What is a Quafaie?


Quafaie (pronounced: kwa FAY) are fantasy creatures that exist in the fantasy writing of Hugh Kemeny, and are created by him. They are primarily in Hugh Kemeny’s Black Phoenix short stories...

To learn more, read this post: What is a Quafaie?

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Seek not happiness too greedily,
and be not fearful of happiness.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 30 May 2014


Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, 
we must carry it with us or we find it not.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 30 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Cute Astronomy

I saw this on a tumblr post ( The Science Side of Tumblr )


Daily Inspiration

An eye for an eye only ends up making the whole world blind.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 29 May 2014


To produce things and to rear them,
To produce, but not to take possession of them, 
To act, but not to rely on one's own ability,
To lead them, but not to master them --
This is called profound and secret virtue.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 29 May 2014

Monday, July 28, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Heaven and Earth are not humane.
They regard all things as straw dogs.
- Lao Tzu 
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 27 May 2014


As human beings, our greatness lies not so much in being able to remake the world -- that is the myth of the atomic age -- as in being able to remake ourselves.
 - Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 28 May 2014


We can live without religion and meditation, but we cannot survive without human affection.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 28 Jul 2014

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one getting burned.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 26 May 2014


A youth, when at home, should be filial, and, abroad, respectful to his elders.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 25 Jul 2014


The essence of the Way is detachment. And the goal of those who practice is freedom from appearances. 
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 26/27 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The affairs of the world will go on forever.
Do not delay the practice of mediation.
- Milarepa
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 24/25 May 2014


To put the world in order, we must first put the nation in order; 
to put the nation in order, we must first put the family in order; 
to put the family in order, we must first cultivate our personal life; 
we must first set our hearts right.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 24 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Daily Inspiration

For all men strive to grasp what they do not know, while none strive to grasp what they already know; and all strive to discredit what they do not excel in, while none strive to discredit what they do excel in. This is why there is chaos. 
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 23 May 2014


Be not ashamed of mistakes and thus make them crimes.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 23 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings - that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 22 May 2014


If a man take no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 22 Jul 2014

Monday, July 21, 2014

Interesting Science of the Day

Since I have been posting my daily quotes on Tumblr as well as here (and am considering only posting them on Tumblr), I have been following a number of science Tumblr blogs, and find some interesting posts that can lead me through the fun realm of surfing the interweb.

Following up on one I noticed a link to this video:


Does Penis Size Matter?

Daily Inspiration

When a man's knowledge is sufficient to attain, and his virtue is not sufficient to enable him to hold, whatever he may have gained, he will lose again.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 21 May 2014


There is no calamity greater than lavish desires. 
There is no greater guilt than discontentment.
And there is no greater disaster than greed.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 21 Jul 2014

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Daily Inspiration

If you wish to be out front, 
Then act as if you were behind.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 19 May 2014


To give up yourself without regret is the greatest charity.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 19/20 Jul 2014


If you can, help others; 
if you cannot do that,
at least do not harm them.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 20  May 2014

Friday, July 18, 2014

Daily Inspiration

To lead people walk behind them.
- Lau Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 18 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 17, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Conquer the angry man by love.
Conquer the ill-natured man by goodness.
Conquer the miser with generosity.
Conquer the liar with truth.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 17/18 May 2014


Things are not what they appear to be: nor are they otherwise.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 17 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Daily Inspiration

To a true artist only that face is beautiful which, quite apart from its exterior, shines with the truth within the soul.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 16 May 2014


The ancestor of every action is a thought.
- Ralph Waldo Emmerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 16 Jul 2014

Shirtless Men


CBC Radio Edmonton often does a "Talking Point" during their morning show to get the public engaged in topics slightly relevant to some of their news topics. Today was about where it is appropriate for men to go topless in Edmonton as it is predicted to be over 30 C today (hottest day of the week).

I often think about replying to their talking points, and have once before. Today I actually sent them an email (below), which was read on the air around 7:20 am this morning:

Your talking point discussion about where men can go topless concerns me as you, and some respondents, can sound like you are promoting negative body issues (that also affect men); By saying that it's alright for a buff, good looking man to be allowed to take their shirt off, but someone, who by society's standards isn't good looking, should leave their shirt on promotes aspects of negative body issues for boys and men. Personally I think anywhere outside in public where one can sit and rest (and suntan), should be fine for anyone to be shirtless. Let's promote acceptance of all body types. 


Oh, and by everyone I also mean women, who in most of Canada have the legal right to be topless. 


Cheers,
Eric


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Daily Inspiration

When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 15 May 2014


What is the meaning of life? 
To be happy and useful.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 15 Jul 2014

Monday, July 14, 2014

Daily Inspiration

He who knows does now speak. 
He who speaks does not know.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 14 May 2014


Silence alone is worthy to be heard.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 14 Jul 2014

Sunday, July 13, 2014

Daily Inspiration

One cannot reflect in streaming water. Only whose who know internal peace can give it to others. 
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 13 May 2014

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The Perfecting of one's self is the fundamental base of all progress and all moral development.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 12 May 2014


If a traveler does not meet with one who is his better, or his equal, let him firmly keep to his solitary journey; there is no companionship with a fool.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 12/13 Jul 2014

Friday, July 11, 2014

Daily Inspiration

The farther you enter the truth, the deeper it is.
- Bankei Zenji
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 11 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 10, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Cherish that which is within you, and shut odd that which is without; for much of knowledge is a curse.
- Chuang Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 10/11 May 2014


For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time; hatred ceases by love - this is the eternal law.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 10 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Drifting in a sultry day 
on the sluggish waters of the pond, 
I almost cease to live and begin to be.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 9 May 2014


To know you have enough is to be rich.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 9 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Daily Inspiration

He who obtains has little.
He who scatters has much.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 8 May 2014


When the people of the world all know beauty as beauty,
There arises the recognition of ugliness.
When they all know the good as good,
There arises the recognition of evil.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 8 Jul 2014

Monday, July 7, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Silence is a true friend who never betrays.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 7 May 2014


Meditate. Live Purely. Be quiet. Do your work with mastery. Like the moon, come out from behind the clouds! Shine.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 7 Jul 2014

Sunday, July 6, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Always now - just now - come into being.
Always now - just now - give yourself to death.
Practicing this is Zen practice.
- Soko Morinaga
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 6 May 2014

Saturday, July 5, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Many roads lead to the Path,
but basically there are only two:
reason and practice.
- Bodhidharma
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 5 May 2014


All humanity is one undivided and indivisible family, and each one of us is responsible for the misdeeds of all the others. I cannot detach myself from the wickedest soul.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 5/6 Jul 2014

Friday, July 4, 2014

Daily Inspiration

Avoid what is evil, do what is good, purify the mind -- 
this is the teaching of the Awakened One.
 - Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 4 Jul 2014

Thursday, July 3, 2014

Daily Inspiration

You must do the thing you think you cannot do.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 3/4 May 2014


When we see men of worth, we should think of equating them; when we see men of a contrary character, we should turn inward and examine ourselves.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 3 Jul 2014

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Daily Inspiration

A happy life consists in tranquility of mind.
- Cicero
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 2 May 2014


If you want others to be happy, 
practice compassion.
If you want to be happy,
practice compassion.
- Dalai Lama
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 2 Jul 2014

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Daily Inspiration

No one saves us but ourselves.
No one can and no one may.
We ourselves must walk the path.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 24 Apr 2014


Earnestness is the path of immortality (Nirvana), thoughtlessness the path of death.
Those who are in earnest do not die, those who are thoughtless are as if dead already. 
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 24 Jun 2014


As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.
- Henry David Thoreau
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 25 Apr 2014


As rain breaks through an ill-thatched house, 
passion will break through an in reflecting mind.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 25 Jun 2014


In character, in manner, in style, in all things, the supreme excellence is simplicity.
- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 26 Jun 2014


(The sage) never strives himself for the great, and thereby the great is achieved.
- Lao Tzu
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 26/27 Apr 2014


Study the past if you would define the future.
- Confucius
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Fri 27 Jun 2014


In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 28 Apr 2014


Nobody can hurt me without my permission,
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Sat/Sun 28/29 Jun 2014


Man is the product of his thoughts.
What he thinks, he becomes.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 29 Apr 2014


Meditation brings wisdom;
lack of meditation leaves ignorance.
Know well what leads you forward
and what holds you back, and
choose the path that leads to wisdom.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Wed 30 Apr 2014


Beauty is not caused. It is.
- Emily Dickinson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Mon 30 Jun 2014


Reward of an act is to have done it.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Thu 1 May 2014


The thought manifests as the word.
The word manifests as the deed.
The deed develops into habit.
And the habit hardens into character.
So watch the thought and its ways with care.
And let it spring from love, born out of concern for all beings.
- Buddha
Zen, 2014 day-at-a-time calendar; Tue 1 Jul 2014