Tag Archives: quotes about family

SOAPBOX of the week: production value

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“The best computer is a man, and it’s the only one that can be mass-produced by unskilled labor.”     – Wernher von Braun, rocket physicist and astronautics engineer

Now, this one’s got a bit of a bite to it…and I make no apologies.  For the message should be drilled into our little noggins from childhood-on.  From our cars to appliances, medical equipment to mass communications, we micromanage, meticulously design, and materialize billions of “things” every year.  Regardless of their components, value, or lifespan, many of them are considered works of art…even “the best things since sliced bread”!  Furthermore we assign some of our “greatest thinkers” to their “creation”!  Indeed, the brilliance behind the mere ideas for these productions is MANKIND …THE SAME MANKIND that has led itself into a shameful state of valuing itself leagues below the damn products!  Populations of unwanted, un-cared-for off-spring are proof, because of this unhealthy situation of an uncapped carefree and careless mentality!  And we all pay for it!  In our schools, streets, jobs, healthcare, personal lifestyle, legal systems, and overall opportunities in life.  Folks, it’s not rocket science!  Make what you want, but want what you make!  And remember that life is priceless.  Computers are a dime a dozen.

Copyright 2000-2009 by Kimberlie Dykeman.        SUBSCRIBE HERE!
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.   A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG. 

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SOAPBOX of the week: a wish for tireless thankfulness

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A special feast from the book “Pure Soapbox”…  SOAPBOX vignette #57

thanks•giv•ing – n. an act of giving thanks; an expression of gratitude

Hope you’re hungry, because this timely concoction of culinary soapboxing doles out not one, but two servings of epicurean delight to drive home a notion that so very many of us have overlooked, and continue to pass over.

In black and white, the operative word here is giving. Needless to say, the actual form of the thanks takes on as much importance as the act itself. Some slaps on the back are best soft-served with a smile. Still, this world-renowned date for thanks-giving has been anchored in time by our forefathers in an unyielding attempt to showcase its kinetic nature. And so, I ask that you humor me with this two-for-one homage to the aromatic brilliance of a few of connoisseurs of the Canon.

1st Course
“Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart
 as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds.”   – Theodore Roosevelt, U.S. President

You are the main ingredient and you’re alive and kicking! You may even have all your fingers and toes, as well as a college education, and the luxury of pushing pause to digest this meal of literary morsels. Burrow in and bear- hugbearhug the irrefutable fact that you are truly blessed, and, in turn, equally limitless in opportunities to show appreciation for the gifts you’ve received.

2nd Course
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation  is not to utter words, but to live by them.”     – John Fitzgerald Kennedy, U.S. president

Go ahead and dish ‘em out however you choose, stuffed between hors d’oeuvres or piled high atop Mom’s fabulous pecan pie. Fifty bucks says your belly-full sensation of satisfaction comes not from the feast of fruitcake, but from your dynamic expression of thanks for the boundless bounties before you. Fill your Tupperware with these leftovers…and season the rest of your days with provisions that’ll never spoil…regardless of the cook!

 

Copyright 2000-2008 by Kimberlie Dykeman.  Excerpt from Pure Soapbox… a cleansing jolt of perspective, motivation, and humor, published July 2008.
Pure Soapbox available nationwide online and where books are sold.
A portion of the proceeds of all book sales is donated to LIVESTRONG.