I've been leaning a little heavily on my friends lately with tags, so I need to think about who could have fun with this like I have!
Sylvia's world in thoughts and pictures
I miss you Sam!!
I miss you Sam!!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
6th of the 6th Tag Meme
I was tagged by Pagan Sphinx for this meme and it's simple and it took me back to our snowy holiday weather. Makes me shudder now, but it was almost breathtakingly beautiful at the time.
I've been leaning a little heavily on my friends lately with tags, so I need to think about who could have fun with this like I have!
I've been leaning a little heavily on my friends lately with tags, so I need to think about who could have fun with this like I have!
Shadow Shot Sunday
I can't connect with any of the Mr. Linky sites anymore, but I'm going to post my photos anyway. Bobbie of Amost There who is such a doll! she entered my name on Mr. Linky and then couldn't add her own! So, If you stop by here, please click on the link here for a look at her great photos! And thanks again, Bobbie, for your kindness and generosity!
Particularly today because the SUN WAS out -- notice the emphasis on WAS and I found some shadows of the railing around our deck, shadows of the candle holders in my bedroom, and shadows of plants in the kitchen! Hooray for a little sun!
Happy Sunday!
Particularly today because the SUN WAS out -- notice the emphasis on WAS and I found some shadows of the railing around our deck, shadows of the candle holders in my bedroom, and shadows of plants in the kitchen! Hooray for a little sun!
Happy Sunday!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
And His Song Is My Song
My Song
by Rabindranath Tagore
This song of mine will wind its music around you,
my child, like the fond arms of love.
The song of mine will touch your forehead
like a kiss of blessing.
When you are alone it will sit by your side and
whisper in your ear, when you are in the crowd
it will fence you about with aloofness.
My song will be like a pair of wings to your dreams,
it will transport your heart to the verge of the unknown.
It will be like the faithful star overhead
when dark night is over your road.
My song will sit in the pupils of your eyes,
and will carry your sight into the heart of things.
And when my voice is silenced in death,
my song will speak in your living heart.
The Power of a Dream
There is a documentary film out that is playing in select theaters around the country that has a powerful message. I haven’t seen it as yet, but the reviews and discussions about it are moving. Bob Herbert is one of those who has seen it and wrote about it in his Op-Ed column with the NYT today. The name of the film is “Pray the Devil Back to Hell”. It is the story of a woman and her family had endured the agony of civil war in Liberia who speaks of a dream she had in 2003 in which someone urged her to organize the women of her church to pray for peace. “A crazy dream,” she said.
It must have seemed like little more than wishful thinking and surely not much to fight back the forces of Charles Taylor, who was tyrannical president at the time and the brutally predatory rebels who were trying to oust him from power. Herbert says that the violence was excruciating. People were dying the tens of thousands, rape was commonplace, and children were starving. There were scenes showing even small children whose limbs had been amputated.
According to Herbert, for him it was about much more than the tragic and the ultimately uplifting events in Liberia. It was about the power of ordinary people to intervene in their own fate. Perhaps we could all learn a lesson from this movie. Not that our current problems could in any way be compared to what the people of Liberia suffered, but it does show what people with a common goal can achieve.
The film captures the almost unimaginable horror that war imposes on noncombatants; the looks of terror on the faces of people fleeing gunfire in the streets; children crouching and flinching, almost paralyzed with fear by the sound of nearby explosions; homes engulfed in flames.
It’s the kind of environment that breeds feelings of helplessness. But Leymah Gbowee, the woman who had the crazy dream, would have none of that. And she should most definitely be a lesson to all of us.
Ms. Gbowee not only rallied the women at her Lutheran church to pray for peace, but organized them into a full-blown, all-women peace initiative that spread to other Christian churches and then to women of the Muslim faith.
They wanted the madness stopped. They wanted an end to the maiming and the killing, especially the destruction of a generation of children. They wanted to eradicate the plague of rape. They wanted all the things that noncombatants crave whenever the warrior crowd – whether in the U.S., the Middle East, Asia –wherever – decides it’s time once again to break out the bombs and guns and let the mindless killing begin.
When the Liberian Christians reached out to “their Muslim sisters,” there was some fear on both sides that such an alliance could result in a dilution of faith. But the chaos and the killing had reached such extremes that the religious concerns were set aside in the interest of raising a powerful collective voice.
They had sit-ins, stand-ins; they moved out of the churches and mosques to demonstrate, to protest, to enlist all who would listen in the cause of peace. Working with practically no resources save their extraordinary will and intense desire to end the conflict, the women’s initial efforts evolved into a movement, the Liberian Mass Action for Peace.
Their headquarters was an open-air fish market in the capital, Monrovia. Thousands of women showed up daily, praying, waving signs, singing, dancing, chanting and agitation for peace. And nothing could stop their rallies at the market, not the fierce heat of the sun, not drenching rainstorms, nor the publicly expressed anger of Mr. Taylor, who was embarrassed by the protests. Oh, I bet he was pissed – my words this time, not Mr. Herberts!
But it worked! A tentative peace was established, Mr. Taylor went into exile in Nigeria. The women continued their activism. Three years ago, on Jan. 16,2006, in an absolutely thrilling triumph for the mothers and wives and sisters and aunts and grandmothers who had worked so courageously for peace, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was sworn in as the president of Liberia – the first woman ever elected president of a country in Africa. Hey, sound familiar? Remember what we have just done? Okay, maybe we should take notice and make sure Obama has the support he needs so that he’s not forced into actions that already have people complaining about being disappointed in him. For God’s sake, for our sake, give him time and the support that he needs instead of the already steady flow of friggin’ criticism!
Liberia is hardly the world’s most stable society. But “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” reminds us of the incredible power available to the most ordinary of people if they are willing to act with courage and unwavering commitment. And let me underline in red, no bad mouthing a president in office for less than a month who is trying desperately to bring people together from both sides to bring about the change that we need. Not to mention our own Democrats who are behaving about as badly as I’ve ever seen! When does the nitpicking stop? When do people and politicians, for maybe once in their life, try to do what’s best for the country instead of squabbling? I have lots of questions, but not so much for Obama as for the rest of us.
To read the whole article without my big mouth, check out Herbert’s column for today.
It must have seemed like little more than wishful thinking and surely not much to fight back the forces of Charles Taylor, who was tyrannical president at the time and the brutally predatory rebels who were trying to oust him from power. Herbert says that the violence was excruciating. People were dying the tens of thousands, rape was commonplace, and children were starving. There were scenes showing even small children whose limbs had been amputated.
According to Herbert, for him it was about much more than the tragic and the ultimately uplifting events in Liberia. It was about the power of ordinary people to intervene in their own fate. Perhaps we could all learn a lesson from this movie. Not that our current problems could in any way be compared to what the people of Liberia suffered, but it does show what people with a common goal can achieve.
The film captures the almost unimaginable horror that war imposes on noncombatants; the looks of terror on the faces of people fleeing gunfire in the streets; children crouching and flinching, almost paralyzed with fear by the sound of nearby explosions; homes engulfed in flames.
It’s the kind of environment that breeds feelings of helplessness. But Leymah Gbowee, the woman who had the crazy dream, would have none of that. And she should most definitely be a lesson to all of us.
Ms. Gbowee not only rallied the women at her Lutheran church to pray for peace, but organized them into a full-blown, all-women peace initiative that spread to other Christian churches and then to women of the Muslim faith.
They wanted the madness stopped. They wanted an end to the maiming and the killing, especially the destruction of a generation of children. They wanted to eradicate the plague of rape. They wanted all the things that noncombatants crave whenever the warrior crowd – whether in the U.S., the Middle East, Asia –wherever – decides it’s time once again to break out the bombs and guns and let the mindless killing begin.
When the Liberian Christians reached out to “their Muslim sisters,” there was some fear on both sides that such an alliance could result in a dilution of faith. But the chaos and the killing had reached such extremes that the religious concerns were set aside in the interest of raising a powerful collective voice.
They had sit-ins, stand-ins; they moved out of the churches and mosques to demonstrate, to protest, to enlist all who would listen in the cause of peace. Working with practically no resources save their extraordinary will and intense desire to end the conflict, the women’s initial efforts evolved into a movement, the Liberian Mass Action for Peace.
Their headquarters was an open-air fish market in the capital, Monrovia. Thousands of women showed up daily, praying, waving signs, singing, dancing, chanting and agitation for peace. And nothing could stop their rallies at the market, not the fierce heat of the sun, not drenching rainstorms, nor the publicly expressed anger of Mr. Taylor, who was embarrassed by the protests. Oh, I bet he was pissed – my words this time, not Mr. Herberts!
But it worked! A tentative peace was established, Mr. Taylor went into exile in Nigeria. The women continued their activism. Three years ago, on Jan. 16,2006, in an absolutely thrilling triumph for the mothers and wives and sisters and aunts and grandmothers who had worked so courageously for peace, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf was sworn in as the president of Liberia – the first woman ever elected president of a country in Africa. Hey, sound familiar? Remember what we have just done? Okay, maybe we should take notice and make sure Obama has the support he needs so that he’s not forced into actions that already have people complaining about being disappointed in him. For God’s sake, for our sake, give him time and the support that he needs instead of the already steady flow of friggin’ criticism!
Liberia is hardly the world’s most stable society. But “Pray the Devil Back to Hell” reminds us of the incredible power available to the most ordinary of people if they are willing to act with courage and unwavering commitment. And let me underline in red, no bad mouthing a president in office for less than a month who is trying desperately to bring people together from both sides to bring about the change that we need. Not to mention our own Democrats who are behaving about as badly as I’ve ever seen! When does the nitpicking stop? When do people and politicians, for maybe once in their life, try to do what’s best for the country instead of squabbling? I have lots of questions, but not so much for Obama as for the rest of us.
To read the whole article without my big mouth, check out Herbert’s column for today.
A Message from the Universe
I found this on Inspiration Peak website and it pretty much says what I would say to you all!
Saturday 's Message
from the Universe
Good morning fellow adventurer!
This is to remind ALL my loyal subjects... that you are NOT my loyal subjects, and that I'm bloody tired of all the sacrifices, appeasements, and groveling.
I, The Universe... the Sun, the Moon and the Stars... the Alpha and the Omega... and all the rest, have created a PARADISE in time and space so that I, THROUGH YOU, might experience its INFINITE SPLENDORS, drink from its EVERY CUP, and LIVE, LOVE and be MERRY, in ways IMPOSSIBLE without you.
Your desires, are MY desires for you. What you want, and WHEN you want it, these were my ideas too. Your dreams, are MY DREAMS. YOU are the END ALL and BE ALL of time and space, the only reason, for this Garden of Eden... you can do no wrong, there are NO MISTAKES, and it's ALL GOOD.
Follow your heart, delight in your preferences, approve OF YOURSELF. Stake your claim, DEMAND IT, and hold out your hands. Banish your doubts, get off of your knees, and live as you please... because, dearest... YOU CAN, and THIS... is ALL I ever wanted.
With unspeakable love,
The Universe
An Award!
I received my fifth award today and felt very honored and humbled. I received this award from Peggy of Musings of Meggie.
This award acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values with each message they write. Awards like this have been created with the intention of promoting community among Bloggers. It's away to show appreciation and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web"
I am to pass this on to fifteen other bloggers for their contribution to our wonderful blogging world, and to let them know that they have been chosen. And like Peggy, it is hard to pick fifteen as there have been so many that have made such a difference in my life, that have made me laugh and celebrate and cry over the moving things they have said/written. So, now comes the hard part -- to choose just fifteen of the many who have contributed so much to my life over the past six months. To make it more difficult, many that I would put on the list have already received this award from Peggy. But here goes.
1. Linda
2. Rob
3. Joy
4. Mari
5. CitizenK
6. Clariz
7. Deborah
8. Bobbie
9. Milesperhour
10. sweetmango
11. June
12. mom/caryn
13. Kate
14. Happily Retired Gal
15. Judy
This award acknowledges the values that every Blogger displays in their effort to transmit cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values with each message they write. Awards like this have been created with the intention of promoting community among Bloggers. It's away to show appreciation and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web"
I am to pass this on to fifteen other bloggers for their contribution to our wonderful blogging world, and to let them know that they have been chosen. And like Peggy, it is hard to pick fifteen as there have been so many that have made such a difference in my life, that have made me laugh and celebrate and cry over the moving things they have said/written. So, now comes the hard part -- to choose just fifteen of the many who have contributed so much to my life over the past six months. To make it more difficult, many that I would put on the list have already received this award from Peggy. But here goes.
1. Linda
2. Rob
3. Joy
4. Mari
5. CitizenK
6. Clariz
7. Deborah
8. Bobbie
9. Milesperhour
10. sweetmango
11. June
12. mom/caryn
13. Kate
14. Happily Retired Gal
15. Judy
Friday, January 30, 2009
Finding the Joy
/\Namaste
During these days it seems to be harder and harder to find and to feel the joy that we all want to have in our lives. But what is life without joy? I can gripe and complain with the best regarding politics in this country today; I worry about the economy and how it is going to affect my kids -- me. Just today my son, David, in Texas wrote me that the layoffs have begun at Fossil where he works as a graphic artist. His job is not in danger -- yet. This is what he wrote me, "There were layoffs this morning. It affected three people in our department. One is a young woman from Israel who only has 21 days to find another job in the design field before she will be forced to return home. Kind of a heavy day around here." I hurt for that young woman. But we do have it within us to feel and experience joy, it just requires that we be able to look past the troubled world we live in. Look up, look around you! I found this poem and thought that it said all pretty well.
"Joy," by Rabindranath Tagore
And Joy is Everywhere
It is in the Earth's green covering of grass;
In the blue serenity of the Sky;
In the reckless exuberance of Spring;
In the severe abstinence of gray Winter;
In the Living flesh that animates our bodily frame;
In the perfect poise of the Human figure, noble and upright;
In Living;
In the exercise of all our powers;
In the acquisition of Knowledge;
in fighting evils...
Joy is there Everywhere.
New E-Mail Virus
I thought you would want to know about this e-mail virus.
Even the most advanced programs from Norton or McAfee cannot take care of this one.
It appears to affect those who were born prior to 1960.
1. Causes you to send the same e-mail twice.
Done that!
2. Causes you to send a blank e-mail!
That too!
3. Causes you to send e-mail to the wrong person.
Yep!
4. Causes you to send it back to the person who sent it to you.
Who me?
5. Causes you to forget to attach the attachment.
Well, fooey!
6. Causes you to hit ' SEND ' before you've finished.
Oh no - not again!
7. Causes you to hit ' DELETE ' instead of ' SEND. '
And I just hate that!
8. Causes you to hit ' SEND ' when you should DELETE. '
Oh Crap!!! !
IT IS CALLED THE C-NILE VIRUS ! !
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Even the most advanced programs from Norton or McAfee cannot take care of this one.
It appears to affect those who were born prior to 1960.
1. Causes you to send the same e-mail twice.
Done that!
2. Causes you to send a blank e-mail!
That too!
3. Causes you to send e-mail to the wrong person.
Yep!
4. Causes you to send it back to the person who sent it to you.
Who me?
5. Causes you to forget to attach the attachment.
Well, fooey!
6. Causes you to hit ' SEND ' before you've finished.
Oh no - not again!
7. Causes you to hit ' DELETE ' instead of ' SEND. '
And I just hate that!
8. Causes you to hit ' SEND ' when you should DELETE. '
Oh Crap!!! !
IT IS CALLED THE C-NILE VIRUS ! !
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What Are Politicians in General Thinking These Days??
I posted this briefly earlier, then took it off thinking that everyone is as sick of politics as I am, but that turning away from the things we don't want to think about, don't want to deal with is one of the reasons we're in the mess that we are today. So, I re-posted it. We can't afford to keeping looking away from things we don't want to think about and saying, 'there's nothing I can do anyway'. I will continue to post beautiful things because they are what give us the courage to do what we can about the ugly things not only in our own country but in the world today.
In the daily email yesterday morning that I get from MSNBC's Political Director, Chuck Todd, he seemed to be asking the same question. Unfortunately, the Democrats are acting as childish as the Republicans. This in turn leads me to want to ask, isn't our country's future more important that this petty, small-minded view that seems to be running rampant in Washington right now?
Despite Obama traveling to Capitol Hill to meet with them in private, despite including one of their former members (Ray LaHood) in his cabinet, and despite inviting their leaders over for cocktails last night at the White House, not a single House Republican voted for the stimulus package, which cleared the House yesterday by a 244-188 vote. Predicting that GOP outcome before the vote, the Washington Post notes, House Republican Leader John Boehner put his finger and thumb together to signal the big, fat "O" -- zero. House GOP leaders seemed to go out of their way to make sure reporters knew the message they were sending was directed at Speaker Pelosi, not the president. (As one snarkily noted to First Read, the president met with House Republicans on the stimulus bill more times than Pelosi did). But how closely does the American public follow congressional politics? Won't this look like they are snubbing a president who just days ago reached out to them? Republicans are taking a risk by looking so defiant, especially if this package ends up working. The last thing the GOP needs is another "O" -- obstructionist" -- being tagged to them.
Another Obama Olive Branch: That said, in his statement last night, Obama said that he wants "to strengthen" the stimulus plan before it gets to his desk. It was an interesting word choice and yet another olive branch to House Republicans. (And get this -- Obama didn't include the words "Democrat" or "Democratic" in his statement.) There are a number of Democrats scratching their heads at the House GOP goose egg; we even learned that LaHood was calling his fellow House Republican asking for them to support the legislation. After all, the president has a 70% job approval rating and the package itself has the support of a majority of Americans, who in general appear to believe they want government to do something -- rather than nothing -- when it comes to the economy. Interestingly, the president may have his own issues to deal with in his own party. The more defiant Democrats are thinking, "I told you so," when it comes his GOP outreach efforts. In addition, we've been hearing chatter from congressional Democrats that they'd like the president to act as concerned about winning their support as he acts when it comes to the Republicans. Meanwhile, a coalition of liberal groups is launching a new ad campaign that urges moderate Republican senators to support the economic stimulus.
Status Quo You Can Believe In? Just askin', but what kind of message would the GOP be sending after its 2008 losses by keeping Mitch McConnell as Senate leader, keeping John Boehner as House leader, and keeping Mike Duncan as RNC chair? If that all happens, it's an odd message to send to the party and American voters. Not much change.
In the daily email yesterday morning that I get from MSNBC's Political Director, Chuck Todd, he seemed to be asking the same question. Unfortunately, the Democrats are acting as childish as the Republicans. This in turn leads me to want to ask, isn't our country's future more important that this petty, small-minded view that seems to be running rampant in Washington right now?
Despite Obama traveling to Capitol Hill to meet with them in private, despite including one of their former members (Ray LaHood) in his cabinet, and despite inviting their leaders over for cocktails last night at the White House, not a single House Republican voted for the stimulus package, which cleared the House yesterday by a 244-188 vote. Predicting that GOP outcome before the vote, the Washington Post notes, House Republican Leader John Boehner put his finger and thumb together to signal the big, fat "O" -- zero. House GOP leaders seemed to go out of their way to make sure reporters knew the message they were sending was directed at Speaker Pelosi, not the president. (As one snarkily noted to First Read, the president met with House Republicans on the stimulus bill more times than Pelosi did). But how closely does the American public follow congressional politics? Won't this look like they are snubbing a president who just days ago reached out to them? Republicans are taking a risk by looking so defiant, especially if this package ends up working. The last thing the GOP needs is another "O" -- obstructionist" -- being tagged to them.
Another Obama Olive Branch: That said, in his statement last night, Obama said that he wants "to strengthen" the stimulus plan before it gets to his desk. It was an interesting word choice and yet another olive branch to House Republicans. (And get this -- Obama didn't include the words "Democrat" or "Democratic" in his statement.) There are a number of Democrats scratching their heads at the House GOP goose egg; we even learned that LaHood was calling his fellow House Republican asking for them to support the legislation. After all, the president has a 70% job approval rating and the package itself has the support of a majority of Americans, who in general appear to believe they want government to do something -- rather than nothing -- when it comes to the economy. Interestingly, the president may have his own issues to deal with in his own party. The more defiant Democrats are thinking, "I told you so," when it comes his GOP outreach efforts. In addition, we've been hearing chatter from congressional Democrats that they'd like the president to act as concerned about winning their support as he acts when it comes to the Republicans. Meanwhile, a coalition of liberal groups is launching a new ad campaign that urges moderate Republican senators to support the economic stimulus.
Status Quo You Can Believe In? Just askin', but what kind of message would the GOP be sending after its 2008 losses by keeping Mitch McConnell as Senate leader, keeping John Boehner as House leader, and keeping Mike Duncan as RNC chair? If that all happens, it's an odd message to send to the party and American voters. Not much change.
Icebergs in the Antartic
Icebergs in the Antarctic area sometimes have stripes, formed by
layers of snow that react to different conditions
Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet
fills up with meltwater and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form.
When an iceberg falls into the sea, a layer of salty seawater can
freeze to the underside. If this is rich in algae, it can form a
green stripe. Brown, black and yellow lines are caused by sediment, picked up
when the ice sheet grinds downhill towards the sea.
... Isn't this amazing??
Nature is amazing!
The water froze the instant the wave broke through the ice. That's what it is like in Antarctica where it is the coldest weather in decades. Water freezes the instant
it comes in contact with the air. The temperature of the water is already some degrees below freezing. Just look at how the wave froze in mid-air!!!
Having the Internet means that we get to see something that we never imagined!
layers of snow that react to different conditions
Blue stripes are often created when a crevice in the ice sheet
fills up with meltwater and freezes so quickly that no bubbles form.
When an iceberg falls into the sea, a layer of salty seawater can
freeze to the underside. If this is rich in algae, it can form a
green stripe. Brown, black and yellow lines are caused by sediment, picked up
when the ice sheet grinds downhill towards the sea.
... Isn't this amazing??
Nature is amazing!
The water froze the instant the wave broke through the ice. That's what it is like in Antarctica where it is the coldest weather in decades. Water freezes the instant
it comes in contact with the air. The temperature of the water is already some degrees below freezing. Just look at how the wave froze in mid-air!!!
Having the Internet means that we get to see something that we never imagined!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Sky Watch Friday
I still cannot find Mr. Linky on my Sky Watch site, but Klaus (bless him) has signed me in again! Hope you enjoy! Click on the icon and join us and show your skies!
Me This Morning!
Ah, but I am on the mend! Thanks to you all for empathizing with the WUSS I was yesterday! Of course, we all have bad days and they can be very enlightening. Mine was I know.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
One of 'Those' Days
I don't have many down days any more, but for some reason this was one of them and I have no idea what brought it on. There was some frustration trying to figure out how to be able to sign on to Mr. Linky for Sky Watch and My World -- haven't mastered that one yet in spite of tons of help from Rob of Inukshuk Adventure -- what a gem of a friend he's been! But those kinds of frustrations come and go all the time, so what else was there that got to me and is still hanging over my shoulder. I don't know, but I surely do hope it goes away or I manage to shoo it away! I don't have the time or patience for down days any more. We even had a little sunshine today! I should be jumping up and down and giggling.
But since I haven't been jumping up and down and giggling, I decided to look for something uplifting to help me out of the dark place. First of all I found a beautiful sky -- which always helps and then I found some wise words and I decided to share them both with you because that always makes me happy.
Once you realize that the road is the goal and that you are always on the road, not to reach a goal, but to enjoy its beauty and its wisdom, life ceases to be a task and becomes natural and simple, in itself an ecstasy.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
So, I share some more of the beauty of the world with you this night.
Could You Repeat the Question???
Now that Vancouver has won the chance to host the 2010 Winter Olympics, these are some questions people from all over the world are asking. Believe it or not these questions about Canada were posted on an International Tourism Website. Obviously the answers are a joke; but the questions were really asked!
Q:I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow(England)
A. We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.
Q:Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? ( USA )
A: Depends on how much you've been drinking.
Q:I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto -can I follow the Railroad tracks? ( Sweden )
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water.
Q:Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada ? ( Sweden )
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.
Q: Are there any ATM's (cash machines) in Canada ? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto , Vancouver , Edmonton and Halifax ? ( England )
A: What, did your last slave die?
Q:Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada ? ( USA )
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe .. Ca-na-da is that big country to your North...oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary . Come naked.
Q:Which direction is North in Canada ? ( USA )
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.
Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada ?( England )
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do .
Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? ( USA )
A: Aus-t ri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary , straight after the hippo races. Come naked.
Q: Do you have perfume in Canada ? ( Germany )
A: No, WE don't stink.
Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Where can I sell it in Canada ?( USA )
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? ( Italy )
A: Yes, gay nightclubs ..
Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada ? ( USA )
A: Only at Thanksgiving.
Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round?( Germany )
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of Vegan hunter/gathers. Milk is illegal.
Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada , but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. ( USA )
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.
Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? ( USA )
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.
Mmmmmm Does make you wonder about some of us, doesn't it????
Q:I have never seen it warm on Canadian TV, so how do the plants grow(England)
A. We import all plants fully grown and then just sit around and watch them die.
Q:Will I be able to see Polar Bears in the street? ( USA )
A: Depends on how much you've been drinking.
Q:I want to walk from Vancouver to Toronto -can I follow the Railroad tracks? ( Sweden )
A: Sure, it's only Four thousand miles, take lots of water.
Q:Is it safe to run around in the bushes in Canada ? ( Sweden )
A: So it's true what they say about Swedes.
Q: Are there any ATM's (cash machines) in Canada ? Can you send me a list of them in Toronto , Vancouver , Edmonton and Halifax ? ( England )
A: What, did your last slave die?
Q:Can you give me some information about hippo racing in Canada ? ( USA )
A: A-fri-ca is the big triangle shaped continent south of Europe .. Ca-na-da is that big country to your North...oh forget it. Sure, the hippo racing is every Tuesday night in Calgary . Come naked.
Q:Which direction is North in Canada ? ( USA )
A: Face south and then turn 180 degrees Contact us when you get here and we'll send the rest of the directions.
Q: Can I bring cutlery into Canada ?( England )
A: Why? Just use your fingers like we do .
Q: Can you send me the Vienna Boys' Choir schedule? ( USA )
A: Aus-t ri-a is that quaint little country bordering Ger-man-y, which is...oh forget it. Sure, the Vienna Boys Choir plays every Tuesday night in Vancouver and in Calgary , straight after the hippo races. Come naked.
Q: Do you have perfume in Canada ? ( Germany )
A: No, WE don't stink.
Q: I have developed a new product that is the fountain of youth. Where can I sell it in Canada ?( USA )
A: Anywhere significant numbers of Americans gather.
Q: Can you tell me the regions in British Columbia where the female population is smaller than the male population? ( Italy )
A: Yes, gay nightclubs ..
Q: Do you celebrate Thanksgiving in Canada ? ( USA )
A: Only at Thanksgiving.
Q: Are there supermarkets in Toronto and is milk available all year round?( Germany )
A: No, we are a peaceful civilization of Vegan hunter/gathers. Milk is illegal.
Q: I have a question about a famous animal in Canada , but I forget its name. It's a kind of big horse with horns. ( USA )
A: It's called a Moose. They are tall and very violent, eating the brains of anyone walking close to them. You can scare them off by spraying yourself with human urine before you go out walking.
Q: Will I be able to speak English most places I go? ( USA )
A: Yes, but you will have to learn it first.
Mmmmmm Does make you wonder about some of us, doesn't it????
Creative Puns for Educated Minds
The happy Lama/Llama!
1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian .
3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
9. Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here; I'll go on a head.'
14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse
said, 'No change yet.'
17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
18. It's not that the man did not know how to juggle, he just didn't have the balls to do it.
19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
20. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
21. A backward poet writes inverse.
22. In democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.
23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
24. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects!
A Secretary of the Arts
Bobbie of Almost There, posted this last night, I'm just passing it on as I believe we all need to be able to focus more on the beauty of art, music, literature during these very depressing times and it is past time that we did this.
PETITION SEEKING SIGNATURES FOR A REQUEST TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
TO APPOINT A SECRETARY OF THE ARTS.
Quincy Jones, famed musician, has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.  While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts--now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.
Thank You!
Please feel free to copy and paste to your blog.
PETITION SEEKING SIGNATURES FOR A REQUEST TO PRESIDENT OBAMA
TO APPOINT A SECRETARY OF THE ARTS.
Quincy Jones, famed musician, has started a petition to ask President-Elect Obama to appoint a Secretary of the Arts.  While many other countries have had Ministers of Art or Culture for centuries, The United States has never created such a position. We in the arts need this and the country needs the arts--now more than ever. Please take a moment to sign this important petition and then pass it on to your friends and colleagues.
Thank You!
Please feel free to copy and paste to your blog.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Beautiful Words and Lovely Skies 2
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
Marcel Proust
/\ Namaste
I ran across the line by Proust earlier this evening and then I happened to find a collection of poems by my very dear and well loved friend, Maithri, whom many of you know as well. He has brought so much joy into my life through his blog and his writings and I wanted to share this one with you.
Pick Up Your Pen
Maithri Goonetilleke
When the darkness falls
And you're just barely clinging
to a single,
rapidly unraveling thread
on life's frayed garment.
Pick up your pen
And in the broadest,
boldest strokes
you can manage
Write the name of love
across the sky
Challenging Murals
This is a ceiling mural in a smoker's lounge! That ought to do it! Ready to quit?
Imagine that you're at a party...10th floor of a high-rise
and then you have to go to the bathroom. You open the door...
Now, remember it's just a painted floor, but it kinda takes your breath away, doesn't it? I wonder if I wouldn't look around for a second bathroom.
G.O.P. – Brain Dead???
Don’t they have a clue that it is their policies that have sent this country hurtling down the road to ruin? Are they so removed from reality that in their delusionary state they honestly believe we need more tax cuts for the rich? It’s still all about them and they are totally blind to the fact these are the things that got us into this deplorable mess that we’re in today.
Bob Herbert, Op-Ed columnist for the NYT had another great column today. He writes about the fact that the GOP’s latest campaign is aimed at undermining President Obama’s effort to cope with the national economic emergency by attacking the spending in his stimulus package and repeating ad nauseam the Republican mantra for ever more tax cuts.
John Boehner, Ohio Republican and House minority leader speaking on Meet the Press said to “put him down in the ‘no’ column.” According to him “given the concerns Republicans have over the size of this package and all the spending in the package, we don’t think it’s going to work.”
But, if anything, the stimulus package isn’t large enough. Not with more businesses closing, the huge number of jobs being cut. But then Republicans may be just be deaf, dumb and blind if they can’t see that there is, not just an emergency – it’s a huge emergency. But then wasn’t it Phil Gramm, McCain’s economic guru that said it was all in our heads, that all of this was just a “mental recession.” Yeah, tell that to the tens of thousands who have lost their jobs, their homes and are wondering how they’re going to feed their families, to the young people who can no longer afford to go to college. Our country is hemorrhaging jobs and Americans are heading to the poorhouse by the millions. The stock markets and the value of family homes have collapsed and there is a virtual across-the-board agreement that the country is caught u in the worst economic disaster since at least World War II.
And the Republicans answer to the turmoil?
Why, tax cuts, of course!
I couldn’t agree more when Herbert says that the Republicans need to go into rehab!
So, when the GOP talks, absolutely NO ONE should listen. This is the party that preached fiscal discipline and then cut taxes in time of war. This is the party that still wants to put the torch to Social Security and Medicare. This is a party that, given a choice between Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, would choose Ronald Reagan in a heartbeat.
So, why is ANYONE still listening?
Bob Herbert, Op-Ed columnist for the NYT had another great column today. He writes about the fact that the GOP’s latest campaign is aimed at undermining President Obama’s effort to cope with the national economic emergency by attacking the spending in his stimulus package and repeating ad nauseam the Republican mantra for ever more tax cuts.
John Boehner, Ohio Republican and House minority leader speaking on Meet the Press said to “put him down in the ‘no’ column.” According to him “given the concerns Republicans have over the size of this package and all the spending in the package, we don’t think it’s going to work.”
But, if anything, the stimulus package isn’t large enough. Not with more businesses closing, the huge number of jobs being cut. But then Republicans may be just be deaf, dumb and blind if they can’t see that there is, not just an emergency – it’s a huge emergency. But then wasn’t it Phil Gramm, McCain’s economic guru that said it was all in our heads, that all of this was just a “mental recession.” Yeah, tell that to the tens of thousands who have lost their jobs, their homes and are wondering how they’re going to feed their families, to the young people who can no longer afford to go to college. Our country is hemorrhaging jobs and Americans are heading to the poorhouse by the millions. The stock markets and the value of family homes have collapsed and there is a virtual across-the-board agreement that the country is caught u in the worst economic disaster since at least World War II.
And the Republicans answer to the turmoil?
Why, tax cuts, of course!
I couldn’t agree more when Herbert says that the Republicans need to go into rehab!
So, when the GOP talks, absolutely NO ONE should listen. This is the party that preached fiscal discipline and then cut taxes in time of war. This is the party that still wants to put the torch to Social Security and Medicare. This is a party that, given a choice between Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, would choose Ronald Reagan in a heartbeat.
So, why is ANYONE still listening?
Monday, January 26, 2009
That's My World -- Chief Seattle
Thanks to Klaus for signing me into My World! And thanks for the visits and comments!
A number of people over the last couple of years have asked me how Seattle got it’s name and since it’s a interesting little piece of history, I thought I would share it on My World today.
Chief Seattle or Stealth, also spelled Seathle, Seathl or See-ahth, was a leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish Native American tribes in what is now the state of Washington. A prominent figure among his people, he pursued a path of accommodation to white settlers, forming a personal relationship with David Swinson “Doc” Maynard and Seattle was named for him. In later years, Sealth claimed to have seen the ships of the Vancouver Expedition as they explored Puget Sound. The Vancouver Expedition (1791-1795) was a five-year voyage of exploration and diplomacy, commanded by Captain George Vancouver. The expedition circumnavigated the globe, touched five continents and changed the course of history for several nations. The expedition at various times included between two and four vessels, and up to 153 men, all but six of whom returned home safely.
Sealth earned his reputation at a young age as a leader and a warrior, ambushing and defeating groups of enemy raiders coming up the Green River from the Cascade foothills and attacking tribes living on the Olympic Peninsula. Like many of his contemporaries, he owned slaves captured during his raids. He was tall and broad for a Puget Sound native at nearly six feet. Hudson’s Bay Company traders gave him the nickname Le Gros (The Big One). He was also known as an orator; and when he addressed an audience, his voice was said to have carried 3/4ths of a mile.
He took wives from the village of Tola’ltu just southeast of Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay (now a part of West Seattle). His first wife died after bearing a daughter. He had three sons and four daughters with his second wife. The most famous of his children was his first, Kikisoblu or Princess Angeline. Sealth was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and given the baptismal name, Noah, probably in 1848 near Olympia, Washington.
For all his skill, Sealth was gradually losing ground to the more powerful Patkanim of the Snohomish when white settlers started showing up in force. When his people were driven from their traditional clamming grounds. Sealth met Maynard in Olympia; they formed a friendly relationship useful to both. Persuading the settlers at Duwamps to rename the town Seattle, Maynard established their support for Sealth’s people and negotiated relatively peaceful relations among the tribes.
Sealth frequented the town named after him, and had his photograph taken by E. M. Sammis in 1865. He died June 7, 1866, on the Suquamish reservation at Port Madison, Washington.
Chief Seattle’s gravesite on the Port Madison Indian Reservation in Suquamish, Washington
Closeup of Chief Seattle’s tombstone in Suquamish, Washington
This statue of Chief Seattle was erected in 1908, Tilikum Place, in Seattle. The statue is on the National Register of Historic Places.
A number of people over the last couple of years have asked me how Seattle got it’s name and since it’s a interesting little piece of history, I thought I would share it on My World today.
Chief Seattle or Stealth, also spelled Seathle, Seathl or See-ahth, was a leader of the Suquamish and Duwamish Native American tribes in what is now the state of Washington. A prominent figure among his people, he pursued a path of accommodation to white settlers, forming a personal relationship with David Swinson “Doc” Maynard and Seattle was named for him. In later years, Sealth claimed to have seen the ships of the Vancouver Expedition as they explored Puget Sound. The Vancouver Expedition (1791-1795) was a five-year voyage of exploration and diplomacy, commanded by Captain George Vancouver. The expedition circumnavigated the globe, touched five continents and changed the course of history for several nations. The expedition at various times included between two and four vessels, and up to 153 men, all but six of whom returned home safely.
Sealth earned his reputation at a young age as a leader and a warrior, ambushing and defeating groups of enemy raiders coming up the Green River from the Cascade foothills and attacking tribes living on the Olympic Peninsula. Like many of his contemporaries, he owned slaves captured during his raids. He was tall and broad for a Puget Sound native at nearly six feet. Hudson’s Bay Company traders gave him the nickname Le Gros (The Big One). He was also known as an orator; and when he addressed an audience, his voice was said to have carried 3/4ths of a mile.
He took wives from the village of Tola’ltu just southeast of Duwamish Head on Elliott Bay (now a part of West Seattle). His first wife died after bearing a daughter. He had three sons and four daughters with his second wife. The most famous of his children was his first, Kikisoblu or Princess Angeline. Sealth was baptized in the Roman Catholic Church and given the baptismal name, Noah, probably in 1848 near Olympia, Washington.
For all his skill, Sealth was gradually losing ground to the more powerful Patkanim of the Snohomish when white settlers started showing up in force. When his people were driven from their traditional clamming grounds. Sealth met Maynard in Olympia; they formed a friendly relationship useful to both. Persuading the settlers at Duwamps to rename the town Seattle, Maynard established their support for Sealth’s people and negotiated relatively peaceful relations among the tribes.
Sealth frequented the town named after him, and had his photograph taken by E. M. Sammis in 1865. He died June 7, 1866, on the Suquamish reservation at Port Madison, Washington.
Chief Seattle’s gravesite on the Port Madison Indian Reservation in Suquamish, Washington
Closeup of Chief Seattle’s tombstone in Suquamish, Washington
This statue of Chief Seattle was erected in 1908, Tilikum Place, in Seattle. The statue is on the National Register of Historic Places.
One for the Gals
Needless to say it's far too late for this old girl, but thought I should pass it on anyway since it came from a lovely, young friend of mine.
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray the Lord my shape to keep.
Please no wrinkles, Please no bags
And please lift my butt before it sags.
Please no age spots, Please no gray
And as for my belly, Please take it away.
Please keep me healthy, Please keep me young,
And thank you Dear Lord, For all that you've done.
Five tips for a woman....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to You.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other.
Foot Note:
One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob:
'If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts.'
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Pilot's Conversations
Can you tell that the weather turned icy, slick and cold? I've spent the day at the computer and all of you get the results. But here are some more real life funnies or not???
Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"
Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!"
"TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees."
"Centre, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?"
"Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"
From an unknown aircraft waiting in a very long takeoff queue: "I'm f...ing bored!"
Ground Traffic Control: "Last aircraft transmitting, identify yourself immediately!"
Unknown aircraft: "I said I was f...ing bored, not f...ing stupid!"
Control tower to a 747: "United 329 heavy, your traffic is a Fokker, one o'clock, three miles, Eastbound."
United 239: "Approach, I've always wanted to say this... I've got the little Fokker in sight."
A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San Jose Tower noted: "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadalupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport."
Allegedly, a Pan Am 727 flight waiting for start clearance in Munich overheard the following:
Lufthansa (in German): "Ground, what is our start clearance time?"
Ground (in English): "If you want an answer you must speak in English."
Lufthansa (in English): "I am a German, flying a German airplane, in Germany. Why must I speak English?"
Unknown voice from another plane (in a beautiful British accent): "Because you lost the bloody war."
Allegedly, while taxiing at London's Gatwick Airport, the crew of a US Air flight departing for Ft. Lauderdale made a wrong turn and came nose to nose with a United 727. An irate female ground controller lashed out at the US Air crew, screaming: "US Air 2771, where the hell are you going?! I told you to turn right onto Charlie taxiway! You turned right on Delta! Stop right there. I know it's difficult for you to tell the difference between C and D, but get it right!" Continuing her rage to the embarrassed crew, she was now shouting hysterically: "God! Now you've screwed everything up! It'll take forever to sort this out! You stay right there and don't move till I tell you to! You can expect progressive taxi instructions in about half an hour and I want you to go exactly where I tell you, when I tell you, and how I tell you! You got that, US Air 2771?" US Air 2771: "Yes, ma'am," the humbled crew responded. Naturally, the ground control communications frequency fell terribly silent after the verbal bashing of US Air 2771. Nobody wanted to chance engaging the irate ground controller in her current state of mind. Tension in every cockpit out around Gatwick was definitely running high. Just then an unknown pilot broke the silence and keyed his microphone, asking: "Wasn't I married to you once?"
Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"
Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!"
"TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees."
"Centre, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?"
"Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"
From an unknown aircraft waiting in a very long takeoff queue: "I'm f...ing bored!"
Ground Traffic Control: "Last aircraft transmitting, identify yourself immediately!"
Unknown aircraft: "I said I was f...ing bored, not f...ing stupid!"
Control tower to a 747: "United 329 heavy, your traffic is a Fokker, one o'clock, three miles, Eastbound."
United 239: "Approach, I've always wanted to say this... I've got the little Fokker in sight."
A DC-10 had come in a little hot and thus had an exceedingly long roll out after touching down. San Jose Tower noted: "American 751, make a hard right turn at the end of the runway, if you are able. If you are not able, take the Guadalupe exit off Highway 101, make a right at the lights and return to the airport."
Allegedly, a Pan Am 727 flight waiting for start clearance in Munich overheard the following:
Lufthansa (in German): "Ground, what is our start clearance time?"
Ground (in English): "If you want an answer you must speak in English."
Lufthansa (in English): "I am a German, flying a German airplane, in Germany. Why must I speak English?"
Unknown voice from another plane (in a beautiful British accent): "Because you lost the bloody war."
Allegedly, while taxiing at London's Gatwick Airport, the crew of a US Air flight departing for Ft. Lauderdale made a wrong turn and came nose to nose with a United 727. An irate female ground controller lashed out at the US Air crew, screaming: "US Air 2771, where the hell are you going?! I told you to turn right onto Charlie taxiway! You turned right on Delta! Stop right there. I know it's difficult for you to tell the difference between C and D, but get it right!" Continuing her rage to the embarrassed crew, she was now shouting hysterically: "God! Now you've screwed everything up! It'll take forever to sort this out! You stay right there and don't move till I tell you to! You can expect progressive taxi instructions in about half an hour and I want you to go exactly where I tell you, when I tell you, and how I tell you! You got that, US Air 2771?" US Air 2771: "Yes, ma'am," the humbled crew responded. Naturally, the ground control communications frequency fell terribly silent after the verbal bashing of US Air 2771. Nobody wanted to chance engaging the irate ground controller in her current state of mind. Tension in every cockpit out around Gatwick was definitely running high. Just then an unknown pilot broke the silence and keyed his microphone, asking: "Wasn't I married to you once?"
All 44 Presidents
THIS IS PRETTY NEAT, WATCH AS ALL 44 PRESIDENTS MORPH INTO EACH OTHER beginning with George Washington all the way to Barack Obama, each President morphs into the following one. Someone did a lot of work on this. Nice job! Set to Ravel's "Bolero" - put your volume up. Good for the children to see.
New Lyrics for Old Songs for Old Boomers
Some of the artists of the 60's are revising their hits with new lyrics to accommodate aging baby boomers.
They include:
Bobby Darin ---
Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash.
Herman's Hermits ---
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker .
Ringo Starr ---
I Get By With a Little Help From Depends.
The Bee Gees -- -
How Can You Mend a Broken Hip.
Roberta Flack---
The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face.
Johnny Nash ---
I Can't See Clearly Now.
Paul Simon---
Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver
The Commodores ---
Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom.
Marvin Gaye ---
Heard It Through the Grape Nuts.
Procol Harem---
A Whiter Shade of Hair.
Leo Sayer ---
You Make Me Feel Like Napping.
The Temptations ---
Papa's Got a Kidney Stone.
Abba---
Denture Queen.
Tony Orlando ---
Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall.
Helen Reddy ---
I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore.
Leslie Gore---
It's My Procedure, and I'll Cry If I Want To.
And Last but NOT least:
Willie Nelson ---
On the Commode Again
They include:
Bobby Darin ---
Splish, Splash, I Was Havin' a Flash.
Herman's Hermits ---
Mrs. Brown, You've Got a Lovely Walker .
Ringo Starr ---
I Get By With a Little Help From Depends.
The Bee Gees -- -
How Can You Mend a Broken Hip.
Roberta Flack---
The First Time Ever I Forgot Your Face.
Johnny Nash ---
I Can't See Clearly Now.
Paul Simon---
Fifty Ways to Lose Your Liver
The Commodores ---
Once, Twice, Three Times to the Bathroom.
Marvin Gaye ---
Heard It Through the Grape Nuts.
Procol Harem---
A Whiter Shade of Hair.
Leo Sayer ---
You Make Me Feel Like Napping.
The Temptations ---
Papa's Got a Kidney Stone.
Abba---
Denture Queen.
Tony Orlando ---
Knock 3 Times On The Ceiling If You Hear Me Fall.
Helen Reddy ---
I Am Woman, Hear Me Snore.
Leslie Gore---
It's My Procedure, and I'll Cry If I Want To.
And Last but NOT least:
Willie Nelson ---
On the Commode Again
Shadow Shot Sunday
I haven't been able to sign up with Mr. Linky on Shadow Shot for some time now but when the sun finally came out last week I was running around trying to get photos of everything,including shadows like these of a chair in our breakfast area along with a plant, happily soaking up the sun.
And then there's me and the pidgeons.
And then there's me and the pidgeons.
An Explanation
As you know, I frequently end the blogging day with some beautiful photos, words, thoughts and I also frequently end the post with the word "namaste". I was asked yesterday by gappa why I did that since it is an Indian greeting with folded hands. I did know that, however, in several meditation classes that I have taken, along with my Tai Chi classes, that is how our instructors both began and ended our session. It somehow always invoked a sense of peace for me which was my reason for using it, but I will make a point of using it in the correct place from now on.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A Thank You
To all of you who have been so faithful with your responses to my posts, I want to say a very heartfelt thank you! You have all brought so much joy and pleasure into my life! I just wanted you to know how much it has meant to me. The past year has not been an easy one, but you have all made it joyful in spite of the difficulties. I wish you all joy, beauty, and peace.
Wisdom and Beauty
The sun came out today and we had such beautiful skies and needless to say I had run out with the camera to catch them to share with you tonight along with some lovely words as well.
/\ Namaste
"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
.
Kahlil Gibran
Lebanese Poet and Novelist
The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands.
Robert M. Pirsig
Author of Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance
At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.
We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.'
Hungry not only for bread -- but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing -- but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks -- but homeless because of rejection.
Mother Teresa
Catholic Missionary, Nobel Peace Prize Recipient
Books Quotes
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Buddha
The Enlightened One
Books Quotes
/\ Namaste
"You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give."
.
Kahlil Gibran
Lebanese Poet and Novelist
The place to improve the world is first in one's own heart and head and hands.
Robert M. Pirsig
Author of Zen and the Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance
At the end of life we will not be judged by how many diplomas we have received, how much money we have made, how many great things we have done.
We will be judged by 'I was hungry and you gave me to eat, I was naked and you clothed me, I was homeless and you took me in.'
Hungry not only for bread -- but hungry for love. Naked not only for clothing -- but naked for human dignity and respect. Homeless not only for want of a room of bricks -- but homeless because of rejection.
Mother Teresa
Catholic Missionary, Nobel Peace Prize Recipient
Books Quotes
Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.
Buddha
The Enlightened One
Books Quotes
“Democracies Die Behind Closed Doors” But No More In Our Country
The title of the my post today is a quote by Judge Damon Keith in a federal appeals court ruling in 2002 that I found in Bob Herbert’s Op-Ed Column,“More Than Charisma”, this morning in the New York Times in which he writes about Obama.
Two years ago when Herbert was on his way to a public interview Barack Obama, his cab driver asked him who was on the program. Herbert told him and the taxi driver said, “Oh, our next president.”
Obama hadn’t even announced that he was running at that time, but the capacity crowd in that auditorium was very clear about what it wanted. It cheered every mention of a possible run. Obama-mania was already well underway and, as Herbert wrote, it would only grow.
I think and Herbert writes about the many people who are talking about, wondering about, excited about, this continuing love affair with all things Obama – the feverish excitement, the widespread joy and pride and the remarkable surge of hope in an otherwise downbeat, depressing period in our history. Who would have thought, even fifteen years ago, that this country would be so in love with its first black president?
Gwen Ifill has a new book, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama” and she notes that, “Voters are attracted to youth, vitality and change.” And Americans do tend to get giddy over winners, especially underdogs who take the measure of a foe thought to be impregnable – such as the might forces assembled by the Clintons.
Herbert says he’s seen charismatic politicians and pretty families come and go over the years, but there is something more to this love affair with Obama, something deeper. And it is called leadership. Obama has been feeding the almost desperate hunger in this country for mature leadership, for someone who is not reckless and clownish, shortsighted and self-absorbed.
However you feel about his policies and, of course, there are those that grumble on both the right and the left, Obama has made it loud and clear that the era of irresponsible behavior in public office is over. No more crazy wars, no more torture, no more throwing people in prison without even the semblance of due process. No more napping while critical problems like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, global warming and economic inequality in the US gets increasingly worse.
Obama said in his inaugural address, “We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.”
And on Wednesday he took steps to make the federal government more transparent, signaling immediately that the country would move away from the toxic levels of secrecy that marked the Bush years.
Obama said that “Transparency and rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.” It was a commitment to responsible behavior and a challenge to the public to hold the Obama administration accountable – hence the title to my post, “Democracies die behind closed doors.” Ours did almost die under the Bush Administration.
A year ago during his campaign, Obama promised to be a “president who will be honest about the choices and challenges we face, who will listen to you and learn from you, even when we disagree, who won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to know”.
We’ve grown accustomed to dismiss political rhetoric, but somehow Mr. Obama carries himself in a way that suggests the he means what he says and this gives him credibility when he urges us to work hard, make sacrifices, not just for us and our families, but for the common good. He tells black audiences that young men need to hitch up their trousers and behave themselves, and that parents need to turn off the TV so kids can do their homework. I would add that keeping computers out of young kids rooms and returning to doing things together as a family is critical for kids and for their future – but that’s a whole new post.
As for the many challenges facing us today, Obama said, “They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.”
And Herbert says that the bond is growing between the nation and its new young leader. Let’s hope it’s a mature romance that weathers the long haul.
Two years ago when Herbert was on his way to a public interview Barack Obama, his cab driver asked him who was on the program. Herbert told him and the taxi driver said, “Oh, our next president.”
Obama hadn’t even announced that he was running at that time, but the capacity crowd in that auditorium was very clear about what it wanted. It cheered every mention of a possible run. Obama-mania was already well underway and, as Herbert wrote, it would only grow.
I think and Herbert writes about the many people who are talking about, wondering about, excited about, this continuing love affair with all things Obama – the feverish excitement, the widespread joy and pride and the remarkable surge of hope in an otherwise downbeat, depressing period in our history. Who would have thought, even fifteen years ago, that this country would be so in love with its first black president?
Gwen Ifill has a new book, “The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama” and she notes that, “Voters are attracted to youth, vitality and change.” And Americans do tend to get giddy over winners, especially underdogs who take the measure of a foe thought to be impregnable – such as the might forces assembled by the Clintons.
Herbert says he’s seen charismatic politicians and pretty families come and go over the years, but there is something more to this love affair with Obama, something deeper. And it is called leadership. Obama has been feeding the almost desperate hunger in this country for mature leadership, for someone who is not reckless and clownish, shortsighted and self-absorbed.
However you feel about his policies and, of course, there are those that grumble on both the right and the left, Obama has made it loud and clear that the era of irresponsible behavior in public office is over. No more crazy wars, no more torture, no more throwing people in prison without even the semblance of due process. No more napping while critical problems like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, global warming and economic inequality in the US gets increasingly worse.
Obama said in his inaugural address, “We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things.”
And on Wednesday he took steps to make the federal government more transparent, signaling immediately that the country would move away from the toxic levels of secrecy that marked the Bush years.
Obama said that “Transparency and rule of law will be the touchstones of this presidency.” It was a commitment to responsible behavior and a challenge to the public to hold the Obama administration accountable – hence the title to my post, “Democracies die behind closed doors.” Ours did almost die under the Bush Administration.
A year ago during his campaign, Obama promised to be a “president who will be honest about the choices and challenges we face, who will listen to you and learn from you, even when we disagree, who won’t just tell you what you want to hear, but what you need to know”.
We’ve grown accustomed to dismiss political rhetoric, but somehow Mr. Obama carries himself in a way that suggests the he means what he says and this gives him credibility when he urges us to work hard, make sacrifices, not just for us and our families, but for the common good. He tells black audiences that young men need to hitch up their trousers and behave themselves, and that parents need to turn off the TV so kids can do their homework. I would add that keeping computers out of young kids rooms and returning to doing things together as a family is critical for kids and for their future – but that’s a whole new post.
As for the many challenges facing us today, Obama said, “They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America: They will be met.”
And Herbert says that the bond is growing between the nation and its new young leader. Let’s hope it’s a mature romance that weathers the long haul.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Wisdom and Wishes
"This is the beginning of a new day. You have been given this day to use as you will. You can waste it or use it for good. What you do today is important because you are exchanging a day of your life for it. When tomorrow comes, this day will be gone forever; in its place is something that you have left behind...let it be something good."
Author Unknown
I wish you enough sun to keep your attitude bright no matter how gray the day may appear.
I wish you enough rain to appreciate the sun even more.
I wish you enough happiness to keep your spirit alive and everlasting.
I wish you enough pain so that even the smallest of joys in life may appear bigger.
I wish you enough gain to satisfy your wanting.
I wish you enough loss to appreciate all that you possess.
I wish you enough hellos to get you through the final good-bye.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world."
Mahatma Ghandi
Namaste
Medicare Coverage in a Nutshell
The phone rings and the lady of the house answers, "Hello."
"Mrs. Sanders, please."
"Speaking."
"Mrs. Sanders, this is Doctor Jones at Saint Agnes Laboratory.
When your husband's doctor sent his biopsy to the lab last week,
a biopsy from another Mr. Sanders arrived as well. We are now uncertain which one belongs to your husband. Frankly, either way, the results are not too good."
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Sanders asks nervously.
"Well, one of the specimens tested positive for Alzheimer's and the other
one tested positive for HIV. We can't tell which is which."
"That's dreadful! Can you do the test again?" questioned Mrs. Sanders.
"Normally we can, but Medicare will only pay for these expensive tests one time."
"Well, what an I supposted to do now?"
The folks at Medicare recommend that you drop your husband off somewhere
in the middle of town. If he finds his way home, don't sleep with him.
Oh, let's do hope for more constructive help with Medicare under our new Administration!
"Mrs. Sanders, please."
"Speaking."
"Mrs. Sanders, this is Doctor Jones at Saint Agnes Laboratory.
When your husband's doctor sent his biopsy to the lab last week,
a biopsy from another Mr. Sanders arrived as well. We are now uncertain which one belongs to your husband. Frankly, either way, the results are not too good."
"What do you mean?" Mrs. Sanders asks nervously.
"Well, one of the specimens tested positive for Alzheimer's and the other
one tested positive for HIV. We can't tell which is which."
"That's dreadful! Can you do the test again?" questioned Mrs. Sanders.
"Normally we can, but Medicare will only pay for these expensive tests one time."
"Well, what an I supposted to do now?"
The folks at Medicare recommend that you drop your husband off somewhere
in the middle of town. If he finds his way home, don't sleep with him.
Oh, let's do hope for more constructive help with Medicare under our new Administration!
Presidential Library
This is Friday, the end of an incredible week for our country and this is my last shot at the former president.
The George W Bush Presidential Library is now in the planning stages
and accepting donations.
The Library will include:
The Hurricane Katrina Room, which is still under construction.
The Alberto Gonzales Room, where you won't be able to remember
anything.
The Texas Air National Guard Room, where you don't even have to show up.
The Walter Reed Hospital Room, where they don't let you in.
The Guantanamo Bay Room, where they don't let you out.
The Weapons of Mass Destruction Room, which no one has been able to find.
The National Debt Room, which is huge and has no ceiling.
The Tax Cut Room, with entry only to the wealthy.
The Economy Room, which is in the toilet.
The Iraq War Room. (After you complete your first visit, they make you
to go back for a second, third, fourth, and sometimes fifth visit.)
The Dick Cheney Room, in the famous undisclosed location, complete with shotgun gallery.
The Environmental Conservation Room, still empty.
The Supreme Gift Shop, where you can buy an election.
The Decider Room, complete with dart board, magic 8-ball, Ouija board, dice, coins, and straws.
Note: The library will feature an electron microscope to help you locate and view the President's accomplishments.
The library will also include many famous Quotes by George W. Bush:
'The vast majority of our imports come from outside the country.'
'If we don't succeed, we run the risk of failure.'
'Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child.'
'No senior citizen should ever have to choose between prescription drugs and medicine.'
'I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy - but that could change.'
'One word sums up probably the responsibility of any Governor, and that one word is 'to be prepared'.'
'Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things.'
'I have made good judgments in the past. I have made good judgments in the future.'
'The future will be better tomorrow.'
'We're going to have the best educated American people in the world.'
'One of the great things about books is sometimes there are some
fantastic pictures.' (during an education photo-op)
'Illegitimacy is something we should talk about in terms of not having it.'
'We are ready for any unforeseen event that may or may not occur.'
'It isn't pollution that's harming the environment. It's the impurities in our air and water that are doing it.'
'I stand by all the misstatements that I've made.'...George W. Bush to
Sam Donaldson
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY!
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A New Age, A New Way
In his Op-Ed column this morning, Nicholas Kristof, took a look at the remaking of America. He started out with a memory of the Web site The Onion, that deals in satire and in January of 2001 at the end of Bill Clinton’s presidency, it declared “Our long national nightmare of peace and prosperity is over. But what was designed as satire actually proved to be a very shrewd analysis. One measure of the bleak picture of the past eight years is that today The Onion looks equally astute when it says of the latest transition: “Black man given nation’s worst job.”
That man is making an excellent start, and news Web sites all over the world reflect the globe’s eagerness – even desperation – for American leadership.
The Guardian in Britain declared, “Let the remaking of America begin today.” The Independent called Inauguration Day “a day for hope.” In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke of “a truly great hour for America” that offered “a multitude of opportunities.” The Times of India welcomed “a new beginning.” And in Northern Ireland, The Belfast Telegraph asked: “Can Obama save us all?” A BBC poll in 17 nations found that on average 67 percent believed that President Obama would improve America’s relations with the rest of the world; only 5 percent thought the opposite (or maybe feared that if they seemed critical of George W. Bush, they would be waterboarded).
Kristof says that two themes were particularly reassuring in Mr. Obama’s Inaugural Address. One was his inclusiveness, his effort to tug people into his big tent, a huge contrast from Mr. Bush’s years of governing from and ideological pup tent.
His inclusiveness started with his celebration of America as a patchwork of “Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers.” As far as Mr. Kristof knows, no other sitting president has dared to embrace atheists. (Thomas Jefferson did, but not while in office). President Obama was also the first president to use the word “Muslim” in an Inaugural Address. One of the important statements which was taken to be directed toward Iran and Syria, was “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
The Bush/Cheney years put all the emphasis on “hard power” according to Joseph Nye, a Harvard professor, and they relied on “military hard power” and the result was set backs around the world.
According to David Sanger in his new book “The Inheritance”: “We pursued a path that has left us less admired by our allies, less feared by our enemies, and less capable of convincing the rest of the world that our economic and political model is worthy of emulation.”
The first attempt at soft power is the new White House Web site, complete with a White House blog. And in his speech he focused on soft power alongside hard power: “Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.” I don’t know about you but, I don’t ever remember hearing any of the leaders of the Bush administration talk about “humility and restraint”. And tempering qualities? Cheney never wanted to temper anything, including his temper!
Professor Nye said that Mr. Obama’s inaugural was a perfect example of smart power. “That’s not going to make our adversaries roll over, but it’ll help in terms of mainstream Muslims and it’ll help in terms of allies. And it’ll give a very different tone to foreign policy.”
Roger Cohen, also of the New York Times, sat 30 feet from the podium and said that while Obama was not at his most uplifting, nor inspiring as he called in sober tones for a new “spirit of service” that will renew America and, through it, the world. And that was not a put down, Obama was making a point, there’s too much work to do for high rhetorical flourish. It was a spare inaugural speech, but there were still powerful phrases and signals that together amounted to an attempt to re-imagine a nation in crisis.
Responsibility, restraint, humility, peace: this is not the hatitual vocabulary of America’s heroic narrative. It constitutes a new lexicon of American power. Are Americans ready to die for responsibility? Perhaps not, but they may well seek dialogue in its name. “The world has changed – and we must change with it,” Obama said. Even change has changed now: no longer a clarion call, it is a responsibility.
Nicholas Kristof and Roger Cohen’s columns are so worth reading today, I would urge you to read them in them in their entirety.
That man is making an excellent start, and news Web sites all over the world reflect the globe’s eagerness – even desperation – for American leadership.
The Guardian in Britain declared, “Let the remaking of America begin today.” The Independent called Inauguration Day “a day for hope.” In Germany, Chancellor Angela Merkel spoke of “a truly great hour for America” that offered “a multitude of opportunities.” The Times of India welcomed “a new beginning.” And in Northern Ireland, The Belfast Telegraph asked: “Can Obama save us all?” A BBC poll in 17 nations found that on average 67 percent believed that President Obama would improve America’s relations with the rest of the world; only 5 percent thought the opposite (or maybe feared that if they seemed critical of George W. Bush, they would be waterboarded).
Kristof says that two themes were particularly reassuring in Mr. Obama’s Inaugural Address. One was his inclusiveness, his effort to tug people into his big tent, a huge contrast from Mr. Bush’s years of governing from and ideological pup tent.
His inclusiveness started with his celebration of America as a patchwork of “Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus – and non-believers.” As far as Mr. Kristof knows, no other sitting president has dared to embrace atheists. (Thomas Jefferson did, but not while in office). President Obama was also the first president to use the word “Muslim” in an Inaugural Address. One of the important statements which was taken to be directed toward Iran and Syria, was “We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
The Bush/Cheney years put all the emphasis on “hard power” according to Joseph Nye, a Harvard professor, and they relied on “military hard power” and the result was set backs around the world.
According to David Sanger in his new book “The Inheritance”: “We pursued a path that has left us less admired by our allies, less feared by our enemies, and less capable of convincing the rest of the world that our economic and political model is worthy of emulation.”
The first attempt at soft power is the new White House Web site, complete with a White House blog. And in his speech he focused on soft power alongside hard power: “Our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.” I don’t know about you but, I don’t ever remember hearing any of the leaders of the Bush administration talk about “humility and restraint”. And tempering qualities? Cheney never wanted to temper anything, including his temper!
Professor Nye said that Mr. Obama’s inaugural was a perfect example of smart power. “That’s not going to make our adversaries roll over, but it’ll help in terms of mainstream Muslims and it’ll help in terms of allies. And it’ll give a very different tone to foreign policy.”
Roger Cohen, also of the New York Times, sat 30 feet from the podium and said that while Obama was not at his most uplifting, nor inspiring as he called in sober tones for a new “spirit of service” that will renew America and, through it, the world. And that was not a put down, Obama was making a point, there’s too much work to do for high rhetorical flourish. It was a spare inaugural speech, but there were still powerful phrases and signals that together amounted to an attempt to re-imagine a nation in crisis.
Responsibility, restraint, humility, peace: this is not the hatitual vocabulary of America’s heroic narrative. It constitutes a new lexicon of American power. Are Americans ready to die for responsibility? Perhaps not, but they may well seek dialogue in its name. “The world has changed – and we must change with it,” Obama said. Even change has changed now: no longer a clarion call, it is a responsibility.
Nicholas Kristof and Roger Cohen’s columns are so worth reading today, I would urge you to read them in them in their entirety.
A Letter to the World
Dear World:
We, the United States of America, your top quality supplier of the ideals of liberty and democracy, would like to apologize for our 2001-2008 interruption in service. The technical fault that led to this eight-year service outage has been located, and the software responsible was replaced November 4. Early tests of the newly installed program indicate that we are now operating correctly, and we expect it to be fully functional on January 20. We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the outage. We look forward to resuming full service and hope to improve in years to come. We thank you for your patience and understanding,
Sincerely,
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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What Can I Say?
I'm interested in almost everything. Use to like to travel, but it's too expensive now. I take Tai Chi classes, swim, volunteer in a Jump-start program for pre-schoolers. I'm an avid reader and like nearly everyone these days I follow politics avidly. I'm a former teacher and Special Projects Coordinator for a Telecommunications company, Assistant to the President of a Japanese silicon wafer manufacturing company. Am now enjoying retirement -- most of the time. I have two daughters, one son-in-law and two sons scattered all over the country. No grandchildren.