IT'S STILL THE SAME OLD STORY

A fight for love and glory. A case of do or die. That's only natural and the way it is. Nature doesn't care if we like or dislike our situations - we must adjust.

If you don't not want love and glory - you're not in the fight. But most of us are made to struggle for comforts, creativity and survival. We get into harmony with nature and learn to reshape and enjoy the world.The struggle will be worth it and enjoyable if our attitudes are right.

Did you hear the story about Buddha being challenged by one of his devout followers? The man said, "Oh Great One, I have walked 66 miles in my bare feet to ask your advice. I am a peasant with a wife and six children, my crops are failing, my creditors want to take my land, the roof is leaking in the kitchen, our oldest son is too lazy to help us, my wife is expecting twins, and I have a weak heart. Please Buddha, tell me - what can I do to solve my terrible problems?"

"Beats me," Buddha answered.

The man said, "How can you, of all people, not know what I should do?"

Buddha said, "Everyone has 82 problems, but you don't want any problems so you have 83."

It's up to us to make our world. Struggle can be good for you.

It's all so simple.

Thoughts While Pumping Gas

The New York Yankee pitcher, Hawkins, threw at a Baltimore batter's head and was ejected from the game. This is baseball's ugliest aspect and problem. A few celebrated pitchers - Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens - were accused of throwing at hitters who had hits the previous times at bat.

The rules makers ought to change the rule for a hit batsman. The batter should be allowed to go to second base instead of first and should walk directly to second base, over the pitcher's mound, with the option of carrying his bat with him.

Overheard at Frenchy's Upstairs Lounge

- "Democrats tax and spend, Republicans borrow and spend, Libertarians don't do either one. So guess which one the people never vote for?"

- "Why don't they make mirrors like they used to?"

- "I miss Bill Clinton. I'll be glad when he's the First Lady."

Overheard at a Bus Depot

" If you're not half an hour early, you'll be late."