Planet alignment - say what?!

The other day, I have read the article about planet alignment - visable by naked eye on 20 Jan 2015, first time after 2005, thus the rear occurance. I actually got excited as I wanted to see it (or at least attempt) together with my son.
Needless to say, I completely forgot about it. Other, "more pressing" matters were on my (and everybody else's) mind: wars, economy, election, crooked politicians etc.
I remember the time when articles like that would be the top news. Engaging everyone. Thinking of what if and how. Being excited about exploration and science.
The only thing that excites us now are Kardashians and alike as well as reality shows, besides political rhetoric and farce.
And I'm thinking to myself: how very sad...

Authority therefore respect?

Many people mix the authority given by position or title with respect. I am ... so and so in a position of that and that, therefore I am respected. NO!!
Respect, my dear people, is EARNED!!  Earned by what you do, how you do it, the way you behave and treat others. It is never, ever given!!

Let's wrap it up

Lately, I was writing separately on confidence, authority, leadership. Let me sum up all these, as they are interconnected :
Confidence has an aura of humility, while insecurity leads to arogance. True leaders are confident, while wannabes are arrogant. Arogance usually hides insecurities for the lack of knowledge and skills in certain areas. Arrogant people hide the information for they see any kind of sharing as a personal threat.
Confident people and true leaders share the knowledge and information, because they know the best way to achieve goals is through collaboration.
Authority comes naturally to confident people, they do not micromanage and hold on to every little thing. They understand that respect is EARNED, not given by a title or position. Those who think otherwise, and sadly there are plenty of those, are running us into the ground.

Incompetence - modern world disease

When was the last time you met someone really competent? And I am not talking about arrogant I am mr.dr.pr or ceo full of air. Just somebody who can explain in simple words, calm, humble. I met a person like that today and it made my day, as I thought that species is extinct. Competent people know how to do the job, they know how much they know and they also know what they do not know and are not afraid to ask. They are humble, but sure of themselves. They are quietly confident. Question is how many of us can recognize such people? Not many according to state of our societies.

True wealth

How many people we have that will stand by us no matter what? No calculations, no hidden agenda. They are there to help us, to stand with us even if it hurts them. I have a few. And that is my true and only genuine treasure. That small group of hard core, stubborn, relentless and faithful people I am lucky to have as friends and family.

Superiority complex or incompetence

How many times have we seen a person with "supperior" attitude yet when they try to explain something they are all over the place and the point (whatever that was) is lost.
The other day we ran across the doctor that was more in administrative issues of payment and insurance than in actual illness of a patient. My mother commented it is probably the system. I said no - one cannot blame the system for every little thing. She is incompetent, trying to mask it behind the perceived image of authority.
If a person cannot get to the heart of the matter in a quick and concise manner, they go into everything else but the matter itself. They muddy the water and it is simple as that.