Wednesday, January 2, 2008

Jottings of a rambling blogger

Do people have a genetic predisposition towards wealth? Or does money merely affect a person's personality to the extent that it appears that their personality has changed? These are deep questions. The Friedriker Rebbe says that in fact people are not naturally loaded, but rather develop a nature based on their bank account. How does this affect you, me, and the guy down the street who not only does not shower but also eats squirrels like it's going out of style? Firstly, it means that a person can't convince themselves that they must be wealthy or not. G-d gives and takes away.
I just got a thorough disgust with myself, for writing as if I know anything. I don't work, I don't pay bills, what do I know? Many moons ago I decided to be a writer, but a writer as unpretentious as Bill Gates is rich. I realized a couple of things. Everyone tries to do this, and it's impossible. Ach, this is how I write when I'm depressed. As a matter of fact, I'm not depressed, just a bit annoyed with life. After all, how could someone be depressed on a holy day like today, 24 Teveth, the Histalkus of the Alter Rebbe, in 1813. That's not even two hundred years ago.
Oh, perfect, I just checked my mail, and I have a couple questions for which responses seems to be in order. Question 1. Did the Rebbe Rashab say "Handicapped"? Of course not. He didn't speak english. Ask R. Manis what the Loshon is. Question 2. With regards to the Chassidish aspect of my recent polls, I'd just like to say that I've gotten a heck of a lot more feedback with these polls than I ever had before. Besides, it's difficult to ask people to rank Jewish things. Perhaps my next one could be, "Who was worse for Chassidism, the Vilna Gaon (see Toras Shalom for details), or Shach (Oso {ask a local Chassid for details} Haish). And lastly, Question 3. With regards to those mysterious lions: I learned the Maamar, and mentioned it to someone, and he, like you, asked me what Chassidus has to say about lions. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find the Maamar. And like they, you haven't learned a Maamar once until you've learned it three times, and I've only learned it once (once) so far.

12 comments:

e said...

Do you compromise on principles just to increase your ratings? If you posted porn you'd also get a lot more hits. I thought you were the beacon of truth in the depraved cyberspace, the real shliach in a sea of impostors.

Just like a guy said...

I'm not compromising, I'm merely increasing visitor participation. No one comes to the site to vote, but once they're here, they should be happy. That's what Chabad's all about, bringing light to the masses.

e said...

You're bringing light to the masses by having them vote on frivolities?

Just like a guy said...

that's the best way, sucker 'em in with light stuff, then force feed the heavy

e said...

The real kuntz is to make the toichen itself enjoyable. Otherwise, the toichen and the fluff won't stick, like oil and water

Just like a guy said...

my toichen's not enjoyable?

e said...

I enjoy it. But if you feel the need to sucker people into reading it, apparently it's not enjoyable enough.

Just like a guy said...

I can not make joke without criticism?

e said...

Here's a rule you and anybody else who deals with me should know:
I mean what I say and say what I mean and expect others to do likewise. I don't find sarcasm or intentional dishonesty funny. So, no, you cannot make a joke without criticism.

Just like a guy said...

So when can I make a joke, oh great one?

e said...

You can do whatever you want. Just expect criticism.

e said...

I just read my post again. It does sound way more obnoxious and condescending that I intended. I suppose I should have been more sensitive.