BinghamBooks

Dec 22, 2016 1:47 PM EST

I wonder, John if it is not worship of the golden calf but pure narcissism that has been elected. nar·cis·sism
ˈnärsəˌsizəm/Submit
noun
excessive or erotic interest in oneself and one's physical appearance.
synonyms: vanity, self-love, self-admiration, self-absorption, self-obsession, conceit, self-centeredness, self-regard, egotism, egoism
"his emotional development was hindered by his mother's narcissism"
PSYCHOLOGY
extreme selfishness, with a grandiose view of one's own talents and a craving for admiration, as characterizing a personality type.
PSYCHOANALYSIS
self-centeredness arising from failure to distinguish the self from external objects, either in very young babies or as a feature of mental disorder.

- Roger Kirchner

Jan 21, 2017 11:05 AM EST

As I remember, Nicholas is said to have pawned his gold to rescue girls from prostitution -- the origin of the pawnbroker's sign, three gold balls. So he's a saint who sacrificed to prevent the abuse of women! Listen up, Donald: when you're a celebrity, they let you ... help them.

- Richard McC.

Jun 18, 2016 10:23 AM EDT

Hoping there will be many positive developments, here's to your improving health!

- Mark Peterson

Jun 18, 2016 2:13 PM EDT

Thanks, Mark. Your wishes are appreciated.

- John Bingham

Jul 06, 2016 12:53 PM EDT

Keeping you in my prayers. My lesson from old age health issues is that I try to live my life as much as I can, while accepting all my limitations (the HARDER task, and a blow to the ego!) But hopefully you will find remission again, and get your energy back. God bless

- Trisha

Aug 16, 2016 12:18 PM EDT

Just noticed the news of your infusions on your Facebook page and looked at your blog for more details. It's not good news to have the lymphoma become active again. ("And what's the bad news?....") But the availability of a monoclonal antibody -- and one you've responded to already -- and a P13K blocker is encouraging. I haven't followed either drug's trials but I'm guessing you are in a trial while getting them. Do you have to pay for it anyway?
We're in the middle of a giant revolution in cancer treatment as you well know, and non-Hodgkin lymphomas are one of the places where it is paying off. So I hope very much that you're one of the people whose treatment hits the sweet spot!
Meanwhile hang in there for the infusions. During chemo and then for two years of maintenance, I regularly spent hours in the infusion chair trying to entertain myself with magazines (their selection was mediocre), books, bad TV, the internet (fortunately free wi-fi), or the center's supply of donuts and coffee (they always cut their Krispy Kremes in half; what were they saying...?). Occasionally there was a nearby patient to whom I could give encouragement. By the time I stopped infusions, I sorta feared stopping. What's that tell you?
Do know you're in my prayers and thoughts. Keep me posted.

- Richard

Jul 06, 2016 1:01 PM EDT

What I took from this is the basic Serenity Prayer. If there is something I can DO (besides rant of course!), then do it. Otherwise accept that I can only affect my own environment offer the universe up to God's control. That's why I listen to a minimal amount of commentators from NPR & TV - If I tune in too much, it makes me crazy (and I think there is a LOT of craziness right now!). My peace of mind is more important to me. And what's one little ice cream bar among friends..... Could be worse & eat the whole carton of ice cream! :-)

- Trisha