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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Naked Pumpkin Run
I didn't know that Boulder had a NAKED PUMPKIN RUN!
Brrrrrr!
(click on the above link to check it out. You may have to click on a few little things to get it going)
posted by Carol at 12:24 PM
2 comments
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
10-27-07 Denver Protest
My good neighbor, Chun Pan, maker of quality videos of the Camp Casey experience, has a short video of last Saturday's Denver protest posted on YouTube.
How much were you able to read about last Saturday's protests around the country? How many protesters does it take to make the news? How many Britney Spears' does it take to make every news show, the cover of every magazine, etc., etc.? Jerry Lanson of the Christian Science Monitor has an interesting article about the responsibilities of the media.
How much were you able to read about last Saturday's protests around the country? How many protesters does it take to make the news? How many Britney Spears' does it take to make every news show, the cover of every magazine, etc., etc.? Jerry Lanson of the Christian Science Monitor has an interesting article about the responsibilities of the media.
Labels: Chun Pan, Iraq War Rally, what-wing media
posted by Carol at 3:38 PM
2 comments
And Sometimes There is Justice
From FreedomtoGive.com regarding the Holy Land Foundation:
On December 4, 2001, the United States government shut down the HLF, accusing it of financially supporting the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The embarrassing thing was that the U.S. government never found a single piece of evidence showing that the HLF financed Hamas. So they changed their accusations. Nearly 3 years later, the U.S. government's new claim was that the HLF supported organizations - zakat committees - that were somehow linked to Hamas. The closure of the HLF was obviously motivated by politics and fear.
The HLF trial began Tuesday, July 16, 2007. The main individuals indicted are Ghassan Elashi, Shukri Abu-Baker, Mufid Abdulqader, Abdulrahman Odeh and Mohammad El-Mezain. These noble Palestinian-American gentlemen are innocent and their only crimes were helping ease the plight of the Palestinians. On Monday, October 22, 2007, U.S. District judge A. Joe Fish declared a mistrial because jurors deadlocked on most of the counts for 3 defendants. The other two defendants were aquitted on most charges.
On December 4, 2001, the United States government shut down the HLF, accusing it of financially supporting the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The embarrassing thing was that the U.S. government never found a single piece of evidence showing that the HLF financed Hamas. So they changed their accusations. Nearly 3 years later, the U.S. government's new claim was that the HLF supported organizations - zakat committees - that were somehow linked to Hamas. The closure of the HLF was obviously motivated by politics and fear.
The HLF trial began Tuesday, July 16, 2007. The main individuals indicted are Ghassan Elashi, Shukri Abu-Baker, Mufid Abdulqader, Abdulrahman Odeh and Mohammad El-Mezain. These noble Palestinian-American gentlemen are innocent and their only crimes were helping ease the plight of the Palestinians. On Monday, October 22, 2007, U.S. District judge A. Joe Fish declared a mistrial because jurors deadlocked on most of the counts for 3 defendants. The other two defendants were aquitted on most charges.
Labels: Holy Land Foundation, justice
posted by Carol at 8:54 AM
0 comments
Sunday, October 28, 2007
I am finding that
I can no longer afford
I can no longer afford
the shut-off and hardened
places inside myself
that are created
when I hate, judge or distance.
Aliveness can only come from love.
Labels: love, photography
posted by Carol at 11:18 AM
3 comments
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Women in Black - The View
I haven't written about a Women in Black moment for awhile.
While thousands and thousands attended rallies against the war today, seven of us WIBers stood for peace in silence out here in the burbs. As we vigiled, the two young men above entertained us. At first I was wondering if they were making a fashion statement, but then I realized (duh!) that Halloween is coming soon. The one on the right took great pleasure in doing a little dance on the sidewalk every time traffic got heavy. He got a few honks for it, too! When I asked them if I could take their photo (breaking away from my standing in silence - life is about breaking rules, isn't it?), the one on the left asked me what my sign was for. "Is it about the war or something?" Even though we get that question fairly regularly, I am always taken aback. If we lived with the violence and fear of war right here on a day-to-day basis, I bet no one would be asking us what kind of peace we were standing for. When I answered him with a "Yes, it's about the war", he told me that his friend was just sent to Iraq. I told him that I hoped his friend came back safely. I am saddened to think of wonderful young men like these going to another country where they may take lives or have theirs taken. I want to load them up and bring them home with me and do whatever I can to allow them a long, happy life.
As usual, the people and cars on the street were somewhat quiet, but of those that voiced or honked their opinions, I'd say that 95% want peace and 5% want war. One man even yelled "WAR" to submit his vote. Another told us to "Go to San Francisco, you dumb hippies!" If he only knew the backgrounds of the women standing there today...
From peace signs to applause to anger to Afro wigs and sunglasses... Life IS a carnival.
While thousands and thousands attended rallies against the war today, seven of us WIBers stood for peace in silence out here in the burbs. As we vigiled, the two young men above entertained us. At first I was wondering if they were making a fashion statement, but then I realized (duh!) that Halloween is coming soon. The one on the right took great pleasure in doing a little dance on the sidewalk every time traffic got heavy. He got a few honks for it, too! When I asked them if I could take their photo (breaking away from my standing in silence - life is about breaking rules, isn't it?), the one on the left asked me what my sign was for. "Is it about the war or something?" Even though we get that question fairly regularly, I am always taken aback. If we lived with the violence and fear of war right here on a day-to-day basis, I bet no one would be asking us what kind of peace we were standing for. When I answered him with a "Yes, it's about the war", he told me that his friend was just sent to Iraq. I told him that I hoped his friend came back safely. I am saddened to think of wonderful young men like these going to another country where they may take lives or have theirs taken. I want to load them up and bring them home with me and do whatever I can to allow them a long, happy life.
As usual, the people and cars on the street were somewhat quiet, but of those that voiced or honked their opinions, I'd say that 95% want peace and 5% want war. One man even yelled "WAR" to submit his vote. Another told us to "Go to San Francisco, you dumb hippies!" If he only knew the backgrounds of the women standing there today...
From peace signs to applause to anger to Afro wigs and sunglasses... Life IS a carnival.
Labels: Big Sunglasses, The Band, Women in Black
posted by Carol at 5:38 PM
1 comments
The People Speak
Rallies to protest the war in Iraq (and the threatened war with Iran) were held today across the nation.
My friend, Darla, lives in Oklahoma and asked that I post this on my blog. Reading that two of the speakers at this rally were men whose sons recently died in the war, I feel a lot of admiration and sadness. Admiration for the courage it takes to make a stand against the violence - especially when one's grief is so raw - and sadness that so many young men and women all over the world die and suffer because a few powerful people want more power.
http://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/archivesearch/local_story_299105721.html
PV father to speak out on Iraq war
A grieving Pauls Valley father is expected to be a featured speaker at a weekend event in Oklahoma City focused on ending the war in Iraq and bringing American troops home.
John Scripsick, father of Marine Cpl. Bryan Scripsick, who was killed last month while serving in Iraq, will speak at the event meant to call for the end of the war.
The demonstration entitled "End The War Now - National Day of Action" is set to go from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the northeast corner of the intersection of N. Meridian Ave. and Northwest Expressway.
Scripsick will be one of two Oklahoma "Gold Star" fathers to speak.
The demonstration will take place in Oklahoma City in solidarity with United For Peace and Justice, who is hosting massive regional demonstrations and other actions around the country, according to organizers.
"Regional and local events on Saturday may bring out millions of Americans calling for our troops to come home," said Nathaniel Batchelder, director of the Peace House in Oklahoma City.
"The people of this country know this war is wrong and it must stop," said media representative Darla Shelden.
"On Saturday, from many cities but in one voice, we will send a clear and unified message: end this war, bring the troops home and fund our communities instead of this immoral war."
The two Gold Star fathers whose sons died in Iraq will be speakers calling for an end to the war.
"I just want to spare other parents what our family has gone through," said Warren Henthorn of Choctaw, who lost his son, Jeffrey, during his second tour in Iraq.
The event will include music by special guests, The Electric Primadonnas, drumming by Jahruba, signs, petitions, and post cards to be sent to members of Congress.
Those attending are encouraged to attend, bring signs, drums, lawn chairs and "let their voice be heard."
For more information about the Oklahoma City event go to the Peace House website http://www.peacehouseok.org/ or for the protests in the 11 other cities across America go to Oct27.org, or unitedforpeace.org
My friend, Darla, lives in Oklahoma and asked that I post this on my blog. Reading that two of the speakers at this rally were men whose sons recently died in the war, I feel a lot of admiration and sadness. Admiration for the courage it takes to make a stand against the violence - especially when one's grief is so raw - and sadness that so many young men and women all over the world die and suffer because a few powerful people want more power.
http://www.paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/archivesearch/local_story_299105721.html
PV father to speak out on Iraq war
A grieving Pauls Valley father is expected to be a featured speaker at a weekend event in Oklahoma City focused on ending the war in Iraq and bringing American troops home.
John Scripsick, father of Marine Cpl. Bryan Scripsick, who was killed last month while serving in Iraq, will speak at the event meant to call for the end of the war.
The demonstration entitled "End The War Now - National Day of Action" is set to go from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27 at the northeast corner of the intersection of N. Meridian Ave. and Northwest Expressway.
Scripsick will be one of two Oklahoma "Gold Star" fathers to speak.
The demonstration will take place in Oklahoma City in solidarity with United For Peace and Justice, who is hosting massive regional demonstrations and other actions around the country, according to organizers.
"Regional and local events on Saturday may bring out millions of Americans calling for our troops to come home," said Nathaniel Batchelder, director of the Peace House in Oklahoma City.
"The people of this country know this war is wrong and it must stop," said media representative Darla Shelden.
"On Saturday, from many cities but in one voice, we will send a clear and unified message: end this war, bring the troops home and fund our communities instead of this immoral war."
The two Gold Star fathers whose sons died in Iraq will be speakers calling for an end to the war.
"I just want to spare other parents what our family has gone through," said Warren Henthorn of Choctaw, who lost his son, Jeffrey, during his second tour in Iraq.
The event will include music by special guests, The Electric Primadonnas, drumming by Jahruba, signs, petitions, and post cards to be sent to members of Congress.
Those attending are encouraged to attend, bring signs, drums, lawn chairs and "let their voice be heard."
For more information about the Oklahoma City event go to the Peace House website http://www.peacehouseok.org/ or for the protests in the 11 other cities across America go to Oct27.org, or unitedforpeace.org
Labels: Iraq War, rallies, Stop the madness
posted by Carol at 3:22 PM
0 comments
Friday, October 26, 2007
Into the Wild
Last night we coughed up megabucks to see Into the Wild in the theater. We don't go to the movies very often. I'm glad that we did it last night. The film is stunning - in so many ways.Scenes from the movie and long-reconciled (I thought) memories of friends who have died keep coming up and I am a constantly watery person today.
Labels: awe, Into the Wild
posted by Carol at 9:04 AM
0 comments
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Protecting You From Terrorism
OTTAWA - An American peace activist denied entry into Canada earlier this month is being detained at Ottawa airport.
Retired U.S. Army Col. Ann Wright was to speak at an antiwar news conference with New Democrat MPs on Parliament Hill today.
But while other passengers passed through Customs, Wright was held back.
She was to have been accompanied on the trip by fellow activist Medea Benjamin, but Benjamin was arrested and jailed Wednesday during a protest in Washington.
Wright and Benjamin were refused entry at the Rainbow Bridge in Niagara Falls, Ont., earlier this month because their names are on an FBI crime database.
The women say they shouldn't be on the database - which is supposed to inform border officials about serious crimes - and that the FBI hasn't explained why they're on it.
The pair suspect it's because they have been arrested at peaceful protests against the war in Iraq.
2007 The Canadian Press
Medea Benjamin wasn't able to go to Canada, because she was arrested (a little violently?) yesterday in congress while she sat in the audience. You can watch the video here.
Thank God that Canada (with the help of U.S.) is helping the world stay safe from terrorism!
Thank God that Canada (with the help of U.S.) is helping the world stay safe from terrorism!
Labels: Ann Wright, Medea Benjamin, priorities
posted by Carol at 5:35 PM
2 comments
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Spanish Class Numero Uno
I'd rather do hard physical labor for the rest of my life than to be the center of attention for a moment. Despite many public speaking classes, I would rather clean public toilets than speak before more than two people.
So what was I thinking would happen at my first Spanish class last night? Did I think that the teacher - excuse me, el profesor - would just stand before the class, spouting Spanish phrases and I would leave there a master of the language?
Oh, the raging heartbeat of it all! Complete, grueling torture as el profesor walked around the room, grilling us on new phrases. I had an understanding of what I was saying at first, but brain fatigue set in after awhile, and I just wanted to go back to the comfortable Buenos dias and leave it at that. At times I was haunted by the worry that, instead of answering "Hasta luego", I would out of nervousness mumble out "Hasta la pasta" as my old high school friend used to say.
How do you say "Please don't call on me!" en espanol?
So what was I thinking would happen at my first Spanish class last night? Did I think that the teacher - excuse me, el profesor - would just stand before the class, spouting Spanish phrases and I would leave there a master of the language?
Oh, the raging heartbeat of it all! Complete, grueling torture as el profesor walked around the room, grilling us on new phrases. I had an understanding of what I was saying at first, but brain fatigue set in after awhile, and I just wanted to go back to the comfortable Buenos dias and leave it at that. At times I was haunted by the worry that, instead of answering "Hasta luego", I would out of nervousness mumble out "Hasta la pasta" as my old high school friend used to say.
How do you say "Please don't call on me!" en espanol?
Labels: fear
posted by Carol at 9:30 AM
4 comments
Monday, October 22, 2007
I Just Like This Photo
Photo from the BBCLaura is in the Middle East to talk about breast cancer.
Depleted Uranium that was used in weapons in the first Gulf War and is now being used in Iraq has been shown to contribute to and increase various cancers, including breast cancer.
Depleted Uranium that was used in weapons in the first Gulf War and is now being used in Iraq has been shown to contribute to and increase various cancers, including breast cancer.
Labels: Breast Cancer, Depleted Uranium, Laura
posted by Carol at 11:53 AM
0 comments
How Does Peace Come About?
My editor is very busy today. I keep trying to write, but some inner moderator keeps nixing everything I put down.
So, since none of my previous attempts was what needed to be said, what do I REALLY want to say?
First of all, editor, you're fired. What is going to come out is going to come out and we will just have to live with it.
Here's the truth (well, my truth, anyway):
There will be rallies held all over the country this coming Saturday. The people in Denver want this one to be really big. Not only have we been occupying Iraq for 5+ years now, a certain someone keeps threatening Iran.
But I'm not going to the rally.
I am tired. I am tired of banging my head against a wall. I have participated in countless rallies over the years. Meanwhile, the occupation continues and threats are being made about another war.
And I am not getting more peaceful by going to rallies and marches.
I am sickened by the media and the pathetic reporting of these events. I have absolutely no belief that the people in D.C. care whether 100 or 100,000 people march in the streets.
I'm not trying to convince anyone that they should not attend the events in their area. It is good that people do these things if they are called to do them.
A slow, steady river will, over much time, create an inspiring canyon. Maybe consistently standing for an end to the war will eventually cause a change. Maybe not. I don't know.
Do we sometimes get stuck in a habit of trying to create a canyon through working to wear down granite when, if we just moved a little to the left, the sandstone there would happily melt into graceful formations?
I think that we must always keep questions alive.
I am grateful to all who have given of their time and talents for the events that will bring people together this weekend. May your efforts create good for the world.
To find out about a rally near you, visit United for Peace and Justice.
So, since none of my previous attempts was what needed to be said, what do I REALLY want to say?
First of all, editor, you're fired. What is going to come out is going to come out and we will just have to live with it.
Here's the truth (well, my truth, anyway):
There will be rallies held all over the country this coming Saturday. The people in Denver want this one to be really big. Not only have we been occupying Iraq for 5+ years now, a certain someone keeps threatening Iran.
But I'm not going to the rally.
I am tired. I am tired of banging my head against a wall. I have participated in countless rallies over the years. Meanwhile, the occupation continues and threats are being made about another war.
And I am not getting more peaceful by going to rallies and marches.
I am sickened by the media and the pathetic reporting of these events. I have absolutely no belief that the people in D.C. care whether 100 or 100,000 people march in the streets.
I'm not trying to convince anyone that they should not attend the events in their area. It is good that people do these things if they are called to do them.
A slow, steady river will, over much time, create an inspiring canyon. Maybe consistently standing for an end to the war will eventually cause a change. Maybe not. I don't know.
Do we sometimes get stuck in a habit of trying to create a canyon through working to wear down granite when, if we just moved a little to the left, the sandstone there would happily melt into graceful formations?
I think that we must always keep questions alive.
I am grateful to all who have given of their time and talents for the events that will bring people together this weekend. May your efforts create good for the world.
To find out about a rally near you, visit United for Peace and Justice.
"I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood. We need to cultivate a universal responsibility for one another and the planet we share. Although I have found my own Buddhist religion helpful in generating love and com passion, even for those we consider our enemies, I am convinced that everyone can develop a good heart and a sense of universal responsibility with or without religion."
- His Holiness the Dalai Lama at his Nobel Prize acceptance speechLabels: peace, rallies, United for Peace and Justice
posted by Carol at 10:43 AM
2 comments
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Viva la Salsa!!!
Some people make it look so easy.Last night's salsa party fund-raiser was FUN! During the lesson, I was feeling pretty good about myself.
Quick, quick, slow. Quick, quick, slow.
Hips jut here, hips jut there.
But when the band came on and we were on our own, I was just a stiff white woman that didn't have a clue what I was doing. My moment of spicy salsa fame came and went just that fast!
Oh well...
Poverty affects people all over the world. Why do I find myself working with Friendship Bridge to help the women of Guatemala?
I don't know. Because I can? With so much injustice in the world, I can feel overwhelmed and hopeless. It helps to know that maybe I can help to make life a little easier for a few women that don't have the opportunities that I have.
From the Friendship Bridge site:
Why Guatemala? 94% of the land in Guatemala is in the hands of 7% of the people. 80% of the arable land is in the hands of 2% of the people. According to a study done at San Carlos University, Guatemala is 1,200,000 housing units short, or in other words, two million people in the country are homeless. 70% of the overall population has had little or no formal education, 38% have no access to health care, and 46% have access but no medicine or cannot afford the medicine that is available. The unemployment rate is 53%. In an urban study, it was determined that it cost just under $5 per day to live and the average wage earner can make just under $2 per day. (Adjust that to $6 per day to live in rural areas with the average wage earner making just under $1.50). The effect of an illness is devastating to a family living in these margins. A visit to the doctor, if there is one, cost $2-3, medicine, if there is any, costs $10-$13. Factor in the loss of wages results in a poor outcome.
Guatemala, specifically the Lake Atitlan region, was deeply affected by the civil war and the years of violence. Approximately 3,000 women were widowed. Their husbands either disappeared or were murdered during the thirty years of political violence that shattered the community until the early 1990s. Over the last decade, these women have struggled to rebuild and maintain the well-being of their families.
Why Women? As a group, women are extremely under-capitalized. Women make up 70% of the world's poorest, earn only 10% of the world's income, and own less than 10% of the world's property. Furthermore, women are more likely to use the profits from their business to feed their malnourished families and educate their children. As a group, they are also consistently better in promptness and reliability of repayment. Likewise, when women earn an income, they obtain more decision making power within the family and over their own welfare. Most husbands and other family members are quick to realize that the income generated from a woman's business can, literally, be life saving. Many women use their loans for expanding rural family businesses.
P.S.
Another good program that I support is Women for Women International. I have had sponsored sisters in Iraq, Nigeria, and Kosovo over the last few years. Through W for W, I have connected with and supported women who are survivors of war to get back on their feet.
I'm not telling you this for any reason other than to let you know about a couple of good organizations that give women "a hand up".
So far, in this land of plenty, we have been blessed with more than enough while others go without basic needs. And somethin' ain't right about that!
Labels: Friendship Bridge, Salsa, two left feet, Women for Women
posted by Carol at 3:18 PM
3 comments
Friday, October 19, 2007
Okay, Now We Have it All Figured Out!
Studying how the world works by watching lizards!
I knew it all the time...
According to the article, Lizard Love Triangles Exposed, scientists studying lizards have found that male lizards adopt one of three strategies when pursuing the opposite sex. Researchers equate this practice to rock, paper, scissors.
- "You either cooperate, or take by force, or take by deception," said researcher Barry Sinervo, a behavioral geneticist at the University of California, Santa Cruz. "It's one of those basic games that structures life."
- Orange-bellied males are brutes that invade other lizards' territories to mate with any female they can hold. But while they're gone, yellow-bellied males sneak deceptively onto the vacant territory and mate with undefended females. White-bellied males guard their mates closely and ally with other white-bellied lizards to keep the yellows at bay. Thus the analogy to rock-paper-scissors - orange force defeats white cooperation, cooperation defeats yellow deception and deception defeats force.
- Such games would not be limited to competitions over sex between males. For instance, humans play these games between aggressors, deceivers and cooperators "along an economic axis, a reproductive axis, a familial axis, a political axis," Sinervo said. Although systems with more than three competing strategies could occur, he explained they would likely tend to simplify themselves into a rock-paper-scissors arrangement because triangular relationships are mathematically more stable.
Hmmmm... has anyone investigated to find out the color of some of the bellies in D.C.? Next time, please vote for a white-bellied prez. (I just realized that this could sound bigoted, since only a white person could have a white belly. I just mean that we need some COOPERATORS in leadership.)
Labels: bellies, lizards, photography
posted by Carol at 1:55 PM
4 comments
Thursday, October 18, 2007
I Live in the Wrong State
"Rep Says War for 'President's Amusement'."
Go Representative Pete Stark!
"You don't have money to fund the war or children," Stark declared. "But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement."
Now that's my kind of guy!
Go Representative Pete Stark!
"You don't have money to fund the war or children," Stark declared. "But you're going to spend it to blow up innocent people if we can get enough kids to grow old enough for you to send to Iraq to get their heads blown off for the president's amusement."
Now that's my kind of guy!
Labels: Balls, Iraq War, Rep. Pete Stark, SCHIP
posted by Carol at 9:16 PM
2 comments
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
After This Saturday...
... I'll be dancing like this:
Our Foothills Friendship Bridge Circle will be holding a Salsa night this coming Saturday to raise funds for micro-loans for Guatemalan women and their families. I've never danced Salsa - and I have no reason to believe that my hips are teachable anymore. But, thank God, that's not the point. We are hoping to have 400 people boogeying, having fun, and helping some people in Guatemala to get on their feet.
I'll let ya know how it goes.
And after this coming Monday...
...I'll be an official Spanish Language student.
Bueno diversion
(Did I do that right?)
Next thing you know, this blog will be Carol Por (or Para - I don't which) Paz. Or something like that.
Our Foothills Friendship Bridge Circle will be holding a Salsa night this coming Saturday to raise funds for micro-loans for Guatemalan women and their families. I've never danced Salsa - and I have no reason to believe that my hips are teachable anymore. But, thank God, that's not the point. We are hoping to have 400 people boogeying, having fun, and helping some people in Guatemala to get on their feet.
I'll let ya know how it goes.
And after this coming Monday...
...I'll be an official Spanish Language student.
Bueno diversion
(Did I do that right?)
Next thing you know, this blog will be Carol Por (or Para - I don't which) Paz. Or something like that.
Labels: Friendship Bridge, Salsa
posted by Carol at 3:30 PM
2 comments
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Pedaling Backwards Through Life
Today I was sitting at a stoplight. The street that I was waiting to cross is pretty busy - three lanes in either direction. As I sat at the light, this is what I saw (And I am not kidding you):
A man rode a bike past me, but he was riding backwards down the six-lane street. I don't mean that he was going west in an eastbound lane. I mean that he was sitting on the bike correctly and he was going east while facing west. He was pedaling backwards. He was in traffic, almost keeping up. He kept looking back, which was really front, to be sure that he didn't run into anything. Maybe this is some kind of new bike-riding technique that I am not aware of, and you are thinking, "Gee, Carol, where have you been?".
Let me know if you spend your biking hours going backwards. I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.
Focusing on the past while moving toward the future just doesn't seem like the best use of one's energy to me.
But then again, I suppose that many of us have been known to do that quite often.
A man rode a bike past me, but he was riding backwards down the six-lane street. I don't mean that he was going west in an eastbound lane. I mean that he was sitting on the bike correctly and he was going east while facing west. He was pedaling backwards. He was in traffic, almost keeping up. He kept looking back, which was really front, to be sure that he didn't run into anything. Maybe this is some kind of new bike-riding technique that I am not aware of, and you are thinking, "Gee, Carol, where have you been?".
Let me know if you spend your biking hours going backwards. I have a few questions I'd like to ask you.
Focusing on the past while moving toward the future just doesn't seem like the best use of one's energy to me.
But then again, I suppose that many of us have been known to do that quite often.
Labels: Biking Backwards
posted by Carol at 4:21 PM
7 comments
Monday, October 15, 2007
Be the Change...
Do you think that you affect the world by being who you are and doing what you do?
I do. I think that we all add to this soup that we call the world. There are a few unsavory flavors, but my oh my, the broth is scrumptious and most of the ingredients are heavenly. Even those unsavory bits seem to bring out the best in other parts.
Thinking about Gandhi when he said "we must be the change we wish to see in the world", I contemplate what I want to see.
I would like a world where:
- people care about each other and about all living beings
- we don't call each other names or do anything intentionally to cause pain to others - physical or psychological
- we know that there is enough - and we don't need to have more than enough while others live in need
- we take care of the earth
- there is joy and singing and dancing and celebrating
- we know there is time to go slowly enough to listen to each other, to be kind, to notice what is going on within and without
So Gandhi calls me to be these qualities that I want in the world. I can't make anyone else do it (at least I've been unsuccessful so far) - and I can be a challenging study even for myself.
It's time to get dancin'!
"I shall allow no man to belittle my soul by making me hate him."
- Booker T. Washington
- Booker T. Washington
"Those who dance are considered insane by those who can't hear the music."
- George Carlin
- George Carlin
Labels: dance, Gandhi, photography
posted by Carol at 9:59 AM
2 comments
Friday, October 12, 2007
Monday, October 08, 2007
Of Seat-belts, Airbags and Armageddon
If you didn't watch Bill Moyers the other night, you can still see it on-line. I found it quite sobering. Actually, to be honest, I found it scary and sickening.
#1 Christians United for Israel
BILL MOYERS JOURNAL reports on the politically powerful group Christians United for Israel, whose leader, Pastor John Hagee, advocates for a preemptive strike against Iran.
#2 Perspectives on Christian Zionism
Bill Moyers talks with Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of TIKKUN, a Jewish journal of politics, culture, and spirituality, and Dr. Timothy P. Weber, author of ON THE ROAD TO ARMAGEDDON: HOW EVANGELICALS BECAME ISRAEL'S BEST FRIEND.
And to give you some hope, #3 Bill Moyers Essay: Amish Grace
A year after the tragic shooting, Bill Moyers looks at what the Amish can teach us about healing.
Last night, we watched the movie, An Unreasonable Man. It's a 2006 movie, but we're always behind the times, since we borrow our movies from the library and usually have to wait our turn. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend it. The movie strives to be even-handed, showing not only the great things that Ralph Nader has done, but also the anger brought up by the belief of many people that he was the cause of W winning the presidency. Nader is a powerful guy, but there were many other 3rd party candidates that could've been blamed for it just as well. When the movie was over, I felt inspired by a man who acts from his conscience with integrity.
#1 Christians United for Israel
BILL MOYERS JOURNAL reports on the politically powerful group Christians United for Israel, whose leader, Pastor John Hagee, advocates for a preemptive strike against Iran.
#2 Perspectives on Christian Zionism
Bill Moyers talks with Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of TIKKUN, a Jewish journal of politics, culture, and spirituality, and Dr. Timothy P. Weber, author of ON THE ROAD TO ARMAGEDDON: HOW EVANGELICALS BECAME ISRAEL'S BEST FRIEND.
And to give you some hope, #3 Bill Moyers Essay: Amish Grace
A year after the tragic shooting, Bill Moyers looks at what the Amish can teach us about healing.
###
Last night, we watched the movie, An Unreasonable Man. It's a 2006 movie, but we're always behind the times, since we borrow our movies from the library and usually have to wait our turn. If you haven't seen it yet, I recommend it. The movie strives to be even-handed, showing not only the great things that Ralph Nader has done, but also the anger brought up by the belief of many people that he was the cause of W winning the presidency. Nader is a powerful guy, but there were many other 3rd party candidates that could've been blamed for it just as well. When the movie was over, I felt inspired by a man who acts from his conscience with integrity.
Labels: Bill Moyers, Ralph Nader, Zionists
posted by Carol at 8:54 PM
0 comments
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Bringing "Democracy" to Iraq? What About Burma?
I have recently started visiting Sadiq Alam's blog, Inspirations and Creative Thoughts. His posts are educational and inspirational. They nourish my soul. I hope that you have time to visit his most recent post on Burma (Myanmar), and, if you haven't done so already, sign the petition link at the bottom of the article.
Labels: Burma, Inspirations and Creative Thoughts
posted by Carol at 7:21 PM
8 comments
Friday, October 05, 2007
Hope in the West Bank
Hope Flowers School in the West Bank teaches peace and democracy to their Palestinian students. They hold inter-faith classes instead of separating the Jewish and Muslim children into separate classes. They also teach Hebrew to the Palestinian students in order to develop more trust and understanding.
"When you speak about 'the enemy' you don't know him, you create an image of a monster, you deprive him of his humanity," says Hussein Issa's son, Ibrahim, also a co-director of the school.
"I have many Israeli friends and some I differ with, but we have one common ground, we are all human beings, and it's important to see even your enemy in this way."
"The antidote to hatred in the heart, the source of violence, is tolerance. Tolerance is an important virtue of bodhisattvas [enlightened heroes and heroines] -- it enables you to refrain from reacting angrily to the harm inflicted on you by others. You could call this practice "inner disarmament," in that a well-developed tolerance makes you free from the compulsion to counterattack. For the same reason, we also call tolerance the "best armor," since it protects you from being conquered by hatred itself." - Dalai Lama
"Love thy neighbor as thyself." - Jesus
"When you speak about 'the enemy' you don't know him, you create an image of a monster, you deprive him of his humanity," says Hussein Issa's son, Ibrahim, also a co-director of the school.
"I have many Israeli friends and some I differ with, but we have one common ground, we are all human beings, and it's important to see even your enemy in this way."
"The antidote to hatred in the heart, the source of violence, is tolerance. Tolerance is an important virtue of bodhisattvas [enlightened heroes and heroines] -- it enables you to refrain from reacting angrily to the harm inflicted on you by others. You could call this practice "inner disarmament," in that a well-developed tolerance makes you free from the compulsion to counterattack. For the same reason, we also call tolerance the "best armor," since it protects you from being conquered by hatred itself." - Dalai Lama
"Love thy neighbor as thyself." - Jesus
posted by Carol at 11:55 AM
2 comments
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
Hey Canada, What's the Problem, eh?
Canada Refuses Entry to CODEPINK Cofounder Medea Benjamin and Retired Colonel Ann Wright
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/27415
Submitted by davidswanson on Wed, 2007-10-03 21:01. Media
From Code Pink
Two well-respected US peace activists, CODEPINK and Global Exchange cofounder Medea Benjamin and retired US Army Colonel and diplomat Ann Wright, were denied entry into Canada today (Wednesday, October 3). The two women were headed to Toronto to discuss peace and security issues at the invitation of the Toronto Stop the War Coalition. At the Buffalo-Niagara Falls Bridge they were detained, questioned and denied entry. They will hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon in front of the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC to ask the Canadian government to reverse its policy of barring peaceful protesters.
The women were questioned at Canadian customs about their participation in anti-war efforts and informed that they had an FBI file indicating they had been arrested in acts of non-violent civil disobedience.
PRESS CONFERENCE:
WHEN: Thursday, October 4th at 1pm
WHERE: Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC
"In my case, the border guard pulled up a file showing that I had been arrested at the US Mission to the UN where, on International Women's Day, a group of us had tried to deliver a peace petition signed by 152,000 women around the world," says Benjamin. "For this, the Canadians labeled me a criminal and refused to allow me in the country."
"The FBI's placing of peace activists on an international criminal database is blatant political intimidation of US citizens opposed to Bush administration policies," says Colonel Wright, who was also Deputy US Ambassador in four countries. "The Canadian government should certainly not accept this FBI database as the criteria for entering the country."
Both Wright and Benjamin plan to request their files from the FBI through the Freedom of Information Act and demand that arrests for peaceful, non-violent actions be expunged from international records.
"It's outrageous that Canada is turning away peacemakers protesting a war that does not have the support of either US or Canadian citizens," says Benjamin. "In the past, Canada has always welcomed peace activists with open arms. This new policy, obviously a creature of the Bush administration, is shocking and we in the US and Canada must insist that it be overturned.
Four members of the Canadian Parliament--Peggy Nash, Libby Davies, Paul Dewar and Peter Julian-- expressed outrage that the peace activists were barred from Canada and vow to change this policy.
(Thank you, Darla!)
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/27415
Submitted by davidswanson on Wed, 2007-10-03 21:01. Media
From Code Pink
Two well-respected US peace activists, CODEPINK and Global Exchange cofounder Medea Benjamin and retired US Army Colonel and diplomat Ann Wright, were denied entry into Canada today (Wednesday, October 3). The two women were headed to Toronto to discuss peace and security issues at the invitation of the Toronto Stop the War Coalition. At the Buffalo-Niagara Falls Bridge they were detained, questioned and denied entry. They will hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon in front of the Canadian Embassy in Washington DC to ask the Canadian government to reverse its policy of barring peaceful protesters.
The women were questioned at Canadian customs about their participation in anti-war efforts and informed that they had an FBI file indicating they had been arrested in acts of non-violent civil disobedience.
PRESS CONFERENCE:
WHEN: Thursday, October 4th at 1pm
WHERE: Canadian Embassy, 501 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC
"In my case, the border guard pulled up a file showing that I had been arrested at the US Mission to the UN where, on International Women's Day, a group of us had tried to deliver a peace petition signed by 152,000 women around the world," says Benjamin. "For this, the Canadians labeled me a criminal and refused to allow me in the country."
"The FBI's placing of peace activists on an international criminal database is blatant political intimidation of US citizens opposed to Bush administration policies," says Colonel Wright, who was also Deputy US Ambassador in four countries. "The Canadian government should certainly not accept this FBI database as the criteria for entering the country."
Both Wright and Benjamin plan to request their files from the FBI through the Freedom of Information Act and demand that arrests for peaceful, non-violent actions be expunged from international records.
"It's outrageous that Canada is turning away peacemakers protesting a war that does not have the support of either US or Canadian citizens," says Benjamin. "In the past, Canada has always welcomed peace activists with open arms. This new policy, obviously a creature of the Bush administration, is shocking and we in the US and Canada must insist that it be overturned.
Four members of the Canadian Parliament--Peggy Nash, Libby Davies, Paul Dewar and Peter Julian-- expressed outrage that the peace activists were barred from Canada and vow to change this policy.
(Thank you, Darla!)
Labels: Canada, political intimidation
posted by Carol at 9:16 PM
2 comments
Mystery
Tomorrow, I am going to have TWO MRI's IN A ROW! They can't do both shoulders at once, so they will inject one shoulder with dye, do a CT scan on it, then MRI it, THEN, if I have not run away and hidden, they will do the same for the other shoulder. We will get to see the mystery that is taking place inside my body.
If you don't know about my shoulder adventures with bilateral frozen shoulder (aka painful straight-jacket), you can catch up by going here, here, and here. I am so much better than I was last January through April, when I was sinking into depression from pain, limitation and lack of sleep.
I have done a lot of research on frozen shoulder. First I thought that I could survive the year that most frozen shoulders take to "thaw". I received massage and acupuncture to help out. I am a massage therapist. Doctors are usually not my first route - I have to try everything else first. But after 3 months, I knew that I would kill myself before the year was up, so I went to an MD. who did THE PROCEDURE that set me free. Six months later, after months of painful P.T., here I am... better, but not good enough to tolerate getting handcuffed (and you quit thinking those thoughts - I mean, in case I get cuffed for things like die-ins or something!)
While awaiting the big entombment day, I got a phone call from my great P.T. who said that she just took a workshop and learned that in some cases, women with shoulder problems can be helped in just two weeks with hormone therapy. No doctor has ever mentioned that to me, and I have not read it anywhere, but it makes some sense. I plan to follow up on this after I get out of that noisy little claustrophobic tunnel tomorrow.
And in case you didn't put it together... Those rocks... they were changed by wind and by the freezing and thawing of water. My shoulders have now frozen and thawed. I didn't become more curvy and sensuous like the rocks did, but I know I changed on the inside. And that is good enough for me!
I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us. - Anne Lamott
posted by Carol at 9:19 AM
4 comments
Monday, October 01, 2007
Autumn in My Backyard
It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor nature's gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever. - Jimmy Carter
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower. - Albert CamusLabels: Autumn, photography
posted by Carol at 5:28 PM
4 comments