Some Information About Me:
Jul. 4th, 2015 04:14 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
brandonkatrenaThe Goal is the following: The goal is to get to Heaven. The goal is to live for a long time. The goal is to live forever. The goal is to avoid being burned alive in the fires of Hell forever. The goal is to have a lot of good fun. The goal is to have a good life.
I am a Third Degree Free Mason. I am a Third Degree member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. I am a Shriner. I am a Knights Templar. Many of the organizations that I am a Member of have high standards for Membership, and of course We do not accept everyone. We desire to make good people better. I like to watch Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Wrestling. I was on a Soccer team, Basketball team, and Swim team. My Dad was a coach of my Basketball team at Portland Christian School. I have had many jobs. I am a Writer. And I am a Blogger. And I am writing books and movies. I have been a member of the Republican National Committee (RNC) since the year 2004, and I am a member of the Oregon Republican Party, and I am a Republican. I like any good political party. A Man -- President George W. Bush -- called Himself a, "Compassionate Conservative." And many People are, in a certain way, or in certain ways, Socially Conservative (SC) and Fiscally Liberal (FL) or Socially Liberal (SL) and Fiscally Conservative (FC) or Socially Conservative and Fiscally Conservative or Socially Liberal and Fiscally Liberal. Compassionate Conservative (CC). I am a member of several Christian organizations. And I am a Christian, and I am a Baptized Christian, and I am a Christian who has Professed The Articles of The Christian Faith. As is the case with Many Religions, Christianity has Many Traditions. Christianity and We Christians have, for example, the Traditions of Christmas and Easter. I am Straight. I have paid money to Christian World Vision to help care for Sorina, my daughter from Romania. When I was 7 years of age, I learned how to read and how to write at Portland Christian School. And when I was 18 years of age, I graduated from Cleveland High School with High Honors. I am an American. And I am a US Citizen. And I am also European. And I am 100 Percent European. Many of My Family Members are Fellow Members of Organizations that I am a Member of. And Many of My Family Members are Fellow Baptized Christians. And Many of My Family Members are Fellow Americans and Fellow US Citizens. And Many of My Family Members have been Fellow Registered Voters. And Many of My Family Members are Fellow Registered Republicans. And Many of My Family Members attended High School. And Many of My Family Members are High School Graduates. And Many of My Family Members attended College. And Many of My Family Members are College Graduates. When I was at Georgetown University, I joined Mensa, a High IQ organization, and I am a Mensan. I am a member of the IQ organization called the Top One Percent Society (TOPS). When I was a Junior at Georgetown University, I went to a Psychologist for an IQ Test, which was part of the process for Me to become a Mensa Member. From the IQ Test Report: “Mr. [Brandon] Katrena is functioning in the top one percent of the population in terms of his overall intellectual functioning. His relative strengths are in the area of verbal comprehension, including vocabulary, verbal reasoning and fund of knowledge, where he functions in the Very Superior Range.” My Cumulative IQ is in the Top One Percent (TOP): And My Verbal Comprehension Index IQ is about 150, and My Fund of Knowledge IQ is also about 150, and I scored Four Perfect Scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs): 800 Verbal; 800 World History; 800 Literature; 800 American History. Are you a Fellow Genius? And are you also a Fellow Verbal Genius? I am a Genius. And I am also a Verbal Genius (VG). I believe in Father God.
A paraphrased question that was asked: "What is your favorite part of the body?" My Answer: The Brain and The Heart. -- Brandon
I read in a Scientific Journal that the Human Brain is often Not fully developed until about the age of 25, and what I read is probably true. And the following is from an MIT Website regarding Children, Youngsters, and Youths, and Their Brains: “According to recent findings, the human brain does not reach full maturity until at least the mid-20s. (See J. Giedd in References.) The specific changes that follow young adulthood are not yet well studied, but it is known that they involve increased myelination and continued adding and pruning of neurons. As a number of researchers have put it, “the rental car companies have it right.” The brain isn’t fully mature at 16, when we are allowed to drive, or at 18, when we are allowed to vote, or at 21, when we are allowed to drink, but closer to 25, when we are allowed to rent a car.” The Source: http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/youngadult/brain.html . And The Writers of The US Constitution made sure that a Man or a Woman had to be 35 years of age or older in order to be President of The United States of America. -- Brandon
According to Scientific Research, some individuals are given many new brain cells daily. And some individuals get about 300 million new brain cells daily. -- Brandon
A Person on Television said, "I call Surviving a Victory." -- Brandon
In preparation for the unlikely event of a nuclear missile strike, organizations should make sure that there are Radiation Medicines. And, in preparation for the unlikely event of biological warfare and/or chemical warfare, organizations should make sure that there are stockpiles of vaccines and treatments for illnesses and diseases.
Here is a logical and good solution for organizations to safeguard their important information from hackers: organizations should simply save their important information on disks and print this information out. Disks and papers are not connected to the Internet, and therefore hackers cannot get to the information safely stored on disks and on paper. Many disks and many papers should also be stored in fire resistant and water resistant containers and safes. This is logical and good.
An Often Truthful saying is, “Do Not Place all of your Eggs in One Basket.” And another Often Truthful saying is, "There are a few bad apples in every bunch." -- Brandon
The following is one of over 800 Jokes that I have Wrote: "You and I are Thinking, don’t do it: They have Nukes." -- Brandon
Vital Infrastructure, such as our Power Grids, should be protected against the possibility of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack. As the truthful saying states, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.”
In a College Psychology Classroom, I filled out paperwork, and My Myers-Briggs Personality Test is INTJ — An Acronym that stands for: Introverted; Intuitive; Thinking; Judging, also known as The Scientist and The Master Mind. And this Other Personality test that I had today, that matches people’s answers to questions with characteristics of Chocolate, says that I am like a Caramel Chocolate: The Test states that I am like a Caramel Chocolate because: “You’re fun, well-liked, and popular with those you meet. People feel comfortable with you, and you never let them down. Oh, and you’re incredibly sweet.”
A Quote from Walt Whitman: “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.”
This is Part of My Philosophy on Life: He was Just Shooting the Breeze. He was Just Talking to Talk. She was Just Shooting the Breeze. She was Just Talking to Talk. They were Just Shooting the Breeze. They were Just Talking to Talk. I have been around a lot of people, and they, like Me, have sometimes Shot the Breeze: Talked Just to Talk. You too have probably sometimes Shot the Breeze: Talked Just to Talk. Furthermore, The Context is Important. Maybe He is an Actor who Acted for an Acting Role. And maybe She is an Actress who Acted for an Acting Role. And maybe They are Actors and/or Actresses who Acted for (an) Acting Role(s). As the truthful saying and metaphor says: “Sticks and stones may break My bones but words will never hurt Me.” What someone says rarely really matters. Actions, what someone does, are Important.
I got done reading some Good Writings, including reading some Interesting Satirical Fan Fiction (also known by the Acronym "SFF"). I have a Great and Wonderful Life. I have had a Great and Wonderful Life. I will continue to have a Great and Wonderful Life. We live in a Great and Wonderful World and Nation. The United States of America is a Great Nation. And there are many other Great Nations.
America is doing Well, and America is Strong. And The United States of America is one of the Strongest Nations in The World. As My Grandpa said, paraphrasing, “America is Number One.” And Many Americans are doing Well, and Many Americans are Strong. And all of this is Good. -- Brandon
A few days ago, I mailed in My Voting Ballot for The Local, State, and Federal Elections. -- Brandon
Regarding World Events: When I read The News in the Newspaper, or when I watch The News on Television, I remind Myself that there are often just a Small Amount of Major (and Minor) Glitches Relative to the Amount of Activities Done.
18 of My, Brandon’s, Logical Sayings: 1.) There are good goals. And there are bad goals. The Goal is the following: The goal is to get to Heaven. The goal is to live for a long time. The goal is to live forever. The goal is to avoid being burned alive in the fires of Hell forever. The goal is to have a lot of good fun. The goal is to have a good life. 2.) Heaven is for more than 84,000 years. Heaven is for more than 84 trillion years. And Heaven is for forever. Individuals will live in giant houses in Heaven, and I am sure there will be great foods and great drinks in Heaven. 3.) There is no time like the present. 4.) As a truthful metaphor states, “A stitch in time saves nine.” And on many occasions a stitch in time saves much more than nine. 5.) As former United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, said: “There are known knowns. There are known unknowns. And there are unknown unknowns.” 6.) Some is often better than none. 7.) An attention to details is important. As the saying goes, “For lack of the nail, the war was lost.” 8.) Is this true? How do you know this to be true? How many ways do you know this to be true? Is this false? How do you know this to be false? How many ways do you know this to be false? What are some other possibilities? How many other possibilities are there? Is this important? Why is this important? How many ways is this important? Is this not important? Why is this not important? How many ways is this not important? 9.) If you put your hands on a wall in the forms of large parentheses ( ) and you look in the center of the large parentheses made by your hands, you will see just a portion of the wall. If you then look around the entire room, you will see a larger picture. The goal is to get to Heaven. 10.) Yesterday’s events made today’s events possible. 11.) Where would you rather be: Heaven or Hell? The goal is to get to Heaven. Father God, and God is also our Father, decides who goes to Heaven or Hell. 12.) Money is paper made from trees. Money is created by printing presses. Money is not very important. And Money Grows Back (MGB). You cannot take your money or your physical possessions with you when you go to Heaven. 13.) Is this good? Why is this good? How many ways is this good? Is this really good? Is this logical? Why is this logical? How many ways is this logical? Is this really logical? 14.) Potential Action A is different from Potential Action B. Potential Action B is different from Potential Action A. Potential Action A can be done, and Potential Action B does not have to be done. Potential Action B can be done, and Potential Action A does not have to be done. Not all actions should be done. It is not all actions or nothing. Not all actions should be done. Each potential action should be evaluated by itself. After each potential action is evaluated by itself, all the potential actions should then be judged in certain combinations, and then holistically, together, which will help show a bigger picture, and it will enable you to see what the good consequences are, and to see what the bad consequences are. The goal is to get to Heaven. 15.) As a truthful saying states, “The truth can be stranger than fiction.” 16.) An individual’s psychological outlook on life can influence a person’s physical health. 17.) Who? What? Why? How? Where? When? What is this? How many things is this? What do you know about this? How many things do you know about this? What important things do you know about this? How many important things do you know about this? What is the definition of this? What are the definitions of this? Does this make sense? Why does this make sense? How many things make this make sense? Does this Not Make Sense (which is the Acronym “NMS”)? Why does this Not Make Sense? For how many reasons does this Not Make Sense? What is necessary for someone or something to be something — for example, what is necessary for someone to be a Member of a Certain Organization? How many things are necessary for someone or something to be something? What important information is there? How much important information is there? What important information can there be? How much important information can there be? In the movie The Passion of the Christ, an actor who plays Jesus asks, “What is truth?” Good is that which Father God would approve of. Good is only that which Father God would approve of. Truth is that which is real. Truth is reality. Truth is only that which is real. Truth is only that which is reality. What someone has, and what someone does not have, is often a good indication of what has occurred, and what has not occurred. Some things should be done. Many things should not be done. Not everything should be done. There is a time for many things. There is a place for many things. There is not a time for many things. There is not a place for many things. I buckle my seat belt, as one serious mistake and it can all be over. The Theory known as Occam’s Razor is a False Concept. Occam’s Razor states that all things being Equal, the Simplest Explanation is the Answer, which is False, as Life is often more Complicated than a Broad Generalization about Explanations. And The Slippery Slope Concept is Not Always a Logical Fallacy, as individuals often become more tolerant, for Good or for Bad, to other things by gradual changes. Additionally, as seen throughout History, one Extreme will often, although Not always, set the groundwork for another Extreme. Moderation is often more desirable. 18.) As a truthful saying states, “Laughter is the best medicine.” -- Brandon Katrena
A Person called Me today on My Cellphone from an Unlisted Phone Number, and He said that His Make Believe Company detected that I had a Virus on My Computer, which was somehow detected by His Make Believe Company. I then told Him that I did Not believe Him, and I hung up My Telephone. Scam. Scams. -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Many Things should be Viewed with a Healthy Dose of Thought and/or some Skepticism." -- Brandon
Some of My Essays, many of which were written, or partly written, in about the year 2001:
If you touch it, you might get a splinter in your hand. It comes from a nation consistently rated the number one place to live; however, you would not want to live there in the year 1349, as you could have gotten The Plague, as did about a third of the population. The country offers cradle to grave benefits, and it takes good care of its Citizens. And it was neutral during World War I. Many of its Citizens speak English, although that is not the official language. You might get the splinter in your hand from a Viking Ship, and the country is Norway.
“Save us, oh Lord, from the fury of the Norsemen,” was an English Prayer said about 900 years ago, said to Father God to try to get help from the Vikings, many of whom came from the nation of Norway. And you too might say that prayer if you saw dozens of men departing from wooden Viking ships, battle axes, swords, and shields in their hands, running towards your house from the beach, screaming “seier!” which means “victory” in Norwegian. The Vikings settled in England, Ireland, Iceland (which is really quite hospitable, despite its name), Greenland (which is really Not very hospitable, despite its name), North America, and in Normandy, and, in 1066, a descendent of the Norsemen, William the Conqueror of Normandy, landed in England, and he established Norman rule there.
No longer is that prayer about the Norsemen seriously said. And Modern-Day Norway is different than it was hundreds of years ago. Many of its Citizens speak English, and -- like many other European Nations -- its Socialistic Government offers cradle to grave benefits, paid for by taxes that take up about half of a person’s wages, and, according to the United Nations, Norway is the best place to live in the world.
During World War I, Norway was Neutral. During World War II, fought from 1939 to 1945, Norway was initially Neutral; however, Nazi Germany invaded anyway, and Norway was occupied by about 100,000 German Soldiers. After World War II, Norway found large oil reserves in the nearby sea, which helped create one of the largest Investment Funds, valued at about 400 billion dollars, which will help the country when the oil runs out. Serious crimes are few and far between, and running towards houses after disembarking from wooden Viking boats, with battle axes, swords, and shields in hand, are things of the past.
Your College: an Excellent School that, via Synergy, I can Benefit
At 7:32 a.m. I squeeze the tube of toothpaste, and in a few minutes warm water envelopes my body. I begin the day doing activities ranging from helping in my Masonic Lodge to watching Ultimate Fighting Championship dvds to reading a good book to writing a good book to being a Board Member of a Non-Profit Foundation, which became incorporated in the state of Oregon in the year 2011, and which helps individuals overcome mental health issues. As the book The Republic said it would, the journeys called education and learning are helping to develop my character and way of thinking.
While going through the usual process of growing up, I have discovered that self-discipline allows me to learn exponentially, and learning is awesome, in whatever setting, such as listening to professors give lectures to doing independent studies to reading the classics. There is so much for me to learn, and I long to better understand the ideas of such great educators as Sigmund Freud and Maimonides. Gone are the days when I, donning the hat of youthful immaturity, allowed test anxiety to get in the way of my education: I have jumped over that hurdle. These education and learning journeys have led me to want to graduate from your college, an excellent school with highly intelligent professors, with world class facilities, and where, as discussed on pages 261-284 of Stephen Covey's bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this confluence of intelligent faculty, staff, and students creates synergy, making for powerful learning experiences. I like powerful learning experiences.
From rolling up my sleeves and hosting fêtes for the college community, with plenty of brie, crackers, desserts, and music in my capacity as President of the French-Speaking Club to helping with UNICEF's iodine deficiency relief project, as I have done in the past in the other schools I have attended, I can benefit, as well as be benefited by, the extracurricular activities that your school has to offer. As is the case with a confluence of intelligent individuals, I have found that a combination of educational and extracurricular experiences creates enriching synergy. And I sent in a black folder that has a copy of a newspaper article about this volunteer work written by Portland Community College’s The Bridge newspaper writer Trish Couture. Also included in this black folder is a copy of another newspaper article, this newspaper article was written by me, wrote when I was Treasurer of Alpha Eta Iota, which is part of Phi Theta Kappa, encouraging individuals to join the academic honorary society Alpha Eta Iota. And also in this black folder are copies of my transcripts and awards.
Willamette University, the first university in the West, is a great school, with such notable graduates as United States Senator Mark Hatfield; and ever since the awards were given out in 1990, its professors, including three of the ones who taught me, frequently win the prestigious Oregon Professor of the Year award which is given by the Carnegie Foundation. Your school is an excellent institution of higher learning that provides a great education, and I would like to graduate from it, help create enriching synergy, and from there continue my education and learning journeys.
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This organization involves more than rituals. And this organization involves more than going through the motions. The Free Masons, My Brothers, make the world a better place for current and future generations, including for my future wife and my children. Free Masons roll up their sleeves and donate time and energy to charities. Additionally, this Fraternity contributes over 400 million dollars each year to charities, such as to the Shriners' Hospitals, which help burn victims, and to local charity organizations. The Free Masons, and there have been millions of Free Masons -- former United States Presidents George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Gerald Ford were Free Masons, and baseball legend Cy Young was a Brother Free Mason, and musical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a Free Mason, as was the movie star John Wayne -- and We Masons are Members of the Masonic Fraternity that has been around for over 280 years, and many states and nations have Masonic Grand Lodges that are in charge of the individual Masonic lodges. I am glad to be a member of a Fraternity that has, and lives by, the motto: "Brotherly Love. Relief. Truth.”
Words from a 19th Century Transcendentalist that Echo in My Soul
Its 20 words belie its importance for it has made an enormous impression on me, influencing my thoughts, words, and actions. Poet Henry David Thoreau put it excellently when he stated: "I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor," which has led me to formulate a goal: to fully live a life that I view as worth living, and in order to do this, I must fulfill certain criteria. Constant self-improvement is a criterion. Going to college, in addition to being actively involved with clubs and organizations and working, gives me the opportunity to periodically exchange ideas with others, and this is important, as it is a means to improve my thinking. For example, several years ago, I read something regarding abortion. It made sense. After further contemplation, I changed my opinion about that subject.
While it is vital to have an open mind, it is of course not the only means for self-improvement. Luckily, I came to the realization that the body and mind are in an inextricable relationship. Being healthy and mentally acute help me to fulfill another important criterion necessary to fully live a life worth living: contributing to the advancement of God's children. It is my hope that someday soon our world will be a place where rationalism is ubiquitous, and where the world is more civilized, decent, honorable, and good.
Do I presently fulfill all the criteria necessary to fully live a life that I view as worth living? Yes, as I am more altruistic and devoted to self-improvement than I was before, and I am -- slowly, incrementally -- coming closer to fulfilling my goal.
A Joyous Reunion
For much of my life, it had aged well. Many might have assumed from its bright blue hue, golden lettering, and wrinkle-free pages that it was 4 or 5 years old, when it was really 25. My Bible’s stay on my bookcase for most of its life was the secret to its youthful appearance.
When I was a child, I read my Bible weekly. As I grew older, I only read it a couple of times a year, then not at all, and my Bible found its way on my bookcase, between Treasure Island and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. On a winter day in 2001, I was sitting at my desk wanting something to read, and I looked at my bookcase and golden letters on a book’s spine brought back old memories. I reached over, picked up my Bible, brushed off a thin layer of dust from its smooth surface, and opened randomly, reading for the first time in a long time stories like the parting of the Red Sea, Moses’s receiving of the Ten Commandments, Jesus's Walking on Water, and Elijah’s going to Heaven on a Chariot of Fire.
In addition to containing stories, I have found that the Bible also contains wisdom applicable throughout the ages. For example, I have learned that even in the most difficult of times, God is still there; the difficult times are only temporary, and all will be well. Whether at my desk, in the car, or at a religious service, where I go my Bible goes. It is starting to look its age. And that is good. -- Brandon Katrena
December 25th, Christmas, is the Celebration of Jesus's Birthday. From The Bible, John 3:16: "For God so Loved the World, that He gave His only Begotten Son. For whosoever Believe in Him shall Not Perish, but Have Everlasting Life." May you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. -- Brandon
A Quote from Jules Verne: "While there is life there is hope."
The goal is to live a good life. The goal is to live forever. The goal is to live for a long time. The goal is to get to Heaven. Being Moral is Very Important. Living a Moral Life is Very Important. Morality is Very Important. Money is not very important. You cannot take money or your physical possessions with you when you go to Heaven. I, Brandon, am a Hard Worker. I, Brandon, have been a Hard Worker. The means of production is sort of important. Work is sort of important. For example, someone might work in the Forestry Industry as a Forester picking up tree limbs in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work in the Restaurant Industry as a Dish Washer washing dishes in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work in the Journalism Industry as a Copy Editor in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work in the Real Estate Industry as a Real Estate Assistant in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work as a Nurse in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work as an Advisor in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work as a Writer in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work at other jobs in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may exchange a good or a service for another good or a service.
"Minority Report" is a Great Movie to Watch. -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "You should be Careful Not to Group Everyone Together. Appearances can sometimes be Deceiving. And You should also be Careful Not to Stereotype Individuals. And you should also be Careful Not to Generalize about Individuals. And you should also be aware about the often Truthful saying that, 'There are a few bad apples in every bunch.'" -- Brandon
I have a Very Good Life. I have had a Very Good Life. I will continue to have a Very Good Life. We live in a Very Good World. And The United States of America is a Very Good Nation. And there are Many other Very Good Nations. If a person has a House to Live in, Food to eat, Drinks to Drink, Clothing to Wear, some Money to Buy Things, Heat, and a Bed to Sleep in, and if He or She can Openly Worship Father God, and if He or She Likes Father God, that Person has it Very Good, and there is Little, and probably No, Reason to Complain.
It can Be Cold in DC. It can Be Cold Anywhere. Anyone can Be Cold. It can Be Nice in DC. It can Be Nice Anywhere. Anyone can Be Nice. There are Good Times to Be Cold. There are Good Times to Be Nice. Cold. Nice. -- Brandon
No matter what the situation is, and no matter what the environment is, I have a Strong Moral Compass that has never let Me down. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and good is good, and bad is bad, and true is true, and false is false, no matter what year it is. Good Morals do not change. Good Morals do not change according to opinion polls. Good Morals are only that which Father God would approve of. Truth does not change. Truth does not change according to opinion polls. Good does not change. Good does not change according to opinion polls. Good is only that which Father God would approve of. Truth is only reality. Truth is only that which is real. Age to Age (ATA). And Year to Year (AYTY and YTY). It is Good to have a Good Anchor. -- Brandon
The V symbol produced by the hands means Victory. Many individuals, including Winston Churchill, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and who was also a fellow Free Mason, gave the V symbol produced with his hands, which means Victory.
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "What is something? What Really is something? What important information should you know? How much important information should you know? What, for example, is Really a House? A House is often basically just some Trees cut down as well as some Electronics. What is Really a Spacecraft? A Spacecraft is often basically just some Metals and Electronics. What are Really some Clothes? Clothes are often basically just some fabrics created from the wool of sheep. What is the Value of something? What is the Real Value (RV) of something?" -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Many things, such as Antibodies, are Very Important." — Brandon
Hot dog and ice cream in my hands, I watched the Portland TrailBlazers win a basketball game at the Rose Garden.
In one of My Writings, The Man said to someone else, "For several reasons you have been Fortunate, including the fact that you are Older. You have lived many Good Days, and you have done Many Good Things." -- Brandon
We live in a great nation. The United States of America is a great nation. I like Our US Government, which is Our Government, and which helps keep US safe. I am an American. And I am a US Citizen. I have many Family Members who are Americans. I have many Family Members who are US Citizens. I like Uncle Sam.
Prosperity does Not happen through the Confiscation of Wealth: this is Not a Zero Sum Game. Instead, Prosperity for Many People can happen through the Wise Utilization of Resources, especially Natural Resources. Almost Everyone can Live Well. -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Many Things, although Not everything, are Negotiable." Negotiable. Not Negotiable (NN). -- Brandon
Close often only counts during The Games of Horseshoes and Darts. -- Brandon
This was a Great Super Bowl XLIX (49) to watch. -- Brandon
I have done many Good Things. And that is Good. I will do many Good Things. And that is Good. I am not too interested in many things. And that is Good. I do not want to do many things. And that is Good. I have not done many things. And that is Good. I will not do many things. And that is Good. It is often Good to have Restraint. It is often Good to have Self-Control. Zero number of Times is often a good number of Times for many things. As a Truthful saying and metaphor states: “Curiosity killed the cat.” -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Because of Jesus are We Saved. And because of Jesus's Blood that He shed for Us are We also Saved. And because of Him, the Entire World is Saved. Chalice." -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Good Instincts are Good to have. And Good Intuitions are also Good to have." Good Instincts (GI). Good Intuitions (GI). Inherent. Inherently. Innate. Innately. Instinctual. Instinctually. Intuitive. Intuitively. Learn. Learned. Knowledge. Knowledgeable. Common Sense (CS). Common Knowledge (CK). Passed Down (PD). Passed Down from Generations (PDFG). -- Brandon
Some Important Concepts to know about: Logic. Logical. Rational. Reasonable. Reasonableness. Common Sense (CS). Common Knowledge (CK). What History Teaches (WHT). What Common Sense Teaches (WCST). Educated. Well Educated (WE). World View (WV). World Views (WV). The Individual (TI). The Individuals (TI). The Group (TG). The Groups (TG). Knowledge. Knowleadges. Knowledgeable. Intelligence. Intelligences. Intelligent. Subject Matter (SM). Subject Matters (SM). Goodness. Moral. Morality. Good Morality (GM). Good Morals (GM). Proportionate. Balanced. Well Balanced (WB). National Security (NS). Eminent Domain (ED). Reasonable. The Reasonable Person Standard in The Law. The Reasonable Person (TRP and RP). Reasonable Compensation (RC). Fair Compensation (FC). Fair. Justice. Reality. Realities. Important. Very Important (VI). Extremely Important (EI). Not Important (NI). Not Very Important (NVI). Not Extremely Important (NEI). About that Subject (ATS). About those Subjects (ATS).
A Quote from Charles Darwin, “To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I confess, absurd in the highest degree...The difficulty of believing that a perfect and complex eye could be formed by natural selection , though insuperable by our imagination, should not be considered subversive of the theory.”
A Quote from Gandhi: "Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth, for being correct, for being you. Never apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your time. If you're right and you know it, speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth."
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Is that Appropriate? Or is that Inappropriate? It is Important to be Appropriate. And it is Important that Things be Appropriate. And, as the Philosopher Plato also believed, and as talked about in Plato's Book, The Republic, it is Important for Things to be in Their Proper Places." -- Brandon
On The Charlie Rose Television Show, which I began watching about 20 years ago, a Man said, paraphrasing, that a Goal was, "To Turn Chaos into Order. And to Turn Noise into Music." -- Brandon
From The Bible, Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." -- Brandon
Child of God,
May Father God bless you and keep you.
May Father God make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May Father God lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
The Letter of Recommendation for My Mother, Debra Katrena: My Mother, Debra Katrena, like Me, is a Member of Several Organizations. And My Mother was, for example, a Member of The Camp Fire Organization when She was a Child. And My Mother, Debra, in addition to being the Mother of Three Children, was a Board Member of The Clackamas Community College Foundation Board, and She was a Member of a Chamber of Commerce, and She has been a Licensed Realtor for about 21 Years. And Not Everyone can become a Licensed Real Estate Agent, also known as being a Realtor, and being a Licensed Realtor involves Studying for, and Passing, The Real Estate Exam, and Passing a Background Check, and Paying Fees, and a Person has to be Very Intelligent and Very Knowledgeable to be able to do these Things. And My Mother, Debra, is a Christian, and She is a Baptized Christian, and She has Professed The Articles of The Christian Faith. My Mother, Debra, Graduated from High School. And My Mother, Debra, was, or was about, 18 years of age when She Graduated from High School. And Graduating from High School usually involves Successfully Passing about 13 years of School, usually Kindergarten through 12th Grade, and, of course, Not everyone is Capable of doing These Things, and, of course, Not everyone Graduates from High School, and that is OK. My Mother, Debra, is also a Senior at Marylhurst University, which is Her Alma Mater, and She has gotten Many Grades of A on Her Report Cards. And My Mother Debra, in addition to being a Licensed Real Estate Agent for about 21 Years, has had Many Jobs throughout Her Life, for example, She was the Owner of a Restaurant, and She is a Very Hardworking Person, and a Very Good Person, and a Very Intelligent Person, and a Very Knowledgeable Person. And She has Won Awards for Her Realtor Work. -- Brandon Ryan Katrena
I am a Third Degree Free Mason. I am a Third Degree member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. I am a Shriner. I am a Knights Templar. Many of the organizations that I am a Member of have high standards for Membership, and of course We do not accept everyone. We desire to make good people better. I like to watch Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and Wrestling. I was on a Soccer team, Basketball team, and Swim team. My Dad was a coach of my Basketball team at Portland Christian School. I have had many jobs. I am a Writer. And I am a Blogger. And I am writing books and movies. I have been a member of the Republican National Committee (RNC) since the year 2004, and I am a member of the Oregon Republican Party, and I am a Republican. I like any good political party. A Man -- President George W. Bush -- called Himself a, "Compassionate Conservative." And many People are, in a certain way, or in certain ways, Socially Conservative (SC) and Fiscally Liberal (FL) or Socially Liberal (SL) and Fiscally Conservative (FC) or Socially Conservative and Fiscally Conservative or Socially Liberal and Fiscally Liberal. Compassionate Conservative (CC). I am a member of several Christian organizations. And I am a Christian, and I am a Baptized Christian, and I am a Christian who has Professed The Articles of The Christian Faith. As is the case with Many Religions, Christianity has Many Traditions. Christianity and We Christians have, for example, the Traditions of Christmas and Easter. I am Straight. I have paid money to Christian World Vision to help care for Sorina, my daughter from Romania. When I was 7 years of age, I learned how to read and how to write at Portland Christian School. And when I was 18 years of age, I graduated from Cleveland High School with High Honors. I am an American. And I am a US Citizen. And I am also European. And I am 100 Percent European. Many of My Family Members are Fellow Members of Organizations that I am a Member of. And Many of My Family Members are Fellow Baptized Christians. And Many of My Family Members are Fellow Americans and Fellow US Citizens. And Many of My Family Members have been Fellow Registered Voters. And Many of My Family Members are Fellow Registered Republicans. And Many of My Family Members attended High School. And Many of My Family Members are High School Graduates. And Many of My Family Members attended College. And Many of My Family Members are College Graduates. When I was at Georgetown University, I joined Mensa, a High IQ organization, and I am a Mensan. I am a member of the IQ organization called the Top One Percent Society (TOPS). When I was a Junior at Georgetown University, I went to a Psychologist for an IQ Test, which was part of the process for Me to become a Mensa Member. From the IQ Test Report: “Mr. [Brandon] Katrena is functioning in the top one percent of the population in terms of his overall intellectual functioning. His relative strengths are in the area of verbal comprehension, including vocabulary, verbal reasoning and fund of knowledge, where he functions in the Very Superior Range.” My Cumulative IQ is in the Top One Percent (TOP): And My Verbal Comprehension Index IQ is about 150, and My Fund of Knowledge IQ is also about 150, and I scored Four Perfect Scores on the Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs): 800 Verbal; 800 World History; 800 Literature; 800 American History. Are you a Fellow Genius? And are you also a Fellow Verbal Genius? I am a Genius. And I am also a Verbal Genius (VG). I believe in Father God.
A paraphrased question that was asked: "What is your favorite part of the body?" My Answer: The Brain and The Heart. -- Brandon
I read in a Scientific Journal that the Human Brain is often Not fully developed until about the age of 25, and what I read is probably true. And the following is from an MIT Website regarding Children, Youngsters, and Youths, and Their Brains: “According to recent findings, the human brain does not reach full maturity until at least the mid-20s. (See J. Giedd in References.) The specific changes that follow young adulthood are not yet well studied, but it is known that they involve increased myelination and continued adding and pruning of neurons. As a number of researchers have put it, “the rental car companies have it right.” The brain isn’t fully mature at 16, when we are allowed to drive, or at 18, when we are allowed to vote, or at 21, when we are allowed to drink, but closer to 25, when we are allowed to rent a car.” The Source: http://hrweb.mit.edu/worklife/youngadult/brain.html . And The Writers of The US Constitution made sure that a Man or a Woman had to be 35 years of age or older in order to be President of The United States of America. -- Brandon
According to Scientific Research, some individuals are given many new brain cells daily. And some individuals get about 300 million new brain cells daily. -- Brandon
A Person on Television said, "I call Surviving a Victory." -- Brandon
In preparation for the unlikely event of a nuclear missile strike, organizations should make sure that there are Radiation Medicines. And, in preparation for the unlikely event of biological warfare and/or chemical warfare, organizations should make sure that there are stockpiles of vaccines and treatments for illnesses and diseases.
Here is a logical and good solution for organizations to safeguard their important information from hackers: organizations should simply save their important information on disks and print this information out. Disks and papers are not connected to the Internet, and therefore hackers cannot get to the information safely stored on disks and on paper. Many disks and many papers should also be stored in fire resistant and water resistant containers and safes. This is logical and good.
An Often Truthful saying is, “Do Not Place all of your Eggs in One Basket.” And another Often Truthful saying is, "There are a few bad apples in every bunch." -- Brandon
The following is one of over 800 Jokes that I have Wrote: "You and I are Thinking, don’t do it: They have Nukes." -- Brandon
Vital Infrastructure, such as our Power Grids, should be protected against the possibility of an Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP) Attack. As the truthful saying states, “An ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure.”
In a College Psychology Classroom, I filled out paperwork, and My Myers-Briggs Personality Test is INTJ — An Acronym that stands for: Introverted; Intuitive; Thinking; Judging, also known as The Scientist and The Master Mind. And this Other Personality test that I had today, that matches people’s answers to questions with characteristics of Chocolate, says that I am like a Caramel Chocolate: The Test states that I am like a Caramel Chocolate because: “You’re fun, well-liked, and popular with those you meet. People feel comfortable with you, and you never let them down. Oh, and you’re incredibly sweet.”
A Quote from Walt Whitman: “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.”
This is Part of My Philosophy on Life: He was Just Shooting the Breeze. He was Just Talking to Talk. She was Just Shooting the Breeze. She was Just Talking to Talk. They were Just Shooting the Breeze. They were Just Talking to Talk. I have been around a lot of people, and they, like Me, have sometimes Shot the Breeze: Talked Just to Talk. You too have probably sometimes Shot the Breeze: Talked Just to Talk. Furthermore, The Context is Important. Maybe He is an Actor who Acted for an Acting Role. And maybe She is an Actress who Acted for an Acting Role. And maybe They are Actors and/or Actresses who Acted for (an) Acting Role(s). As the truthful saying and metaphor says: “Sticks and stones may break My bones but words will never hurt Me.” What someone says rarely really matters. Actions, what someone does, are Important.
I got done reading some Good Writings, including reading some Interesting Satirical Fan Fiction (also known by the Acronym "SFF"). I have a Great and Wonderful Life. I have had a Great and Wonderful Life. I will continue to have a Great and Wonderful Life. We live in a Great and Wonderful World and Nation. The United States of America is a Great Nation. And there are many other Great Nations.
America is doing Well, and America is Strong. And The United States of America is one of the Strongest Nations in The World. As My Grandpa said, paraphrasing, “America is Number One.” And Many Americans are doing Well, and Many Americans are Strong. And all of this is Good. -- Brandon
A few days ago, I mailed in My Voting Ballot for The Local, State, and Federal Elections. -- Brandon
Regarding World Events: When I read The News in the Newspaper, or when I watch The News on Television, I remind Myself that there are often just a Small Amount of Major (and Minor) Glitches Relative to the Amount of Activities Done.
18 of My, Brandon’s, Logical Sayings: 1.) There are good goals. And there are bad goals. The Goal is the following: The goal is to get to Heaven. The goal is to live for a long time. The goal is to live forever. The goal is to avoid being burned alive in the fires of Hell forever. The goal is to have a lot of good fun. The goal is to have a good life. 2.) Heaven is for more than 84,000 years. Heaven is for more than 84 trillion years. And Heaven is for forever. Individuals will live in giant houses in Heaven, and I am sure there will be great foods and great drinks in Heaven. 3.) There is no time like the present. 4.) As a truthful metaphor states, “A stitch in time saves nine.” And on many occasions a stitch in time saves much more than nine. 5.) As former United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, said: “There are known knowns. There are known unknowns. And there are unknown unknowns.” 6.) Some is often better than none. 7.) An attention to details is important. As the saying goes, “For lack of the nail, the war was lost.” 8.) Is this true? How do you know this to be true? How many ways do you know this to be true? Is this false? How do you know this to be false? How many ways do you know this to be false? What are some other possibilities? How many other possibilities are there? Is this important? Why is this important? How many ways is this important? Is this not important? Why is this not important? How many ways is this not important? 9.) If you put your hands on a wall in the forms of large parentheses ( ) and you look in the center of the large parentheses made by your hands, you will see just a portion of the wall. If you then look around the entire room, you will see a larger picture. The goal is to get to Heaven. 10.) Yesterday’s events made today’s events possible. 11.) Where would you rather be: Heaven or Hell? The goal is to get to Heaven. Father God, and God is also our Father, decides who goes to Heaven or Hell. 12.) Money is paper made from trees. Money is created by printing presses. Money is not very important. And Money Grows Back (MGB). You cannot take your money or your physical possessions with you when you go to Heaven. 13.) Is this good? Why is this good? How many ways is this good? Is this really good? Is this logical? Why is this logical? How many ways is this logical? Is this really logical? 14.) Potential Action A is different from Potential Action B. Potential Action B is different from Potential Action A. Potential Action A can be done, and Potential Action B does not have to be done. Potential Action B can be done, and Potential Action A does not have to be done. Not all actions should be done. It is not all actions or nothing. Not all actions should be done. Each potential action should be evaluated by itself. After each potential action is evaluated by itself, all the potential actions should then be judged in certain combinations, and then holistically, together, which will help show a bigger picture, and it will enable you to see what the good consequences are, and to see what the bad consequences are. The goal is to get to Heaven. 15.) As a truthful saying states, “The truth can be stranger than fiction.” 16.) An individual’s psychological outlook on life can influence a person’s physical health. 17.) Who? What? Why? How? Where? When? What is this? How many things is this? What do you know about this? How many things do you know about this? What important things do you know about this? How many important things do you know about this? What is the definition of this? What are the definitions of this? Does this make sense? Why does this make sense? How many things make this make sense? Does this Not Make Sense (which is the Acronym “NMS”)? Why does this Not Make Sense? For how many reasons does this Not Make Sense? What is necessary for someone or something to be something — for example, what is necessary for someone to be a Member of a Certain Organization? How many things are necessary for someone or something to be something? What important information is there? How much important information is there? What important information can there be? How much important information can there be? In the movie The Passion of the Christ, an actor who plays Jesus asks, “What is truth?” Good is that which Father God would approve of. Good is only that which Father God would approve of. Truth is that which is real. Truth is reality. Truth is only that which is real. Truth is only that which is reality. What someone has, and what someone does not have, is often a good indication of what has occurred, and what has not occurred. Some things should be done. Many things should not be done. Not everything should be done. There is a time for many things. There is a place for many things. There is not a time for many things. There is not a place for many things. I buckle my seat belt, as one serious mistake and it can all be over. The Theory known as Occam’s Razor is a False Concept. Occam’s Razor states that all things being Equal, the Simplest Explanation is the Answer, which is False, as Life is often more Complicated than a Broad Generalization about Explanations. And The Slippery Slope Concept is Not Always a Logical Fallacy, as individuals often become more tolerant, for Good or for Bad, to other things by gradual changes. Additionally, as seen throughout History, one Extreme will often, although Not always, set the groundwork for another Extreme. Moderation is often more desirable. 18.) As a truthful saying states, “Laughter is the best medicine.” -- Brandon Katrena
A Person called Me today on My Cellphone from an Unlisted Phone Number, and He said that His Make Believe Company detected that I had a Virus on My Computer, which was somehow detected by His Make Believe Company. I then told Him that I did Not believe Him, and I hung up My Telephone. Scam. Scams. -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Many Things should be Viewed with a Healthy Dose of Thought and/or some Skepticism." -- Brandon
Some of My Essays, many of which were written, or partly written, in about the year 2001:
If you touch it, you might get a splinter in your hand. It comes from a nation consistently rated the number one place to live; however, you would not want to live there in the year 1349, as you could have gotten The Plague, as did about a third of the population. The country offers cradle to grave benefits, and it takes good care of its Citizens. And it was neutral during World War I. Many of its Citizens speak English, although that is not the official language. You might get the splinter in your hand from a Viking Ship, and the country is Norway.
“Save us, oh Lord, from the fury of the Norsemen,” was an English Prayer said about 900 years ago, said to Father God to try to get help from the Vikings, many of whom came from the nation of Norway. And you too might say that prayer if you saw dozens of men departing from wooden Viking ships, battle axes, swords, and shields in their hands, running towards your house from the beach, screaming “seier!” which means “victory” in Norwegian. The Vikings settled in England, Ireland, Iceland (which is really quite hospitable, despite its name), Greenland (which is really Not very hospitable, despite its name), North America, and in Normandy, and, in 1066, a descendent of the Norsemen, William the Conqueror of Normandy, landed in England, and he established Norman rule there.
No longer is that prayer about the Norsemen seriously said. And Modern-Day Norway is different than it was hundreds of years ago. Many of its Citizens speak English, and -- like many other European Nations -- its Socialistic Government offers cradle to grave benefits, paid for by taxes that take up about half of a person’s wages, and, according to the United Nations, Norway is the best place to live in the world.
During World War I, Norway was Neutral. During World War II, fought from 1939 to 1945, Norway was initially Neutral; however, Nazi Germany invaded anyway, and Norway was occupied by about 100,000 German Soldiers. After World War II, Norway found large oil reserves in the nearby sea, which helped create one of the largest Investment Funds, valued at about 400 billion dollars, which will help the country when the oil runs out. Serious crimes are few and far between, and running towards houses after disembarking from wooden Viking boats, with battle axes, swords, and shields in hand, are things of the past.
Your College: an Excellent School that, via Synergy, I can Benefit
At 7:32 a.m. I squeeze the tube of toothpaste, and in a few minutes warm water envelopes my body. I begin the day doing activities ranging from helping in my Masonic Lodge to watching Ultimate Fighting Championship dvds to reading a good book to writing a good book to being a Board Member of a Non-Profit Foundation, which became incorporated in the state of Oregon in the year 2011, and which helps individuals overcome mental health issues. As the book The Republic said it would, the journeys called education and learning are helping to develop my character and way of thinking.
While going through the usual process of growing up, I have discovered that self-discipline allows me to learn exponentially, and learning is awesome, in whatever setting, such as listening to professors give lectures to doing independent studies to reading the classics. There is so much for me to learn, and I long to better understand the ideas of such great educators as Sigmund Freud and Maimonides. Gone are the days when I, donning the hat of youthful immaturity, allowed test anxiety to get in the way of my education: I have jumped over that hurdle. These education and learning journeys have led me to want to graduate from your college, an excellent school with highly intelligent professors, with world class facilities, and where, as discussed on pages 261-284 of Stephen Covey's bestselling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, this confluence of intelligent faculty, staff, and students creates synergy, making for powerful learning experiences. I like powerful learning experiences.
From rolling up my sleeves and hosting fêtes for the college community, with plenty of brie, crackers, desserts, and music in my capacity as President of the French-Speaking Club to helping with UNICEF's iodine deficiency relief project, as I have done in the past in the other schools I have attended, I can benefit, as well as be benefited by, the extracurricular activities that your school has to offer. As is the case with a confluence of intelligent individuals, I have found that a combination of educational and extracurricular experiences creates enriching synergy. And I sent in a black folder that has a copy of a newspaper article about this volunteer work written by Portland Community College’s The Bridge newspaper writer Trish Couture. Also included in this black folder is a copy of another newspaper article, this newspaper article was written by me, wrote when I was Treasurer of Alpha Eta Iota, which is part of Phi Theta Kappa, encouraging individuals to join the academic honorary society Alpha Eta Iota. And also in this black folder are copies of my transcripts and awards.
Willamette University, the first university in the West, is a great school, with such notable graduates as United States Senator Mark Hatfield; and ever since the awards were given out in 1990, its professors, including three of the ones who taught me, frequently win the prestigious Oregon Professor of the Year award which is given by the Carnegie Foundation. Your school is an excellent institution of higher learning that provides a great education, and I would like to graduate from it, help create enriching synergy, and from there continue my education and learning journeys.
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This organization involves more than rituals. And this organization involves more than going through the motions. The Free Masons, My Brothers, make the world a better place for current and future generations, including for my future wife and my children. Free Masons roll up their sleeves and donate time and energy to charities. Additionally, this Fraternity contributes over 400 million dollars each year to charities, such as to the Shriners' Hospitals, which help burn victims, and to local charity organizations. The Free Masons, and there have been millions of Free Masons -- former United States Presidents George Washington, Theodore Roosevelt, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Gerald Ford were Free Masons, and baseball legend Cy Young was a Brother Free Mason, and musical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a Free Mason, as was the movie star John Wayne -- and We Masons are Members of the Masonic Fraternity that has been around for over 280 years, and many states and nations have Masonic Grand Lodges that are in charge of the individual Masonic lodges. I am glad to be a member of a Fraternity that has, and lives by, the motto: "Brotherly Love. Relief. Truth.”
Words from a 19th Century Transcendentalist that Echo in My Soul
Its 20 words belie its importance for it has made an enormous impression on me, influencing my thoughts, words, and actions. Poet Henry David Thoreau put it excellently when he stated: "I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor," which has led me to formulate a goal: to fully live a life that I view as worth living, and in order to do this, I must fulfill certain criteria. Constant self-improvement is a criterion. Going to college, in addition to being actively involved with clubs and organizations and working, gives me the opportunity to periodically exchange ideas with others, and this is important, as it is a means to improve my thinking. For example, several years ago, I read something regarding abortion. It made sense. After further contemplation, I changed my opinion about that subject.
While it is vital to have an open mind, it is of course not the only means for self-improvement. Luckily, I came to the realization that the body and mind are in an inextricable relationship. Being healthy and mentally acute help me to fulfill another important criterion necessary to fully live a life worth living: contributing to the advancement of God's children. It is my hope that someday soon our world will be a place where rationalism is ubiquitous, and where the world is more civilized, decent, honorable, and good.
Do I presently fulfill all the criteria necessary to fully live a life that I view as worth living? Yes, as I am more altruistic and devoted to self-improvement than I was before, and I am -- slowly, incrementally -- coming closer to fulfilling my goal.
A Joyous Reunion
For much of my life, it had aged well. Many might have assumed from its bright blue hue, golden lettering, and wrinkle-free pages that it was 4 or 5 years old, when it was really 25. My Bible’s stay on my bookcase for most of its life was the secret to its youthful appearance.
When I was a child, I read my Bible weekly. As I grew older, I only read it a couple of times a year, then not at all, and my Bible found its way on my bookcase, between Treasure Island and The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. On a winter day in 2001, I was sitting at my desk wanting something to read, and I looked at my bookcase and golden letters on a book’s spine brought back old memories. I reached over, picked up my Bible, brushed off a thin layer of dust from its smooth surface, and opened randomly, reading for the first time in a long time stories like the parting of the Red Sea, Moses’s receiving of the Ten Commandments, Jesus's Walking on Water, and Elijah’s going to Heaven on a Chariot of Fire.
In addition to containing stories, I have found that the Bible also contains wisdom applicable throughout the ages. For example, I have learned that even in the most difficult of times, God is still there; the difficult times are only temporary, and all will be well. Whether at my desk, in the car, or at a religious service, where I go my Bible goes. It is starting to look its age. And that is good. -- Brandon Katrena
December 25th, Christmas, is the Celebration of Jesus's Birthday. From The Bible, John 3:16: "For God so Loved the World, that He gave His only Begotten Son. For whosoever Believe in Him shall Not Perish, but Have Everlasting Life." May you have a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year. -- Brandon
A Quote from Jules Verne: "While there is life there is hope."
The goal is to live a good life. The goal is to live forever. The goal is to live for a long time. The goal is to get to Heaven. Being Moral is Very Important. Living a Moral Life is Very Important. Morality is Very Important. Money is not very important. You cannot take money or your physical possessions with you when you go to Heaven. I, Brandon, am a Hard Worker. I, Brandon, have been a Hard Worker. The means of production is sort of important. Work is sort of important. For example, someone might work in the Forestry Industry as a Forester picking up tree limbs in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work in the Restaurant Industry as a Dish Washer washing dishes in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work in the Journalism Industry as a Copy Editor in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work in the Real Estate Industry as a Real Estate Assistant in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work as a Nurse in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work as an Advisor in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work as a Writer in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may work at other jobs in exchange for other goods and services. Or someone may exchange a good or a service for another good or a service.
"Minority Report" is a Great Movie to Watch. -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "You should be Careful Not to Group Everyone Together. Appearances can sometimes be Deceiving. And You should also be Careful Not to Stereotype Individuals. And you should also be Careful Not to Generalize about Individuals. And you should also be aware about the often Truthful saying that, 'There are a few bad apples in every bunch.'" -- Brandon
I have a Very Good Life. I have had a Very Good Life. I will continue to have a Very Good Life. We live in a Very Good World. And The United States of America is a Very Good Nation. And there are Many other Very Good Nations. If a person has a House to Live in, Food to eat, Drinks to Drink, Clothing to Wear, some Money to Buy Things, Heat, and a Bed to Sleep in, and if He or She can Openly Worship Father God, and if He or She Likes Father God, that Person has it Very Good, and there is Little, and probably No, Reason to Complain.
It can Be Cold in DC. It can Be Cold Anywhere. Anyone can Be Cold. It can Be Nice in DC. It can Be Nice Anywhere. Anyone can Be Nice. There are Good Times to Be Cold. There are Good Times to Be Nice. Cold. Nice. -- Brandon
No matter what the situation is, and no matter what the environment is, I have a Strong Moral Compass that has never let Me down. Right is right, and wrong is wrong, and good is good, and bad is bad, and true is true, and false is false, no matter what year it is. Good Morals do not change. Good Morals do not change according to opinion polls. Good Morals are only that which Father God would approve of. Truth does not change. Truth does not change according to opinion polls. Good does not change. Good does not change according to opinion polls. Good is only that which Father God would approve of. Truth is only reality. Truth is only that which is real. Age to Age (ATA). And Year to Year (AYTY and YTY). It is Good to have a Good Anchor. -- Brandon
The V symbol produced by the hands means Victory. Many individuals, including Winston Churchill, who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and who was also a fellow Free Mason, gave the V symbol produced with his hands, which means Victory.
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "What is something? What Really is something? What important information should you know? How much important information should you know? What, for example, is Really a House? A House is often basically just some Trees cut down as well as some Electronics. What is Really a Spacecraft? A Spacecraft is often basically just some Metals and Electronics. What are Really some Clothes? Clothes are often basically just some fabrics created from the wool of sheep. What is the Value of something? What is the Real Value (RV) of something?" -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Many things, such as Antibodies, are Very Important." — Brandon
Hot dog and ice cream in my hands, I watched the Portland TrailBlazers win a basketball game at the Rose Garden.
In one of My Writings, The Man said to someone else, "For several reasons you have been Fortunate, including the fact that you are Older. You have lived many Good Days, and you have done Many Good Things." -- Brandon
We live in a great nation. The United States of America is a great nation. I like Our US Government, which is Our Government, and which helps keep US safe. I am an American. And I am a US Citizen. I have many Family Members who are Americans. I have many Family Members who are US Citizens. I like Uncle Sam.
Prosperity does Not happen through the Confiscation of Wealth: this is Not a Zero Sum Game. Instead, Prosperity for Many People can happen through the Wise Utilization of Resources, especially Natural Resources. Almost Everyone can Live Well. -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Many Things, although Not everything, are Negotiable." Negotiable. Not Negotiable (NN). -- Brandon
Close often only counts during The Games of Horseshoes and Darts. -- Brandon
This was a Great Super Bowl XLIX (49) to watch. -- Brandon
I have done many Good Things. And that is Good. I will do many Good Things. And that is Good. I am not too interested in many things. And that is Good. I do not want to do many things. And that is Good. I have not done many things. And that is Good. I will not do many things. And that is Good. It is often Good to have Restraint. It is often Good to have Self-Control. Zero number of Times is often a good number of Times for many things. As a Truthful saying and metaphor states: “Curiosity killed the cat.” -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Because of Jesus are We Saved. And because of Jesus's Blood that He shed for Us are We also Saved. And because of Him, the Entire World is Saved. Chalice." -- Brandon
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Good Instincts are Good to have. And Good Intuitions are also Good to have." Good Instincts (GI). Good Intuitions (GI). Inherent. Inherently. Innate. Innately. Instinctual. Instinctually. Intuitive. Intuitively. Learn. Learned. Knowledge. Knowledgeable. Common Sense (CS). Common Knowledge (CK). Passed Down (PD). Passed Down from Generations (PDFG). -- Brandon
Some Important Concepts to know about: Logic. Logical. Rational. Reasonable. Reasonableness. Common Sense (CS). Common Knowledge (CK). What History Teaches (WHT). What Common Sense Teaches (WCST). Educated. Well Educated (WE). World View (WV). World Views (WV). The Individual (TI). The Individuals (TI). The Group (TG). The Groups (TG). Knowledge. Knowleadges. Knowledgeable. Intelligence. Intelligences. Intelligent. Subject Matter (SM). Subject Matters (SM). Goodness. Moral. Morality. Good Morality (GM). Good Morals (GM). Proportionate. Balanced. Well Balanced (WB). National Security (NS). Eminent Domain (ED). Reasonable. The Reasonable Person Standard in The Law. The Reasonable Person (TRP and RP). Reasonable Compensation (RC). Fair Compensation (FC). Fair. Justice. Reality. Realities. Important. Very Important (VI). Extremely Important (EI). Not Important (NI). Not Very Important (NVI). Not Extremely Important (NEI). About that Subject (ATS). About those Subjects (ATS).
A Quote from Charles Darwin, “To suppose that the eye with all its inimitable contrivances for adjusting the focus to different distances, for admitting different amounts of light, and for the correction of spherical and chromatic aberration, could have been formed by natural selection, seems, I confess, absurd in the highest degree...The difficulty of believing that a perfect and complex eye could be formed by natural selection , though insuperable by our imagination, should not be considered subversive of the theory.”
A Quote from Gandhi: "Many people, especially ignorant people, want to punish you for speaking the truth, for being correct, for being you. Never apologize for being correct, or for being years ahead of your time. If you're right and you know it, speak your mind. Even if you are a minority of one, the truth is still the truth."
In one of My Writings, The Man said, "Is that Appropriate? Or is that Inappropriate? It is Important to be Appropriate. And it is Important that Things be Appropriate. And, as the Philosopher Plato also believed, and as talked about in Plato's Book, The Republic, it is Important for Things to be in Their Proper Places." -- Brandon
On The Charlie Rose Television Show, which I began watching about 20 years ago, a Man said, paraphrasing, that a Goal was, "To Turn Chaos into Order. And to Turn Noise into Music." -- Brandon
From The Bible, Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." -- Brandon
Child of God,
May Father God bless you and keep you.
May Father God make his face to shine upon you,
and be gracious to you.
May Father God lift up his countenance upon you,
and give you peace.
The Letter of Recommendation for My Mother, Debra Katrena: My Mother, Debra Katrena, like Me, is a Member of Several Organizations. And My Mother was, for example, a Member of The Camp Fire Organization when She was a Child. And My Mother, Debra, in addition to being the Mother of Three Children, was a Board Member of The Clackamas Community College Foundation Board, and She was a Member of a Chamber of Commerce, and She has been a Licensed Realtor for about 21 Years. And Not Everyone can become a Licensed Real Estate Agent, also known as being a Realtor, and being a Licensed Realtor involves Studying for, and Passing, The Real Estate Exam, and Passing a Background Check, and Paying Fees, and a Person has to be Very Intelligent and Very Knowledgeable to be able to do these Things. And My Mother, Debra, is a Christian, and She is a Baptized Christian, and She has Professed The Articles of The Christian Faith. My Mother, Debra, Graduated from High School. And My Mother, Debra, was, or was about, 18 years of age when She Graduated from High School. And Graduating from High School usually involves Successfully Passing about 13 years of School, usually Kindergarten through 12th Grade, and, of course, Not everyone is Capable of doing These Things, and, of course, Not everyone Graduates from High School, and that is OK. My Mother, Debra, is also a Senior at Marylhurst University, which is Her Alma Mater, and She has gotten Many Grades of A on Her Report Cards. And My Mother Debra, in addition to being a Licensed Real Estate Agent for about 21 Years, has had Many Jobs throughout Her Life, for example, She was the Owner of a Restaurant, and She is a Very Hardworking Person, and a Very Good Person, and a Very Intelligent Person, and a Very Knowledgeable Person. And She has Won Awards for Her Realtor Work. -- Brandon Ryan Katrena
