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Silence

Alive and kicking

Notwithstanding other reports, the theater of the absurd is alive and kicking: 'The meeting in Midtown Manhattan was the first annual shareholder event since Philip Morris split off its international unit last year as a separate business from the American tobacco operations.
Louis C. Camilleri, the chairman of Philip Morris International, noted that profits rose from a range of price increases, even as sales of cigarette units were virtually flat.
(…)
While many in the audience of about 200 shareholders seemed pleased with the data, about 30 dissidents in the room used the event to protest smoking’s toll.
One woman asked for a minute of silence for people who died last year from smoking-related causes.
The ballroom fell silent.
Then Mr. Camilleri said, “Thank you” and took the next question, from a supportive shareholder, whom he promised handsome dividends,’ writes Duff Wilson in yesterday’s Times.


5 comments Last_comment
Sometimes my colleagues complain: ‘Our work is useless and the directives are absurd’. I always reply with a stupid smile on my face: ‘Not so long ago in a country not so far away, millions of people had to work continuously, to fill holes with sand from other holes, until they dropped dead. And they were not even paid.’
Bernard, does this mean we should be happy?
@Lila L
I think it should be absolutely forbidden that one ‘should be happy’.

No, I use this words only to make a break, to interrupt a rigid line of thoughts. Most people then start making reflections about their lives, their personal history, their hopes, etcetera. More interesting than lamenting, although sometimes I like a bit of lamenting too.
I resaw your interview with Jelinek yesterday. I loved it once again.
What I wonder about, Mr. Arnon, is that there are any secrets left in your head or not?