The Art of War is THE book about military strategy. Yes, the content is about traditional warfare, but the concepts and principles found within the book can be applied to everything from business and social relationships, to as well as sports. Although a short book, its full of wisdom. I am completing 13 Mindmaps (of which I have already completed 10) on the thirteen chapters of The Art of War which I intend to combine with my own comments, understanding, and quotes and ideas from a variety of religions, beliefs, and philosophies. The chapters are (Lionel Giles translation) : Laying Plans … Continue reading Quotes for Mindmap: The Art of War by Sun Tzu

Each Art of War Chapter will begin with Prayers from religions and or Music/Song Lyrics – let me know what you think (or if you have suggestions on prayers, song lyrics etc). Each chapter will be summarised in a MindMap (10 Mindmaps out of 13 are completed so far) Chapter One – OVERALL ASSESSMENT (Islam) In the name of God, the infinitely Compassionate and Merciful. Praise be to God, Lord of all the worlds. The Compassionate, the Merciful. Ruler on the Day of Reckoning. You alone do we worship, and You alone do we ask for help. Guide us on the straight … Continue reading Art of War (With: Prayers/Lyrics)

Colonel Sir Ronald Thomas Stewart Macpherson was a highly decorated Scottish British Army officer during and after the Second World War. He fought with the No. 11 Commando unit and French Resistance forces, becoming infamous among Axis forces as the “Kilted Killer”. Having caused so much damage to military infrastructure, a bounty of 300,000 francs was placed upon his head. He was awarded the Military Cross and the Croix de Guerre three times, and the Légion d’honneur. McPherson entered the Commandos from school at the start of World War II. He conducted raids against Rommel in North Africa, with the … Continue reading Remembering Tommy MacPherson – Kilted Commando!

It Was Not About Texan Independence Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821. Texas (called Tejas) was part of Mexico. In 1824, Mexico’s leaders wrote a federalist constitution, like the United States already had and thousands of people from the U.S. moved into the region. The new migrants brought slavery with them, and in 1829, the Mexican government outlawed slavery. By 1835, there were 30,000 Anglo-Americans (called Texians) in Texas, and only 7,800 Texas-Mexicans (Tejanos). In 1832, General Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna took control of the Mexican government, and annulled the constitution to set up centralist control. Texians and … Continue reading The Alamo -‘If your opponent is of choleric temper, irritate him.’

US government shutdown – What is it? Federal government agencies and programs rely on annual funding appropriations made by Congress which must pass and the President must sign budget legislation for the next fiscal year (FY), consisting of 12 appropriations bills, one for each Appropriations subcommittee. When the federal government’s fiscal year began October 1, Congress had enacted five of the 12 appropriations bills for FY 2019. Lawmakers have not yet passed full-year appropriations for the departments and agencies covered by the other seven appropriations bills. These programs had been running on continuing resolutions (CRs) that extend current funding levels. … Continue reading U.S. Government Shutdowns began in 1790 – Its the American way!

Conflict (struggle) is a natural part of our lives, as well as the lives of those around us including our families, tribes, organisations, and nations. Resolving conflict between two or more parties to find workable and peaceful solutions to disagreements between them is what conflict resolution is about. These disagreements may be personal, religious, financial, political, sports even or emotional. As disputes arise or seen to about to rise often the best course of action is to negotiate to resolve that disagreement or potential disagreement and these negotiation focus areas include: Finding a workable solution that the different sides can … Continue reading WHAT IS CONFLICT RESOLUTION?

M Imagine using this ancient warrior sport of polo as a tool to promote peace and build conversations and connections by bringing different sides together. Warriors fighting on horseback were historically the most mobile of the combat arms within militaries of the past – polo developed from this is a one of the oldest horseback mounted team sports. The current game in its modern form originated in South Asian which was then British India and was played by officers of the British military in the mid 19th century. Polo now popular around the world, with well over 100 member countries … Continue reading Polo: A tool for Peace?

Article 1, section 9 of the Constitution states that: The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it. The Constitution is specific about the circumstances under which law enforcement (including the United States military) operate without judicial oversight. Simply put, there needs to be a state of “Rebellion or Invasion” to even consider it. If President Donald Trump thinks that a state of Rebellion exists – this is sufficient to declare martial law across The United States and the President would need to … Continue reading Declaration of Martial Law by President Trump?

12 Rules For Life is a stern, story-based, entertaining self-help manual, that gives a set of simple principles, helping us to take responsibility to become more disciplined, behave better, act with integrity, and balance our lives while enjoying them as much as we can.R My favourite quote by Professor Peterson is: The 12 rules of Professor Petersons book are: Rule 1 Stand up straight with your shoulders back Rule 2 Treat yourself like you would someone you are responsible for helping Rule 3 Make friends with people who want the best for you Rule 4 Compare yourself with who you were yesterday, not with who someone else … Continue reading 12 Rules For Life

The Seven Basic Plots: Why We Tell Stories is a 2004 book by Christopher Booker containing a Jungian-influenced analysis of stories and their psychological meaning. Booker had worked on the book for 34 years. The meta-plot The meta-plot begins with the anticipation stage, in which the hero is called to the adventure to come. This is followed by a dream stage, in which the adventure begins, the hero has some success, and has an illusion of invincibility. However, this is then followed by a frustration stage, in which the hero has his first confrontation with the enemy, and the illusion of invincibility is … Continue reading The Seven Basic Plots