> The Internet: The best research and
> information gathering tool there is - or -
> the biggest time waster in history. Depends
> on your focus.

Amen. It is easy to get distracted online.

Michael, there is gold in them thar Elmers...hope you find a nugget or two. (The other being Wheeler)..

And to Dien,

Yesterday morning I went to the Sheraton Suites for an early breakfast ALONE. Sat by myself facing the river and looking south where the river flows.

The ice is beautiful. Most meals are spent with someone, and it is refreshing to eat alone now and then. Especially if you have a nice view.

Last night I took a walk. A COLD freezing walk along the path that runs by the crooked river and winds by Mary Campbell's Cave (aka Old Maid's Kitchen)...

Mary Campbell was a young girl taken from her home in Pennsylvania and she lived with an Indian tribe at the cave for about 5 years until she was returned to her family.

It is a mystic place, and in the winter (we finally got one here in Northeast Ohio)...the ice and mist of the river make it a remarkable place to gather your thoughts. In fact it is so cold there that you think in slow motion...can actually see your thoughts leaving your mind like a slow scroll across a movie screen.

Meditation is great. Walking meditation by moving water is in MY opinion the ultimate way to get in touch with your inner self.

There is the ionic thing about moving water, and it is a naturally relaxing thing too, and that is one reason why the beaches are crowded.

In the real world it is a good thing to take a break from people. Most of us are around other people all day long.

Likewise, what I've noticed online is that there are those that are ADDICTED to other people online and can't let a single day go by without making some comment somewhere on the Net.

It amazes me that the people most in need of a business activity or money making way spend so much time posting on forums.

Well, if you are feeling overwhelmed by it all, head to the ocean, lake, river, pond, creek, or hot tub even...and get yourself away from other people's thoughts for a few minutes...

you may put yourself in touch with yourself, and that could be a very good thing.

Gordon Alexander