The Billionaire and the GuruOnce upon a time there was a successful businessman.He was so successful he had every worldly possessionanyone could possibly desire.  But, alas, he was not happy.The businessman took his billions and traveled the world in search of the Secret of Life which he was sure would make him happy. In India he heard the Wisest Gurus were in Tibet but that no one could see them without first giving up all their worldly possessionsand making the pilgrimage as paupers.So the businessman/billionaire hopped on the first Concordehome and began the process of divesting himself of all hisworldly possessions.  He sold all his businesses, mansionsand possessions and gave the money to charities and the homeless.After all, he was a successful businessman, he would be evenmore successful when he learned how to be happy.He spent 6 months working at menial jobs, and literally beggedhis way back to India then on to Tibet.  It took another 2 months of traveling in the high mountain country to find out where this Wisest Guru lived, then another month traveling in bleak winter storms to find him.The ex-billionaire/businessman was finally sitting at the feetof the Wisest Guru a full year after first hearing about thisWonderful Teacher.  He sat silently for a full week before hismentor finally spoke:"You seek the meaning of Life" said the Wisest Guru."Why yes I do" he said in disbelief.  This certainly must bethe Wisest Guru, thought the man, he knows why I am here.The Wisest Guru continued, "Life is like an oatcake", and wassilent once more.The principle in our story sat stunned.  He was sure there was more to this, an explanation, something.  After enduring another 3 days of the Wisest Guru's silence, he was incensed.  "I cannot accept your answer.  You the Wisest Guru,you are a sham, a hoax.  I gave up all my worldly possessions,cars, jets, boats, homes, multi-billion dollar industries.  Allof it, all gone.  I traveled as a pauper.  I begged for food.I worked on tramp steamers to get here and walked acrosshalf a continent to find you.  I have endured all this to find the true meaning of life and happiness.  And you have the gallto offer the explanation that life is like an oatcake?"The Wisest Guru sat quietly through the ravings of our now shouting ex-billionaire.  The Sage locked his gaze on the eyesof the madman and cocked his head to one side and spoke:"well isn't it?"The End

have a point, or make sense on at least some level? Don't feel bad LM, every comedian tells one parable too many when he should have just taken a bow and gotten off the stage.  Actually, I'm just trying to help jump start this thread- you were dying out there.BTW, do you think you could get a buzz off oatcakes?  Just a thought.--modified by G2 at Mon, Apr 23, 2001, 20:29:05--modified by G2 at Mon, Apr 23, 2001, 22:31:24

Probably should have sent it directly to NOSC but,she asked publicly so I responded publicly.I have never smoked an oatcake, probably one of thefew botanicals I have not smoked.Though oat fiber is known to help prevent colon cancer,I would not take one rectally!LM

going out in the world and making lots of money, then find the hottest woman you can that will give you great sex! "well isn't it?"

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What a wonderful post, guys!  Now...where are these oatcakes to be found?  I surmised next to the ricecakes, but when I asked the guy at "Wild Oats" he cocked his head, crooked his finger, then I forgot what I was doing there and never found the dang things.walked outta there with soy milk feeling like something was missing.oxoxoff

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have that effect on we mortal men.  You know, memory loss, acting stupid etc.--modified by G2 at Sat, Apr 28, 2001, 00:48:24--modified by G2 at Sat, Apr 28, 2001, 00:50:03

Blow me down G2, i thought he was putting it over me, i was lovin it and clueless, but guess i had him goin and didnt know it...Hey now, are you trying to make me pee in my pants again?  ooops........xoxoff

must be felicia's oatcakes driving by on the xx Freeway!LM

Speaking of acting stupid, so you were the cutie who was honking angrily because I didn't let you in the exit lane on the freeway.  Woulda been nice if you'd let me know you wanted to get in.  Don't you ever use yer signals so a body knows what you are up to? (I know guys don't use the stinkin turn signals)so didjah get in?  (the lane.)  and didjah get out? (alive) Gosh what's next Lustman?  Going to Italian Vineyards to stomp oats and make tea?Oatman, I dub thee, Ooops I mean Lustman, I dub thee Sir Oats.;->>ff--modified by feliciafoxx at Sat, Apr 28, 2001, 18:16:03

I was just feeling my oats!LM