Hello, it's me. My life in song titles and misheard lyrics.
Status report. My fourth computer in three months (one died, one crashed, one caught on fire) is doing well as it approaches day 31. My hope is cautious.
I have videos up the wahzoo but between school and work I am drained. I mean TIred. I have made a temporary deal with my body. I can do two distinct tasks in a day but not three. Meaning, if I have a paper due Tuesday, I have no clean clothes and I have no energy to get off the couch then it is okay for me to miss the Latino Immigration March.
Man, to miss that event hurt me like hell. You don't know. This is the kind of thing I look forward to recording. Cuz I wanted to see it from my point of view, which is not like CBS, ABC or BET. BET should care but they are in heavy butt cheek rotation and have been for a while. But that is a long lecture for another post.
Anyway, by the time I found out about it there would have been no way to get into downtown Los Angeles on the bus short of walking. Seeing as how I was falling asleep on the couch that wasn't going to happen. Changes, my soul hurts when I can't document the changes that I see.
So I will do what I can when I can and I can say that I will not take two demanding classes at the same time ever again. Education hurts - worth it but owwww, where is my pillow? Keep the faith.
Monday, March 27, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Kosmic Krylon PMCA Garage
Part of the benefits of being a pedestrian is having to see things as you approach them. In automobiles you can glide by a treasure a thousand times and never know that is is there.
Windows Media Video Version
Small Dial Up QuickTime Version
The Pasadena Museum of California Art has many treasures but one of the best finds is free for the looking in the parking garage. I don't know how long Kenny Scharf's work will cover the parking area but I do know what I like. This is is a sample. For more information on the Pasadena Museum of California Art visit http://www.pmcaonline.org
The music in the video is from Mare Irbrium from the CD "linear". Got it at the open source music archive at http://www.archive.org
P.S. Computer #3 started smoking, caught fire and died a quick death. Number #4 is up and running. Keep your fingers crossed.
Windows Media Video Version
Small Dial Up QuickTime Version
The Pasadena Museum of California Art has many treasures but one of the best finds is free for the looking in the parking garage. I don't know how long Kenny Scharf's work will cover the parking area but I do know what I like. This is is a sample. For more information on the Pasadena Museum of California Art visit http://www.pmcaonline.org
The music in the video is from Mare Irbrium from the CD "linear". Got it at the open source music archive at http://www.archive.org
P.S. Computer #3 started smoking, caught fire and died a quick death. Number #4 is up and running. Keep your fingers crossed.
Monday, March 06, 2006
Kindred – Octavia Butler
Octavia Butler was not the first woman to write science fiction. She was the first African-American woman who became well known for writing science fiction. Actually I think (thought) of her as a prophet.
Her books were crafted with her life experience into powerful stories. Those stories give me the creeps when I look around at modern day America. Pick up a copy of “Parable of the Soarer” with a nation divided and a President who uses neo-Christianity as a weapon on the population. She wrote the book in 1998. Draw your own conclusions.
I actually met Ms. Butler on an elevator at the Los Angeles Library. I was mushed mouthed as I asked if she was who she appeared to be. She said yes. I said something about enjoying her work.
She thanked me. I got off the elevator. I hold dear the people who raised me so I was just quiet for the longest period of time.
I think she was coming to Pasadena this month for a reading/book signing. The city has selected her most famous work, “Kindred”, as this years One Book/One City activity. I wanted to video record her talk but wasn't sure if I could work out the logistics of being two places at the same time. I feel rotten about it.
Octavia Butler died on February 24, 2006 after a fall at her home in Seattle. This is grievous. I hate loosing mentors. The invisible people that I know raised me via books from what I was to what I could be.
I wish to hell I was absolutely sure of what that would look like but I'm on the path.
So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of any of her books that you can find, library or bookstore. But I warn you, she will draw you into a world that you might not be prepared to visit but at the end you will sign up for another voyage.
For more information about Octavia visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octavia_Butler
or http://www.sfwa.org/members/butler/Autobiography.html
or http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/racism/010830.octaviabutler.html
Her books were crafted with her life experience into powerful stories. Those stories give me the creeps when I look around at modern day America. Pick up a copy of “Parable of the Soarer” with a nation divided and a President who uses neo-Christianity as a weapon on the population. She wrote the book in 1998. Draw your own conclusions.
I actually met Ms. Butler on an elevator at the Los Angeles Library. I was mushed mouthed as I asked if she was who she appeared to be. She said yes. I said something about enjoying her work.
She thanked me. I got off the elevator. I hold dear the people who raised me so I was just quiet for the longest period of time.
I think she was coming to Pasadena this month for a reading/book signing. The city has selected her most famous work, “Kindred”, as this years One Book/One City activity. I wanted to video record her talk but wasn't sure if I could work out the logistics of being two places at the same time. I feel rotten about it.
Octavia Butler died on February 24, 2006 after a fall at her home in Seattle. This is grievous. I hate loosing mentors. The invisible people that I know raised me via books from what I was to what I could be.
I wish to hell I was absolutely sure of what that would look like but I'm on the path.
So do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of any of her books that you can find, library or bookstore. But I warn you, she will draw you into a world that you might not be prepared to visit but at the end you will sign up for another voyage.
For more information about Octavia visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Octavia_Butler
or http://www.sfwa.org/members/butler/Autobiography.html
or http://www.npr.org/programs/specials/racism/010830.octaviabutler.html
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Philosopher-Citizen Q&A with Matthew
The problem with being a compulsive reader is that you are always taking in information. Then the questions start coming in your head and next thing you know you are talking to yourself to find the answers because many people are more interested in a movie star's life than their own community. Then those folks start to call you crazy just because you have a head full of stuff and insist upon sharing it. What do they know, invisible people are more fun anyway.
Click this link to view 6MB QuickTime Version
Click this link to view a 160x120 Dial-Up Windows Media version
One of the goals of the Philosophers-Citizen Institute is to create a climate that encourages citizens to talks about politics, social issues and planetary changes in a non-hostile, rational manner. In this Question and Answer with Matthew I asked him about what he gained from the seminar and what are the benefits for future attendees.
I've actually seen this in action. Years ago on PBS there was a test TV program with NPR's Scott Simon. He had two guest from opposite sides of the abortion issue. Each got to state his case, each had to repeat back what he understood the other person was saying and then offer clarification. Then, as I recall, they spent the remaining time trying to find common ground. No yelling, screaming, distorted or misleading point making. It was three people in a rational discussion on a hard issue. The show was never put into production. Grievous error on PBS's part.
For more information visit http://www.pasadena.edu/phil-cit
Click this link to view 6MB QuickTime Version
Click this link to view a 160x120 Dial-Up Windows Media version
One of the goals of the Philosophers-Citizen Institute is to create a climate that encourages citizens to talks about politics, social issues and planetary changes in a non-hostile, rational manner. In this Question and Answer with Matthew I asked him about what he gained from the seminar and what are the benefits for future attendees.
I've actually seen this in action. Years ago on PBS there was a test TV program with NPR's Scott Simon. He had two guest from opposite sides of the abortion issue. Each got to state his case, each had to repeat back what he understood the other person was saying and then offer clarification. Then, as I recall, they spent the remaining time trying to find common ground. No yelling, screaming, distorted or misleading point making. It was three people in a rational discussion on a hard issue. The show was never put into production. Grievous error on PBS's part.
For more information visit http://www.pasadena.edu/phil-cit
Monday, February 06, 2006
Philosopher-Citizen Part 2 - From Both Sides
One of the goals of the workshop is to get people to think beyond their preconceived ideas. The participants are presented with a worksheet that asked them to consider the question “In a nations self defense is it acceptable to harm one person, or a few innocent people, in order to save the lives of many people?”
Click the picture or this link for the QuickTime version
Windows Media Video Version
Each section of the paper has an acceptable or not acceptable side. It is further divided by more questions such as What are the major ethical arguments for and against each side? What information/research might we need to support or dispute these arguments?
By working through this process the participants are able to work their way to an informed opinion based on facts and a better understanding of the other person's point of view. For more information about the Philosophers-Citizen workshops and seminars you can visit http://www.pasadena.edu/phil-cit/
Click the picture or this link for the QuickTime version
Windows Media Video Version
Each section of the paper has an acceptable or not acceptable side. It is further divided by more questions such as What are the major ethical arguments for and against each side? What information/research might we need to support or dispute these arguments?
By working through this process the participants are able to work their way to an informed opinion based on facts and a better understanding of the other person's point of view. For more information about the Philosophers-Citizen workshops and seminars you can visit http://www.pasadena.edu/phil-cit/
Friday, February 03, 2006
A Time For Thinking - Philosophers-Citizen Institute
Is it possible to live with people that you disagree with? Can you work with them? Is is possible to find common ground with the other if you don't believe “the other” has a right to his/her point of view?
I am always fighting against my base nature but somehow I do know we are not going to get out of this collective mess unless and until we start talking to each other across belief system, politic stances or what we know to be true. And for some of us that ain't much to work with, let alone defend a point of view.
QuickTime Version
Windows Dial-Up Version
Better Quality Windows Media Video
On my path of gathering as much knowledge before I croak, I stopped by Vroman's Bookstore and rushed up to the second floor where Dr. Linda Handelman was conducting a workshop to introduce folks on some of the skills needed for true understanding and communication. After you master those skills then you can dive into a problem to solve it.
In this section, Dr. Linda is talking about how Americans tend to want to act before they think. Considering current events, she may be on to something here. This is first in a series about the Philosophers-Citizen Institute.
I am always fighting against my base nature but somehow I do know we are not going to get out of this collective mess unless and until we start talking to each other across belief system, politic stances or what we know to be true. And for some of us that ain't much to work with, let alone defend a point of view.
QuickTime Version
Windows Dial-Up Version
Better Quality Windows Media Video
On my path of gathering as much knowledge before I croak, I stopped by Vroman's Bookstore and rushed up to the second floor where Dr. Linda Handelman was conducting a workshop to introduce folks on some of the skills needed for true understanding and communication. After you master those skills then you can dive into a problem to solve it.
In this section, Dr. Linda is talking about how Americans tend to want to act before they think. Considering current events, she may be on to something here. This is first in a series about the Philosophers-Citizen Institute.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Living In This Time - MLK Anti-War Video 1967
There is no question - without the activists, future thinkers, dreamers and courageous people from my historical past I would not be here today. Mother Parks, and Father King and those that walked in the paths they paved for me made me possible.
There was an enforced prohibition on renting to non-whites in the city I currently live in. I certainly wouldn't have the job that I currently have because, other than domestic workers, there were no other minority encourage employment, this was a proud "John Birch" city. Forget about shopping or siting in a park.
But I don't like to see Dr. King reduced to a twice a year icon. He was a multi-dimensional person. He understood that you couldn't ask for justice for your people but for all people. In 1967 he drew heavy criticism for participating in protesting against the Vietnam war. Some folks felt he should stick to domestic affairs, some felt he had stepped too far out, beyond his base. And then there were the "church folk."
But I promised Spirit I'd lay off pointing fingers at the "so-called" faithful and some of their leaders. They don't need my help, some of them are crashing into reality even as I type. But I am really angry at them for they know what they do can't be in alignment with their teachings and keep doing it anyway. Ugh.
I did have a point - oh yeah, over at the beloved Internet Archive there is a portion of a video shot by Universal Newsreel on a protest march to the UN with Dr. King. If he was here now I feel he would have stood against this war and the other non-legal actions that are associated with it. It is a public domain video. Everything old is new again.
http://www.archive.org/details/1967-04-18_Peace_March
There was an enforced prohibition on renting to non-whites in the city I currently live in. I certainly wouldn't have the job that I currently have because, other than domestic workers, there were no other minority encourage employment, this was a proud "John Birch" city. Forget about shopping or siting in a park.
But I don't like to see Dr. King reduced to a twice a year icon. He was a multi-dimensional person. He understood that you couldn't ask for justice for your people but for all people. In 1967 he drew heavy criticism for participating in protesting against the Vietnam war. Some folks felt he should stick to domestic affairs, some felt he had stepped too far out, beyond his base. And then there were the "church folk."
But I promised Spirit I'd lay off pointing fingers at the "so-called" faithful and some of their leaders. They don't need my help, some of them are crashing into reality even as I type. But I am really angry at them for they know what they do can't be in alignment with their teachings and keep doing it anyway. Ugh.
I did have a point - oh yeah, over at the beloved Internet Archive there is a portion of a video shot by Universal Newsreel on a protest march to the UN with Dr. King. If he was here now I feel he would have stood against this war and the other non-legal actions that are associated with it. It is a public domain video. Everything old is new again.
http://www.archive.org/details/1967-04-18_Peace_March
Thursday, January 12, 2006
Achey - Breaky Heart - My Tale of Woe...
Hey, how goes it. It has been a long time since my last confession, I mean post. It all started with my system acting goofy. I kept ignoring small warning signs. I just wanted to do my thing.
Then Windows XP started acting and cutting up like a fool. I could no longer ignore the problem but meet it head on. My plan was to instal Suse Linux for web surfing and XP for production work. I studied for weeks and got CD copies of the Linux software.
I thought I knew what I was doing.
I didn't.
I wrecked not one but two hard drives. I had backups but there is always something that you forget that you didn't make a copy of. Then the motherboard and CPU started acting dippy and did I mention that I caught a nasty bit of spyware trying to download my anti-virus program. I had to wipe the drive clean a third time.
Let's not talk about the joys of Windows XP product activation in a short span of time.
Lesson 1. - Videobloggers, back up your bookmarks, templates and emails that have the serial numbers to the programs that did not come in a box!
Lesson 2. - If you have not already done so, BUY A MACINTOSH! If this is not financially possible - and I share your pain, save money and when you are able BUY A MACINTOSH!
Lesson 3. - This is not Suse's fault - I did not understand that I should have partitioned the drive first - I was too cheap to buy Partition Magic. I had just bought cables, a new firewire card, a new mobo, cpu so my inner cheapskate was railing.
I shudda done it. I now face the joy of trying to restore the MBR (Master Boot Record) to one of the drives to try to get some of my info back.
Don't ask, I can barely read the manual let alone explain it. I just want to shoot video and post what I find. It should not be this much of a fight. It shouldn't be this hard. Somebody told me I should purchase the Windows Media Center Operating System.
Just $300. No, never, not one more dime to M$, on this I swear. Anyway my system is less than stable(crashing) but I shall return like the Pheonix from ashes to glory.
Stay tuned and keep the faith.
Then Windows XP started acting and cutting up like a fool. I could no longer ignore the problem but meet it head on. My plan was to instal Suse Linux for web surfing and XP for production work. I studied for weeks and got CD copies of the Linux software.
I thought I knew what I was doing.
I didn't.
I wrecked not one but two hard drives. I had backups but there is always something that you forget that you didn't make a copy of. Then the motherboard and CPU started acting dippy and did I mention that I caught a nasty bit of spyware trying to download my anti-virus program. I had to wipe the drive clean a third time.
Let's not talk about the joys of Windows XP product activation in a short span of time.
Lesson 1. - Videobloggers, back up your bookmarks, templates and emails that have the serial numbers to the programs that did not come in a box!
Lesson 2. - If you have not already done so, BUY A MACINTOSH! If this is not financially possible - and I share your pain, save money and when you are able BUY A MACINTOSH!
Lesson 3. - This is not Suse's fault - I did not understand that I should have partitioned the drive first - I was too cheap to buy Partition Magic. I had just bought cables, a new firewire card, a new mobo, cpu so my inner cheapskate was railing.
I shudda done it. I now face the joy of trying to restore the MBR (Master Boot Record) to one of the drives to try to get some of my info back.
Don't ask, I can barely read the manual let alone explain it. I just want to shoot video and post what I find. It should not be this much of a fight. It shouldn't be this hard. Somebody told me I should purchase the Windows Media Center Operating System.
Just $300. No, never, not one more dime to M$, on this I swear. Anyway my system is less than stable(crashing) but I shall return like the Pheonix from ashes to glory.
Stay tuned and keep the faith.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Motorcycle Art Gallery
It is starting to get chilly, even in Los Angeles. But three weeks ago it was a perfect day for a couple of motorcycles and art lovers to have a meeting of the minds. This was part of the Love Ride 2005.
I think I have bike envy. My legs are too short. I don't look like a biker babe. Too much meat in one place and not enough in the other. And I don't look good in leopard prints anyway.
But something about it makes me want to hop in a side car and say "Baby we are born to run..."
In other news, I am fighting the good fight trying to get my camcorder to show up in Windows XP. Let it be known that I have spent 16 hours and $60 of my life force trying to get XP to function as promised. Grrrrrrr!
On the positive side, I am re-directing my anger into cleaning, working on my school project and looking might hard at the Macintosh side of the fence.
I think I have bike envy. My legs are too short. I don't look like a biker babe. Too much meat in one place and not enough in the other. And I don't look good in leopard prints anyway.
But something about it makes me want to hop in a side car and say "Baby we are born to run..."
In other news, I am fighting the good fight trying to get my camcorder to show up in Windows XP. Let it be known that I have spent 16 hours and $60 of my life force trying to get XP to function as promised. Grrrrrrr!
On the positive side, I am re-directing my anger into cleaning, working on my school project and looking might hard at the Macintosh side of the fence.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Pasadena Slim Gauge Guild
The Pasadena Slim Gauge Guild had an open house a few Sundays back and it seemed like an opportunity to step into the unknown. The Slim Gauge Guild gets together and builds trains and landscapes to go along with the trains. According to the information sheet. There are two types, HOn3 and Sn3.
I don't know what that means but I do know they do good work. Amazing work. The word craftsmanship comes to mind.
Click the photo or this link for the Windows Media Version
Click this link for the QuickTime 7.0 & Video IPod Version
Click this link for the QuickTime 6.0 Version
Part of the job of living a full life is exploring places you don't know about to see things you don't know about and learn more of what you don't know. I grew up around trains and mass transit but I don't know anything about crafting trains, trees, narrow gauge modeling or landscaping. Got to put them on the list. She who dies with the longest list keeled over from exhaustion.
If you would like more info on the Pasadena Slim Gauge Guild check out their web site at http://www.slimgaugeguild.com
Video Blogging Stuff:
I am now faced with producing three or more video formats. Windows Media, QuickTime Video IPod M4V format, Quicktime 6.0 .mov and/or a Dial-up friendly version. They will be coming but not always on the same day. Hang in there - I am looking for a simple time friendly solution.
I am now petitioning the great Goddess of Cinema, please send me a web friendly video format that can be read by every know media device and player that these fool humans have created on the planet. Other than Flash cuz I really can't afford it and don't have time to learn it.
I don't know what that means but I do know they do good work. Amazing work. The word craftsmanship comes to mind.
Click the photo or this link for the Windows Media Version
Click this link for the QuickTime 7.0 & Video IPod Version
Click this link for the QuickTime 6.0 Version
Part of the job of living a full life is exploring places you don't know about to see things you don't know about and learn more of what you don't know. I grew up around trains and mass transit but I don't know anything about crafting trains, trees, narrow gauge modeling or landscaping. Got to put them on the list. She who dies with the longest list keeled over from exhaustion.
If you would like more info on the Pasadena Slim Gauge Guild check out their web site at http://www.slimgaugeguild.com
Video Blogging Stuff:
I am now faced with producing three or more video formats. Windows Media, QuickTime Video IPod M4V format, Quicktime 6.0 .mov and/or a Dial-up friendly version. They will be coming but not always on the same day. Hang in there - I am looking for a simple time friendly solution.
I am now petitioning the great Goddess of Cinema, please send me a web friendly video format that can be read by every know media device and player that these fool humans have created on the planet. Other than Flash cuz I really can't afford it and don't have time to learn it.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
Hey, That's Amore for Soldiers In Iraq
In the Pasadena Weekly there was an article on page 24 about Supporting Our Troops. Normally I take that to mean, "Stop reading, you are the other and you are not invited. But the sub-head caught my eye, "Musicians and volunteers put politics aside to create care packages" for those doing active duty in Iraq. I knew that I wanted to document that kind of cooperation and positive action. 
Here's the thing. The event started at 11 a.m. and I was diverted by art and motorcycles so when I arrived at 1 p.m. they were finished. Forty volunteers showed up at Hey, That's Amore coffeehouse and packed boxes like they were on mission.
The owner of the store was still a little amazed at how quickly things happened but they you go. Ask people not political labels to do something and you get a powerful result. But the job is half done. They still gotta ship those boxes overseas. So, if you are so inclined send a buck or two to:
Hey, That's Amore Coffeehouse & Store
27 E. Holly Street
Pasadena, CA 91103-3906
But I got no video. Some days I feel like Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much."
Here's the thing. The event started at 11 a.m. and I was diverted by art and motorcycles so when I arrived at 1 p.m. they were finished. Forty volunteers showed up at Hey, That's Amore coffeehouse and packed boxes like they were on mission.
The owner of the store was still a little amazed at how quickly things happened but they you go. Ask people not political labels to do something and you get a powerful result. But the job is half done. They still gotta ship those boxes overseas. So, if you are so inclined send a buck or two to:
Hey, That's Amore Coffeehouse & Store
27 E. Holly Street
Pasadena, CA 91103-3906
But I got no video. Some days I feel like Maxwell Smart, "Missed it by that much."
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
A Wee Bit Of Blogger Bother
You may have noticed that some of the images that link to videos are not appearing. Blogger is having major problems with automated blog spammers and low life humans who are infecting blogs with their crap.
In an attempt to stop such activites they are also cutting off my access to the location where I store photos. I have to find a safe place and re-link a bunch of photos. This will take time that I have not got unless I want to forgo sleep.
You really don't want me to do that. I get really cranky. The links still work just the photos are not appearing. Bummer.
Thanks for understanding.
5:43 p.m. update:
I swear - for three days no photos. I make the following post and "poof" they are back. Its enough to make me want to suck on some funny juice. You don't really want me to do that either. Never mind. Have a nice day.
In an attempt to stop such activites they are also cutting off my access to the location where I store photos. I have to find a safe place and re-link a bunch of photos. This will take time that I have not got unless I want to forgo sleep.
You really don't want me to do that. I get really cranky. The links still work just the photos are not appearing. Bummer.
Thanks for understanding.
5:43 p.m. update:
I swear - for three days no photos. I make the following post and "poof" they are back. Its enough to make me want to suck on some funny juice. You don't really want me to do that either. Never mind. Have a nice day.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
2,007 Soldiers Vigil On Brand and Broadway Vigil - Part 2
I was having trouble trying to find the time to do this. I don't think enough people, even to this day truly understand the mess we as a country have created.
Maybe the moment has passed. The event is over and forgotten except for a few videos on my hard drive. I was feeling time pressured. I have to study, do laundry, work, write, investigate, research new purchases, be a human being in under 24 hours a day.
Who other than the mother that just lost her child or the spouse holding an empty hole in their soul, really cares?
Then I just heard that seven more young people died in Iraq.
I guess I still care. Millions do.
I'm not so tired now. This is the least that I can do to try to remind people that war has a price tag greater than the national debt. This is going to cost us dearly. We haven't a clue as to how much.
Do the best you can, stock up on can goods, build your water supply. Change is coming. Speak out against this dark night of the soul.
This is the link to the QuickTime Dial-up version.
Maybe the moment has passed. The event is over and forgotten except for a few videos on my hard drive. I was feeling time pressured. I have to study, do laundry, work, write, investigate, research new purchases, be a human being in under 24 hours a day.
Who other than the mother that just lost her child or the spouse holding an empty hole in their soul, really cares?
Then I just heard that seven more young people died in Iraq.
I guess I still care. Millions do.
I'm not so tired now. This is the least that I can do to try to remind people that war has a price tag greater than the national debt. This is going to cost us dearly. We haven't a clue as to how much.
Do the best you can, stock up on can goods, build your water supply. Change is coming. Speak out against this dark night of the soul.
This is the link to the QuickTime Dial-up version.
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Glendale Vigil - Part 1
This is the first video of one of the vigils held around the nation to honor the 2000+ (there will be more) soldiers who have died in Iraq. I asked this young man to tell me the reason he was at the vigil. Someday I will remember to ask folks names as I record.
I wish the quality was better but my ole putt-putt does not like the dark. This was a compromise brokered via Ulead Studio 9. I am getting close to being able to get a quality camera but in the meantime the adventure continues.
This is the link to the dial-up QuickTime version.
I wish the quality was better but my ole putt-putt does not like the dark. This was a compromise brokered via Ulead Studio 9. I am getting close to being able to get a quality camera but in the meantime the adventure continues.
This is the link to the dial-up QuickTime version.
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
2000+ Soldiers Fallen - MoveOn.org: Vigils
Just want to pass the word that there will be vigils around Los Angeles to remember soldiers who have died, were killed or were put in harms way in Iraq.
If you have the time, grab a candle and light the darkness in support of those that have paid the price.
Some say for freedom, others say for oil.
For more info: http://www.moveon.org
If you have the time, grab a candle and light the darkness in support of those that have paid the price.
Some say for freedom, others say for oil.
For more info: http://www.moveon.org
Monday, October 24, 2005
Peace Rapping In MacArthur Park
There came a point in the program for the "children's section." A young man and his sisters approached the stage. The youngest, age two, was a force of nature. Her mother held her in her arms. Soon as she got wind that her siblings were performing without her she fought her way on stage. I'm not kidding, I saw her do it. The kid knew she belonged on stage with the rest of them.
The family did a few songs and then it was time for the young man's solo. I'm sorry I don't remember his real name but he goes by Phantom. He also belongs on stage, it was a second home, his workshop and place of business. Phantom is 17 years old.
He explained to the audience that he did positive raps and understood if some in the audience might not understand what he was saying. Like the jet that bears his name he took off and it wasn't quiet in the park anymore. It was a peaceful rap, just a young man sharing his feelings about his world, his nation and a people needing to move forward.
Peace can be defined in many ways. Sometimes there is a culture clash. Not intentional just happens. What if the one things that soothes your soul makes another person disjointed?
True loving beings work it out. The rest of us do what we can. Some folks left. People from the other side of the park took their place. Just another day in Los Angeles.
The family did a few songs and then it was time for the young man's solo. I'm sorry I don't remember his real name but he goes by Phantom. He also belongs on stage, it was a second home, his workshop and place of business. Phantom is 17 years old.
He explained to the audience that he did positive raps and understood if some in the audience might not understand what he was saying. Like the jet that bears his name he took off and it wasn't quiet in the park anymore. It was a peaceful rap, just a young man sharing his feelings about his world, his nation and a people needing to move forward.
Peace can be defined in many ways. Sometimes there is a culture clash. Not intentional just happens. What if the one things that soothes your soul makes another person disjointed?
True loving beings work it out. The rest of us do what we can. Some folks left. People from the other side of the park took their place. Just another day in Los Angeles.
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Peace Singing In MacArthur Park
The park was cleaner than I expected.
The water smelled of chlorine but compared to what it use to smell like it was an improvement. I wasn't able to get to the park until the afternoon. A lunch was to be eaten in silence. I've never seen so many people in the park.
As near as I can figure out, in order to have peace in the world you must first be at peace with yourself. Sounds good. In order to find the peace within yourself you must stop fighting and harming yourself with endless mind chatter. No argument there, I intellectually understand.
In practice, I got a long way to go before I achieve any form of inner peace without the aid of (legal) pharmaceuticals. I have my moments but I need the special ed version of meditation education.
Not from lack of effort either. You'd think of years of listening to tapes from Dharmaseed, Sounds True and that excellent tape series called Shambala Warrior something would have taken root. Yeah, I'm going to be recycled back here again for sure.
After lunch there was a performance by young folks who I assume belong to the faith or are connected with the organization that planned the event. It was a transition from the quiet of lunch. It was a lovely song, here is a sample of it.
The water smelled of chlorine but compared to what it use to smell like it was an improvement. I wasn't able to get to the park until the afternoon. A lunch was to be eaten in silence. I've never seen so many people in the park.
As near as I can figure out, in order to have peace in the world you must first be at peace with yourself. Sounds good. In order to find the peace within yourself you must stop fighting and harming yourself with endless mind chatter. No argument there, I intellectually understand.
In practice, I got a long way to go before I achieve any form of inner peace without the aid of (legal) pharmaceuticals. I have my moments but I need the special ed version of meditation education.
Not from lack of effort either. You'd think of years of listening to tapes from Dharmaseed, Sounds True and that excellent tape series called Shambala Warrior something would have taken root. Yeah, I'm going to be recycled back here again for sure.
After lunch there was a performance by young folks who I assume belong to the faith or are connected with the organization that planned the event. It was a transition from the quiet of lunch. It was a lovely song, here is a sample of it.
Looking For Peace In MacArthur Park
A few weeks there was an ad in the L.A. Weekly about Thich Nath Hanh having a
walking protest in MacArthur Park. It was to be a silent walking meditation for peace. No protest signs, no verbalization just a walking exploration of quiet and humans attempting to manifest a huge amount of peace.
The park is located in the Mid-Wilshire district, just outside of downtown. That song, MacArthur Park was about this section of town. This is the same MacArthur Park that was a haven for hippies for what the calendar say it was a century ago.
20 years ago it was a haven for prostitutes, all types of addicts, bad, bad and extremely wicked people and a resting place for poor souls who had no where else to go.
It had such a reputation people didn't go near it in the daytime. Not through it, near it or around it. It smelled awful. If you could go someplace else, you wouldn't be caught dead in MacArthur Park. Folks were found dead; the former occupants of the park had a tendency to kill people.
So having a peace walk in such a place got my attention. I also knew that because of the Red Line train and the hots for land and lofts (not to mention the added police patrols) many of the former citizens of the park had been forced or strongly encouraged to move on to higher or lower ground.
It is not the same place. This is the view of the current surroundings. I got there in time for the silent lunch.
walking protest in MacArthur Park. It was to be a silent walking meditation for peace. No protest signs, no verbalization just a walking exploration of quiet and humans attempting to manifest a huge amount of peace.
The park is located in the Mid-Wilshire district, just outside of downtown. That song, MacArthur Park was about this section of town. This is the same MacArthur Park that was a haven for hippies for what the calendar say it was a century ago.
20 years ago it was a haven for prostitutes, all types of addicts, bad, bad and extremely wicked people and a resting place for poor souls who had no where else to go.
It had such a reputation people didn't go near it in the daytime. Not through it, near it or around it. It smelled awful. If you could go someplace else, you wouldn't be caught dead in MacArthur Park. Folks were found dead; the former occupants of the park had a tendency to kill people.
So having a peace walk in such a place got my attention. I also knew that because of the Red Line train and the hots for land and lofts (not to mention the added police patrols) many of the former citizens of the park had been forced or strongly encouraged to move on to higher or lower ground.
It is not the same place. This is the view of the current surroundings. I got there in time for the silent lunch.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Ebb and Flow - Inner Peace Outer Action
I'm not a twinkle in any body's eyes at the moment. But there is a quality about some people that is sweet and wonderful. Most of us have learned to hide that quality because contemporary life will do its best to stomp out of you. You have to fight to get it back. Some never do.
If you are lucky or stay connected to your source this doesn't happen.
I got reminded of a part of me that I now keep hidden. Check out a new vloggers video at
http://www.ebbandflow.tv/blog/index.php/2005/10/16/ebb-and-flow-episode-01/
Remind yourself of who you use to be.
If you are lucky or stay connected to your source this doesn't happen.
I got reminded of a part of me that I now keep hidden. Check out a new vloggers video at
http://www.ebbandflow.tv/blog/index.php/2005/10/16/ebb-and-flow-episode-01/
Remind yourself of who you use to be.
Art Walk #2 - Name That Band
The past week has been one that I am happy to say is in the past. Whew! I have a mid-term coming up that I am 3/4's prepared. I have a day job that I am glad to have but I need to convince myself that I should *want* to go instead of having to go. If I had a choice, I wouldn't go.
I guess that is why I tear into the weekends and bounce around town. I need to know that there is the other life. So I am working my way through the Art Walk videos. There will be more after I regain my sanity from the fear of flunking out of a class that I really enjoy.
I'm not in any real danger. The fear of getting a "C" is enough to get me to read the entire text book just to be safe.
The event started at 12 noon but I'm not sure when I arrived. This band is either "Also" or "The Glowbars". So if you know who this is give a shout out.
This is the QuickTime Dial-Up Version.
I guess that is why I tear into the weekends and bounce around town. I need to know that there is the other life. So I am working my way through the Art Walk videos. There will be more after I regain my sanity from the fear of flunking out of a class that I really enjoy.
I'm not in any real danger. The fear of getting a "C" is enough to get me to read the entire text book just to be safe.
The event started at 12 noon but I'm not sure when I arrived. This band is either "Also" or "The Glowbars". So if you know who this is give a shout out.
This is the QuickTime Dial-Up Version.
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