This music video by Canned Heat (or a couple of others), was originally going to be the opening music video of this Sabbat series before I settled on the one you may have viewed above this one-or will view, depending on what time you come here. I included this one anyway, as it fits somewhat with the aspect of Hermes as a god of messengers and travelers. The particular brand of traveler has more than sight-seeing in mind. This is a restless spirit, looking for meaning in life, and engaged in an odyssey of hope and self-discovery.
Hermes as the guide of travelers is also charged with the task of accompanying the spirits of dead mortals to the underworld, and potentially, vice versa. Of course, as mentioned previously, he accompanies Persephone to and from her stay in said Underworld as the Queen of Lord Hades.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A Football Tragedy
I wanted to say something about a tragedy that occurred at a Kentucky high school football practice that resulted in the death of a young player from heat stroke. The coach was tried, and eventually acquitted, but something good did come out of the mess. New rules were instituted which required training for coaches to recognize potential problems before they get too out of hand.
Football is too great a sport to allow it to be tarnished with such wholly unnecessary tragedies. Hopefully, school officials at both the high school and college level will follow this up with a realization that a player's health has to take precedence over the prospect of winning and losing games. They are as much to fault as the coaches whom they put inordinate pressure on to produce a winning season.
Football is one of those games that, had the ancient Greeks known of it, they would have gone wild over it, though I doubt they would have bothered with all the protective gear worn today. Hermes would doubtless have been the patron deity of the sport, and it would have been considered his purview as to whether any died during the course of a game, or during practice. Many people might have died from the battering they received at the hands of other players, but one thing I can pretty much promise is, no one would have died from heat stroke.
Such things as that, in our modern era, are simply inexcusable, in the vast majority of cases.
Football is too great a sport to allow it to be tarnished with such wholly unnecessary tragedies. Hopefully, school officials at both the high school and college level will follow this up with a realization that a player's health has to take precedence over the prospect of winning and losing games. They are as much to fault as the coaches whom they put inordinate pressure on to produce a winning season.
Football is one of those games that, had the ancient Greeks known of it, they would have gone wild over it, though I doubt they would have bothered with all the protective gear worn today. Hermes would doubtless have been the patron deity of the sport, and it would have been considered his purview as to whether any died during the course of a game, or during practice. Many people might have died from the battering they received at the hands of other players, but one thing I can pretty much promise is, no one would have died from heat stroke.
Such things as that, in our modern era, are simply inexcusable, in the vast majority of cases.
I always liked this type of ancient Greek vase art, more so than the traditional classical sculptures.
This is Hermes at all of a day old stealing the cattle of Apollo in one of those don't do as I do, do as I say moments so typical of the Greek deities, even though Hermes came to be viewed as the patron of thieves. He was not celebrating the Equinox, I'm sure, though it can be seen as such. I thought it was appropriate to post this due to the nature of how he attempted to avoid detection-by walking backwards in what turned out to be a lame attempt to lure Apollo in the opposite direction. The only thing missing from the scenario was Hermes hiding under a blanket in the middle of the room and thinking there was no possible way Apollo could see him when he, in fact, found him pretty quickly. I would imagine the presence of the cattle might have settled it.
I mention this because, as Hermes was traditionally associated with the planet Mercury by many (the Roman god Mercury certainly was, but be advised that not all the Roman priest hierarchy agreed that Hermes and Mercury were identical), this might have been a myth intended to explain the purpose behind the frequent retrograde motions of the planet. This is especially noteworthy as there are four such retrograde periods this year-there is generally but three.
Could this signify an unusual type of financial or other reversal at the end of the year. We'll see.
This is Hermes at all of a day old stealing the cattle of Apollo in one of those don't do as I do, do as I say moments so typical of the Greek deities, even though Hermes came to be viewed as the patron of thieves. He was not celebrating the Equinox, I'm sure, though it can be seen as such. I thought it was appropriate to post this due to the nature of how he attempted to avoid detection-by walking backwards in what turned out to be a lame attempt to lure Apollo in the opposite direction. The only thing missing from the scenario was Hermes hiding under a blanket in the middle of the room and thinking there was no possible way Apollo could see him when he, in fact, found him pretty quickly. I would imagine the presence of the cattle might have settled it.
I mention this because, as Hermes was traditionally associated with the planet Mercury by many (the Roman god Mercury certainly was, but be advised that not all the Roman priest hierarchy agreed that Hermes and Mercury were identical), this might have been a myth intended to explain the purpose behind the frequent retrograde motions of the planet. This is especially noteworthy as there are four such retrograde periods this year-there is generally but three.
Could this signify an unusual type of financial or other reversal at the end of the year. We'll see.
The most enjoyable break from the housework over the last few days involved the premiere of the sixth season of House. Since I, maddeningly, could not find a decent YouTube clip from the debut episode which aired Monday night, I decided what better way to lighten the mood than with this brilliant parody from Mad TV. The only problem with it-where the fuck is Wilson?
Mabon Apple Pie
Since Mabon is traditionally seen as the time of the second harvest, what better way to celebrate than with that old popular all-American standby, apple pie? Of course, you don't have to have American blood to appreciate this classic dessert, so long as you have taste buds.
2 store-bought frozen pie shells, thawed.
6 Granny Smith Apples, washed, peeled, and sliced into roughly eight equal sized segments
6 heaping tablespoons granulated sugar
3 rounded tablespoons self-rising flour
cinnamon to taste (optional)
Mix ingredients in a large bowl and allow to sit for at least one hour, preferably two, in order to allow a thick syrup to form. Separate the pie shells, pouring the apple mixture into one, then using the other to form the covering, which you can do in strips as pictured above, or simply spread whole over the top. If you choose the latter, easier method (which is what I do) you will need to make slits in the top crust with a knife. You should also miniscule holes, using a fork, on the sides and bottom of the bottom crust.
Set on a baking pan in an oven pre-heated to 400 degrees. Ovens will vary, but it should be done in approximately 40-45 minutes. Well worth the little effort it takes.
2 store-bought frozen pie shells, thawed.
6 Granny Smith Apples, washed, peeled, and sliced into roughly eight equal sized segments
6 heaping tablespoons granulated sugar
3 rounded tablespoons self-rising flour
cinnamon to taste (optional)
Mix ingredients in a large bowl and allow to sit for at least one hour, preferably two, in order to allow a thick syrup to form. Separate the pie shells, pouring the apple mixture into one, then using the other to form the covering, which you can do in strips as pictured above, or simply spread whole over the top. If you choose the latter, easier method (which is what I do) you will need to make slits in the top crust with a knife. You should also miniscule holes, using a fork, on the sides and bottom of the bottom crust.
Set on a baking pan in an oven pre-heated to 400 degrees. Ovens will vary, but it should be done in approximately 40-45 minutes. Well worth the little effort it takes.
Spin-Short Film For Mabon
Okay, it doesn't have much of anything at all to do with Mabon on the face of it, but seeing as to the nature of Mercury Retrograde which falls during this period, with an inferior conjunction of Mercury and the Sun practically falling exactly during the Autumn Equinox, it does seem to fit somewhat.
Makes for a pretty cool image concept for Hermes, too, even if that was obviously not the filmmaker's intention.
Mabon Astrological Aspects
The astrological aspects for Mabon are pretty intense. Seeing as how there is or was an inferior conjunction of the Sun to Mercury, this might not have been the best time to paint my bedroom. What a bitch. Worse than the living room. Oh well.
Retrograde Mercury is supposed to cause problems, particularly with transportation and communication, with machine malfunctions, etc., none of that happened-well, any more than usual.
In fact, during this period, I think I managed to work out the problems I've been having with my internet service, without actually calling and ranting and making a generally obnoxious ass of myself. I just figured out I need to wait until I turn my computer and monitor on, after I plug in the phone line, before I then plug in and if necessary reset the modem. Then I log on. So far, problems have been minimal.
Maybe Mercury Retrograde just has a bad rap. Maybe it's actually an opportune period to address problems such as that, not avoid them. Or, maybe it means nothing at all.
Otherwise, Saturn is still floating around Virgo in a near direct opposition to Uranus and Pisces, which is compounded further by the fact that Uranus is retrograde. This aspect might best be construed as a need for an extra bit of caution and patience, more so than usual to avoid even greater setbacks in the way of progress. I sure felt that over the last few days.
Neptune has been an assist, being in the off-centered trine to the Sun that it now is-it's retrograde motion though possibly serving to make me wonder if all this hard work is really going to be worth it in the long run. Jupiter retrograde in conjunction with Neptune might well serve to heighten that angst, while adding a little bit of spite into the mix, of the "By God I will get this done" variety. Or, that could be the Mars in Cancer trine to Uranus in Pisces ranting, which would be a considerable influence, especially today when the Moon forms a Grand Trine with the pair.
But ah, Pluto, where art thou? A good solid three signs away from the Sun, a square, which thus gives us the opportunity to concentrate on lessening all the negativities accumulated over the course of the year. It's not been easy though by any means.
Maybe the fact that Venus in the first degree of Virgo is trine Pluto, the combination with the aformentioned Sun square Pluto indicating a need and propensity for sexual release. It's times like this I'm glad this isn't a family oriuented blog, otherwise I wouldn't be able to tell you to go out and get fucked.
Retrograde Mercury is supposed to cause problems, particularly with transportation and communication, with machine malfunctions, etc., none of that happened-well, any more than usual.
In fact, during this period, I think I managed to work out the problems I've been having with my internet service, without actually calling and ranting and making a generally obnoxious ass of myself. I just figured out I need to wait until I turn my computer and monitor on, after I plug in the phone line, before I then plug in and if necessary reset the modem. Then I log on. So far, problems have been minimal.
Maybe Mercury Retrograde just has a bad rap. Maybe it's actually an opportune period to address problems such as that, not avoid them. Or, maybe it means nothing at all.
Otherwise, Saturn is still floating around Virgo in a near direct opposition to Uranus and Pisces, which is compounded further by the fact that Uranus is retrograde. This aspect might best be construed as a need for an extra bit of caution and patience, more so than usual to avoid even greater setbacks in the way of progress. I sure felt that over the last few days.
Neptune has been an assist, being in the off-centered trine to the Sun that it now is-it's retrograde motion though possibly serving to make me wonder if all this hard work is really going to be worth it in the long run. Jupiter retrograde in conjunction with Neptune might well serve to heighten that angst, while adding a little bit of spite into the mix, of the "By God I will get this done" variety. Or, that could be the Mars in Cancer trine to Uranus in Pisces ranting, which would be a considerable influence, especially today when the Moon forms a Grand Trine with the pair.
But ah, Pluto, where art thou? A good solid three signs away from the Sun, a square, which thus gives us the opportunity to concentrate on lessening all the negativities accumulated over the course of the year. It's not been easy though by any means.
Maybe the fact that Venus in the first degree of Virgo is trine Pluto, the combination with the aformentioned Sun square Pluto indicating a need and propensity for sexual release. It's times like this I'm glad this isn't a family oriuented blog, otherwise I wouldn't be able to tell you to go out and get fucked.
The Second Harvest
As a matter of course, the idea of attuning with your power animal is to take it's strength and power inside of you and make it your own-not the other way around.
Nine of Swords
WTF kind of thing is this to draw for a Sabbat? The Nine of Swords signifies an unreasoning fear, a feeling of dread, a sense of impending doom, agonizing over problems that might well be self-created in the first place, and exaggerated in the second. Sometimes I think these cards are more appropriate for my own personal use than they are for general reading on my blog, but I see where they can work both ways.
There are a lot of unreasoning fears out there in a general sense, some of which are certainly based on well-founded concerns, but might be nonetheless exaggerated.
Take Global Warming for instance. Note how when the trickster god of the North Wind started following Al Gore seemingly every place he went, it didn't take too long for people to say, "okay, now hold on here." Suddenly, you rarely hear the words Global Warming uttered. It's now "Global Climate Change."
And it is a real concern. The melting ice releases more moisture into the atmosphere, which in turn might influence the climate in a myriad of ways, depending on the individual locale. I get all that. The question remains, to what degree is manking responsible for this? What, regardless of the answer to that question, can we do about it? Finally, can we do anything about it. SHOULD we do anything about it?
Of course, that is just one of the many agonizing concerns afflicting mankind. There is poverty, health care, the overall state of the economy, global political instability and terrorism.
How much of these concerns are self-created? How many of them are exaggerated for political purposes? Will things eventually resolve themselves of their own accord, over time? Can we afford to wait that long? If we try to change them, what is the best way to go about that? Will we-are we-in many cases only making matters worse?
A good clue might be a study of history. It seems like one decades fears becomes almost a footnote two or three decades down the line. Most people don't spend a lot of time worrying about the Nazi or communist menace, while slavery and Jim Crow seem almost like something that happened on another dimensional plane of existence.
In other words, nothing stays the same for very long. It's commendable to express concern and to work for positive change, but it might be counterproductive to get hysterical about it.
Mabon-What Mabon?
Well, another late series of posts for the Sabbats, but they do keep me hopping, and this one is no exception. Especially since I've taken it on myself to engage in a number of household chores that I've been putting off for far too long-like painting the house, among other things. Bedroom walls, check. Living room walls, check. Then I got the ceilings, doors, door frames, and baseboards to contend with. Then I can feel like I'm about half way done with everything I want to do.
The whole point being, I want this shit out of the way so I can have the time to devote to working on my novel. Make that novels. I have a different idea every day it seems. I still haven't gotten around to doing the rewrite for Radu, the first draft of which I published on this blog some time ago. What thought I give to it now is mainly concerning who will play the lead roles if it is ever made into a feature film of a Showtime or HBO miniseries.
I've settled so far on either Katie Holmes or Thora Birch to play the lead female role, but I'm stumped on the others.
But soon I shall face up to my coming long winter of discontent by actually getting around to hopefully finishing the damn thing first, once I can manage the time without having to worry about spring cleaning being such a bitch.
Anyway, Happy belated Mabon.
The whole point being, I want this shit out of the way so I can have the time to devote to working on my novel. Make that novels. I have a different idea every day it seems. I still haven't gotten around to doing the rewrite for Radu, the first draft of which I published on this blog some time ago. What thought I give to it now is mainly concerning who will play the lead roles if it is ever made into a feature film of a Showtime or HBO miniseries.
I've settled so far on either Katie Holmes or Thora Birch to play the lead female role, but I'm stumped on the others.
But soon I shall face up to my coming long winter of discontent by actually getting around to hopefully finishing the damn thing first, once I can manage the time without having to worry about spring cleaning being such a bitch.
Anyway, Happy belated Mabon.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Brer Killer Rabbit And The Tar Baby
Once upon a time Brer Fox and Brer Bear went to build a likeness of Uncle Bama out of tar and turpentine, but they only had enough to make an image of a young black child.
"This might work even better," Brer Fox said. "Just wait till Brer Killer Rabbit sees this here tar baby. He'll just have to pick him up and hug him and cuddle him and fondle him and he'll get all stuck, and then we can laugh at him."
"We do that all the time anyway though", Brer Bear replied. "But okay, let's hide and wait. When we catch him can we eat him?"
Before Brer Fox could answer with disgust at the thought of eating something so loathsome, Brer Killer Rabbit came hopping along on his way to Uncle Bamas little White House where he planned to bow and kiss Uncle Bama's feet and ass. When he saw the little tar baby with the face of Uncle Bama he was delighted.
"You look like our beloved divine Uncle Bama" said Brer Killer Rabbit.
"You should not be out here by yourself, though," he suddenly added with mounting concern. "There are racists which abound throughout this land. Why, did you not know that almost every white person who does not love and honor Uncle Bama does so because they are racial bigots? You should come along with me and we will go see the great one, Uncle Bama. He will protect you and give you all kinds of good things from the pockets of selfish, greedy white racists."
But the tar baby just looked on and smiled, saying nothing. This angered Brer Killer Rabbit. How dare a simple little black boy ignore him and just smile foolishly at him? Did he not know who he was and what he had done throughout the years for his kind?
"Answer me, boy", Brer Killer Rabbit demanded. "Don't you know what I have done for you people?"
But Tar Baby just looked on in mute nonchalance, his idiot smile seeming to meld into his mouth under the glare of the hot summer sun.
"That does it, boy," Brer Killer Rabbit shouted and reached out and grabbed hold of the Tar Baby, whereupon he found himself stuck to the form of the Tar Baby, to the delighted laughter of Brer Fox and Brer Bear.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Sistah Fannie and Brer Freddie bribed Uncle Bama," Brer Bear said.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Brer Wilson shouted the truth about what a liar Uncle Bama is," Brer Fox added.
"You better not throw me in that thar briar patch," Brer Killer Rabbit said desperately.
Understanding full well that any hare, including killer rabbits, were always at home in a thicket, even one filled with briars, Brer Fox turned and walked away.
"You got yourself into this mess", he said with a laugh. "Get out the best you can."
"No, you can't do this to me," Brer Killer Rabbit screamed. "You can't leave me all alone like this and just forget about me."
Brer Fox and Brer Bear both knew knew full well he would never get out of the mess he had got himself into. They didn't care. Brer Killer Rabbit would never change his ways. But that was all right. Brer Killer Rabbit was not important enough to worry about.
"This might work even better," Brer Fox said. "Just wait till Brer Killer Rabbit sees this here tar baby. He'll just have to pick him up and hug him and cuddle him and fondle him and he'll get all stuck, and then we can laugh at him."
"We do that all the time anyway though", Brer Bear replied. "But okay, let's hide and wait. When we catch him can we eat him?"
Before Brer Fox could answer with disgust at the thought of eating something so loathsome, Brer Killer Rabbit came hopping along on his way to Uncle Bamas little White House where he planned to bow and kiss Uncle Bama's feet and ass. When he saw the little tar baby with the face of Uncle Bama he was delighted.
"You look like our beloved divine Uncle Bama" said Brer Killer Rabbit.
"You should not be out here by yourself, though," he suddenly added with mounting concern. "There are racists which abound throughout this land. Why, did you not know that almost every white person who does not love and honor Uncle Bama does so because they are racial bigots? You should come along with me and we will go see the great one, Uncle Bama. He will protect you and give you all kinds of good things from the pockets of selfish, greedy white racists."
But the tar baby just looked on and smiled, saying nothing. This angered Brer Killer Rabbit. How dare a simple little black boy ignore him and just smile foolishly at him? Did he not know who he was and what he had done throughout the years for his kind?
"Answer me, boy", Brer Killer Rabbit demanded. "Don't you know what I have done for you people?"
But Tar Baby just looked on in mute nonchalance, his idiot smile seeming to meld into his mouth under the glare of the hot summer sun.
"That does it, boy," Brer Killer Rabbit shouted and reached out and grabbed hold of the Tar Baby, whereupon he found himself stuck to the form of the Tar Baby, to the delighted laughter of Brer Fox and Brer Bear.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Sistah Fannie and Brer Freddie bribed Uncle Bama," Brer Bear said.
"That's the funniest thing I saw since Brer Wilson shouted the truth about what a liar Uncle Bama is," Brer Fox added.
"You better not throw me in that thar briar patch," Brer Killer Rabbit said desperately.
Understanding full well that any hare, including killer rabbits, were always at home in a thicket, even one filled with briars, Brer Fox turned and walked away.
"You got yourself into this mess", he said with a laugh. "Get out the best you can."
"No, you can't do this to me," Brer Killer Rabbit screamed. "You can't leave me all alone like this and just forget about me."
Brer Fox and Brer Bear both knew knew full well he would never get out of the mess he had got himself into. They didn't care. Brer Killer Rabbit would never change his ways. But that was all right. Brer Killer Rabbit was not important enough to worry about.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
There Are Some Things You Can Just Never Live Down
Is it possible that little punk Kanye West dissed Taylor Swift as a way of revving up interest in his appearance on the opening night of the new Jay Leno Show? The two events did seem to dovetail a little too neatly to be a mere coincidence. On the other hand, if that's why he did it, why when Leno questioned him about the matter did he seem so embarrassed, so ashamed of himself?
Could it possibly be because when it came time for his appearance, he realized what a dreadful mistake he had made?
No, I'm not talking about the mistake of his insulting Taylor Swift by grabbing the microphone out of her hands at the MTV Video Music Awards and declaring that Beyonce had a great video-implying that she, not Swift, deserved to win.
As you might have guessed by now, I am instead talking about the dreadful mistake he made by agreeing to appear on the first installment of Leno's new dog of a comedy/variety/talk show, which is scheduled to appear five nights a week, Monday through Friday at ten o'clock, on most of the various local NBC affiliates, which I have a strong idea many people are going to be avoiding in droves during said time period.
What the hell are they thinking? That's actually a rhetorical question, again in case you hadn't guessed. It's obvious what's going on here. People are starting, thankfully, to tire of the seemingly endless streams of reality and game shows, so NBC needs another way of attracting viewers-a way that is relatively inexpensive in comparison to creating, writing, producing, directing and casting a truly world class television series, for example.
Simply migrate Leno from his traditional late night spot to the ten pm prime time slot, they seem to have decided, and they should really have a winner. There is only one flaw in their "reasoning". The show is not worth sitting through a whole hour. I made that decision before the first thirty minutes were up on the first night, and didn't even bother to suffer through any more of it before Leno got to his patented "Headlines" routine-the one part of his late night show I use to enjoy somewhat.
Leno is one of those comedians who love to make lame political jokes. Maybe somebody forgot to clue him in to the fact that most people these days just don't have much of a sense of humor when it comes to politics. Granted, this is a problem that could very easily be solved. How? With jokes, of course. The unfortunate caveat to that is-they should be funny.
Yeah, Kanye West, you made a fucking worthless, low-class ass out of yourself, and you should really be ashamed-but take heart. Maybe, like me, most people changed the channel before your appearance on Leno's sorry excuse for a program.
Could it possibly be because when it came time for his appearance, he realized what a dreadful mistake he had made?
No, I'm not talking about the mistake of his insulting Taylor Swift by grabbing the microphone out of her hands at the MTV Video Music Awards and declaring that Beyonce had a great video-implying that she, not Swift, deserved to win.
As you might have guessed by now, I am instead talking about the dreadful mistake he made by agreeing to appear on the first installment of Leno's new dog of a comedy/variety/talk show, which is scheduled to appear five nights a week, Monday through Friday at ten o'clock, on most of the various local NBC affiliates, which I have a strong idea many people are going to be avoiding in droves during said time period.
What the hell are they thinking? That's actually a rhetorical question, again in case you hadn't guessed. It's obvious what's going on here. People are starting, thankfully, to tire of the seemingly endless streams of reality and game shows, so NBC needs another way of attracting viewers-a way that is relatively inexpensive in comparison to creating, writing, producing, directing and casting a truly world class television series, for example.
Simply migrate Leno from his traditional late night spot to the ten pm prime time slot, they seem to have decided, and they should really have a winner. There is only one flaw in their "reasoning". The show is not worth sitting through a whole hour. I made that decision before the first thirty minutes were up on the first night, and didn't even bother to suffer through any more of it before Leno got to his patented "Headlines" routine-the one part of his late night show I use to enjoy somewhat.
Leno is one of those comedians who love to make lame political jokes. Maybe somebody forgot to clue him in to the fact that most people these days just don't have much of a sense of humor when it comes to politics. Granted, this is a problem that could very easily be solved. How? With jokes, of course. The unfortunate caveat to that is-they should be funny.
Yeah, Kanye West, you made a fucking worthless, low-class ass out of yourself, and you should really be ashamed-but take heart. Maybe, like me, most people changed the channel before your appearance on Leno's sorry excuse for a program.
Monday, September 14, 2009
I've been doing a lot of the household stuff most people usually put off until the spring, and one of those things is painting. So far I've painted the living room walls, but not the ceiling and the woodwork yet. I'll get to that later. I painted the walls white, and it looks damn good if I do say so myself. I'm eventually going to do the doors and at least some of the woodwork in turquoise, if I can find that color paint. If not, maybe green, to match my kitchen. Then comes the part I dread-the bedroom. That means a whole lot of moving and cleaning under things first. That's the hard part about painting. It's not the actual painting, it's all the preparation and incidental shit that goes with it that's a pain in the ass. Which is why I haven't posted much in the last few days. Hopefully I'll get caught up in time to do a series of posts for Mabon, and maybe a few things between now and then. But for now, back to the grind.
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
How Will We Ever Decide?
I listened to Obama tonight as he appeared before Congress and gave his speech about the need for health care reform, and I must say that, though I find myself in stark disagreement with much of what he said, he did make some good points.
I then listened to the Republican response, in the form of a Louisiana Republican member of the House of Representatives, who came from the perspective of a former heart surgeon. He too raised a lot of good points and did a good job of representing the Republican position on this important issue. At the same time, I found myself wary of a good many of his statements.
So, what should we do? How will we ever decide? Who really has the best answers? Who has the overall best interests of the country and the people at heart?
Obama and the Democratic Congress. The opposition Republican caucus.
How will we ever decide between these two suitors? If only we could listen to them in such a way that we could see clearly just what they both are all about.
Hey, I know-
I then listened to the Republican response, in the form of a Louisiana Republican member of the House of Representatives, who came from the perspective of a former heart surgeon. He too raised a lot of good points and did a good job of representing the Republican position on this important issue. At the same time, I found myself wary of a good many of his statements.
So, what should we do? How will we ever decide? Who really has the best answers? Who has the overall best interests of the country and the people at heart?
Obama and the Democratic Congress. The opposition Republican caucus.
How will we ever decide between these two suitors? If only we could listen to them in such a way that we could see clearly just what they both are all about.
Hey, I know-
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Now the UN is going after airlines emissions in order to combat Global Climate Change, and are pushing an international treaty to keep jet emissions at 2005 levels in perpetuity. Otherwise, airline jet emissions are projected to amount to twenty percent of all carbon emissions by 2050, according to them.
Their recommendation, according to the article, is to allow for a cap-and-trade regime for a brief time before phasing into a period of hard cuts in emissions growth. The plan is to keep reductions steady at 2005 levels, with no increase nor any reductions below this level, the latter of which is apparently an attempt to ensure people can continue to fly at current levels. This moratorium on further emissions growth, in combination with significant cuts in other sectors, will supposedly help to reverse the current climate change trends.
At the current rate of scientific advancement, I wouldn't be too surprised to look up toward the sky one of these days and see-
Of course, then they would be complaining about flying horse flatulence.
Their recommendation, according to the article, is to allow for a cap-and-trade regime for a brief time before phasing into a period of hard cuts in emissions growth. The plan is to keep reductions steady at 2005 levels, with no increase nor any reductions below this level, the latter of which is apparently an attempt to ensure people can continue to fly at current levels. This moratorium on further emissions growth, in combination with significant cuts in other sectors, will supposedly help to reverse the current climate change trends.
At the current rate of scientific advancement, I wouldn't be too surprised to look up toward the sky one of these days and see-
Of course, then they would be complaining about flying horse flatulence.
Saturday, September 05, 2009
The Man With The Golden Arm
I just got through watching The Man With The Golden Arm on KET, or tried to. Whoever was responsible for playing the film apparently went out for pizza or spent most of the time on the phone, or jacking off or whatever, because it was a mess. But it was one hell of a mess.
This is a film that is crying, screaming, and begging to be remade. And this is coming from a person who hates remakes as a general rule.
Still, I can see this remade and set in modern times, with Frankie Machine not a jazz drummer, but maybe as a heavy metal drummer, or for that matter guitarist. Instead of a heroin addict, he is a meth addict. Of course, the film would more sex, violence, and foul language, though admittedly the original starring Frank Sinatra was far ahead of its time in approaching what was then considered the taboo subject of heroin addiction. It was very gritty and realistic, and the jazz score actually added to the film's complexity and charm, as opposed to being corny and distracting, as in the case of so many films where such attempts come across as a blatant attempt to be cool but end up falling flat.
It would be hard to imagine who would direct an updated version and come close to approaching the level of ingenuity achieved by Otto Preminger, and I won't speculate.
It would be interesting to see who would be cast to play the updated role of Frankie Machine. Anybody but that little punk Matt Damon, please.
I won't give a rundown of the film, but if you insist, the link I posted is from Wikipedia, but a word of caution-there is one flaw in the synopsis as given. Of course, I can't be really too damn sure of that, because like I said, the film was so distorted through such a large portion of the airing, its hard to remember everything just right.
Having said that, it's definitely worth watching, and I recommend it highly, so if you haven't seen it, do what I should have done-rent it.
Wednesday, September 02, 2009
Brian Jones
Now that the authorities in Britain may be on the verge of finally investigating the mysterious, suspicious death of Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones, I wonder if its a safe bet that an old conspiracy theory is about to be trotted out. Of course, I am referring to vague rumors to the effect that Jones was murdered at the behest of Stones lead singer Mick Jagger and/or lead guitarist Keith Richards.
Yet, the very set of circumstances that led to such suspicions might well be the very ones that should serve to put it to rest. Jagger and Richards took creative control of the group which Jones actually founded, and took it in directions in which he never wished it to go.
Jagger and Richards then fired Jones, for a number of reasons-
*He was the only member of the group with a drug conviction, thus could no longer tour the US with the group, which was a practical necessity.
*Jones was so far gone due to drug use he was no good to the group at any rate.
It is also accepted canon in Stones lore that Jones was an abusive figure who slapped his girlfriend around, until she left Jones for Richards.
So what really happened on the night, just one month after the Glimmer Twins fired Jones from the group, that Jones was found dead at the bottom of his swimming pool, the apparent victim of a drug overdose?
Well, according to some reports, Jones was murdered by a friend and contractor by the name of Frank Thorogood, who later allegedly made a deathbed confession to the crime. The reason for the murder of Jones by Thorogood is dependent on who you choose to believe. According to some, Thorogood was angry that Jones was stiffing him on money for services rendered. Another version states that Jones attempted to fire the man and his crew after figuring out he was draining his finances for work that was mostly unnecessary.
There seems to be no principals to the story left alive, other than one witness who claims the contractor, during the night of the party, dived into the pool and approached Jones, whereupon he "did something to Brian"-and then left the scene. But this was known by official investigators at the time, as is the truth of the drug charge. Jones had been drinking, but there was no other drugs in his system. At any rate, why dredge this up now, when there may be no way to prove it one way or another?
Jones could have easily blacked out, suffered a seizure, or hit his head. Jones seemed to be on the verge of making a comeback and attempted to turn his life around. Yet, it might have been all to no avail.His heart was said to be roughly equivalent in health to that of a man in his sixties. Years of self-abuse had certainly taken its toll. And who is to say that the deathbed confession in question actually happened?
Well, of course its also a way to sell papers, and possibly a book by the man most responsible for pushing the investigation, but otherwise, it is doubtful that an examination of a forty year old corpse would turn up anything.
But, even if it did, where then from there? Possibly to the Stones, especially to Jagger and Richards, who are said to "freak out" whenever Jones name is mentioned.
Well, I can think of several reasons for that. One explanation is quite simple-a pair of guilty consciences. Even though they may have felt and still feel that Jones actions and lifestyle left them no choice but to act in theirs and the bands best interests, it has to make them wonder if they could have possibly taken another approach that might have worked out better for all concerned.
Or, they might have felt that Jones death was indeed a murder, by some perpetrator who might have then intended to kill them all. Perhaps Brian Jones death was a portent, or even a warning of some sort.
For that matter, it could have been a reality smack to the Stones. Talent and success are no guarantees that your last breath is not just around the corner. Jones was easily the most talented of the band, by almost all accounts, in at least certain regards. He could play almost any instrument as soon as he picked it up. With just a little effort, he could do so expertly. It was his initial vision and effort that made the Stones a household name. He had the talent, the drive, and the determination to succeed, and not one month after being dumped from the band, was well on his way to rebuilding his life, according to most that knew him well.
Then, just like that-he was gone.
I think, however, that there might well be another reason for the attitude of unease at the mention of Jones. All of them-Mick, Keith, and Jones-were during the time in question involved to some extent not only with drug use, but also with the occult.
I can easily see Jagger, or Richards, or conceivably both of them, conducting a ritual that involved a curse on Jones. Nothing truly meant to be taken seriously, but more than likely conducted partly as a joke, and partly as a way of expelling his influence and all the bad feelings that had built up over the last couple of years. This might well have happened in the days either immediately preceding, or immediately following, Jones firing from the band by Jagger and Richards.
It would be easy to see how Jones death would then affect the men who might have conducted what amounted to an off-hand "Satanic ritual" aimed at their old band mate.
Of course, if this is true, then it would simply mean that Jagger and Richards are probably yet another pair of victims of one of the most pernicious an unfounded myths ever perpetrated on the human race, one intended to keep men mired in superstition and chained to a false belief that a man's fate is not necessarily always in his own hands but can be subverted by supernatural agents who must needs be appeased, a myth which states-there is no such thing as a coincidence.
Of course, the curse might have actually worked. Who can tell?
For any who might be interested, the full story of the life, career, and untimely death of Brian Jones (or at least one version of it) can be read here.
Or, for a truly bizarre yet utterly fascinating take on the tale of sex, drugs, rock and roll and the occult-check out this engaging "true" ghost story.
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Hulk Mad! Hulk Smash! Hulk Need Pussy!
Disney buys Marvel Entertainment. Well, that's the plan anyway. All they have to do is sell it to the board of Marvel shareholders. Well, that and cross all t's and dot all i's in the way of getting around any anti-trust concerns, and we will probably be bombarded soon with a slew of Marvel based movies. Worse, this could portend a whole new slate of superhero television series on the ABC television network.
Gag. And just think, when I was a young lad of about seven and eight years old, that would have been a dream come true. As a young whippersnapper, I would spend some time reading my beloved Marvel comics, wondering what it would be like were there to be not merely cartoons, but actual live action adventures starring Spider-Man and the gang. I could envision this to the point that, at this young and tender age, I delighted and regaled family and friends with my own Marvel superhero movie plot and story ideas, just ripe for Hollywood. I think I might have talked just a little too much to a few too many people. Unfortunately,if that is the case, I have yet to receive a dime for all the hard work that went into my pre-pubescent imagination, and I doubt I ever will.
Okay, moving right along-
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Keep On Smiling
Today was originally slated to be the day Michael Jackson was to be buried, but Katharine Jackson, in keeping with the tenets of her faith as a Jehovah Witnesses, decided not to bury Michael on August 29, which happened to be his birthday, because-get ready for it-
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays.
Maybe Mrs. Jackson, or whoever the jackass is she has as a spokesperson, might like to rephrase that as "Jehovah's Witnesses do not RECOGNIZE birthdays". On the other hand, Michael did leave his mom pretty much set up for life, soooo, moving right along-
Michael's funeral will be "celebrated" on September 3rd, while today was reserved instead solely for the nationwide bi-partisan celebration of the funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy.
Which may be proof positive that, whether you are a Christian, a Jehovah's Witness, a Pagan, or of some other faith, the gods just do not put more bullshit off on humanity at any one time than humanity can possibly bear.
Jehovah's Witnesses do not celebrate birthdays.
Maybe Mrs. Jackson, or whoever the jackass is she has as a spokesperson, might like to rephrase that as "Jehovah's Witnesses do not RECOGNIZE birthdays". On the other hand, Michael did leave his mom pretty much set up for life, soooo, moving right along-
Michael's funeral will be "celebrated" on September 3rd, while today was reserved instead solely for the nationwide bi-partisan celebration of the funeral of Senator Edward Kennedy.
Which may be proof positive that, whether you are a Christian, a Jehovah's Witness, a Pagan, or of some other faith, the gods just do not put more bullshit off on humanity at any one time than humanity can possibly bear.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Where In The Hell Is Senator Kennedy Now?
NEW GAME! FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! CAN YOU SPOT TEDDY IN THE PICTURE BELOW?
I'm sorry, but I just can't see him in this picture. Is it possible Teddy went to heaven after all? Actually, yes, it is not only possible, it is in fact very probable. How? Why? Stay tuned for the answer.
I'm sorry, but I just can't see him in this picture. Is it possible Teddy went to heaven after all? Actually, yes, it is not only possible, it is in fact very probable. How? Why? Stay tuned for the answer.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Deranged
The Rick Pitino-Karen Sypher saga got a whole lot stranger over the last few days, with the federal prosecutors involved in the prosecution against Sypher on extortion charges now requesting the judge in the case demand that Karen Sypher be examined for competency, the chief prosecutor laughably asserting that-
there were a “multitude of factors” justifying the request for a competency exam, but he said he was citing them in a separate motion under seal to avoid tainting the jury pool and unduly prejudicing the defendant.
They are claiming that Sypher has made repeated public comments and given interviews that have fed a growing media frenzy. Yet, Jim Earhart, Sypher's attorney replies that-
"most of the recent press coverage was based on the release of records by Metro Louisville police pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act."
So what is the truth? Is Sypher kind of crazy, or a whole lot so, or is she truly the victim of a conspiracy involving one of the most popular and successful NCAA basketball coaches of all time, enabled by a culture that values success and image above all else?
It goes without saying the University just wishes this would all go away. This is going to look bad enough on the University and on Pitino, and could hurt recruitment and for that matter admissions in general. Pitino has actually admitted enough to warrant his dismissal on moral grounds. Yes, there is a morals clause in his U of L contract. The question is, does the University have either the backbone or the integrity to enforce such a contract. I am going to guess probably not.
Nor is it any stretch of the imagination to conjecture that this sudden concern for Sypher's state of mind by the prosecutors is a made up deal. What better way to help the University sweep this all under the rug. By claiming Sypher is incompetent, possibly schizophrenic or even worse, they manage in one fell swoop to render whatever testimony she might offer worthless. Therefore, why bother with a trial? Let's just forget the whole sordid affair ever happened and go back to business as usual. A lot of money is on the line here, in contracts, in licensing fees, in season ticket sales, in admissions and registrations fees, in endorsements-you name it. Why let some crazy bitch mess all that up with her version of the truth? What is truth anyway? Is a crazy woman capable of recognizing the truth if it stared her in the face? If it slapped her on the ass?
You see where I'm going with this. Karen Sypher may or may not be crazy. She may or may not be telling the truth. She may or may not be lying, whether she thinks she is telling the truth or not. But one thing is certain. This does not look good on the University of Louisville, and the University has a lot of pull and influence on the state of Kentucky, and vice versa.
That goes without saying. As it happens, the University of Louisville, like UK, could not survive without state funding, or for that matter without federal funding.
This is in fact the uncomfortable, unvarnished truth pertaining to all universities, not merely the U of L and UK. The state of Kentucky has a large say in who makes up the various boards of trustees, who sits in the chair of the Dean of Admissions, who in fact actually runs the universities, what branch is awarded research funds, and how much they are awarded? If you ever wondered why the nations universities are riddled with political correctness in its programs and a good many of its more politically oriented classes, such as women's and minority studies, social and political sciences, and even its history classes, etc., you need look no further than this fact. They are the result of a university system that has become overly dependent on government funding. More importantly, they are overly dependent on the politicians and bureaucrats who are necessary for the continuation of that funding, and who in turn have their own patrons to suck up to.
Is it any small wonder if Karen Sypher does not in the long run get a fair hearing?
The irony is, this won't look any better on Pitino. If the judge should decide the woman is crazy, and we are to take such a judgment at face value (which I for one would not), then what does it say about the qualifications of Rick Pitino, a coach of a major university basketball program, to gauge the mental and emotional state of his players? After all, he didn't seem to have any problem fucking this broad.
Of course, he could always say she seemed perfectly sane during that period of time when he was screwing her on the tops of restaurant tables after closing. Then again, that might well imply that she must have lost her mind after the fact, right?
The little matter of the abortion is an entirely different issue, one that was even originally air-brushed out of the Courier Journal web-site photo below when Sypher's son appeared on the far right, carrying the sign that asked the loaded question "What's The Price Of An Abortion"?
The answer of course is three thousand dollars, a sum Pitino claims was not directly for the purpose of paying for an abortion, but for the purchase of insurance which was then used to acquire one. Yet, as has been pointed out, few if any insurance companies will cover a procedure for a pre-existing condition. Yet, we are to take Pitono's word that this is precisely the case here. In making this public utterance, has Pitino possibly compromised his integrity further, and possibly even plagiarized himself?
But hey, come on-who really cares as long as The Louisville Cardinals make it to the Final Four?
Friday, August 21, 2009
Let Them Eat Cock
An AIDS group is demanding that porn studios in California enforce state workplace safety rules by requiring porn actors to wear condoms during the filming of porn movies. While they have a valid point in raising this as a legitimate health and safety issue, I just don't know how this is going to work out, or even if it is enforceable. Wouldn't it require a national law to be effective? Otherwise, it seems to me the studios could simply relocate to another state-probably Nevada. Possibly New Orleans, or any number of places.
One compromise could be to quarantine porn stars for a couple of months before filming, but that might even be more impractical. It could really turn into a messy situation.
According to Larry Flynt, most people just don't want to watch porn films where the actors put on condoms, and I see his point. After all, a major part of the appeal of porn movies is the rather greater than average physical endowments of a good many of the participants. To many porn fans, putting a condom on a huge cock would be the equivalent of putting a burkha over the Mona Lisa.
Of course, there are certain sexual activities where condoms would not be required, such as blow jobs, but even they are only good for so much in porn films, and then what's left? Dry humping? That would definitely have limited appeal.
Of course, the act of having your sex partner putting your condom on you would be a possible scenario, and up to a point it might be very effective to portray such an act in a porn film.
For example, say I'm a porn star. Say my co-star is someone who looks like Angelina Jolie. She sneaks into my apartment, because she wants me desperately. I can tell she's crazed with lust, because her husband has been neglecting her. I immediately become aroused and practically rip my pants off as she begins to slowly, seductively unclothe herself. My porno sized cock raises up to the heavens, the cum oozing out, and then she does it.
She takes it in her hands and strokes it gently, then harder, with more force, until she collapses to her knees and begs me to fuck her.
I say, "all right, but first please put this condom on me." She takes the condom and, stretching apart the open end folds it over the head of my dick and then unfolds it down over the length of the shaft, but she does this with brutally calculated slowness, jacking me off ferociously as she finally completes the task at hand.
Like I said, yes, that would make a fine film, but on the other hand, after a while it would get old, especially if every single male porn star from now on starts wearing condoms. It would lose it's freshness and newness, and porn fans would clamor for something else, something new and different.
But by God, for now it will do.
One compromise could be to quarantine porn stars for a couple of months before filming, but that might even be more impractical. It could really turn into a messy situation.
According to Larry Flynt, most people just don't want to watch porn films where the actors put on condoms, and I see his point. After all, a major part of the appeal of porn movies is the rather greater than average physical endowments of a good many of the participants. To many porn fans, putting a condom on a huge cock would be the equivalent of putting a burkha over the Mona Lisa.
Of course, there are certain sexual activities where condoms would not be required, such as blow jobs, but even they are only good for so much in porn films, and then what's left? Dry humping? That would definitely have limited appeal.
Of course, the act of having your sex partner putting your condom on you would be a possible scenario, and up to a point it might be very effective to portray such an act in a porn film.
For example, say I'm a porn star. Say my co-star is someone who looks like Angelina Jolie. She sneaks into my apartment, because she wants me desperately. I can tell she's crazed with lust, because her husband has been neglecting her. I immediately become aroused and practically rip my pants off as she begins to slowly, seductively unclothe herself. My porno sized cock raises up to the heavens, the cum oozing out, and then she does it.
She takes it in her hands and strokes it gently, then harder, with more force, until she collapses to her knees and begs me to fuck her.
I say, "all right, but first please put this condom on me." She takes the condom and, stretching apart the open end folds it over the head of my dick and then unfolds it down over the length of the shaft, but she does this with brutally calculated slowness, jacking me off ferociously as she finally completes the task at hand.
Like I said, yes, that would make a fine film, but on the other hand, after a while it would get old, especially if every single male porn star from now on starts wearing condoms. It would lose it's freshness and newness, and porn fans would clamor for something else, something new and different.
But by God, for now it will do.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
The statement of the convicted Lockerbie bomber, Abdelbasset Ali Al Megrahis, upon his release from prison in Scotland, will likely not satisfy the surviving American or British relatives of the victims of the crime. To those who believe he is guilty, the only possible comfort they can find now is in the fact that he was convicted, spent years in a Scottish prison and now, upon his release, may soon die from prostate cancer.
Nevertheless. when he does finally die, it will be as a free man, in his native Libya.
Not being familiar with the case, I will not comment as to his guilt or innocence. He was caught on camera purchasing something, and this seems to be the main strength of the original case against him. Many dispute the veracity of the prosecution and the conviction, perhaps with good cause.
It is no great stretch of the imagination for me to believe that a Scottish court would go out of their way to secure a conviction whether the person it was most convenient to try was actually guilty or not. Nor would I find it any harder to believe from any other European court. Or for that matter an American one.
Some people are already crying conspiracy. Muammar Khadafi, the ruler of Libya, has strong ties to the man's family, and to his tribe. He is also sitting on a respectable supply of oil reserves, which might greatly benefit Scotland's energy needs.
However, whatever the case as to the guilt or innocence of this man, the time for outrage passed more than twenty years ago, when a morally weak and bankrupt US and Britain failed to attack Khadafi, who was in fact the truly guilty party of the case. The fact that he still after more than two decades retains his power over his country is testament to the weakness of the European and American alliance, and might well be considered Exhibit A as to why NATO should disband. To be fair, a few cruise missiles were launched, and Khadafi went into political hibernation, from that point on never to raise another stir. But it was still not enough. While we may or may not be about to witness the release from prison of a guilty man, or an innocent man, one thing is for sure. We let Muammar Khafafi get by with what was tantamount to a slap on the wrist.
By the way, there is one other factor here that calls for comment. I for one never realized that Scotland had enough autonomy from Great Britain to make such a decision. That's something anyway.
Nevertheless. when he does finally die, it will be as a free man, in his native Libya.
Not being familiar with the case, I will not comment as to his guilt or innocence. He was caught on camera purchasing something, and this seems to be the main strength of the original case against him. Many dispute the veracity of the prosecution and the conviction, perhaps with good cause.
It is no great stretch of the imagination for me to believe that a Scottish court would go out of their way to secure a conviction whether the person it was most convenient to try was actually guilty or not. Nor would I find it any harder to believe from any other European court. Or for that matter an American one.
Some people are already crying conspiracy. Muammar Khadafi, the ruler of Libya, has strong ties to the man's family, and to his tribe. He is also sitting on a respectable supply of oil reserves, which might greatly benefit Scotland's energy needs.
However, whatever the case as to the guilt or innocence of this man, the time for outrage passed more than twenty years ago, when a morally weak and bankrupt US and Britain failed to attack Khadafi, who was in fact the truly guilty party of the case. The fact that he still after more than two decades retains his power over his country is testament to the weakness of the European and American alliance, and might well be considered Exhibit A as to why NATO should disband. To be fair, a few cruise missiles were launched, and Khadafi went into political hibernation, from that point on never to raise another stir. But it was still not enough. While we may or may not be about to witness the release from prison of a guilty man, or an innocent man, one thing is for sure. We let Muammar Khafafi get by with what was tantamount to a slap on the wrist.
By the way, there is one other factor here that calls for comment. I for one never realized that Scotland had enough autonomy from Great Britain to make such a decision. That's something anyway.
Doing The Right Thing For The Wrong Reason
Ted Kennedy wants to change Massachusetts state law, which states that upon a US Senate seat vacancy, a special election will be held in five months to fill the seat. Kennedy wants the Massachusetts legislature to amend this law in order to allow the governor to appoint his successor immediately, in the event he dies or becomes totally incapacitated (which to all intents and purposes he practically is now). Kennedy fears that otherwise, Massachusetts will be denied one Senate vote in the upcoming Senate Health Care Bill.
Isn't that just precious? Kennedy of course can't be blamed for the castration of the states that occurred upon the passage of the infamous Seventeenth Amendment, as this happened well before his tenure in office began. It was sold as a means of expanding the voting franchise and increasing the degree of Democratic participation among the citizens by giving them the ultimate say as to the make-up of the US Senate.
What it amounted to in reality was a bit of self-mutilation by the state legislatures and governors of the time to absolve them of their share of responsibility, by removing the states (and therefore the citizens of those states) of their rightful place, their constitutional prerogative in the making of laws on the federal level. It was actually the true beginning of the end of any meaningful degree of states rights. It was blatantly unconstitutional on the face of it, which was why such a profound change required a constitutional amendment to begin with.
The Senate was originally devised to moderate, on behalf of the states individually and collectively, the potential for excess on behalf of "the people" by the more ostensibly democratic House of Representatives. It has since that time become just another abode of the demagogue, a home of the perpetual political campaigner, who is answerable mainly not to the states they are elected to represent, nor for that matter even the people the Amendment was supposedly intended to greater empower, but to whatever faction might have the deepest pockets at any given time.
It also gives the Senators some degree of job protection in the event of a turnover of power in the state legislatures. It gives the states, in return for giving up their federal influence, an ability to run their own little private fiefdoms for the benefit of the elite, politically and socially connected families, free from the concerns of the people who previously could and did hold them accountable for the votes of their Senators.
It gives the Federal government increased power over the states while freeing them of what was meant to be legitimate oversight on behalf of the states.
It is ironic in the extreme that Kennedy wants to change all this on the state level, of course solely for the benefit of his own legacy and one of his pet causes.
Maybe someday the states will all collectively grow a new pair and repeal the monstrosity that is the Seventeenth Amendment. That will really take some doing though. Until it happens, our republican form of government will remain in its current debilitated state, sort of like a middle-aged man going about with only one lung. Like everything else, when one important part goes wrong, it doesn't take too much time for everything else to fall apart.
Like Ted Kennedy, the nation is now on life support, thanks in large part to this abomination that was foisted on the American people in the guise of "democracy".
Isn't that just precious? Kennedy of course can't be blamed for the castration of the states that occurred upon the passage of the infamous Seventeenth Amendment, as this happened well before his tenure in office began. It was sold as a means of expanding the voting franchise and increasing the degree of Democratic participation among the citizens by giving them the ultimate say as to the make-up of the US Senate.
What it amounted to in reality was a bit of self-mutilation by the state legislatures and governors of the time to absolve them of their share of responsibility, by removing the states (and therefore the citizens of those states) of their rightful place, their constitutional prerogative in the making of laws on the federal level. It was actually the true beginning of the end of any meaningful degree of states rights. It was blatantly unconstitutional on the face of it, which was why such a profound change required a constitutional amendment to begin with.
The Senate was originally devised to moderate, on behalf of the states individually and collectively, the potential for excess on behalf of "the people" by the more ostensibly democratic House of Representatives. It has since that time become just another abode of the demagogue, a home of the perpetual political campaigner, who is answerable mainly not to the states they are elected to represent, nor for that matter even the people the Amendment was supposedly intended to greater empower, but to whatever faction might have the deepest pockets at any given time.
It also gives the Senators some degree of job protection in the event of a turnover of power in the state legislatures. It gives the states, in return for giving up their federal influence, an ability to run their own little private fiefdoms for the benefit of the elite, politically and socially connected families, free from the concerns of the people who previously could and did hold them accountable for the votes of their Senators.
It gives the Federal government increased power over the states while freeing them of what was meant to be legitimate oversight on behalf of the states.
It is ironic in the extreme that Kennedy wants to change all this on the state level, of course solely for the benefit of his own legacy and one of his pet causes.
Maybe someday the states will all collectively grow a new pair and repeal the monstrosity that is the Seventeenth Amendment. That will really take some doing though. Until it happens, our republican form of government will remain in its current debilitated state, sort of like a middle-aged man going about with only one lung. Like everything else, when one important part goes wrong, it doesn't take too much time for everything else to fall apart.
Like Ted Kennedy, the nation is now on life support, thanks in large part to this abomination that was foisted on the American people in the guise of "democracy".
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
The Coming Game Of The Season
The next game between the University of Louisville Cardinals and the Kentucky Wildcats will probably be one of the most anticipated, most closely watched, and the most discussed basketball game of the year-possibly of any year. Not because of interest in how the two historic rival Kentucky teams perform against each other this basketball season, but because of the very serious accusations leveled against Louisville Coach Rick Pitino, who also happens to have been at one time the coach of the Kentucky Wildcats, where he was at that juncture of his career as much loved and admired as he is now bitterly despised by the more fanatical Big Blue fans. After all, after having built up the team to where it won one National Championship, played in another championship, and appeared in the Final Four in yet another, he abruptly resigned his position as head coach for a chance to coach the Boston Celtics.
Now he is in real hot water. A woman named Karen Sypher has accused him of rape-twice. One of these times supposedly transpired in a public place, a restaurant in Louisville where, strangely, one of Pitino's assistants was allegedly present as well. He actually claims to have hid and watched the whole encounter, which he and Pitino insist was consensual. Sypher also says Pitino paid her three thousand dollars for an abortion.
In addition to these charges, Sypher claims Pitino paid one of his close friends, Tim Sypher, the University of Louisville equipment coach, to marry the woman. All of this became public after Pitino went to the police to file charges against Sypher, claiming that she was attempting to extort him to the tune of ten million dollars.
Sypher did not come out with the rape allegations until she was arrested, interrogated, and charged by the police, and so her story is met with a great deal of skepticism. As such, the police have not charged Pitino. Yet, as crazy as it sounds, a part of me believes Sypher. True, Sypher might well be bi-polar or schizophrenic. She certainly seems crazy enough on the surface. Still, what in the world would make someone, even a relatively crazy someone, think that having a brief fling would afford the slightest chance of blackmailing someone for such an exorbitant sum of money?
True, Pitino is married. True, as the head coach of Louisville, he would stand to lose a lot in the way of social standing within the community, as well as his many lucrative endorsements and speaking fees-to say nothing of possibly even his career.
But where is the proof? The abortion, which Pitino has now admitted, transpired years ago. No one was in the restaurant when the sexual conduct took place but Sypher, Pitino, and his conveniently hidden associate. Apparently, even the owner had left for the night. What exactly does he know about this? Surely he knew Pitino and Sypher were there when he left. What might he say that might possibly illuminate Sypher's state of mind on the night in question, assuming she was conscious at the time.
I know it sounds like I'm making a lot of fanciful leaps here, and I don't want to come across as a rabid Wildcat fan anxious to put the screws to the once loved coach that deserted the community and team than once held him in such high regard. That is not me at all. But you can be sure many Wildcat fans will share these views, albeit they will be more adamantly and vocally certain of them. After all, to their way of thinking, Rick Pitino has already proven himself to be just the sort of cad who is by no means above suspicion as to anything.
Kentucky Coach John Caliperi has warned that if the UK fans get out of line during the next University of Louisville versus University of Kentucky match-up, he will refuse to coach the game. He will, he warned, walk out.
What a spoilsport. John Caliperi, who is just now beginning to start his first season as the Wildcat coach, might well learn that there are some things that are just bigger than he or any one person will ever be.
Pitino has already learned one hard lesson. No one is too big to be taken down a peg or two.
Now he is in real hot water. A woman named Karen Sypher has accused him of rape-twice. One of these times supposedly transpired in a public place, a restaurant in Louisville where, strangely, one of Pitino's assistants was allegedly present as well. He actually claims to have hid and watched the whole encounter, which he and Pitino insist was consensual. Sypher also says Pitino paid her three thousand dollars for an abortion.
In addition to these charges, Sypher claims Pitino paid one of his close friends, Tim Sypher, the University of Louisville equipment coach, to marry the woman. All of this became public after Pitino went to the police to file charges against Sypher, claiming that she was attempting to extort him to the tune of ten million dollars.
Sypher did not come out with the rape allegations until she was arrested, interrogated, and charged by the police, and so her story is met with a great deal of skepticism. As such, the police have not charged Pitino. Yet, as crazy as it sounds, a part of me believes Sypher. True, Sypher might well be bi-polar or schizophrenic. She certainly seems crazy enough on the surface. Still, what in the world would make someone, even a relatively crazy someone, think that having a brief fling would afford the slightest chance of blackmailing someone for such an exorbitant sum of money?
True, Pitino is married. True, as the head coach of Louisville, he would stand to lose a lot in the way of social standing within the community, as well as his many lucrative endorsements and speaking fees-to say nothing of possibly even his career.
But where is the proof? The abortion, which Pitino has now admitted, transpired years ago. No one was in the restaurant when the sexual conduct took place but Sypher, Pitino, and his conveniently hidden associate. Apparently, even the owner had left for the night. What exactly does he know about this? Surely he knew Pitino and Sypher were there when he left. What might he say that might possibly illuminate Sypher's state of mind on the night in question, assuming she was conscious at the time.
I know it sounds like I'm making a lot of fanciful leaps here, and I don't want to come across as a rabid Wildcat fan anxious to put the screws to the once loved coach that deserted the community and team than once held him in such high regard. That is not me at all. But you can be sure many Wildcat fans will share these views, albeit they will be more adamantly and vocally certain of them. After all, to their way of thinking, Rick Pitino has already proven himself to be just the sort of cad who is by no means above suspicion as to anything.
Kentucky Coach John Caliperi has warned that if the UK fans get out of line during the next University of Louisville versus University of Kentucky match-up, he will refuse to coach the game. He will, he warned, walk out.
What a spoilsport. John Caliperi, who is just now beginning to start his first season as the Wildcat coach, might well learn that there are some things that are just bigger than he or any one person will ever be.
Pitino has already learned one hard lesson. No one is too big to be taken down a peg or two.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Woodstock-Forty Years Later
I wanted to put up more Woodstock videos, but I guess enough is enough. It's actually starting to be something of a drain, having so many YouTube videos in a row. Those things have some pull to them it seems. If anyone wants to see more, there are plenty more posted on the site-Grateful Dead, The Band, Jefferson Airplane, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Ten Years After, Janis Joplin, and many more. Although a great many other musical icons of the sixties did not attend, there were more than enough to amount to what was probably the greatest assembly of raw musical talent to ever occur at one time and one place up to that point.
This of course was a big factor as to why the festival was such a success, but by no means was it the only factor. By all rights, the thing should have been an unmitigated disaster. It was a logistical horror show, frankly. There was far too little available water, food, and bathroom facilities to accommodate the multitudes of people who showed up, which was more than twice the number expected.
Yet, for all the potential problems, there were only two deaths. One of these was the result of a heroin overdose. The other didn't even occur on the property, but was the result of some hapless soul sleeping in an adjoining field being run over by a tractor.
Otherwise, though there were several bad trips due to acid, there were no significant injuries, and the weekend was overall peaceful.
I don't think the festival was a success in spite of the many problems, but because of them. The rain was probably the decisive factor. Had it not rained and had it also been a few degrees hotter, that along with the lack of sanitation and scarcity of food, with the prevalence and availability of drugs, might well have contributed to a disastrous weekend.
It was an event which could never in a million years be replicated, nor should any ever under any circumstances make the attempt. Oh, of course there have been Woodstock commemorative type festivals, but that is hardly the same. Going to one of these highly commercialized events is all well and good, and I do not discourage it by any means, but by the same token, attending a "Woodstock 2019" fifty years after the first could no more give you a legitimate feel for the experience of the original than attending a Civil War battle re-enactment could give you anything close to the feel of what it must have been like to have participated in the actual Battle of Gettysburg.
Some things just can't be planned, and in fact, it was the free-wheeling nature of the festival and the hopeful mood of the participants, the bands as well as the audience, that made it what it was. No one knew what they were getting into here. If they had known what the conditions would have been like, most probably would not have attended and not given the decision a second thought.
But once they were there, they could but make the most out of what could have been a horrid situation, and they made history. There were many people taken into special teepee type structures in order to bring them down from the experience of a bad trip. Once they recovered, most of them hung around to assist with others who experienced the next bad trip.
Well meaning locals and others attended and supplied extra food and blankets. The state police attended the festival, but harassed no one. They managed to remain a calming, possibly stabilizing presence without being obtuse. They did not pursue drug arrests, but simply watched over the crowd and otherwise left them in peace.
The relative lack of planning along with the unexpected elements of food and water scarcity, lack of sanitation and bathroom facilities, and the bad weather-at one point during the festival it rained in what one participant described as coming down in buckets-that made the festival goers pull together and unite, but not just to make it through the ordeal, but to enjoy it as they had intended to do. Again, the drugs and the music helped immensely.
You just can't plan something like this. It just happens. Things just all come together in a natural kind of way, and when it does, you find yourself swept up and away into it. You become a part of history in the making. That was the true magic of Woodstock.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Hendrix Plays Off Key
The following video from Woodstock features what is almost unarguably the most iconic moment of the entire festival-Jimi Hendrix performing the Star Spangled Banner, complete with a multitude of sound distortions mixed in which was meant to represent the noise, carnage, and horrors of war, something that was deeply on the minds of the vast majority of festival goers during this, the height of the Vietnam War. Note also for roughly three seconds the inclusion of Taps, at about 2:53. Prior to this performance, Max Yasgur (who owned the 600 acre dairy farm at which the festival was held) had stepped briefly onto the stage in order to congratulate those still in attendance (the majority of festival goers had already left by the time) on the way they comported themselves. They had proven to the world, he said, that "500,000 kids" could get together for three days of fun and music and "have nothing but fun and music".
Vietnam was probably the greatest hot button issue of the day, with only civil rights coming close in importance. Jimi Hendrix encapsulated for all time the prevailing sentiments of the day towards the war for the majority of those young people (and a growing number of others) who stood to be the most affected by it.
It is not in keeping with the spirit of Woodstock to cast stones, perhaps, but I will anyway, by pointing out that Vietnam was a Democratic Party war-a boondoggle fought more for political than for patriotic reasons, and mismanaged to such a degree that it soured public opinion not only on the Vietnam War, but also did irreversible damage insofar as public attitudes regarding any war, regardless of how justified it might or might not be. Hendrix expresses those sentiments here to greater effect than any speech by any demagogue or politician possibly could.
Hendrix was a true impresario, managing to artistically blend in the horror of war, the overall anxiety over which was palpable, with what is perhaps the most beautiful instrumental recording of the National Anthem ever recorded, all in a three minute instrumental piece of music that ended not with the sounds of war but instead with the hopeful and beautiful sound of the anthem's conclusion, and lead into a rendition of Purple Haze.
Vietnam was probably the greatest hot button issue of the day, with only civil rights coming close in importance. Jimi Hendrix encapsulated for all time the prevailing sentiments of the day towards the war for the majority of those young people (and a growing number of others) who stood to be the most affected by it.
It is not in keeping with the spirit of Woodstock to cast stones, perhaps, but I will anyway, by pointing out that Vietnam was a Democratic Party war-a boondoggle fought more for political than for patriotic reasons, and mismanaged to such a degree that it soured public opinion not only on the Vietnam War, but also did irreversible damage insofar as public attitudes regarding any war, regardless of how justified it might or might not be. Hendrix expresses those sentiments here to greater effect than any speech by any demagogue or politician possibly could.
Hendrix was a true impresario, managing to artistically blend in the horror of war, the overall anxiety over which was palpable, with what is perhaps the most beautiful instrumental recording of the National Anthem ever recorded, all in a three minute instrumental piece of music that ended not with the sounds of war but instead with the hopeful and beautiful sound of the anthem's conclusion, and lead into a rendition of Purple Haze.
Waiting In The Wings-Peace Through Strength
Woodstock featured a good man firsts. The following two videos relate two of them involving the British band the Who. This might have been the first public performance of Pete Townshends classic rock opera Tommy. It was an opera about a young boy stricken with hysterical blindness, deafness, and dumbness (mute). Because his affliction was "all in his mind", however, Tommy was able to perform amazing feats that no deaf, dumb, or blind person should be able to even comprehend. This in time lead to him gathering a messianic aura and attendant following, one that eventually led to disaster for he and his followers and, by the end of the opera, a new and authentic spiritual awakening.
The Who performed most of the songs of the opera, in addition to some of their other standard numbers, but the performance was interrupted by, ironically, an individual who sought his own type of messianic following.
Radical Yippie activist Abby Hoffman at one point in the concert jumped on stage and, somehow grabbing a microphone, tried to engage in a bit of rabble rousing for the benefit of John Sinclair, the poet-activist and sometime music manager who was the head of the White Panther Party, and who at this point was in prison, the victim of a set-up wherein he purchased a joint of marijuana from some undercover officers.
This was not the time and the place. Townshend was intent on performing the groups new album Tommy, billed as the first rock opera, which he composed (with the exception of a couple of songs by bassist John Entwhistle and the Sonny Boy Williamson classic "Eyesight To The Blind") and attended Woodstock chiefly to promote.
Hoffman was out of line. Unfortunately, neither he nor the incident in full was captured on film. Following is the song Pinball Wizard. It is at the conclusion of this number that Hoffman makes his move.
The following description is from a comment left on the YouTube page of the following video
The Who's guitarist, Pete Townshend, was adjusting his amp between songs and turned to look at Hoffman over his right shoulder. Townshend ran with his Gibson S.G. and rammed it into Hoffman's upper middle back. Hoffman turned with mouth gaping, back arched with one hand trying to reach the injury as Townshend , disgruntled, put a hand in Hoffman's face and shoved him backwards to stage right. Townshend then said "I can dig it."
Amazingly, Hoffman later denied the incident ever transpired, but fortunately, we have the audio which, while not exactly proving in in every specific detail, at least provides a preponderance of evidence to the effect that the incident did in fact occur, and that Hoffman got exactly what he had coming to him.
As for Townshend, say what you will about the man, but there is a possibility that his actions prevented the show from descending into at least some slight degree of chaos. This was Hoffman's modus operandi-agitation, propaganda and, most especially, the use of abusive and disruptive tactics. Hoffman was, it would seem, actually encouraging attendees of the concert to leave and go to conduct a protest on behalf of Sinclair. Had Townshend not stopped him, given the degree of intoxication prevalent at the event, some might have agreed to do so. Had Townshend or the others not responded as they did, it might have even been seen as an encouragement from them to follow Hoffman, which might have given it even greater impetus.
I just thought it was a sweet irony that an event billed as a festival of peace and love required an act of violence in order to prevent its possible disruption. Thanks to Townshend's act of "wanton violence", the event was saved from being marred by what could have turned into an ugly, potentially violent situation involving fights among the attendees, and/or many leaving and conducting what could have turned into a violent protest, all of which would have provided propaganda fodder for the many at this time who viewed the festival with a suspicious and skeptical eye.
Instead of that, at the music, peace and love festival known as Woodstock occurred a perfect illustration of the fact that, desirable though peace of course is, sometimes it takes acts of violence to make the peace, keep the peace, and secure the peace.
I am sure there are some who will assert that Townshend is deserving of criticism for not engaging in a more "proportional response". Of course I disagree. If anything, he didn't go far enough. He shoved have shoved his guitar up Hoffman's ass. After all, he ended up busting up the damn thing anyway.
The Who performed most of the songs of the opera, in addition to some of their other standard numbers, but the performance was interrupted by, ironically, an individual who sought his own type of messianic following.
Radical Yippie activist Abby Hoffman at one point in the concert jumped on stage and, somehow grabbing a microphone, tried to engage in a bit of rabble rousing for the benefit of John Sinclair, the poet-activist and sometime music manager who was the head of the White Panther Party, and who at this point was in prison, the victim of a set-up wherein he purchased a joint of marijuana from some undercover officers.
This was not the time and the place. Townshend was intent on performing the groups new album Tommy, billed as the first rock opera, which he composed (with the exception of a couple of songs by bassist John Entwhistle and the Sonny Boy Williamson classic "Eyesight To The Blind") and attended Woodstock chiefly to promote.
Hoffman was out of line. Unfortunately, neither he nor the incident in full was captured on film. Following is the song Pinball Wizard. It is at the conclusion of this number that Hoffman makes his move.
The following description is from a comment left on the YouTube page of the following video
The Who's guitarist, Pete Townshend, was adjusting his amp between songs and turned to look at Hoffman over his right shoulder. Townshend ran with his Gibson S.G. and rammed it into Hoffman's upper middle back. Hoffman turned with mouth gaping, back arched with one hand trying to reach the injury as Townshend , disgruntled, put a hand in Hoffman's face and shoved him backwards to stage right. Townshend then said "I can dig it."
Amazingly, Hoffman later denied the incident ever transpired, but fortunately, we have the audio which, while not exactly proving in in every specific detail, at least provides a preponderance of evidence to the effect that the incident did in fact occur, and that Hoffman got exactly what he had coming to him.
As for Townshend, say what you will about the man, but there is a possibility that his actions prevented the show from descending into at least some slight degree of chaos. This was Hoffman's modus operandi-agitation, propaganda and, most especially, the use of abusive and disruptive tactics. Hoffman was, it would seem, actually encouraging attendees of the concert to leave and go to conduct a protest on behalf of Sinclair. Had Townshend not stopped him, given the degree of intoxication prevalent at the event, some might have agreed to do so. Had Townshend or the others not responded as they did, it might have even been seen as an encouragement from them to follow Hoffman, which might have given it even greater impetus.
I just thought it was a sweet irony that an event billed as a festival of peace and love required an act of violence in order to prevent its possible disruption. Thanks to Townshend's act of "wanton violence", the event was saved from being marred by what could have turned into an ugly, potentially violent situation involving fights among the attendees, and/or many leaving and conducting what could have turned into a violent protest, all of which would have provided propaganda fodder for the many at this time who viewed the festival with a suspicious and skeptical eye.
Instead of that, at the music, peace and love festival known as Woodstock occurred a perfect illustration of the fact that, desirable though peace of course is, sometimes it takes acts of violence to make the peace, keep the peace, and secure the peace.
I am sure there are some who will assert that Townshend is deserving of criticism for not engaging in a more "proportional response". Of course I disagree. If anything, he didn't go far enough. He shoved have shoved his guitar up Hoffman's ass. After all, he ended up busting up the damn thing anyway.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Soul Sacrifice
This was from the second day of the festival. While briefly scanning the YouTube comments, I came across what seems to be something of an urban legend, to the effect that Carlos Santana was so high on mescaline while performing this instrumental piece, he briefly hallucinated that his guitar had turned into a huge snake of some sort. This supposedly accounts for some of his facial expressions. I don't doubt for one second that he was high, on something, along with the rest of the band, but the story seems apocryphal. It is worth noting that, while it would be highly inaccurate to refer to Carlos Santana as an underrated guitarist, he would probably not make a top ten list of the all time great guitarists if one was to just spout one off on the fly. But, he was undoubtedly great, and his band here exhibits the highest quality of craftsmanship, drive, and enthusiasm for their craft. Which goes a long way towards explaining why Woodstock did not disintegrate into total chaos. You had 300,000 people (some people put the number at closer to half a million) in what was the first of its kind mass concert featuring a legion of the most idolized and revered rockers of the day, and there was plenty of free drugs to go around to keep everything copacetic.
People were just too caught up in the the occasion, and of course the music, to think much of going to far off the reservation. The drugs helped, along with certain other factors.
People were just too caught up in the the occasion, and of course the music, to think much of going to far off the reservation. The drugs helped, along with certain other factors.
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Woodstock
This is Sweetwater, the band originally scheduled to be the opening act at the Woodstock Music and Arts Festival, held in Bethel New York, starting August 15, 1969, forty years ago today. Sweetwater was late, and so Richie Havens opened instead, starting with a song called Freedom. When Sweetwater finally made it there, they followed Havens and a slew of other performers, as well as an Indian guru who performed a benediction, and Ravi Shankar.
This is one of the last numbers they performed in their set, a song called "My Crystal Spider".
This is one of the last numbers they performed in their set, a song called "My Crystal Spider".
Friday, August 14, 2009
A Medical Reform Proposal
People need to take a deep breath and relax. I know its hard to do, but there's some things that are just beyond the pale, even for politicians, and I am especially ashamed of Fred Thompson, who was actually my second choice for President during the last election cycle, behind Giuliani (and he actually quickly became my favored choice).
Yet, the nonsense being promoted by him and others, such as Rush Limbaugh, claiming that a new government medical policy would pressure senior citizens to opt to end their lives by denying themselves nutrition and hydration is just nuts. Never mind the idea that Democrats might or might not support such an idea. The plain fact of the matter is, it would be politically insane to promote such a policy, even behind the scenes in a small item buried in thousands of pages.
For another thing, no doctor or hospital would put up with that. In fact, not only would it be against the Hippocratic Oath, it would be going against their own financial best interests. It just doesn't make any sense.
There is one potential problem with senior care if the bill were to pass as is, but it revolves more around a one-size fits all approach to elderly care, especially regarding plans to establish government financed homes that would be staffed mostly by nurses. Of course, it might well turn into a bureaucratic nightmare, and probably would at the least be inefficient and expensive. But that's a far cry from an insane plot to knock off old people to save money. So unless there's something specific that might lead to such a policy, or encourage it in any way, conservatives need to tread lightly. There is such thing as political backlash. I would think they would not need me to remind them of such lessons they have already been taught numerous times just over the course of the last decade.
Besides, how bad can government run health care be? I have my own two ways of looking at it. Either it ends up pretty good, or with mixed results, in which case it can always be improved upon over time. Or, it can be a failure to one degree or another, in which case it can be revisited with a better set of policies once it contributes to a return to power of Republicans. But at least the groundwork is being set down, whatever the case.
I would prefer to see a system where doctors are relieved of their debts and insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are not taxed, though still subjected to reasonable state regulations with federal oversight. Those things in itself would do more to reduce the cost of health care than anything currently on the table. As for reducing the level of bureaucracy that also adds to the expense, that would be a given. It would have to be reduced to make up the difference in lost tax revenue. Government would reform the medical system by getting out of it while expecting results. If the pharmaceutical and insurance companies, for example, don't keep prices low, or reasonable, there are always price-gouging and other such laws, and there can still be assistance for the disabled, elderly, and poor.
In fact, if businesses in general were not taxed, while all individuals were taxed at any equal rate-with no end of the year tax refunds for anyone-then over time the majority of our tax and economic problems would wither away, provided there was an understanding that minimum wage would have to be raised and certain regulations would have to remain in place, while certain others should be loosened or abandoned all together.
That is the kind of thing Republicans and conservatives need to promote. Leave the horror stories around the campfires and come back down to earth for a while.
Yet, the nonsense being promoted by him and others, such as Rush Limbaugh, claiming that a new government medical policy would pressure senior citizens to opt to end their lives by denying themselves nutrition and hydration is just nuts. Never mind the idea that Democrats might or might not support such an idea. The plain fact of the matter is, it would be politically insane to promote such a policy, even behind the scenes in a small item buried in thousands of pages.
For another thing, no doctor or hospital would put up with that. In fact, not only would it be against the Hippocratic Oath, it would be going against their own financial best interests. It just doesn't make any sense.
There is one potential problem with senior care if the bill were to pass as is, but it revolves more around a one-size fits all approach to elderly care, especially regarding plans to establish government financed homes that would be staffed mostly by nurses. Of course, it might well turn into a bureaucratic nightmare, and probably would at the least be inefficient and expensive. But that's a far cry from an insane plot to knock off old people to save money. So unless there's something specific that might lead to such a policy, or encourage it in any way, conservatives need to tread lightly. There is such thing as political backlash. I would think they would not need me to remind them of such lessons they have already been taught numerous times just over the course of the last decade.
Besides, how bad can government run health care be? I have my own two ways of looking at it. Either it ends up pretty good, or with mixed results, in which case it can always be improved upon over time. Or, it can be a failure to one degree or another, in which case it can be revisited with a better set of policies once it contributes to a return to power of Republicans. But at least the groundwork is being set down, whatever the case.
I would prefer to see a system where doctors are relieved of their debts and insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies are not taxed, though still subjected to reasonable state regulations with federal oversight. Those things in itself would do more to reduce the cost of health care than anything currently on the table. As for reducing the level of bureaucracy that also adds to the expense, that would be a given. It would have to be reduced to make up the difference in lost tax revenue. Government would reform the medical system by getting out of it while expecting results. If the pharmaceutical and insurance companies, for example, don't keep prices low, or reasonable, there are always price-gouging and other such laws, and there can still be assistance for the disabled, elderly, and poor.
In fact, if businesses in general were not taxed, while all individuals were taxed at any equal rate-with no end of the year tax refunds for anyone-then over time the majority of our tax and economic problems would wither away, provided there was an understanding that minimum wage would have to be raised and certain regulations would have to remain in place, while certain others should be loosened or abandoned all together.
That is the kind of thing Republicans and conservatives need to promote. Leave the horror stories around the campfires and come back down to earth for a while.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The WHole Thing Just Makes Me Sick
I think both sides of the health care reform debate need to tone it down a notch or two, not that either side wants or cares for my opinion. Frankly, I almost don't care anymore. Whatever happens, happens. What I do know is, if the Republicans, however right they think they are, or actually might be, succeed in driving away in disgust a large portion of the independent voters that they cannot prevail without, they will have no one to blame but themselves.
Having said that, I have to ask, where were the fucking Democrats and others on the left when Anne Coulter was being hit in the face with pies, and when Congressman Tom Tancredo had to cancel a scheduled speaking appearance at a North Carolina University. In fact, he had to flee for his life from an onslaught of liberal student protesters who refused to allow him to speak to the students who had invited him to appear at the campus.
Where were Democrats and their objections and calls for calm and civility when leftist protesters all over college campuses were disrupting speaking appearances by other conservatives?
By the same token, where was all this love for conservative, small government principles when the Republican Party controlled the White House and both houses of Congress for four years, up until the 2006 mid-terms? It seems the only time their alleged devotion to those principles apply in reality is when there is a Democratic President in the White House. Strangely, once a Republican took over residence at Pennsylvania Avenue, they showed what some with not a little merit might proclaim to be their true colors.
I never considered myself a conservative. The term just doesn't always apply to me. I used to consider myself a liberal, but the term meant something far different than what it has come to mean over the years. I have come to the point now where I have a hard time recognizing a common humanity with most of those who now call themselves liberal, or "progressive".
I have taken now to calling myself a Federalist, and I think that term fits me in a bunch of different ways. An old party, that really wasn't a party at all, and has now ceased to exist save in the history books. Maybe that's where my views belong and should be viewed, as a political anachronism.
One thing I do know. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have the best interests of the American people in mind, and they sure as hell don't care anything about the constitution. They just care about holding on to power and are willing to bribe their constituents in whatever way possible to do that. Whether the Republicans take power in 2010, or whether they don't, I don't know. What is obvious is that, either way, not one god damned motherfucking thing is going to change, in any real way, certainly not in the long term.
Having said that, I have to ask, where were the fucking Democrats and others on the left when Anne Coulter was being hit in the face with pies, and when Congressman Tom Tancredo had to cancel a scheduled speaking appearance at a North Carolina University. In fact, he had to flee for his life from an onslaught of liberal student protesters who refused to allow him to speak to the students who had invited him to appear at the campus.
Where were Democrats and their objections and calls for calm and civility when leftist protesters all over college campuses were disrupting speaking appearances by other conservatives?
By the same token, where was all this love for conservative, small government principles when the Republican Party controlled the White House and both houses of Congress for four years, up until the 2006 mid-terms? It seems the only time their alleged devotion to those principles apply in reality is when there is a Democratic President in the White House. Strangely, once a Republican took over residence at Pennsylvania Avenue, they showed what some with not a little merit might proclaim to be their true colors.
I never considered myself a conservative. The term just doesn't always apply to me. I used to consider myself a liberal, but the term meant something far different than what it has come to mean over the years. I have come to the point now where I have a hard time recognizing a common humanity with most of those who now call themselves liberal, or "progressive".
I have taken now to calling myself a Federalist, and I think that term fits me in a bunch of different ways. An old party, that really wasn't a party at all, and has now ceased to exist save in the history books. Maybe that's where my views belong and should be viewed, as a political anachronism.
One thing I do know. Neither Republicans nor Democrats have the best interests of the American people in mind, and they sure as hell don't care anything about the constitution. They just care about holding on to power and are willing to bribe their constituents in whatever way possible to do that. Whether the Republicans take power in 2010, or whether they don't, I don't know. What is obvious is that, either way, not one god damned motherfucking thing is going to change, in any real way, certainly not in the long term.
Sunday, August 09, 2009
The Manson Family-A Rock Opera
Hey, Happy Anniversary there, Tate-LaBianca murders!
We're right now at the anniversary of that storied time forty years ago when you caused the deaths of Steven Parent, Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, and Voytek Frikowski in a bloody display of brutal violence that can only be described as horrific. You shocked our sensibilities to the point that you changed life in America forever. Up until that point, most people went to bed with their doors unlocked-even in California. No more of that. You came along and pummeled our innocent naiveties until we were numb from the shock. But you were not content with that display of wanton savagery. You made our hearts shudder in fear and caused us to catch our collective breaths as we spun wildly and dizzily to the news of yet another set of murders, those of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Since those halcyon days in the immediate week preceding Woodstock, your legacy has endured in numerous books, movies, televisions specials, interviews, and conspiracy theories. You have become a cottage industry in your own right, and as such the recognition heaped upon you is certainly well-merited. After all, you are a signpost of the sixties. As much as Woodstock which followed you signified the capacity for peace, love, and communion with mankind's natural harmonious desires and aspirations centered around a love of life, music, and the abandonment of societal repressions and pretension, you were the other side of the coin. You signified the unmitigated, cold and calculating evil that lay in wait to corrupt the innocent and open the gates that released the demons of hatred, fear, and rage.
Now, devoted Manson disciple Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, imprisoned since her attempted though bungled assassination attempt on the life of then President Gerald Ford in 1975, will soon be paroled from the prison in which she is held, a prison which specializes in the treatment of those hard-core convicts with mental and emotional problems. There is no word as yet on what she plans to do-or where she plans to go-upon her release.
In the meantime, rumors are circulating to the effect that Charles Manson himself wishes to have a face-to-face meeting with fellow inmate Phil Spector, who incidentally famously recorded two songs-Across The Universe and The Long And Winding Road-for the Beatles final released album, Let It Be. Given Manson's reputed fascination with the Beatles and their songs-especially of course the allegedly hidden meanings of their lyrics-one can only wonder as to the potential of such a meeting of the minds.
Almost forgot-hiya Mary. And-just to make sure this post gets at least one hit a day from now until the end of time-heya, Ouisch.
We're right now at the anniversary of that storied time forty years ago when you caused the deaths of Steven Parent, Sharon Tate, Jay Sebring, Abigail Folger, and Voytek Frikowski in a bloody display of brutal violence that can only be described as horrific. You shocked our sensibilities to the point that you changed life in America forever. Up until that point, most people went to bed with their doors unlocked-even in California. No more of that. You came along and pummeled our innocent naiveties until we were numb from the shock. But you were not content with that display of wanton savagery. You made our hearts shudder in fear and caused us to catch our collective breaths as we spun wildly and dizzily to the news of yet another set of murders, those of Leno and Rosemary LaBianca.
Since those halcyon days in the immediate week preceding Woodstock, your legacy has endured in numerous books, movies, televisions specials, interviews, and conspiracy theories. You have become a cottage industry in your own right, and as such the recognition heaped upon you is certainly well-merited. After all, you are a signpost of the sixties. As much as Woodstock which followed you signified the capacity for peace, love, and communion with mankind's natural harmonious desires and aspirations centered around a love of life, music, and the abandonment of societal repressions and pretension, you were the other side of the coin. You signified the unmitigated, cold and calculating evil that lay in wait to corrupt the innocent and open the gates that released the demons of hatred, fear, and rage.
Now, devoted Manson disciple Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, imprisoned since her attempted though bungled assassination attempt on the life of then President Gerald Ford in 1975, will soon be paroled from the prison in which she is held, a prison which specializes in the treatment of those hard-core convicts with mental and emotional problems. There is no word as yet on what she plans to do-or where she plans to go-upon her release.
In the meantime, rumors are circulating to the effect that Charles Manson himself wishes to have a face-to-face meeting with fellow inmate Phil Spector, who incidentally famously recorded two songs-Across The Universe and The Long And Winding Road-for the Beatles final released album, Let It Be. Given Manson's reputed fascination with the Beatles and their songs-especially of course the allegedly hidden meanings of their lyrics-one can only wonder as to the potential of such a meeting of the minds.
Almost forgot-hiya Mary. And-just to make sure this post gets at least one hit a day from now until the end of time-heya, Ouisch.
Sunday, August 02, 2009
Effervescent Adolescents by Arctic Monkeys (Lughnasadh Song Video)
The first time I saw this video, I thought, Ah hell no, evil clowns, but as I watched it, it sucked me right in. I don't know what the band had in mind when they made it, but I see it as symbolic. The clown and his main protagonist here are representative of man's dual natures. The clown is our true selves, the other the face we present to the world. During childhood we are closer to our true selves, but as we grow older, we drift further apart from our true natures.
Nevertheless, there will always be occasions during which we will find ourselves face-to-face once again with our true natures, in the course of an often times unexpected and unwelcome "reunion", one that often results in disastrous consequences. In the end, we can hide our true natures, whatever they might be-be they good or be they bad-but only up to a point. We can never get rid ourselves of them completely. Sooner or later, they will manifest, as often as not at the worse possible times.
It seems kind of a fitting video with which to celebrate what amounts to a trickster deity.
Also, it happens to be one kick-ass rocking song. Enjoy. And have a blessed and happy Lughnasadh.
Justice
I didn't know at first how this card fit in with this Sabbat of Lughnasadh, but on reflection, the chart for this day is all about oppositions, and thus the need for balance.
We have the Moon speeding it's way through Sagittarius at the beginning of the day, in varying degrees of sextile with Jupiter and Neptune in Aquarius, and squared Uranus in Pisces, while heading toward a rendezvous with Pluto in the first degree of Capricorn, where it started out the year. Once it gets there (and by the time I write this it has gotten there and a little beyond) then it reaches what might well be an ominous, to some, opposition to Venus in the first degree of Cancer.
Meanwhile, Uranus in Pisces is also in opposition to Saturn in Virgo (which the Moon barely avoided aspect with on this day). This cries out for balance, seeing as how Uranus and Saturn are opposites. One counsels patience, while the other seems to stress the need for immediate action, a clear conflict. The balance is slightly tilted in favor of Uranus this day, as it is strengthened by an aspect with Mars in the fourteenth degree of Gemini. Mars gains slight strength by a slight trine to Jupiter (which the latter does not share with Neptune), but more importantly, there is a sextile between Mars and the Sun, now in the ninth degree of Leo, the only aspect the good Sun notes on this day.
Finally, Mercury is aspected by opposition to Jupiter and Neptune, but also enjoys an easily overlooked sextile to Venus.
All in all, a need for caution. One should not overindulge in food over the next few days, something that a celebrant will find difficult to avoid. There will likewise be a tendency towards daydreaming about future travel plans, with hopes of kindling old flames and seeing old friends. As Lughnasadh is typically a day for feasting and for enjoying family reunions and catching up with old friends and acquaintances, the message here will be to proceed, but to exercise some degree of restraint.
Certain aspects, such as the Moon to Venus, Venus to Mercury, and also Venus's very pronounced trine to Neptune and Jupiter, to say nothing of Pluto, and finally the input of Pluto, warns of the possibility that a romantic liaison could become unexpectedly intense. In the case where there is no outlet, I would take heart in the myth of the origins of masturbation.
Hermes taught it to Pan in order to ease the stress of his constant rejections by those beautiful nymphs who could simply not abide the idea of sex with such a horrid looking creature.
Again, some restraint is appropriate.
Perhaps because of this, reunions with old friends, as well as family, might prove uncomfortable. I know this was the case with me over the weekend, but take heart. That turned out fairly well.
Masturbation, by the way, can also be a powerful means of utilizing magical energy with the use of personal power and visualization.
And now that I have given you more information perhaps than you ever wanted to know, I will bid you adieu, and Happy Lughnasadh. Or, if you insist, Lammas.
Hermes
I'm feeling drawn to the God Hermes for some reason, and its pretty easy to see why. He's the messenger of the gods, the bringer of dreams, and a god of commerce, messengers, travelers, and thieves, just to name a few of his attributes. I should add I suppose that he is a patron of athletes, and especially of wrestlers and any sport that involves racing (thus the motorcycle video that appears in a later/earlier post).
More importantly, the natal chart I drew up for an individual "born" at the exact moment of the last Winter Solstice practically screams Hermes, particularly as the Ascendant seems to reside in the sign of Sagittarius, Hermes sign. This puts the God's "birth" sign in Capricorn in the 2nd House of money, wealth, and possessions, one of the God's strong suits. Of no small importance is the placement of Neptune in Aquarius in the 3rd House of Communications, which fits with Hermes tendency to speak in symbolic riddles. And there are other indications as well.
A series of dreams I had, one in particular of which involved an entity I have come to know as the Mother of Bones, speaks strongly of his influence. No, I will not relate the dream. Some things are better kept private.
Strangely, I generally perceive of Hermes as an old man, not as a young athletic man as generally pictured. I have had numerous dreams of him throughout the years and he most generally assumes this aspect when he appears. Who knows, perhaps it is a sign that I will lead a long and prosperous life. Well, no time like the present.
Hermes's importance in Graeco-Roman religion is somewhat underestimated, but not so in the frozen north, where he has been identified with Odin. As such, he would be of more than passing importance to the Asatru, even if they choose not to identify Odin and Hermes as one and the same. Frankly, I am sympathetic to such reluctance on their part, though for different reasons. As a trickster god, I tend to identify Hermes with Loki, while Odin I see as a Norse personification of Hades.
This is one of the areas in which me and Reconstructionists in general part company. Many and probably most of them do not view the gods as manifesting in other forms in other cultures, preferring to see the various deities of other religions as separate deities of importance only within the confines of their ancient cultures, assuming they exist at all. I however see the wisdom of these identifications in general, though I concede that in some cases they are overworked and forced to an extent in the case of those ancient Greeks and Romans who automatically looked for the presence of their deities amongst the gods and goddesses of foreign lands.
Hermes has also had a strong and long-standing identification with the Egyptian God Thoth, and in fact this is probably the better known of all of his, shall we say, aliases. And in fact, if any of the deities were to take on another identity, Hermes would be just the guy who would relish such an activity.
There are a number of sites where those interested in him can learn more about him. I would recommend first and foremost this site. There are a couple of others, blogs in fact, both of them LiveJournal sites. Sannion is a devotee of the ancient Egyptian and Greek religions, while Gavin is a devotee of Hermes in long-standing.
More importantly, the natal chart I drew up for an individual "born" at the exact moment of the last Winter Solstice practically screams Hermes, particularly as the Ascendant seems to reside in the sign of Sagittarius, Hermes sign. This puts the God's "birth" sign in Capricorn in the 2nd House of money, wealth, and possessions, one of the God's strong suits. Of no small importance is the placement of Neptune in Aquarius in the 3rd House of Communications, which fits with Hermes tendency to speak in symbolic riddles. And there are other indications as well.
A series of dreams I had, one in particular of which involved an entity I have come to know as the Mother of Bones, speaks strongly of his influence. No, I will not relate the dream. Some things are better kept private.
Strangely, I generally perceive of Hermes as an old man, not as a young athletic man as generally pictured. I have had numerous dreams of him throughout the years and he most generally assumes this aspect when he appears. Who knows, perhaps it is a sign that I will lead a long and prosperous life. Well, no time like the present.
Hermes's importance in Graeco-Roman religion is somewhat underestimated, but not so in the frozen north, where he has been identified with Odin. As such, he would be of more than passing importance to the Asatru, even if they choose not to identify Odin and Hermes as one and the same. Frankly, I am sympathetic to such reluctance on their part, though for different reasons. As a trickster god, I tend to identify Hermes with Loki, while Odin I see as a Norse personification of Hades.
This is one of the areas in which me and Reconstructionists in general part company. Many and probably most of them do not view the gods as manifesting in other forms in other cultures, preferring to see the various deities of other religions as separate deities of importance only within the confines of their ancient cultures, assuming they exist at all. I however see the wisdom of these identifications in general, though I concede that in some cases they are overworked and forced to an extent in the case of those ancient Greeks and Romans who automatically looked for the presence of their deities amongst the gods and goddesses of foreign lands.
Hermes has also had a strong and long-standing identification with the Egyptian God Thoth, and in fact this is probably the better known of all of his, shall we say, aliases. And in fact, if any of the deities were to take on another identity, Hermes would be just the guy who would relish such an activity.
There are a number of sites where those interested in him can learn more about him. I would recommend first and foremost this site. There are a couple of others, blogs in fact, both of them LiveJournal sites. Sannion is a devotee of the ancient Egyptian and Greek religions, while Gavin is a devotee of Hermes in long-standing.
Zucchini Bread
Yo, I see the image of the Goddess in the light portion of this picture of zucchini bread. That's what happens when you're fighting with an isp that goes off on you fifty times in one day on two hour's sleep.
Just the same, if this happens to you should you make the recipe below, don't sell her on ebay. Eat her.
From AllRecipes
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 3 eggs
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 2 1/4 cups white sugar
* 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 cups grated zucchini
* 1 cup chopped walnuts
* add to recipe box Add to Recipe Box
My folders:
* add to shopping list Add to Shopping List
* Customize Recipe
* add a personal note Add a Personal Note
DIRECTIONS
1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.
Happy Lughnasadh, or Lammas if you prefer.
Just the same, if this happens to you should you make the recipe below, don't sell her on ebay. Eat her.
From AllRecipes
INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
* 3 cups all-purpose flour
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon baking soda
* 1 teaspoon baking powder
* 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 3 eggs
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 2 1/4 cups white sugar
* 3 teaspoons vanilla extract
* 2 cups grated zucchini
* 1 cup chopped walnuts
* add to recipe box Add to Recipe Box
My folders:
* add to shopping list Add to Shopping List
* Customize Recipe
* add a personal note Add a Personal Note
DIRECTIONS
1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.
3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl. Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well. Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.
4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes. Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.
Happy Lughnasadh, or Lammas if you prefer.
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