The War Zone and The Sanctuary

Feanor

2006-05-12T00:11:00.000-04:00

Sorry. Haven't been blogging; a very special pet of mine passed on Tuesday. Feanor, the guinea pig. I'll get pictures of him up. He just fell ill all of the sudden - took him to the vet and he had multiple things going on - a very weak heart, weight-loss, bloating, and possible cancer. I put had him to sleep and cried....

....though not too much. I've tried to bite it down and look past the sorrow.

I'm approaching this as a very joyous thing. Death is not sad. Death is not even death. Though, it is sometimes hard. I'm fine most of the time - then, boom, there is a gaping whole that lifts me out of time and space.

Isn't that funny?

He's in everything I do now - he is a thousand different particles of energy, like all those who die. He's in the furthest star on the edge of the universe and he's on the tip of my tongue. It's a wonderful transformation. So - no more tears, love.

( with thanks to Eolo Perfido for the picture )

Brokeback Mountain

2006-05-05T15:22:00.000-04:00

Brokeback Mountain is a fucking beautiful movie. A beautiful fucking movie. Yes, the wordplay was on purpose. It was not disturbing or horrific. It was...lovely. Raw. Uncaged. Not just the sex scenes, but the whole movie.

And the scenery....I've been to the Bighorns myself and that movie did justice to the real thing.

Jake and Heath did a damn good job of dispelling the stereotypes of gay men. That brings me to this thought: do we need to be so cutthroat on sexual orientation? As Ennis said, "I'm not queer." Would we not be better off by classifying this as love for another human being? What if we fell in love with someone through their mind and their personality - and rather the craving for their bodies followed? Perhaps that's why Jack and Ennis then found themselves wanting the bodies of other men. Because it brought back memories of the way each other touched and felt. It's not that they just wanted dick. I think I'm being somewhat clear here.

Yeah. It should have won an Oscar for Best Picture.

Another Ignorant Democrat Edition

2006-05-03T10:51:00.000-04:00

Why the fuck, after all the horrendous crimes that the President and his Administration have committed, are some Democrats still defending him? WHY?

House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) took on a rare role yesterday as a defender of President Bush.

Hoyer came to the defense of the commander in chief after Saturday's White House Correspondents' Association dinner, where the president took a drubbing from comedian Stephen Colbert.

"I thought some of it was funny, but I think it got a little rough," Hoyer said. "He is the president of the United States, and he deserves some respect."

"I'm certainly not a defender of the administration," Hoyer reassured stunned observers, but Colbert "crossed the line" with many jokes that were "in bad taste."

Colbert needled Bush, often prompting only an expressionless stare from the president, who appeared not to be amused.

Steny Hoyer - self-described non-defender of this inept, criminal administration - why don't you travel to Iraq and visit some of the orphanages that hold many of the children who have lost their parents to this war? Why don't you visit Alaska and view the melting glaciers and the wildlife whose habitat is now endangered due to global warming? Why don't you visit Abu Ghraib and watch the senseless torture that happens daily? Why don't you take a peek into lives that are torn by anti-gay and anti-choice attitude? Why don't you get a fucking clue instead of sitting in your office with all your finery and your social connections. That is not what defines "a public servant." That is what defines a money hungry, status seeking moron. Serve your people and your country better by getting out into the nitty gritty, dirty-as-hell areas that you shun.

This is what is wrong with Democrats.

Steven Colbert and Balls

2006-05-01T16:49:00.000-04:00

Oh, damn. I have a new love. Steven Colbert. What a...god. What a display of Truthiness, Ballsiness, Gutsiness, and Mark Twainian Genius. I'm talking about his performance at the White House Correspondence dinner last week. Oh, he gave it to them, to the whole corrupt organization. To the rich and the powerful. To the suits and the ties behind this mess we call our government.

Satire. He knew what the reaction was going to be from the audience. To all the fools who say he bombed because the laughs were sparse - most of the audience was part of or associates of the Bush Admin. He was critisizing them. To their fucking faces. But the thousands of us who were watching at home or online found his speech brilliant and balm to our aching souls. We laughed through the whole thing and for long afterwards. We silently cried with relief. We marveled at the man who gave us this joy - because we have waited so long that we had given up hope someone would ever do it. He who upset all the bigwigs. Who said it like it is. Who did it with a sly smile.

You can watch it here.
And when you've done that, you can thank Colbert here.
Share it with everyone you know.

The "liberal" media completely ignored Colbert and instead focused on the little comedy that Bush and an impostor put on at the dinner. But we know...know that much more was said at the dinner and we now give our respect to Colbert. He's joined the greats, Mark Twain, Lenny Bruce and the like.

Steven, I just may be in love with you.

A Story

2006-05-01T12:49:00.000-04:00

It's Blog Against Disablism Day!

Here is my hastily-written story:

My sister Maria ( who is 21 ) has Down Syndrome. Two years ago we graduated from high school together and now she is attending a locally renowned special skills center three days a week and the other two she is volunteering at a special education pre-school that is run by her own pre-school teacher, Deb Haddix. Next fall, as a part of her special skills education she will be volunteering at a local hospital which is in collaboration with the school.

Yada, yada. Those are just a few of the recent accomplishments she has made. When Maria was diagnosed with Down Syndrome the doctors told my parents that she would only be able to dress herself, perform simple tasks, and never learn to read. Well, that jump started my parents. Looking everywhere for materials to help her to learn how to read they found nothing suitable. So they decided to make their own. It was a long, slow process. Maria began to have seizures at about one year of age and had them continually for the next two years. She was put on medication that helped to control the seizures but had an effect on her cognitive abilities. For a while my parents thought she was deaf. Finally, Maria came off the medication. During all this time my parents had worked with her on reading and speaking. Then.....

She began to bloom. Words and sentences out of nowhere. Words like "oscillate" and "stupendous." By the age of five Maria was reading over 1,000 words and more in Spanish and French. What a vocabulary! Today, Maria loves to read anything, especially the dictionary and the encyclopedia. She is great at math, problem solving, critical thinking - she knows no limits. She talks like you and I. She has no speech impairment, but even if she did, it wouldn't matter.

I have learned so much from her. When one thinks "Down Syndrome," one thinks of individuals who cannot process, cannot understand, cannot feel. I know from experience. But Maria has broken all borders and molds. She is social, caring, intelligent, compassionate, funny, endearing, sweet, light-hearted, emotional, and so much more. I don't see her as an individual who has a disability, I see her as an individual who has a unique perspective on life - and we can all learn from that perspective.

This is how all "disabled" individuals are - if only we took the time to know them! Disabled, my ass. It is we who are disabled, when we cannot see past our own perceptions. All individuals are beautiful. All. Next time you see someone who is "different" go out of your way - I mean it, damnit - and interact with that person in a positive way. You might approach this idea as doing that person a favor - but, no, it is yourself that you are doing the favor for. You are exploring. You are reaching out. And in doing so, you can connect with individuals who will change you. And change, my friends, will always give you the tools to embrace life. I know. Maria changes me every single day. And I love it.

www.loveandlearning.com

Giuliani Time

2006-04-26T12:15:00.000-04:00

I'd like to see this - I hope it comes to my area. 'Giuliani Time' covers the NYC mayor and his controversial reign. This fellow exploited 9/11, in the style of Bush, and used it to his political advantage. Paying the undefeatable hero is a dream that ignorant little children play - and apparently ignorant grown men, too.

Peace and Courage

2006-04-25T13:15:00.000-04:00

Go to this website. Then read this article - it's short, but informative and moving. What a strong girl.

Pew-litz-ah

2006-04-23T09:36:00.000-04:00

Ahhhhh....saw the Pulitzer prize winning Proof yesterday. Very different than I expected. Lots of swearing ( to my liking ). The plot was well done - the actors were not too bad either, but the acting did remind me of conversation with someone with whom I share a common view of thespians. He said to me, "If in a play I was required to open a door, I'm going to open a door. I wouldn't do all this extra bullshit" ( here he goes through exaggerated motions of door-opening ). I agreed. "Subtly," I replied. "Is an integral part of portraying real life situations."

I know, I know. Sometimes the overzealous acting is needed, depending on how the play is written. Farce, comedy - yes, it's beautiful there. But in drama - no. It just hinders the experience.

On another note, there was a touch of feminine power to the plot which I greatly enjoyed and savored.

Lapis Lazuli

2006-04-20T15:45:00.000-04:00

I don't know who.

Who will it be?
My.....

Says she, does anyone reading this understand - what it is exactly?

I Have Discovered....

2006-04-17T20:55:00.000-04:00

....Queen. Oh my holy fucking goddamn hell - what beautiful MUSIC. And Freddie Mercury - what a VOICE. As a music connoisseur I shout my praises for them to the sky! Yes, I have before listened to Bohemian Rhapsody, We Will Rock You, We Are The Champions, and Crazy Little Thing Called Love ( the latter, strangely, I thought was by the Beach Boys ), but now after listening to Killer Queen, Bicycle Race, Who Wants To Live Forever, The Show Must Go On, I Want It All, I Want To Break Free, and countless others - I am enthralled with Queen.

I love it when this happens. When I come across a group or a solo artist with myriads of songs and I am smitten for weeks, sometimes months, at a time. It was like this with Bjork ( who is my music goddess, by the way ), Kate Bush ( another fucking unreal fiery maenad ), The Libertines, Tori Amos, Rufus Wainright, John Rutter, Pete Doherty, and others. My life is music - a beat and I'm moist. A few notes and I'm hardcore. A melody and I'm lost in the undulating waves of pleasure. You cannot stop me.

So back I go, to shiver and scream, to pant and purr, to rest and retreat, in the many tones and chords of a Most Surpurb British rock band.

A Common Mistake

2006-04-14T10:03:00.000-04:00

Hoooo-eeee! Over at Feministing there has been an intresting debate in the comments of a particular post. Seems a man, who shall remain unnamed here, had a pretty screwed-up ( but alas, all too common ) view of feminists.

"My head just exploded"
- I think that was the point.

I also find it SO hypocrital that half the posters here have focused on the guy's LOOKS! Does logic or consistency have ANY sway with women?? You have been WHINING forever about not judging women on their looks/bodies, but I guess that all goes out the window when it's someone you don't agree with. Anyway, I'll be pleased to adhere to your standard: Some of you gals REALLY look like you need to spend some more time in Curves! And I understand the price of breast implants has come way down lately, pls think about it.

"God - they fear powerful women."
- Yes, of course. And he has a small penis, and is gay, and lives with his parents, and doesn't make enough money, or makes too much money. You girls will come up with ANY excuse but the truth: Men like sweet, feminine attractive, young women. Not aging angry ocelots. Still, if it makes you feel better, you can say "Men'r 'fraid of strong wyminns - THAT's why none of us angry, hairy chicks gets asked out!"

"Did anyone else read the line "equal rights for men in the family" and do a double take? Does that mean Mr. Usher would like to have the same rights in a family that he believes women should have? "

What he's saying is, the epidemic of women filing for divorce 70-90% of the time to get the house, kids, alimony and child support needs to end. And it is! In every state, equal parenting laws are being introduced. I know of no man my age and income bracket who would marry w/out a pre-nup today - we've all seen our friends or fathers or brothers assraped in divorce court. And, most men I know have figured out that feminists should be avoided the way hacidic jews should avoid Bin Laden.

But that's OK - it's what you claim to have wanted all along. A room of your own! Heck, you can have the whole block! It will give you girls much more space to get to know yourself and what is making you unhappy.

Posted by: Felix | April 13, 2006 07:00 PM

I responded thusly:

I love how Felix used the stereotype that feminists are batshit crazy, men-hating, self-serving bitches. We're not. In response to his earlier comment:"Men like sweet, feminine attractive, young women. Not aging angry ocelots."...

1. I am an attractive young woman ( 19 ), with, dare I say it, a damn lot of femininity. But I am not sweet, if that means I laugh at everything a man says to boost his ego or displaying a mild temperament to make sure I do not scare him away. The more fucking fiery - the better. The more confidence - the better.

2. Women who fall under the category of "aging ocelots" have more wisdom and compassion and heart than any other group. And ocelots are damn beautiful creatures.

3. Why must you paint the word feminists with one stroke? Do you not fucking understand: as women it is love and understanding are inherent in us. We bear children, as you cannot, and we raise villages. To cast us as money hungry sluts is too rash. Yes, we come on strong, but that is because you are used to docile women who think no farther than their own self or family. We feminists are also concerned with the world and her progress. It looks like you have had many bad experiences with feminists. Well, pick yourself up and try once more with an open mind.

Posted by: Maenad | April 14, 2006 09:56 AM

This is a view that many ignorant men ( and women! ) have. I agree that sometimes feminists can go to far, like banning The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein - that is a damn beautiful book that some find ( unreasonably ) offensive. But most of us are fighting for a vision. We are beautiful, strong, and compassionate. Angry, yes, but that is because of the injustice that occurs every single day. Before you judge, talk to a fem. I mean really talk. You'll find we are not so different.

Easter Love

2006-04-13T20:12:00.001-04:00

Echidne's Easter Plans:

I'm going to dress up as a humongous snake egg, with frightening patterns painted all over the surface. Then I'm going to roll right past fundamental churches, all the time making little chirpy snake baby noises.

Sounds great: I'd love to see the looks on all the fundies' faces as she wibble wobbles past. I, on the other hand, will be stuffing myself with Polish kielbasa, Honeybaked Ham, mashed potatoes, kruka, paska, and a whole bunch of other ethnic foods. Maybe some snake egg as well. :)

Look At Me In Splendour

2006-04-13T15:37:00.001-04:00

I have found the best website. Ever. It's the Cloud Appreciation Society. How fantastic. Instead of bitching about clouds these people are admiring them for their beauty, and taking a backroad view in the process, I might add. What a great thing! May I suggest others: Rain Appreciation Society, Snow Appreciation Society, Tornado and Hurricane Appreciation Society, etc. And why stop with weather? Why not have Pothole Appreciation Society? Rude Cashier Appreciation Society? Annoying Co-worker Appreciation Society? Show them that you care. Lol.

A simple idea. So fundamental, as well. How many things have you looked at in a negative light today?

Absurdity

2006-04-13T09:53:00.000-04:00

Well, this post over at HuffPo is interesting, to say the least. Michael Smerconish has decided that the the real victims of the Duke rape case are...get this...the lacrosse players who were accused of the rape! Those poor, rich, privileged white boys. Oh, the inhumanity!

To be fair, Smerconish points out a valid point - the media has overblown this case. I won't agree that it was overblown, but the media is indeed fickle in her ways and promotes mass hysteria and fear - yes, the media loves a story. But Smerconish goes so far to say that virtually all cries of rape are false and that the women who were assaulted or raped in such cases were asking for it. What a bastard. Not a feminist, I'm sure.

Go over there and tell him what you think of his post. I did.

Take Action - NOW

2006-04-10T22:25:00.000-04:00

Listen up, bitches. It's time for a Human ( And Animals! ) Rights Addition Post. Here is a list of things that you can do to support ( in just a few minutes! ) the welfare of others.

1. Join the mothers and Amnesty International to turn up the volume on the State Governor of Chihuahua, José Reyes Baez. Over 400 girls and women have been killed or have dissapeared since 1993 and no one has been brought to justice. Read more.

2. Sign a New Letter to Australian Agriculture Minister Peter McGauran Urging an End to Live Exports. Save the sheep!

3. Help Refuge Children Get A Fair Hearing - Pass H.R. 1172. For all the children who have ever had backs turned upon them....

4. Hop over to this website. It's wonderful. Not only can you help fund mammograms with a single click, but food for homeless animals, food for children, books for children, rainforest acerage, and health supplies for children. All with one click each.

Do it. Take 5 mintues and help start a revolution. I mean it. A Revolution.

See, Hear, Speak ( Nothing But Your Own Small Opinions )

2006-04-04T15:51:00.000-04:00

Progressive witch-hunt? Yes. But that's not what really frightens me. What frightens me is the need to censure everything we disagree with in this country. We are so insecure about other viewpoints diminshing our own that we must obliterate the other viewpoint.

Accept others and live in peace, damnit.

Cause I Ain't No Hollaback Girl...But I Am

2006-04-04T15:12:00.000-04:00

HollabackNYC. I don't know why I did not post this sooner. It is a site that was inspired by the subway-masturbation incident last year. Now women who are harassed on the streets of anywhere, not just NYC, can post digital camera photos of their harrasers online and share their stories. Good shit. This gives women an alternative to a situation that can be awkward, rude, and demeaning. Women can exert some control and feel power in the simple job of snapping a photo and walking off.

Might I also recommend listening to Hollaback Girl by the lovely Gwen Stefani. It will pump you up.

Gen. Zinni Speaks Out

2006-04-03T12:47:00.000-04:00

I must admit, I have had a very biased view of the US Military. Testosterone-filled boys and men who must shoot and blow up things to assert their manliness. I'm not saying that now that view has crumbled away, but General Zinni's interview with Russert on "Meet The Press" has given me insight and hope that there those affiliated with the Military who are quite intelligent, well-spoken, and compassionate.

There were so many things that have had needed saying for the past three years that were said in this interview.

By the way, I've completely lost faith, damn that word, with John McCain. Ever since the day New Orleans drowned and McCain was indulging in cake with the Idiot-in-Chief, I have had misgivings about him. There are those who in his defense say that he is playing the politician and he needs to win the Right over to get into office, but fuck, to go against something you believe in, or to appease a group that is intolerant and closed-minded, just to get elected....it's....well I can tell you, I would never want that person in office.

Zinni for President!

Defend Your Body

2006-03-28T16:55:00.000-05:00

I've been taking a self defense class. It is so fucking empowering. We're learning simple techniques that will disarm attackers with only the slightest amount of force. The human body is designed so intricately. Joints and pressure points that can be broken or cut off with just precision moves. One of the girls in the class has taken karate so she has beautiful form when exacting kicks or throwing punches.

Through this class I discovered that my arms are double-jointed, so when we are doing the moves on each other the others must apply extra force on me. Our instructor also works with kids with sickle cell and cancer and I am thinking about volunteering to help him.

Tuesday Random 10:
Esthero - Fastlane (Wamdue Main Mix) (Edit) - shit, I love this, it sets me off
Mum - The Ghosts You Draw On My Back
Sinead O'Connor - Success Has Made A Failure Of Our Home
Shrimp Boat - Dollar Bill
Dario Marianelli - I Found A Reason - from the V for Vendetta soundtrack
Madonna - Like A Virgin
Goldfrapp - Time Out From The World
Frou Frou - Let Go
The Sea and Cake - To The Author (Version 2)
Massive Attack - A Prayer For England

Check this post out - very moving. Animals are more wise than we. Losing them can be hard.

Sunday Night Smorgasbord

2006-03-26T18:17:00.000-05:00

Here is a dish of things that are going around the internet.

First: Lara Logan's excellent interview with Howard Kurtz on CNN on the allegations that the mainstream media is being too negative about the situations in Iraq. She does a damn good job of showing why these allegations are really crap.

Second: I've always liked the Dixie Chicks, not because of their music-which is good, just not my type-but because they are independent women who speak their minds and who don't make nice just to fall in line and avoid criticism. They have my vote and I will buy their upcoming CD to support the ideals that they promote. Hail to the Dixie Bitches!

Third: From HuffPo and Chicago-Sun Times: there were huge protests in LA on Friday to protest the new immigration legislation that cracks down on illegal immigrants. My favorite quote:

''They're here for the American Dream,'' said Malissa Greer, 29, who joined a crowd estimated by police to be at least 10,000 strong. ''God created all of us. He's not a God of the United States, he's a God of the world.''

Good shit! But, I might add, God is not a he, damnit. There is no gender involved with things spiritual.

Fourth: Finally Global Warming is getting front page coverage on Time. This is an issue that is very important to me. Fuck, the world is too beautiful to lose out to the intrest of big business and consumer "needs." Who needs a car? Humans existed without cars for millions of years. We don't need them. Ride a fucking bike. Walk. Cars should be used for long distance transportation only. :) - alas, there are those who hold the view that a few miles is "long distance."

Alright - time for West Wing.

V For Vendetta

2006-03-24T08:27:00.000-05:00

V. For Vendetta, that is. I saw it last night. My opinion?

Very, very, very good. A victory for visionaries across this vast globe. A voluminous feast for voracious anarchists. A vicious drama with a virtual in-vain romance. Filled with vicissitudes of hints of worlds like 1984 and oh, present day 2006.

I loved it.

The whole film was very well done. It was incredibly explicit in its comparisons between the Bush Administration and the government of the futuristic London in the movie. There were some excellent lines which just blew me away.

V: we never found out his real identity, but we found that he is all of us. And when Parliament was blown up at the end - symbolizing the downfall of the reign of the fascist government - I was silently cheering, watching Big Ben explode and masses awake from the deep sleep that they had slept so long.

Where Are You In This Picture?

2006-03-23T16:36:00.000-05:00

i like my body when it is with your
body. It is so quite a new thing.
Muscles better and nerves more.
i like your body. i like what it does,
i like its hows. i like to feel the spine
of your body and its bones, and the trembling
-firm-smooth ness and which i will
again and again and again
kiss, i like kissing this and that of you,
i like, slowly stroking the, shocking fuzz
of your electric fur, and what-is-it comes
over parting flesh . . . . And eyes big love-crumbs,

and possibly i like the thrill

of under me you quite so new

-e.e. cummings

This is so wonderful. All the thrills that are given to me from his poetry make me explode into flames and into diamonds. Phrases like "shocking fuzz of your electric fur" and "muscles better and nerves more" give me a high in a very different way than a touch does.

Uninhibited. That's what we should be. Not adhering to rules. Not bound up over gay marriage, abortion, terrorism. Not uptight about religion and what's what, who's who, and why's why. We should just...love.

It's Woman Time Now!!

2006-03-23T14:07:00.000-05:00

YES. I love this article. There are now at least four women who head countries around the world. Here is an excerpt:

Simpson-Miller became prime minister-designate when she narrowly defeated National Security Minister Peter Phillips in her dominant People's National Party elections last month. The reggae tunes The Strength of a Woman, and Thank You Momma opened nearly all of Simpson-Miller's rallies. The title of another song, It's Woman Time Now, became her unofficial campaign theme.
"The groundswell of support for Simpson-Miller has cut across gender, says columnist Jean Lowrie-Chin of The Jamaica Observer. "You hear as many men as women saying that 'It's woman time now Â give her a chance.' We hear people saying that women are more resistant to corruption, more inclusive, more connected and sympathetic to the people."

Too few women are in top positions, says Faith Webster, director of the Bureau of Women's Affairs. Simpson-Miller's election indicates change may be on the way, she says.

"Portia has gone crashing through that ceiling. It is yet to be seen how this will play out for women in general, but we are optimistic," Webster says.

Did you hear that boys? You won't be able to deny us forever. We're climbing back up.

My West Wing

2006-03-20T21:12:00.000-05:00

The only elected Democrats that I feel no frustration and latent animosity towards will soon be gone from public eye. I'm talking about my friends from The West Wing, of course. I love that series; it is intelligent, witty, feeling, and represents the best of the Dems. I don't know how many times I have wished that Jimmy Smitts/Matt Santos would really run in the 2008 campaign. And what about that Alan Alda? If only all Republicans had his qualities and beliefs ( i.e. separation of church and state, goddamnit ).

There's always the DVDs, I guess. But if the Democrats are pulled from prime-time television, does that not speak volumes on how bad we are really doing? All America wants to watch are those gory crime shows, which only scare the fuck out people and will eventually make them paranoid. Paranoia is not what I want to base my life on.

But anyway, I will miss those nights, cuddled on the couch with my snacks and remote, watching with delight the antics of Sam, Toby, Josh, Donna, CJ, Charlie, Will, Leo, and of course the Prez himself. I loved the dialogue and the banter and the wonderful plots. I also loved the "sometimes characters" such as Oliver, Bruno, Danny, Amy, the Prez' family, and especially the always hilarious foreign diplomats. I loved knowing that Aaron Sorkin had a vision that millions of others shared.

There are a few episodes left, and I intend to enjoy the fuck out of all of them. Who knows, Donna and Josh might find serendipity at last. :)

And the winner of the 2008 Presidential Election is........

No, Not That God

2006-03-17T18:18:00.000-05:00

Deepak Chopera has an excellent post over at HuffPo. And the comments were even more interesting, ranging from those that completely critized his viewpoint for various reasons, to those that seemed hesitant yet not hostile, and to those that praised him vehemently for his views.

The God that Deepak was referring to was something that only a handful of the posters understood. The God that he was referring to is nothing like the gods of the three major monotheistic religions. This God has no gender, no face, no form, no thoughts. The God that deeps talks of is...indescribable. Few could ever put into words what this Presence really is.

And another thing, many were confusing religion and spirituality. Goddamn, spirituality is nothing like religion, although there are those very few whose religion is spirituality - for example, the Buddhists. Spirituality has no laws, no rules, there is no ego involved. Spirituality is a free-wheeling entity, so explosive, and yet so peaceful, all these buildings around us fall away.

Chopera also has a book out called The Book Of Secrets, which I bought last Monday. It is very healing.

An Escape!

2006-03-17T15:14:00.000-05:00

There is a small Doberman puppy running around our neighborhood. He has a collar and looks well fed but he has been seen out and about for the past week and a half - and no one has reported him missing. He came up to our backyard this afternoon, which our three dogs loved ( Max almost busted the gate trying to get to him ) but he is very skitish and wary of us large folk. I've dubbed him Agamemnon.

We were very close to getting him when a car pulled up and the woman inside asked if Agamemnon was ours. We said no, and that's when he tore down the alley and out of sight. The woman has also been trying to catch him and so have her neighbors, but the luck seems to be of the mutt - for a while anyway. How much luck can a small puppy have in a world of roaring automobiles?

Every once in a while he peeps back around, probably searching for food, or canine company, but he never lingers.

Then over his broad brow Agamemnon set his helmet
fronted with four knobs and forked with twin horns
and the horsehair crest atop it tossing, bristling terror.

And that's what this animal was - bristling terror, as shown in the photo above. :)

Death Threats and Mobs

2006-03-16T09:08:00.000-05:00

Music at the moment: Seaglopur - by Sigur Ros

There are those who need to take a step back, remove themselves from the situation, and really analyze what they are doing. Mobs or large factions can be so overpowering and can almost brainwash those within it's structure. That said - has anyone noticed that the tactics that the conservative Right in this country are using are very, very similar to those the conservative faction of Islam, or in another name, those we label terrorists use? Some of these Right-wingers need to step back and...just look.

Now they are on a crusade to rid this country of all evil, and that includes our Supreme Court justices. I'm serious. Death threats to the justices that use international consultation when making rulings on certain cases. To Sandra Day O'Connor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Oh, the Republicians got a hell of a lot more than they bargained for when they chose to embrace and exploit the Evangelical Right. Those two factions are now entwined so tightly, and when the country does again swing towards the Left, there will be serious dissary within both groups.

Speaking of Left and Right - there is the need to divide ourselves, to fight passionately against others, that has begun to grip this country in epidemic form. It's either one side or the other. Again - the mobs that we create are more dangerous than we could have ever imagined. Because we end up tearing our very selves apart as we constantly try do the same to others.

Poetry and Reality

2006-03-15T13:58:00.000-05:00

Sometimes the drum of politics and fighting takes such a toll....
I've recently become a poetry junkie. Sappho, E.E. Cummings, Emerson, those who write words that make the tongue trill and the mind almost orgasm with pleasure. I am now in bookstores ( well, that's nothing new ) browsing the Poetry section, picking up and buying random books such as The Dog In British Poetry, which is about - you guessed it, the Brits and their dogs, or Japanese Death Poetry, which actually looks really intriguing.

Cummings, I will say, is one of my favorites. His form is so unorthodox and challenging. I love it.

now is a ship

which captain am
sails out of sleep

steering for dream

Dreams. What if this reality is not reality? In fact, it isn't. These rules that we live by, these buildings we build, keep us from seeking, searching, keep us encased. Show me a rebel who breaks borders. Show me another reality. Let's see you grapple with that one.

Molly Ivins Wants YOU For President - If You Kick Ass

2006-03-13T19:08:00.000-05:00

This woman is excellent. Here is her commentary on the plight of the Democrats.

Every Democrat I talk to is appalled at the sheer gutlessness and spinelessness of the Democratic performance. The party is still cringing at the thought of being called, ooh-ooh, “unpatriotic” by a bunch of rightwingers.

Take “unpatriotic” and shove it. How dare they do this to our country? “Unpatriotic”? These people have ruined the American military! Not to mention the economy, the middle class, and our reputation in the world. Everything they touch turns to dirt, including Medicare prescription drugs and hurricane relief.

This is not a time for a candidate who will offend no one; it is time for a candidate who takes clear stands and kicks ass.

Go Molly! You kick ass yourself.

Do Something, Please!

2006-03-13T12:39:00.000-05:00

Censuring Bush. Impeaching Bush. Seriously repremanding Bush. Goddamn, we need to to something of that sort. I am saddened by the fact that I think this Censuring business will not go on for that long. One, the media downplays it. Two, the Democrats that are supposed to be supporting Feingold aren't there. And it is Two that angers me. Yes, I can see why the Democrats want to be cautious. The GOP controlls everything and blah, blah, blah.

WE NEED TO BE OUTSPOKEN. AND - ALSO NOT SAY DUMBSHIT REMARKS IN THE PROCESS. Where are Nancy Pelosi, Howard Dean, Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, Harry Reid, Charles Schumer, Bill Richardson, and the others???? Can we please all rally together so that the public will know that this is important? This is fucking critical. And by This I mean the whole state of our government. Want more proof? Sandra Day O'Connor warns of dictatorship. Oh, shades of Germany, you say? You bet your ass. Check this quote out ( Lev Navrozov ):

So, what am I driving at? To prove that those who voted for Hitler in 1932 did the right thing? No! What I want to show is how easily the fear of a danger leads a democracy to dictatorship.

And that's where we are, folks. The actions that drive this country are now based on fear. A fear that has been dramatized, escalated, exploited by those who have their own power-based agendas. The lovely Right Wing ideology that has gained influence all over the world in the last 30 years could lead us to a very unpretty situation ( dare I say it, a World War ). Connect the dots. And I mean all the dots that lead from issues such as suppressing women's rights, to domestic spying without a warrant, to the hoodwinking of the American people, to the civil war in Iraq ( it's a fucking civil war already, on a smaller scale, without extensive weaponry because they don't have the weaponry - this is a civil war made up of suicide bombers ), to the rise of China, to the Muslim fear in Europe, and so on. The world is based on fear and power. And if we, the Goddamned United States of America, will take no action against a corrupt and inept Administration ( who run on the demands of the inexorably wealthy, faceless few ) then we are sending a message to the rest of the world that bodes ill for us all.

Birthday Advice

2006-03-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to a Doherty. My words to you: this is the age when other music greats ( Hendrix, Cobain, Joplin, Drake ) kicked it. If you want to do otherwise I suggest you get the fuck off the crack and the heroin. But do please keep the beautiful poems coming - they do us all good.

Abortion, 1984, And Why I Am Pro-Choice

2006-03-11T12:19:00.000-05:00

I think writing this down will help to clarify and organize my own thoughts on this matter. Abortion is ( from dictionary.com, of course ):

1. a.Termination of pregnancy and expulsion of an embryo or of a fetus that is incapable of survival.
b.Any of various procedures that result in such termination and expulsion. Also called induced abortion.
2. The premature expulsion of a nonviable fetus from the uterus; a miscarriage.
3. Cessation of normal growth, especially of an organ or other body part, prior to full development or maturation.
4. An aborted organism.
5. Something malformed or incompletely developed; a monstrosity.

Most Americans are concerned with definition 1a:"Termination of pregnancy and expulsion of an embryo or of a fetus that is incapable of survival." The kicker is that abortion is now widely used to terminate fetuses that are capable of surviving.

Now, in my opinion there are two or three reasons why most women get an abortion.
1. The conditions that this child will be raised in are very poor; the mother has no means to support her child and cannot bear to see her own offspring grow in an environment with such a bleak outlook. Why the hell does our government not support programs that would help these young mothers? I don't know how this went but late last year Congress was seriously considering cutting funds for Head Start in order to cut taxes for the wealthy. There was this article also that gave details.
2. Rape or incest.
3. People are just lazy. Abortion should not be used as a method of birth control.

But I support choice. Any right taken away from us as a people is very scary. Read 1984. War is Peace ( we've got this one covered - the only way to achieve peace is through war - or so says this Administration ). Freedom is Slavery. Ignorance is Strength ( have you ever seen such ignorance on various subjects in this country on such a wide scale? and such pride in it? ). Such government involvement in our daily lives is terrifying. You scoff at such a notion? It happens gradually. Take the domestic-spying issue that has come up of late. It is based on the ground of our very own security. But what most people fail to realize is that any institution that deems that it has the right to our own private information and that it also has that right to use such information against us is more threatening than any terrorist attack. We can overcome pain that is inflicted on us by those who hate us. It is much, much harder to fight against your own government that manipulates the masses for the sake of power. If our privacy is sacrificed for the sake of a very ambiguous threat, what next will the American people be coerced into giving up?

A woman's right to choose, for me, is tied in with all the rest of my rights: privacy, assembly, religion ( I'm sorry, not everyone in this country is Christian! But I do not begrudge them their religion either; I just don't like having laws pushed upon me in the name of God ), etc. People should be more responsible about sex - condoms! pills! all that good stuff! And if the government wants to outlaw it, they should fucking help the mothers who will raise these children, not give tax cuts to corporations or the wealthy. But any law that takes away a right from and individual ( especially a woman ) should be thought long and hard about. Once one right is taken away, the next right can be taken away with a greater amount of ease. The government can blind people with issues of morality and righteousness so that in out outrage we forget about our civil liberties. Think about it.

You Are From the Moon

You can vibe with the steady rhythms of the Moon.
You're in touch with your emotions and intuition.
You possess a great, unmatched imagination - and an infinite memory.
Ultra-sensitive, you feel at home anywhere (or with anyone).
A total healer, you light the way in the dark for many.

What Planet Are You From?

Sex and Anger ( Mine )

2006-03-09T16:05:00.000-05:00

Wow. This post is from a couple of days ago, but Goddamn, Digby hit the fucking mark on this topic. I just found it today.

I am particularly interested in this subject. Sex and why there is this view that it is sin, or even just "fucking," as millions dub it. It has a bad rap, due to the casualness that is used in describing it, or in the act of doing it. Sex for many is a "good fuck" and once it is over it loses its luster and even becomes dirty. And so there are those who, ashamed of their sexuality and the lust that is aroused in them, preach that sex must be with as few people as possible ( i.e. your marriage partner and only your marriage partner - if you are divorced, you're screwed ).

The other thing that pisses me off is this breed of men who view women as nothing more than sex objects and an output area to release their desire. The rush that they receive comes not from sex itself, but the idea of dominating a woman and having them submit and do various demeaning sex acts. This is made very clear in pornography.

Sex is not evil. Sex is not dirty. If you want to approach it that way, then there is a whole lot you are missing out on. Sex is also more than a casual shag. Sex is what connects people. To quote Digby, "Sex is elemental."

Don't forget kids, use protection!

Mucho Gracias!

2006-03-09T09:13:00.000-05:00

And Mexico also gets with the program, using blow-up sex dolls in a commercial to fight sexual harassment. Mexico also admitted that the country still has "a problem with domestic violence against women" and "women are not sexual objects."

On a different matter, I could not contain my glee at this.

2006-03-08T21:09:00.000-05:00

"I Want Peace"

2006-03-08T21:08:00.000-05:00

Well said.

Love Those Spainards

2006-03-08T19:15:00.000-05:00

This makes me want to move to Spain. Hooray! Spain actually had a cabinet meeting that focused solely on women's issues. Not in this country - we are obsessed with taking away Her rights.

Article one of the new law speaks of the elimination of discrimination against women, in order to reach a more equal society. The law intends to cover direct and indirect discrimination, as well as sexual abuse. Some women’s associations have complained however that they have not been consulted in the drawing up of the text which is due to be launched officially on March 8th, the day of the working woman.

Just in time for International Women's Day. Go celebrate!

Pimps Have It Tough, Too

2006-03-06T12:46:00.000-05:00

Last night Three 6 Mafia took home an Oscar for best original song from Hustle & Flow. The song was titled It's Hard Out Here For A Pimp. Because the prostitutes have it so easy.

Such witty lyrics, full of inspiration and compassion:

Man these girls think we prove thangs, leave a big head
They come hopin every night, they don't end up bein dead
Wait I got a snow bunny, and a black girl too
You pay the right price and they'll both do you
That's the way the game goes, gotta keep it strictly pimpin
Gotta have my hustle tight, makin change off these women, yeah

I would have no problem with this song if it did not demean women.

Follies of the Catholic Church

2006-03-05T14:59:00.000-05:00

Part One, out of many.

This is ridiculous. If this ban on gays and lesbians who want to adopt in Massachusetts goes through I hope United Way pulls their funding from Catholic Charities, who obviously think that homosexuals are unfit to be parents. Give me a break. To use their own policy against them, I think it was Jesus who said it we should not judge others-and that includes judging by sexual orientation. There are plenty of hetro-couples who have no business of raising their own children, let alone adopting those who need extra care. My good friend is proof of that. She and her brother were adopted, and she was always treated like shit by her "parents". I've seen it. I won't even mention the path that she's on now; it ain't pretty.

Cow Tipping

2006-03-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

Cow tipping is offically not a myth. I have met someone who has done so. He even showed me the stance that one must take in order to tip the cow ( he's from Iowa, so I can't blame him for trying to find something intresting to do ). Here are other accounts of cow tipping:

The Times (London) of 8 November 2005, contains two letters on the subject, including one that appears to describe a method by which the task might be achievable by three people. This follows some earlier discussions on the subject in The Times (see reference under External Links, below).

A reader in Hawaii wrote:

"Cow tipping is possible, it is very simple and I've done it. It requires three people (note: be very quiet, but sobriety may be a hindrance), one person on one side of the cow, two on the other. The lone person pushes very hard on his side, and waiting for the balancing response from the startled animal, the other two then push very hard on their side to overbalance her. Works like a charm."

Another reader, a post-doc at Cambridge, suggested one person could slam a cow down with a running start: "I have calculated that an 80kg (175lb) person would only need to run at the cow at about 18km/h (12mph) in order to tip it."

Ah. If you would like to know more about the statics of cow tipping I have just the link for you. This is cruelty to the cow, though, may I remind you. Yee-haw.

Books Worth Reading

2006-03-04T17:25:00.000-05:00

I found myself in a tiny bookshop today that was absent of huge 75% off! sale signs and a Expresso-Quickie cafe ( there was a small juice bar, but the food and drinks were all organic so I loved it ). Bookstores are my weakness. Once I get in, it takes me a couple hours to wrench myself from the plethora of tomes that fill the aisles. This one was no exception. So here are some of the few books I could not help walking out with.

The first is the Last Child In The Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv. It's great. It is all about how our children are steadily becoming removed from nature, which is tragic, because if they do know know and love the natural world around them, how the hell will they ever feel the need to protect and nurture it?
I quote from this book: "I like to play indoors 'cause that's where all the electrical outlets are." - fourth grader in San Diego
Read it. I'm only in the introduction and already find it to be extremely informative.

The second book I bought is a gem. Not only for the subject it address, but for the artwork and the format of the book. Julius Lester, of Newbery fame, has a book ( I'd say early elementary age ) called Let's Talk About Race. It is written in a non-traditional way, with sentences such as: I'll take off my skin. Will you take off yours? If you want to introduce a multicultural view to your children this is a great place to start. God knows we need more literature like this.

Why I Want to Teach

2006-03-04T16:57:00.000-05:00

Here is some positive news for those who need to escape from the daily trauma that comes at us from all faces of the media today. Altruism at such a young age. If only parents could develop and nuture that beautiful capacity on a grand level. I really can find so few parents who teach their offspring unconditional love, acceptance, and peace. Maybe I'm not looking in the right places...

This is why I want to teach. I want to make a fucking difference. I want to start a revolution of ingenious thought! I want to inspire and influence those around me to defy their place in society as a nothing, and to change the world. This is why.

Looking In The Mirror

2006-03-03T15:31:00.000-05:00

What is the feminist image that many people conjour up today? Does one think of Susan B. Anthony? Gloria Steinem? Betty Friedan? Those radical old ladies who had nothing better to do, right? Radical I agree with. We're rebels, in a positive sense, fighting against the patriarchal system that we live in. But old? Sourpuss men-hating spinsters? Hell, no. Those images were oh-so-cleverly woven into main-stream society long ago. Check out these fantastic bitches. Spinster my ass. And men-hating? Please, we love our men.

When I mention to men that I am a feminist I get hilarious reactions. Some love it. But others... My favorite reaction is silence accompanied by a semi-offended look. Earth to men: Don't be offended! We do not dislike you! We are not even attacking you! We are attacking The System. Patriarchy. A system that favors one gender over another. It would be no better if we lived in a matriarchal system. I reccomend an excellent book by Allan G. Johnson called The Gender Knot. I read it in a multicultural class that I took last semester and it made things very clear.

For those who are still skeptical about the new wave of young feminists, check out this website: The Real Hot 100.

Las Vegas It's Not

2006-03-03T13:23:00.000-05:00

The Huffington Post has this to show us that America is becoming more, hmm, shall we say backwards? Why don't we just build a time machine so we can all be transported back to the Era of Worldly Knowledge and Good Ole' Times - the Middle Ages? I'm sure Bush would find it scientific enough to fund. Sigh.

2006-03-03T12:55:00.000-05:00

Maenad

First Post

2006-03-03T11:17:00.000-05:00

I had no idea setting up a blog would be so Easy. I have had a yearning to set up one of these things as I feel the need to vent my thoughts on this Very Intresting World we live in, made even more intresting by the fact that we have an inept, yet subtly clever, government and no one really cares ( at least in this country ). Well, I shouldn't say no one. But there are times when I feel that the intelligence level has dropped massively and I cannot find enough people who give a fuck.
And so.....

Who I am ( abridged )

A 19 year old woman who lives in the Metro Detroit area
Attending the University of Michigan ( not the main campus in Ann Arbor ) to become an elementary teacher
At least that's the plan - I could go a million different ways with my life
I am very into music and am always composing; I have a beautiful, no, a fucking gorgeous Yamaha keyboard and also a slightly off-tune upright piano
Bjork and Kate Bush are who I most admire and feel in touch with musically
I am a Feminist - you'll find out why and how later
I am a Liberal - ditto
I am not religious, but incredibly spiritual in a very Liberal, Unorthadox way
My nom de web is Maenad - go look up the definition and smile

Welcome to my War Zone and my Sanctuary. Here I hope you will find humor, ardent rhapsody, honest open opinions in a take-it-or-leave-it style, and above all, enlightened thinking.

Enjoy, all.