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Thoughts come and stir
The mind to be free
Free to find me
In the morning light
The stirring comes and
Goes, giving a glimpse
Of what is there, but
Only for a moment
And then the stillness
Returns, empty or fill
The answer waits in
Eternity
Pizzaonius - founder of Pizzaonia
Conjectures of a Recovering Dilettante -- The nature of being a recovering dilettante
I was asked recently what is a recovering dilettante. My answer was we are all recovering dilettantes and as such; we need to recognize the condition.
Simply, in our digital age of transformation, information is now so ubiquitous and comprehensive it is no longer possible to be an expert in most areas. Certainly, in some fields of law, medicine, science and philosophy there will be the few extraordinary individuals who are experts, but they are the few, not the many.
For the rest of us, we are journeymen and women in our fields and unfortunately, we are all on the treadmill of obsolescence. The digital machine can do most of what we do.
I know this is extreme and controversial, but that does not make it any less true. The sooner we all come to grips with this, the faster we can move on to the new life that awaits us – and that life may not be as bad as some think.
My recent move back to Pizzaonia was partially motivated by the realization of the innovative life that is emerging for recovering dilettantes. I believe this emerging future is waiting for us to embrace it and when we do wondrous things will happen.
I will continue to explore this in future writings and invite your comments and participation. Thank you.
Brother Giovanni
Now that I am back in Pizzaonia permanently, I feel I will have a better perspective of my recent travels through the United States. For me, it was often a conflicting experience. I have my internal beliefs of the greatness and purpose of my native country, and at the same time, I was forced to deal with the reality of how that is playing out historically.
It is hard to explain the feeling that comes over you when you watch this current political campaign for the presidency evolve. Somewhere along the way, the need to satisfy the American people's insatiable need for quick solutions, we (they) temporally have become a nation of imbeciles being patronized by candidates who do not seem much smarter than the people they claim to want to serve.
We live in dangerous and changing times requiring courage in leadership that has been absent for many years. The world is shifting and churning into a new time that demands vision and integrity from our leaders.
The irony is for that quality of leadership and integrity to appear in our leaders “we the people" must demand it. For this to happen the people must stand up and be counted, and show courage the likes of which have not been seen since World War 2.
When one considers the birth of the United States, it becomes clear that a process of liberty and individual freedom under law began - a long and evolving process that has seen slow, but steady progress toward a more perfect union. Many have sacrificed and paid dearly for the foundation that we now have so we may continue the journey. The question is what now?
We could and do argue ad infinitum over the virtues of our political leadership the last few years – an argument that is unlikely to be resolved. What seems clear when viewed from an objective distance is the unwillingness of the American people to sacrifice during a time that can only be resolved when the people stand up and say “enough.”
Saying “enough” has a price – a price that demands shared sacrifice from all so we again can move forward on the journey of evolving toward a perfect union.
We can criticize our leaders all we want, but the ultimate responsibility rests with us. Each time is asked to pay the price for freedom. Are we up to the task? Only time will tell. Our ancestors who paid such a dear price to get us this far are waiting for our answer.
Until next time.... Brother Giovanni, commenting from Pizzaonia
“Doing your best is not enough. You must summon the courage to do your best at what needs to be done – or go to a movie instead.” Brother Giovanni
“Comedy is simply a funny way of being serious.” Peter Ustinov
“There is a difference between imitating a good person and counterfeiting one.” Benjamin Franklin
“History teaches us that people and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.” Abba Eban
“Being a political junkie isn’t much fun anymore now that we have more junk than fun.” Pizzaonian spelunker
“Two people can form a community by excluding a third.” Jean Paul Sartre
On coping: “Sometimes you just have to pee in the sink.” Charles Bukowski
Sister Veronica, Brother Franco, Brother Giovanni and all of the staff of Pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci wishes you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas, and regardless of our individual faiths or beliefs, may we join in mutual respect and extend the intended good will of this season into our New Year.
Sister Veronica announced today a new seminar series on Worldonian affairs to inform Pizzaonians of the increasing influence of Worldonia on Pizzaonian lifestyles.
"Since we exist in a beta-world country that survives without government or wars we feel it is important to keep Pizzaonians informed on developments in Worldonia, especially from the perspective of the differences in our two cultures," said Supreme Pizzaonian, Sister Veronica
Increased portalization has become an issue with many Pizzaonians who feel that Worldonian influences are seriously eroding Pizzaonian culture. This tension is new to Pizzaonia, a culture famous for its inclusiveness of all ethnicities and religions. Pizzaonian Monasteries are well known for their diversity and includes atheist monks among its many members.
The series will include a number of editorials from former Supreme Pizzaonian, Brother Giovanni, Head master of all Monasteries, Brother Franco, Monk Giorgio DiAugustino, Head of Bakery Operations and representative of pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci, and Sister Veronica, Supreme Pizzaonian.
“Many of our subjects will be considered controversial and could cause concern in both worlds; however, each contributor is free to write on any subject they choose, and we look forward to their comments," concluded Sister Veronica.
Submitted by Pizzaonian New Network, PNN
Unfortunately, the worst fears of the conservative religious right of Pizzaonia became a reality. The nightmare that ensued is ongoing and shows no signs of letting up.
Immediately after the announcement it is estimated that 40,000 or more heterosexual married men gathered at the main capital’s municipal soccer stadium and began a wild and drunken, sexual orgy that shows no sign of ending.
This action seems to confirm the religious right’s worst fears that ordinary, married heterosexual men would disregard their tradition and opt for the homosexual lifestyle if allowed to do so.
“For years we have lived the lie that being married and heterosexual was normal. Now are shackles are off and we are doing are thing,” one man was reported to have said.
As the orgy continued and spilled into the streets police and local militia were called to restore peace only to find out that they were participating in the orgy as well. We understand that police dogs also were involved.
“Law and order have broken down!” yelled one man as he ran to join the revelers at the stadium.
Professor Peppi Doughi, dean of the Pizza Institute, said “once we entered into the agreement of Pizza and Faith with pizza conglomerate, Pizza digogo DiVinci, it was the beginning of the end of our culture as we knew it. Once Pizzaonia became a Pizza imperialistic power there was no turning back. We are now seeing the effects of this merger.”
Other Pizzaonian sociologists blame the breakdown on the open portalization policy that allowed thousands of pizza bakery workers to come to Pizzaonia. “We could not assimilate that many people into our beta-world traditions” said one expert who asked to remain anonymous.
As of now there is no comment from Sister Veronica, Supreme Pizzaonian. The Pizzaonian Monasteries are a powerful political force here and they will no doubt be involved in the resolution of this crisis.
More as it develops........
Contact: Publicio Relationio at Pizzaonian@yahoo.com
Storm clouds on the Pizzaonian horizon .......
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: MONASTERY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Contact: Publicio Relationio at the Monastery office of Public Relations at Pizzaonian@yahoo.com
SUBJECT: Brother Franco to rededicate the Miracle Margarita Pizza to all Pizzaonians: Anniversary of First Letter to the Pizzaonians
My fellow and beloved Pizzaonians,
I am proud and honored to rededicate myself as headmaster. I am pledged to serve you and never to lose sight of the Pizzaonian mission to discover our humanity in the creative symbol of Pizza.
To that end, I ask you to stand firm in your faith. We live in a perilous time and find ourselves challenged to defend our moral and spiritual principles. As our beta-world becomes more connected to the real world, we face the ultimate test of our faith.
I am convinced that large scale portalization is inevitable. Our challenge is to be true to our ecumenical concepts despite the pervasive influence of the narrow and myopic views of our real world neighbors.
To that end, we must simplify our beliefs so that we can be more persuasive in our example of holy and humanistic life styles. To accomplish this I will continue to focus our attention and energy on the production of the most simple and elegant pizza of them all, the Margarita.
Our Miracle Margarita is an inspired food handed to us by our Creator. In our alliance with Pizza digogo DiVinci and the continued inspirational direction of our advertising agency, John Frank Associates, I know we are moving with the hand of Providence on the tiller.
We are blessed by the support of our sister monk and Supreme Pizzaonian, Sister Veronica. We pray that our Creator will continue to bless her inspired leadership.
The road ahead will be hard and I ask again for continued sacrifice from all Pizzaonians including myself. However, never forget, we are blessed with the presence of our Miracle Pizzas as a reminder of our providential mission.
My blessing upon all Pizzaonians everywhere.
Brother Franco
Monastery gardens adjacent to diary pastures
Released as a public service to all Pizza lovers everywhere
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FROM: MONASTERY PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICE
Contact: Publicio Relationio. PR Director, Pizzaonian News Network, Pizzaonian@yahoo.com
Pizzaonians to market Pizzaonian Miracle Margarita Pizza as the purest, organic pizza produced.
Former Pizzaonian Bakery Chief, Sister Veronica,(now Supreme Pizzaonian) who rose to fame with her discovering of the Brother Timothy miracle pizza apparitions, claimed today the mozzarella cheese now being produced from the monastery dairy herds is the richest and creamiest mozzarella ever made.
She attributes this to the reduced cattle flatulence produced by the herds when the monastery decided to apply for the coveted “es” designation administered by the ICPM. In order to be awarded this rare designation, the monastery had to cut in half all ammonia and nitrogen emissions released by their cows. After a long and persistent effort, this was successfully accomplished at the end of last year.
“There is no doubt about it, our cheese is the creamiest mozzarella ever made. Our new Pizzaonian Margarita Pizza is the purest organic pizza produced in the beta-world,” said Sister Veronica.
She also added a very pleasant side benefit is the reduced aroma now coming from the monastery cattle pastures.
The great divide in American politics is the dilemma between the new world we are moving to and the old world most Americans still live in today. The old world is dying and the great divide to the new world of promise and stability is a mighty river that is impossible to cross without the construction of a viable bridge that allows safe passage.
And this is the problem that our political leadership from either major party is not willing to confront. Instead we have deadlock while both sides vie for political power. Our President struggles with the problems he inherited while promising to build the new industries of tomorrow. He warns us that we have a long way to go. This is hardly a clarion call to optimism.
Our loyal opposition promises to stop the President’s programs. Somehow we are to believe this is going to solve the issue of the great divide. Obstruction is not a viable program for the future. So where does that leave us? I believe in serious trouble unless we find the political will to resolve the current paralysis of our political debate.
The political will to do so is going to have to come from the people. The initiative must come from the people since our leadership provides us with no alternative. Do we have the stomach for it? Do we have the courage to say enough of “attack politics” and demand a return to a reasonable debate of the issues – or are we as stupid as the politicians seem to think we are?
The problem is further exasperated since a significant number of people are already on the other side of the river, leaving most of the middle and working class behind. They did not need a bridge since they were on the other side from the beginning. This worked as long as the dying side of the river provided the means for survival for those still there – the gap between the two sides, while uncomfortable, was manageable.
The financial and tech worlds always start from the good side of the river - the financial world because they control the resources and the tech side because they are the future. The folks on the other side depend on the status quo to survive – and the status quo is dying rapidly.
The tragedy of our political debate is both sides are partially right, but because of the caustic rhetoric and desire for power, neither side is willing to frame the political debate in a clear and persuasive manner.
We need the President’s programs and that should be obvious to all. The economy was stabilized and the foundation for the future was built. Then the emphasis shifted to the needs for the future and where we need to go, all admirable and necessary. However, what was left out was the present and that is what the bridge is all about.
The loyal opposition is also right. We need frugality and we need efficiency from our government. Our future desperately needs well-managed government. But they overstate their case for political reasons and obstruct any attempt to build a meaningful bridge to the future.
We need the future, we need financial stability, and we need well managed government, and while preparing for the future is critical, you cannot sacrifice the present, especially when the sacrifice is not equally shared.
Simply said the viable bridge for the middle class is more than a metaphor. It is rebuilding our infrastructure and the jobs that will create. We cannot ignore the present and expect to have a future. We still need to move to the future, but we need to travel the road together. What is missing is the political will and courage from our political establishment to frame the debate honestly. Our infrastructure is falling apart and because the political debate has made this “old school” thinking, this alarming fact no longer seems relevant to the argument.
All of this takes place while other emerging and established economies around the world are making massive investments in their present and future infrastructures. We might not have a future if we do not save the present. When the American people sense an honest debate, the people will respond. But even better, we, the people should demand an honest debate on the issues now, or we can expect more of the same – and that can only mean a weaker America. We deserve better than this.
From Pizzaonia, Brother Giovanni
Herman Cain, ex candidate for the Republican nomination for president, is reportedly going to endorse a former rival.
This news has created a flurry of activity among the remaining candidates. One insider reported to our correspondent that it would be a real coup if they could influence Cain to endorse one of their rivals.
It is estimated that a Cain endorsement could be worth a minimum of a five-point loss in the polls. As one insider said, “This is too good to pass up.”
*semi exclusive - could have been reported by someone else first. (Maybe – but we do not think so.)
