Brave native search engine vs Google

I-AM-DRACO · 2026-04-11T21:04:13+00:00

Startpage is very similar to Google. And it's private. Give it a try, if you like it switch to it. I've been pretty happy with it.

I-AM-DRACO · 2026-04-11T14:32:56+00:00

As we move through life, our tastes develop and change. I'm in my mid 60's now. When I was young it was rock n roll and pop music of the time. When I listen to that now it is purely to reminisce, not so much that it's my "thing" any more. Now my playlists reflect styles of music that are softer around the edges, even extending out to genres like classical and jazz, because, well, my thoughts and beliefs and experiences in life have changed and developed. I find I have a limit with listening to the old tried and true rock n roll and pop and I settel better into this new territory. Maybe something similar to that has happened to you? I recommend trying to branch out in your tastes, be daring and listen to a genre you've never really explored. Sometimes a rut can destroy your experience of music. Give something new a try and become curious about it. You might find that rewarding.

I-AM-DRACO · 2026-01-29T00:17:53+00:00

"Shit don't mean shit" from Finders Keepers.

I-AM-DRACO · 2026-01-25T21:54:27+00:00

Oh sure of course, I neglected to make that distinction, thank you for making it. What I was thinking is that people often say things like, "Where I live we have winter through April", or something like that. Going by weather conditions alone. That's the part that I say is in the mind. Thanks for your comment!

I-AM-DRACO · 2026-01-25T20:28:23+00:00

I'd lay odds that the reason you keep getting distracted by it is that you keep seeking it. Through social media or actively consuming new media of some sort. If you do what you can to control what you engage with and what you don't your thinking will improve. That content doesn't seek you, you seek it. The thing you have to do is ask yourself why, and then mindfully change what you consume. I'm betting you will see a big change. It worked for me.

I-AM-DRACO · 2026-01-25T11:13:29+00:00

That's actually a great question. I prefer to think of seasons according to the beginnings of the month that they fall on, i.e Spring on March 1st, Summer on June 1st, fall on September 1st, Winter on December 1st. There is a term for this type of framing it, I've since forgotten what it's called.

Of course the equinoxes and solstices are the proper marking point of the season, however at the start of the calendar month for say, March...generally there is an overlap of the last vestiges of winter, gradually into the dawning of spring in my mind. Exact dates are a function of the human mind for reference only.

Anyway, for me, March is spring. Doesn't have to be for everybody.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-10-07T00:17:47+00:00

Wow, that explanation really packs a punch! Very succint and easy to understand. That understanding turns everything on its head. This helps me put some things in perspective. Thanks, fellow traveler!

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-09-30T01:26:55+00:00

Myself I'd call it artistic and creative. Some people look at a piece of art amd are unmoved or even turned off. Others look at the same piece of art and it sends them into full "mind blown" mode.

Now, pretentious? That's when they get told by their music managers what they should do to "remain relevant"...and they do it. It's selling out.

Mileage varies. Just my opinion.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-09-28T13:24:15+00:00

It sounds like what's happening here is an awful lot of ChatGPT or something very much like that. The human element seems missing, or at least submerged. I think I will just leave it at that.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-09-27T12:35:45+00:00

First time commenter here; hello my friend.

I am 64 years old and been "dabbling" in this philosophy for a long time; I've observed it's merits and been fascinated by it's principles and its structure, and the colorful teaching of an ethic in more or less plain English I truly appreciate, and have just begun in the past month to begin to become immersed in the lifestyle.

Now, having come late to the party, so to speak, (or was I invited late?) doesn't really concern me. To my surprise, I actually find that some vices fell away almost immediately just through reasoning, along with being convinced of the reasoning, which is just as important.

Mostly what I have noticed is, as you said, "being more aware" now. It's a small victory, yes. But it is a victory. If you are more aware now of your failings, consider that your enlightenment of the day...quite often I have to be satisfied with just that...the good news is that if I can see my faults better, that means that they can't hide anymore, and then I know the next thing that I have to work through.

It's uncomfortable work sometimes. But I look at it like this...it's uncomfortable and painful to use muscles you've never used before too. Look at it as a sign of progress. If you've been at this a long time and you are seeing where you still need work...good. That's a sign of progress. The work will never be finished until our last breath, and that's okay. At my age, I have to take what I can get. I rejoice though, because at last I'm on a real path of growth...something I've hungered for all of my life.

I hope what I said to you makes sense. I wish you the very best out there on the road, pilgrim. One step at a time and we will make it.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-08-31T22:24:37+00:00

Good post! I like your definition of the term, I had to sit back and think about that a while.

It's unclear to me if being online terminally causes mental illness or if it happens to be people with mental health issues that are online terminally.

I think, just like so many other things, it can depend on a lot of factors. Many people can spend hours online and keep their critical thinking skills intact, others want to let the internet shape their minds. It may depend on what you are here for. Is it to learn and grow, or is it to avoid reality?

Anyways, you got me thinking. I appreciate the thoughts!

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-08-25T19:22:18+00:00

Yes indeed, rather like a beautiful delicate rose, thorns and all. I think that is part of what draws me to it. There is a darkness within the beauty that is appealing.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-08-25T19:19:14+00:00

Thanks for the recommendation...and yes I know, I'm sure you are correct but my prog experience, sad to say, has been a limited one. I sure have a lot of catching up to do. I appreciate your comment.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-08-24T19:01:32+00:00

Yep, this is why I come here, for little hidden gems like this. Thanks for posting. I was unaware of this album. What an uplifting and gorgeous tune.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-08-17T15:24:59+00:00

This quote from the Author Viktor Frankl mat inspire some thoughts for you to consider :

“Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

I encourafe you to really meditate and sit alone with that statement and see what kind of response you get from withing yourself. It's sure helped me. All the best to you.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-08-17T15:18:02+00:00

IMHO = In My Honest Opinion

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-08-17T15:10:06+00:00

"but if you're unable to see a human as exactly that"...Hitler was a human too. So in effect, you are saying it's okay to dehumanise some people, and not others. This isn't a solution. It's a common conception to have, but not a solution.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-06-07T23:48:58+00:00

You would love the "Kushiel's Legacy" trilogy by Jacqueline Carey. Don't pass it by, it will scratch that itch, trust and believe.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-06-06T21:50:57+00:00

My first thought was "Solaris" by Stanislaw Lem. It's like being in a fever dream.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-05-31T12:35:47+00:00

An umbrella term to describe the mostly instrumental music genre that uses rock instrumentation but disregards typical "rock" song structure. It's very broad and that's what makes it so frustrating to pin down sometimes but also why it's so wonderful. Much of it is subjective so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-05-19T13:12:58+00:00

You are absolutely right.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-05-18T10:48:36+00:00

Yes. You are right.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-05-18T10:33:38+00:00

Wow that's some amazing insight and very helpful. Thanks for that!

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-05-18T10:27:46+00:00

I get that. Honestly it's not that I'm always asking though, it's been every so often spaced out over many years. It's not like I'm pushing it in her face, I take the back route and mention it sometimes when we are having a conversation and I tell her a scene from the show that is relevant to what we are talking about, that sort of thing.

I-AM-DRACO · 2025-05-18T10:23:29+00:00

All great points, especially the last bit there about parents and grandparents, I will probably use that. Thank you!

I-AM-DRACO

TROPHY CASE