Latif's Cavern

Quote of the Day - Plautus - "Nothing but heaven itself is better than a friend who is really a friend."

2009-12-27T16:01:00.007Z

I gave a speech at my impromptu birthday lunch where I dwelt upon the fact that the rate of attrition of my friendships were now reaching an exceedingly high level.

But what does friendship actually mean; for me its ultimately a fellowship of equals, which strikes to the soul of a true friendship. In my we "prove" our equality on a daily basis to one another, I believe that for a friendship to endure there must be a similar striving.

Its rather interesting that as we age we sort of have this expectation that world must stop changing and that to accommodate this reality we begin to fashion our lives in such a manner.

What I will say that in my quest, and that of my larger family, to preserve our collective youth we instead yearn for change, we thirst and hunger for it. It strikes at the very core of what it means to be Latif & a member of our five families that ultimately you must exceed yourself on a daily purpose; to continue, with every breath, to make a difference.

I have been accused of being a dictator and an idealist and I readily to both. I have that instinct for self-righteousness that I can't dampen, not at any rate in a group of friends where I end up domineering.

In an effort these past few years to embrace the root and rot of humanity I feel I've betrayed and cheatened myself, my intellect and ultimately the soul; the lifespring of all passion. Misunderstood, abused and wounded I find this challenge to reclaim myself intoxicating and absorbing; as a friend told me nothing proves to be as refreshing as negative tension. The quest to liberate myself from myself continues; is it any surprise that my Christmas series all happens to be about how I relate to the larger world.

This continuing theme, such a surprising departure from my earlier youthful passion about the state of the world, which I seem to have ceded to my brother, is perhaps a reflection of a quest to redeem myself. For me the world is comprised of my immediate surrounding and making sense of them. Nothing is as wealthy, powerful or refreshing as an open mind; as the decay and dullness of age sets in the challenge is only greater to keep us afresh and vibrant.

It is the challenge which stirs me to outfox and ultimately outlive in my ideas, in my legacy and ultimately in my restoration. I am reconstituted alive and forever young through my foolish words and youthful quests; perhaps I will never really lose myself so long as I remember what to stay true too..

For now enough random musings; thank you Plautus.

Writer in Battersea

Christmas Interlude

2009-12-27T15:44:00.004Z

This is the first Christmas, which I've actually spent in relative isolation. It's always been for the past few Christmases, during my working life at any rate, that I would be on holiday, friends or winter school.

For our family when we are living with one another for 364 days a year; a day dedicated to the family seems rather futile. As I strive to adopt the conditions of my host country; I begin to see the reason of my parent's dismissal, almost trivialisation, of one of the most key dates in the Western Calendar.

Its not that we aren't respectful or that somehow we don't enjoy holidaying (the jury is out on that) however I feel that for us; the sense of destiny is so subliminal and overpowering that a Christmas jaunt merely diverts us from our true purpose.

Being in relative isolation this Christmas, with brother and parents has taught me to inculcate some of that discipline into my own life. Its a realisation that my oft-carefree attitude needs to be tamed me since I rather let the ego out of the leash at times and that perhaps the most ominous saying (well at least in the German language) "work will set you free" has some truth to it.

I'm commenting on Nigel Farndale's where he sorts of speaks along the same theme.

It is odd that in this period of isolation, what my mother calls boredom, I've felt stirrings of my imagination that I haven't been able to discern for so long. That in my withdrawal, in my true hibernation from society, I finally feel the liberation of being. Of the call of my art to determine and order my world in that precise rigid, even dogmatic, fashion that can be so maddening at times. For us Utopians the world is an illusion, a barrier to its true state and I realised that I'm actually a follower of Plato; I do believe this is the world of shadows echoing a more perfect world.

Its that drive to perfection, to understanding, to elucidation that spurs me on; which remains my true motivation. As I remarked to my mother yesterday to aspire to the greatest heights the aloofness of spirit, that aloofness of being is a necessity. I begin to conceal and cloak my own emotional state to finally release it electronically, virtually but ever so effectively.

Yours Truly,

Your Writer in Battersea

Mr Rafi

2009-12-27T15:59:00.001Z

Rafayel

2009-12-26T11:12:00.000Z

Rafayel

Climate Science Hoax?

2009-11-22T10:45:00.002Z

Fellow scientists who disagreed with orthodox views on climate change were variously referred to as "prats" and "utter prats." In other exchanges, one climate researcher said he was "very tempted" to "beat the crap out of" a prominent, skeptical U.S. climate scientist.

In several of the emails, climate researchers discussed how to arrange for favorable reviewers for papers they planned to publish in scientific journals. At the same time, climate researchers at times appeared to pressure scientific journals not to publish research by other scientists whose findings they disagreed with.

French and Irish fall out over ‘box’ incident

2009-11-13T13:16:00.000Z

Zackworld Announcement: Nov. Social Digest

2009-11-11T12:32:00.000Z

Zackworld Announcement: Nov. Social Digest

Bonus Hocus. Zcapitalist 9.2

2009-11-10T14:34:00.001Z

Fury over nothing

Gordon Brown's "transaction tax" is a wealth destroyer
The state of the UK economy is on the way UP not down
Politicians look for sound bites not sound policy

The banking sector's recovery is being hindered by the myopic policy suggestions of politicians. Democracy is an effective antidote to the concentration of wealth and power among the elites but there must also be a sense of proportion and balance. There is no doubt that the current outrage by the City; is that after the most devastating financial crisis in living history the City is back to its greedy ways. As always when tax and regulations are imposed clever bankers and lawyers are rapidly trying to find ways to circumvent the rules for individual gain (human beings always optimize).

However in response to this phenomenon politicians are reacting by imposing even more onerous limits, or trying to such in the form of the Transaction Tax and Bonus deferrals. However to actually ameliorate greed is to follow the American pattern; engage civic participation by the highest echelons of society. It is now seen as virtuous in the United States for the best and the brightest (and the richest who more often than not are not the same) to actually pursue a career in politics and philanthropy after success in business. Meg Whitman of Ebay wants to be Governor of California, Carly Fiorina of Hewlett Packard wants to replace Barbara Boxer as Senator of California and Michael Bloomberg just got reelected (for the third time no less) as Mayor of New York. Mitt Romney had made his millions at BGC before trying his hand for the Presidential candidate while Warren Buffett and Bill Gates virtuously compete in philanthropic circles.

It is American's Republican genius that like ancient Rome it encourages and indulges that instinct for competition in that the successful want to participate in society and civic virtues. In Britain and Europe we have let the government extend its tentacles into every pore of society that the recourse for our best and brightest is in fact retreating away from society. Instead of worrying about bonuses and trying to regulate brilliance instead lets tap onto it for the betterment of all of us concerned.

This is not a research piece and we do not represent this as such. Information in the above should not be taken as accurate or complete; trade discussions are not given as recommendations nor as offers to buy or sell.

Have you ever wondered why foreigners have trouble with the English Language?

2009-11-05T12:40:00.001Z

Let's face it
English is a stupid language.
There is no egg in the eggplant
No ham in the hamburger
And neither pine nor apple in the pineapple.
English muffins were not invented in England
French fries were not invented in France.
We sometimes take English for granted
But if we examine its paradoxes we find that
Quicksand takes you down slowly
Boxing rings are square
And a guinea pig is neither from Guinea nor is it a pig.
If writers write, how come fingers don't fing.
If the plural of tooth is teeth
Shouldn't the plural of phone booth be phone beeth
If the teacher taught,
Why didn't the preacher praught.
If a vegetarian eats vegetables
What the heck does a humanitarian eat!?
Why do people recite at a play
Yet play at a recital?
Park on driveways and
Drive on parkways
You have to marvel at the unique lunacy
Of a language where a house can burn up as
It burns down
And in which you fill in a form
By filling it out
And a bell is only heard once it goes!
English was invented by people, not computers
And it reflects the creativity of the human race
(Which of course isn't a race at all)
That is why
When the stars are out they are visible
But when the lights are out they are invisible
And why it is that when I wind up my watch
It starts
But when I wind up this observation,
It ends.

Rafayel’s Restaurants and Bars

2009-11-03T13:55:00.000Z

Rafayel’s Restaurants and Bars

these hidden thoughts: writing correlated with socialising

2009-11-02T15:07:00.004Z

after the long foray from writing; where I emerged deep into (and now from) the social scene, I once again take up my pen.

I have realized.. that my inviolable sense of dignity once shattered can consume me.

before i would confront with a hope to reconcile. however now i must internalize the grievance and act accordingly. it is perhaps the only way to emerge (i was going to use escape) from the emotional cycle.

it is interesting how despite my prior knowledge of these hidden secrets; my understanding is limited.

i have opened my blog to the purview of the world so that my life and philosophy can be shared for what its worth. i watched some halloween films on halloween saturday (while my cousin Abi was born all the way in Chicago) and I realised that evil most often festers in the pockets of discretion and secrecy.

it is those "clogs" of darkness that ultimately block the light. it relates to my earlier query; what is left when there is no-one left to serve. i guess finally then in that earthly paradise we can orient our soul's purpose to the pursuit of the highest qualities in creation; love, happiness, affection.

cease fire for now..

kk out

Allotments, parks and urban farms are rising above Britain’s gleaming towers - Times Online

2009-10-30T16:47:00.000Z

Allotments, parks and urban farms are rising above Britain’s gleaming towers - Times Online

"The Most Comfortable Beds in the World"

2009-10-27T10:43:00.000Z

"The Most Comfortable Beds in the World"

Privacy

2009-10-06T09:21:00.003+01:00

Latif's cavern has been locked to everyone but myself.

I think this is the best way for the Cavern to be the unrestrained expression of my thoughts.

I think its necessary to be able to reconcile my self-obsession with a more mature outlook. Also for some reason as I get into the swing of life; my ability to write narrows accordingly..

REDIRECT FOR NOW

2009-05-08T11:46:00.002+01:00

New Address: www.Opulon.blogspot.com

What a tragic life to have no tragedy.

2009-04-10T09:03:00.001+01:00

Okay so now this blog is completely private

2009-03-05T13:41:00.001Z

Whoa that's a big step; I hope I know what I'm doing.

A familiar old Tale

2009-03-02T20:09:00.002Z

Its this mornings story that I mentioned in today's (personal) ZW over at Kredit Krunchie, which I've decided to relay fully for posterity in my personal weblog. Since nobody ever checks this; its a place where my thoughts and feelings can roam free without restraint, guidance or temperance. This is a state of mind that I actually prefer at times. Now my conscience allows me to relay this story fully so let me begin.

The tale at the time was relevant but I've also realised my narration is for an audience. Otherwise it gets to dreary to write it all out. My memory serves me what it is and a few days later I've realised its not worth puttin git down to paper.

I write best when there is no structure; when there is no thought only feeling. I write emotions.

Self-taught

2009-02-25T10:16:00.002Z

Understanding what I am:

Its been a while since I've written on myself however I have come to a few realisations. Once again I've put up the blog's privacy settings to allow myself maximum contemplative space. It seems now that I'm at a juncture of my life where I'm reintegrating both my bohemian and bourgeoisie strains; one that is both exciting and frightening.

I lead by example and I lead by radiating good vibes. At this point I'm uncertain; the only way to grasp certainty is to battle myself. My yoga practises have taught me the utility of "restoration", however through self-discovery I've intuited the further arts of "resolution" and "dissolution".

They are simply put the "dissolution" of your mind prior to a problem or a low energy state; then "restoration" of the issue as one contemplates the issue in clear-thought and then finally "resolution" of the problem.

Life is a series of complex problem; life that is generally geared towards to self-upliftment.

Its fascinating how my own life is beginning to mimic the chronicles of Dune, or so of my more favorite sci-fi novels. The power of my words have yet to be felt!

I live in and on hope.

Redirect for now

2009-02-12T20:42:00.002Z

This isn't reducing my commitment to the Cavern only just that I'm going to try ethos press, kredit krunchie and newsvine.

Latif Cavern's remains the fount for my most inner-most thoughts of course.

Always,

Zack 12.7

2008-09-14T11:04:00.001+01:00

Just writing up my weekend schedule on Biggest Elephant of them.

Zack 11.1

2008-09-01T10:08:00.005+01:00

Zack is back and I'm going to enter a new seasonal cycle in 2 weeks!

Ramadan Mubarak!

Zack 8.1

2008-08-13T13:09:00.002+01:00

Ive been posting so heavily that it seems now i resort to the cavern only to track avatar development..

heavy posting on the elephant

2008-08-11T16:34:00.001+01:00

London's best kept secret

2008-08-06T08:07:00.002+01:00

and they have AMAZING deals in August since it's so quiet. Check it out; dining out will never be the same.

I'm all for home socialising but I love to dine out if it's reasonable (~10-15 a head)..

The motto I grew up with is get your money's worth always whether your spending a squillion or a quid. ahhh I love lecturing :)