tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1387473468924537672024-03-19T10:47:20.075+02:00Urban Ministry Live And UnpluggedA Window On Urban Ministry In Southern AfricaThomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.comBlogger8731125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-63608736666330273142024-03-18T20:13:00.003+02:002024-03-18T20:24:48.658+02:00Engineering Puzzle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sE5ZqJlGFOYYOFrJejktP65lp3HW-oMei9cUWwDx1nyAOHtjjiF9mL-dEbdWLVFG7vYrFbImoPPE8uYDofzAhSN6-jj2AhhJ4MR0o8opmMVBdSgkkitjxhaUexLadnpZxbxyLvMY2TpwZ5UjSo-8Bic5tk_25vBZ27ZprAjKuD0WspUUjzLg0frHc3Q/s823/L1020059%20-%20L1020060.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="823" data-original-width="720" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6sE5ZqJlGFOYYOFrJejktP65lp3HW-oMei9cUWwDx1nyAOHtjjiF9mL-dEbdWLVFG7vYrFbImoPPE8uYDofzAhSN6-jj2AhhJ4MR0o8opmMVBdSgkkitjxhaUexLadnpZxbxyLvMY2TpwZ5UjSo-8Bic5tk_25vBZ27ZprAjKuD0WspUUjzLg0frHc3Q/w175-h200/L1020059%20-%20L1020060.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>Some time back, I attended the synagogue (shul) in Paarl, near Cape Town. This posed an engineering puzzle for me. How did those matchstick pillars hold up all those people? Personally I suspect that the engineers built something into the woodwork that one doesn't see. You may click on the photo to enlarge.Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-79742875107695271962024-03-17T19:14:00.002+02:002024-03-17T19:14:36.922+02:00Annual Philosophy Lecture<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS1rePx5xuV6XbfbXc0qDhAt4Hl8zoDG1FM8IgODONXwCMNOxiaIrJMb6BMzpYomixGo4g7Fwa7ALtDoW-lhualX17AJkzkimFWIxmSliWNYSR21J4TXBz8nyD3N_daBkczYc9nfag1rfezj7sfd1qIUv6WLDE3S8i0Els8fAq4k6whVJD4Po8ZgQn1k/s2048/1710580368896.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijS1rePx5xuV6XbfbXc0qDhAt4Hl8zoDG1FM8IgODONXwCMNOxiaIrJMb6BMzpYomixGo4g7Fwa7ALtDoW-lhualX17AJkzkimFWIxmSliWNYSR21J4TXBz8nyD3N_daBkczYc9nfag1rfezj7sfd1qIUv6WLDE3S8i0Els8fAq4k6whVJD4Po8ZgQn1k/w200-h125/1710580368896.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>I read that the Philosophy Sharing Foundation's Annual Philosophy Lecture was an all-round, resounding success on Friday—hosting Matt Qvortrup. I hold the Lecture in 2025. Here is an impression of Friday's event on (click here) <i><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ian-rizzo-1bb91217_our-10th-annual-philosophy-lecture-by-professor-activity-7174694097293623296-8oYO" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a></i>. Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-85127894240470082132024-03-17T18:00:00.002+02:002024-03-17T18:01:36.590+02:00Tamana Church<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAE0ygTY80aa4NGMYOY_jJp349U3YHNyJLf1Mzer5F8Hn-1rIKoq7_vEHYGmL3sNbDKevZURgyVPRl9Z4glQFD64ztDcQppHJWnaLyJCTPnDs548V04CEsbw3vYcmoiEJl3-YTZ2mYNpQOjn4-Z42LKMqfuo2scpQMMaVQhzCtl3cc7vw3d8RmzVPFWY/s2330/DSCF5471.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1456" data-original-width="2330" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgAE0ygTY80aa4NGMYOY_jJp349U3YHNyJLf1Mzer5F8Hn-1rIKoq7_vEHYGmL3sNbDKevZURgyVPRl9Z4glQFD64ztDcQppHJWnaLyJCTPnDs548V04CEsbw3vYcmoiEJl3-YTZ2mYNpQOjn4-Z42LKMqfuo2scpQMMaVQhzCtl3cc7vw3d8RmzVPFWY/w200-h125/DSCF5471.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Here is another London Missionary Society postcard (photographed 1899-1919 -- more than 100 years ago). I lived on this island once. It is Tamana atoll, an island 2 square miles in extent, 2.5° south of the equator, 176° east -- a few degrees from the International Date Line. You may click on the image to enlarge. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> The comment on the postcard indicates a Society which "ran lean". That changed over the years.<p></p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-39638414541662047172024-03-16T18:27:00.001+02:002024-03-16T18:57:01.764+02:00LMS Postcards<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XpAgvRwJJb8UIrH-bonVLpvWw4LWU-N23txZ8FwyU_OpyWrq1QWhoMPZquz9EQ9YFh3FcS91kKsDRq58iAVUfJ8G9iO9-OkATrgJg5TpW596tuBqSVVWVQ3A1gdMb1kFl0GQ0DGTyO2zJQ17ZT7EGOh5EpvyIZ9e_oIQ3-QVfkGduG0emm1PZacr3cU/s2284/DSCF5465.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1426" data-original-width="2284" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XpAgvRwJJb8UIrH-bonVLpvWw4LWU-N23txZ8FwyU_OpyWrq1QWhoMPZquz9EQ9YFh3FcS91kKsDRq58iAVUfJ8G9iO9-OkATrgJg5TpW596tuBqSVVWVQ3A1gdMb1kFl0GQ0DGTyO2zJQ17ZT7EGOh5EpvyIZ9e_oIQ3-QVfkGduG0emm1PZacr3cU/w200-h125/DSCF5465.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>I recently found 19 postcards, printed by the London Missionary Society, in my father's old files. Here is one. The photographs were taken between 1899 and 1919 -- the time that the Gowards were in the Gilberts. I have put all of the postcards on Facebook.<div><br /><div><span style="color: #cc0000;">POSTSCRIPT:</span> I have sent these to the CWM (formerly LMS) archives. They have a keen interest in such history.</div></div>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-30333619310598930952024-03-16T10:55:00.002+02:002024-03-16T17:51:59.477+02:00Spaza Security<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBf9iYzGOri64yUq7WK-sTPBObEW0wJS8yfS7zm1lxzrsVJV38413lIRgSc_VFc0CoqVj_LWOxF2b9-DU8e58Hy34nAmnGYMbmjOMPysxDxZsbddT-laXM7eW0wyJmW5N68jePnc1yfp12pU8nbx-C4AfCjx3I6-J5p4I0LyZ7E9xo0dO_jLWgOY6lks/s1817/Spaza%20B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1297" data-original-width="1817" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjBf9iYzGOri64yUq7WK-sTPBObEW0wJS8yfS7zm1lxzrsVJV38413lIRgSc_VFc0CoqVj_LWOxF2b9-DU8e58Hy34nAmnGYMbmjOMPysxDxZsbddT-laXM7eW0wyJmW5N68jePnc1yfp12pU8nbx-C4AfCjx3I6-J5p4I0LyZ7E9xo0dO_jLWgOY6lks/w200-h143/Spaza%20B.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>I took this photo yesterday of a spaza shop (a small supermarket) outside Cape Town. Crime is at an extraordinary high ... and so are counter-measures. You may click on the photo to enlarge. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span><span> The doors ironically say "WELCOME".</span>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-88053941851631991332024-03-15T19:13:00.004+02:002024-03-15T19:20:12.790+02:00Passport Renewal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTnZP0nlgZ4WxkaE6kTGsr_hPlyFlvaD3nxveaK8YQ0Jc9tyBYiKh6wslhCRh1mdgAUo9Nrxh8oRSYVSCxoN97jqUoI4VEeZ_syk5MPhAoAh8WOCUGFQhKM-YmbIGmeP4Eo1rXO-N_02fgG0l78rT2aVKbFcpEN3zIdfE9PLHS60Z4oXZlrd-liuYjys/s1477/ASCF6711.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1477" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhTnZP0nlgZ4WxkaE6kTGsr_hPlyFlvaD3nxveaK8YQ0Jc9tyBYiKh6wslhCRh1mdgAUo9Nrxh8oRSYVSCxoN97jqUoI4VEeZ_syk5MPhAoAh8WOCUGFQhKM-YmbIGmeP4Eo1rXO-N_02fgG0l78rT2aVKbFcpEN3zIdfE9PLHS60Z4oXZlrd-liuYjys/w400-h174/ASCF6711.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>I<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>visited the Department of Home Affairs today, to renew my passport. I was not expecting it to go well, as my application had already been stopped due to my being born in "that place". I arrived with wife E at about 11:30 for an appointment at 12:00. It was stunning. By 12:00, I had my passport so to speak (to be collected). E obtained her passport at the same time. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> It was funny how differently we approached it:<div><br /></div><div>I: Made an appointment a month in advance (that was the best that Home Affairs could offer me). I carried in a whole box of papers.<br /><div><br /></div><div>E: Found her passport minutes before we set off. Apart from that, she had no papers with her. And she went through the process faster than me!</div></div>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-43436300469983104992024-03-14T20:21:00.000+02:002024-03-14T20:21:03.251+02:00Feral Cat<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj138PMxge6ULjfgUxFEz_pRsusISqkvXHcjwBI-UjzpshYgFk-u-zrPcDCwXIpQj53xyCluFqo1TYvhppHzvizUUMV7VKt9EvHV5FWS3Ib9cA4pORxlV3eKxByesD59JNV2XA23baVMDAtOpdKS8Lq2-Tt8aCW-Ssi5CYp_BoFSGwH3KdnfZIqKHppUjs/s828/DSCF5383B.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="621" data-original-width="828" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj138PMxge6ULjfgUxFEz_pRsusISqkvXHcjwBI-UjzpshYgFk-u-zrPcDCwXIpQj53xyCluFqo1TYvhppHzvizUUMV7VKt9EvHV5FWS3Ib9cA4pORxlV3eKxByesD59JNV2XA23baVMDAtOpdKS8Lq2-Tt8aCW-Ssi5CYp_BoFSGwH3KdnfZIqKHppUjs/w200-h150/DSCF5383B.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>One might call this a feral cat. I took the photo in a township in the Eastern Cape, earlier this year. It is wild -- and seldom comes close to humans. What struck me about this cat was its bright emerald eyes.<p></p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-43919114399394500052024-03-14T18:30:00.000+02:002024-03-14T18:30:44.153+02:00Plundered Garden<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OT8u7z42ftc/SG5DzDjyIBI/AAAAAAAABdA/SRyVAqRchVM/s1600-h/SL731429.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5219183562576764946" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_OT8u7z42ftc/SG5DzDjyIBI/AAAAAAAABdA/SRyVAqRchVM/s200/SL731429.JPG" style="cursor: hand; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a>The Church garden, in city ministry, was the cause of much frustration. I joked that there was a reason my blog was not called Urban Ministry <i>Gardens</i>. As fast as we planted our garden, the public dug it up and walked off with it -- and that in spite of security fences and locked gates. I said to a deaconess once, “What happened to the orchid?” She said, “It was stolen -- of course.” <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> This is one that got away (see the photo) -- it’s hard to steal a hibiscus tree!Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-30739943100392516102024-03-13T20:21:00.012+02:002024-03-13T21:43:00.103+02:00Dormant Accounts and Apple Sauce<p>I've been chasing up some (possibly) dormant accounts -- eight of them. So far, two yielded nothing, but two contained substantial amounts. Four to go. Yet two companies did something disquieting. They "read back" the account numbers to me ... but it was completely different numbers to what I put to them. For example, I put 144922-01 to one company -- they read back 59902010100. This number, they said stridently, had been closed -- one might call the response "apple sauce". One company freely confessed to changing the number -- and continued the inquiry without blinking. If you're caught out, pretend it didn't happen.</p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-58197001208666248432024-03-12T18:14:00.000+02:002024-03-12T18:14:15.177+02:00Assaulted by a Gunman<p>My niece A was brutally assaulted by a gunman today. I'd put up a photo here if she weren't such a "bloody mess". Thankfully she was not seriously injured. Her mother wrote, "We're OK." I said you're not OK. I myself was kidnapped at gunpoint, and I was cool about it -- so cool that my minister asked me to give a testimony in Church (I declined) -- but I suffered shock a few days later. The police apprehended the gunman who attacked A.</p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-39803034950343700182024-03-12T18:01:00.009+02:002024-03-12T22:07:19.846+02:00AI Failure<p>I called a UK services provider today, and was greeted by AI. This was quick and competent, and routed me through to the correct consultant. But after the call, I didn't receive a promised e-mail. I called them up again. The AI asked me: what is this about? I said, "The consultant failed to e-mail me instructions for reactivation." That put the AI into apparent meltdown. It went off on an endless tangent of no relevance to me -- as if it were trying to write an encylopaedia entry -- and it would take no further input. Eventually I terminated the call. It was chewing up my monies.</p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-38667050695563580552024-03-11T20:01:00.001+02:002024-03-11T21:04:12.694+02:0010th Anniversary Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvxRepsLyUKAtkt_XnrVwR87NJ1XBSMDcA0sft70nJuLXmWP1suMDMFXxxsjPYeE9fnrxBuSCkB4KhObxHCYE8N2MhLsFXfhjWWFHwaqqh1Dh8IWuKWUAoZQKw96T-aW-aFOxiVDkno0d-Wk13c5dJQ4hFSdelGKjNDb13NEmoppfxtC62wWKZj-UZic/s910/Screenshot%202024-03-11%2018.32.38.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="647" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvxRepsLyUKAtkt_XnrVwR87NJ1XBSMDcA0sft70nJuLXmWP1suMDMFXxxsjPYeE9fnrxBuSCkB4KhObxHCYE8N2MhLsFXfhjWWFHwaqqh1Dh8IWuKWUAoZQKw96T-aW-aFOxiVDkno0d-Wk13c5dJQ4hFSdelGKjNDb13NEmoppfxtC62wWKZj-UZic/w143-h200/Screenshot%202024-03-11%2018.32.38.png" width="143" /></a></div>In 2014-2015, the Philosophical Society of England published a 20,000 word metaphysics (a systematic, panoramic philosophy) that I wrote. For all its terrible flaws, I realise that it is original, and it is cohesive. Besides, it was published by the Society. I am pleased, therefore, to release a 10th Anniversary Edition. In this new edition, the ideas are unchanged; readability is improved. Find it free at (click here) <i><a href="https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/cpgee2uzwoykvh1gdcehu/Metaphysical-Notes-10th-Anniversary-Edition.pdf?rlkey=ft0xqzn7c9t0kzcendyzsvy06&dl=0" target="_blank">Dropbox</a></i>. One can even download it there. My more recent work is available on <i><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Everything-Briefly-Postmodern-Thomas-Scarborough-ebook/dp/B0B51WQ4GH" target="_blank">Amazon</a></i>.Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-23149843202646025442024-03-10T18:36:00.001+02:002024-03-10T18:36:23.895+02:00Letter to Myself<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg974cqBxWHlkk23w_fz30kIWF-qGEew9NUoS4MC7m2WF3SIxHxWa6Zzx7_U8cTdX1SPxMX8ZOl_mGGAs9k340itgYm3Nf0Ed_d084hybQfB2dTyHXJojiGOb4H58F8r5RoLnjg_m6HYBgfTmyyZxblzqKT7NcTAkPtTaODegFv-sqfeJT1WUaxkh9Jwt8/s2636/Boarding%20School%20Final.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="2636" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg974cqBxWHlkk23w_fz30kIWF-qGEew9NUoS4MC7m2WF3SIxHxWa6Zzx7_U8cTdX1SPxMX8ZOl_mGGAs9k340itgYm3Nf0Ed_d084hybQfB2dTyHXJojiGOb4H58F8r5RoLnjg_m6HYBgfTmyyZxblzqKT7NcTAkPtTaODegFv-sqfeJT1WUaxkh9Jwt8/w200-h139/Boarding%20School%20Final.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Warning: strong language. At age 15, I suffered abuse at boarding school, and was admitted to Cape Town's Groote Schuur hospital, where I lay for two weeks. In hospital, the day before I was discharged, I posted a letter to myself. My mother purloined the letter and filed it. I found it last week. You may click on the image to enlarge. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> The term "new-shit" was applied to first- and second-year newcomers in boarding school. I stumble as I write it here -- frequently a sign of trauma.</div>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-6373350610186746372024-03-09T20:16:00.009+02:002024-03-09T20:21:19.549+02:00Living Memorial<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oer6ru37B00/Tm5BW3FgH5I/AAAAAAAAGuY/EdlzqN7M0p0/s1600/TreeRet.jpeg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5651526443396505490" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oer6ru37B00/Tm5BW3FgH5I/AAAAAAAAGuY/EdlzqN7M0p0/s200/TreeRet.jpeg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 150px; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px; width: 200px;" /></a>In my city Church, we had this tree at the Church's entrance. A little girl got off a bus at a school bus-stop, then bolted across the road. She was hit by a car, and killed instantly. Her mother planted this tree in her memory. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> Her mother didn't see the accident, but told me that she knew immediately that her daughter was dead. She didn't need anyone to bring her the news. You may click on the photo to enlarge.Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-56417071156360492622024-03-08T20:25:00.002+02:002024-03-08T20:25:41.970+02:00Metaphysical Notes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHxHSmuA396-DwwRkrGNEtNj5PF0_ITVyjYg_c6sivdAEYPQGTphZ16tgQ6xWkfU_CkRdn6FpfY3WRSONVNIsGL1mUfSUIywJyqcNjqIseWFMlr5T3iTC8_WoKCyAQLq9kGpqT3jPrOmDuY3_44PVaO3w73HMZ5IC12hv7WYw6v342EKCga046T7a1cw/s2033/DSCF5455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1448" data-original-width="2033" height="143" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHxHSmuA396-DwwRkrGNEtNj5PF0_ITVyjYg_c6sivdAEYPQGTphZ16tgQ6xWkfU_CkRdn6FpfY3WRSONVNIsGL1mUfSUIywJyqcNjqIseWFMlr5T3iTC8_WoKCyAQLq9kGpqT3jPrOmDuY3_44PVaO3w73HMZ5IC12hv7WYw6v342EKCga046T7a1cw/w200-h143/DSCF5455.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>Back in 2014, the Philosophical Society of England published a 20,000 word metaphysics I wrote (a total philosophy), titled <i>Metaphysical Notes</i>. It was the forerunner of my 110,000 word magnum opus, <i>Everything Briefly</i>. Today I laid my hands on a digital copy, which I didn't have on my computer. I feel tempted to do a 10th anniversary Revised Edition. Yes? No? <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> It might be time to try audio publication -- although there are impediments to doing that from Southern Africa.<br />Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-91379686687815845132024-03-08T08:13:00.004+02:002024-03-11T21:34:04.364+02:00Missing Church Pension<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh56A7qrRHdS7XrjSEvaVoyjMH25j_G42yJXoRhNpnIuh4l4a5Ngh7CUPgcXGzu5xpOTIQnP2E3_lbWqurwb9gg1t7z4Ra-Z-OgyZ_TYsY1JZ8Gm6AEvEXQ1DHLNUygOlG0SZBuDxPIVj1B2JJCKP8I77yum1VBSYdH3DDX9yFQnAOA8Vqf_yNSIsma8/s637/Memo-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="478" data-original-width="637" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGh56A7qrRHdS7XrjSEvaVoyjMH25j_G42yJXoRhNpnIuh4l4a5Ngh7CUPgcXGzu5xpOTIQnP2E3_lbWqurwb9gg1t7z4Ra-Z-OgyZ_TYsY1JZ8Gm6AEvEXQ1DHLNUygOlG0SZBuDxPIVj1B2JJCKP8I77yum1VBSYdH3DDX9yFQnAOA8Vqf_yNSIsma8/w200-h150/Memo-1.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Going through my papers the other day, I came across my original pension contract with Sea Point Congregational Church, where I ministered 20+ years over two ministries. This pension is mentioned in various documents, including a parting memorandum -- yet I didn't know where the original contract was. Now I have it. I have found it. The Church owes me (in today's terms) in excess of R2 million pension. But they have failed to pay it, refused to say where it is, and importantly -- so say attorneys who have studied the matter -- offered me "no recourse". That is, they stopped all communications in the matter, before it could be discussed. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> Where, then, is the money? Who has it? It's time to release it. "No recourse", too, is a completely abnormal way of going about things. While I may not be best placed to say it, there won't be blessing until there is fair treatment of the minister.<div><br /></div><div><span style="color: #cc0000;">POSTSCRIPT:</span> The image shows a snippet of the one memorandum everyone was agreed on when my ministry came to a close. The payment of the pension was at the top of the page.</div>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-76465984871106237962024-03-07T12:21:00.015+02:002024-03-07T12:26:41.665+02:00German AI Video<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='449' height='229' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyhAK8qomQ7-YBOoRLDefI1ZoOpeM3nuHSAdFr022j2JWqZr9cOi3tFb8jnYsqp5QwBrniImMpcuo6efkhOkA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>An<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>AI video in German. <i>Ich habe hier ein sehr kurzes Kapitel eines bevorstehenden Vortrags vom Englischen ins Deutsche übersetzt.</i> It is merely a draft, in which I test a few AI and video components. I "hand translated" just four words here: the chapter title. Notice how the AI character sticks out his tongue when it gets to algebra! I hope you enjoy.Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-61303097779643365792024-03-06T21:19:00.002+02:002024-03-06T21:21:01.377+02:00Battery BurgledMy car battery survived South Africa for one year. This morning, in the affluent suburb of Century City, someone smashed open the grille of my car, and ripped out the battery. I hadn't left the car for long. Thankfully, I found help fairly fast. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> I was told that there were several such incidents in the area in the last week alone. It is a waste both of time and money. Crime is out of control in South Africa.Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-46623232116758766662024-03-06T19:03:00.002+02:002024-03-06T19:09:57.341+02:00Navigational Techniques<p>Yesterday, I blogged about a Central Pacific technique to determine a good time to travel by sea: watching for <i>Serranidae</i> inside the reef. I said that I knew of various navigational techniques. Here are the ones that I know:<br /></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p>• Watching for reflections in distant clouds</p><p>• Watching for distant mist </p><p>• Observing closer mists and clouds</p><p>• Watching for birds </p><p>• Observing the swell and the ripples on the ocean</p><p>• Consulting a frame which depicts the stars </p><p>• Observing the reflection of stars in a coconut cup</p><p>• Watching for the rising of stars</p><p>• Watching for luminescence in the water</p></blockquote><p><span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> I was lost at sea once, between Maiana and Tarawa, in the Central Pacific. We found land with the first method: watching for reflections in distant clouds. And now we use GPS. How we have been diminished. </p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-31127723701256680652024-03-05T21:00:00.000+02:002024-03-05T21:00:22.546+02:00Serranidae's Sagacity<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpJz7w6lKr8srWWFDdxzNQ1BpL-Wyr3ytdaJI2L_Jxdt-5SnLEjwPQ1FUKLOzxSl-k0rLVEgmyEpv41XcOJfSsO8lwjvdwFeZWJ3g8DsdHu51F4C1O_gsmU3SzwIXLka2_D5mUBFThuauHA_tjFAwlmtOthPFXObzccpz_48z92-9DTkYpNAzfS1kRKE/s1000/Cephalopholis%20miniata%20Coral%20grouper,%20Raja%20Ampat,%20West%20Papua%20IMG_4237.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzpJz7w6lKr8srWWFDdxzNQ1BpL-Wyr3ytdaJI2L_Jxdt-5SnLEjwPQ1FUKLOzxSl-k0rLVEgmyEpv41XcOJfSsO8lwjvdwFeZWJ3g8DsdHu51F4C1O_gsmU3SzwIXLka2_D5mUBFThuauHA_tjFAwlmtOthPFXObzccpz_48z92-9DTkYpNAzfS1kRKE/w200-h133/Cephalopholis%20miniata%20Coral%20grouper,%20Raja%20Ampat,%20West%20Papua%20IMG_4237.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Through experience, I know of many of the navigational methods of the Central Pacific. Today, reading the most excellent book <i>Materielle Kultur der Gilbert-Inseln</i>, there was one I didn't know. When <i>Serranidae</i> (an often colourful, spotted fish) comes through the reef, this indicates favourable conditions for embarking on a journey. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> As always, how do the fish know?<p></p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-45491100997748236152024-03-05T19:00:00.005+02:002024-03-06T12:33:16.156+02:00Like MayhemThe field of my closest family, friends, and colleagues rather looks like mayhem -- or is it just my imagination? During the last several years, I lost my mother (heart failure), my closest colleague (cancer), my closest friend (suicide), a close confidant (stroke), my son and daughter-in-law (emigration), the head of my Church (heart failure), a co-editor (a parting of ways) ... and so the list grows. If one goes further back, I lost my wife (cancer), my parents-in-law, and my father. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> One in every eight people on my phone are dead -- I don't delete them -- and that in spite of new numbers. Thankfully, many new friends have appeared.Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-53601796772386493312024-03-04T11:33:00.000+02:002024-03-04T11:33:18.091+02:00Revisiting Aristotle's Noun <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGgO-EOYdL2R7JlZ8wAEK0cucg8y76DmmZRKIOCXsZmmrMoQvdu6H8fWcbmeDmlA85vRvNU0f1oeg83DfebqIOZNZOphSFwp7YLj9XTjYidsVK8nZQcKk-TKEhwmPZMEN348NXTWlGkOV1CBlaSHxYmJdN358wSSfsdRiQ3-b0YXrO5myFhBu1sY7-Yg/s222/220px-PSE_Logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="222" data-original-width="220" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzGgO-EOYdL2R7JlZ8wAEK0cucg8y76DmmZRKIOCXsZmmrMoQvdu6H8fWcbmeDmlA85vRvNU0f1oeg83DfebqIOZNZOphSFwp7YLj9XTjYidsVK8nZQcKk-TKEhwmPZMEN348NXTWlGkOV1CBlaSHxYmJdN358wSSfsdRiQ3-b0YXrO5myFhBu1sY7-Yg/w198-h200/220px-PSE_Logo.gif" width="198" /></a></div>It was the beginning of everything for me. My first philosophy paper, published in the Centenary Special Edition of <i>The Philosopher</i>, Volume 101 No. 1. But the online version went missing. I am delighted to announce that it has been found: <i><a href="https://www.thomas-scarborough.com/p/the-philosopher-volume-101-no.html" target="_blank">Revisiting Aristotle's Noun</a>.</i>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-90353194653695794992024-03-04T07:37:00.004+02:002024-03-04T12:11:36.118+02:00Co-Ordinated Statements<p>I needed some information this week -- and found something I didn't expect to see. In 2013, I was framed with criminal charges, and arrested. An investigation by the Cluster (who police the police) determined that it was a set-up -- a police offence. At first, I had known only that one party was involved. Then I discovered that there was another -- and another. Some things, though, can only be seen looking back. Searching for that information this week, I discovered that the Church doctor was connected with party no. 1. He had co-ordinated a statement with them. Here was a link to the framing. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> <i>Why</i> did he co-ordinate the statement? What seems sure is that one ought to have the answer.</p>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-74268359396049718782024-03-03T19:11:00.003+02:002024-03-03T19:11:26.099+02:00Essay MachineSee my previous post -- I discovered a letter that I wrote in 1975. <span style="color: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit; text-align: inherit; white-space: inherit;">I was then in Grade 10. I had forgotten it -- that, at the time, I was writing English essays for senior students -- churning them out, day by day -- because they obtained good grades. I don't remember what the payment was -- perhaps exemption from beatings!</span>Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-138747346892453767.post-15732388859917227552024-03-03T18:33:00.001+02:002024-03-03T18:33:09.090+02:00Nobody Heard MeI found an old letter today -- with letters that my mother kept. I was writing home from De Villiers Graaff boarding school. Shortly after I wrote it, I was admitted to Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town, where I spent the next two weeks. I was removed from boarding school after that. The rigours and the cruelty were just too much. I reported that I had been made to run around a rugby field, and "my left leg gave in". The next day, I was "limping along" but I was forced to do gym, because "you have to have a medical certificate to be excused". I was suffering "terrible pain ... very bad". "My legs are playing me up." Nobody heard me. <span style="color: #cc0000;">OBSERVATION:</span> Not a day goes by today, that I do not feel the after-effects of that abuse.Thomas O. Scarboroughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09806849087817328366noreply@blogger.com0