Sunday, November 7, 2010
Monday, November 1, 2010
Book Review: The Genius of the Few
"The Story of Those who Founded the Garden in Eden"
Subtitle of The Genius of the Few
by Christian O'Brien with Barbara Joy O'Brien
What does an exploration geologist do with himself upon retirement from a career with a Middle Eastern-based oil company? In the case of Christian O'Brien, he partners with his wife, Barbara Joy, and the two spend their golden decades digging into ancient texts and unearthing archeological clues to help solve some of the mysteries of human origins. The O'Brien studies in the libraries of man and nature demonstrate a shift in viewing perspective; they aimed at secular interpretation and translation of the data. This shift allows the reader breathing room to evaluate and contemplate the implications in the ancient historical records.
"All modern concepts of the Garden of Eden stem from a few verses in the biblical Book of Genesis, none of which is entirely free from ambiguity", begins the O'Brien analysis after a short preface and introduction. Many intelligent and well-read individuals would agree with this statement however very few can argue coherently on or near the point. The Genius of the Few stands ready to arm the most reluctant of debaters with evidence and clarity sufficient to maintain a sturdy, well-informed posture when debating the early biblical texts.
The book provides a flowing stream of references and illustrations along with bibliography and appendices to satisfy the slightest curiosity of scholar, student and weekend researcher. The principal sources for the work are:
1) Sumerian Tablets from the Library at Nippur (held at at the University of Pennsylvania and partially deciphered by George Barton in 1918);
2) Ancient documents from the Hebraic Books of Enoch (Ethiopic, Slavonic and Greek Syncelles and Akkhim framents versions); and
3) The biblical Book of Genesis (Jewish Torah, Jerusalem Bible, King James and Authorized Versions).
The chapter entitled "Eastward in Eden" looks at the Old Testament terms Elohim and YHWH and proposes an alternative interpretation of the words with all due respect to former translators. Elohim is interpreted as "the shining ones" by means of etymological origins in Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian. YHWH (Yahweh) is translated as "leader". (Jehovah being a late entry in the language loom and a derivative of YHWH , it was not independently identified in word or as an entity.) Written together, Yahweh Elohim is translated as Leader - or Lord - of the Shining Ones. The word Khar-sag is translated as "principal" or "lofty" - "fenced enclosure" and is identified as a proper name of a specific location on the map, namely in Lebanon near the Rachaiyah Basin. Thus with the location of the Garden and descriptions of the founders in mind, the foundation is established for forward interpretation of the creation stories.
It is preferable - and worthy - to list here the chapter titles following Eastward in Eden. They are self-explanatory. Any one with an interest in any aspect of the discussions will easily recognize the chapter destinations in Part I of the book:
Where Heaven and Earth Met: The Annunage in Kharsag
The Chronicles of Enoch: The Summons of a Scribe
The Fall of the Watchers: Upset in the Genetic Balance
The Reality of Eden and its Peoples: Study in Geography
and Time
The Making of Man: Study in Hybridization
Destruction in Eden: The First Diaspora
Part II takes up with The Enigma of Yahweh: War-Lord of the Annunage. After rigorous wandering in the desert with Moses and the Pillar, this reader found the following and final chapter, The Unity of Truth, to be a welcomed refreshment. Truth remains available for inspiring discussion and Barbara Joy O'Brien steps lively with a discussion of globally-recognized prophets and their philosophies. The chapter is a more superior guide than a Cliff's Notes for we who are interested in an overview of wise and ancient teachings.
A special delight in the lineup of Appendices is E: An Alternative Genesis. I was reminded of Steve Allen's work entitled "On the Bible, Religion and Morality" wherein he familiarized himself and any interested readers with certain historical facts about the Bible. It is the efforts of society's profoundly devoted, high-caliber independent researchers - such as the O'Briens and Steve Allen and so many more - that revitalizes interest in our stories and emphasizes the necessity of studying their meaning. A passion was fired in Christian O'Brien while a young man under the tutelage of another (Victor Boileau), fueling a quest to sift through the records of human origins. It is good fortune to learn of ones such as he who press on and share historical data not under consideration by the experts, even though the information promises monumental insights regarding the human condition.
With this work, the O'Briens ventured out to blow the dust off of the old manuscripts and tablets and apply logic and common sense when putting together the pieces of the records. Examination and evaluation of the creation and creator deity(ies) may be a responsibility or an honor, as you like it, and either is made friendly through The Genius of the Few.
"All modern concepts of the Garden of Eden stem from a few verses in the biblical Book of Genesis, none of which is entirely free from ambiguity", begins the O'Brien analysis after a short preface and introduction. Many intelligent and well-read individuals would agree with this statement however very few can argue coherently on or near the point. The Genius of the Few stands ready to arm the most reluctant of debaters with evidence and clarity sufficient to maintain a sturdy, well-informed posture when debating the early biblical texts.
The book provides a flowing stream of references and illustrations along with bibliography and appendices to satisfy the slightest curiosity of scholar, student and weekend researcher. The principal sources for the work are:
1) Sumerian Tablets from the Library at Nippur (held at at the University of Pennsylvania and partially deciphered by George Barton in 1918);
2) Ancient documents from the Hebraic Books of Enoch (Ethiopic, Slavonic and Greek Syncelles and Akkhim framents versions); and
3) The biblical Book of Genesis (Jewish Torah, Jerusalem Bible, King James and Authorized Versions).
The chapter entitled "Eastward in Eden" looks at the Old Testament terms Elohim and YHWH and proposes an alternative interpretation of the words with all due respect to former translators. Elohim is interpreted as "the shining ones" by means of etymological origins in Sumerian, Akkadian and Babylonian. YHWH (Yahweh) is translated as "leader". (Jehovah being a late entry in the language loom and a derivative of YHWH , it was not independently identified in word or as an entity.) Written together, Yahweh Elohim is translated as Leader - or Lord - of the Shining Ones. The word Khar-sag is translated as "principal" or "lofty" - "fenced enclosure" and is identified as a proper name of a specific location on the map, namely in Lebanon near the Rachaiyah Basin. Thus with the location of the Garden and descriptions of the founders in mind, the foundation is established for forward interpretation of the creation stories.
It is preferable - and worthy - to list here the chapter titles following Eastward in Eden. They are self-explanatory. Any one with an interest in any aspect of the discussions will easily recognize the chapter destinations in Part I of the book:
Where Heaven and Earth Met: The Annunage in Kharsag
The Chronicles of Enoch: The Summons of a Scribe
The Fall of the Watchers: Upset in the Genetic Balance
The Reality of Eden and its Peoples: Study in Geography
and Time
The Making of Man: Study in Hybridization
Destruction in Eden: The First Diaspora
Part II takes up with The Enigma of Yahweh: War-Lord of the Annunage. After rigorous wandering in the desert with Moses and the Pillar, this reader found the following and final chapter, The Unity of Truth, to be a welcomed refreshment. Truth remains available for inspiring discussion and Barbara Joy O'Brien steps lively with a discussion of globally-recognized prophets and their philosophies. The chapter is a more superior guide than a Cliff's Notes for we who are interested in an overview of wise and ancient teachings.
A special delight in the lineup of Appendices is E: An Alternative Genesis. I was reminded of Steve Allen's work entitled "On the Bible, Religion and Morality" wherein he familiarized himself and any interested readers with certain historical facts about the Bible. It is the efforts of society's profoundly devoted, high-caliber independent researchers - such as the O'Briens and Steve Allen and so many more - that revitalizes interest in our stories and emphasizes the necessity of studying their meaning. A passion was fired in Christian O'Brien while a young man under the tutelage of another (Victor Boileau), fueling a quest to sift through the records of human origins. It is good fortune to learn of ones such as he who press on and share historical data not under consideration by the experts, even though the information promises monumental insights regarding the human condition.
With this work, the O'Briens ventured out to blow the dust off of the old manuscripts and tablets and apply logic and common sense when putting together the pieces of the records. Examination and evaluation of the creation and creator deity(ies) may be a responsibility or an honor, as you like it, and either is made friendly through The Genius of the Few.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Knock It Off, Boys
Another squirmish has erupted in the alternative news playground.
Mark Glenn started it.
Now I don't know Mr. Glenn, either personally or by his works. Never heard his name before, the only thing of his I've read is the post exposing his telephone conversation with Jeff Rense. Don't know Jeff Rense personally but I am daily familiar - for the past 9 years - with his news site. I also occassionally listen to his broadcasts, usually his segments with Jim Marrs. This uneven familiarity between the parties does not prevent me from having an opinion, however.
The way I read it, Glenn decided to inform his followers why Rense.com would no longer publish his work and that Rense threatened to call the law on Glenn. Apparently the final submission from Glenn was one that carried tricks along with it, upsetting Rense's computer activities. Glenn denies the possibility of such an occurrence. The implication from Glenn is that his denials precipitated Rense's threat. Here's where the smell gets fishy. Glenn's pleas and arguments of not-guilty did not move Rense to lift the ban on future Glenn submissions. Glenn appealed; and anticipating threats from Rense, had a "witness" listen in on his phone call to Rense to further discuss the ban.
Two hear-says do not a successful duet make and the orchestra of Rense (led by Henry Makow) isn't much better.
Therefore, my best guess is these guys got into a very heated exchange about something that has nothing to do with the rest of us.
Enough already, as they say in the big city.
Very interesting and provable subjects can be read about here.
Mark Glenn started it.
Now I don't know Mr. Glenn, either personally or by his works. Never heard his name before, the only thing of his I've read is the post exposing his telephone conversation with Jeff Rense. Don't know Jeff Rense personally but I am daily familiar - for the past 9 years - with his news site. I also occassionally listen to his broadcasts, usually his segments with Jim Marrs. This uneven familiarity between the parties does not prevent me from having an opinion, however.
The way I read it, Glenn decided to inform his followers why Rense.com would no longer publish his work and that Rense threatened to call the law on Glenn. Apparently the final submission from Glenn was one that carried tricks along with it, upsetting Rense's computer activities. Glenn denies the possibility of such an occurrence. The implication from Glenn is that his denials precipitated Rense's threat. Here's where the smell gets fishy. Glenn's pleas and arguments of not-guilty did not move Rense to lift the ban on future Glenn submissions. Glenn appealed; and anticipating threats from Rense, had a "witness" listen in on his phone call to Rense to further discuss the ban.
Two hear-says do not a successful duet make and the orchestra of Rense (led by Henry Makow) isn't much better.
Therefore, my best guess is these guys got into a very heated exchange about something that has nothing to do with the rest of us.
Enough already, as they say in the big city.
Very interesting and provable subjects can be read about here.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
National Press Club - Hmmm
On Monday 27 September 2010, the National Press Club in Washington, DC was the venue for a news conference on the subject of UFOs. The NPC website makes no mention of the event in its news section and various search attempts proved futile. The only conclusion to draw regarding the lack of NPC publicity is that the event was of the "non-sponsored" variety. It must have cost the former Air Force fellows a small fortune to secure the podium and pay for the cookies.
While the conspiracy clubs are all a-tremble with discussions of "disclosure", the media and government took the opportunity to mock or trivialize the event. Gannett/USA Today reporter Ledyard King was assigned to attend but his report was piped to local outlets rather than appearing in the flagship newspaper. Instead, USA Today noted the conference with a stub leading to the trivia piece by Mitch Marconi, staff writer for the Post Chronicle, which in turn linked to King's report. (Culpable reliability?)
As for government acknowledgment and interest in what the former airmen had to say, the cookie monster from the Washington Post reported that "a "John Bailey" from the House Armed Services Committee" attended. The outsourced USA Today reporter offered that . . . "an Air Force spokeswoman cited a 2005 fact sheet that said: "Since the termination of Project Blue Book, nothing has occurred that would support a resumption of UFO investigations."" Topic dismissed.
When it comes to supporting individuals and issues, The National Press Club favors the pompous over the purposeful and the cliches over the questions. Why bother with investigations, reports or findings by serious inquirers, when fact sheets, top-ten lists and analyses by very important impotents will do for national public consumption? May that be the information we glean from yesterday's NPC event news coverage.
While the conspiracy clubs are all a-tremble with discussions of "disclosure", the media and government took the opportunity to mock or trivialize the event. Gannett/USA Today reporter Ledyard King was assigned to attend but his report was piped to local outlets rather than appearing in the flagship newspaper. Instead, USA Today noted the conference with a stub leading to the trivia piece by Mitch Marconi, staff writer for the Post Chronicle, which in turn linked to King's report. (Culpable reliability?)
As for government acknowledgment and interest in what the former airmen had to say, the cookie monster from the Washington Post reported that "a "John Bailey" from the House Armed Services Committee" attended. The outsourced USA Today reporter offered that . . . "an Air Force spokeswoman cited a 2005 fact sheet that said: "Since the termination of Project Blue Book, nothing has occurred that would support a resumption of UFO investigations."" Topic dismissed.
When it comes to supporting individuals and issues, The National Press Club favors the pompous over the purposeful and the cliches over the questions. Why bother with investigations, reports or findings by serious inquirers, when fact sheets, top-ten lists and analyses by very important impotents will do for national public consumption? May that be the information we glean from yesterday's NPC event news coverage.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
The Seven Sages Of Greece
1) Solon of Athens:
"Nothing in excess"
2) Thales of Miletus:
"Caution attracts ruin"
3) Bias of Priene:
"Most men are bad"
4) Gleobulus of Rhodes:
"Moderation is the chief good"
5) Priander of Corinth:
"Work is hastened by thought"
6) Pittacus of Mitylene:
"Catch the opportunity"
7) Chilon of Sparta:
"Man know thyself - and thou shall know the universe"
Copied from the website of The Golden Age Project.
"Nothing in excess"
2) Thales of Miletus:
"Caution attracts ruin"
3) Bias of Priene:
"Most men are bad"
4) Gleobulus of Rhodes:
"Moderation is the chief good"
5) Priander of Corinth:
"Work is hastened by thought"
6) Pittacus of Mitylene:
"Catch the opportunity"
7) Chilon of Sparta:
"Man know thyself - and thou shall know the universe"
Copied from the website of The Golden Age Project.
Friday, September 17, 2010
For The Love Of God Story
Once upon a time in the late twentieth century there was a middle-aged divorcee who lived in the bible belt of America. Her name was Laura.
Laura had three children who were all just about out on their own when she met a man named Daniel. He was also a divorcee and had one grown child. At the time, Laura worked as a bookkeeper for a department store. Daniel was a self-employed landscaper. They had met one day, quite by accident, and fell in love at first sight.
For the next couple of years, Laura and Daniel lived apart because neither one was prepared to remarry (they both had unhappy first marriages), and Laura still had one child not quite out of the nest. Once the last child was off on his own, Daniel moved in with Laura. They began to make plans for their future together.
Laura and Daniel counted their pennies, measured their savings and reviewed their retirement plans. They determined how much they could spend on a home of their own and began making plans to buy one. They were very, very happy, and very much in love.
By the time both of them reached retirement age, they had found their home. Hardly ever are there two people so in love as they were. Hardly ever is there such a warm and happy home as theirs was.
Some years into their retirement, Laura suddenly became ill one day and was rushed to the hospital. Daniel was frantic for all the days it took the doctors to find out what was wrong. Laura remained unconscious the whole time. Daniel never left Laura's side except for when she went for tests. When the tests were finally completed, the doctors told Daniel that Laura might never talk or walk again. Daniel's heart broke into pieces.
It was a week later when Daniel went back to their home for the first time since Laura was sick. For hours, he cried and he prayed and he begged God to make Laura well again. Then, without sleeping, he returned to the hospital. He sat beside her bed and he whispered in her ear: "Laura I love you. Do not leave me, please. I can not live without you and I don't want to. You can heal, Laura, I know you can and I will carry you every step of the way. I promise."
Later that day, Laura came out of her coma. One month later, she was back in her beloved home with Daniel. Together, they began doing everything they could think of to make Laura well. In three months, she was starting to talk in a whisper. In six months, she began to use a walker. Within a year, Laura's voice was strong and she could sometimes walk without assistance. Laura and Daniel felt like they had experienced a miracle.
Laura so believed that she had been blessed with a miracle that she decided to go to church. Daniel was not very interested in attending church. Both of them believed in the Christian God and the Good Book but neither of them had been to church for many years (except for special occasions). At first, Daniel was willing to go to church for Laura's sake. Daniel told Laura just that. Laura was not surprised to hear this. She knew Daniel very well. She had begun to make new friends at the church and soon he was off the hook and did not have to go.
About a year after she had been going to church, Laura announced to Daniel that she was moving into the guest room of their home. He was shocked. "Why?!" he asked her. "We live in sin," she replied.
Daniel went to see the church pastor. He told the pastor of his love for Laura. He explained that they would jeopardize their medical insurance, their pensions and even their home if they were to legally wed. Daniel pleaded for help from the pastor. The pastor responded, "I can not change the Laws of God". Daniel's heart broke into pieces.
Two years after Laura started going to church, which was one year after Daniel spoke with the pastor, Laura's health began to weaken. At first the doctors gave her stronger pain medication. Then they prescribed medicine to correct her mental and emotional balance. The medicines did not help. She began having slips and falls and slurring of speech.
Laura and Daniel spent their last years living under the same roof. Laura could not get to church anymore but she read her Bible every day (mostly the Book of Job). Daniel kept his eyes glued to a flat screen wall television (a birthday present to himself).
Laura was assured of one thing: She might qualify for heaven. She was nearly as certain of another: Daniel might too.
And they lived eternally happy ever after.
Laura had three children who were all just about out on their own when she met a man named Daniel. He was also a divorcee and had one grown child. At the time, Laura worked as a bookkeeper for a department store. Daniel was a self-employed landscaper. They had met one day, quite by accident, and fell in love at first sight.
For the next couple of years, Laura and Daniel lived apart because neither one was prepared to remarry (they both had unhappy first marriages), and Laura still had one child not quite out of the nest. Once the last child was off on his own, Daniel moved in with Laura. They began to make plans for their future together.
Laura and Daniel counted their pennies, measured their savings and reviewed their retirement plans. They determined how much they could spend on a home of their own and began making plans to buy one. They were very, very happy, and very much in love.
By the time both of them reached retirement age, they had found their home. Hardly ever are there two people so in love as they were. Hardly ever is there such a warm and happy home as theirs was.
Some years into their retirement, Laura suddenly became ill one day and was rushed to the hospital. Daniel was frantic for all the days it took the doctors to find out what was wrong. Laura remained unconscious the whole time. Daniel never left Laura's side except for when she went for tests. When the tests were finally completed, the doctors told Daniel that Laura might never talk or walk again. Daniel's heart broke into pieces.
It was a week later when Daniel went back to their home for the first time since Laura was sick. For hours, he cried and he prayed and he begged God to make Laura well again. Then, without sleeping, he returned to the hospital. He sat beside her bed and he whispered in her ear: "Laura I love you. Do not leave me, please. I can not live without you and I don't want to. You can heal, Laura, I know you can and I will carry you every step of the way. I promise."
Later that day, Laura came out of her coma. One month later, she was back in her beloved home with Daniel. Together, they began doing everything they could think of to make Laura well. In three months, she was starting to talk in a whisper. In six months, she began to use a walker. Within a year, Laura's voice was strong and she could sometimes walk without assistance. Laura and Daniel felt like they had experienced a miracle.
Laura so believed that she had been blessed with a miracle that she decided to go to church. Daniel was not very interested in attending church. Both of them believed in the Christian God and the Good Book but neither of them had been to church for many years (except for special occasions). At first, Daniel was willing to go to church for Laura's sake. Daniel told Laura just that. Laura was not surprised to hear this. She knew Daniel very well. She had begun to make new friends at the church and soon he was off the hook and did not have to go.
About a year after she had been going to church, Laura announced to Daniel that she was moving into the guest room of their home. He was shocked. "Why?!" he asked her. "We live in sin," she replied.
Daniel went to see the church pastor. He told the pastor of his love for Laura. He explained that they would jeopardize their medical insurance, their pensions and even their home if they were to legally wed. Daniel pleaded for help from the pastor. The pastor responded, "I can not change the Laws of God". Daniel's heart broke into pieces.
Two years after Laura started going to church, which was one year after Daniel spoke with the pastor, Laura's health began to weaken. At first the doctors gave her stronger pain medication. Then they prescribed medicine to correct her mental and emotional balance. The medicines did not help. She began having slips and falls and slurring of speech.
Laura and Daniel spent their last years living under the same roof. Laura could not get to church anymore but she read her Bible every day (mostly the Book of Job). Daniel kept his eyes glued to a flat screen wall television (a birthday present to himself).
Laura was assured of one thing: She might qualify for heaven. She was nearly as certain of another: Daniel might too.
And they lived eternally happy ever after.
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