I wrote a blog on Rich’s fantastic work. Though he is on the Londons Times Cartoon team and manager, he also does his own fantastic work on his site at
http://www.the-cartoonist.com. Take a look at some of Rich’s work both from Londons Times and his own cartoon “The Cartoon Gospel”. Rich also creates Knots which features scouting humor. This is very interesting and family-friendly work and Rich knows his stuff.
Sincerely,
Rick London
Londons Times Cartoons
First and foremost it is important that I not introduce myself as an expert or authority on religion, new age beliefs, physics (or much of anything else for that matter); one might say I could now be “a pseudo-expert” regarding cartooning or e-commerce, but I think anyone becomes “an expert” at just about anything after persisting and doing it long enough.
The topic (or topics if you will) of this article regards matters such as energy vortexes, New Age religion, traditional religion, paganism, etc. and how they all have similarities, yet are so very different in traditions. It talks about why we are here, why we believe what we do, what we can do (or not do) with it, and a myriad of ramblings that, sometimes, I get in the mood to discuss. Again, I do not claim to be an expert on any of them, simply thoughts from readings and observations. I am a believer, but I certainly don’t demand it or judge others if they are not.
I guess the place to start is with paganism. How the word “pagan” ever got a negative connotation from anyone is beyond me. It is an ancient Greek word meaning “rural dweller” or “person or family living outside of a city”.
The ancient pagans did not really behave that much different than city-dwellers, except for the fact that since they relied so intensely on nature, that is, mostly farming, they were considered to worship it. Fruits, berries, herbs etc. were used as medicines. G-d (we use the spelling of G-d in Judaism and I happen to be a believer, which has very little to do with my story or observations).
So when the Torah (or first bible, or Jewish Bible or often referred to as The Old Testament) was written; much was included about the wisdom of “the country-dweller” or “rural person” and their behavior.
In fact, we all know from both Old and New Testaments the term “…and the fruits from the trees shall be thy medicine”. (I may have the exact phrase wrong). That was pagan wisdom long before we ever thought about it.
In both testaments also, most, if not all, revered religious leaders were chosen by G-d for a main reason. They were good shepherds. In His eyes, anyone who could take care of animals could take care of his people. In fact, the very reluctant leader Moses allegedly asked G-d “Why me?” The answer was, “Because anyone who can lead animals to safety and be a good shepherd shows me he can do the same for people”.
We all know of other “Good Shepherds” in both testaments. Jesus’ reputation as a good shepherd is unsurpassed in the history of the world.
In early paganism, animals were of the utmost importance. Taking care of animals is one of the 613 Commandments in Judaism (yes there are 613; most of us only know of the “Top Ten”). One of them is a commandment that one’s animals must be fed before feeding oneself.
Many people are now fascinated with the teachings of Kaballah. Kaballah is considered a mystical interpretation of the Torah, and if practiced correctly it improves the lives of the reader or “receiver” (Kaballah actually means “To Receive”).
A problem exists, though; and I am not saying it is bad to read the Kaballah and try to practice it’s valuable and positive lessons (there is also a Christian version of Kaballah, now I am told though have not read it but plan to).
The challenge is, (and the debate is still raging) can it be done (understanding and practicing the wisdom of Kaballah without reading and understanding the Torah first)? Ancient scribes and modern-day scholarly rabbis say “no way, it’s a waste of time to try”.
I don’t have an opinion on it, but it only makes sense to me. An analogy might be a very bright junior high student. At times one is so bright they are put into college, and not made to graduate from high school. Though many do well academically, the emotional strain is too much. History is loaded with such great young minds. And because of that, education has changed dramatically in the past four decades and it is not done so often. New more challenging alternative programs have been developed for “the gifted child” to be challenged througout middle and high school academia and entering college at a more appropriate age.
Such is trying to graduate from Torah, it appears, and going straight to Kaballah, which, admittedly is much “more fun and interesting to talk about at parties, but has anything really dramatically transpired to help that person? Maybe so, maybe not. Again, I am no expert. I know in my own case, I tried to go straight to Kaballah and found it very confusing.
I was not brought up religiously so I did not learn the Torah (I am not proud of that) but it was just my reality. Now I am trying to read and learn from it; the end game is not “to graduate” one day to Kaballah, but if I feel I truly understand the Torah one day, and am “living it” as it teaches, I may not even find I need Kaballah. I tend to have good instincts and to often understand the mystical underpinnings of most philosophies. I may find I want to learn and practice it. I have no expectations and they are not really important. I will know when the time is right if it is something I want to study or something I don’t. Either way, life will go on, the world will turn, and change will happen. Not a lot of people (except me) will care what I read or what I learn from it, to be frank. And that’s ok.
Whatever we read, learn, practice, etc. it is not to improve others, it is to improve ourselves. We often get that mixed up. “I am going to learn this so I can ‘save the world’ or ‘teach it something special’.” Oh, if only that were true. My learnings have been that only when we improve ourselves, not our wives, not our cousins, not our grouchy uncle or in-laws, do we improve the world.
And there are other New Age Religions and schools of thought. Though many offer excellent pragmatic practices to work on the body, soul, spirit (though I do not practice the religion of Buddhism, for instance, I am impressed with it introducing us to incorporating the body, along with the mind and spirit, as even modern medicine seems to agree they are all interconnected, and yoga, meditation, etc. seems to help many no matter what their religion, or if they have none at all.
Other than the aforementioned religions, though I certainly cannot berate anything “New Age” as I have seen such programs help many people, I have reached a conclusion after studying (and even practicing) some of them, there really is nothing new but the words and interpretations and sometimes those are lacking.
If I have “a beef” with anything New Age, it is the ones we have seen cropping up since the 1960’s that usually come and go after the founder has made his dollars, that teaches us if “we wish something and pray hard enough for it we will get it. That is a bit transparent to me, though very common and it appears a new one crops up every half-decade ago with beautiful glossy brochures, slick videos, and great testimonials from “people we trust” (who were paid big-time for their contribution to “the cause”. We are likely to see many more of those in our lifetime, simply because they are attractive and popular. But I could hardly call them “anything new”. The one’s I have seen are copies of everything from EST to a dozen of others long before this century.
But I think it is a good culture for people who want fellowship, and happen to have a belief in their God (which I tend to think is the same as the one I believe in but that is just me), but don’t want to get “tied into” or “lured into” the “politics of traditional religion”.
So certainly, though nothing new, they serve a positive purpose.
Back to paganism. Do you live in an energy vortex? I do. But is this “junk science”, religion, paganism, or just the universe at work.
I do not have the answer but I do know that physicists agree that energy vortexes do exist and some extraordinary things occur if one is in the center of one. I will not go into the details of what an energy vortex does and does not do, simply because I would be making up things that I have not researched carefully. Allegedly if you live in an energy vortex you live in a place where nature blossoms more easily; two examples are Findhorn, Scotland and Hot Springs, Ar (there are many more). In Findhorn, allegedly roses and other flowers are known to grow four to seven sizes larger than a regular rose (other flowers and vegetables too).
Diamonds become bigger (last year the second largest yellow diamond ever found was in Hot Springs, Ar.).
The energy vortex supposedly affects people as well. Crime rate is lower, people are more cheerful, suicide rate is lower, economy is better, etc. Again, I use the word “supposedly” or “allegedly” because I cannot prove it in any way, shape or form.
So as we look back at belief systems, etc. and take off all our “opinion attire” we find, that really people are people no matter what their thought, philosophy or religion.
Some may think they have discovered something new about religion, philosophy, etc. and I say “Good for them. Maybe we can all make good use of it in helping each other along this voyage called life.”
In any case, I say study and study hard, if one wants to find answers. I am hardly “there yet”; I am a newbie who is just trying to learn, at age 52, why I’m here, what can I do to make a difference in the world, what G-d wants of me and how he wants me to be of service.”
In a way, we are all “newbies”; I don’t think the most scholarly minister “graduates” to “know” anything more than the rest of us. There is no privacy code in philosophy and religion It is one thing that is free if we want it to be (that is, our belief systems).
Forgiveness is important. Even if we strongly disagree with someone. I will give you an example. We know that Dr. Jerry Falwell died last week. The attacks were fast and furious. Though I did not agree with Jerry Falwell’s philosophies (not most of them), I know he was a human being trying his best to do something in the world based on his belief systems. Did he hurt people? Probably. Did he help people? Probably. But he was only a human like you and me. He may have had a higher station in life than many of us, but still a human with the same fears, demons of the past, and issues to overcome.
If you are gay, had an abortion, very liberal, anti-fundamentalist/or anti-Falwell, and do not forgive what you perceive he has “done to you”, are you (or I) really any different than what we may have perceived him to have been? I think not. Again, I was not a fan of Jerry Falwell’s philosophies, but, I am reconciled that he was a human being, trying to do his best, and help others and his family Even if you perceive he could not forgive you for “your sins”, why not practice forgiving him? At the very least, give his family time to grieve; they loved him dearly, even if you or I judged him by his philosopy. He was still a man, and for us to label him “good” or “bad” is playing G-d. I am sure like the rest of us, he did some things very well and some things not so very well. He simply had more visibility. It was easier to look at him than look at “me” or “you”.
As I grow older and (I hope) wiser, I am aware that there are many people who love me, hate me, or are ambivalent and have no feelings whatsoever about me (I imagine most are neutral). None of that matters.
What other’s think of me is really none of my business (and my gut instinct tells me they don’t think about me very often). Most people are much more engaged in what others are thinking about them than that eccentric writer named Rick London. It is really what I think of me, and when I discover the character defects in me (which are much easier at an older age, try my best to change them to become a better person. It doesn’t always happen but when it does I am elated. Often-times others don’t even notice (or care for that matter). But I care.
After about six years of being interested in it, and studying it, I have learned one very valuable lesson. When I decide to make a friend or not make a friend, it has nothing to do with his or her religion (or lack thereof); it is his or her treatment of other people, animals, and respect for other humans and life in general, and of course the planet in which we live.
Change is gradual. Two decades ago, my focus and only goal was to a. become rich and famous b. have my share of women but “trade them in” when I got tired of them, not even thinking of their feelings, and that was about it.
I, of course, look back at “that person” who was me with disdain, but as I talk to other adults my age, I find I am not alone.
I am a better person now, probably because life itself makes one humble and one finally realizes there is (most likely) a G-d in charge and no matter what I think I want or need, I am but a “player on the stage” (as Shakespeare said) trying to do my best. I hope you’ll join me in trying to learn this very interesting thing called life.
Rick London is a writer. cartoonist and entrepreneur living in the moutains of Arkansas. He founded the first and only national after-hours, holidays, weekend same-day flower delivery service Marianna’s SOS Flowers http://www.sosflowers.us and is founder of Londons Times Cartoons http://www.londonstimes.us (very offbeat single-panel cartoon), which is one of the most visited web sites on the Internet. London is also the inventor of the world’s first medical alert device with auto-dial to 9-1-1 and gps tracking (plus vital signs monitoring and medical history) called “Insert Alert” http://www.nsatinc.com and founded a cartoon superstore featuring his products (over 60,000) gifts and collectibles at http://www.londonstimessuperstore.com
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Contact: Alexa Ferotina
May 22, 2007 info@nsatinc.com 501-588-1966
New Patented Auto-Dial To 9-1-1/GPS Tracking/Vital Signs Monitoring Medical Device “Insert Alert” In Second Phase Of Development.
NSAT Inc. announced today from Hot Springs, Ar that their patented medical alert device,
being developed by ASC Technologies of Glen Burnie, Md is now in its second phase of development.
The noninvasive device, which is worn as jewelry (necklace, wrist or ankle bracelet) was invented by NSAT’s president Rick London-Stetelman.
Power point presentations can be seen at http://www.nsatinc.com .
London-Stetelman says, “We are now being approached by investors and persons interested in owning stock; but for now we are keeping it small and have no plans to take it public. Wewant to focus on developing a unique device that is top quality and for now we have just
the right team of creative and productive persons to make that happen. When the timecomes, we may sell some stock. For now, there is no need to.”
It is scheduled to be completed before then end of 2007.
IBM Senior engineer Dr. Andrew Beiler, PHD. who has been involved in many biotechnology and “government black projects” said of the device, “The Insert Alert will raise the bar of
biotechnology the way we have known it for the past decade.”
London-Stetelman says, “I greatly appreciate Dr. Beiler’s opinion of this project. I don’t know about raising any bars (sorry to sound like Chauncey Gardner in ‘Being There’) but, I do find it very exciting and interesting that a regular guy like me can make a difference. Of course it couldn’t be done without a phenomenal investment group and engineering team.
I am learning a lot, and one thing is that for an inventor to “look good” and “take credit”
a lot of other people are usually involved. Very good people. And I was fortunate that they evolved and became interested. I have learned about gratitude. If it saves just one life, I will be elated”
London says he does not have any idea of what the end product will look like, the weight, the cost, etc. is still being determined by R & D by ASC Technologies.
“We are expected to have a better handle on all within the coming months,” says London-Stetelman.
“And as soon as we know, we will let the media and medical community know as well.”
London-Stetelman is a native of Hattiesburg, Ms but resides in Hot Springs, Ar. “I truly love Hot Springs. It is the ideal town for an inventor, artist, writer, or an involved in any creative entrepreneurialship and is supportive of such endeavors. I can’t remember experiencing that in too many other places I have lived.”
London-Stetelman knows creative projects. London is not actually his real namebut pen name “Rick London”. His mother’s maiden name was London and he says“it’s easier to remember when one works in the arts. I’m a writer who works with a team of artists to create a cartoon.
London’s offbeat single-panel cartoon, “Londons Times Cartoons” is one of themost popular cartoons on the Internet, featuring over 6000 cartoons and his website receives about 4000 hits per hour, nearly 8 million visitors since 2005. It was founded in 1997.
London returned to school Western Governor’s University www.wgu.edu at age 48 and majored in business with a focus on E-commerce.
He has founded and developed such sites as Londons Times Cartoon Superstore www.londonstimessuperstore.com , Rick Londonwear www.ricklondonwear.com, www.londonstimesecards.com and the Internet’s first 24/7 365 including holidays, Saturdays, and Sundays nationwide flower delivery service Marianna’s SOS Flowers at www.sosflowers.us.
For more information write info@ricklondongroup or call 1-501-588-1966.
Early on, I can remember being open to advice. A lot of people do not believe my story but it is true. I was (about 44) when starting this venture. I had lost my job at the tv station (was never really very good at 9-5 coat/tie ventures), so it was no big loss, but….it left me with just a pocketful of change. I had just enough to buy a used IBM clone 386 beat up computer that I WAY overpaid for by some shyshter who “saw me coming”; I book called “Internet 4 Dummies” (I had never used the net), and my stray dog Thor (of whom I still have and love).
I was used to obstacles and issues by then. I had my share. This time, I was to be without a home as I could not pay my rent, even for an old beat up house. It appeared my hometown did not want a 44 year old cartoonist who didn’t draw very well and had displayed very little other talent in many arenas.
A friend of mine, a caring social worker and her husband allowed me to live and work in a beat up abandoned warehouse that happened to have a phone line and electricity, but that was it. No hot water, no furniture, nothing but junk in it. I took it.
I bought a dial up Internet service and began recruiting artists. I read the Internet 4 Dummies book several times. I talked to established cartoonists over the Internet. I plodded along, sleeping in a sleeping bag on the concrete floor for almost two years working with junk all around me. I froze in the winter and
could barely breathe in the summer; that was the climate of south Mississippi.
I was determined to create something funny and important. I had no idea what the
outcome would be.
As time went by, illustrators came and left. We were a non-commerce site; in fact I couldn’t even afford a domain and got a free one with more popup ads than cartoons.
But as time went by, I found I could write 50 or more concepts on some days, and
the concepts seemed strong enough to lure some very accomplished illustrators
willing to take a chance. I had read enough about Internet businesses to know
to “hang on tight” and “be patient”. I had no idea it would be a decade before
the world would ever notice. What they notice is at http://www.londonstimes.us
and has had over 7.5 million visitors since January of 2005. I still can’t believe it when I think about it.
Now, I imagine I have worked with at least a hundred illustrators and finished
over 6000 cartoons; probably one of the largest private individual collections of
single panel cartoons on the Internet.
I write about it for two reasons. One is, I am proud and admit it. My ego deserves
stroking. I worked very hard and at times in unbearable environments. But I
preservered as did many of my illustrators, several of them still with me; one
has been able to capitalize on all the attenion by publishing several books of his
own (he is very into Christianity and Scouting and does a terrific job at
using those themes as his cartoons and does so in good taste). His name is
Rich Diesslin and he has also managed the website for a long time now.
In 2006, I met Rosy. We fell in love. She is an attorney on the west coast and she loves the arts and creative projects. She encouraged me to work harder and
manufacturer products. I already was making tee shirts and mugs at Cafe Press but the royalties were somewhat of a joke.
Very early cartoon 1997 (One of our first)
I found another manufacturer willing to take a chance and he promoted us heavily.
Londons Times Superstore was born with about 60,000 cartoon image products on 24 ifferent items in several dozen categories from science to romance to sports to
Star Wars and Star Trek. It is at http://www.londonstimessuperstore.com
More recent cartoons:
http://www.londonstimes.us (cartoon site)
http://www.londonstimessuperstore.com (Merchandise site)
Dateline: March 31, 2006 Cartoonist Rick London announcedtoday that his cartoon Londons Times, http://www.londonstimes.us has reached the elite Top 100,000 websites that Amazon.com cites in their statistics gathering site http://www.alexa.com (Alexa). Londons cartoons are published, licensed and syndicated worldwide. The cartoons are very offbeat single panels and often compared favorably to The Far Side. For more information contact londonstimes@cableylynx.com
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