Form is destructible, but Life is not; it knows nothing of death. It destroys the mortal mercilessly, and decomposes the destructible. But the indestructible remains. Being immortal, it carries within it the means of regeneration even as the means of destruction.
-Ischa Schwaller de Lubicz, The Opening of the Way
Cum luce salutem; with light, salvation. First source of all sources . . . perfect my body . . . [so] that I may participate again in the immortal beginning . . . that I may be reborn in thought . . . and that the Holy Spirit may breathe in me.
-From the Paris Papyrus
Myth is the history of the soul; the memory of our greater Being; ritual and sacrament are the reminders. In the continuing Fall the part breaks away from the Whole; to make something sacred, one must reconnect the part to the universal Whole.
-William Irwin Thompson, The Time Falling Bodies Take to Light
Oct 30, 2007
Puuuur-plexing
I freaked out when I saw this. I hope it's real and not some special effects magic.
News Flash: Miss Kitty had this experience to share about the above video:
"How freaky is it that when I sat one of my cats on my lap and played the video he stared at the screen and then started talking back to the kittens. I played the video again and he started making the same noise as the kittens at the same spot in the video where he had talked back during the first showing. Those kittens are probably Pinky and The Brain in feline form."
News Flash: Miss Kitty had this experience to share about the above video:
"How freaky is it that when I sat one of my cats on my lap and played the video he stared at the screen and then started talking back to the kittens. I played the video again and he started making the same noise as the kittens at the same spot in the video where he had talked back during the first showing. Those kittens are probably Pinky and The Brain in feline form."
Oct 28, 2007
Future Ice Diva
I just saw the cutest little figure skater today on NBC. Her name is Caroline Zhang. Keep an eye out for this girl. She's only 14 and is showing tons of talent. She reminded me of Michele Kwan and Oksana all rolled up into one. She did these amasing spins while wrapping herself up like a pretzel, the way only a 14 year old body could. I can't wait to see her again.
Oct 23, 2007
Camouflage Taken To The Absurd
Aya Tsukioka presented new clothing designs that address Japan’s growing fears of crime. If you look at the last vending machine on the right of the above picture, you'll see some tiny feet at the bottom. Yes, people it's getting this absurd.
Never mind the mace in the face. The idea here is if you are afraid you are being pursued, you whip out this folded camouflage and slip under it. This particular ensemble has an actual-size photo of a vending machine printed on the fabric.
To learn more about the insanity, which includes: the manhole bag, books for parents on "how-to dress your kid like a thug", and Kevlar school uniforms, check out the NY Times article by clicking here.
I suggest they recruit drag queens like the one in the video I posted (see "When Drag Queens Attack") to go out there and teach people how to grow a set and handle their shit.
ADDENDUM: I was once held up at gun point. May it never happen again. After this post I recalled that memory and realize how fear can make us do the craziest things. I also know that fight or flight is a very real thing.
What is disturbing to me is that there is a trend to let the unacceptable happen, and the reaction to these terrible things, are terrible ideas based on a fantasy of achieving absolute safety.
People do bad things to other people. It is human nature. Terrible things can happen at anytime, anyplace and for any reason. I favor an approach to addressing this by asking, why they happen. When you identify the why, you can then work on REAL solutions.
Oct 22, 2007
Vote on Bigot Judge Happening Tomorrow
TAKE ACTION ALERT: Call your Senators NOW and tell them to vote NO on Leslie Southwick's nomination to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Or send a letter to reinforce your call, using the form below:
Dear Senator ____________:
Judge Southwick's record plainly shows that he cannot be given the responsibility to protect the basic rights of all Americans. As a Mississippi judge, he put his personal bias before widely regarded scientific and legal evidence - as in one case where he separated a biological mother from her 8-year-old child in part because of the mother's sexual orientation.
Even more troubling, Judge Southwick used this case to further his own agenda by joining a concurrence citing highly charged and irrelevant Mississippi rules against "the practice of homosexuality" - including policies regarding sodomy.
This type of bigoted decision-making is unacceptable for any judge, let alone a lifetime member of the U.S. Court of Appeals. I urge you and your colleagues to examine his record closely, and vote NO on his confirmation.
Dear Senator ____________:
Judge Southwick's record plainly shows that he cannot be given the responsibility to protect the basic rights of all Americans. As a Mississippi judge, he put his personal bias before widely regarded scientific and legal evidence - as in one case where he separated a biological mother from her 8-year-old child in part because of the mother's sexual orientation.
Even more troubling, Judge Southwick used this case to further his own agenda by joining a concurrence citing highly charged and irrelevant Mississippi rules against "the practice of homosexuality" - including policies regarding sodomy.
This type of bigoted decision-making is unacceptable for any judge, let alone a lifetime member of the U.S. Court of Appeals. I urge you and your colleagues to examine his record closely, and vote NO on his confirmation.
Oct 21, 2007
Use Your Words, With Your Outside Voice
In your next discussion regarding the state of affairs in today's world, what might be helpful is that all involved agree to some definitions. I often find that most discussions involve a moment where someone says "Well, let's define what do you mean when you say X." Maybe if we can all agree to some starting point, discussions can end up being useful and enlightening.
Plebiscite: A vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler
Fascism: A political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
Dictatorship: A form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique b : a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated c : a despotic state
Quagmire: A difficult, precarious, or entrapping position
Predatory: Intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit
Red Herring: Something that distracts attention from the real issue
Feudalism: The system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th to about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal with all land held in fee and as chief characteristics homage, the service of tenants under arms and in court, wardship, and forfeiture
Combat Fatigue: A traumatic psychoneurotic reaction or an acute psychotic reaction occurring under conditions (as wartime combat) that cause intense stress -- called also battle fatigue
Elite: A group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence
De-ja Vu: 1 a : the illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time b : a feeling that one has seen or heard something before
2 : something overly or unpleasantly familiar
Liberal: Of or constituting a political party associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives
Conservative: Disposition in politics to preserve what is established b : a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change
Fucked-up: Thoroughly confused or disordered
FYI - These definitons are from the online version of Merraim-Webster.
Plebiscite: A vote by which the people of an entire country or district express an opinion for or against a proposal especially on a choice of government or ruler
Fascism: A political philosophy, movement, or regime (as that of the Fascisti) that exalts nation and often race above the individual and that stands for a centralized autocratic government headed by a dictatorial leader, severe economic and social regimentation, and forcible suppression of opposition
Dictatorship: A form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique b : a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated c : a despotic state
Quagmire: A difficult, precarious, or entrapping position
Predatory: Intended to injure or exploit others for personal gain or profit
Red Herring: Something that distracts attention from the real issue
Feudalism: The system of political organization prevailing in Europe from the 9th to about the 15th centuries having as its basis the relation of lord to vassal with all land held in fee and as chief characteristics homage, the service of tenants under arms and in court, wardship, and forfeiture
Combat Fatigue: A traumatic psychoneurotic reaction or an acute psychotic reaction occurring under conditions (as wartime combat) that cause intense stress -- called also battle fatigue
Elite: A group of persons who by virtue of position or education exercise much power or influence
De-ja Vu: 1 a : the illusion of remembering scenes and events when experienced for the first time b : a feeling that one has seen or heard something before
2 : something overly or unpleasantly familiar
Liberal: Of or constituting a political party associated with ideals of individual especially economic freedom, greater individual participation in government, and constitutional, political, and administrative reforms designed to secure these objectives
Conservative: Disposition in politics to preserve what is established b : a political philosophy based on tradition and social stability, stressing established institutions, and preferring gradual development to abrupt change
Fucked-up: Thoroughly confused or disordered
FYI - These definitons are from the online version of Merraim-Webster.
When Drag Queens Attack
Back in the days when I started hanging out and doing my thing on NYC's Christopher Street, one of the rules I learned early on was to never mess with a Drag Queen. She will read you, cut you and look good doing it.
The beginning stages of her attack will start off something like this:
The beginning stages of her attack will start off something like this:
Oct 18, 2007
Baby Steps Gino
Good people, I am happy to report Gino is showing vast improvement. He's able to get his back legs moving and can take a few steps on them. He's still needs more time in order to be able to have his rear legs support his weight. The hubby and I are bringing him to the vet this weekend for follow up.
Oct 14, 2007
Gino and Me...Watching Soul Train
Good people, I have my Gino next to me as I type this entry. His back legs are still not working. But, I love him no less, and he is still at his best. I want to give a big ass shout out to the faithful readers that sent love and healing vibes to him. Thank you Miss Kitty.
We are watching THE BEST OF SOUL TRAIN. We are loving it. Many wonderful memories are coming to mind. Umm, let me be honest. I'm loving it and he is sleeping by my side and breathing in and out.
Walk Gino, walk! Love is fierce yall. Love can move you to accept the unacceptable. Love can make you hope for the unimaginable. Love can make you see beauty within the ugly. Love can make you think that all you need is love to cure all ills.
I have to say watching the Soul Train Dancers of the late 70's makes me realize, love is a fierce thing.
Peace, Love and Afro-Grease
We are watching THE BEST OF SOUL TRAIN. We are loving it. Many wonderful memories are coming to mind. Umm, let me be honest. I'm loving it and he is sleeping by my side and breathing in and out.
Walk Gino, walk! Love is fierce yall. Love can move you to accept the unacceptable. Love can make you hope for the unimaginable. Love can make you see beauty within the ugly. Love can make you think that all you need is love to cure all ills.
I have to say watching the Soul Train Dancers of the late 70's makes me realize, love is a fierce thing.
Peace, Love and Afro-Grease
Oct 11, 2007
Trying Times For My Gino
Dear faithful readers I need your help. One of my wonderful, loving and kind dogs is in the hospital. Perogino, developed a condition in his back, resulting in swollen muscles pushing against his spinal cord.
As a result he is currently paralyzed from his mid-section to his tail. Our hearts are crushed and we hoping that the cortisone treatments he's getting will alleviate the condition.
Please good people, send out thoughts of healing and miraculous recovery into the universe, on his behalf. I look forward to telling you he's up and running again with his tail a wagging.
Oct 10, 2007
Dopey Athletes
The recent Marion Jones scandal regarding "doping" in athletic competition got me hyped about the issue. While I respect the movement to have athletic competition grounded in fair and equal play, I also see serious disconnects in this ethical stand. And, the negative spiritual impact it has on the athlete.
Competition can bring out the worst in human nature. As someone that played sports as a child I know that at times you have to work up intense feelings in order to win over your opponent. I played the positiion of linesman in football as a kid. I was stocky you see. The mantra for a linesman was to take that quarterback out.
Certain sports are about aggression, working through pain, or getting the upper hand. All sports are about winning. No one wants second or third place. I'm reminded of Michelle Kwan covering her bronze medal with her hands, at her last Olympics appearance, while the national anthem of the winner was played during the medal ceremony.
The emphasis is on the winner. First place is where we shower praise. The athletes that beats all athletes are the ones we record in history and assign a place among the legends of the sports world pantheon.
The golden rule in sports is to win! Duh. The problem is the new rule to win at ALL cost no matter what. I would argue that the corruption in not winning at all cost, but rather, winning to make the money and fame attached. Whether it's a multi-million dollar product endorsement contract, your face on a box of Wheaties, a phone call from the president, going to Disney World, or air time on some TV show, the modern victory laurel placed on the winner's head has become the most lethal drug.
Today's athletes are being further removed from the true happiness of an athlete. The love of their sport and the conquering of their own physical challenges in that sport. What makes sport magic is for the individual to be able to connect the ideal in his or her mind with the reality of his or her body. I want to train this body to run faster. I want to develop my skill in order to make that ball go swish through the net with no backboard. I want to spin and jump on ice in a way that amazes. These thoughts are the work of an athlete.
Doping takes all that away. The athlete that wins through doping is left with a big fat WHAT IF. Think about it. What if I trained harder? Maybe I wouldn't need those steroids. What if I practiced longer? Maybe I would have mastered that skill. What if I test positive for doping? Maybe my medal, ring, or trophy will be taken away.
Michelle Kwan should have been celebrated for coming in third. Unfortunately I think she was made to feel ashamed of it. She competed against some of the fiercest skaters in the world. She should have been celebrated but wasn't. Shame on the sports world for betraying her effort.
Shame on the athletes that dope up before a competition for betraying their bodies, their sport and the truth. You wear a tainted medal, that trophy is tarnished, that ring belongs on another finger. Over time your legend will become more the myth in your mind.
I hope that some of the men that have won honors through doping will have the ovaries that Marion had to come clean. I know her confession was induced, but at the end of the day she displayed some grace. Perhaps some of those baseballers, bike riders will grow the ovaries to do the same.
Competition can bring out the worst in human nature. As someone that played sports as a child I know that at times you have to work up intense feelings in order to win over your opponent. I played the positiion of linesman in football as a kid. I was stocky you see. The mantra for a linesman was to take that quarterback out.
Certain sports are about aggression, working through pain, or getting the upper hand. All sports are about winning. No one wants second or third place. I'm reminded of Michelle Kwan covering her bronze medal with her hands, at her last Olympics appearance, while the national anthem of the winner was played during the medal ceremony.
The emphasis is on the winner. First place is where we shower praise. The athletes that beats all athletes are the ones we record in history and assign a place among the legends of the sports world pantheon.
The golden rule in sports is to win! Duh. The problem is the new rule to win at ALL cost no matter what. I would argue that the corruption in not winning at all cost, but rather, winning to make the money and fame attached. Whether it's a multi-million dollar product endorsement contract, your face on a box of Wheaties, a phone call from the president, going to Disney World, or air time on some TV show, the modern victory laurel placed on the winner's head has become the most lethal drug.
Today's athletes are being further removed from the true happiness of an athlete. The love of their sport and the conquering of their own physical challenges in that sport. What makes sport magic is for the individual to be able to connect the ideal in his or her mind with the reality of his or her body. I want to train this body to run faster. I want to develop my skill in order to make that ball go swish through the net with no backboard. I want to spin and jump on ice in a way that amazes. These thoughts are the work of an athlete.
Doping takes all that away. The athlete that wins through doping is left with a big fat WHAT IF. Think about it. What if I trained harder? Maybe I wouldn't need those steroids. What if I practiced longer? Maybe I would have mastered that skill. What if I test positive for doping? Maybe my medal, ring, or trophy will be taken away.
Michelle Kwan should have been celebrated for coming in third. Unfortunately I think she was made to feel ashamed of it. She competed against some of the fiercest skaters in the world. She should have been celebrated but wasn't. Shame on the sports world for betraying her effort.
Shame on the athletes that dope up before a competition for betraying their bodies, their sport and the truth. You wear a tainted medal, that trophy is tarnished, that ring belongs on another finger. Over time your legend will become more the myth in your mind.
I hope that some of the men that have won honors through doping will have the ovaries that Marion had to come clean. I know her confession was induced, but at the end of the day she displayed some grace. Perhaps some of those baseballers, bike riders will grow the ovaries to do the same.
She Looked So Pregnant
Okay, I caught Jennifer Lopez on David Letterman last night. She looked very pregnant. She even had a very maternity-like dress. And, at times I swore I saw the curves of a big belly when she moved.
Sep 30, 2007
Ride or Die. Give Me A Commercial Break!
I've been checking out these two programs about young Latino culture on TV. Latino TV and Latination come on ever Sunday here in CT. For the most part the shows are pretty well produced and cover a wide range of the diversity found in the Latino community and culture. Check them out if you get a chance.
The one troubling aspect of these shows is that the commercials played in between the segments are either about cars, beer or the military. In fact Latination is brought to you by marines.com.
I emailed the station that air these shows. I suggested they give some PSA time to organizations like National Council of La Raza, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, ASPIRA and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
I feel these shows are great at highlighting the accomplishments and influences of Latino culture. Why not shine some light on the organizations that work hard to empower and uplift the Latino community. We need a counterbalance to all this air time given to sponsors that offer the option to ride or die.
The one troubling aspect of these shows is that the commercials played in between the segments are either about cars, beer or the military. In fact Latination is brought to you by marines.com.
I emailed the station that air these shows. I suggested they give some PSA time to organizations like National Council of La Raza, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, ASPIRA and the Hispanic Scholarship Fund.
I feel these shows are great at highlighting the accomplishments and influences of Latino culture. Why not shine some light on the organizations that work hard to empower and uplift the Latino community. We need a counterbalance to all this air time given to sponsors that offer the option to ride or die.
Sep 24, 2007
Oh La La
This is fun. It's new and different, yet I'm seeing elements of hip hop, voguing and freestyle. Shake your ass to it. Enjoy.
Sep 21, 2007
Same Old Story...Just Better Weapons
I've been immersed in this Western Civilization course I'm taking at school. So far, this is the story of Western Civilization.
Rich, poor, war, war, and more war. New rich, opress new poor, more war, war and war. Some culture, vases, paintings, but then destroyed by war. So you get the picture. Interesting fact, the most humane of the war seeking ancient civilizations were the Persians, which is modern day Iran. Something to think about.
Rich, poor, war, war, and more war. New rich, opress new poor, more war, war and war. Some culture, vases, paintings, but then destroyed by war. So you get the picture. Interesting fact, the most humane of the war seeking ancient civilizations were the Persians, which is modern day Iran. Something to think about.
Sep 17, 2007
Fantasy Art
While I have an appreciation for the works of artists such as Tamayo, Picasso, Van Gogh and Kahlo, I also value the imagination in fantasy art. Here are some dreamlike images from the creative genius of Chris Moore. Enjoy! To see more, click here. Thank you Blogger "V" for the link. FYI - Click on each image to view a larger version.
Sep 16, 2007
Yay! Kim Won!
It couldn't happen to a nicer person. Is nicer a word? Anyhoo. Kim won HGTV's Design Star show. I'm excited for her. She's from my hometown Brooklyn, and is funky fresh. I'm looking forward to seeing her show.
Sep 14, 2007
Expressions I Want To Try and Make Happen
Okay, taking a break from school work and I need to act out. Here are some expressions I will start incorporating in conversations, and hopefully will become part of a temporary colloquial kiki to enjoy among friends and family.
Boo Boo Kitty: - Refers to being comforted a la the doll Shirley, of Laverne & Shirley, turned to whenever she needed to feel consoled. Usage: I call Miss Izzy whenever I feel down. She is my Boo Boo Kitty.
Spear-a-ling: Refers to the downward spiral a la Britney Spears. Usage: Gurl, that queen on Tina is Spear-a-ling out of control.
Very Lotto: Refers to the lottery and the odds not being in your favor. Usage: Mama the chances of Georgie being impeached are Very Lotto.
Gunning It: Inspired by Tim Gunn's new makeover show and an exhibit of a heighten sense of fashion. Usage: Mamita, you look hot, those shoes with that dress are Gunning It.
Wonder Twins Powers Activate Mode: Refers to the battle cry the alien twins on Superfriends used whenever they had to take action. Usage: Gurl, when Marcos and I saw the mess in the kitchen we looked at each other and went into Wonder Twins Powers Activate Mode.
Mocus(mow-cuss): Combines moody and out of focus. Usage: Honey after that horrible commute, I showed up at work feeling Mocus. (Umm, I borrowed this one from friends I knew in AA.)
Leasing the Lie: To buy into a myth, or lie that is supporting a delusional thought, but will soon burst because the truth is looming. Usage: Uggh, nena that appointed president is leasing the lie about Iraq.
Well good people, please be creative and share some plays with language with me.
Love and kisses, your face, my eyes misses.
Peace,
Allan
Boo Boo Kitty: - Refers to being comforted a la the doll Shirley, of Laverne & Shirley, turned to whenever she needed to feel consoled. Usage: I call Miss Izzy whenever I feel down. She is my Boo Boo Kitty.
Spear-a-ling: Refers to the downward spiral a la Britney Spears. Usage: Gurl, that queen on Tina is Spear-a-ling out of control.
Very Lotto: Refers to the lottery and the odds not being in your favor. Usage: Mama the chances of Georgie being impeached are Very Lotto.
Gunning It: Inspired by Tim Gunn's new makeover show and an exhibit of a heighten sense of fashion. Usage: Mamita, you look hot, those shoes with that dress are Gunning It.
Wonder Twins Powers Activate Mode: Refers to the battle cry the alien twins on Superfriends used whenever they had to take action. Usage: Gurl, when Marcos and I saw the mess in the kitchen we looked at each other and went into Wonder Twins Powers Activate Mode.
Mocus(mow-cuss): Combines moody and out of focus. Usage: Honey after that horrible commute, I showed up at work feeling Mocus. (Umm, I borrowed this one from friends I knew in AA.)
Leasing the Lie: To buy into a myth, or lie that is supporting a delusional thought, but will soon burst because the truth is looming. Usage: Uggh, nena that appointed president is leasing the lie about Iraq.
Well good people, please be creative and share some plays with language with me.
Love and kisses, your face, my eyes misses.
Peace,
Allan
Sep 13, 2007
The Kids Need You! NCLB Sucks!
Okay good people, the children of America need you now more than ever. No Child Left Behind is up for reauthorization. Those of you who are in the field of education know NCLB is sooo not working. For those of you not in that field you should know that teachers are basically teaching students to pass a test.
The magic of becoming educated is being sap dry. America's youth is being robbed of an educational experience that provides them exploration, creativity, and considers them as individuals.
Please take two minutes to send a note to those in power to let them know we need a better plan to educate our young people. Go HERE to sign the online petition.
We need to let Georgie, the Senate and Congress know that what students, parents and educators really need is for elected officials in D.C. to:
* Use more than test scores to measure student learning and school performance.
* Reduce class size to help students learn.
* Provide financial incentives to teachers who work in hard-to-staff schools.
* Call teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards "highly qualified."
* Support for teachers of multiple subjects, including special education and rural educators.
I know in my heart that all who sign the petition will receive major positive karma points.
Thank you!
The magic of becoming educated is being sap dry. America's youth is being robbed of an educational experience that provides them exploration, creativity, and considers them as individuals.
Please take two minutes to send a note to those in power to let them know we need a better plan to educate our young people. Go HERE to sign the online petition.
We need to let Georgie, the Senate and Congress know that what students, parents and educators really need is for elected officials in D.C. to:
* Use more than test scores to measure student learning and school performance.
* Reduce class size to help students learn.
* Provide financial incentives to teachers who work in hard-to-staff schools.
* Call teachers certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards "highly qualified."
* Support for teachers of multiple subjects, including special education and rural educators.
I know in my heart that all who sign the petition will receive major positive karma points.
Thank you!
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