Eclectic World

Source of Grief

2010-10-21T21:55:00.001-05:00

Last February I attended a funeral. While sitting in the chapel observing the immediate family which consisted of six members ranging in age from 74 to 8. I was thinking of their grief and others as well including mine.

This question lingered in my mind: What is the source of grief when the person who died is a close to you or close to one you love?

The question is not new to me. I've considered it many times since July 1995.

Here is my answer: Death has taken away the future with our love one. No planning with him/her. No dreams of a better relationship. No making amends if any are needed. So grief is about the lack of a future.

A View of Our System From the Left

2010-07-07T09:30:00.002-05:00

This 11 minute video gives an animated overview of the crisis of capitalism from the left by David Harvey. With all of the major problems we are facing as a nation, it seems to me our 'system' often referred to as capitalism is just not questioned at least in the main stream media.

Historically we have had major problems/crisis and have worked them out with good ole American ingenuity as my grade school teachers called. Harvey's main point is that we have worked them out in the past but not sufficiently to avoid the next crisis because we have not changed our system.

In 11 minutes Harvey gives a credible summary of the causes and processes of our system's problems at least from the perspective of the political left.And as he admits, he doesn't have a solution but wants to contribute to debate.

Roger's Resources

2010-06-04T21:00:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer: Roger's Resources blog is authored by my son Roger J. Frank.

I added Roger's Resources to my blog roll. The blog's subtitle is "It's Never Too Late To Learn!" What a positive, simple statement, a philosophical one as well. The blog's title could just as well be Roger's Educational Resources but perhaps he has more content in other fields than education in mind.

Since Roger Frank is a teacher for Urban Neighborhood Initiative (UNI) at the All Saint's Center in Detroit's Mexican Town, he writes some of his posts in Spanish as well as English. I'm sure the visitors, whose first language is Spanish, find the blog most welcoming. However any English Second Language (ESL) learners will find a wealth of content on the this blog as they continue to improve their English skills.

For example, the ESL learner can learn to speak Enlgish correctly by watching and listening to the videos listed in the Video section. How does a learner practice speaking the T sound correctly? The first link in the Video section is a great help in learning to speak the "flap" T sound and the "true" T sound.

A dedicated student or the casual one could learn to speak and write English correctly by spending some time each day at Roger's Resources. Keep in mind this blog is for every learner who wants to improve their English skills.

"It's Never Too Late To Learn!"

Sun Set at Grand Manan Island New Brunswick Canada

2010-06-03T21:16:00.000-05:00

Off in the distance is Maine.

Stunning News President Obama Awarded Nobel Peace Prize

2009-10-09T07:17:00.002-05:00

I received a tweet this morning from a person I'm following. It had a link to the NY Daily News. Was this a hoax? So I checked the NYTimes and sure enough they published the news also.

What will this change? A sitting president with the Nobel Peace Prize can only help the vision he has given.

Torture Without Accountability

2009-04-26T10:11:00.011-05:00

Frank Rich in his April 26, 2009, " The Banality of Bush White House Evil", NYTimes Op-Ed gives a rather detailed current history (last 8 years or so) of our government's involvement in torture as it relates to 9/11 .

For those who want to see Rich's references, the online version is the one of choice. These references are what gives Rich's critiques credibility. Reading his April 26 piece is certainly worthy a reader's time to be brought up to date if one has interest in this unsavory subject--torture.

The president has made it clear that going over this issue is "looking back" as I've heard him say. That's understandable given all of our nation's problems. What's also understandable is why Dick Cheney has reversed his position on making related documents declassified. For after all he might be one to be held accountable. Being a highly skilled politician, Cheney wants to get a head of the curve.

Americans, regardless of their political position, feel they are being held accountable for their actions and therefore, they want people in responsible positions whether inside or outside government to be held accountable too. That's a significant issue behind the bailout money in addition to higher taxes in the future. Most Americans are outraged over the lack of accountability by government officials and executives of business' taking bailout money.

What is most disturbing is America's long history regarding torture. During the Spanish American War we did the "Water Cure". In the 20th century alone, the CIA participated in torture during the Cold War as documented in "The Question of Torture" By Alfred W. Mc Coy.

To move our nation toward the moral high ground, government officials involved in torture need to be held accountable. I couldn't agree more with Frank Rich's conclusion:

" President Obama can talk all he wants about not looking back, but this grotesque past is bigger than even he is. It won’t vanish into a memory hole any more than Andersonville, World War II internment camps or My Lai. The White House, Congress and politicians of both parties should get out of the way. We don’t need another commission. We don’t need any Capitol Hill witch hunts. What we must have are fair trials that at long last uphold and reclaim our nation’s commitment to the rule of law.".

Aging

2009-03-22T08:28:00.002-05:00

After celebrating my 74th birthday, I've been thinking about aging more often. The Mayo Clinic newsletter arrives in my inbox every Thursday. This week came with a link to a very informative article about Aging.

Knowing what to expect seems better than experiencing the changes and then wondering if they are 'normal' or not. The article also gives links to other articles that tell the reader how to improve their health. I always look forward to the Mayo Clinic newsletter.

Financial Ups and Downs

2008-10-26T10:59:00.006-05:00

Recently I was asked for my thoughts about a Warren Buffett article in the NYTimes. What follows is my reply to the email:

Buffett makes a sound historical argument. Being one who loves history and who continually works at understanding it, I then looked at my financial statements and they don't match Buffett's position. When I look at my stocks (nearly all mutual funds/bonds) performance since Jan. 1, 2008 I see a large loss. Now when I look at my CDs for the same time period, I see the principle intact with a small return perhaps just above inflation. But the key is I still have the principle! That's not so with the stocks/bonds investment at least for now.

To be sure I'm looking at the short term that Buffett is addressing. So what am I doing about this short term ups and downs that have made some people lose sleep and take Maalox? Hunker down and pray. Meaning keep paying my financial adviser to manage my stocks/bonds/mutual funds while reinvesting the CDs when they mature. In short it's called diversification.

With this strategy I'm hoping the American stocks will come back as Buffett thinks they will. But I'm also hoping the international stocks will come back too. Not just because I own some but world wide financial instability causes wide spread hardship and threatens world peace.

Perhaps buying stock in Maalox would be a good bet.

Open Letter to Barack Obama

2008-08-06T08:31:00.006-05:00

"Change We Can Believe In" is the title of an open letter to Barack Obama by The Nation Magazine. Please click here to read this letter and if you agree with it then join me and sign it. The Nation Magazine will deliver it to the Obama campaign before the Democratic National Convention.

My concern is that he will weaken the movement that has made him the presumptive Democratic nominee as he continues to make changes on key positions.

Compromise is a mark of a skillful politician. But not compromising on core values or on issues that appear to be core values. It appears that presidential candidates want to move their positions to an ideological "center". George Lakoff, professor of linguistics, in his book "Thinking Points" argues that this "center" is a myth. He claims that progressive candidates weaken themselves by moving to the "Mythical Center" because people vote, "...on the basis of values, connection, authenticity, trust, and identity with issues used symbolically to reflect values." Click hereto read Lakoff's discussion on biconceptualism and the "Mythical Center".

Feel free to forward this post to our fellow Obama supporters or to those who are open to voting for Obama.

Our Evolving English Language

2008-07-15T19:30:00.015-05:00

I unabashedly love our English language. Tutoring ESL (English as a Second Language) adults from many lands challenges me to learn grammar, idioms, slang, profanity and most of all our American culture.

While growing up in the West side of Detroit during WWII the radio was my media. The Lone Ranger, The Shadow, Captain Marvel were among my favorite radio programs. The radio announcers helped shape my English speaking skills that I learned from my native born parents. To be sure I have a mid west accent. Some how I never knew I had that accent until a retired Alberta Canada wheat farmer said "You sound 'nasalish' " when I was on an Elderhostel trip in Newfoundland, Canada in 1995.

In September the year before, I started my new 'career' -- tutoring adult ESL students. These adults are from Asia, South America, Mexico, and Europe. It is not only fun but a joy as well.

These students have made me aware of our American English and just how much it has changed since the days when I could ' see' and hear "Hi-Yo Silver" as The Lone Ranger rode off into the sun set as I sat in front of the little radio on the table.

The English language is changing so rapidly one can hardly keep up with the changes. A handy tool for checking the definition and the history of words is Answers.com. I use their little program that allows you to place the cursor on a word then press and hold the Alt key and then click. A small window opens with the definition along with other goodies.

What is in store for our fascinating English language? That's the topic of Michael Erard's essay "How English Is Evolving Into a Language We May Not Even Understand" in Wired Magazine. The related photo by Mauricio Alejo captures the theme of the article.

Beards and Moustaches

2008-05-12T15:04:00.001-05:00

Several years ago I use to wax the hair above my upper lip. My sideburns were long and shaped like pork chops. At the time, Moustaches were the 'in' thing to have at least for men any way. My 'stach started to turn the color of the hair above my forehead. That is gray. Was I getting that old? I use to think as I shaved the hair on the rest of my face. (Who says men are not vain?)

I just found this web site that makes me long for my moustache. These guys are truly proud of there facial hair. I stand in awe. If you want to see some neat beards, check these out. Take a closer look at the German in the white and black stripped jacked. (Click on the photo)

Who Are We?

2008-03-25T07:51:00.006-05:00

Over the years I have heard many motivational speakers. Some were very good, others so so and some were well meaning with a misguided message. Lately I listen to Obama and become inspired by his message of hope that we together all of us Americans can make our government and our world a better place.

Just a few minutes ago I watched Jill Bolte Taylor and experienced one of the best speeches ever. Her method and delivery was top drawer. The twenty minutes of her message flew by.

She merged science with the spiritual. She informed without talking down to us. In the conclusion we were given choices.

If you, like me, need from time to time some motivation to keep you on track watch Jill Bolte Tayor's speech.

2008 Presidential Hopefuls and Military Spending

2008-02-09T09:36:00.000-05:00

In November we will have an opportunity to vote for president. These hopefuls have made statements regarding troop levels. Click here to see what they want to do.

Mitt Romney dropped out of the race this past week but his military spending comments remain on the link for reference.

Canadian Poll and USA

2008-02-04T20:45:00.000-05:00

I heard some disturbing news about our wonderful neighbors to the north---Canada. There is a current Canadian poll that indicated:

U.S. cited as negative force in the world

While Canadians see the United States as important, when asked what countries stand out as being a negative force in the world, 52 per cent of respondents named the U.S.

The next most common answers were Iran (22 per cent), Iraq (19 per cent) and China (13 per cent).

"It's not necessarily a sign of anti-Americanism, but a concern about the direction the country is going," Neuman said.

He said the overall opinion of the United States was much higher in surveys done in the 1980s, but that opinion started to drop in 2001, hitting an all-time low in 2006.

Neuman said other studies have shown that people's opinions of the U.S. are negative because they are uncomfortable with the country's foreign policy, including the invasion of Iraq. They also cite discomfort with U.S. President George W. Bush, who took office in January 2001.

"I think the fact that Canadians pay so much attention to the U.S. election is a sign that they really care about the United States, a sign that they want it to get back to where it was before," Neuman said.

The big question is will our next president make significant changes to our foreign police? To read more about what Canadians think click here.

Maya's First Photo

2008-01-15T11:00:00.000-05:00

Click Here to see a little older photo of this wonderful little girl.

Computer Music

2007-12-19T22:28:00.000-05:00

A few months ago I upgraded my desktop speakers to a pair of Bose. They're hooked up to my laptop. Now playing on the laptop is at a much higher level.

Right now I'm listening to AccuRadio-jazz the piano jazz section. For some reason they don't stick to the music you selected. For example they may play two or three piano jazz numbers and than an instrumental. But that's ok. But let me caution you. As the old idiom says 'There are no free lunches'. There are some commercials every eight to ten minutes or so. Some times they're for car insurance. But the ones I find really annoying is for Viagra. After hearing the third one I switch to another genre.

Sometimes I move on to the Latin tab. Once there, my favorite music is the Tango. [see the two Tango dancers--Wow!] My favorite composer? Astor Piazzolla, now I'm listening to my most favorite tango piece: "Adios Nonino" it's so lyrical, with shifting tempos. Oh my I can hardly write with this sensual music. I'm thankful to have this piece on a CD.

Once in a while I listen to Textures. One day I found the group: "Gotan Project". Textures played a couple of numbers and I was hooked. I bought the CD: "Lunatico". It's new Spanish music with a variety of beats and rhythms. Great music to listen to while on the elliptical trainer at the Livionia Community Recreation Center. With all of the different gentres at AccuRadio they don't half folk music. However there is Country/Western. So when I need my Folk music fix I move on to FolkAlley.

When none of the above is working for me I open up Itunes or turn on my Bose Wave Radio and listen to cbc.ca/radio Music and Company, Tom Allen in the morning. In the afternoon (when I'm home) the variety of classical and a jazz in a while can be heard on "Studio Sparks" with Eric Friesen.

Eric's selection one day moved me to write my first post.

Cbc.ca/radio2 has concerts on demand in a variety of genres. If you enjoy good music of all kinds it's worth spending some time exploring the rich sounds from north of the border. One odd point of geography. If you are looking at Windsor Ontario from downtown Detroit you will be facing south.

Give One Get One

2007-11-30T23:17:00.000-05:00

Picture a child in a Haiti school room where kids are using their own laptop computers. A little girl is using her laptop's calculator. The student next to her is recording his poem that he just wrote onto his computer. Another student is drawing a picture on her laptop. All of them are connected to each other, as well as the teacher on her laptop.

Does that sound too good to be true ? Perhaps, but with the "Give One Get One" program that scene can happen. When a donation is made to One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) they will send an XO Laptop to children in either Afghanistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Mongolia, or Rwanda.

The XO Laptop is designed for kids to learn while they have fun at the same time. It’s designed to be used in some of the world’s most adverse weather. Here are some of the features I think are important:

Word Processor
Music Program- The kids can be very creative and compose their own music.
Built in Camera/Recorder- New friends can be made by sending their photos and recordings to those on the network.
Mesh Network- All of the computers in range can be connected. If one is on the internet than the others will be also. Teachers can supervise and assist their students while connected.

Let’s take a few minutes to watch a video by David Pogue in his review “Laptop With a Mission Widens Its Audience", NYTimes, October 4, 2007. The video is opposite the fourth paragraph. His column is quite thorough and gives us a picture of the XO’s features. It's loaded with software for learning.

How does the “Give One Get One” program work? When you donate $399 (plus shipping for your XO laptop) one XO Computer will be sent to either Afghanistan, Cambodia, Haiti, Mongolia, or Rwanda.

To place your order click here. Donations can be made by phone by calling 1-877-705-2786. For general questions please phone 1-800-201-7144. For other questions see FAQ. Since OLPC is a non-profit organization $200 of your donation is tax deductible. This program ends December 31, 2007.

Perhaps $399 is beyond your giving budget then consider asking your church, synagogue, mosque, employer or community organization to take on this project. There are other things that can be done to promote this worthy program. Send this link www.laptopgiving.org to others who might be interested.

The kids are our future whether they be in the U.S.A. or in other parts of the world. When children have their own XO laptops they will learn how to learn and be creative in ways they would not discover otherwise. An XO will be their window out to the world and a tool with which to think. Furthermore, independent interaction and exploring are a wonderful way to learn.

Answers.com On The Blog

2007-09-09T17:49:00.000-05:00

Check out the box on the right side, bottom of the Home page. There you will find a box to get your answer. I know what you're saying, answer to what? Well to just about anything. Perhaps you find a word you need a definition. Just copy the word in the Answers.com box and get the definition and much more for some words. If you want to go to their home page then click on Answers.com on the box.

Also, I've been hooked on Answers.com for most of the year. Firefox is my browser and one of the add-ons is Answers. So wherever I am on the computer and need a definition or more information on a person or event then I put the cursor on the word press ALT and right click. That action takes me to Answers.com to give me the information.

Go HERE to see Answers.com tools for your browser or blog.

Cost of Iraq War

2007-06-01T20:02:00.001-05:00

First let me say the most tragic cost is in human life. With that said, Lets talk about U.S. dollars. Now it's over $430 billion. Click here to see an up to the minute figure. While your there check to see what that amount dollars could be spent on children's education, health care etc.

Now when the cost gets to $456 billion here is a eye opening break down:

$4,100 for every American household;
$1,500 for every American;
$3,400 for every taxpayer;
$11 million per hour and;
$275 million per day

In April 2006 I suggested: Click here for the complete post.

Tax war. Let’s start by imposing a tax on the cost of the Iraq war which is over $274 billion. That turns out to be $1099 [click 'Entire U.S. 'box on the right then select 'per person']for each person in America. Congress would direct the IRS to require every tax return to include a separate section for the Iraq War Surcharge. The surcharge would total $1099 times the total number of persons in the household. A separate check would have to be submitted for the surcharge.

Currently we went to war on borrowed money and as the war continues we will borrow more money. Some day we and my grandchildren will be taxed for this war. But maybe if we have to pay the bill now for this war, just maybe, the American voters will not be so quick to support another war.

Old Horsetail Snake: This Will End, Eventually

2007-05-02T21:40:00.000-05:00

Sometimes one just has to laugh at a very good cartoon and a shaggy what? story.

Virgina Tech Tragedy

2007-04-25T22:47:00.000-05:00

So much has been said, reported, video tapped and sung about the tragic events at Virginia Tech that I wondered what more can be mentioned until I found the following message from September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows.

To the Bereaved People of the Virginia Tech Tragedy:
The members of September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows
send you our love in this hour of your terrible loss.
We pray you to know that we are with you
united in the terrible shared knowledge
born of such terrible shared experience.
We will be with you through all the days ahead
as you journey through a world forever changed
by the horror of the violence
which tore into your lives
and ended forever the world
as you’ve known it.
Know we will be with you
as you return to living,
guided as we were and are
by the timeless love given and received
from those who are gone,
and in the caring of those standing beside you
in your homes, your communities, your nation,
and, in spirit, throughout the world.
Your sisters and brothers
of the September 11th Families for Peaceful Tomorrows

Movies-- Oh Yes Movies!

2007-03-07T22:57:00.000-05:00

I fully enjoy movies. It seems as if I always did. Fond memories of walking the half mile or so to the Westown, theater, Detroit, in the 40s with my Mom to see those fantastically entertaining grade B movies. Oh those were the days. But so are these days.

Last weekend I saw "Breach". The story was based on a real life FBI agent who betrayed our country by selling top secrets to the Soviets. The acting was first rate. Chris Cooper, one of my favorite actors, played the the real life agent Hansen who is now spending the rest of his life in a Federal Pen. At least 50 people died as the result of his betrayal. I enjoyed this film in a theater. You know the ones with the big springy back where the cup holder arm rest can be swung down out of the way. While waiting for the flick to start a saw a man with a huge bucket of popcorn sit down next to three youngsters. That bucket was nearly the size of my pail that I use to wash floors. Why am talking about this experience? Well it's because the very best way to see a film is in the theater. The experience is more than watching a movie. You get a chance to see movie trailers where half way through it you hear yourself say, " Won't see that one". In fact more often than not that's what I say.

Now there are times when you want to snuggle up to the TV in a cold winter night and watch a flick on a DVD. Last Sunday night was just that kind of time. Watched "Osama". It is about a 12 year old girl who suffers under the repressive Taliban regime. This Golden Globe Winner, 2004 Best Foreign Language Film, was filmed in Afghanistan after the fall of the Taliban. The cinematography is a gem. A must see flick.

But the question for me is what movie is worth spending the time watching? I've been looking for a resource that will give me a review. Well I found just the place. Joared at "Along the Way" linked to such a site. At DVD Journal they give you numerous full and quick reviews with lots of details on the length and features of the DVD.

If your looking for elder movies, check out ElderMovie List at "Time Goes By". There you will find more movie links.

The Fun of Tying Knots

2007-02-25T20:10:00.000-05:00

Tying knots was always a challenge for me. Several years ago I had to learn the bowline. This very popular knot is used by sailors and others alike. I had a purpose and that was to secure a jib sail at the bow of a 23' sailboat. For several nights I sat in my living room practicing this well known, useful knot. Over and over again I practiced it. A few days later, I'm now on deck at the bow ready to tie the bowline. For me to tie it properly I would have to be positioned on the water side of the boat. All of my living room practice sessions did not take into account. Thanks to Josh's February 23, 2007 post at Song From Me there is site we can all go to and see just how to tie many knots for sailing, climbing, construction and other purposes. Animated Knots by Grog is one of the best sites I've seen for tying knots.

A Lenten Message

2007-02-22T22:21:00.000-05:00

Well once again yesterday was Ash Wednesday. Here is a Lenten message worthy of reading everyday for the next 40. What does it mean to me? To others?

A Little Entertainment Always Helps

2007-02-11T11:23:00.000-05:00

Joared at Along the Way linked to a very entertaining act by a French performer, Jerome Murat. It runs 8:19 minutes but worth the time. Illusionists are quite intriguing. My first illusionist act experience was seeing Blackstone the Magician at the Shubert Theater in downtown Detroit in the 1940s. As many wonderful old buildings in Detroit are no longer there but my memory is still well constructed as I now see Blackstone standing on stage with the over-sized flowing black cape covering his black tuxedo. He stands next to a table with a large flower pot filled with a leafy green plant. As his classical looking glistening black silver metal tipped magic wand glides over the plant, it is instantly filled with red flowers. He plucks off the flowers and tosses them into the cheering, applauding audience.

Pets

2007-02-08T23:23:00.000-05:00

Did you know it is Pet Dental Care Month? Neither did I. But indeed it is.

Harvard vs. Mayo Clinic Newsletters

2007-02-07T16:21:00.000-05:00

Last May I started receiving "Healthbeat", Harvard Medical School's email newsletter. I'm not sure how I come about finding it. I wanted some reliable, current medical information. At first it seemed that the content was sufficient. However they always left me wanting more about the topic. So if you wanted to get more information lets say about "Cholesterol" than "Just click Here" to buy their $16 pamphlet on the subject. It's overpriced. Oh yes Harvard Medical School is prestigious name. But it's still overpriced. I sought out a booklet from my local library and found out that they too thought it was too much and they didn't buy the booklets. Lately "Healthbeat" gives very little information on the topic but a full description of the related pamphlet and it's table of contents. And then when you visit their web site the only health information there is about their publications. Both the email newsletter "Healthbeat" and Harvard Medical School web site are nothing more than an extension of their marketing department.

Last month I was searching for some health information and found the Mayo Clinic web site. I found all of the medical information I was seeking. They too have an email newsletter called "Mayo Clinic Housecall". I subscribed to it. The first edition arrived in my inbox yesterday Feb. 6. It is a very well designed newsletter. It contained 11 brief descriptions of articles ranging from new research about Drug-eluting stents:Do they increase heart attack risk, stress and end of life issues. Included were 4 recipes for healthy eating and a link to the Healthy Recipes Center . Here are some of the articles that provided sufficient analysis and practical ways to use the information: "Prevent Stress Setbacks", "Time Management:", Stress Center (contains several stress related articles) and "Cholesterol Test:Sorting Out the Lipids". The Cholesterol piece provides information to understand the test results provided by the doctor. Often times the doctor will tell you whether your numbers are in the acceptable range and that's about it.

I'm looking forward to next week's Housecall.

Buchwald Says Goodbye

2007-01-19T15:55:00.000-05:00

Buchwald's last column was not very funny but exceptionally meaningful. He wrote the last column, which was to be printed after his passing, on my last birthday February 8, 2006. He always took what a major politician did or said and put not only a humorist twist to it but often showed that is was a dumb idea.

But reading Jeffrey Brown's, PBS News Hour reporter, interview with Buchwald was funny and as usual meaningful.

Beyond Google

2006-12-21T22:40:00.000-05:00

I started using Google exclusively just before it became hugely popular I think. Anyway I thought it would be well to become familiar with one search engine and then move on to others. Well I rarely moved on.

But tonight the Librarian's Internet Index lead me to Online Education Database. From OEDb I learned that there is an Invisible or Deep Web. It was like pulling a loose thread on a sweater when this University of California Berkeley Library site displayed a search tutorial. It was like hitting a jackpot. Just look at the Table of Contents or the Handouts.

Thanks UC Berkely you have done one first class job.

Santa or Saint Nicholas

2006-11-29T22:46:00.000-05:00

Well it's that time of year that much will be said about Santa. So many of my gifts that I received as a little boy came from "Santa Claus". However there are many people hold Saint Nicholas in reverence. At the Saint Nicholas Center one can learn the history of this Saint, send e-cards, view art works of the Saint, learn how other countries celebrate the Saint and much more.

A Soldiers Commentary

2006-11-04T11:21:00.000-05:00

As we are approaching Veterans Day Novemer11,2006, this commentary from World War 1 seems to be one that could be written today.

The following was written by a British Army officer.

Siegfried L. Sassoon...July 1917

"I AM making this statement as an act of willful defiance of military authority, because I believe that the war is being deliberately prolonged by those who have the power to end it.

I am a soldier, convinced that I am acting on behalf of soldiers. I believe that this war, upon which I entered as a war of defense and liberation, has now become a war of aggression and conquest. I believe that the purposes for which I and my fellow-soldiers entered upon this war should have been so clearly stated as to have made it impossible to change them, and that, had this been done, the objects which actuated us would now be attainable by negotiation.,

I have seen and endured the sufferings of the troops, and I can no longer be a party to prolong these sufferings for ends which I believe to be evil and unjust.

I am not protesting against the conduct of the war, but against the political errors and insincerities for which the fighting men are being sacrificed.

On behalf of those who are suffering now I make this protest against the deception which is being practiced on them; also I believe that I may help to destroy the callous complacence with which the majority of those at home regard the continuance of agonies which they do not share, and which they have not sufficient imagination to realize."

Progressive Commentators

2006-09-05T20:42:00.000-05:00

Some time ago, perhaps earlier in the year the New York Times started charging about $8 a month to read some of my favorite Progressive Commentators. Specifically they are Paul Krugman, Maureen Dowd, Bob Herbert, Frank Rich and others. Yesterday a friend let me know where I can read these political writers on line without paying a fee. The site is topplebush.com. However you can go to The Progressive American page and select the writer of your choice. Truthout use to post Paul Krugman's columns right after the NYtimes started charging but they stopped that practice within a week or two.

Sustainable Consumption

2006-05-27T07:21:00.000-05:00

Sounds good to me. But what is it? Sierra Club says: Sustainable consumption is the use of goods and services that satisfy basic needs and improve quality of life while minimizing the use of irreplaceable natural resources and the byproducts of toxic materials, waste, and pollution.

One way they suggest is to buy from your local farm market. They are in full swing now. Here is where you can find your local market. Many of them are in the open air but under cover. Last wednesday I visited the Ann Arbor market. Being mid week, many of the the young mother's were pushing their stroller with some of the world's cutiest babies. And not one of them was crying!!

Seven Blunders of the World

2006-05-25T23:29:00.000-05:00

When looking at the world it may be well to evaluate what is seen by appling Mahatma Gandi's "Seven Blunders of the World".

A Poet Sings an Old Poem with a Meaning for Today

2006-05-19T22:07:00.000-05:00

It's getting late. Writing a response to a pleasant surprise email and listening to the CD "Leonard Cohen:More Best of". The haunting voice sings "Everybody Knows". Oh how the first stanza penatrates the air across our country.

"Everybody knows that the dice are loaded
Everybody rolls with their fingers crossed
Everybody knows that the war is over
Everybody knows the good guys lost
Everybody knows the fight was fixed
The poor stay poor, the rich get rich
That's how it goes
Everybody knows
Everybody knows that the boat is leaking
Everybody knows that the captain lied
Everybody got this broken feeling
Like their father or their dog just died"

Oh how it hurts to hear "Everbody knows the boat is leaking. Everybody knows that the captain lied."

Thank you Leonard Cohen. Keep singing. We need you more than ever.

Who Will Retire in the Future?

2006-05-16T22:07:00.000-05:00

Frontline had another revealing program tonight. They concluded that many of the baby bomers may not be able to retire or if they do then Social Security may be their only source of income.

Much of the program examined the strengths and weaknesses of the 401 (k) plans. Anyone who has a 401 (k) or equivalent plan would be well to read the frequently asked questions that PBS have on their web site. Some of the important questions are what are the advantages of 401 (k) for employees, for Companies and what are the pitfalls for employees.

The program also pointed out that those with these plans need to self manage them rather than let them take care of themselves. That is good advice. Why do I say that? Well for the most part I didn't manage mine well enough.

100 Years and Beyond??

2006-05-11T11:09:00.000-05:00

Recently a friend called to tell me that a mutual friend passed away. As we were consoling each other she said to me, “Bob, if you live as long [about 86] as I you will slowly see your friends pass away”. She went on to say that it wasn't fun. She related that each week she would visit her friends in their assisted living homes and the pain of seeing them loose more and more of their health and memory. I told her, “You are my role model for loyalty to friends!!” She is an upbeat person with a great sense of humor and likes to laugh.

Our friend spent the last 1 ½ years in an assisted living home due to dementia. But that didn’t get in the way of the many visits that were always filled with laughter over current times and the past.

After the phone call I got to thinking of my aging. I remember signing the retirement documents in 1994. One of them stated that my longevity was estimated to be 74. Just recently my financial advisor sent me my investment plan for updating. It estimated my longevity to be 94!! Well isn’t that something.

How does one live a long life? Of course there is no guarantee in any of those estimates.

This morning I was reading a Harvard Health Publication about how there are projections for an increase in people living 100 and beyond. In the report there were some practical suggestions for living. To be sure, these suggestions are beneficial for people of all ages.

Iraq Oil

2006-04-30T22:14:00.000-05:00

Why does Iraq have such a problem with forming a new government? Well if I could answer that question in full detail than I probably wouldn't be blogging. But I found a very succinct paragraph that gives some insight into the question.

Moses and the 10 Commandments Reintroduced

2006-04-28T22:03:00.000-05:00

World War II was raging in Europe and the Pacific while I was sitting in my Sunday School class at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church on Twenty Eighth Street, Detroit Michigan. It was in the early 1940’s. I found myself looking at my lesson on the Ten Commandments. The lesson was printed on a 5” by 7” two page folder. There was a colored drawing of Moses standing on a rugged, jagged rock. His long beard was flowing in the wind. His extended arms held a flat rock. It was a tablet with two arches on the top and straight sides and bottom. On one side were three Roman Numerals I II and III. On the other side was IV through X.

My teacher said they were the Ten Commandments and Moses got them from God on the mount. I think that was the first time I heard the word mount for mountain. But anyway, I was told that I had to keep these commandments. They were to be obeyed. And most important, everyone had to keep them too because they came from God.

Fast forward to current times, while reading “Losing Moses on the Freeway: The 10 Commandments in America” by Chris Hedges I found what these sacred commandments do for everyone when followed and not routinely ignored.

Hedges was a foreign correspondent that covered several wars for nearly two decades. In the prologue of “Losing Moses on the Freeway” he points out the benefits of the Commandments when they are kept and what evil results when they are ignored and cast aside.

Hedges said: The commandments guide us toward relationships built on trust rather than fear. Only through trust can there be love. Those who ignore the commandments diminish the possibility of love, the single force that keeps us connected, whole and saved from physical and psychological torment. A life where the commandments are routinely dishonored becomes a life of solitude, guilt, anger and remorse. The wars I covered from Central America to Yugoslavia were places where the sanctity and respect for human life, that which the commandments protect, were ignored. Bosnia, with its rape camps, genocide, looting, razing of villages, its heady intoxication with violence, power and death, illustrated, like all wars, what happens when societies thrust the commandments aside.

The commandments do not protect us from evil. They protect us from committing evil. The commandments are designed to check our darker impulses , warning us that pandering to impulses can have terrible consequences. “ If you would enter life,” the Gospel of Matthew reads, “keep the commandments” (Matthew 19:17). The commandments hold community together. It is community that gives our lives, even in pain and grief, a healing solidarity. It is fealty to community that frees us from the dictates of our idol, idols that promise us fulfillment through the destructive impulses of constant self-gratification. The commandments call us to reject and defy powerful forces that can rule our lives and to live instead for others, even if this costs us status and prestige and wealth. The commandments show us how to avoid being enslaved, how to save us from ourselves. They lead us to love, the essence of life.
Thank you, Chris Hedges for reintroducing me to the 10 Commandments.

Tax War

2006-04-20T22:26:00.000-05:00

After reading Seymour M. Hersh’s essay “The Iran Plans: Would President Bush go to war to stop Tehran from getting the bomb?” in the New Yorker magazine, April 17, 2006, I became somewhat depressed. In the piece he reports that there is a debate between the pentagon and the white house as to whether we should use a nuclear bomb in Iran to stop them from getting the Bomb. Well my initial response was ‘That’s ridiculous!’, ‘That’s ludicrous!’. Then I concluded that it was just plain crazy to use a nuclear bomb to stop someone from making one.

Then I asked why were so many insiders talking to Hersh? Perhaps it was not just to inform Americans as to what is being planned but to let the Iranians’ hear some of the speculation too.

Hersh’s column was a bit too much for me to handle. So I but some thought into a way to slow our president and congress from hyping another war. So here’s my idea.

Tax war. Let’s start by imposing a tax on the cost of the Iraq war which is over $274 billion. That turns out to be $1099 [click 'Entire U.S. 'box on the right then select 'per person']for each person in America. Congress would direct the IRS to require every tax return to include a separate section for the Iraq War Surcharge. The surcharge would total $1099 times the total number of persons in the household. A separate check would have to be submitted for the surcharge.

Currently we went to war on borrowed money and as the war continues we will borrow more money. Some day we and my grandchildren will be taxed for this war. But maybe if we have to pay the bill now for this war, just maybe, the American voters will not be so quick to support another war.

Well I can dream can’t I? It sure beats dwelling on Hersh’s “The Iran Plans”.

Chocolate Orange Torte

2006-04-13T15:38:00.000-05:00

Last night I attended a Passover dinner. I was asked to bake the Chocolate Torte the one I made last year. Well sometimes I can't remember what I had for breakfast let alone what I baked last spring for Passover. I got out one of my favorite cookbooks, "A Treasury of Jewish Holiday Baking" by Marcy Goldman and looked in the Passover Feast of Freedom, the Exodus chapter and there it was the chocolate Orange Torte recipe. It follows this post. By the way I find worshiping at a dinner most rewarding. The traditional foods of course were served and the liturgy provided their meaning. Also the other guests brought dishes that were most delicious and flavorful. To be sure all of them met the ingredient requirements for this Feast of Freedom.

Chocolate Orange Torte

Torte
¾ lb. (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter or unsalted Passover margarine (not whipped style)
¾ C sugar
1 C orange juice
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
6 lg. eggs

Raspberry or Strawberry Sauce (optional)
1 (10 oz.) package frozen raspberries or strawberries, defrosted
1 -2 tablespoons sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350˚ F. Line the bottom of a 9- inch springform pan with parchment paper.
2. In a heavy saucepan over low heat, or using a double boiler, melt the butter or margarine, sugar and orange juice, stirring to blend.
3. Remove from the heat and add the chocolate, stirring to melt.
4. Cool very well, then whisk in the eggs until thoroughly incorporated.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35 to 45 minutes. The cake is done when the top has a slight crust and seems set. If the cake rises too fast (that is, if the top is forming a crust yet the center seems uncooked), reduce the heat to 325˚ and let the cake more slowly.
6. Cool to firm up the cake while still in the pan. Then place in the refrigerator for several hours. Serve cold or at room temperature.
7. For the berry sauce, combine the berries with sugar in a food processor. Process until smooth. Add more sugar for a sweeter sauce. Before serving, dust the cake with unsweetened cocoa powder.

Gordon Parks A Treasure for Humanity

2006-04-02T12:35:00.000-05:00

A couple of years ago I saw an exhibition at the DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) featuring black and white photographs by Gordon Parks. It showed that he was an artist of the first order. He passed away recently but with much gratitude his art remains. At Legends Online there is a quote that made me reflect on how people choose to live their lives so differently. Some choose to enrich life and others choose to destroy it. Legends Online quotes Gordon Parks:

"Those people who want to use a camera should have something in mind, there's something they want to show, something they want to say...," Parks explains. "I picked up a camera because it was my choice of weapons against what I hated most about the universe: racism, intolerance, poverty. I could have just as easily picked up a knife or a gun, like many of my childhood friends did... most of whom were murdered or put in prison... but I chose not to go that way. I felt that I could somehow subdue these evils by doing something beautiful that people recognize me by, and thus make a whole different life for myself, which has proved to be so."

Poetry From The UK

2006-03-23T19:51:00.000-05:00

I'm always looking for something, a book, website or a magazine about poetry. Here is a website from the UK that provides you with poets reading their work. At this site there is something for poets, teachers, students and people like me who want tips on how to read and understand poetry.

Elect U.S. President by Popular Vote!!

2006-03-02T21:46:00.000-05:00

To get rid of the Electoral College would require a Constitutional Ammendment. That is not likely to happen in my life time or yours. But there is a way to elect our President by popular vote. How? By changing a law in enough states to in effect require electors to split there votes. Right now we have a 'winner take all' method. For the details of this new way read Hendrik Hertzberg's column "Comment:Count'em", in the March 6, 2006 issue of "The New Yorker".

Love Sweet Love

2006-02-23T21:54:00.000-05:00

How would you like to read something about two lovers? First read Josh's Feb. 20th posts 'found in the stacks' and then 'eight'and then read Zena's Feb. 19th post 'kids spell love t-i-m-e'. Those two are still in love! Isn't that grand? And it's not even spring. Who needs spring when we have these two telling us about love on their blogs? Love Sweet love.

Happy Birthday Maria

2006-02-21T08:03:00.000-05:00

I hope you have a very joyous day dear daughter. And of course I wish you happiness throughout the year. I remember when you were born and how you brought joy to your family.

It's your special day. I love you.

Love and Flexibility

2006-02-19T13:49:00.000-05:00

W. Somerset Maugham makes a very good point when he said:

"We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person."

Felxibitity is perhaps the most underated trait that is essential to staying in love. Could it be that far to many relationships fad away because one or both lack this essential trait?

The Chinese Artist Link

2006-02-07T23:43:00.000-05:00

The Chinese Sculpture link takes some time to open up. But be patient. Trust me it's worth the wait. It was suggested today that the next big snow we have in SE Michigan she should make a snow sculpture. Now wouldn't that be a treat to brighten a winter day!

Happy Birthday Cousin

2006-02-01T08:26:00.000-05:00

Don Stone I hope you have an enjoyable day today February 1st. Wow 71.

Its been said that a birthday is the start of another 365-day journey around the sun. Enjoy the ride!!

No matter how hard I try to catch up you're always 7 days older.

Happy birthday my older cousin.

A Chinese Artist in Michigan

2006-01-31T21:00:00.000-05:00

Today was my first day tutoring in an English Second Language (ESL) class for this new semester. I met some very good students from India, Japan, Korea and China. Naigang,the Chinese student is an artist. Her work is varied and creative. It's too bad that I didn't know her before my visit to Beijing last May. I certainly would have made a point to see her work.

Understanding Two Dreams

2006-01-03T13:44:00.000-05:00

Rick Steves' writes about two dreams one American and the other European in his:"A United Europe in the 21st Century: Eclipsing the American Dream?"

There is more to the American dream than what he states. However what Steves gives is adequated for the discussion.

For Americans who want to understand the differences between us and the Europeans would be well served in reading this essay.

Over the years I've tutored Europeans in an English Second Language (ESL) class. After reading this piece I was left with the thought that my students could have written the definiton that Steves gives for the European Dream.

Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake

2005-12-27T18:41:00.000-05:00

Here is one of my favorite recipes:

Cranberry Streusel Coffee Cake
Coffee Cake

½ C unsalted butter, room temperature
1 C granulated sugar
2 eggs, large
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 TBS grated orange zest
2 C flour, unbleached, all-purpose
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 C sour cream
2 ½ C whole fresh cranberries

Streusel Topping
¾ C light brown sugar, packed
½ C flour, unbleached, all-purpose flour
2 tsp ground cinnamon
4 TBS unsalted butter
½ C walnuts, coarsely chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter and lightly flour a 13 x 9 baking pan.
2. Prepare the coffee cake: Mix the flour, baking powder, soda, and salt together. Set aside.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla and orange zest.
4. Add the flour mixture to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream to make a smooth, thick batter. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Sprinkle the cranberries over the top.
5. Prepare the topping: toss the brown sugar, flour and cinnamon together in a small mixing bowl. Cut in the butter with a pastry blender until the mixture is crumbly. Stir in the walnuts. Sprinkle the streusel evenly over the cranberries on the coffee cake.
6. Bake until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, about 45 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, cut into squares.

From the kitchen of:
Bob Frank

For those who love it, cooking is at once child play and adult joy-Craig Claiborne

Burning Books Column

2005-12-21T08:38:00.000-05:00

The 'earth quake' link in the burning books post didn't always work. So please read the column below:

To keep warm, library books sacrificed

By Munir Ahmad
Associated Press

December 12, 2005

MUZAFFARABAD, Pakistan -- When night fell after the Oct. 8 quake, many survivors burned broken furniture to stay warm. Some, however, stormed the shattered state-run Khursheed National Library, pulling out books and newspapers to make bonfires.

An estimated 10,000 books went up in smoke that night. Three days later, half the library's books--including Korans--had been turned into ashes. The army then stepped in and stopped the burning.

Mohammed Hanif, a clerk at the library for 14 years, "did not believe it" when his brother came rushing to Hanif's home and told him what was happening at the library.

"But when I rushed there, I saw several people taking books to a nearby park where they were staying with their families after their homes were destroyed," Hanif said. "The books are like my children. I wept when they were throwing the books into the fire.

"I tried to stop them, but they started beating me."

After the army halted the looting, Hanif came back and retrieved what was intact, salvaging copies of an American encyclopedia, a Koran, novels and non-fiction works.

The 25,000 books that survived are in two garages guarded by Hanif. They will be sent to a library in Mirpur, another city in the Pakistani part of Kashmir, and returned when the Muzaffarabad library is rebuilt over the next two years.

The 7.6 magnitude quake killed at least 87,000 people and left 3.5 million homeless, mostly in northwest Pakistan and Pakistani Kashmir. Aid workers have been racing against time to get aid and suitable shelter to the needy with the arrival of the brutal Himalayan winter and plunging temperatures.

The library housed rare books on Kashmir, handwritten manuscripts hundreds of years old, government records and the works of local poets.

Some of the library's 1,500 members who borrowed books before the earthquake are returning them, Hanif said.

Nazir Durrani, a government official who frequented the library, said he did not believe people realized that copies of the Koran were going into the fire.

"The burning of these books was a tragedy. When I think of those who did it, they would never be forgiven by God," he said.

Copyright © 2005, Chicago Tribune

Burning Books

2005-12-18T10:09:00.000-05:00

So much is lost when books are burned. Culture, ideas that could inspire new and better ways of living, enhancement of one's life are just a few things that are lost when people intentionally burn books.

But when an earth quake strikes people's basic survival needs must be met. If it is cold outside, people need to be warm. My thought was did they have to burn books? What other items were available rather than books? Was the burning done by people who have little or no regard for books?

As these questions continued to come to mind, I was sobered when reading that at least 87,000 people were killed and an estimated 3.5 million left homeless. More will perish as a brutal winter sets in.

Somehow book burning seemed less important.

Read a Review or Read the Book?

2005-11-27T16:40:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I feel that it would be fun to read every book that I hear about. For example, I listen to an interview with an author on the Diane Rehm show. As I'm listening 'Very interesting', I think, 'Sure would like to read it'. But I know that that would not happen because there is just not enough time in the day or night for that matter to read all those books.

What's the alternative? Find a book review and read it. Often times that is enough information about the book to satisfy my curosity. Or my interest is heighten and then take the book out of the library if that is possible.

Recently my Plymouth Library 'Meet the Author' email newsletter arrived which featured an interview with Barbara Ehrenreich. Her latest book "Bait and Switch: The (Futile) Pursuit of the American Dream" was reviewed. After reading the review I was satisfied. However if I wanted to read more reviews then I would put a Google search command in starting with the word review followed by the book title. Usually the first page of hits reveals some well written reviews with varied points of view.

To be sure, reading the book is the last word on knowing something about the work.

Caution Writing Emails

2005-11-20T22:51:00.000-05:00

Some emails are sent in such haste and then after it's gone perhaps it could have been said with more thoughtfulness. Jane Goodall gives some good advice about taking advantage of the high speed technology of email.

Also what is a good thing to do is click on spell check.

New Blog: Citizens For Peace District 11

2005-11-17T21:28:00.000-05:00

The Citizens For Peace District 11 blog is up and running. Colleen's posting today, November 17, 2005 outlines the group's accomplihments for the past two years. All of the members have done an excellent job to promote peace and the Department of Peace and Non-violence legislation.

Iraq: Risks in Leaving -Risks in Staying

2005-11-04T15:36:00.000-05:00

Without a doubt the Iraq War is very complex. Whether we stay or go many lives will be lost. Two retired U.S. Army generals, Robert G. Gard Jr. Lt. Gen. U.S. Army (Ret.) and John H. Johns, Brig. Gen. U.S. Army (Ret.), have provided and excellent analysis in their essay "There are risks if the U.S. withdraws from Iraq. Are there greater risks in keeping them there?" .

2005-10-13T14:17:00.000-05:00

My grandaughter Maya, b. 7-27-05

New Orleans vs Mumba (Bombay, India)

2005-10-12T21:41:00.000-05:00

Several nights ago Nancy and I were visiting with our friends Al and Dolly. (Both are from India) We got to talking about Katrina. Al mentioned that Bombay had a record rainfall on July 27, 2005. He said there were about a 100 deaths. And he said that there was no looting. "Really", was my response. Al continued to point out that the Indian army and navy were on the scene within 12 hours.

The next day Al sent me the following information:

New Orleans vs. Mumbai (Bombay, India)

inches of rain in new orleans due to hurricane katrina... 18
inches of rain in mumbai (July 27th).... 37.1
population of new orleans... 484,674
population of mumbai... 12,622,500
deaths in new orleans within 48 hours of katrina...100
deaths in mumbai within 48hours of rain.. 37.
number of people to be evacuated in new orleans... entire city..
humber of people evacuated in mumbai...10,000
Cases of shooting and violence in new orleans...Countless
Cases of shooting and violence in mumbai.. NONE
Time taken for US army to reach new orleans... 48hours
Time taken for Indian army and navy to reach mumbai...12hours
status 48hours later...new Orleans is still waiting for relief, army and electricity
status 48hours later. Mumbai is back on its feet and is business is as usua
lUSA...world's most developed nation India...third world country..

One could say that the two storms are different, the elevation is different and the city scape is not the same etc. But we are a fully developed country with huge resources. We just spent billions on a new Federal Department. Emergency Planning was paramont and yet rescue efforts failed.

Letting Go

2005-10-01T16:35:00.000-05:00

When I retired in January 1994, two of my volunteer service projects were hospice work and tutoring adults in an English as a Second Language (ESL) class.

My first hospice assignment, after completing a comprehensive training program, was to sit with a hospice patient while his caregiver would have a two hour mid-day break once a week.

While sitting with the patient, I would write in my journal and sometimes write letters to my friend Phil. I would write in a steno pad with pale green paper. The letter pages were torn out and mailed to Phil. Well, at least most of them.

Recently I found the steno journal notebook, while empting my heavy denim, monogramed RCF, maroon Landsend attaché bag. I needed something to put my laptop in. And there’s where I found this journal. With the curiosity of finding someone else’s love letters, I started reading these pages written in 1995. And that’s when I found an unsent letter to Phil.

The letter brought back so many memories. Oh my, so very much has happened to me in the past ten years. The letter is about four people, Phil, the hospice patient, his wife, the caregiver, and I. It covers two visits. At first I was going to edit out all reference to Phil and myself, but so much would be missing that now looking back is vital to seeing this smidgen of the past.

The names of the patient and caregiver have been changed to maintain confidentiality. But everything else is as it was written.

The patient was in a hospital bed in the living room opposite from the picture widow.

What follows is the letter:

Tuesday April 18, 1995
Larry & Olive's 1:07 p

Hi Phil,

“Bye Hon I got to go shopping…the post office”, as she leans over and kisses him on the lips, his face is very expressive, a direct response to her words. She grabs a plastic wrapped, flat package and leaves.

Before leaving she was telling me about her brother who worked for Ford for 3o years and retired. She said that they called him back to do follow-up warranty work at various plants. He just retired a second time after 7 more years. My guess he probably worked for a Ford contractor.

Well good friend you don’t have to think about me doing something like that. I’m finding that I’ve got shorter and shorter days. Now that I’m tutoring and hospice care work along with sailing instructor work my days are flying by.

It’s a cool rainy day, so Olive has Larry’s sheet and blanket up to his chin. He is sleeping, breathing regularly. The refrigerator motor breaks the silence. The bird still makes a calling sound outside. [He moves his legs. Inhales a deep breath.]

I’ve been reading “Writing Down the Bones”, lately. Re-reading it actually. What a fine writer Goldberg is. I’m starting to find that my morning pages are flowing better. I’m lighting up on myself. Being less of a perfectionist. Can you believe that? You don’t know what courage I had to muster to write to you. I’ve always looked at your artistic talent – writing, painting, drawing, photography to be too intimidating for me to express myself on paper. To reveal myself on paper has not been easy for me.

One reason was I thought my grammar, spelling, sentence structure and thought patterns had to be just right. I’m thankful for your encouragement to write. This morning while writing my morning pages the thought occurred to me that these letters from Larry’s place have a journal quality. Sometimes I feel that I’m not sure whether I’m writing to you or just writing down my feelings and observations and sending the pages off to you. Either way I’m glad you accept my letters.

Did I tell you about my new tutoring challenge? Last Thursday J.C., Literacy Council Coordinator, approached me about Rose and I tutoring 6 year old and 8 year old Japanese kids. The younger one, a boy, is in J.C.’s son’s class and the older one is the boy’s sister and is in the same school.

The kids arrived here about 2 weeks ago and will be here for 3 years. Just think of it—these kids will be fluent in both languages by the time they leave here.

J.C. was saying that the little boy can count up to ten and he knows some colors in English and that’s about it.

We are going to continue tutoring the adults for 1 hour, 9a to 10a and then finish up the morning with a 1 hour session at another school with the Japanese kids.

I’m looking forward to relating to kids again. It’s hard to think back what my kids were like at 6 and 8. Rose seems to recall much better than I. Is it because she spent more time with them?

[Larry is breathing with more regular rhythm than at any other time. The pattern is putting me at ease. I too feel like taking a nap. He mumbles a couple of words about 10 minutes ago but that has been the most or all of his ‘talking’ today.]

Yesterday I was thinking how sad it is that our society views the last days or months of a person’s life as a failure. The medical community treats the dying process with a failure mentality. I view the development of these life support systems that cost large amounts of money as a result the medical community’s basic attitude: keep people alive at all costs.

2:56p Olive returns.

Friday April 21, 1995
1:52p
Larry is really sawing them off today. He said, “Hey…hey”, about 5 minutes ago. But now just a nice easy snore. His hands move under the light shaded green sheets, similar to the color of this paper. His green and white plaid robe hangs over the back of a metal folding chair, opened up next to his bed. A wooden TV table is next to the chair with a plastic glass of water with straw in it sitting on the table.

Let me tell you a very important story. Last Tuesday (4-18-95) when Olive came in she took off her coat and walked over to Larry, bending over saying, “I’m back Hon”. She kisses him on the lips. Before she kisses, she touches his right cheek with the back of her left hand. This scene is very familiar to me. It’s routine now. You know how when scenes become routine your awareness drops off?

I’m relaxed. I’ve seen these kisses before but still admire them. Moments of intimacy that Olive allows me to witness. Without fore thought. I find myself thanking her as I walk to the coat tree in the hallway. As I put on my coat, I’m facing her as she turns toward me, her back is to Larry, less than 4 feet away. We’re commenting about the weather and then tells me a story about herself.

“I was telling the kids (her daughter and son-in-law) coming back from the doctor’s the other day that I feel strong enough to drive to Seattle. My daughter said, ‘Do you?’. Sure I’d just get in the car, put my foot to the gas and get on Route 2 and on to Washington State”.

She’s half laughing all the while she’s retelling the story. Spreading her hand and arm out away from her body, pointing with her knotted index finger to that highway she could see so clearly in the minds eye.

The half laugh was to wipe out any doubt in the listener’s mind about whether she was ‘strong’ enough. The half laugh said sure’ I’ve been through a lot but believe me '. The half laugh was not the only expression that gave her feelings credibility, it was her firm stance and the sweep of the hand and arm saying, ‘Yes I could do it’.

The tone of her voice, the body language gave as much meaning to her message as the words.

I worked at absorbing this story. I knew that it was meaningful and for that reason I was trying to record it all- the words- the pointed finger- half laugh-especially the word ‘strong’. I wanted to record it in my mind. “Remember it”, I kept telling myself. In away I’m glad that I was relaxed, unprepared because my mind was not filled with thoughts to block the message.

When she was through, I asked a question that I already knew the answer, “Is Seattle where your daughter lives?” She responds with a simple, “Yes”.

Department of Peace and Nonviolence

2005-09-26T16:53:00.000-05:00

A breakthrough!!

U. S. Senator Mark Dayton (D. Minnesota) introduced the Department of Peace and Nonviolence (S. 1756) legislation in the Senate on September 22, 2005. Now there is a bill in both houses.

The House of Representatives bill ( H.R. 3760) was re-introduced on September 14, 2005. The bill now has 60 co-sponsors. An additional six members have signed on since the last session.

I am grateful!

For more information on the DoP, see my September 14, 2005 posting.

Hope

2005-09-15T19:22:00.000-05:00

"Hope criticizes what is, hopelessness rationalizes it. Hope resists, hopelessness adapts."

William Sloane Coffin

Credo William Sloane Coffin, p 19, ISBN 0-664-22707-4, Westminster John Knox Press 2004.

Department of Peace and Nonviolence

2005-09-14T08:15:00.000-05:00

So many of us want peace and nonviolence. From my observation, I see many, many people pursuing peace and nonviolence. So why not have our government reflect what we want? For after all, in theory , the power of the government flows from us the people.

So today the Department of Peace [DOP] legislation has been re-introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. It is Bill #HB 3760

Here is a brief overview of the Department of Peace-

What is it?
DOP is a citizen, grassroots lobbying effort that establishes nonviolence as an organizing principle of American Society.

It will:

Establish a cabinet level post that will provide the U.S. President with an array of peace-building policy options for domestic and international use.
Create and empower methods and perspectives that will address the root causes of violence.
Focus on peaceful conflict resolutions, work to prevent violence before it begins and promote justice and democratic principles to expand human rights.

Provide much needed assistance for the efforts of city, county and state governments in coordinating exciting programs in their own communities, as well as programs newly developed and provided by the DOP.
Teach violence prevention and mediation to America's school children.
Effectively treat and dismantle gang pschology.
Rehabilitate the prison population.
Build peace-making efforts among conflicting cultures both here and abroad.
Develop policies to address domestic violence, child abuse, hate crimes, racial violence and mistreatment of the elderly.
Support our military with complementary approaches to ending violence.
Gather and coordinate information and recommendations from America's peace community.
The DOP will create and administer a U.S.Peace Academy, acting as a sister organization to the U.S. Military Academy.

Benefits:

Make our homes, schools, businesses, cities, states, nation and the world a better place to live.
Reduction in violent crime and associated costs, thus saving millions of dollars in the crimnal justice system.
Reduction of violent crime will foster the business community resulting in economic growth.
Improve the quality of learning in shools. School violence disrupts learning thus a loss of valuable quality time.

How can we make DOP happen?

Call your Representative at the U.S. capital switchboard: (202) 224-3121. To find your Representative, visit http://www.vote-smart.org Tell the staffer who answers your call that you want your Representative to sign on as a co-sponsor of the Department of Peace and Nonviolence Bill #HB 3760 legislation. Request a written response explaining your position and the reasoning behind it. You can call your local office as well. It is most effective if you call the D.C. office first, then follow-up with a fax or email.

Remember the DOP legislation is a grassroots effort therefore it is up to us to take action by contacting our House Representative. Also discuss the DOP with your friends, neighbors, relatives and collegues. When our conversations center around the topic of violence, the DOP is a positive way to carry on our discussion.

Writing letters to newspapers, TV producers and magazines is a good way to get the word out regarding DOP.

Much of the "What is It" section above are exerpts from a white paper by John R. Shack, Ph.D, Clinical Psychologist, in the booklet titled, "Michigan Department of Peace Campaign, Political Action Guide 2005-2006, pp 4-5. Contact John R. Shack john4041@msn.com for more information.

For copies of the booklet contact Citizens for Peace District 11, Colleen Mills at (734) 425-0079 or email cmills0079@yahoo.com

"Be what you want from others" (Ghandi)

9/11 Thoughts

2005-09-11T10:38:00.000-05:00

When I think of September 11, 2001, my heart goes out to those who are grieving losses from that day.

But at the same time my thoughts are for everyone who are grieving the death of a loved one regardless when that passing occured. Also my thoughts are for those who are grieving the loss of a pet.

Grief is a universal emotion that knows no national or cultural boundaries.

But let us all honor our loved ones who are physically no longer with us by affirming life.

Jim Hall Concierto

2005-09-05T12:19:00.000-05:00

Jim Hall Conierto

The Concierto ,track 4, in the CD is a little more than 19 minutes of modern jazz that leaves me feeling so good to be alive. Yes I'm grateful to hear and cherish sounds that come from the alto sax of Paul Desmond. And than the soft tones of Chet Baker is full of feeling without any fooling around, nothing but healthy notes.

The rhythm section carries everyone along. Jim Hall, guitar, Roland Hanna, bass and Steve Gadd, drums. Each takes a solo or two that made me want this music to go on and on.

Eric Friesen played this track a couple of weeks ago on his CBC Radio Studio Sparks program from Canada. Even though this music was recorded in April 1975, it has the feel and newness of a contemporary work.