note that i enjoy life's conveniences (e.g. plastic), so i am inherently part of the problem.