Hey there I'm Robert MacEwan the author of ideal absolutes. If you're new to macewan.org, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting.

Anonymous pamphlets, leaflets, brochures and even books have played an important role in the progress of mankind. Great works of literature have frequently been produced by authors writing under assumed names. Despite readers’ curiosity and the public’s interest in identifying the creator of a work of art, an author generally is free to decide whether or not to disclose her true identity. The decision in favor of anonymity may be motivated by fear of economic or official retaliation, by concern about social ostracism, or merely by a desire to preserve as much of one’s privacy as possible. Whatever the motivation may be, at least in the field of literary endeavor, the interest in having anonymous works enter the marketplace of ideas unquestionably outweighs any public interest in requiring disclosure as a condition of entry. Accordingly, an author’s decision to remain anonymous, like other decisions concerning omissions or additions to the content of a publication, is an aspect of the freedom of speech protected by the First Amendment.

U.S. Supreme Court, McIntyre v. Ohio (1995).

If only our trip to Costa Rico allowed us comforts enjoyed at home - like the ability to rent a car. Fortunate for me life has granted the previous experience of travel to Mexico. I know the value of an ice cold coke after the parking lot (if you’re lucky) hike to the 2000 °F beach.

I’m not a 20 year old eating my way through a loaf of bread waiting for the ramp to drop on an island hopping ferry in Greece. Been there, done that - too many times. Today I clock in at 40 years old. I want comfort. Given the chance I would pay twice the $34.99/day price for that snazzy looking Suzuki XL7.

Mary Olive Smith produced the documentary, A Walk to Beautiful, about women afflicted with untreated fistual. We watch co-founder Dr. Catherine Hamlin discuss the work performed by the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia.

“It is very difficult,” says Ayehu, “Waiting for food to be thrown in my direction. I don’t mix with people. I live here away from others.”

My hope is that other bloggers will talk about this over the next few days to bring more needed attention to fistula. Take a few moments from making money *guys* to talk/blog this up.

A Walk To Beautiful - currently an estimated 100,000 women go untreated for fistula with another 9000 following suit each year. We as “probloggers” can make a difference. Either blog about the subject or send money their way. Thank you.

Since the passing of Mother’s Day, they - moms - have been on my mind. Well, not moms in general rather their lives and health. All the things that come with being a mom. To tell you the truth I probably couldn’t do it. For that matter I don’t think most guys could pull it off with much measure of success.

A few minutes ago while talking to Val she mentioned the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia run by Dr. Catherine Hamlin. The documentary, A Walk to Beautiful, was the work of Mary Olive Smith - it’s on NOVA if you’re interested.

This got me to thinking about how fortunate some American are - they ones with insurance. As your run of the mill guy it can be embarrasing to discuss these issues. State side they have access to renowned surgeons with fancy hospitals performing laser vaginal plastic surgery for women seeking help. Whether in maintaining their sex lives or in helping offset the effects of childbirth. Aside from culture, beliefs, value system, and access to doctors, females face similar base situations in being a women.

Stabilize Your Current Situation Before You Invest

Before you consider investing in any self congratulatory high fives, you should really take a long hard look at your current situation. Investing in the future is a good thing, but clearing up bad - or potentially bad - situations in the present is more important. Think first - am I being a good person? Do my actions serve many or only the few.

Nothing remains secret when people are hurt. Those at the top are rarely as brilliant as their sycophant yes men who have them believe. Reviewed publicly their actions will doubtfully pass the scrutiny of the everyman if those decisions were self serving and not in everyones best interest. Do not be a greedy twit.

Poll not your peers but those that are thought less. Transparency continues to payoff over the long haul. Absolutely nothing protects greedy decisions. You should do this once each year or if deep down you feel a greedy twit once a quarter. It is important to know what is on your publicly discussed greed report, and to clear up any negative items as soon as possible. If you’ve set aside play money, but that money could serve others needs, you are better off doing for others. Secure a good standing from those in need before rewarding yourself.

Life throws curve balls. The measure of your leadership rests with effective decision making. Especially where finances are concerned. Oh yeah, I dig saving money - who doesn’t. My approach is to come up with equitable solutions and not keep funds from where they are needed most. Bragging and back patting for disadvantaging those that need it only to keep it for yourself, especially if your doing it for self benefit at another’s expense if greedy. That’s not smart money management little rabbit no that’s being a silly twit.

So when I stumbled across vistaprint coupons with savings like 50% off most products site wide, 80% off business cards or 80% address labels… heck this is to be celebrated. You supply needs to keep business running smoothly without appearing stingy. Word gets out when you do good only to meet needs important to you. Geez, the whole community might find out and we don’t want that do we?

Here’s the deal about this site. Services included are things like rubber stamps, checks, business cards with announcements and car magnets thrown in for good measure. Stop being a self serving numb nut and become a better person. You find commensurable equitable operations serve everyone best. We can be creative developing cost cutting alternatives. Mmm K? =)

It used to be that religion was a private affair between you and the God-of-your-choice.  People didn’t talk much about their beliefs (or the lack thereof.)  Nobody proselytized except the Mormons and the Jehovah’s Witnesses who, like door-to-door salesmen of sanctity, came a-knocking when you were sleeping late on weekends or enjoying a nice soak in the tub.  Of course, there was always the Salvation Army ringing bells outside of stores at Christmastime but they wanted your money, not your souls.  Even in the media of the day, religion was largely absent except for the occasional Hollywood Biblical spectacle (with Charlton Heston turning in his usual stilted performance as the lead) and a handful early Sunday morning TV ministers whom nobody really watched.

Then the American zeitgeist started to change.  In the mid-20th century, we had Elizabeth Taylor publicly converting to Judaism during her post-Michael Todd and pre-Eddie Fisher phase, then Sammy Davis, Jr. who schmoozed about his Hebraic conversion on late night talk shows with Johnny Carson and the like while wearing Stars of David the size of the state of Israel.  How about Cassius Clay who changed his name to Mohammed Ali when he embraced Islam?  Though it’s debatable whether EST is a religion or not, John Denver made it sound as desirable as having a Rocky Mountain high.  And certainly no one can forget the Beatles and Rolling Stones trekking off to sit at the feet of a guru and learn Transcendental Meditation.

Since then, there’s been a veritable explosion of high-profile faith. Celebrity spokespersons for spirituality abound everywhere now and they’re not hiding their affiliations in the closet any more.  Madonna with her Rodeo Drive-chic Kaballah bracelets and a $120,000 year “Kaballah water” habit making headlines in the tabloids.  Mel Gibson, whose traditionalist Catholicism doesn’t deter him from getting DUIs but successfully drives his movie career with flicks like The Passion of Christ. Bob Dylan’s spiritual odyssey, which has taken him from a cultural Judaism to born-again Christianity (earning him great disapproval from his followers) to Hassidism and now to a free-wheeling spirituality that endorses no belief system.  And we can’t forget our token Zen Buddhist, Richard Gere.

What’s winning out right now in the religious race on the A-list?  We don’t have many mainstream Protestant representatives or Christian fundamentalists popping up on the Hollywood circuit.  So, the award must be given to Scientology, whose prominent advocates include Tomkat, John Travolta, Will Smith, Kirstie Alley, Beck, Kelly Preston, Lisa Marie Presley, Juliette Lewis and Jenna Elfman whose self-proclaimed goal is to “clear the planet” by helping people get rid of negative thoughts and emotions.

Religion can mean many things to different people.  For some, it is habit, the way you’ve been raised.  For others, it is a choice that confers a sense of stability in a very dicey world.  For the rugged and intrepid seekers, it is a long and winding road that has no foreseeable end in this earthly realm.  But for the Hollywood crowd, it decidedly seems to be the primo fashion accessory this season on the Red Carpet.