Trish at  Hey Lady! Whatcha Readin’? has written a post called Festivus – Let’s Air Our Grievances in which she wrote down a few (and good) things that have ired her this season and invited readers to do the same.  Her point is that, at this time of year with the holidays (aw, hell.. It’s CHRISTMAS, dammit… enough with the PC crap) upon us, only fellow bloggers are reading blog posts right now.  Because of that whole “you can do it and not get caught” thing that we all enjoy, Trish encourages her readers to be emboldened and relish the joy of being naughty… no one’s lookin’

That reminds me of a joke:

Sign placed above a bowl of fruit in the lunch line of a Catholic school:  “Take ONE… God is watching”

A few food items down the way, above the platter of chocolate chip cookies, a sign written in a child’s scrawl says, “Take all you want!  God’s watchin the apples”

As for me, I’ve been so busy trying to reach my self imposed goal of 75 books (I’m almost there!) that I’ll be taking the time during Bloggiesta to write the reviews for the last seven books, as well as sign up for all the challenges and everything else.  I’m looking forward to the New Year, so I can slow down!

So, Trish started her post with the following:

Last year, because blog traffic is slow around the holidays, I celebrated Festivus, which kicks off with the Airing of Grievances. Since only other bloggers are reading blogs around this time of year (’cause we’re crazy like that), it makes sense that we should get some things off our chest! Vent! Proclaim what is wrong with the world (or our families), so that we can start the new year with a clean slate ready for new frustrations.

I had way to much fun in her comment section, and decided to take time away from my Glenn Beck book (couldn’t tell that’s who I was reading, could ya) to write up my own post.  I felt like I could go on sooo much longer, but didn’t want to hijack her post any more than I already did, so here goes…

Things that really PISS me off…

1.  People who want to tell you that you’re a narrow-minded religious fascist for saying “Merry Christmas”.  “Happy Holidays” has slowly become the more widely used phrase because -God forbid.. or goddess, Allah, the moon… The leprechaun in that Lucky Charms commercial (Hell, there’s weirder religions than worshipping a god who’s Magically Delicious)- we offend someone with our well-wishing.  I admit it, I used the “Happy Holidays”, too, because.. to be honest… I’m too lazy to say “Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year”.  Two words are more verbally economic than eight.  But the next person who says “Happy Holidays” to me, I SWEAR I’m gonna wish them “Magically Delicious winter festivities”.  It’s Christmas.  Merry or Happy… it’s Christmas. 

Oh, and Mr. Athiest-seperation-of-church-and-state-boy… It hasn’t been a “Christian” holiday… ever.  It’s a pagan holiday.  The Catholic Church hijacked the day from the Romans who wished to celebrate Saturnalia, a weird calendar event in which the last 5 days were left uncounted and therefore the thought was “Anything goes because the days never happened!”  It was a time for them to blow off steam, have orgies… there wasn’t any “rape” during this time, because if one person wanted it they could take it.. and a lot of other behaviors we would call unlawful at the very least.  The fact that the celebration of the birth of Christ was superimposed upon this hedonistic festival is probably a good thing.  But, to be honest, as much as the modern Church tries to remind people that “Jesus is the reason for the season”, the long line at Wal-Mart this evening proves that they gave Jesus and his other hispanic friends the day off so they can follow their true pursuit of the season… gifts.

2.  This year I have just about had ENOUGH of Maggie’s griping about the present Gwen gave her.  Seriously, I’m almost ready to say No more presents will be given under my roof EVER AGAIN!  TO anyone BY anyone.  And that includes Christmas, Kwanzaa (If we ever convert and celebrate it), Chanukah (ditto the previous stipulation), Chinese New Year (again, conversion needed first, I think), Sinterklaas, Birthdays, Boss’s Day (Bruce Springsteen’s birthday?), Arbor Day, Groundhog’s Day, Bring Your Kid to Work Day, or any day of the week ending in the letter Y.  What’s led me to this level of irritation?  Gwen, who apparently has bad taste in presents, gave Maggie a plastic Kabuki-esque doll because Mags collects China dolls.  Now, in Gwen’s mind, she thought they were similar enough to count, and thought Maggie would love it.  Maggie, on the other hand, thinks it’s the most hideous piece of crap that ever suffered molecular cohesion. 

In fairness, the thing IS a bit ugly.  But, isn’t it the thought that counts?  Gwen could’ve just got something for herself, but she saw this doll and thought, “My little sister would love that!”  And Maggie was NOT gracious in her reception.  At all.  When people are not gracious about receiving, when they act like they’re ENTITLED to something better than the trash one deigns to give them, it makes those who give feel disinclined to do so ever again. *sigh*  It’s becoming a take-take-take, gimme NOW, society.

.

3.  Okay, I’ve got a grievance with the whole PC-crap.  It has, of late, been made obvious (not that I wasn’t aware before) by my ten-year-old daughter how absurdly ridiculous all the Political Correctness crap is.   You know, I am NOT saying that we shouldn’t be a bit more considerate of others and think before we speak, Proverbs (sorry athiest-boy) tells up that a wise person keeps his mouth shut lest people think he’s an idiot but the fool suffers verbal diarrhea and removes all doubt (Koolaid paraphrase).  But the PC movement has become nothing more than censorship and terrorism committed by a few LOUD-MOUTH (see Koolaid’s paraphrase.. they’ve removed all doubt) bullies who want everyone to do things their way or suffer the consequences.  ‘K… I’m short, fat and starting to crest that hill.. not over it yet, but getting to the summit…  I don’t expect someone to say I’m a “gravitationally challenged post-youth of an alternative size”.  What the hell is up with that?  I’m fat because I like to eat.  A lot.  Gravity isn’t singling me and throwing down the gauntlet.

LOL.. my dad always said “The purpose of communication is to convey a thought from one person to another in the fastest and most accurate way possible.”  The PC-crap, instead of sponsoring understanding and acceptance (I presume to hope was their original intent), does more to breed discontent, distrust and resentment.  “Why should I talk to you?  I might say something to offend your stupid sorry ass and wind up in court, lose my job and become the social pariah of my community!”  Ah, can’t we all just get along?

.

4.  Along the same lines are those people who fling hate-filled words at people who happened to disagree with them.  If I don’t want my 15-year-old daughter hanging out with a loose-moralled, already a mother, now decided to be gay classmate who continually sexually harasses her and makes her uncomfortable, it’s NOT because I’m a homophobic religious prude.  Oh, I forgot “hatemonger”.  The girl WON’T leave Gwen alone, after she’s told her she’s not interested.  She continues to touch and make rude comments to her, but if I say something about this, I’m a bigot.  If this girl was a guy, EVERYTHING… EVERY THING… would be different.  The police would investigate, he’d be in jail, and several administrators would be sent to a “sensitivity training seminar”.  The fact it’s an Out-of-the-closet, vocal lesbian means that my daughter must suffer her attacks.  Bull shit.

.
5.  I tell you, one of the things I think is great about our country is that everyone is entitled to DUE PROCESS.  A chance to go before a jury of his or her peers and face his or her accuser in a court of law.  And, if you are wronged, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries.  HOWEVER… there are a few bad apples that have latched onto the system and have gone completely and certifiably NUTS.  Everyone remembers, I’m sure, the woman who went through the drive thru at McDonald’s and ordered a HOT coffee… repeat, she asked for a HOT, as in warmer than tepid, HOT coffee.  She put her HOT, as asked for HOT, coffee between her legs and then spilled the HOT contents on her foofer.  She then decided it was McDonald’s fault and she was owed $2.86 million dollars for her scorched hoohah.  In the end, she only received $640,000 for her injuries and NOW every foam cup you get from any restaurant bears the “CAUTION: Contents may be HOT!” just in case some other dumb ass decides to take their morning joe BOTTOMS UP.

.

Ahh… this has been a LOT of fun.  I have to say, I feel a lot better now after venting… not to mention all the laughing I’ve done finding and watching the videos.  And to the question of “What is Festivus?” The following clip from Seinfeld sums it up…

Okay…  Who’s gonna RUMBLE with me in the FEATS of Strength?

Okay I’m going to rant.  If you are subject to break into tears due to scathing sarcasm I suggest you leave now or else you’re just going to get your tender feelings hurt.

You were warned…

Ready?

Okay I just heard a radio talk show host read a letter threatening him with a lawsuit from the ACLU if he continues to say Merry Christmas.  It was from an atheist protesting his blatant use of air time to “promote his religious beliefs” and would result in getting sued for “pain and suffering induced by his comments” in the letter writer’s family.  He sent in a “politically correct greeting” to be used on each caller that took 2 minutes to read (including a disclaimer) or the lawsuit would be filed.

What?

I hear people say Happy Holidays, I respond in kind.  I hear people tell me Merry Christmas, I respond in kind.  If some tells me Happy Yule..so on and so forth.  What’s the big deal?  Pound for pound most Pagans I have met are the most tolerant people I know.  Those of Christian persuasion run about 50% when it comes to another religion.  On the other end of the spectrum are these crazy wackos who believe in…well…nothing.  If a word means nothing to you, where is the harm in hearing it?  Are you so thin-skinned and intolerant that every little thing in this world bothers you?  My first reaction would be to say…go jump off a bridge.  In the first place you’ll improve the lives of those around you and secondly you might (to your shame and surprise) discover that there is something after death.  However, my real answer would be to look up the world tolerance.

From the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary 11th edition: 

Tolerance  1.  The capacity to endure pain or hardship.  2a. sympathy or indulgence for beliefs or practices differing from or conflicting with one’s own.  b. the act of allowing something: ENDURANCE, FORTITUDE, STAMINA.

Now before you accuse me of being intolerant let me say this much…I didn’t write a letter to sue anyone lately for the beliefs.  Threatening someone just because you get upset over “Merry Christmas” makes me think that:

1.  You don’t want anyone wishing you well.

2. You are too sensitive for life’s turmoil.

3. Don’t have anything better to do.

4.  Can’t find the dial on your radio to switch channels.

Am I wrong?

I don’t listen to some people because their views don’t fit mine.  Therefore I don’t indulge myself in self-mutilation of my feelings by continuing to do so.  If you don’t like Rush Limbaugh…don’t listen to him.  If you don’t like Glenn Beck…switch the channel.  If you stand in front of the television (or radio) screaming at these people…seek out professional psychiatric help, you have a problem.  Geez people isn’t life hard enough without making it worse ON PURPOSE!?

To all my friends and colleagues I wish you the very best in this season.  Be it Yule, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza or whatever.  May the blessings of those around you, fill your life with gladness.  Let us hope that TOLERANCE and good cheer will eventually rule the lives of everyone.  Let us all pray or cast positive spells(or if you don’t believe in prayer or spells please think this out loud) that someday, some way the people will wake up and realize that they can make a positive impact on those around them.  In closing I want to say that a Hindu gentleman on the phone (who told me his religious beliefs) wished me Merry Christmas.  That is beautiful isn’t it?

…end rant, you can now go back to your regularly scheduled program.

As promised, the reply to Daniel Oliveira:

Daniel Oliveira (Expresso, 28 November) would have us believe that there is something sinister about the German government requiring that immigrants sign up to respecting shared rights and liberties. The criminal law is sufficient, he says, to protect fundamental democratic values. “Quem nao o cumpra é punido” (Whoever breaks the law is punished).

The problem is that when the fanatic is punished it is too late: the writer is already hurt or dead. Further, it is frequently unnecessary for fanatics to murder writers anyway. It is enough just to make veiled threats, in order to produce a general chilling effect on free speech; to install a climate of apprehension.

Mr Oliveira further argues that the appalling crimes perpetrated in the West within living memory (specifically the genocide of the Jews) disqualify the Germans and French from defining and defending their democratic values and identity. But surely the fact of those crimes makes it even more important to ensure that there is no repetition from a new form of totalitarianism (imbued, once again, with anti-semitism).

As Karl Popper pointed out in his book “The Open Society and its Enemies”, tolerance has limits. If you tolerate the intolerant, tolerance itself will die. It may appear illiberal to ask immigrants to sign up to democratic values; but without agreement from citizens about those shared values, pluralistic democracy itself is impossible.

***

Daniel Oliveira  (Expresso, 28 Novembro) quer-nos fazer acreditar que algo de sinistro se passa quando o governo alemão requer que os imigrantes se obriguem a respeitar e a partilhar os  direitos e as liberdades nacionais. A lei criminal é suficiente, diz ele, para  proteger os valores democráticos fundamentais. “Quem não a cumpre é punido”.

O problema é que, quando o fanático é punido, já é tarde demais: o escritor já está ferido ou morto, embora frequentemente seja desnecessário aos fanáticos  matarem os escritores. Basta-lhes fazerem ameaças veladas, criar um clima de repressão e produzir uma sensação geral de medo para congelar o discurso livre.

O Sr.  Daniel Oliveira argumenta ainda  que os terríveis crimes cometidos  no ocidente e ainda vivos na memória de muitos (especialmente o genocídio dos judeus) desqualificam os alemães e os franceses de definirem e defenderem a sua identidade e valores democráticos. Mas certamente, será por causa desses mesmos crimes que ainda é mais importante assegurar que não se repita uma nova forma de totalitarismo (imbuída, mais uma vez, de anti-semitismo).

Como Karl Popper salientou no seu livro “ A sociedade aberta e os seus inimigos” a tolerância tem limites. Se tolerarmos o intolerável, a  própria tolerância morre. Pode parecer  não liberal pedir aos imigrantes para aderirem aos valores democráticos, mas se os cidadãos não concordarem partilhar e respeitar esses valores, a democracia pluralista, por si só, não sobreviverá.

(Thanks to Isabel and Graca for the Portuguese translation)

{source}

I’ve always been known as the person in my group of friends that is the most easy going and relaxed. I am great about sticking with plans, am hardly ever late, have a lot of common sense when it comes to giving others advice, and am knowing for having a great sense of joy around me. However, lately I’ve been feeling myself slipping. Every thing that has been around me has made me completely irritated and frustrated.

I guess it started a month or two ago, as soon as it started getting colder out. I felt my inner homebody coming out, and began to shove people further away like they were the swine flu or something.  I started spending way too much time on the computer, and not enough time doing anything else. I was taking my frustrations from work home with me, and could feel my temper getting worse and worse.

Then it hit me like a ton of bricks. One of my friends told me that I’m the most intolerant person they know. At first I denied it, and was mostly offended by the comment. Sure I can be sarcastic, but that doesn’t have to mean that I’m intolerant , right? The answer came to me the other day while having a great talk with one of my dearest friends, and it dawned on me that this is what I have been becoming. I was so blind to my negativity because it was taking over my friendships, and ultimately, my life.

After this realization, I started analyzing it a bit further. What is the root of this problem, and why can’t I shake this feeling? I started noticing that I haven’t been giving a lot of time to myself for myself. I stopped eating as healthily as I was. I stopped exercising almost completely. I haven’t even started Christmas presents. I’ve been really broke lately due to the time I took off when I had the flu, plus that other time when I was too hung over to look at my screen and had to go home after an hour of being there.

But, I have good news! I’ve decided not to feel like the Grinch anymore, and have been trying to think of small goals I can set for myself to make me generally happier. Obviously, whenever I get stressed out, lists are the best way to get my feet back on the ground.

-Buy some boots like these, or these. I have never owned nice leather boots, and am determined to get some before my feet become waterlogged for life from this Vancouver rain. I have absolutely no waterproof shoes, and am quite sure this is directly linked to my happiness.

-Get a yoga mat and find some free instruction videos online. Since I went to Pemberton to visit my family, I haven’t gone to yoga once. Just remembering the feeling I got after a good class made me feel so happy.

-Start getting up at the first alarm, rather than the fourth. If I got up at 6am rather than the usual 645am, I would have time for a morning yoga routine, a warm breakfast, tea at home rather than buying it at work, a half hour google reader session…. think of the possibilities!

-Making something for myself every time I make something for someone else. I feel that this one is important. I tend to get so motivated in making things for everyone else around Christmas, that I start getting jealous of all of the cool things I make for other people. I will have one of each thing I make from now on. So there.

-Try one new recipe a week, and start planning meals more regularly. No more Kraft Dinner when you’re too lazy to actually cook, Awmb! Anything is better than that!

-Buy a SuperNintendo. I don’t have to justify this one.

I figure I should stop there, before I start reformatting my entire existence or getting obsessive compulsive or something. I will try to stick to my goals and that will be that. Today was the first day, and I can successfully say that I deflected everyone’s bad moods and most definitely turned them into ‘your mom’ jokes. I also woke up at 630am rather than 645am, and made a healthy dinner when I got home that included not one, but two veggie dishes!

What makes you happy in the winter? Do you have any tricks to stay grounded?

The Side-Hug: Youth Group Puts Down Sinful “Front-Hugs” With Rap VIDEO.

I don’t believe in god, but I have to think that if he WAS real, this would make him cry just a little.

“Lucy Harmer’s shamanic astrology book is truly amazing. I use it in my work every day as a therapist to help people understand their personality and find their pathway through life.”
–Jean-Francois Beltrami, counselor and kinesiologist

Welcome to Lucy Harmer’s Shamanic Astrology monthly forecast for the Northern Hemisphere! Each month Lucy shares inspiration and ideas for the coming weeks from her book Shamanic Astrology: Understanding Your Spirit Animal Sign.

Shamanic Astrology is based on the study of the movement of the sun and the moon during the different seasons of the year. There are twelve astrological ‘”signs” which are represented by twelve different spirit animals. To find out your own personal spirit animal sign (the sign you were born under), please check the table of spirit animals at the end of this article. Shamanic Astrology teaches us that inner power derives from knowing the properties, characteristics, and qualities of each spirit animal (known as their “medicine”), and applying this in our own lives.

Each month I will focus on the spirit animal for that month, and describe the “energy” of the month itself and also the influence of the moon. I will also indicate which other spirit animal signs will find this month to be particularly beneficial, and why.

November 22-December 21: OWL

Month of Hibernation and Long Nights

Spirit Animal Sign of the Month:
Owl is the spirit animal which corresponds to November 22 – December 21 (in the northern hemisphere). If you were born at this time, your spirit animal sign is Owl and you share Owl’s strengths of being fair, honest, wise, philosophical, idealistic, optimistic, and independent. You are someone who enjoys the good life! You may also share some of Owl’s weaknesses and can have a tendency to be restless, negligent, intolerant, proud, irresponsible, tactless, superficial and excessively optimistic.

Medicine: Owl’s medicine is the ability to seek out truth and justice in all
circumstances. This can be used in any ambiguous or unclear situation, to find the path to follow and to restore order.
Element: Fire
Stone: Obsidian
Color: Gold
Plant: Mistletoe

Energy of the season:
Owl’s month, which ends with the winter solstice, is that of hibernation and long nights. The sun is at its lowest in the sky and the nights are at their longest. This is a period for introspection, spiritual seeking, visions, plans and preparation for the future. Everything undertaken during this month will need a greater dose of enthusiasm, spontaneity, and optimism than at other times and will have to be on a sound ethical basis. Projects conceived now are often highly ambitious.

Energy of the moon:
Owl’s new moon started on Nov 16th and the full moon is on December 2nd 2009. The period from November 22nd until December 2nd is the ideal time for conceiving or launching projects. These will have a high rate of success, as long as they have a sound ethical foundation. After the full moon, from December 3rd until 15th December, time is best used for introspection and deep spiritual growth. This is a time for learning from the past and for setting new goals for the future. December 16th brings the new moon in Snow Goose; this is a time for putting new structures in place for the year to come, with much determination.

This month is particularly favorable for the following signs:

Owl:
If your sign is Owl the energy of this month is very favorable because it corresponds to the month and the moon of your birth. A new cycle is about to start in your life and this is the best time to start planting seeds. Use the sun’s energy to take stock and head off in a new direction.

Falcon/Salmon:
If your sign is Falcon or Salmon, this is a very lucky month for you, with lots of harmony because you are in your own fire element. A multitude of opportunities will open up for you in this period and this is the best time to give destiny a helping hand!

Raven/Otter:
For Raven and Otter people, this is a very dynamic month, full of energy which favors the conception and birth of new projects. You will feel new motivation and a renewal of your energy at this time.

Table of Spirit Animal Signs:

To find your spirit animal sign, just locate your birthday from the dates below, according to your place of birth. If you were born north of the equator (eg; USA, Canada, Europe), then look for your date of birth in the column headed “Northern Hemisphere.” If you were born south of the equator (eg; Australia, New Zealand, South Africa), then look for your date of birth in the column headed “Southern Hemisphere.”

© Copyright 2009 Lucy Harmer

Shamanic Astrology is available for purchase directly through NorthAtlanticBooks.com, as well as major book stores and online retailers.

CLICK HERE to learn more about courses, seminars and workshops offered by Lucy Harmer.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Shamanic Astrology.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Discovering Your Spirit Animal.

Each month author Lucy Harmer dedicates her journal entries to the theme of “transformative and inspirational living” – finding the fun, magic and laughter in everyday occurrences! She explores ideas, thoughts and quotes from her two books, Discovering Your Spirit Animal and Shamanic Astrology.

November 2009

Shamanic Astrology
Exploring the Personality of your Spirit Animal Sign

© Copyright 2009 Lucy Harmer

Last month in my journal (October 2009), I gave an overview of what Shamanic Astrology is. This month, I am going to explore the twelve spirit animal signs of the medicine wheel a little deeper, so that you can begin to discover the special qualities each sign possesses.

There are twelve astrological “signs” on the medicine wheel, which are represented by twelve different spirit animals. Shamanic Astrology teaches us that inner power derives from knowing the properties, characteristics, and qualities of each spirit animal (known as their “medicine”), and applying this in our own lives.

To get you started, here are some of the main strengths and weaknesses of each of the twelve spirit animals. It is really interesting to note that weaknesses are often just a mirror of our strengths and qualities. What we see as “weaknesses” can often be transformed into “strengths.” Take Falcon people, for example, whose “weaknesses” can be their tendency to be impulsive and headstrong. Transformed, these qualities become Falcon people’s strengths – their spontaneity and pioneering nature.

(If you are not sure which spirit animal sign you are, you can find out by looking your birthday up in the second table below – “Which animal sign are you?”)

Strengths and Weaknesses of the twelve spirit animal signs:

I always find it fascinating to look up the qualities of my friends, family and work colleagues. It is amazing how much their spirit animal sign can tell you about why they may behave in certain ways!

You can find out more about the personality of your own spirit animal and how you relate to the other signs, in my book Shamanic Astrology: Understanding Your Spirit Animal Sign. You can also discover the different spirit animal clans that you, your friends and family belong to, and your own special plant, stone, element, color and life path.

Which animal sign are you?
To find your spirit animal sign, just locate your birthday from the dates below, according to your place of birth. If you were born north of the equator (eg; USA, Canada, Europe), then look for your date of birth in the column headed “Northern Hemisphere.” If you were born south of the equator (eg; Australia, New Zealand, South Africa), then look for your date of birth in the column headed “Southern Hemisphere.”

This month, I wish you lots of fun and magic in exploring the strengths and qualities of your own spirit animal sign, and discovering those of your friends, family and work colleagues too!

Love and blessings,
Lucy

Shamanic Astrology is available for purchase directly through NorthAtlanticBooks.com, as well as major book stores and online retailers.

CLICK HERE to learn more about courses, seminars and workshops offered by Lucy Harmer.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Shamanic Astrology.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Discovering Your Spirit Animal.

primele impresii despre nebunia dezlegată se sting

noaptea explodează în acorduri mizerabile

fumul roșu îneacă ultimele urme de viață

imbold imperativ de scîrbă și acid

precursorul fanatismului religios scoate arta la lumină

creierul are o forță fantastică la fel și armele de distrugere în masă

chemat la apel sau transpus în altă dimensiune arborele se usucă

final de zi final de seară hoardele au amuțit la vederea nevăzutului

trimis spre a sugruma primatele albe se gîndește că va muri curînd

dar soarele îi dă speranță și vigoare emblematică

torța seacă a amuțit spre alte enigme

nesecat lac deșeuri anonime, fruntea de suspine

vara neagră ochii negrii articolul iscat cognitiv secera sună

pericol destupat inadvertențele se adună

scop oniric testamentul fals droguri la morgă

This is Mic Gallegos, bassist of Intolerant. I shot this last Friday night (before the storm getting worse) during my friend’s launch at Freedom Bar.

Ever since high school I’ve been into watching gigs and concerts of Filipino bands and I’ve always advocated not to buying pirated OPM (Original Pilipino Music) CDs, and this includes not having their mp3s if I don’t plan on buying an original CD (unless the CD isn’t being distributed anymore then that’s when I keep the mp3s). And because I keep following certain bands of my choice during their gigs, I get the courage to introduce myself as a fan and an active member of their yahoogroups.

Then comes college, third year to be exact, and I get my very own camera (I named her Cadence), so I’ve moved to just being a music-listening fan to a gig/concert photographer. At first I just toyed with my camera during events. I started taking pictures at concerts that gave me a backstage pass, or during gigs of friends or whoever. It took me a year to know half of what my camera was capable of and then continuing this routine and asking people who are also into photography for tips on how to shoot, I was able to make a name for myself. Not to mention meeting new people who are in the same line of interest and who give me more opportunities to improve on my photography.

Thinking about it, it’s amazing that when you pursue something you really want, you get to be introduced to people who are in that industry who help you improve and even give you more opportunities to shoot. When I think about this and apply what I’ve learned from a workshop I’m attending, it really is true that when you want something so bad, the universe conspires with you to reach them. More importantly is having the focus and the courage to grab every opportunity presented to you towards reaching your goal.

Contrary to popular belief, you are not righteous because you are tolerant. Chances are, if you cannot discriminate between that which is valuable and that which is worthless because of some illusory fear of being labeled intolerant you are probably an idiot. But fear not, an idiot today is called open-minded and in this atrophic society you will be hailed. 

Originally posted on TROE 05/06/09

Stay Klassy, you Krazy Konservatives...wait..

“Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity” – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

So I uploaded a pic from George Stephanapoulous’s blog a few days ago to my facebook page, but thought I might be able to expand on it a little more here. The picture is on the left.

This is truly disgusting – I cropped this pic because a kid is holding the sign. A KID. Republicans complained out of their ears when kids had Obama signs…”they don’t know what they’re saying…” “…they’re being taken advantage of…”

Ted Kennedy is, and always will be a hero of mine. I used to say that Atticus Finch was the reason I wanted to become a lawyer. Ted Kennedy is the reason I want to go into politics. This man fought for these same people who stomp on his memory. These types of images are painful.

Honestly, how many of these “TEA” party protesters make over $50k/year? I’m willing to bet that a good percentage consider themselves middle-class. That’s why they’re “taxed enough already”. Ted Kennedy fought more for the middle class than any other politician on the Hill. He’s the reason that many of these people have health care to begin with.

I also have to comment on just one more thing that I saw in pictures of the angry mob, and that’s the picture you see here. It’s a little pixilated, but for those of you who can’t make it out, I’ll tell you what is says: “trade freedom for security…you will have neither” This paraphrase of a Ben Franklin quote is something I was saying  6 years ago. But for an entirely different reason. I have decided that these people are one of a few things: (a) intellectually dishonest, (b) blissfully ignorant or (c) Intentionally ignorant. Any way you slice it, it ain’t good. Here’s my question, though. I didn’t see these same people when we had rendition, detention without trial, habeas corpus denied, warrantless wiretapping, violations of due process, “free speech” zones…I consider these freedoms traded for “security”. Where where these people then? Ahhh…that’s right…blindly saying, if it keeps us safe, I don’t mind…” and, “I don’t have anything to hide, so why should I worry?”

Kind of touching my earlier rant on conservative LIES regarding healthcare, my dad sent me an “article” by a “journalist” that his friend had given him. Stay tuned for a line by line debunking. Fun!

Question asked by Farah – Aap Ladkiyon ko kaise chedte hain? (Followed by elaborate exercise by guests showing how girls are ched-ed by the guys there)? This was obviously in Jest. nothing serious. But am I wrong in being annoyed at this? God, I am turning into a intolerant (is non-tolerant also the correct word?) bigot.

Does anyone know how to join the karnataka group Ram Sene?

Texas Governor Rick Perry is looking for a third term, but he faces some stiff opposition from within his own party in Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is also running. The race is shaping up to be a microcosm of the national debate over the GOP’s future, with the ultraconservative Perry taking on the more moderate Hutchison. “This is a civil war,” Perry said in an interview with The New York Times, “brother against brother.” Perry drew jeers from critics for flirting with secessionists this year and Hutchison has argued that the governor has shrunk the state’s Republican Party with his antics. “I do not want a governor who is going to narrow our base, make it dwindle,” Hutchison said in a speech this week. “That is what has happened at the national level, and that is not going to happen in Texas.”

Read more at The New York Times

fnord

After a lot of thinking, I’ve decided that Silk Soymilk will be the first product to be introduced on my blog!

I actually like Silk Soymilk a lot.  It has a great, rich taste that runs down smoothly.  Although Silk does offer several different flavors (chocolate, original, unsweetened, vanilla and very vanilla), my personal favorite is the very vanilla.  I have a huge sweet tooth, so this flavor may not be for everyone   I haven’t ran into any problems with this product yet and I hope I don’t either!

Website: http://www.silksoymilk.com/

Rating: 5 out of 5

Tonight we’re going to see the much celebrated and hopefully not overrated movie, Julie & Julia. I was not too much of a fan of Julia Child’s TV show, but I was absolutely a fan of her excellent cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking and I am a fan of Meryl Streep.

The movie, I’ve read, is a flattering portrayal of Julia Child and her evolution into The French Chef. She was alive when Julie began her blogging adventure and according to one article, Child thought she was being ripped off. According to another article she felt Powell was mocking her, that Julie was not taking cooking seriously. The article ended by saying that Julia didn’t “suffer fools gladly.”

Man, I haven’t heard that expression in quite some time! It brought back memories of the last time I heard that quote. I was in the Grand Canyon and my friend was explaining to me her intolerance of stupid people. “I don’t suffer fools gladly,” she said. Huh. For the rest of the trip I watched this woman do and say everything she said she hated in others.

Read on.

When I was living in Virginia one of my favorite chefs also loved to write. He mailed out a newsletter with stories and recipes. He had a flair for writing and was a culinary artist.

One of my favorite stories was about his once-in-a-lifetime chance in the kitchen with THE Julia Child. He had been invited along with a few other chefs to cook with the living legend. Huge honor! He wrote about it with all the excitement of a little boy on Christmas Eve. He also wrote about it afterwards. I wish I still had the article so I could quote directly from it, because even though it was 20+ years ago, it still makes me laugh.

Sadly, he was reminded that our idols always have clay feet. Apparently, JC was rather a Nazi in the kitchen and not too impressed with these subordinates. She chided them repeatedly for various atrocities and transgressions that annoyed her, especially the disgusting habit so many ‘cooks’ have of testing a dish to see what it needs and then the putting the same spoon back into the pan instead of replacing it with a new one.

She came to his area where he was stirring a sauce. She, the great Julia Child, took the spoon, stirred it, tasted the sauce, complimented him and put the spoon back in the pan!

He ended his newsletter with those horrified italics, but I’m not through.

I’ve seen it too many times. People start out innocently enough, most of the time with good intentions, but then as they grow in popularity, they begin to take themselves too seriously and the ego takes over. Arrogance and intolerance are not signs that you are in the presence of a superior being. On the contrary, you are in the presence of someone who is intolerant and arrogant.

It’s that simple.