I hope everyone had a decent enough black Friday and that none of you were involved in any of those unpleasant merchandise related altercations. Yours truly has never felt compelled to plunge into the consumer craziness so this year, much like past years, I did not participate.

On to the reason this post is titled how it is:

I come from what seems to be a decent length line of crocheters. And try as they might my grandmothers were not able to advance me further than a wicked chain.

Do you remember those cartoons you watched as a little seeing the way people looked like they were knitting? I do – and I tried to do it just that way.

Enter my mother who took pity on her (very) little girl and taught her how to knit correctly. I learned a backward loop cast on and off I went. I liked the way teeny needles looked so I chose needles size 1 – 4. And having no sense of gauge I knitted very tightly. So tightly in fact that it made it difficult just to knit a stitch. It was partially because of this that is the explanation for why it was years until anything worthy of the phrase “finished project” made it’s way on the scene.

Stay tuned to learn what comes next in the saga . . . .

In other news – have you heard that the fabtastical show Monk is ending? Season 8 will be the final season and the loose ends of the show are supposed to be tied up. The Trudy mystery will finally be cleared up for us. As exciting of a prospect as that is I am very sad to see one of my absolute favourite shows be canceled. From what I have read here it seems production costs have exceeded the shows worth.

Monk, you will be missed.

Today, being Black Friday, I went out with dad to go too Half Price Books ( The best place ever) and bought several items one pictured too your left. The others are presents too two different members of my immediate family. Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow is a 2004 American pulp adventure science fiction film written and directed by Kerry Conrad in his directorial debut. The film is set in an alternitive 1939 and follows the adventures of Polly Perkins(Gwyneth Paltrow) ), a newspaper reporter for The Chronicle, and H. Joseph “Joe” Sullivan (Jude Law), known as “Sky Captain”, as they track down the mysterious “Dr. Totenkopf ” (thank you Wikipedia). I watched this movie a few year back and thought it was kind of weird. I was like, ten though, so you can’t really expect me to get a movie like that. Also, at Burgur King, while eating lunch, me and Dad disscussed how someone could

simply live in a Walmart. They have food, clothes, Televisions, and they’re open 24/7.

Tonight is part 1 of the Monk series finale. I have never watched a series finale before. Come to think of it, I have watched the Scrubs Series finale, but I would not count that because they’re bringing it back. Also, Clone Wars is on tonight. I hope I can watch both. The past few episodes of The Clone Wars have really impressed me. I cannot wait to see what’s next.

-james

borrowing
a veil
from Isis
moon
hid herself

missing
his companion
sun
cried
for her

his tears
fell
on her
veil

he asked her
“why are you hiding?”
she looked at Gaza,
he understood.

Isis
threw the veil
moon borrowed
over the world

some reflect
others chant
for more
war.

holding sun
monk saw moon
weeping
war is over

yet
continues.
contemplating,
monk holds sun
gently

Even among the wise there is confusion. Even among the learned there is dismay. Even among the pious there is greed. Why is it we hold others to a standard we ourselves cannot keep? Why is it we would trust those who cannot trust themselves? Why is it we would hold the word of one person above all others? Surely if God is God, He would make Himself known to us in a way each and every individual could understand. Cannot the foolish know love? Cannot the uneducated know love? Cannot even the wicked know love? None comes before another for we are all in this together. Listen not to me, for even I can be confused. Listen to the wisdom of your heart.

William Albert “Billy” Burke (born November 25, 1966) is an American actor. He is best known for his roles as Charlie Swan in the 2008 film Twilight and as Gary Matheson in the second season of 24.

Buy this Title on DVD

Burke was born in Bellingham, Washington. His television credits include roles in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine (in the episode “Second Skin”), Party of Five, Gilmore Girls, Karen Sisco, Fringe, Monk and The Closer (Season 4, episode 13, “Power of Attorney” playing the attorney Phillip Stroh). He also plays Detective Eric Box in the movie Untraceable.

His motion picture credits include Jane Austen’s Mafia!, Along Came a Spider, Final Jeopardy, Flashpoint and Ladder 49. His upcoming film credits include The Fallen, Forfeit, Fracture and Retirement. He also appeared in Feast of Love (2007), co-starring Selma Blair and Morgan Freeman. In 2008, Burke appeared in Twilight, based on the best-selling novel by Stephenie Meyer, playing the role of Charlie Swan.  He also plays Bobby’s brother Jack on the show My Boys. Burke reprised his role as Charlie Swan in Twilight’s sequel, New Moon.

Burke is one of the “famous faces” on the online poker website Hollywood Poker, which is run in conjunction with Ongame Network.

So Donny took it — mirror ball and all! He’s the Dancing With The Stars champ and was said to be “numb”, while Mya, about whom they said the trophy “was hers to lose” on account of her “astonishing dance scores” was reportedly “disappointed”.  Well bravo,  Donny, and my guess is Mya — especially given her stellar work on the dance floor this year — will have many happy days (and performances to come).  Same with Kelly O., who still has the vote (and adoration) of millions.  Now…let’s move into some holiday fare.  With Thanksgiving upon us, everyone’s probably going to be spending lots of time at the table or in front of the TV.  And so now let’s take a trip over to the basic cable realm, where fans of USA’s Burn Notice have good reason to be delighted — the show, starring Jeffrey Donovan and Gabrielle Anwar, has  been picked up for a fourth season.  Which got me thinking about basic cable in general, and how much good stuff is seemingly right under our noses.  And while we spend a great deal of time talking about the premium cable shows like Weeds, Dexter, Nurse Jackie, Entourage, Big Love, Californication etc…today I’d love to know where you all weigh in on some of  basic cable’s original series. Now since there are several of them that people love, I’m just going to throw out a few shows to see how everyone feels about that netherworld between networks and cable. You’ll notice I’m leaving out Breaking Bad, Monk White Collar and others — but that’s just because we’ll be talking about them next week.  So here goes…voice your choice in today’s featured poll and tell us which of these cable original series is your favorite? (and while you’re at it, have a fantastic Thanksgiving!)

1) Mad Men

2) Burn Notice

3) Damages

4) The Closer

I have just submitted several works to the annual PDNedu student photography contest and need your help!

Please CLICK HERE to go to the website where you can vote for me. Just type in my name and then vote away!

Please tell friends and family and get voting! Thanks in advance for all of your support!

Last night I reveled in salmon, cream cheese, raisin bread and an intense yearning to master the piano. Both of these goals straddle me in a mental state that touches on communion with the divine. And I began to wonder about those that had come before me that were true experts in the subject. How is it that one begins to vibrate with the music of the universe? Composers, writers, poets, mystics burn with a specially calibrated creative fire tempered to share the unique graces of dwelling in daily struggle. Merton as poet and the ultimate seeker of truth acted faithfully on his enlightenment by embracing his genuine love of all humans. He sought clarity on the subject and was capable of merging Christian and Buddhist philosophy in his heart. Something which still eludes me. The creative struggle to embrace life’s concerns became ultimately the impetus that drove Franz Mahler to write 9 complete mesmerizing symphonies and for Merton 70 classic books on the contemplative life. The point of this essay is not to revel in the qualities of spiritual and musical prodigiousness that defined these memorable men, but rather their commitment to the creative fire that supported their work. Certainly this is not a feature that belongs a select few contrarians? The motivation for a creative, committed life begins with a certain self confidence, almost narrow mindedness that if I begin to walk on this path I must live therefore committed to the path. Slowly, imperceptibly the answers that are sought unfold in this manner through a commitment (whatsoever it may be).
In Merton’s words, “Oh my brother, the contemplative is the man not who has fiery visions of the cherubim carrying God on their chariot but simply he who has risked his mind in the desert beyond language and beyond ideas where God is encountered in the nakedness of pure trust. That is to say in the surrender of our poverty and incompleteness in order to no longer clench our minds upon themselves as if thinking made us exist.”
The fire which motivates Merton is his exuberant commitment to risk his mind “beyond language and ideas”. This is the seed of breakthrough of any sort – commitment to that area where there is no space and no time. Mahler as well makes his commitment to beauty known as a function of service to God. All of creation adorns itself continually for God. Everyone has only one duty, to be as beautiful as possible in every way in the eyes of God and man. Ugliness is an insult to God.”
(Mahler, 190)
How do you feel?

A monk in his travels found once a precious stone and kept it. One day he met a traveler, and when he opened his bag to share his provisions with him, the traveler saw the jewel and asked the monk to give it to him. The monk did so readily. The traveler departed overjoyed with the unexpected gift of the precious stone that was enough to give him wealth and security for the rest of his life. However, a few days later he came back in search of the monk, found him, gave him back the stone and entreated him: ‘Now give me something much more precious than this stone, valuable as it is. Give me that which enabled you to give it to me.’

Anthony De Mello – via Liturgy on Twitter

Currently my two favorite shows on television (or Hulu as I don’t have cable) are Psych and Burn Notice. I’ve watched all but the last 2 seasons of Monk and am now into White Collar. Dating back to my childhood USA Sunday morning had Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat. Late night TV was Duckman and Weird Science. USA is always putting together some of the best television imaginable. For wrestling fans they have Monday Night Raw. I have to say that USA puts together my favorite shows and has for many years.

The first tea seeds planted in Japan, were originally acquired by Japanese monks visiting China during the 9th century, who brought them back as a gift for their Emperor. At that time in Japan, tea was solely enjoyed by monks, aristocrats and royalty, for the belief that it allowed one to experience a more pure and sage-like life; it soothed and reduced the distractions of the day.

Eventually, tea was consumed by everyone in society and grew in popularity so much that it was enjoyed with every meal and even used in cooking. Though tea originated in China, the Japanese developed their own methods for processing and drinking tea, including an elaborate ceremony for drinking the powdered tea called Matcha.  In tea growing regions, the plants are grown and harvested in the most efficient, space saving way possible. The Japanese process all of their teas by steaming the fresh leaves, which brings out the brilliant green color and perhaps imparts a more grassy flavor and aroma. During our most recent Japanese tea tasting, on an unusually sunny and warm Seattle day, we all relished in the teas an aroma of fresh cut grass on a hot summer day.

We tasted most of the 10 types of Japanese tea: ceremonial grade Matcha, Gyokuro Suimei, two types of Sencha, Kukicha, Genmaicha and Hojicha. Japan is the only country that grinds green tea into fine Matcha powder for use in a traditional tea ceremony. Matcha is made from Tencha, a shade grown tea (discussed later under Gyokuro). It is possible that they learned this style from the Chinese, but no records or current usage in China can verify this. The Japanese tea ceremony is not elaborate in appearance, though it can take several hours to perform. At our tasting we enjoyed whisked Matcha, served somewhat traditionally, from a bowl with cool water to preserve the fresh and delicate tea.

Gyokuro, one of the finest Japanese teas, is shade grown for the last 20-30 days before plucked. The shades, called Tana, block the sunlight from reaching the fresh sprouts which are hand plucked in early Spring. The result is a dark, almost pine green, needle-shaped leaf that is unusually sweet and milky. The brew is cloudy and chartreuse in hue, and there is no astringency at all. Gyokuro, though higher in caffeine than other Japanese teas, has a greater amount of theanine, the relaxing chemical found in tea leaves.

Sencha is the most widely consumed tea in Japan and comprises about 80% of the tea grown there. The Japanese have developed fine machinery that can mimic a hand pluck and gather 200-300 pounds of tea leaves per day (the average worker plucks 20-30 pounds per day). Due to the large quantities of Sencha produced, most is machine plucked and processed and quality varies widely from highly prized to low-grade everyday tea. The Senchas we tasted were grassy, slightly astringent and/or bitter, had hints of sweetness, and appeared cloudy and bright green.

Kukicha, produced in Spring, is also known as ‘twig tea’. It is made from Sencha leaves and twigs. Historically, ‘twig tea’ was consumed by tea farmers and made from the low grade remnants of the crop. Today many people like Kukicha because of its low caffeine content and slightly sweet taste.

Genmaicha may be the best known of Japanese teas because it is popular in sushi restaurants. Also called ‘toasted rice green tea’, it is comprised of fine needle-like tea leaves, popped and toasted brown rice, and occasionally Matcha powder. We steeped this tea several times and noticed the depths of flavor that arose with each brewing, including the strong brown rice flavor, subtle astringency from the Matcha, and an overall sweetness caused by the melding of these two flavors.

Hojicha is the most unusual of Japanese teas, with a brown and stick-like appearance. This roasted green tea has the aroma and flavor of chocolate, wheat, bamboo and earth. Because it is very low in caffeine, it is often served to children in Japan.
Drinking Japanese teas on a sunny spring day felt right, like we were cleansing our bodies and minds of winter dullness. The beauty of many teas can be seen through the country of origin and the culture created for their enjoyment; while drinking Japanese teas we told stories and discussed the history and culture of this nation of 3,000 islands. The refinement of Japanese culture steeped into our group as we tasted and enjoyed the simple, almost minimalist beverage that is tea.

Episódios 8ª Temporada – Legendado [RMVB]

1. Mr. Monk favourite show – Clique aqui
2. Mr. Monk and the foreighn Man – Clique aqui
3. Mr. Monk & the UFO – Clique aqui
4. Mr. Monk is someone else – Clique aqui
5. Mr. Monk take the stand – Clique aqui
6. Mr. Monk and the critic – Clique aqui
7. Mr. Monk and the vodoo curse – Clique aqui
8. Mr. Monk goes to group therapy – Clique aqui
9. Happy Birthday, Mr. Monk – Clique aqui

Un símbolo. A veces sólo falta eso para que la serie de turno nos venga a la cabeza. Eso es lo que han debido de pensar los autores (o el autor) de estos carteles que hacen referencia a series de gran éxito. Algunas actuales y otras con más solera. Lo bueno es que su simpleza tambien tiene su complicación. Ya que estas cosas no se hacen así como así. Hacen falta grandes dosis de imaginación y saber bien sobre la serie que quieres tratar de homenajear. Por desconocimiento hay algunos carteles que no he llegado a entender muy bien, mientras que hay otros que al seguirlas los he reconocido de inmediato. Precisamente el que abre este post es uno de ellos. Los que no veais la serie “Dexter” igual no entendeis muy bien que han querido decir. Pero es una clara referencia a uno de los secretos del protagonista. Esas láminas de cristal en las cuales deja una gota de sangre de cada una de sus víctimas. Todas en una cajita, alineadas y guardadas en un aire acondicionado (en la cuarta temporada cambia su ubicación ).

Mis preferidas son, ésta, la de Prison Break, Twin Peaks, Los Ángeles de Charlie, Héroes, House M.D., El Coche Fantástico y McGyver. ¿Y las vuestras?

Fuente: exergian

Fdo: Snake  

I think exploring history is like looking at the nighttime starry sky. No matter where you look you can discover something new. This week I came across a powerful and moving story while researching the song “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine.

On June 11, 1963, a Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist monk named Thích Quảng Đức performed the act of “self-immolation” at a busy Saigon road intersection in protest.

The act itself occurred at the intersection of Phan Dinh Phung Boulevard and Le Van Duyet Street. Thích Quảng Đức emerged from the car along with two other monks. One placed a cushion on the road while the second opened the trunk and took out a five-gallon gasoline can. As the marchers formed a circle around him, Thích Quảng Đức calmly seated himself in the traditional Buddhist meditative lotus position on the cushion. His colleague emptied the contents of the gasoline container over Thích Quảng Đức’s head. Thích Quảng Đức rotated a string of wooden prayer beads and recited the words “Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật” (“homage to Amitabha Buddha”) before striking a match and dropping it on himself. Flames consumed his robes and flesh, and black oily smoke emanated from his burning body.

Thích Quảng Đức was protesting against the persecution of Buddhists by South Vietnam’s Ngô Đình Diệm administration. Photos of his self-immolation were circulated widely across the world and brought attention to the policies of the Diệm regime.

A spokesperson for the Buddhists had alerted U.S. correspondents the day before that “something important” was going to happen, but most reporters disregarded that message.

Photographer and journalist Malcolm Browne did show up and took the picture above, which won the World Press Photo of the Year award in 1963.

Journalist David Halbertsam of the New York Times also was there and wrote this eyewitness account:

I was to see that sight again, but once was enough. Flames were coming from a human being; his body was slowly withering and shriveling up, his head blackening and charring. In the air was the smell of burning human flesh; human beings burn surprisingly quickly. Behind me I could hear the sobbing of the Vietnamese who were now gathering. I was too shocked to cry, too confused to take notes or ask questions, too bewildered to even think… As he burned he never moved a muscle, never uttered a sound, his outward composure in sharp contrast to the wailing people around him.

Information for this posting came from Wikipedia: Thích Quảng Đức. That page contains much more information about the aftermath of Đức’s protest.

This week I was enjoying the song “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine. The song is a commentary on killing in the name of religion or God. For the cover art for the single the band chose the famous photograph of Thích Quảng Đức’s self-immolation.

That photo is what prompted me to learn more, and I’m glad I did. I find this to be a deeply moving, powerful and disturbing story.

I was quite surprised to learn just how common the act of self-immolation can be. You can read about many more examples at Wikipdedia: Self-immolation.

Here’s a video of the song “Killing in the Name” by Rage Against the Machine:

I am often asked about which countries I enjoy photographing the most.  That’s very hard to answer, but I do enjoy going back again and again to Buddhist countries, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, Bhutan, Tibet, Sri Lanka, and Burma. 

Buddha statue in Mandalay, Burma, 2008

Monk at the Jokhang Temple in Lhasa, Tibet, 2000

The ethics and the aesthetics of Buddhism are melded in a unique way. The vivid color of robes and sacred places contrast with the monochromatic tradition I grew up with.

 Young monks play with computer games in Sera Monastery in Bylakuppe, India, 2001

Every time I have visited a Buddhist monastery, I have seen a playfulness among the monks, a joy in the way they conduct themselves and the way they interact with each other. 

Young nun, Rangoon, Burma, 1994

Monks in the Rain, Angkor Wat, Cambodia, 1999

A monk studies Buddhist scripture in the late afternoon at a monastery in Aranyaprathet, Thailand, 1996

As I photographed the picture of the monk and the cat in a monastery in Thailand, it occured to me that all the qualities that I observed – contemplation, serenity, meditation – are ones that are antithetical to the hard-charging, ladder-climbing Western culture. 

Young monks study Buddhist scripture at a monastery in Litang, Kham, Tibet, 1999

Pilgrim praying at the Buddhist academy of Larung Gar, near Serthar, Kham, Tibet, 2001

The Monks have a way of taking something we could consider mundane, and transform it into something sacred. 

Candles are a form of offering at the Tibetan Prayer Festival, during which thousands are lit under the Bodi tree. Bodh Gaya, India, 2000

Monasteries have always been places of refuge for people and animals who have no other place to go.  Monks will share whatever they have, no matter how small. 

Woman meditates in Bagan monastery, Burma, 2008

Even though they get merits for helping people in need, one never has the impression that they do it for any other reason other than their good nature, dedication, and hospitality. 

Quotations from the Buddha:

“Teach this triple truth to all:  A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”

“Just as a candle cannot burn without fire, men cannot live without a spiritual life.”

“In the sky, there is no distinction of east and west; people create distinctions out of their own minds and then believe them to be true.”

The most memorable part of Saigon for me is the traffic… imagine trying to cross a road with 15 motorbikes in a row traveling one direction, and another 15 forming a row going the other direction.  If I wasn’t hiding behind locals, I waited for 20, 30 minutes and held my breath while crossing, too afraid to look.