"Common sense is the collection of prejudices
  acquired by age eighteen."
                                          - Albert Einstein

I’ve had the good fortune to live an interesting life, albeit one filled with many mistakes, conceits and failings in one form or another. Along the way I began to jot copious notes on virtually every subject, enhancing my opinions with facts gleaned from a world of source material, and attempting to fashion from that some rhyme and reason for the state of life and the meaning of existence.

Everyone is a critic, even those people who appreciate everything they encounter.  I’m no different. Things can be analyzed and critiqued and, often, rejected as simplistic or naïve.  I wanted answers to life’s mysteries.  Life wanted me to have questions, not answers. It is not my lottery ticket that wins. It is not my lot to have everything just work out without problems.  It is not a stress-free life; just about everything in my life creates stress.  But then, nothing is perfect or it would all be quite boring and unworthy of an observation.

In this collection of articles and notes, I have tried to include a variety of subjects that might never be discussed at a cocktail party. They are designed to be amusing, thought provoking and a way to vent my frustrations at those things I have been unable to change while still appreciating those things that make life a truly wonderful experience.  Hopefully the commonality will appeal to you and bring out your own experiences. That’s the best I can ask for.

                                                            - Andre’ Gensburger
                                                         Clayton, California,  2008