La fine, il paradosso, il canone terrestre sulle nostre vite
Gridando e stringendo quanto di Valore rimane
Si combatte, dando l'anima
Con determinazione
Mostrando un sorriso, mostrando forza
Eppure
...
Ramza, solo a te posso scrivere
di questo momento
Per un attimo mi sono fermato
Estasiato dalla luce dell'iris originario
Ed ho scrutato
L'interno
Spezzato
Solo una Parola restava
Fondamenta

...O dark dark dark. They all go into the dark...

Quanto abbiamo deciso di essere soli, cavaliere
Desolati
Tranne la misericordia di Colui che ascolta
So che comprendi quanto intendo
Persistere caparbi, per quanto mortalmente feriti
Come te anch'io resisto
Finchè non mi dissolverò

...And where you are is where you are not...
...In my end is my beginning.

weapon of mass disruption

I learned a song when I was teaching children:  Greater is He that is in you, Greater is He that is in you, Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.  Rick Warren writes about four biblical keys to defeating temptation. 

Refocus your attention on something else.

Reveal your struggle to a godly friend or support group.

Resist the devil.

Realize your vulnerability.

Four great points that I myself need to take in my life regarding my weight.  One way to remember these are to call them the 4R's.  Refocus, Reveal, Resist and Realize.

I'm going to ask my Heavenly Father to help me on these.

Have a good week.

No, you don't know that, because it never happened. But this is the kind of thing that many rank-and-file police believe who have been trained to police summit protests, including the ongoing anti-RNC protests happening this week in St. Paul, Minnesota. There were riots and lots of police violence in Seattle in 1999, but nobody was killed during those protests. Yet, police officers doing anti-protest policing in many American cities have been told this lie about anarchists.

This is probably not the only lie about protesters and anarchists that are indoctrinated into the police. Those who attend protests and those who have been arrested can attest to hearing incredible anti-protester beliefs coming out of the mouths of the police. Numerous online message boards have seen comments about protesters that come from police officers.

Police doing protest duty at summit protests usually get anti-protester training in the months and weeks before the event. They go through briefings about protesters, so we have to assume that these anti-protester myths and stereotypes are a constant part of police training. And with the heavy involvement of the FBI, Secret Service and Homeland Security in the policing of summit and convention protests, we also have to assume that protesters are being labeled as “terrorists.”

It's widely known that militaries throughout history have had to use different kinds of techniques to get soldiers to kill people. Most humans are against themselves being involved personally in killing or hurting people. New soldiers have to go through training that breaks down their moral qualms about killing. These techniques usually involve dehumanizing an enemy. Soldiers are indoctrinated, and also terrorized, into killing what is supposed to be a faceless enemy. Yet, despite all of this training, wars always include soldiers who refuse to kill people.

The same process is at work in American police departments (and most police departments around the world). Police are trained in various techniques to bully, harass, intimidate and be violent against people. If you are poor and brown-skinned in the United States, you bear the brunt of this police violence on a daily basis. The police brutality that we've seen in Denver and St. Paul this week is the result of ongoing indoctrination of the police against protesters, especially any protesters of the left-wing stripe. Local police departments have been militarized to deal with protesters, with much of this militarization happening during the Clinton administration. After 9/11, local police were further turned into anti-terrorist organizations, with the effect that they see their work as fighting terrorists. Local police are also bringing home the terror tactics that the U.S. has been using in dozens of countries around the world for the past century.

The war on terror has escalated into an increased war on the “rabble” of America, most significantly protesters and anarchists. This doesn't surprise us, because the U.S. government has always been at war with dissidents of many kinds.

We do not have any hope that the police will change their attitudes or their ways. The purpose of the police is to act as the violent arm of capital and the state. The only way for the people to stop the police is to stand up to them, abolish the police and build a different society which needs no police.

Source: http://news.infoshop.org/article.php?story=2008inews-oped-rnc-police

Stretched out on a slice of thin purple foam
rubber, memories bounce up from below
the carpet covered concrete beneath me.

In my youth time expanded, my body
bent in pretzel shapes, flexible, supple
sinew and muscle conformed to my will.

Now, spread on the floor, it resists movement
beyond the edge of comfort. The pulling,
pushing to limits once easy, has stopped.

Yoga relaxation techniques hover
just out of time's reach * waiting there for me
to stop and breathe, exhale * inhale my life.

Sprawled across years of living, I am young
in heart and mind, letting youth age * graceful.

Siobhan
09/02/08

I have no interest in reading a book about vampires. ~Claire's mom

You were saying? XD This is an odd sweet revenge for me. But then again odd that my mom is reading Twilight... It feels weird.

Which certainly raises the question for many: "If we cannot be progress-oriented, what can we be?"  My answer to this question is that we can be human among the miracles of existence; we can be natural and amazed, participating with and entranced by the balanced dance of existence; we can be content.  We can stop tweaking our technology and stop interfering with nature, stop increasing the velocity by which we storm Armageddon, which is the only absolute destination of progress.  We can replace our notions of some city of god with the reality of the immanence of spirit and the finely-tuned, self-correcting, highly improbable yet real miracle of life. 

We cannot hope to improve on the abundance provided to us through the cosmic fortunes that have grown life on this planet.  We are only a small part of the life that has grown so strongly, carefully, and slowly on this planet.  If there is progress to be made, it is not ours to make.  The human scale is too small, too insignificant for progress.  We practice our notions of progress and imperil not only ourselves, but an entire planet.  Only in our small arrogance can we believe that some god or cosmic forces have conspired to place us within a planetary ecosystem to develop engines of alienation and destruction, paving over and stopping the growth of life in a grandiose gesture of singularly egotistical and species-centric progress.  To believe that, under any justification, whether religious or scientific, is to harbor a delusion and nurture a pathology that affects an entire planetary ecosystem.

So there's this guy. Ethan. He's, well, he's not my type at all. But I've become strangely attracted to him starting last night. Ethan, my friend Carla's only flatmate, is a hot, borderline-preppy Manchesterian individual. He has a huge...smile, bright green eyes and big sensuous lips, among other things. 

The thing is, I never really considered him to even be in my league before to be honest. I lived with him for a good almost 2 weeks, since when he moved in while I was still mooching off Carla when I first got to London. He was an incredibly cool guy with a fantastic personality and we became quite friendly. He even saw me in my skivvies once or twice as I was rummaging through my suitcase in the living room. 

Though Ethan has a great personality, is into films, (he has a HUGE...DVD collection) and politics, and just so happens to like Americans thank you very much, I sometimes get a bit nervous around him, due to his unapologetic good looks. I never even really considered him as an option. Though, it was painstakingly obvious on occasion he was single and lonely. He'd go to fancy parties (one involving Ken, Barbie and a BBQ) but all on his own, and he'd never bring anyone back with him. Which actually shows a bit of class, for once. Which is nice. (And no he isn't gay, definitely not, though a bit metro-sexual by nature) 

My opinions changed about him however last night when I went to visit the two of them at their flat. 

Now before I get on to this next bit, I must explain the Karma scenario. 

So the other night, I was on Facebook and while glancing at the news updates, I noticed my first boyfriend ever, otherwise known as my childhood sweetheart, had updated his work info. Curious, and still harboring some sort of subconscious connection to Nicholas Brudy, I went to explore his site when his new picture took me by surprise. 

Yeah, the cute scrawny little theatre nerd had grown up to be a hot commodity. He sported ab and arm muscles to die for. I couldn't resist. I had to write on his wall. So in a moment of girlish impulse ( with a little encouragement from Tilia mind you) I wrote, and I quote, "Lookin good Nicholas Brudy!" 

Also to my surprise, he replied on my wall with a comment about how he's been doing 10 push ups a day, and how it had finally begun to pay off. And just after he did so, he changed his profile picture, yet again, showing even more skin. Oh the validation involved in that moment was astounding. 

But getting back to the Ethan story, the Karma kicked in when I walked into the door, said hi, and he said, "Looking good Jane!" And I believe this was not just a matter of chance, as Tilia pointed out to me later over dinner at Wagamama, it was instant Karma. 

Ethan had also mentioned to me if I'd done something to my hair, which I hadn't. But he was clearly viewing me differently than before, when I was a mental and emotional homeless wreck living out of a carpet bag. I finally had myself together, and he was definitely taking notice. 

The three of us chatted a bit, and it was only when Carla was walking me to the tube station that I realized my crush. Carla wasn't surprised, as Ethan is a very good catch to be had. She even said she would have gone for him earlier if 1) she was single and 2) he wasn't her one and only flatmate. Too bad for her. 

Now keep in mind here, as I stated earlier, I rarely go for the pretty boys. That's Tilia territory. Which is why I found myself questioning this sudden burst of strong attraction. 

And yes, Kip and I are still, sort of, together, but I did break up with him for the time being, and he isn't coming back until early December...me thinks I may act on this...because there definitely could be something there. We even share an unhealthy obsession with Scotland and The West Wing. 

Will keep you updated. 

Long live ULA!  Fight the power!!! Hoooyaaahhh! 

 Edit------WTF?  You know, I posted this when I was really down in the dumps, for it suited my taste just right.  Writing is impossible, and getting published is just an ugly money fucking mess.  This article by ULA does speak some truth, I just focused on the negative aspects last night. 

Looking back at it though, to some of the other parts that are true, as in making connections and networking to get published....Fuck yeah that's true, but so what.  Get into those connections.  Make contacts with other writers, yes it will only benefit you.  I've yet to be published but have made numerous friendly contacts with writers, some established, others up and coming, all friendly.  Did they do this for good press?  Probably.   Did I benefit from it?  Yes their encouragement was great.  And how ever small it might be, I did manage to crack the door to the realm of the published. 

So don't bitch about having to make connections to get published and how it's almost impossible, blah, blah, blah.  Escpecially don't bitch then offer a link to Amazon to buy your books, which are then reviewed by other ULA writers.  I understand fighting the power, but don't do it just to be elitest, and for fuck sake, don't write to be elitest.  Write because it's what you want.

Double Edit----I, being a seeker of new horizons and good coffee, did go to Amazon and pick up Slushpile #3, the zeen put out by ULA.  I must admit, it was really well written, and had me laughing mucho like.  Good stuff.....

Triple Edit------It's a good zine, though some of it is pretentious, and seems elitest, like the shit their supposed to be avoiding, or fighting, or whatever...just enough snobbery and angst to make you scratch your head.....

So, what have I worked myself into a lather about, you wonder??  What on earth could possibly be so horrible??  Well, let me tell you.  This week's challenge is to do a layout using only cardstock.  You may include embellishments as long as they don't have a pattern.  Do you hear what I'm saying???  No pattern!!!!!!  Mama Mia!

Here is what I did.

My main strategy on this page was to cover it as much as possible with photos!  That left me very little space in which to deal with the cardstock only issue, which made me happier.  I then pulled out an arsenal of supplies to try to jazz up the remaining areas.  I used white paint on the background paper to make a frame for the whole page and also did some random dry-brushing.  I outlined the kraft cardstock with a white crayon, as well as using the crayon in a circular design behind the sun.  I then took my Hero Arts watercolor set and a very wet aqua-flow brush to paint blue over the crayoned areas.  That resist technique  gives a rather unique look that I think works well with this water page.  You can see the effect fairly well in the detail photo.  Used the Fiskars Threading Water punch on the yellow cardstock to make the scallop, and pulled out my trusty Bazzill stitching template that I got in my August Paper-Playground kit to make some more hand-stitched waves.  I am really loving that template.  The title and sub-title are made from a combination of rub-ons from Flair Designs and Reminisce and puffy letter stickers from Making Memories.

And now, after 27 weeks, my fears are finally over!  It's done!  I did it!!!  I rose to the challenge and overcame my fears!  Take that, you little challenge, you!

Big cleansing breath...

"Real Love Requires Action"

1. Be authentic (vs. 9) - Psalm 101:3
2. Be unselfish (vs. 10)
3. Be alive (vs. 11) - Colossians 3:23
4. Be positive, patient and prayerful (vs. 12)
5. Be hospitable (vs. 13)
6. Be a blessing (vs. 14) - "I will never allow another man to belittle my soul by making me hate him."
7. Be available (vs. 15)
8. Be humble (vs. 16) - James 2:1-19 - Avoid pride and partiality

The final part of the message had the following points:

"How to Respond When Wronged"

1. Resist your natural instincts (vs. 17-18 )
2. Leave all revenge to God (vs. 19)
3. Turn your enemies into friends (vs. 20-21)

Shove me as you see fit

I will not change my mind.

Making you stay is easy

Trap you merciless with kind words

Forcing my hand in yours you cannot resist.

The words they shout shatter my insides,

I cover my ears to avoid falling words

Caught in crossfire of emotion.

I will not stay out of devotion

Kind words with venom you spout

Cannot fool me or hide wicked ways.

Try as you may, you will not escape

Bonds were forged that cannot break

Ties wrapped upon a heart that flees.

Separate please and let me be

Silence as a change would soothe

Allowing my fear to recede.

I am gone like the morning light

Broken but stronger for taking a stand

Lonely without him.

What is dear to the one who left?

The one sleeping soundly in bed

She cannot take loneliness long.

I received what I asked for

Not truly understanding my very wish

There is a burning in our hearts.

]]> http://patrioticactivist.wordpress.com/?p=689 Sun, 03 Aug 2008 16:56:22 +0000 John http://patrioticactivist.wordpress.com/?p=689 Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

As Cambodian and Thai officials sought to resolve the continued military standoff at Preah Vihear temple, former king Norodom Sihanouk re-issued a statement this week saying he was willing to raise an army if the Thais invaded the country.

Sihanouk is scheduled to leave for Beijing Friday for the opening of the 2008 Summer Olympics, but he posted in his weekly Bulletin Mensuel de Documentation, or BMD, on Monday, "even though I am getting older, I would go to the bush to attack a Thai invasion."

The statement used the French word "maquis" for bush, a reference to raising resistance.

Government spokesman Khieu Kanharith said neither war nor violence would not be an option in the standoff, which began July 15 when Thai troops occupied a pagoda near Preah Vihear temple.

Thousands of soldiers are deployed on each side of the border, as well as tanks, artillery and other heavy weapons.

The BMD message was a reposting of statements Sihanouk made following anit-Thai riots in Phnom Penh in 2003, and they met with mixed support from current Cambodian officials.

Prince Sisowath Thomico, a former adviser to Sihanouk, said the words carried as much meaning as they had five years ago.

"Even though he wrote it in 2003, until now it reflects his own views," Prince Thomico said.

"Even though he's getting old, he still has resistance to maintain our heritage, especially our Preah Vihear land, which he won in the Hague in 1962," said Funcinpec lawmaker Khieu Son, a former military officer under Lon Nol and Sihanouk.

CPP adviser Dien Del, former commander-in-chief during the Lon Nol and Sangkum Reastr Nyum regimes, said Thursday he had not seen the king's statement, but added the Preah Vihear crisis should be solved through peaceful negotiation.

"Don't forget that we are smaller than Thailand," he said. "Please give time to the politicians so that they can negotiate in a peaceful way, because war is difficult and the Thais have more troops than us and more modern weapons."

"I am now 76 years old, so I cannot lead the armed forces to fight any more," Dien Del said. "We cannot knock our heads with iron."

Source: VoA Khmer

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I did want to mention today however that on Saturday I attended an excellent one day workshop about silk paper making facilitated by Tunde Toth.  This workshop was organised by the South East Textile Group and took place at our usual venue in the Demense Yard at Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny.  Tunde is an artist working from the Kozo Gallery in Thomastown and specialises in different types of paper making.  She brought a great range of fibres for us to work with, initially we made a basic silk paper and then got really stuck in using inclusions and dyes as we became more experimental.  I found the whole process really inspiring as depending on the thickness of the paper made I feel it will be possible to insert the silk paper into a piece of felt at the early part of the felting process.  Already I have made a couple of experiments with silk paper that I made on Saturday, more on this subject as soon as I have finished writing about the scupltural feltmaking weekend with Anita.

I feel more on edge than usual and thats probably because I crave a smoke. Things annoy me more than usual in the same regard.  I am writing now because I want to light up so bad I nearly started to bite my lip until it bled. Oh well. We'll see how the rest of the day goes.

Definitely not looking foward to going in to work feeling the way I am, but at least I only have to be there for four hours, and while I am there I will likely not have any work to do.

My plan is to work out exactly how we are going to gear out our resist tanks, hopefully we will be able to start our trek into Serpentshrine Caverns on friday! I had Gelka craft two "The Natural Ward" rings, which means we are pretty much set with our resist gear being made. If anything is left it is likely just the neck pieces, which we have the materials for. I am very impressed at the vigor which TPO has attacked farming the materials for this gear! Everyone has done a great job contributing and I think we will fare well once we get started on the more challenging 25 man content.

Well... I am off for now, time to get ready for work.

WITH ALL OF THIS BULLSHIT GOING ON, ALL ACROSS THE GLOBE, YOU WOULD THINK THAT IT WOULD BE ALMOST TOP PRIORITY FOR THE G8 LEADERS THAT JUST MEET IN JAPAN EARLIER THIS WEEK. OF COURSE THERE WAS NOTHING BUT BITTER SILENCE FROM THE G8 (REALLY G8+5). THERE WILL BE NO SUBSIDIZED FOOD FOR POORER NATIONS, THERE IS NO TALKS ABOUT STOPPING THE BURNING OF FOOD VIA BIOFUEL, AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO CHANCE THAT THEY WILL STEP IN AND STOP THE MULTINATIONAL FIRMS FROM SPECULATING ON ESSENTIAL GOODS IN SUCH A WAY TO DRIVE THE PRICES FOREVER HIGHER, NOT TO MENTION THE 50 BILLION IN GLOBAL AID THE G8 PROMISED WHICH THEY ARE NOW WEASELING OUT ON.

SO, WHAT DOES THIS SHOW US ? THAT THE G8 LEADERS DON'T REALLY CARE NOR DO THEY HAVE ANY INTENTIONS OF EVER REALLY DOING ANYTHING SUBSTANTIAL OR BENEFICIAL FOR THE PEOPLE. CAPITALISM DRIVES THE MARKET SYSTEMS, WHICH DRIVES THE PRICES HIGHER AND HIGHER, UNTIL WE ARE ALL FUCKED!!. WHEN YOU'RE SUPPOSED LEADERS WON'T DEFEND YOU, IN FACT THEY ARE DOING THE EXACT OPPOSITE, IT IS TIME TO RESIST THESE EVIL TYRANTS, AND NOT ALLOW THEM TO ENSLAVE US WITH THE PRE-TEXTS AND CRISIS THEY CREATED.

FERTIG FUR KRIEG......