yes thats me, first row to see van-she

strangers talk, be careful what you feel

The presets Apocalypto concert, brisbane June 7, best night of my life so far. it was actally so amazing, like van she was right there, meters away! i would upload all the pictures i took… but im just too lazy! cant wait until van-she tech come to adelaide, so i can stalk them .. not realy but im going to attmpt to get into fowlers (thats where they are playing) it shouldnt be too hard, especially if i find myself a fake id. euugh tomorrow i have my maths exam :| failure is on the way kids, xx

Internationally renowned architect Antonio Gaudi was hit by streetcar while crossing the street in Barcelona on June 7, 1926. He died three days later.

With one of the most recognizable architectural styles in the world, Gaudi’s artistic flair extended to all aspects of his life, including the combover he sported from his early days until the day he died.

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that elected judges must step aside from cases when large campaign contributions from interested parties create the appearance of bias.

By a 5-4 vote in a case from West Virginia, the court said that a judge who remained involved in a lawsuit filed against the company of the most generous supporter of his election deprived the other side of the constitutional right to a fair trial.

With multimillion-dollar judicial election campaigns on the rise, the court’s decision Monday could have widespread significance. Justice at Stake, which tracks campaign spending in judicial elections, says judges are elected in 39 states and that candidates for the highest state courts have raised more than $168 million since 2000.

The West Virginia case involved more than $3 million spent by the chief executive of Massey Energy Co. to help elect state Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin. At the same time, Massey was appealing a verdict, which now totals $82.7 million with interest, in a dispute with a local coal company. Benjamin refused to step aside from the case, despite repeated requests, and was part of a 3-2 decision to overturn the verdict.

The coal company, Harman Mining Co., and its president, Hugh Caperton, took the case to the high court.

”Not every campaign contribution by a litigant or attorney creates a probability of bias that requires a judge’s recusal, but this is an exceptional case,” Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his opinion for the court.

Justices Stephen Breyer, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, David Souter and John Paul Stevens joined Kennedy’s opinion.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in dissent that he shares concerns about maintaining an impartial judiciary. ”But I fear that the court’s decision will undermine rather than promote these values,” Roberts said.

Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas also dissented.

__________

See also:

The Supreme Court’s decision in Caperton v. A.T. Massey Coal

http://www.supremecourtus.gov/opinions/08pdf/08-22.pdf

__________

Full article: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/06/08/us/AP-US-Supreme-Court-Judicial-Ethics.html?hp

Photo: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124447000965394255.html

__________

See also:

Case May Alter Judge Elections Across Country

http://abluteau.wordpress.com/2009/02/14/case-may-alter-judge-elections-across-country/

__________

See also:

Court Rules Against Massey Unit in Judicial-Bias Case

A divided U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that a West Virginia justice shouldn’t have participated in state court decisions overturning a $50 million judgment against A.T. Massey Coal Co., whose chief executive had been a major financial supporter of the justice’s campaign for office.

The court ruled 5-4 that West Virginia Justice Brent Benjamin should have recused himself from the cases because the A.T. Massey campaign contributions, which totaled more than $3 million, created a serious risk that Mr. Benjamin would be biased in the case.

Justice Anthony Kennedy said campaign contributions made by A.T. Massey’s chief executive, Don Blankenship, came at a time when the company had a vested stake in the composition of the West Virginia high court.

“Just as no man is allowed to be a judge in his own cause, similar fears of bias can arise when…a man chooses the judge in his own cause,” Mr. Kennedy wrote. “And applying this principle to the judicial election process, there was a serious, objective risk of actual bias that required Justice Benjamin’s recusal.”

The Supreme Court’s four-member liberal wing joined the moderate conservative Mr. Kennedy in ruling against Massey.

The decision creates a new constitutional recusal standard for judges who take contributions to fund their election campaigns.

West Virginia, like 38 other states, elects its judges rather than appointing them to lifetime tenures.

The court’s four most conservative justices dissented, saying the decision created an unworkable rule for when judges should step aside.

“This will inevitably lead to an increase in allegations that judges are biased, however groundless those charges may be,” Chief Justice John Roberts wrote in dissent.

Mr. Benjamin twice was the deciding vote in West Virginia high-court rulings that threw out the judgment against A.T. Massey, a unit of Massey Energy Co.

The $50 million verdict stems from a business-fraud lawsuit filed against A.T. Massey by Harman Development Corp., a privately held mining company based in Beckley, W.Va.

Mr. Blankenship’s contributions to Mr. Benjamin’s 2004 campaign for the state high court represented more than half of the campaign funds for Mr. Benjamin’s election bid.

Monday’s Supreme Court decision reversed the West Virginia court ruling for Massey and sent the case back for further proceedings.

Massey Energy, in a statement, said, “While we are disappointed in the outcome of the Court’s close vote, our outlook about the ultimate resolution of this legal matter remains positive. We are confident that the Harman case was properly decided by the West Virginia Supreme Court initially and believe that any new examination of the same facts and same laws by new justices should yield the same result as before.”

White House Asked to Weigh In on Vaccine Suit

The court Monday also asked the Obama administration to weigh in on whether a Georgia family should be able to bring a product-liability lawsuit against vaccine makers Wyeth and GlaxoSmithKline PLC.

The drug makers say the lawsuit should be barred by a federal law that shields vaccine manufacturers from legal liability.

At issue is a lawsuit by Georgia parents who alleged that their son suffered severe neurological disorders after receiving several vaccines that used thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative. The Georgia Supreme Court allowed the lawsuit to go forward for a determination of whether there were design defects in the vaccines.

Wyeth and Glaxo said the Georgia court ruling, if not reversed, could prompt a wave of lawsuits against vaccine makers.

The U.S. Supreme Court Monday delayed a decision on whether to hear the case. It asked the U.S. solicitor general, the government’s lawyer at the Supreme Court, to file a written brief expressing the government’s position on the issues in the case.

Former Tyco Executives’ Appeal Declined

Also Monday, the court refused to hear an appeal from two former top executives of Tyco International Ltd. that challenges their convictions for fraud and larceny involving more than $100 million in bonuses.

The justices’ action ends the effort by Tyco’s former CEO L. Dennis Kozlowski and former Financial Chief Mark Swartz to overturn their convictions. They are serving prison terms of 8 1/3 to 25 years for taking unauthorized pay.

Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell

The court Monday also turned down a challenge to the Pentagon policy forbidding gays and lesbians from serving openly in the military, granting a request by the Obama administration.

The court said it won’t hear an appeal from former Army Capt. James Pietrangelo II, who was dismissed under the military’s “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The federal appeals court in Boston earlier threw out a lawsuit filed by Capt. Pietrangelo and 11 other veterans. He was the only member of that group who asked the high court to rule that the Clinton-era policy is unconstitutional.

Other Actions

In other actions Monday, the court:

• ruled unanimously that the current Iraqi government can’t be held responsible in U.S. courts for the acts of Saddam Hussein’s regime.
• is staying out a fight between Illinois’s casinos and horse tracks over a state law that cropped up in the impeachment and indictment of former Gov. Rod Blagojevich.
• said a military court can re-examine the guilty plea for a Nigerian-born serviceman who faces deportation because of his conviction.
• turned down an appeal from Indian tribes that want to block expansion of an Arizona ski resort on a mountain they consider sacred.
• won’t consider making changes to the sentence of a radical environmentalist linked to multiple arsons across the West.

__________

Full article: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124447000965394255.html

The Phillies showed a national television audience what kind of team they are today, defeating Randy Wolf and the Dodgers 7-2 and settling for a series split in Los Angeles. Though the season series between these two has wrapped up before the All-Star break, the past four days leave a lot of baseball fans thinking October Preview.

||| BOX SCORE ||| DASH’S RECAP |||

I’ll say this, and leave you to peruse the fine print: Lidge probably shouldn’t have had that many save situations to pitch, whether he blew the save or not. Today’s solid offense makes my point: few men left on base when (excluding Werth and Utley 0-fers) the team is getting hits and solid starting pitching equals 4+ run leads equals give Lidgey a goddamned day off, fellas.

And I’d like to point out that Feliz and Ruiz are holding it down thus far this season, with batting averages of .306 and .309, respectively. A clutch-hitting bottom-of-the-order can keep the rest of the team fresh throughout a season and deep into the fall.

Feliz, you kick ass. Chooch, you’re the man.  And for your jonron and 3 RBIs, I saw to it that you got your just desserts. Enjoy.

- TUG HAINES (@mistertug)

I’ve often wondered what makes Rock Band so much fun.  Is it because you can show off talent?  No!  Is it because you can pretend to have talent?  Not really.  Is it because you can pretend that you aren’t really tone death? Yeah, that might be closer to the truth.  With out further ado, here is Drew and Trent performing “Living on a Prayer”:

If you are new to shopping at Walgreens or using coupons, please read the notes at the end of the post.  Here are the deals I see this week:

Register Reward (RR) Deals

Kellogg’s cereal (Special K and other select varieties), 3/$10

Buy 3, Use 3 $1.00/1 coupons from 6/07 RP, Get $3 RR

= $4.00 for 3 ($1.33 ea) after RR

*

Gillette Shampoo or Body Wash 12-12.2 oz, 2/$8

Buy 2, Use 2 $1.00/1 coupons from 6/07 PG, Get $3 RR

= $3.00 for 2 ($1.50 ea) after RR

*

Playtex Gentle Glide or Sport tampons 16-18 ct, 2/$8

Buy 2, Use 2 $1.00/1 coupons from 3/22 or 6/07 SS, Get $2 RR

= $4.00 for 2 ($2.00 ea) after RR

*

All laundry detergent and Snuggle liquid fabric softener, $4.49

Buy 3, Get $5 RR

Best Deal:

Buy 2 All and 1 Snuggle = $13.47

Use $1.00/2 All coupon from 5/10 RP & $.50/1 Snuggle coupon from 5/17 RP, Get $5 RR

= $6.97 for 3 ($2.32 ea) after RR

*

Purex Complete 3-in-1 laundry detergent sheets 20 loads, $5.99

Use $1.00/1 coupon here, Get $2 RR

= $2.99 after RR

*

Gillette Fusion or Venus Embrace or Spa razor, $9.49

Use $4.00/1 Fusion or $2.00/1 Venus coupon on from 6/07 PG, Get $2.50 RR

= $2.99 Fusion or $4.99 Venus after RR (Note: CVS has a better deal this week.  See post here.)

*

Sales & Store Coupons

Walgreens brand blood glucose monitoring systems

Select models free after mail in rebate (see ad)

= FREE after MIR

*

Mars select candy bars, 2/$1 with in-ad coupon

Use BOGO coupon from 5/17 RP

= $.50 for 2 ($.25 ea)

*

Palmolive dish liquid, $.99 with in-ad coupon

Use $.25/1 coupon from 6/07 SS

= $.74

*

Stayfree, Carefree, o.b products (select sizes), $3 off with in-ad coupon

Use $2.00/2 Stayfree, $1.00/2 Carefree, or $1.00/1 o.b. coupon from 4/26 RP

= Price varies

—————————-

If you are new to shopping at Walgreens, go here to find out how to get started.

Notes about coupons:

These are the abbreviations I use for the names of the coupon inserts: SS-Smart Source, RP-Red Plum, PG-Procter & Gamble, GM- General Mills.

When you are printing a coupon online, you can usually print the coupon then use your browser’s back button to print it a second time.  Two is usually the maximum number allowed per computer, but if you have a second computer you can print more.

Note: Below is the full text of President Barak Obama’s speech at Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt, June 4, 2009.

(As transcribed by HeadsUpUSA)

Thank you very much.

Good afternoon.

I am honored to be in the timeless city of Cairo and to be hosted by two remarkable institutions. For over a thousand years, Al-Azhar has stood as a beacon of Islamic learning and for over a century Cairo University has been a source of Egypt’s advancement and together you represent the harmony between tradition and progress. I’m grateful for your hospitality and the hospitality of the people of Egypt. And I’m also proud to carry with me the goodwill of the American people and a greeting of peace from Muslim communities in my country “As-Salāmu `Alaykum”. (Applause)

We meet at a time of great tension between the United States and Muslims around the world – tension rooted in historical forces that go beyond any current policy debate. The relationship between Islam and the West includes centuries of coexistence and cooperation, but also conflict and religious wars.

More recently, tension has been fed by colonialism that denied rights and opportunities to many Muslims and a cold war in which Muslim-majority countries were too often treated as proxies without regard to their own aspirations. Moreover, the sweeping change brought by modernity and globalization led many Muslims to view the West as hostile to the traditions of Islam.

Violent extremists have exploited these tensions in a small but potent minority of Muslims. The attacks of September 11, 2001, and the continued efforts of these extremists to engage in violence against civilians has led some in my country to view Islam as inevitably hostile, not only to America and Western countries, but also to human rights. All this has bred more fear and more mistrust.

So long as our relationship is defined by our differences, we will empower those who sow hatred rather than peace – those who promote conflict rather than the cooperation that can help all of our people achieve justice and prosperity. And this cycle of suspicion and discord must end.

I’ve come here to Cairo to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world, one based on mutual interest and mutual respect and one based upon the truth that America and Islam are not exclusive and need not be in competition. Instead, they overlap, and share common principles — principles of justice and progress, tolerance and the dignity of all human beings. I do so recognizing that change cannot happen overnight.

I know there’s been a lot of publicity about this speech, but no single speech can eradicate years of mistrust. Nor can I answer in the time that I have this afternoon all the complex questions that brought us to this point, but I am convinced that in order to move forward we must say openly to each other the things we hold in our hearts and that too often are said only behind closed doors.

There must be a sustained effort to listen to each other, to learn from each other, to respect one another and to seek common ground.

As the Holy Koran tells us, “Be conscious of God and speak always the truth”. (Applause) That is what I will try to do today – to speak the truth as best I can, humbled by the task before us and firm in my belief that the interests we share as human beings are far more powerful than the forces that drive us apart.

Now part of this conviction is rooted in my own experience. I’m a Christian. But my father came from a Kenyan family that includes generations of Muslims. As a boy, I spent several years in Indonesia and heard the call of the adzan at the break of dawn and at the fall of dusk. As a young man, I worked in Chicago communities where many found dignity and peace in their Muslim faith.

As a student of history I also know civilization’s debt to Islam. It was Islam at places like Al-Azhar, that carried the light of learning through so many centuries paving the way for Europe’s Renaissance and Enlightenment. It was innovation in Muslim communities (Applause) – it was innovation in Muslim communities that developed the order of algebra, our magnetic compass and tools of navigation; our mastery of pens and printing; our understanding of how disease spreads and how it can be healed. Islamic culture has given us majestic arches and soaring spires; timeless poetry and cherished music; elegant calligraphy and places of peaceful contemplation. And throughout history Islam has demonstrated through words and deeds the possibilities of religious tolerance and racial equality. (Applause)

I also know that Islam has always been a part of America’s story. The first nation to recognize my country was Morocco. In signing the Treaty of Tripoli in 1796 our second president, John Adams, wrote, “The United States has in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Muslims.”

And since our founding, American Muslims have enriched the United States. They have fought in our wars. They have served in our government. They have stood for civil rights. They have started businesses. They have taught at our universities. They’ve excelled in our sports arenas. They’ve won Nobel Prizes, built our tallest building and lit the Olympic Torch. And when the first Muslim-American was recently elected to Congress he took the oath to defend our constitution using the same Holy Koran that one of our Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, kept in his personal library. (Applause)

So I have known Islam on three continents before coming to the region where it was first revealed. That experience guides my conviction that partnership between America and Islam must be based on what Islam is, not what it isn’t. And I consider it part of my responsibility as President of the United States to fight against negative stereotypes of Islam wherever they appear. (Applause)

But that same principle must apply to Muslim perceptions of America. (Applause) Just as Muslims do not fit a crude stereotype, America is not the crude stereotype of a self-interested empire.

The United States has been one of the greatest sources of progress that the world has ever known. We were born out of revolution against an empire. We were founded upon the ideal that all are created equal and we have shed blood and struggled for centuries to give meaning to those words – within our borders, and around the world. We are shaped by every culture, drawn from every end of the earth, and dedicated to a simple concept “E pluribus unum” – “Out of many, one.”

Now much has been made of the fact that an African-American with the name Barack Hussein Obama could be elected President. (Applause) But my personal story is not so unique. The dream of opportunity for all people has not come true for everyone in America, but its promise exists for all who come to our shores – and that includes nearly 7 million American Muslims in our country today who, by the way, enjoy incomes and educational levels that are higher than the American average. (Applause)

Moreover, freedom in America is indivisible from the freedom to practice one’s religion. That is why there is a mosque in every state in our union and over twelve thousand mosques within our borders. That’s why the United States government has gone to court to protect the right of women and girls to wear the hijab and to punish those who would deny it. (Applause)

So let there be no doubt, let there be no doubt Islam is a part of America and I believe that America holds within her the truth that regardless of race, religion or station in life, all of us share common aspirations – to live in peace and security, to get an education and to work with dignity, to love our families, our communities, and our God. These things we share. This is the hope of all humanity.

Of course, recognizing our common humanity is only the beginning of our task. Words alone cannot meet the needs of our people. These needs will be met only if we act boldly in the years ahead and if we understand that the challenges we face are shared and our failure to meet them will hurt us all.

For we have learned from recent experience that when a financial system weakens in one country, prosperity is hurt everywhere. When a new flu infects one human being, all are at risk. When one nation pursues a nuclear weapon, the risk of nuclear attack rises for all nations. When violent extremists operate in one stretch of mountains, people are endangered across an ocean. When innocents in Bosnia and Darfur are slaughtered, that is a stain on our collective conscience. (Applause) That is what it means to share this world in the twenty-first century. That is the responsibility we have to one another as human beings. This is a difficult responsibility to embrace – for human history has often been a record of nations and tribes – and, yes, religions – subjugating one another in pursuit of their own interests.

Yet in this new age such attitudes are self-defeating. Given our interdependence, any world order that elevates one nation or group of people over another will inevitably fail. So whatever we think of the past we must not be prisoners to it. Our problems must be dealt with through partnership. Our progress must be shared. (Applause)

Now, that does not mean we should ignore sources of tension. Indeed, it suggests the opposite. We must face these tensions squarely and so, in that spirit, let me speak as clearly and as plainly as I can about some specific issues that I believe we must finally confront together.

The first issue that we have to confront is violent extremism in all of its forms.

In Ankara, I made clear that America is not, and never will be, at war with Islam. (Applause) We will, however, relentlessly confront violent extremists who pose a grave threat to our security because we reject the same thing that people of all faiths reject – the killing of innocent men, women and children. And it is my first duty as president to protect the American people.

The situation in Afghanistan demonstrates America’s goals and our need to work together. Over seven years ago, the United States pursued al Qaida and the Taliban with broad international support. We did not go by choice, we went because of necessity.

I’m aware that there’s still some who would question or even justify the events of 9/11. But let us be clear – al Qaida killed nearly three thousand people on that day. The victims were innocent men, women and children from America and many other nations who had done nothing to harm anybody. And yet al Qaida chose to ruthlessly murder these people, claimed credit for the attack and even now states their determination to kill on a massive scale. They have affiliates in many countries and are trying to expand their reach. These are not opinions to be debated. These are facts to be dealt with.

Now, make no mistake, we do not want to keep our troops in Afghanistan. We see no military, we seek no military bases there. It is agonizing for America to lose our young men and women. It is costly and politically difficult to continue this conflict. We would gladly bring every single one of our troops home – if we could be confident that there were not violent extremists in Afghanistan, and now Pakistan, determined to kill as many Americans as they possibly can.

But that is not yet the case. That’s why we’re partnering with a coalition of forty-six countries and, despite the costs involved, America’s commitment will not weaken. Indeed, none of us should tolerate these extremists. They have killed in many countries. They have killed people of different faiths; but, more than any other they have killed Muslims. Their actions are irreconcilable with the rights of human beings, the progress of nations and with Islam. The Holy Koran teaches that whoever kills an innocent is as, it is as if he has killed all mankind. (Applause) And the Holy Koran also says whoever saves a person, it is as if he has saved all mankind. (Applause) The enduring faith of over a billion people is so much bigger than the narrow hatred of a few. Islam is not part of the problem in combating violent extremism. It is an important part of promoting peace.

Now, we also know that military power alone is not going to solve the problems in Afghanistan and Pakistan. That’s why we plan to invest one point five billion dollars each year over the next five years to partner with Pakistanis to build schools and hospitals, roads and businesses and hundreds of millions to help those who’ve been displaced. That’s why we are providing more than two point eight billion dollars to help Afghans develop their economy and deliver services that people depend on.

Let me also address the issue of Iraq.

Unlike Afghanistan, Iraq was a war of choice that provoked strong differences in my country and around the world. Although I believe that the Iraqi people are ultimately better off without the tyranny of Saddam Hussein, I also believe that events in Iraq have reminded America of the need to use diplomacy and build international consensus to resolve our problems whenever possible. (Applause) Indeed, we can recall the words of Thomas Jefferson, who said, “I hope that our wisdom will grow with our power and teach us that the less we use our power the greater it will be.”.

Today, America has a dual responsibility – to help Iraq forge a better future and to leave Iraq to Iraqis. And I have made it clear to the Iraqi people (Applause) – I have made it clear to the Iraqi people that we pursue no bases and no claim on their territory or resources. Iraq’s sovereignty is its own. And that’s why I ordered the removal of our combat brigades by next August. That is why we will honor our agreement with Iraq’s democratically-elected government to remove combat troops from Iraqi cities by July and to remove all of our troops from Iraq by twenty-twelve. (Applause) We will help Iraq train its security forces and develop its economy, but we will support a secure and united Iraq as a partner and never as a patron.

And, finally – just as America can never tolerate violence by extremists – we must never alter or forget our principles. 9/11 was an enormous trauma to our country. The fear and anger that it provoked was understandable. But, in some cases, it led us to act contrary to our traditions and our ideals.

We are taking concrete actions to change course. I have unequivocally prohibited the use of torture by the United States and I have ordered the prison at Guantanamo Bay closed by early next year. (Applause)

So America will defend itself – respectful of the sovereignty of nations and the rule of law. And we will do so in partnership with Muslim communities which are also threatened. The sooner the extremists are isolated and unwelcome in Muslim communities, the sooner we will all be safer.

The second major source of tension that we need to discuss is the situation between Israelis, Palestinians and the Arab world.

America’s strong bonds with Israel are well known. This bond is unbreakable. It is based upon cultural and historical ties and the recognition that the aspiration for a Jewish homeland is rooted in a tragic history that cannot be denied.

Around the world, the Jewish people were persecuted for centuries and anti-Semitism in Europe culminated in an unprecedented Holocaust. Tomorrow, I will visit Buchenwald – which was part of a network of camps where Jews were enslaved, tortured, shot and gassed to death by the Third Reich. Six million Jews were killed – more than the entire Jewish population of Israel today. Denying that fact is baseless, it is ignorant and it is hateful. Threatening Israel with destruction – or repeating vile stereotypes about Jews – is deeply wrong and only serves to evoke in the minds of Israelis this most painful of memories while preventing the peace that the people of this region deserve.

On the other hand, it is also undeniable that the Palestinian people – Muslims and Christians – have suffered in pursuit of a homeland. For more than sixty years they’ve endured the pain of dislocation. Many wait in refugee camps in the West Bank, Gaza and neighboring lands for a life of peace and security that they have never been able to lead. They endure the daily humiliations, large and small, that come with occupation. So let there be no doubt, the situation for the Palestinian people is intolerable and America will not turn our backs on the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for dignity, opportunity and a state of their own. (Applause)

For decades, then, there has been a stalemate, two peoples with legitimate aspirations, each with a painful history that makes compromise elusive. It’s easy to point fingers – for Palestinians to point to the displacement brought about by Israel’s founding and for Israelis to point to the constant hostility and attacks throughout its history from within its borders as well as beyond. But if we see this conflict only from one side or the other, then we will be blind to the truth. The only resolution is for the aspirations of both sides to be met through two states where Israelis and Palestinians each live in peace and security. (Applause) That is in Israel’s interest, Palestine’s interest, America’s interest and the world’s interest and that is why I intend to personally pursue this outcome with all the patience and dedication that the task requires. (Applause) The obligations – the obligations that the parties have agreed to under the road map are clear. For peace to come, it is time for them – and all of us – to live up to our responsibilities.

Palestinians must abandon violence. Resistance through violence and killing is wrong and it does not succeed. For centuries, Black people in America suffered the lash of the whip as slaves and the humiliation of segregation, but it was not violence that won full and equal rights. It was a peaceful and determined insistence upon the ideals at the center of America’s founding.

This same story can be told by people from South Africa to South Asia, from Eastern Europe to Indonesia. It’s a story with a simple truth – violence is a dead end. It is a sign neither of courage nor power to shoot rockets at sleeping children or to blow up old women on a bus. That’s not how moral authority is claimed, that’s how it is surrendered.

Now is the time for Palestinians to focus on what they can build. The Palestinian Authority must develop its capacity to govern with institutions that serve the needs of its people. Hamas does have support among some Palestinians, but they also have to recognize they have responsibilities. To play a role in fulfilling Palestinian aspirations, to unify the Palestinian people Hamas must put an end to violence, recognize past agreements, recognize Israel’s right to exist.

At the same time, Israelis must acknowledge that just as Israel’s right to exist cannot be denied, neither can Palestine’s. The United States does not accept the legitimacy of continued Israeli settlements. (Applause) This construction violates previous agreements and undermines efforts to achieve peace. It is time for these settlements to stop. (Applause)

And Israel must also live up to its obligation to ensure that Palestinians can live and work and develop their society. Just as it devastates Palestinian families, the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza does not serve Israel’s security. Neither does the continuing lack of opportunity in the West Bank. Progress in the daily lives of the Palestinian people must be a critical part of a road to peace and Israel must take concrete steps to enable such progress.

And, finally, the Arab states must recognize that the Arab Peace Initiative was an important beginning, but not the end of their responsibilities. The Arab-Israeli conflict should no longer be used to distract the people of Arab nations from other problems. Instead, it must be a cause for action to help the Palestinian people develop the institutions that will sustain their state, to recognize Israel’s legitimacy and to choose progress over a self-defeating focus on the past.

America will align our policies with those who pursue peace and we will say in public what we say in private to Israelis and Palestinians and Arabs (Applause) we cannot impose peace. But privately many Muslims recognize that Israel will not go away. Likewise, many Israelis recognize the need for a Palestinian state.

It is time for us to act on what everyone knows to be true. Too many tears have been shed. Too much blood has been shed. All of us have a responsibility to work for the day when the mothers of Israelis and Palestinians can see their children grow up without fear, when the Holy Land of the three great faiths is the place of peace that God intended it to be, when Jerusalem is a secure and lasting home for Jews and Christians and Muslims and a place for all of the children of Abraham to mingle peacefully together as in the story of Isra (Applause) – as in the story of Isra, when Moses, Jesus and Mohammed, peace be upon them, joined in prayer. (Applause)

The third source of tension is our shared interest in the rights and responsibilities of nations on nuclear weapons.

This issue has been a source of tension between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran. For many years Iran has defined itself in part by its opposition to my country and there is in fact a tumultuous history between us.

In the middle of the Cold War, the United States played a role in the overthrow of a democratically-elected Iranian government. Since the Islamic Revolution, Iran has played a role in acts of hostage-taking and violence against U.S. troops and civilians. This history is well known.

Rather than remain trapped in the past, I’ve made it clear to Iran’s leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward. The question now is not what Iran is against, but rather what future it wants to build.

I recognize it will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve. There will be many issues to discuss between our two countries and we are willing to move forward without preconditions on the basis of mutual respect.

But it is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point. This is not simply about America’s interests, it’s about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path.

I understand those who protest that some countries have weapons that others do not. No single nation should pick and choose which nation holds nuclear weapons and that’s why I strongly reaffirmed America’s commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons. (Applause) And any nation, including Iran, should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power – if it complies with its responsibilities under the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. That commitment is at the core of the Treaty and it must be kept for all who fully abide by it. And I’m hopeful that all countries in the region can share in this goal.

The fourth issue that I will address is democracy. (Applause)

I know, I know there has been controversy about the promotion of democracy in recent years and much of this controversy is connected to the war in Iraq. So let me be clear – no system of government can or should be imposed by one nation by any other. That does not lessen my commitment, however, to governments that reflect the will of the people.

Each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election. But, I do have an unyielding belief that all people yearn for certain things – the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed – confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice – government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people – the freedom to live as you choose. These are not just American ideas, they are human rights and that is why we will support them everywhere. (Applause)

Now, there is no straight line to realize this promise, but this much is clear – governments that protect these rights are ultimately more stable, successful and secure. Suppressing ideas never succeeds in making them go away. America, America respects the right of all peaceful and law-abiding voices to be heard around the world – even if we disagree with them. And we will welcome all elected, peaceful governments, provided they govern with respect for all their people.

This last point is important because there are some who advocate for democracy only when they’re out of power. Once in power, they are ruthless in suppressing the rights of others. (Applause) So no matter where it takes hold, government of the people and by the people sets a single standard for all who would hold power. You must maintain your power through consent, not coercion. You must respect the rights of minorities and participate with a spirit of tolerance and compromise. You must place the interests of your people and the legitimate workings of the political process above your party. Without these ingredients, elections alone do not make true democracy.

Audience (Inaudible)

President Obama: Thank you. (Applause)

The fifth issue that we must address together is religious freedom.

Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance. We see it in the history of Andalucía and Cordoba during the Inquisition. I saw it first-hand as a child in Indonesia where devout Christians worshiped freely in an overwhelmingly Muslim country. That is the spirit we need today. People in every country should be free to choose and live their faith based upon the persuasion of the mind and the heart and the soul. This tolerance is essential for religion to thrive, but it’s being challenged – in many different ways.

Among some Muslims there’s a disturbing tendency to measure one’s own faith by the rejection of somebody else’s faith. The richness of religious diversity must be upheld, whether it is for Maronites in Lebanon or the Copts in Egypt. (Applause) And if we are being honest, fault lines must be closed among Muslims as well – as the divisions between Sunni and Shiia have led to tragic violence, particularly in Iraq.

Freedom of religion is central to the ability of peoples to live together. We must always examine the ways in which we protect it. For instance, in the United States rules on charitable giving have made it harder for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligation. That’s why I’m committed to working with American Muslims to ensure that they can fulfill Zakat.

Likewise, it is important for Western countries to avoid impeding Muslim citizens from practicing religion as they see fit. For instance, by dictating what clothes a Muslim woman should wear. We can’t disguise hostility towards any religion behind the pretence of liberalism. In fact, faith should bring us together and that’s why we’re forging service projects in America to bring together Christians, Muslims, and Jews. That’s why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah’s interfaith dialogue and Turkey’s leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. Around the world, we can turn dialogue into interfaith service so bridges between peoples lead to action — whether it is combating Malaria in Africa or providing relief after a natural disaster.

The sixth issue, the sixth issue that I want to address is women’s rights. (Applause)

I know, I know, and you can tell from this audience that there is a healthy debate about this issue. I reject the view of some in the West that a woman who chooses to cover her hair is somehow less equal, but I do believe that a woman who is denied an education is denied equality. (Applause) And it is no coincidence that countries where women are well educated are far more likely to be prosperous. Now, let me be clear. Issues of women’s equality are by no means simply an issue for Islam. In Turkey, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, we’ve seen Muslim-majority countries elect a woman to lead. Meanwhile, the struggle for women’s equality continues in many aspects of American life and in countries around the world. I am convinced that our daughters can contribute just as much to society as our sons. (Applause) Our common prosperity will be advanced by allowing all humanity – men and women – to reach their full potential.

I do not believe that women must make the same choices as men in order to be equal and I respect those women who choose to live their lives in traditional roles, but it should be their choice. And that is why the United States will partner with any Muslim-majority country to support expanded literacy for girls and to help young women pursue employment through micro-financing that helps people live their dreams. (Applause)

Finally, I want to discuss economic development and opportunity.

I know that for many the face of globalization is contradictory. The internet and television can bring knowledge and information, but also offensive sexuality and mindless violence into the home. Trade can bring new wealth and opportunities, but also huge disruptions and change in communities. In all nations, including America, this change can bring fear – fear that because of modernity we lose control over our economic choices, our politics and – most importantly, our identities – those things we most cherish about our communities, our families, our traditions, and our faith. But I also know that human progress cannot be denied. There need not be contradictions between development and tradition. Countries like Japan and South Korea grew their economies enormously while maintaining distinct cultures. The same is true for the astonishing progress within Muslim-majority countries from Kuala Lumpur to Dubai.

In ancient times and in our times, Muslim communities have been at the forefront of innovation and education. And this is important because no development strategy can be based only upon what comes out of the ground, nor can it be sustained while young people are out of work. Many gulf states have enjoyed great wealth as a consequence of oil and some are beginning to focus it on broader development, but all of us must recognize that education and innovation will be the currency of the twenty-first century. (Applause) And in too many Muslim communities, there remains under-investment in these areas. I’m emphasizing such investment within my own country. And, while America in the past has focused on oil and gas when it comes to this part of the world, we now seek a broader engagement.

On education, we will expand exchange programs and increase scholarships, like the one that brought my father to America. (Applause) At the same time, we will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America, invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world and create a new online network so a young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo.

On economic development we will create a new corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Muslim-majority countries and I will host a summit on entrepreneurship this year to identify how we can deepen ties between business leaders, foundations and social entrepreneurs in the United States and Muslim communities around the world.

On science and technology, we will launch a new fund to support technological development in Muslim-majority countries and to help transfer ideas to the marketplace so they can create more jobs. We’ll open centers of scientific excellence in Africa, the Middle East and Southeast Asia and appoint new science envoys to collaborate on programs that develop new sources of energy, create green jobs, digitize records, clean water, grow new crops. Today I’m announcing a new global effort with the Organization of the Islamic Conference to eradicate polio and we will also expand partnerships with Muslim communities to promote, uh, child and maternal health. All these things must be done in partnership.

Americans are ready to join with citizens and governments, community organizations, religious leaders and businesses in Muslim communities around the world to help our people pursue a better life.

The issues that I have described will not be easy to address, but we have a responsibility to join together on behalf of the world that we seek – a world where extremists no longer threaten our people and American troops have come home – a world where Israelis and Palestinians are each secure in a state of their own and nuclear energy is used for peaceful purposes -a world where governments serve their citizens and the rights of all God’s children are respected. Those are mutual interests. That is the world we seek, but we can only achieve it together.

I know there are many – Muslim and non-Muslim – who question whether we can forge this new beginning. Some are eager to stoke the flames of division and to stand in the way of progress. Some suggest that it isn’t worth the effort – that we are fated to disagree and civilizations are doomed to clash. Many more are simply skeptical that real change can occur. There’s so much fear, so much mistrust that has built up over the years. But if we choose to be bound by the past, we will never move forward. And I want to particularly say this to young people of every faith, in every country – you, more than anyone, have the ability to re-imagine the world, to remake this world.

All of us share this world for but a brief moment in time. The question is whether we spend that time focused on what pushes us apart or whether we commit ourselves to an effort – a sustained effort – to find common ground, to focus on the future we seek for our children and to respect the dignity of all human beings.

It’s easier to start wars than to end them. It’s easier to blame others than to look inward. It’s easier to see what is different about someone than to find the things we share. But we should choose the right path, not just the easy path.

There’s one rule that lies at the heart of every religion – that we do unto others as we would have them do unto us. (Applause) This truth transcends nations and peoples – a belief that isn’t new. – that isn’t black or white or brown – that isn’t Christian or Muslim or Jew. It’s a belief that pulsed in the cradle of civilization and that still beats in the hearts of billions around the world. It’s a faith in other people. And it’s what brought me here today.

We have the power to make the world we seek, but only if we have the courage to make a new beginning – keeping in mind what has been written.

The Holy Koran tells us: “O mankind! We have created you male and a female and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.”

The Talmud tells us: “The whole of the Torah is for the purpose of promoting peace.”

The Holy Bible tells us: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.”
 
(Applause)

The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God’s vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth.

Thank you. And may God’s peace be upon you.

PLAN A: Holy Fuck, Crocodiles @ Casbah–Unlike, say, Bryan Adams and Celine Dion, Holy Fuck will unfortunately never be asked to be Canadian ambassadors. And Crocodiles return after a national tour behind their fantastic debut album and being knighted as the ostensive leaders of the “seedy” San Diego scene by Rolling Stone. PLAN B: Street of Little Girls, Bobby Fantasy, Ded Pigeons @ Ruby Room–The music they have posted on their Myspace doesn’t do Street of Little Girls’ live show  justice. Think Arcade Fire’s more bombastic material mixed with some of the folkiness of Margot and the Nuclear So&So’s and a dose of the piano-based gypsy flavor of The Dresden Dolls and you’re getting close. PLAN C: Addiquit, Telepathic Liberation Army @ Soda Bar–Not exactly hip-hop, not exactly electro, but Addiquit’s grimey tracks has me wondering if one of her tracks isn’t bound to end up on a Diplo mixtape sometime soon. You can download her Scarecrow N Criminal EP for free on her MySpace site. 

Quick Picks (in order of Everyday-is-like-Sundayishness):

FM949 Independence Jam feat. The Black Keys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Dirty Sweet, Scarlet Symphony, Metric, The Creepy Creeps, Dead Confederate, Apes of Wrath @ Oceanside Pier

Fiesta del Sol feat. Donovan Frankenreiter, The Drowning Men, The Devastators, The Mar-Dels, and more @ Solana Beach

“Too Many Creeps” feat. DJ Mario Orduno and friends @ Whistle Stop

Geezer, Rio Peligroso @ Surf N Saddle

The Western Set, Conrad Ford, DJ Gonzobilly @ Beauty Bar

There used to be an Italian restaurant in Brooklyn on the corner of 5th avenue and 20th street.   When I was a little kid my father would take me there every now and then.  I would be in heaven whenever the man they called ‘Gooch’ would come around to get me, hop in a taxi and make our way to Felix’s.  The spaghetti and meatballs were my favorite.

I don’t remember a lot about the place that served some of the best Italian cuisine but I do recall a very attractive waitress who went by the name of Connie.   She was very cordial and sported red hair (like yours truly).   I think she took a liking to me for that exact reason.  Redheads stick together because we understand the verbal abuse bestowed upon us by ball busters.

If you think of the HBO hit series ‘Sopranos’ and the restaurant Artie Bucco owned, you’d get the picture.   Come to think of it, I would notice a lot of guys in there with suits and shiny shoes, whispering to each other.  Yes Virginia, 5th avenue had a lot of Wise guys and wanna-be mobsters.  They came from all over; 21st, Court street, shoot I’m sure they came as far as Bay Ridge.

One night at Felix’s you had the usual suspects.  Me, Gooch and his friend Roger, who happened to be  sitting across from me in the booth.  Like always we were served bread and butter and I was sipping on a coke.

Things were pretty quiet when I overheard some guy at the next table ask someone out loud a baseball trivia question-without hesitating I blurted out the answer.  Everything went silent; I mean real silent. Church quiet, library quiet.   Gooch looked at me, I didn’t know if he was going to scream at me, slap me or was he going to applaud for me.  Nevertheless, I was scared shit.

I glanced over at Roger (who by the way was always nice to me) who was spreading some butter on his bread.  He smiled.  ‘Atta boy kid’. Just like Robert DeNiro in Goodfella’s.

Connie was standing in front of our table with a pitcher of iced cold water and said, “Great job!”

Even the guy with the thick mustache and thick muscles who asked the question was impressed.  “Wow, good answer kid!”

My father, the one person I was looking to for approval/ assurance/acceptance and even some attention, just looked at me and never changed his facial expression…he took a sip of his drink and looked straight ahead.  How did this kid answer that question was his thinking, I’m sure.

I was born on June 7, 1964 to a wonderful mother Carol, God rest her soul and to a father who was just the opposite of what a father was supposed to be.  At the age of five, he left us.  He just got up and left.   My mother did her very best to raise three kids.   On occasion Gooch would come around, but it was nothing to get excited about.   Oftentimes our meeting place was Timboo’s.   One day he mentioned he was going to get me tickets for my birthday, so him and I can go see the Cincinnati Reds and the New York Mets.   Every year I would look at the Mets schedule to see if they were playing at Shea on my birthday; hoping Gooch would get me tickets.   This particular year had the Big Red Machine coming into town on the weekend of June 7th, 8th and 9th.   Connie was a huge Cincinnati Reds fan.

In front of Connie, Gooch mentioned that he was getting me tickets to see the Reds and Mets for my birthday.  I sipped some more coke and smiled.  I was excited.

All week long I was excited.  Telling anyone who would listen I was going to Shea to see the Mets and Reds.   Friday night came, the night we were supposed to take the ‘F’ train to the ‘7′ train and watch Pete Rose, Dave Conception, Tony Perez, Johnny Bench and the rest of the Big Red Machine.

I was sitting in my bedroom staring out the window looking in every direction for Gooch.

No such luck.

Glancing at the clock up on the wall every 15 minutes until I finally gave up; it now read 7:15 which meant the first pitch was going to be thrown in 15 minutes (now way we could make it now)  Instead I turned on channel 9 and watched the game on t.v. (Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Kiner)

Chalk one up for another let down by the man they called Gooch-this time it was on my birthday.

Happy Fuckin’ Birthday!

-Steve

Hoops135@hotmail.com

If you are new to shopping at CVS or using coupons, please see the notes at the end of this post.  The limit on these deals is one, unless otherwise stated.  Here are the deals I see at CVS this week:

Gillette Fusion or Venus Embrace or Spa razor, $7.99

Use $4.00/1 Fusion or $2.00/1 Venus coupon on from 6/07 PG, Get $4 EB

= FREE Fusion or $1.99 Venus after EB

*

Bayer Contour blood glucose monitoring system, $14.99

Get $5 EB, Send off for $9.99 mail in rebate

= FREE after EB and MIR

*

Dawn dish liquid 10.3 oz, 2/$2

Buy 2, Use 2 $.25/1 coupons from 6/07 PG, Get $1 EB

= $.50 for 2 ($.25 ea)

*

Kellogg’s Special K, Frosted Flakes, Mini-Wheats cereal, BOGO (unlimited)

Buy 2 at around $3.59; Use any 2 $1.00/1 coupons from 6/07 RP

= $1.59 for 2 ($.80 ea)

*

Ritz and Wheat Thins crackers 9.5-12 oz, 2/$4 (unlimited)

Buy one of each, Use “Buy one Ritz get a Wheat Thins free” coupon from 5/17 SS

= $2.00 for 2 ($1.00 ea)

*

Always pads 12-24 ct or pantiliners 36-60 ct, 2/$6 (limit 4 offers)

Buy 2, Use $1.00/2 coupon from 6/7 PG, Get $2 EB

= $3.00 for 2 ($1.50 ea) after EB

*

Banana Boat sun care, starting at $7.19

Buy 2 at $7.19, Use 2 $2.00/1 coupons here (or $1.00/1 coupons from 5/03 SS), Get $7 EB

= $3.38 for 2 ($1.69 ea) after EB

*

Garnier Nutritioniste skin care

Spend $20, Get $10 EB

Best Deal:

Buy 2 at $5.99 and 1 for at least $8.02 (as close to $8.02 as possible)

Use 3 $1.00/1 coupons from 4/05 RP (or $1.00/s &/or $3.00/2 coupons from 5/03 RP- select varieties only)

= approx. $7.00 for 3 ($2.33 ea) after EB

*

Coca-Cola cans or Dasani bottles 12 pk, 4/$13

Buy 4, Get $3 EB

= $10 for 4 ($2.50 ea) after EB

*

BOGO on a ten page 6×8” photo book, $12.99 ea

= $12.99 for 2 ($6.50 ea)

[I mentioned this since it is an inexpensive Father’s Day idea]

————————-

If you are new to shopping at CVS, read about it here.  The limit on the CVS offer is 1 unless otherwise stated.

Notes about coupons:

BOGO- buy one get one free

These are the abbreviations I use for the names of the coupon inserts: SS-Smart Source, RP-Red Plum, PG-Procter & Gamble, GM- General Mills.

When you are printing a coupon online, you can usually print the coupon then use your browser’s back button to print it a second time.  Two is usually the maximum number allowed per computer, but if you have a second computer you can print more.

June 7, 1914: Although the Panama Canal does not officially open until August of this year, on this date, the first ship, Alliance,  passes through the locks. The idea of a canal in Panama originated in the sixteenth century. Construction was started by the French in 1880 and completed by the Americans in 1914 after they took over the project in 1904. About 80,000 people worked on the canal. Over 30,000 of them died during construction. The American government spent $352 million on construction of the canal. The combined monies spent by the US and the French was approximately $639 million.

On September 7, 1977, a treaty was signed between Panama and the US transferring ownership and maintenance from the US to Panama. On October 1, 1979, the Panama Canal Treaty returned canal jurisdiction to Panama. The US managed, operated, maintained, and improved the Canal through 1999.

The length of the canal is 46.8 miles. The canal joins the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean. A typical trip through the canal takes about nine hours. It shortens the trip by about 8,000 miles by negating the need for travel around the South American continent. It also keeps ships from having to traverse the Drake Passage and Cape Horn to reach the Pacific Ocean from the Atlantic Ocean. The average toll is around $54,000.

The canal is a booming business. In 2008, 14,702 ships passed through the canal, moving 309.6 million (PC/UMS) tons. It was once estimated that the maximum capacity of the canal was 80 million tons. The canal has now reached maximum capacity and there is difficulty with newer, larger ships fitting through the locks. At the present time, half of all ships already use the full width of the locks. It is thought by 2011, 37% of the container ships on the seas will be too large for the present canal. As a result, there is current construction of another set of locks by the Panamanian government in partnership with the US. The new locks have a proposed cost of $5.25 billion (USD) and should be completed by 2015.

“All the performances of human art, at which we look with praise or wonder, are instances of the resistless force of perseverance; it is by this that the quarry becomes a pyramid, and that distant countries are united with canals.” – Samuel Johnson

“I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast; for I intend to go in harm’s way” – John Paul Jones

“Each of us is carving a stone, erecting a column, or cutting a piece of stained glass in the construction of something much bigger than ourselves.” – Adrienne Clarkson

“If you take advantage of everything America has to offer, there’s nothing you can’t accomplish.” – Geraldine Ferraro

Also on this day, in 1965 birth control was legal (in Connecticut) (for married women).

Today is Sunday, June 7, the 158th day of 2009. There are 207 days left in the year.

Today’s Highlights in History

because there’s nothing better than an ice cream cone on a summer afternoon.

except beer.

it seemed like everywhere we went today people were celebrating national chocolate ice cream day (as they should have been!). we wanted to surprise someone with the gift of chocolate ice cream so we hit up ben and jerry’s thinking that was the perfect spot. but when we got there this little girl was way ahead of us! she’s obviously really smart, and it’s not just because of her awesome glasses. 

we were checking out goudas and vines a few hours later and noticed their tasty looking gelato. there aren’t a lot of places you can go for both wine tasting and gelato, so we were stoked. then we spotted our victims, drew and leslie. so, we somewhat creepily, offered to buy drew some chocolate gelato (come on people gelato counts) and he accepted (because who wouldn’t?)! so we bought him his frozen treat and we didn’t even roofie him. we are so nice. 

we had thought our chocolate celebrations were over when we hit up bodega and low and behold, our bartender was celebrating too! all on his own! we were so proud. 

totes! scream (for ice cream)!

- the calendar girls

uh oh ! here we go, we will be live @ The Fizix. lol !

I’ll be holding an open house this Sunday, June 7 from noon – 4pm at 74 River Dr., Toms River.

This home features 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, a jacuzzi in the master bath, and a full basement. It’s also blocks from The Toms River. Price just recently reduced!

Photo courtesy Hudson Valley Seed Library

Our world is changing so fast that I often have trouble taking it all in and knowing which way to turn. While saving seeds from one year to the next is about as old as agriculture, we can now become a member of a library to check out seeds rather than books.

One such library is the Hudson Valley Seed Library, www.seedlibrary.org, which focuses–as the name suggests–on gathering and saving seeds for plants that are native to the Hudson Valley or thrive in that region without putting the gardener or the earth through contortions.

It’s a locavore’s dream come true. For a mere $20, members receive 10 Garden Packs of their choice, discounts on additional Garden Packs, a monthly e-mail helping them time their garden tasks for the region, and discounts on Hudson Valley Seed Library events. Members who save seeds from the plants they grow may return them for credits toward their next year’s membership.

For those who live in the NYC area, there is a lecture/workshop this Sunday, June 7 from  4pm – 6pm at 208 West 13th Street.  It’s called Seed Saving: True Food Security with Ken Greene, co-founder of the Hudson Valley Seed Library.  There will be slides and hands-on activities focusing on New York heirloom plants and the importance of preserving their genetic diversity.

Seeds are tiny miracles, each one containing all of the genetic information and nourishment that a plant needs to grow into something edible or beautiful to behold. I’ve always loved libraries, and becoming a member of a seed library seems like a fine idea to me.

And sowing seeds, then watching them grow, strikes me as a good way to slow down in this fast-changing world.

Saga Dawa Duchen – Buddha Shayamuni’s Enlightenment – On his enlightenment at the age of thirty-five in Bodhgaya, the Buddha proclaimed: “Profound peace, natural simplicity, / uncompounded luminosity, / I have found a nectar-like dharma.”

This day also marks the anniversary of the Buddha’s parinirvana – When Buddha lay dying in a forest grove in Kushinagara, surrounded by five hundred of his disciples, he said to them with his last breath: “It is in the nature of all things that take form to dissolve again.  Strive with your whole being to attain perfection.”

On this day the effects of positive or negative actions are multiplied ten million times.

Hey Upstate SC,

We are SUPER EXCITED to let you know we will be having our FIRST Preview Service on June 7th.  We are going to be locking down the location today and will communicate that through our pipelines.  Be sure and check back or subscribe to our feed, Twitter, website, or Facebook group page.  Anyone that wants to help please contact us through any of our outlets.  We would love for you to be a part of the Revolution Church.

We look forward to serving Christ in Upstate SC.  Thanks and God Bless.

Taking any necessary measures to lead disconnected people to abundant life in CHRIST.

“After 20 years of producing the Appel Farm Arts & Music Festival, we have decided to take a year off.  Next year Appel Farm will mark its 50th anniversary and we will back as part of that celebration.”

Our announcement on March 30th was met with surprise from past Festival attendees, volunteers and members of the news media – and rightfully so. Many of you put the Festival on the calendar the minute you get it home from the store. You know who you’re going with, what you’ll do before and after the Festival and plan your entire weekend around the events of the first Saturday in June. This announcement coincided with the beginning of baseball season, and after years of pitching straight down the middle, this year, we threw you a curveball.

Some of you called us, some sent e-mails, others responded on Facebook, and some some of you may still be disappointed, though you haven’t voiced it.

Here are a few responses:

“I will miss your wonderful festival, a consistently well-run and civilized event. The first Saturday in June at Appel Farm always represents the start of summer to me.”
– via Facebook

“No fest this year Jason!!!  What WILL I do w/those weekends I have become used to spending in SNJ!!!  See you next year (I guess!!!)”
- via email

BUT WAIT…

There WILL be a concert at Appel Farm that weekend!

The cancellation of the Festival got a lot of attention. However, buried under all of the hub-bub about the economy and cutting of state arts funding was a little ray of sunshine that some folks might have missed …

We’re having a concert to benefit our Rising Young Artist Camp Scholarship on Sunday, June 7. We’re calling it “With A Little Help From My Friends” and our friend list is spectacular – Vance Gilbert, Livingston Taylor, The Nields, Jeffrey Gaines and YOU – just to name a few.

It won’t be just like the Festival. It’s new. It’s different. And it’s being held to raise funds for a wonderful cause. We’re asking you, as our friends to help us celebrate and support Appel Farm in this exciting, new endeavor!

Tune in, Turn on, Drop in on June 7^th.

Jason Blacketer 
Events Coordinator