THE PIZZAONIAN

A funny thing happened on the way to Utopia - Awash in a deluge of information and marketing glut!

“Pizzaonia Emerging”   Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator

 

A Pizzaonian perspective .......

I am curious how most of us relate to a world that is awash in information glut.  How does this affect our daily lives, our perception of events, and the decisions we make each day?

Information glut is different than knowledge – information is raw material that has to be filtered for value.  It is a fair observation to say we now spend much of our time filtering rather than learning.  More times than most we discover that after filtering this raw material for knowledge, we find very little there.  

I do wonder how many of us can still recognize value and knowledge when we see it.  This is not because we are obtuse or ignorant, but simply an effect of having to spend so much time being distracted by the constant bombardment of worthless data that we don’t know is valueless until we spend the time to figure it out.

It does not make it any easier when we realize this amorphous glut of information is packaged by very creative, smart public relations and advertising experts, all extremely good at making the most useless news, miscellaneous material or product appealing on the surface. And guess who has to spend the time figuring it out.

Obviously selling products that none of us need is an essential part of an economy that has to continue to grow in order to survive.   The process by which you make me want something that I don’t need, and might not even want, has been elevated to the status of an art form. 

I had the opportunity to spend some time with a person who was very talented at creating demand for these types of products.  My question to her was, “I am sure you must think of the fact that you are spending so much of your life creatively selling useless stuff.” 

She told me that in the beginning it bothered her, but she got over it very quickly when she found herself making a very good living doing it.  I asked her how she justified selling  to people who might not be as knowledgeable being sucked into this type of deception.

“Jobs,” she said, “it’s about jobs, everyone needs to work and every time I help somebody actually buy something, someone, somewhere had to make and sell that something. For doing that they got paid.”

This makes sense.  Unfortunately, what has changed is that job is probably no longer here and is being made by someone else in some far away land.  And, if, the product is now being made here, there is a good chance that a machine made it.

This is the dilemma of a modern industrial economy.  It needs to sell more and more products, but requires fewer people working to do so.  This ultimately translates into the question that Henry Ford had to ask, “Who and where is the customer?”

We have always believed that our advanced technology will save us with good reason, it always has.  But is that still part of the equation?  Will technology advance to the point where it eliminates working people from the process? Many believe that not only will it happen, but the process has begun.

We are told we will create more jobs as our advanced technology invents new industries. However, that has a hollow ring to it.  How many high tech people do we need when compared to the amount of people in the world that need work to survive?

Enter the low paying service industry that is beginning to dominate the available employment opportunities.

Till next time, Brother Franco

opd 11/13

 

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So you think you have a good relationship.....

(C)2012

On relationships

 No subject gets more attention.  Successful relationships are the key to a so-called successful life.  However, are what we call relationships really relationships, or are they merely accommodations and little else?

Making this distinction is important since a good relationship can often be accommodating; however, not all accommodations are necessarily good relationships. 

Accommodations exist when a mutual need between parties is being satisfied.  It can be very specific and independent of any other need or contact with an individual or organization.

How do you determine the difference? 

Begin by thinking about what is being satisfied by your relationship.  If it is a true relationship, you will not have to think very long.  True relationships are all encompassing and you intrinsically know it.

We know when we are happy and all is well.  The same with our physical body - when the body is working well you are not aware of it.  It does what it must with ease and in silence. The same is true of relationships.

The problem is what happens when the relationship is not working.  Then, it not only needs attention; it demands attention because the dysfunction becomes part of your consciousness.

Only the honest survive here.  This does not mean the relationship will not survive if you are not honest, because for most it will.  However, it will cease to be a relationship in the full sense of the word and continue to be a tolerable accommodation.

For a person to be willing to risk it all in order to make it better is rare, regardless of the situation.  For most, learning to adjust and accept the status quo is as good as it is going to get.  However, for the one in a million who is willing to risk it all in order to communicate honestly  - the reward is theirs to treasure.

It is too bad it is only one in a million.

Brother Giorgio

0714

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“The world and its compulsive drive to extinction."

 (C)2012

Pizzaonian National Flag, courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator

 

As we watch the world with some trepidation from a Pizzaonian perspective, we seem to be witnessing the world’s inability to deal with the impending disaster of very real climate change. It should be clear to anyone who wishes to know, climate change is a serious problem the world is facing. 

What is disturbing is that climate change, regardless of how acute the threat actually is, has become a wedge issue that special-interest use to increase their power. 

No one seems interested in seeking solutions. To do so would end the conflict, a conflict the adversaries need to keep themselves in the limelight. What you get are polemics and accusations that make it impossible to find answers to this pending dilemma.

Is the climate getting warmer and would continue to rise slowly regardless of what additional pollution your way of life contributes to your already contaminated atmosphere? Probably.

Is the amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere by your industrial civilization contributing to the problem and speeding up what may be a natural process?  Probably

They are not mutually exclusive, as the proponents of each side would like you to believe.

Both are plausible probabilities that most rational people could agree on – but as stated before, finding solutions is not what the arguments with all of their polemics and posturing are intended to do. 

One item everyone should agree on:  the way industrial societies produce energy must change.  The end result, if change does not occur,  is not an option for sane societies.  The question is always, how?

An issue that should be obvious to the proponents of climate change is that the fossil fuel and coal industries are currently necessary and any transition to new energy sources is going to be slow.  What should be equally obvious is these industries have a huge hold on the economies of the world.

There are billions of dollars involved with deeply entrenched industries.  These industries also support thousands of jobs and a lifestyle that much of the world already enjoys, or aspires to reach, which makes any attempt at change a political minefield.

Simply preaching, “The world is ending, the world is ending unless you repent” falls on deaf ears.  Before change is possible, the political leaders of the world, particularly the United States, must find a fair and equitable way to make change reasonable for those who will bear the brunt of the pain. No solution is possible unless this reality is successfully negotiated.

This must be done before the inevitable becomes reality.

 

Sister Veronica

opd 12/12

 

 

 

 

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To be responsible for what happens to you - What a novel idea!

 "Pizzaonia Emerging" courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Staction, curator

 

Musings from Pizzaonia on the American condition

Today is unlike any time in the recent past.  We live in a time when all institutions are in a state of flux. Our institutions be they church, education, business or government are in such a state of flux they no longer are able to define themselves.  As a result, everyone with an opinion is defining what they are for them. 

What adds to the frustration is that these institutions have to project a sense of confidence that they are in control. Unfortunately, many no longer believe what they are selling and this creates a formula for chaos.  

The chicken and the egg question raises its ugly head here.  Are institutions merely a reflection of the people they supposedly serve, or do they lead the way and shape what the people are? 

I have suspected for some time our institutions are a reflection of the people.  If our institution’s values are failing, then our values as a people have are failing.  This at least puts the responsibility where it belongs.  

What a novel idea -- to accept as a people the notion that we are responsible for what happens to us.  Probably will never catch on.

 Brother Giovanni - commenting for the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network

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opd 1/16

 

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Conjectures of a recovering dilettante - “I aimed for the stars, fell into the mud, and discovered the lotus.”

Pizzao

"Pizzaonian Discovery" courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator  (C) 2009

Conjectures of a reconvering dillettante

Some random observations on reality and other stuff.......

The moment of existential truth is when we must choose the reality of whom we are - not who we would like to be.  We can never “be” as long as we are in the process of becoming.

Through loneliness and despair, we eventually discover “self”  - who we truly are without any of the illusionary trappings that we use to filter our reality. This is the moment of enlightenment that has the dual capacity to bring new life - or death to our souls.”

It is easy to understand this intellectually, but very difficult to grasp its full meaning emotionally.  We discover self through our emotions, not through our intellect.  Our intellect provides the road we travel.  Our emotions provide our destination.

And we eventually discover God in order to escape the isolation of self. 

 

“I aimed for the stars, fell into the mud, and discovered the lotus.”

Pizzaonius

 

 

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Quotes for reflection on a quiet November afternoon

“Fame usually comes to those who are thinking of something else.” Oliver Wendell Homes, Jr.

 

“Glory is fleeting, but obscurity is forever.” Napoleon Bonaparte

 

Middle age: when you are sitting at home on Saturday night and your phone rings and you hope it is not for you.”  Ogden Nash

 

“If you cannot separate your selfishness from your service, than be selfish since your service will continue.”  Pizzaonian spelunker

 

“A forgiven heart left empty becomes the target for both old and new sins.”  Ben Campbell Johnson

 

“The only reason for time is so everything doesn’t happen all at once.”  Albert Einstein

 

To believe reasonableness works in politics is the same as believing Gomer Pyle would be a good choice to play the role of Henry VIII. -  UNKNOWN

 

“In my relationships the most difficult person to know well is me” Br. Giorgio, Director of Bakery Operations, Pizza digogo DiVinci

 

“It’s a sobering thought, that when Mozart was my age, he had been dead for two years.”  Tom Lehrer

 

“That which comes into the world to disturb nothing deserves neither respect nor patience.” Rene Char

 

“Doing what’s right – that’s easy. Trying to rationalize what’s wrong to make it right – that’s hard work.”  Pizzaonian spelunker

 

“It is the theory which decided what can be observed.”  Albert Einstein

 

"When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, you think it's only a minute. But when you sit on a hot stove for a minute, you think it's two hours. That's relativity." - Albert Einstein

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Solitude- a brief oasis, a place of rest to refresh your mind and body

"Pizzaonia emerging" Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Instute, Abe Straction, curator

 

Musings from Pizzaonia - a short reflection on solitude.

Today we make so much of solitude and meditation.  Everyone writes about it, and many talk about it.  It seems to us that one thing always gets lost in any discussion about solitude. Solitude is not an escape; it is not a place where you get off. 

On the contrary, it is a method to help you continue your journey through life.  Solitude allows us to stay relevant for the world we must engage every day.

It is a brief oasis, a place of rest that allows you a quiet respite to refresh your mind and body.  In so doing, you can continue your journey with new vigor and enthusiasm.

How we choose to enter solitude is an individual experience.  Some can do it anywhere they are; others need quite isolation. One thing is certain.  We all need solitude to stay whole.  Without it, we soon lose our way.  Make sure every day has the solitude experience.

However, when you choose to enter your time of solitude always remember first its purpose.  Focus on your journey.  The road is always made clear to all who enter with an open heart and mind.

Before you leave, stay a moment - create a short oasis, a place of rest.  Until next time,

Pizzaonius

opd 12/13

 

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Conjectures of recovering dilettante - "Power"- the elixir of the Gods, delusional politicians and other like-minded folks

(C)2012

Pizzaonian National Flag, courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, curator

“Power is always charged with the impulse to eliminate the human variable, from the equation of action.” Eric Hoffer

You could argue over why the above is always true.  What is not arguable is that it is always true.  What is it in the human condition that makes the need for being in control (power) a constant?

Be it politics, business or religion, no matter how veiled its projected humility may be, seeking power is the inevitable outcome.

Every political party, every business and every religion seeks power.  Some are obvious. Others are very good at masking themselves as defenders of the truth and common good, but their quest for power makes them no different from the rest.

In religion, the most interesting dogmas come from those faiths that claim to have no dogma.  With the mask of humility and acceptance, they immediately claim the moral high ground. This well disguised assertion of humility and openness gives to their faithful the authority of invented moral superiority – that is power.

In politics, it does not take long to understand, regardless of how much each political party states it is serving the “best interest" of their country; each party is first serving itself. After all, in order to serve you must first obtain power.  That’s why the cynical among us say, “in order to beat the system you must become the system” - a clever way of saying, “in order to beat corruption you must become corrupt.”

If true, this explains a lot.  And the beat goes on……..

Brother Giovanni, commenting, from Pizzaonia for the “The Pizzaonian.”

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opd 216

Why we need more committed dilettantes - to end political, ideological myopia

"PIZZAONIAN EMERGING #3"  Courtesy of the Pizzaonian Art Institute, Abe Straction, Curator (C)2013

 

 “..ideological myopia -a failure to realize compromising a little is better than staying stuck in the present path.” C. Nobel 

A traditional dilettante could never be an ideologue.  It runs counter to the tradition.  The mere thought that someone could be so sure of themselves that they never need to compromise is to any serious dilettante - complete folly.

We need to make clear that by dilettante, we mean a “lover of the arts” rather than it’s more popular meaning “a dabbler, or someone who moves from one idea to another.”

“A lover of the arts” is not an artist, but one who appreciates art, but even more, respects culture as the foundation of a well-defined life.  In order to respect culture you not only must be thankful for your own life, but the vagaries and idiosyncrasies of all other life as well. Simply said, you respect the human condition and embrace humanity warts and all.

From our distant perch, it seems in your world, there are two places that produce the most ideologues.  They are emerging countries trying to gain a foothold, and established dominant countries struggling to keep their vaulted position in the order of things.

Everyone else in the middle seems quite content to live in relative tranquility at least in comparison to the two extremes.  They seem to have put their faith in the people rather than in institutions or governments.  As it was said to me years ago “Governments come and go but the people are forever.”

This also makes sense since it is the people who form cultures not governments.  One could argue that the institutions and governments of our world reflect the culture of the people, and in the beginning this is probably true.  However, unfortunately, this is always short-lived.

It is only a question of time until institutions become worlds of their one, living in a bubble that serves their purpose rather than the general good.  It seems to be the inevitable nature of power to insulate itself from outsiders who seek to share it or be included.

This is hardly a new condition.  It has existed from the time of the caves.  As soon as some cave dwellers realized they had bigger clubs than “the other guys” they formed their own exclusive circles.

George Orwell said it better than anyone in Animal Farm - “All pigs are created equal, but some pigs are more equal than others.”  You need to look at any advanced democracy and see this being played out each day.

What else could explain the “madness” going on in the U.S. Congress?  This is a perfect example where a so-called democratic institution claims to represent the people as it serves its myopic self-interest.  Enter the intolerant ideologues who would destroy the country in order to save it.

As we said at the beginning, give us the dilettantes every time.  They are much too interested in the wonders of the world to seek power.  And if they did seek power, they soon realize that this interferes with their dilettantism and move on to better things.  As a result, the worlds they live in are much safer and better places.

John Frank Giovanni commenting for the "The Pizzaonian"- a division of the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network, Diverti Mento, Editor Emeritus

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opd 915

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A funny thing happened on the way to Utopia – "Jobs" - the new American Crisis

 

  A perspective from an alternate universe

 

The critical issue that many Pizzaonians face is to decide just how much technology they want in their lives.  As you know, since we are an alternate universe, our technology is unlimited –virtually anything we want is available.

In the beginning, this was considered a blessing. However, Pizzaonius, our founder, saw this as a curse disguised as a blessing.

As a friend of mine said, “You don’t need it until you have it, and once you have it, you can’t live without it.

Now from the perspective of your world, unlimited technology might seem to be paradise.  What is left out of the equation until you face the problem is carefully thinking through how technology changes your relationships - and, eventually the fabric of your social order.

How many of you remember when it was absolutely necessary for people to talk to each other directly?  While this was not always as comfortable as you might want it to be, it did have some consolation. You had to learn to get along, or you were in big trouble. And, getting along was much better than not, so you worked a little harder at it.

Now with social media communication dominating so many personal and business relationships you have the illusion of community without any of the satisfactions and trials that only actual, in person community can provide.  

Could this be why you have such difficulty in finding consensus?

Oh you still talk occasionally with your friends and family, but somebody is sending those trillion or so text messages every day.

There was one more thing  Pizzaonius was very wise about. He knew and understood that the workplace was a major factor in the development of healthy social skills.

What he forced us to do was confront how work relates to the human condition and social viability.  We now know technology has the capacity to eliminate work as we know it. If you don’t already know, you will soon, that much of the political and economic turmoil currently being experienced in your world is caused by technology eliminating jobs – jobs that will not be replaced. 

The inevitable result is that you will have fewer people working.  Add to this, that many folks with paid employment will be working alone in a media virtual work environment with little face to face daily contact.  This is not a recipe for developing good social skills.

It was recently written in one of your financial journals that the real difficulty facing the world will no longer be the creation of wealth; technology will take care of that problem.  The real issue will be figuring out how to distribute the wealth being created fairly.

Add to this the inability to talk and relate to each other, and you have a real problem.   Good luck with this one.

 

Diverti Mento, editor emeritus of “The Pizzaonian” a division of the Pizzaonian Newsertainment Network.

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opd 815

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