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moblog test

October 10, 2009 by Gianluca

testing freeware moblog

Posted in Fun Stuff | Tagged | 1 Comment »

David Plotz’ new book “Good Book”

April 21, 2009 by Gianluca

You may have seen David Plotz interviewed on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart promoting his new book. I haven’t read the book but it seems to me that it would be an interesting read for critical thinkers. I have a shelf full of books that I am trying to read before this one, if any of you gets to read it before me, feel free to post a comment.

A friend sent me an interview with the author that I posted below.

Posted in Religion & Spirituality, books | Tagged , , , , | Leave a Comment »

My center

March 29, 2009 by Gianluca

[Some thoughts I jot down while in the car on my last day in Italy]

Here we are. Last day of our trip. We are driving back from my cousin’s restaurant where we had lunch with relatives. The rainy, gray Milan is conducive to thinking. It makes me realize how therapeutic and essential it is for me, to remain in touch with my origins.

I am becoming aware of my center.

I call my center “the place” from which I draw energy, which gives me balance and reminds me who I am. “The place” is not just a physical space, it is an ensemble of elements such as my grandfather’s wisdom, humor, and the history he represents. It is the love of dear ones who is shown in such a simple and eternal manner. “The place” is made of friendships that are so rooted into my life that reach farther than my memory. It is made of sweet memories, as well as bitter ones. It is made of caring parents and a little brother who have exemplified Love in my life. It is made of familiar places that have remained the same and some that have changed over time.

It is so powerful to come back to my birth place because all these elements happen to be or gravitate around this physical place. I realize that I am very fortunate. I gave it for granted. It is true that often we do not realize how essential something is, until it is not at hand’s reach anymore.

I need “the place” more than I’ve ever thought, it is my personal sanctuary. It is a spiritual place to me, it is my Bethel. I need it to keep centered, balanced, and to know who I am, who I have been, and who I have become. I’m just enjoying this epiphany.

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11/04/08 The Historical Election of President Obama

November 8, 2008 by Gianluca

I am still in awe. It’s real. America has elected its first black president.

Only a few decades ago Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. shared a dream.  A vision for a world where the color of someone’s skin would not be a basis for discrimination.  Doctor King’s vision is a compelling picture that inspired many. A vision big enough to potentially inspire us forever, because discrimination could be part of our social DNA, indefinitely.

It is undeniable that our society reached achievements in many scientific areas that were once considered unthinkable.  Although we are going through some rough times at the moment, America’s economy is innovative, free, and flexible enough to accommodate a vast array of businesses and enterprises.  Our government is not perfect, however it is proven to be stable and fair, to a large degree.

Still, the social baggage we are dragging since the slavery years is heavy.  That baggage has not made it easy for our nation to move forward in terms of social equality and racial reconciliation.

On Tuesday, November 4, 2008 Dr. King’s vision became more real, achievable, at hand’s reach…  America voted and elected its first “non-white” president. Racial reconciliation does not happen overnight. There is a lot more to do, more fighting for justice, and more healing. But Obama’s election is without a doubt a major step forward in the battle against discrimination.

Obama’s theme throughout his presidential campaign was “change.”  On November 4, Obama’s political and partisan message translated into a message of social significance.  We, as a people, made history. We are changing our social DNA.  We are allowing that change to happen in our community in the way we think about each other.

I have been thinking about that election day on and off in the past few days. The unfolding of the results, the blue and red colors on the screen of my TV, the analysis…  then in my mind, politics take place in the background, together with the economy and the many achievements of our society.

In the foreground, history unfolding and hope for a better society.

Posted in Contemporary issues | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments »

Death penalty and morals

October 24, 2008 by Gianluca

Monte Sahlin has recently posted an entry on his blog on death penalty titled: Why Capital Punishment is a Moral Mistake

Here is my comment to his blog entry:

Monte thank you for your post. It seems to me that death penalty is one of those brutal, immoral, and primitive provisions that is refraining our society to advance.FOR GOODNESS SAKE IT IS THE YEAR 2009!!! This is the future, death penalty is such a drag back to the dark ages. How can the United States, which in so many ways is symbol of innovation, progress, and human achievement be one of the few “developed” countries that still associates with such a practice!

I think there should be more talk about this topic.

I posted an entry on my blog on this topic, some time last year. Here is the link:

http://gianlucabruno.wordpress.com/2007/09/28/death-penalty-time-to-end-it/

Posted in Contemporary issues | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments »

i4Conference

October 10, 2008 by Gianluca

I have recently attended the 4th annual conference on innovation. I loved it!

As usual after this kind of gatherings I feel inspired, re-energized, and hopeful.  The speakers were very insightful, the infromation they shared was valuable, and their thoughts were challenging. However, what makes these conferences worthwhile is getting together with people that share the same passion, the conversations after the presentations, the energy that comes from those conversations.

The purpose of the Innovation Conference is to provide a forum in which creative and stimulating ideas can be discussed. To me, this conference is about intentionally dream of the possibilities for the church of the near and remote future. It may sound idealistic in a way, but it is not if you think that the future is happening as we speak…

It is so important that we have an arena where one can ask questions without fear. It is so healthy to meet with a group of like-minded seekers and realize that there are difficult questions that no one has an answer for.

RESOURCES:

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Joel Osteen on eating scripturally

June 6, 2008 by Gianluca

Joel Osteen is the pastor of Houston’s Lakewood Church. In the video below he addresses the issue of eating scripturally.

Posted in Religion & Spirituality | Leave a Comment »

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